Bicyclist Struck and Killed at California’s Most Dangerous Railroad Crossing
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| A bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene near his bicycle after being struck by a BNSF freight train Friday afternoon near the Santa Fe Springs/La Mirada border. Photo (c) Brian Feinzimer |
Santa Fe Springs~A bicyclist was struck and killed at the intersection of Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues earlier this afternoon just outside the La Mirada city limits shortly before 3:00 p.m.
It was first reported on our Twitter feed by @momofabc3 at 2:47 pm.
Witnesses on the scene told us a man was attempting to cross the track when his wheel became stuck in the rails and he fell off his bicycle. While attempting to get out of the way he was struck by the train. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rosecrans Avenue was closed in both directions for hours as officials conducted an investigation. Metrolink and Amtrak service was also delayed.
We have an unconfirmed report that the victim was possibly a transient from the North Fork Coyote Creek encampment near the Rosecrans bridge, just a couple of hundred yards to the west.
The railroad crossing at Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues has been rated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the most hazardous grade crossing in California.
Just last week, as reported on this website, Metro officials announced plans at a community meeting held in La Mirada that a grade separation project has been proposed for the intersection. The project is fully funded with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2018 with Rosecrans Avenue more than likely to be reconstructed to go over the railway tracks.
La Mirada Arts Colony Monthly Meeting and Annual Art Show
The Arts Colony of La Mirada will hold their October meeting on Monday, the 5th, at 6:30 p.m. in the La Mirada Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Blvd. The meeting will feature Judy Jansen of Whittier exhibiting her skill in stained glass art using a slide show. Techniques and questions will be addressed.
The Colony’s annual “Mirrors of your Mind” judged show will be held at the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Blvd. (Civic Center Complex, behind the fire station) from November 9 through 21. Take–in for artists interested in submitting entries will be November 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information check the website, acolm.com, or call 562-941-4116 or 562-448-3427. The awards reception will be held on Saturday, November 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is welcome to attend our meetings and our art show.
Friends of La Mirada Library to Host Fall Book Sale
Join the Friends of the La Mirada Library at the Fall Book Sale to books at astoundingly low prices. The Friends will have their annual sale on Saturday, October 3 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the La Mirada Activity Center. The Activity Center is located at 13810 La Mirada Boulevard.
A pre-sale for members only will be held on Friday, October 2 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The $10 annual membership can be paid at that time. A wide variety of books will be available.
For more information, contact the Friends of La Mirada Library at LaMiradaFOL@outlook.com or look on Facebook for Friends of the La Mirada Library.
California’s Most Dangerous Railroad Crossing Will Be Fixed
Metro will hold two community meetings on the grade separation project On September 30th from 3-5 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. at LM Resource Center
Santa Fe Springs~A Grade Separation Project is being considered at the railroad crossing at the intersection of Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues in the city of Santa Fe Springs, just beyond the La Mirada western border.
Los Angeles County Metro is partnering with the BNSF Railway along with the City of Santa Fe Springs and Caltrans. The project is fully funded by the State's Section 190 Program, Proposition 1A, Measure R and BNSF.
The crossing has been rated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the most hazardous grade crossing in California, thus it is ranked first on the priority list for crossings eligible for funding. The project is expected to cost $130 million.
Once constructed, motorists will be able to travel safely through the intersection without the possibility of train to vehicle collisions. It will also improve the efficiency of train movement and eliminate the need for required train horns at the intersection. Metro officials say approximately 130 trains and 45,000 vehicles use this crossing daily.
There have been numerous accidents at the intersection over the years the last being on January 7, 2013 when 26-year-old Emily Scott of La Mirada was killed when her automobile collided with a freight train. There have also been suicides and attempted suicides at or near the intersection.
In June of this year Caltrans released its Benefit-Cost Analysis of the project. The report stated four fatalities, six injuries, and five property damage only incidents have occurred over a 10-year period that involve this at-grade intersection.
On October 30 2012 two LA County Sheriff's deputies pushed a disabled vehicle off the tracks preventing a mass transit disaster. We reported here in 2009 of a train vs. car incident.
Residents can learn about the proposed alternatives, provide feedback and talk one-on-one with project representatives at the September 30th meetings.
Future meetings will be held. For more information visit here or call (888) 512-1198.
Metro representatives say construction could begin as early as spring of 2018.
REVIEW: “First Date” at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
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| The company performs in the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts/McCoy Rigby Entertainment Southern California Premiere Production of the Broadway Musical "FIRST DATE" - directed by Nick DeGruccio and now playing at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. |
Welcoming in the new 2015-16 McCoy Rigby Season is First Date, a musical comedy fresh from Broadway making its Southern California debut!
This charming and hilarious performance is set in real time as first time blind-dater, Aaron, and “dateaholic,” Casey, enjoy a few drinks and get to know one another. Nothing says awkward like, well, a First Date.
Casey (Erica Lustig) is energetic and artistic yet when it comes to meeting the right guy, her track record proves otherwise. Aaron (Marc Ginsburg), is an investment banker recovering from a previous relationship and is everything Casey isn't.
So how does their First Date go? Exactly as one would suspect; fellow restaurant patrons transform into best friends, family members, and those oh-so-bad boyfriends.
