Matadores Topple Bucs In Suburban Opener
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
La Mirada~Blake Wilson shook off a rough first inning then helped his own cause with the bat as La Mirada beat Bellflower on a very windy day in La Mirada, 7-5, in the Suburban League opener for both teams.
Wilson gave up four first-inning runs to the Bucs but the Matadores battled back and put up a five-spot in the third inning highlighted by Wilson's bases-clearing double to take a 5-4 lead.
In the top of the fourth, Wilson gave up a solo home run to Brandon Polizzi to tie the game and than a single and a walk, but Wilson coaxed the Bucs into an inning-ending double play.
That fourth inning and the game might have been saved when Mats third baseman Devon Aldridge made a superb on-the-knees play and throw for the first out of the inning.
The Mats regained the lead 6-5 in the bottom of the frame when Ethan Lopez doubled home Aldridge. They added another in the sixth on an RBI single by R.J. Lan.
Tyler Charlton held the Bucs at bay by pitching scoreless fifth and sixth innings and Eric Tapper survived a shaky seventh to preserve the victory.
The two teams square off Friday at Bellflower beginning at 3 p.m.
Planning Commission Delays Voting on Fate of Nostalgic Eatery
La Mirada~An overflow crowd of over 250 people-many wielding signs-showed up at the planning commission meeting last night to support The Carriage Coffee Shop and they left with a small victory, although it could just be a temporary reprieve.
After a public hearing, the commission voted 4-0 to delay the decision of granting McDonald’s a conditional use permit for a drive-through at a new restaurant to replace the 49-year old relic at 14871 Imperial Highway, while a preliminary traffic study is conducted.
Commissioner Keith Chung made the request after more than 30 residents and others spoke on behalf of The Carriage, with many of them concerned about increased traffic and potential problems associated with it.
Tab Johnson is partner and development manager for Rich Development Enterprises, LLC who are the owners of the Crossroads Center property where the Carriage is located, “This is a well thought out project. We are not generating any additional traffic,” he said.
Currently, the Carriage has a month-to-month lease agreement with the development company.
That fact that McDonald’s is requesting to construct a drive-through at its new 4,335 square foot restaurant is what the commission was considering along with a variance to allow a stand-alone sign, which is being requested by McDonald’s.
They weren’t deciding if a new McDonalds was going in, only deciding about the drive-through, which confused many in the audience and this reporter.
City Planner Gabriel Bautista tried to explain to the audience that this is a private deal involving private property. He explained that any restaurant can negotiate with the land owner and build there because that is what it is zoned for, as long as they meet city general plan and land usage requirements.
There is not a drive-through at the current establishment (The Carriage), thus creating the need for the hearing.
La Mirada Planning Commission May Decide Fate of The Carriage Coffee Shop
La Mirada~Protestors are expected to fill the council chambers as the planning commission will decide whether or not to grant a conditional use permit to McDonalds , paving the way for the restaurant goliath to replace one of La Mirada’s long standing businesses and landmarks-The Carriage Coffee Shop.
If granted, the permit would allow McDonalds to construct a drive–thru at the new restaurant.
The meeting will take place Thursday, March 20th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The proposed action set off a firestorm in the community on our Facebook page since we broke the story on March 5th-generating over 120 comments so far from people weighing in.
Many residents say this is another example of small-town La Mirada disappearing, “We don't need another fast food restaurant, especially McDonalds. The Carriage is a city landmark and the only coffee shop in town. It has been a meeting place for La Mirada residents forever. We need more family restaurants in this town, not less, said Blog fan Barbara Hayes.
Still others like Blog fan Richard Marcher says it makes good economic sense for La Mirada, “It appears that McDonald's market research finds a high demand for their product. That is why they chose to invest in the community. Individually, you may not care for it, but collectively you do.”
The Carriage operates on a month to month lease and the owners of the property-Rich Development, LLC-have not returned our calls.
Although the tearing down of The Carriage would be a blow to nostalgia lovers, the city would stand to gain a substantial amount of monies in sales tax because of the higher volume and longer operating hours a McDonalds would bring to the table.
Detectives Continue to Work Stubborn Bona Vista Case; Asking for Public Help
La Mirada~Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau continue to investigate the recent shooting death of a young man and are asking for the public for help.
Officials have concluded Dominique Mendoza, 20, of La Mirada was shot outside the home at 13409 Bona Vista Lane in La Mirada on February 16th sometime before 12:41 a.m. when they received the shots fired call.
