La Mirada Blog Endorses Garcia, Keithly for City Council
There are two spots open with five candidates running in this year’s city council election. Of the five, we believe there are three that are viable.
Two of them are not ready for prime-time, Randy Gray and Andrew Sarega.
Gray, a very nice guy, does not have enough exposure, involvement in the community, or City Hall insight. It is not like he hasn’t done anything however-he is past president of the La Mirada NJB (National Junior Basketball) and has done many other wonderful things for the community.
Sarega also has very little involvement in town, is ill-informed and much too negative. We see Sarega’s Dad around town more than we see Sarega, spieling a bunch of rhetoric, and basically sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong, irritating people, and making a mockery of the process without offering any real ideas or solutions for current issues.
That leaves Steve Keithly, Pauline Deal, and current Mayor Gabe Garcia.
Keithly is refreshing for La Mirada politics. With a strong business background and currently sitting on the city planning commission, it is indeed stimulating to hear someone from within the “organization” indicating we might want to consider doing a couple of things differently. We believe him.
By far, the number one issue or concern La Mirada residents have is the condition of our shopping centers.
Keithly speaks of finally addressing the needs of our dilapidated centers using whatever methods it takes-once and for all-instead of falling back on the same old excuses past council members have been using for decades. We believe him.
So that leaves Garcia and Deal for the last spot.
Last month, Garcia was involved in a single-car incident on Tacuba Drive, which resulted in some mangled parked cars and a DUI arrest.
There is a fine line whether you believe he should have resigned immediately or not.
Given time to think about it, we believe everyone makes mistakes and in La Mirada, Garcia deserves a second chance. We all should live in glass houses.
The current inexperienced and unmotivated city council needs his leadership and especially his experience in local government.
Deal, is a wonderful person, is more than capable and has served the community well, but she might be in the right race at the wrong time. Her appointment to council in 2011 for the departed Susan Tripp, may be hurting her, giving the perception she has not earned the position.
We believe La Mirada residents are looking for something a little bit different in the characteristics of their council members-being a little less submissive and a little more assertive.
We recommend you vote for Steve Keithly and Gabe Garcia for La Mirada City Council
La Mirada Blog Endorses Garcia, Keithly
There is two seats open with five people running in the La Mirada City Council election.
The La Mirada Blog is endorsing Mayor Gabe Garcia and Steve Keithly.
There are three candidates we deem worthy and they are Garcia, Keithly, and Pauline D
EXCLUSIVE-Last of Five Part Series: An Inside Look at the La Mirada City Council Candidates-Pauline Deal
La Mirada~There are five candidates running for La Mirada City Council. The election is scheduled for March 5th. In the race is Councilwoman Pauline Deal who was appointed to replace Susan Tripp in the summer of 2011; Mayor Gabe Garcia, seeking a second four-year term; Planning Commissioner and businessman Steve Keithly; Paramount Unified Schools Administrator Randy Gray; and Newport Beach Police Officer Andrew Sarega.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada has invited all of the candidates to speak at their weekly meeting, and all have accepted. We will provide a brief snippet and some insight to each of the candidate’s speeches.
The schedule is as follows: Andrew Sarega-January 23rd; Gabe Garcia-January 30th; Randy Gray-February 6th; Steve Keithly-February 13th; and Pauline Deal-February 20th.
The following is the last of a five-part series in which we hope to provide you a snippet and some insight into each of the candidate’s speeches. As of now, there has been no candidates forum scheduled for the community.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada and the La Mirada Blog are not political organizations. These reports are for informational purposes only and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada or the La Mirada Blog Network.
Pauline Deal was the final speaker of the five candidates for the office of La Mirada City Council. She thanked the members for inviting her and was privileged to be here. Describing her personal background, she informed members that her husband’s stepfather was Cary Mayer, a leader and respected member of this club in the past who lived and breathed La Mirada Kiwanis. Pauline’s children, now grown and married, called him Grandpa. Pauline has been a resident of La Mirada for 33 years, her husband, Jeff, for 45 years.
Deal’s background of service in La Mirada included working as a volunteer with the La Mirada Baseball Association, as Treasurer, Board Member and Coach with the La Mirada Girls’ Softball Association, as Trustee with the Southeast Regional Occupation Program, and as Trustee with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, a position she currently hold.
She described her more than 15 years of experience as a Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board member as an excellent venue to gain valuable experience in overseeing administrative and employee issues, as well as infrastructure and budget issues. In addition, during her tenure as a La Mirada City Councilwoman she has worked consistently for the benefit of the residents she has served.
Crime in La Mirada is at its lowest point in more than 20 years, and has decreased by 37.7 percent since 2005. Deal is determined to maintain her dedication to public safety.
