OBITUARY: Mark “Pick” Pickering
Mark “PICK” Pickering
10/04/1959 - 03/23/17
Mark John Pickering was born to John T. Pickering out of Ojai, California and Dolores Flores from Merced, California. They wed at age of 16 and shortly after started a family. Mark is followed by his sister Kathy Wilkinson in Lake Havasu City, Arizona and Brother, Steve Pickering also from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Mark cherished family time, always would give his nieces and nephews, Derek Clark, Lynnette Pickering, Tyler WIlkinson, Bre-Ana Wilkinson, and Caitlin Pickering, “Life” talks every time he saw us. We couldn’t wait for them to be over so that we didn’t hear how bad we were messing up or what we could improve on. “You’re not wrong but you’re not right.” was his favorite for me. Over the years Mark and I, Tyler, had grown apart, and to be perfectly honest I hadn’t even noticed until my mom called me one day telling me he had went in for back surgery to get that squared away. It had been bothering him for years, it was about time he took care of it. It wasn’t until that moment, that it all started clicking and coming together. I suddenly could put action to all the words he said to me, I could see the way. While that realization is going on, I am half ass listening to my mom tell me to text him or call him he needs it, but not too much because he needs his rest and or is out of the room and doesn’t answer. Later that night I text him, “Thinking about you! Wishing for a fast recovery. Love you big guy!” Next day I woke up to that, “Thank you Doug and Heather for the flowers appreciate them”. I thought it was comical at the time. Now I think it’s sad because he didn’t know I was thinking about him. That how I realized how much him and I did have in common and the list goes on and on. It was too soon for me to let him go. He is gone, that I cannot change. But he is not forgotten. We are collecting pictures and memories of Mark, you can send them to drowsydwarf@gmail.com or share them here.
Northbound I-5 Alondra Boulevard/Freeway Drive On-Ramp Permanently Closed
La Mirada Resident Killed in Crash
Alexis Barragan of La Mirada, 22, was killed this past early Sunday morning after the vehicle she was travelling in crashed near Valley View and Katella Avenues.
The driver, Nicolas Sanchez-McCormick, 22, of Whittier was arrested on vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges. He was the driver of the vehicle and reportedly ran a red light.
Valley View Interchange Project Update
The northbound I-5 on-ramp at Freeway Drive/Alondra Blvd is now closed.
Motorists will now be detoured to proceed west on Alondra Boulevard, then north on Carmenita Road to access the northbound I-5 on-ramp. Heavy traffic and delays in the area are expected. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes whenever possible.
Starting Sunday, April 16 through Thursday, April 20 crews will be performing work in the median island along northbound and southbound I-5 between Artesia Boulevard to Alondra Boulevard. In order to complete this work, there will be partial lane reductions on I-5 and the northbound and southbound I-5 Valley View Avenue on- and off-ramps may be closed nightly between 7:00 p.m. and 5:45 a.m.
Pile driving and shoring activities are ongoing on the south side of Valley View Avenue. This work will be conducted weekdays during the daytime between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
PUBLIC POSTING: Committee Forming to Rename La Mirada High Softball Field After Jennie Finch
NOTICE OF PUBLIC POSTING:
The NORWALK-LA MIRADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT is REQUESTING APPLICATIONS; FOR THE FORMING OF A COMMITTEE, FOR MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN EXPLORING THE NAMING OF LA MIRADA H.S. SOFTBALL FIELD.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BEGINNING APRIL 17, 2017 THROUGH APRIL 28, 2017 AND NEED TO BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M. ON THE LAST DAY.
PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO:
NORWALK-LA MIRADA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ATTN: MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 12820 PIONEER BLVD. NORWALK, CA 90650IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL MYRA LOPEZ, FACILITIES MANAGER AT 562-210- 2030.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE FOUND ON THE DISTRICT’S WEBSITE at NLMUSD.ORG (ON THE HOMEPAGE).
Relay for Life La Mirada May 20-21 at Splash!
The Relay for Life La Mirada will take place May 20-21 at Splash! Regional Aquatics Center.
The 24-hour event is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event where the community gathers for one day. Teams are formed and the members take turns walking through the duration of the event. Live entertainment, games, food, and raffles take place throughout the day.
A celebration of the lives of our survivors through a victory lap and a free breakfast is provided by local restaurants. In the evening a path is lit by the luminaria bags that represent someone that has passed on or is fighting cancer. These bags represent that there is still light in the darkest moments.
Special attractions at this year's La Mirada event at Splash! include a Ride the Slide & Buccaneer Bay Wading Pool Fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Relay for Life helps support the free services, research and advocacy that the American Cancer Society provides.
For more information about the Relay for Life La Mirada contact Silvia at (213) 700-7485 or visit the event website here.
Local Retailers Burglarized; Crime Continues to Climb at Alarming Rate in La Mirada
La Mirada~Last night, the Cabo Taco Baja Grill restaurant was broken into, but the thief left with no loot. Cabo’s owner told us the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. and told us security cameras show a male with a white hoody breaking/shattering the front door glass after attempting to use a crowbar first. Once inside, soon after, the thief flees when a motion detector activates an alarm. He attempted to grab the cash register.
This past early Friday morning, a thief broke into Sami’s Liquor located at Rosecrans and Valley View Avenues. Stolen was the entire cash register which contained about $200. However, Sami’s owner tells us the cash register itself was worth around $2000.
We have also received an unconfirmed report of a similar incident at Flame Broiler recently.
This past Saturday a truck was burglarized-in broad daylight- while parked at Creek Park. A Blog fan messaged us the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. She told us that after a short walk, she returned to her husband’s truck to discover the window smashed. Her purse was stolen and the thieves attempted to use her credit card a short time later at the Target in La Habra.