When police arrived they found evidence of a shooting but no victim.
A bit later, an unknown person dumped Mendoza’s body in the parking area of the emergency trauma center at Presbyterian Hospital in Whittier. A passerby noticed the body lying on the ground.
Sgt. Ken Clark told the La Mirada Blog yesterday that Mendoza, “May have known the people who shot him.”
“We’re asking for help, Clark said, “We believe there is someone out there who witnessed what happened.”
Because the investigation is still ongoing, Clark offered very little more about the details of the case at this time.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Sgt. Ken Clark or Sgt. Tim Cain at the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Shooting Victim in Norwalk Was La Mirada Resident
La Mirada~A shooting victim found on the 12000 block of Lowemont Street in Norwalk this past Sunday morning has been identified as a La Mirada resident.
Carlos Aguilar, 25, of La Mirada was pronounced dead at the scene at around 1:42 a.m. according to the La Mirada Lamplighter Newspaper.
Officials are continuing their investigation, anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
John Glenn to Play Home Football Games at Goodman Stadium
Norwalk~The John Glenn High School varsity football team will play their home games at Goodman Stadium in La Mirada beginning with the 2014-15 season the school has announced.
Glenn Athletic Director Linda Parra confirmed to the La Mirada Blog that Glenn will play eight home games at La Mirada beginning August 28th against Magnolia High.
Four of the Eagles eight home games will be played on a Thursday night in weeks when La Mirada High is also playing at home.
The Eagles will also have Thursday night games on September 4th, 25th, and October 30th against Pioneer, Bellflower and Norwalk respectively.
Friday night opponents at home include Santa Ana Valley, Gardena, and Mayfair.
La Mirada will play Glenn October 13th with the Matadores playing as the home team.
Low-Cost Vaccination and Microchip Clinic at Regional Park
La Mirada~The Society for California Veterinary Vaccine Care (SCVVC) will be providing low-cost pet vaccination and microchip clinics for cats and dogs at La Mirada Regional Park on Thursday, March 13.
Cats will be seen from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and dogs will be seen from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. All participants should be in line before 7:30 p.m.
Pet owners must be at least 18 years of age to participate and all pets must be on leashes or in carriers.
Only healthy and non-pregnant animals will be vaccinated and a License Renewal Notice or Prior Rabies Certificate is required in order to receive a three-year Rabies vaccine; otherwise the vaccine will be good for one year.
If possible, participants are encouraged to bring vaccine records. De-worming and flea control products will be available (price depends on pet's weight).
Be sure to notify the veterinarian prior to vaccinating if your pet has ever had a reaction to a vaccine, or if your pet has recently shown any sign of illness or could be pregnant.
CASH ONLY will be accepted for all veterinary services. Click HERE for a complete list of available vaccines and prices.
For more information, visit www.scvvc.com.
EXCLUSIVE: La Mirada to Reconvene Gang and Drug Task Force
La Mirada~The City Manager has called for the reconvening of a community group that has sat idle in recent years.
Jeff Boynton told the La Mirada Blog the Gang and Drug Task Force, which existed for a number of years in the city in the past, will be reconvening beginning with the initial meeting last evening (Thursday).
Boynton told the LMB the group will include representatives from the “Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Probation, School District, clergy, counseling services, and City staff.”
In the past the group met periodically to discuss general issues in the community, primarily involving youths, the idea being that the members of the group could serve as mentors and a resource for the kids.
No McKidding; Road May be Paved for McDonald’s to Replace The Carriage
La Mirada~Whatever you think of the concept, a McDonald's may be opening in La Mirada for the first time ever.
The La Mirada Blog has learned the La Mirada Planning Commission will be voting at its March 20th meeting whether or not to grant a McDonald's franchisee a conditional use permit to allow a drive-thru at the proposed new restaurant.
The meeting is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m.
La Mirada High Basketball Boys Fall
Santa Margarita~The La Mirada High Boys Basketball season came to an end Friday night falling to Santa Margarita 66-51, in the CIF Southern Section Division 3AA Semifinal.
The Matadores fell behind early 9-0 and never seemed to recover in front of a raucous crowd at Santa Margarita.
La Mirada ends the season with a overall record of 21-10 including going 10-2 in the Suburban League with their two losses to Mayfair who lost to Mater Dei 77-59 in the Cif-SS Open Division quarterfinal.
