Lunchtime Eclipse
A total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8, visible across North America it will cut a swath through the continental US. The Great North American Eclipse will first appear in the La Mirada area about 11:07 a.m. local time, but with only partial coverage of around 50%, but it will still be very noticeable.
Thousand are flocking to cities such as Dallas, Austin, Indianapolis, and Cleveland for viewing as there won't be another coast-to-coast total eclipse in the US until 2045.
Jones in the Bigs
Jared Jones, the standout pitcher from La Mirada High School, made the Pittsburgh Pirates opening day roster to begin the 2024 season.
Graduating in 2020, the flame-throwing righthander has been inserted into the clubs starting rotation and has already made two starts-against the Baltimore Orioles and Miami Marlins with 11.2 innings pitched, nine hits, two walks and 17 strikeouts. That two walks number is huge as base on balls can bring many-a-pitcher down in the big leagues. His next start is tentatively scheduled for April 11th in Philadelphia.
School News
-Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle School added a prestigious honor to its portfolio as the school was named a 2024 California Distinguished School by the State Department of Education.
One of just 293 middle and high schools across California to receive the designation, the program recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.
“Achieving the prestigious California Distinguished School Award is a recognition of Hutchinson Middle School’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in STEM education,” said principal Jenny Bae. “Our mission at Hutchinson is to cultivate a positive community of engaged critical thinkers who all have access to high quality instruction in a supportive learning environment. This award serves as validation of the effectiveness of Hutchison’s instructional approach and specialized programs in preparing our students to be college and career ready. We are so proud to earn this honor due to the hard work and dedication of our students,
families, teachers, staff, and NLMUSD community.”
Hutchinson has earned several awards in recent years including the California School Board Association Golden Bell, California Pivotal Practice, Project Lead the Way Distinguished School, and AVID Distinguished. Hutchinson, along with Los Alisos Middle School in Norwalk, were also redesignated as National Schools to Watch in March of 2023.
-Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) delivered a check for $2.2 million dollars to the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. The act provides appropriations to federal agencies and supplemental appropriations for disaster relief and to support Ukraine, extends several expiring authorities, and modifies or establishes various programs that address a wide range of policy areas.
Source-NLMUSD
Phantom Projects Performance
Now celebrating its 27th Anniversary of social education through theatre arts, Phantom Projects Theatre Group, will celebrate the return of the impactful play, #TheSocialMediaPlay, inspired by real-life tragedy wrought upon young adults, and detailing the tumultuous relationship between cause and effect of social media usage in today's unfiltered world.
#TheSocialMediaPlay will be performed at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on Thursday, April 11th at 9:30am,12:30pm & 7pm. The production is written by Bruce Gevirtzman and directed by Steve Cisneros. Tickets are now on sale at PhantomProjects.com or LaMiradaTheatre.com or call the box office direct at 562-944-9801.
In an effort to reach as many young people in La Mirada, thanks to funding from the City of La Mirada, all students who live or attend school in La Mirada will receive free tickets. Tickets for all other students are just $15.00. Other tickets start at $25.
To maximize the impact of the show and candid post-show discussion, Phantom Projects has gathered a cast of real teens and young adults from all over Southern California: Noa Levy (17, Encino), Nathan Song (16, Yorba Linda), Jude Jones (18, Moreno Valley), Bailey Sedona DeWolf (17, Orange), Jack Terbush (18, Encino), Emma Imes (18, La Mirada), Julianna Rossi (19, La Mirada), Jhillian Preciado (12, Covina), Samuel Perez (14, Whittier), Miles Peters (18, La Mirada), Anthony Diaz (16, Whittier), Sean Quinn (20, Long Beach), Sarah Morgan (18, La Mirada), Nalani Michaels (19, La Mirada), Hayden E. Wilkoff (16, El Segundo), Brennan Jacob Esguerra (13, Yorba Linda), Madalyn Hudson (17, La Mirada), Charlotte Escobar (13, Los Angeles ), Natalie Baserga (14, Whittier), and Skye Ochoa (15, Whittier).
Library News
-The Friends of La Mirada Library (FOL) semi-annual book sale is Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m at the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Boulevard.