Talent is not limited though, as we see the intentions of a wickedly creative waiter also at hand.
Throughout the night, Casey directs Aaron over what questions he should ask (and not ask) and Aaron overshares his previous dating history or lack thereof.
What makes First Date truly unique is the quick wit of the other couples in the restaurant portrayed by supporting cast members Kelley Dorney (ex-fiancé/ Miss Google-thang herself), Scott Drier (a most musically and creatively inclined waiter), Stacey Oristano (Casey's perfect sister /Jewish grandmother), Justin Michael Wilcox (Aaron's best friend/"voice of reason"), and Leigh Wakeford (Casey's BFF/ Previous Rocker Boyfriend).
Citadel 10th Shopping Extravaganza Will Benefit La Mirada Theatre Group
Get exclusive deals, proceeds from tickets sold benefit Phantom Projects/La Mirada; Tickets on sale now for L.A.’s favorite shop-for-a-cause event at www.PhantomProjects.com or www.CitadelOutlets.com.
LOS ANGELES~Phantom Projects Theatre Group of La Mirada and L.A.’s Choice for Outlet Shopping, The Citadel Outlets, invites the public behind the Assyrian Wall for a day of fun, shopping and fundraising at the Center’s 10th Annual Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, October 3, 2015. As a participating charity, Phantom Projects will receive a portion of funds from the more than 4,500 Angelenos expected to attend one of the best shopping days of the year.
“We are always looking for new ways to raise funds, and as this is our first year year participating in Citadel Outlet’s Shopping Extravaganza we’re very excited to introduce this opportunity to the community,” said Steve Cisneros, Producing Artistic Director of Phantom Projects.
For many organizations, including Phantom Projects, Citadel Outlet’s Shopping Extravaganza is one of the largest single fundraising event of the year. The day of fun-filled shopping includes access to exclusive deals on top of Citadel Outlet’s daily savings of 30-70% off retail prices. From 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., event attendees can enjoy:
-Added discounts at over 90 luxury fashion brands
-Private catered lunch
-Live entertainment
-Complimentary Tasting by Stella Rosa by San Antonio Winery for guests 21+
-The chance at $90,000 in prizes including Grand Prize packs and gift cards to Michael Kors, Nike, Steve Madden, Kate Spade, Disney Outlet & more
Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online at www.PhantomProjects.com or www.citadeloutlets.com. Selecting Phantom Projects Theatre Group from the drop down menu when purchasing ensures Citadel Outlets donates $25 of each ticket directly to the non-profit theatre troupe.
An Opportunity for Residents to Help Keep La Mirada Safe
La Mirada~Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Captain Curtis Jensen is inviting residents, business leaders, faith communities and service group members to join a crime prevention initiative to reduce property crimes in La Mirada. Hear from your community leaders on how crime affects everyone and what you can do to get involved!
A meeting will be held on Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mirada Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Blvd. Attendees will be encouraged to be a part of a community based solution to prevent property crimes.
In the first half of 2015, residential and vehicle burglaries combined for nearly one-third of the property crimes reported in La Mirada. Of the 438 Part I crimes reported from January to June, over 90 percent were crimes involving stolen property.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, be a part of the solution, and help the Public Safety Team keep La Mirada safe.
For more on the meeting, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff's Station at (562) 902-2960.
Information for Inaugural Olive Fest 5K
La Mirada~The first Olive Fest 5K will take place Saturday, September 19th at La Mirada Regional Park at 13701 Adelfa Drive.
Registration for the fun run and walk will be from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m on the east side of the park across the street from La Mirada High School.
The race will start shortly thereafter, depending on the number of runners.
All participants will receive a commemorative Olive Fest 5K t-shirt.
Proceeds will benefit the La Mirada High School Aquatics and Cross Country programs.
Cost is $35.00, $15.00 for kids 13 and under and $30.00 for seniors.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided by CareMore and Albertsons.
Congresswoman Sanchez to Appear at La Mirada Olive Fest
La Mirada~United States Congresswoman Linda Sanchez will welcome the community to the 6th Annual La Mirada Olive Fest on Saturday, September 19th.
She will be speaking about the benefits that small businesses bring to the community and her booth will have materials to hand out to fest goers.
Sanchez is the U.S. Representative for California's 38th congressional district, which includes La Mirada, having served in Congress since 2003.
The Congresswoman is scheduled to address the crowd at noon.
Fall Youth Sports Leagues Registration Now Open
Register now for fall youth sports leagues offered by the City of La Mirada. Recreational youth sports offered for the fall season includes Friday Night Football, Volleyball, and Volleytennis. Children ages 5 to 17 are invited to participate.
Get ready to spend Friday nights out at the field, with La Mirada’s semi-annual Friday Night Football league. Open to participants ages 5-14, the league is played with flags and emphasis is on football fundamentals. Friday Night Football games are played at Behringer Park during the fall season. The league cost is $70, and includes one practice during the week and one game on Friday night.
The City’s Youth Volleyball league is back in swing for the fall season. Open to ages 7-17, the league focuses on the basics of volleyball, including bumping, setting, hitting, serving, and defense. The Youth Volleyball league is held at the La Mirada Community Gymnasium and the cost is $65.
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