A recent discussion with Supervisor Knabe's spokesperson David Sommers, verified the conditions, "During the summer when the water level dropped, exposed mud became an issue at the lake. The ecology of the lake has suffered and we are trying to get it reestablished."

Sommers told us that a couple of dozen ducks died in August because of the disease. Many of the sick ducks were taken to a nursing home in San Pedro for treatment.

"But I must stress, at no time were fish or humans in any danger. This is very similar to another outbreak at El Dorado Park in Long Beach."

You might have noticed in September that La Mirada Lake was an unusual aqua blue color. Sommers indicated that this is part of the biological treatment for the lake, "This treatment reflects light and allows the lake to heal. They have also installed additional aerators in the lake.

Sommers again stressed that during the outbreak and during the treatment, humans and fish were in no danger.

So the fishing derby is on, better late than never. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, November 21st. Get their early. La Mirada Kiwanis will be providing their famous pancake breakfast around 7 a.m.