Available for purchase will be a wide selection of books (children and adult), DVDs, and CD's. The popular Bag of Books Sale ($3.00/bag) will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
On Friday, April 26 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. An exclusive FOL members-only pre-sale will be held. Membership may be purchased at the door. Credit card, cash, and check accepted at both events.
-The beautiful La Mirada Library offers programs and events for all ages visit here and filter LM Library.
Restaurant Roundup
-Seemingly overnight, the Samurai Hibachi & Grill located at Valley View Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue closed recently and almost immediately replaced with Y que mas pues Peruvian, a Latin fusion restaurant featuring Peruvian, Colombian and hibachi food.
It's located at 14156 Rosecrans Avenue in Santa Fe Springs. The other three corners of this intersection are located in the City of La Mirada.
-Ribs & Co. is now open in the old Sizzler building located in the Theatre Center at 15126 Rosecrans Avenue. Their Yelp page says "Ribs & Co invites you to an authentic All You Can Eat Korean barbecue experience with premium cut meats, along with an unforgettable experience with your friends and family not simply from only our food but our drinks and atmosphere combined to create a beautiful palate."
-A virtual golf concept called Golf Plus will be opening “before summer of 2024” in La Mirada, according to the business’ Yelp page. Touted as the premiere indoor golf training facility, the establishment will also offer Korean comfort food, and recently applied for a liquor license with the city for the on-site sale of beer and wine in the theatre center at 15020 La Mirada Boulevard.
According to their website, the La Mirada outpost will be its flagship location, featuring “17,000 square feet of cutting-edge golf simulation technology, powered by GTR.” Golf Plus also has a “performance lab” located in Chino Hills with certified trainers that offer personalized lessons.
“Our focus isn’t just on technology; a full kitchen and bar serving Korean-inspired comfort cuisine, as well as private rooms for up to 10 people, we’re here to provide an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re taking lessons in our Members-only area or partying in one of our private rooms, our team is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience."
Source Sara Rosenthal
-It's been a long time since a new eatery has created such a buzz in La Mirada as Krunch Burger officially opened on Saturday, April 6th with lines out the door. Located at 11523 La Mirada Boulevard at Leffingwell Road, Chef Chris, a Whittier/La Mirada native, curates the menu featuring these burgers alongside house-made seasoned fries and world-class shakes.
The Krunch Burger is a smash patty with 28 secret spices, crowned with a trio of melted cheeses to form a "skirt," melted to perfection. Chef Chris grew up in Whittier and moved to Minnesota and started a restaurant where he was awarded "Best Burger". He brought that burger back to California, here in the La Mirada area.
All the sauces they offer at Krunch Burger are made in-house and the pickles are hand crafted and are available for purchase.
Look for our recent visits and coverage on the La Mirada Blog social media channels.
Retail Closure
99 Cents Only announced recently it will close all of its 371 locations. The news will affect the La Mirada location at 14540 Leffingwell Road at Telegraph Road, the only City of La Mirada corner at that intersection. It's a similar intersection to LM Bl/Leffingwell where the city occupies only two of the four corners.
Clearance sale is already underway.
Founded in 1982, the stores date back to the 1960's when the company's founder, Dave Gold, inherited a tiny liquor store in downtown Los Angeles and decided to run a test by selling bottles of wine at a fixed price-point of 99 cents. It was an instant success.
This is also the former site of the Thriftimart back in the 1960's and 70's.
As of this writing. an investment group has stepped forward to possibly save some of the stores-stay tuned.
Prayer Breakfast
Join the community for a morning of fellowship and prayer on Friday, April 19 at the 8th annual La Mirada Prayer Breakfast. The event will be held at 7 a.m. at the La Mirada Golf Course, located at 15501 Alicante Road.
This year’s keynote speaker is CEO and Founder of Public Works/Learning Works of Pasadena and Chief of Research, Strategy and Evaluation at Homeboy Industries, Dr. Mikala Rah. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lmmpb.org.
Blood Drive
Love La Mirada and the American Red Cross are partnering to host a blood drive on Saturday, April 20th from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Redeemer Church, 15151 Cordova Road in La Mirada.
A special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.
As an added bonus, the Red Cross is having a gift card promotion through April 28th. Anyone who donates will receive a $10 gift card to a merchant, plus, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $7,000 gift card.
Appointment is required to donate blood, register here.
Photo: My Whittier
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