Part One Crimes (homicides, rape, arson, aggravated assault, thefts) continue in recent years, at an alarming uptick in town. In 2014 there were 724 Part One Crimes. In 2015 there were 923 and there were 962 in 2016, according to city staff reports.
So far in 2017, sheriff reports indicate a 20% rise in these crimes over the same period last year. If this trend continues, crime will have risen over 60% in La Mirada in a four-year period.
Iconic Musical Playing in La Mirada April 21-May 14
La Mirada~Powerful, poignant and timely as ever, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment present the fourth show of its 2016-2017 season, the most acclaimed musical of all time, West Side Story, book by Arthur Laurents, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein with musical direction by Brent Crayon, choreography by John Todd and directed by Ovation award-winner Richard Israel.
“Story” will preview on Friday, April 21, 2017 (with a press opening on Saturday, April 22) and run through Sunday, May 14, 2017 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.
From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story, is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. As powerful, poignant, and timely as ever, the thrilling Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim score – including “Tonight,” “Maria,” “America” and the classic “Somewhere,” remains one of the best ever written.
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence, and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Performances are 7:30pm on Wednesdays & Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm on Sundays. There will be no performance on Saturday, April 22 at 2pm.
New Habit Burger Grill Opens in La Mirada
La Mirada~The wait is over and clamoring burger lovers in town will have a new reason to celebrate, as the La Mirada Blog has confirmed, The Habit Burger Grill will open for business officially Thursday, April 20th culminating a week of free food giveaways!
The new Habit Burger Grill, home of the popular, award-winning Charburgers that are always grilled over an open flame and made-to-order, is located at 14986 Imperial Highway site of the former Starbuck’s which moved across the street.
A handful of pre-opening events will take place, beginning with the first on Monday, April 17, where the first 200 guests will be awarded with a free Charburger, fries, and a drink during Free Burger Day at 11:30am and again at 5pm.
The next event, “Free Habit Day”, will take place on Tuesday, April 18, where the first 200 guests who arrive will be offered a free chargrilled meal from pre-selected menus at 11:30am and again at 5pm.
Lastly, on Wednesday, April 19, starting at 11:30am, the first 200 people who visit The Habit will enjoy a free chargrilled meal from pre-selected menus.
The more than 2,700-square-foot Habit restaurant seats 64 people and will be open Sunday 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. and Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Better burgers are just the beginning at The Habit where the menu also includes hand-cut salads, grilled sandwiches including line-caught, sushi grade albacore tuna, fresh chicken and hand-fileted marinated grilled tri-tip, and sides including onion rings, sweet potato and French fries and tempura green beans.
Guests can choose from a variety of peppers, lemons, limes and sauces at a complimentary condiment bar to customize the flavor of their meal. Their restaurants have been serving the Best Tasting Burger in America exactly this way since the first Habit opened in 1969.
“4 La Mirada Kids” Carnival May 5-7 at Benton
The annual “4 La Mirada Kids” Community Carnival is fast approaching and pre-sale tickets are now on sale. Tickets may be purchased for $15 by contacting local schools and athletic groups or by visiting the La Mirada Resource Center. A percentage of the proceeds collected from ticket sales will be returned to local schools and other organizations.
The carnival will take place from Friday May 5 through Sunday, May 7 at Benton Middle School, located at 15709 Olive Branch Drive. Guests can expect a fun-filled weekend with family and friends enjoying amusement park rides, food, and entertainment. Exciting rides and amusements will be available for those seeking thrills. Milder rides for younger children will also be offered.
The “4 La Mirada Kids” Carnival is sponsored by the La Mirada Community Foundation to raise funds for youth groups and community organizations that provide educational, cultural, and extracurricular opportunities in La Mirada.
Individuals or organizations wishing to volunteer or become event or booth sponsors at the Community Carnival should contact Community Services at (562) 943-7277.
Latest Community Event News
Arts Colony of La Mirada to Host Art in the Garden Tour
The Arts Colony of La Mirada presents its Art in the Garden Tour on Sunday, April 23 from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the rear parking area of the Activity Center.
Four home gardens will be viewed that showcase various gardening styles and artwork from members and students. Light refreshment will be served.
For more information, call (562) 941-4116 or visit here.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
A great selection of quality secondhand hardcover and paperback books, as well as audio and video materials will be available for purchase at bargain prices during the semi-annual Friends of the La Mirada Public Library Book Sale!
The book sale will kick off with a “members-only” pre-sale on Friday, April 28 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the La Mirada Activity Center. Non-members may purchase a membership for $10 during the pre-sale to take advantage of the early bird shopping event.
The book sale is open to the general public on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The popular “three-bucks-a-bag” clearance sale will begin at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about the book sale, call (562) 943-0277.
La Mirada Know Your Roots Tree Scavenger Hunt
Join in the fun! The City of La Mirada will be hosting its first tree scavenger hunt in celebration of Arbor Day on Saturday, April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Neff Estate, 14300 San Cristobal Drive. Community members will use the arboretum guide to find some of the oldest trees in La Mirada, many planted by La Mirada pioneer Andrew McNally.
For more information, contact the La Mirada Activity Center at (562) 902-3160.
La Mirada Resident Dies in Cerritos Crash
Cerritos~A La Mirada resident, 58-year-old Ronald Franken, was killed after he was involved in a two-car crash this past Friday evening. His name was released this morning by the coroner's office.
The accident occurred at Marquardt Avenue and Artesia Boulevard around 9:15 p.m. in the city of Cerritos. He passed a few hours later at UC Irvine Medical Center.
The cause of the incident is under investigation. The condition of the passenger in the other vehicle is unknown.
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