She expressed pride that La Mirada continues to have a balanced budget despite the revenue losses due to the recession and the unprecedented millions that Sacramento has taken away from the city. However, this status does not come without a price. To maintain Public safety as the highest priority and to spare the public from significant program reductions, full time staff has been reduced from 97 to 71 positions Hourly staffing has been reduced by a similar amount and the remaining City staff has assumed the workload.
Fourth of Five Part Series: An Inside Look at the La Mirada City Council Candidates-Steve Keithly
La Mirada~There are five candidates running for La Mirada City Council. The election is scheduled for March 5th. In the race is Councilwoman Pauline Deal who was appointed to replace Susan Tripp in the summer of 2011; Mayor Gabe Garcia, seeking a second four-year term; Planning Commissioner and businessman Steve Keithly; Paramount Unified Schools Administrator Randy Gray; and Newport Beach Police Officer Andrew Sarega.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada has invited all of the candidates to speak, at their weekly meeting, and all have accepted. We will provide a brief snippet and some insight to each of the candidate’s speeches.
The schedule is as follows: Andrew Sarega-January 23rd; Gabe Garcia-January 30th; Randy Gray-February 6th; Steve Keithly-February 13th; and Pauline Deal-February 20th.
The following is the first of a five-part series in which we hope to provide you a snippet and some insight into each of the candidate’s speeches. As of now, there has been no candidates forum scheduled for the community.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada and the La Mirada Blog are not political organizations. These reports are for informational purposes only and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada or the La Mirada Blog Network.
Steve Keithly, the fourth of the five candidates for a position on the La Mirada City Council, was guest speaker this morning. He expressed pleasure at being invited to be here at Kiwanis in a city that welcomes the democratic election process.
Steve has been married to wife Kathy for 35 years, has 6 children – one final one in college at this time about ready to come off of the Keithly payroll! 5 others are married, and there are 5 grand children. Steve attended BYU and the family lived in Garden Grove before moving to La Mirada. He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
Keithly was called to serve in 2003 as Bishop in his LDS Church. Susan Tripp invited Steve to meet with her while she was serving as Mayor and the families became good friends. His wife Kathy was invited to serve on Public Service Commission but, since he was Bishop at the time, he was unable to accept an appointment himself.
BREAKING: Jerome “Mr. O” Oxman, Founder of Oxman’s Surplus Dies at 97
La Mirada/Santa Fe Springs~Jerome "Mr. O" Oxman, a La Mirada icon and community friend, has died at 97 his family confirmed Saturday.
He founded Oxman's Surplus
Play Ball! La Mirada Little League Opening Ceremony This Saturday
La Mirada~It's that time of year again! Can you smell the fresh cut grass?
La Mirada Little League will hold its annual Opening Day Ceremonies this Saturday, March 2nd at the Behringer Athletic Facilities.
There will be a ceremony recognizing the 10th anniversary of the La Mirada Little League Junior Team that won the Little League World Series in their division in 2003.
The ceremony begins at 8 a.m. with a full slate of games following.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada will be there serving up their pancake breakfast on their world-famous rotating grill from 9-11 a.m.
Third of Five Part Series: An Inside Look at the La Mirada City Council Candidates-Randy Gray
La Mirada~There are five candidates running for La Mirada City Council. The election is scheduled for March 5th. In the race is Councilwoman Pauline Deal who was appointed to replace Susan Tripp in the summer of 2011; Mayor Gabe Garcia, seeking a second four-year term; Planning Commissioner and businessman Steve Keithly; Paramount Unified Schools Administrator Randy Gray; and Newport Beach Police Officer Andrew Sarega.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada has invited all of the candidates to speak at their weekly meeting, and all have accepted. We will provide a brief snippet and some insight to each of the candidate’s speeches.
The schedule is as follows: Andrew Sarega-January 23rd; Gabe Garcia-January 30th; Randy Gray-February 6th; Steve Keithly-February 13th; and Pauline Deal-February 20th.
The following is the first of a five-part series in which we hope to provide you a snippet and some insight into each of the candidate’s speeches. As of now, there has been no candidates forum scheduled for the community.
The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada and the La Mirada Blog are not political organizations. These reports are for informational purposes only and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada or the La Mirada Blog Network.
Randy Gray was welcomed to the podium as a candidate in a field of five on the ballot for the coming election to City Council. He expressed thanks for the breakfast where he sat next to his dentist who was close by.
Gray said that he received his Doctorate at USC and lived 20 years in the City of La Mirada. His wife Burgess attended Gardenhill School. After they met and married they resided 1 year in Chino Hills and then returned to La Mirada where they were anxious to live when the price was right. They have now resided in The Landmark area for 13 years. They have three children – 19, 16 and 15. His oldest is involved in TV and movie productions, his younger daughter and son are high school students. It is time, he believes, to enter into public service by a seat on the City Council.
Gray has had experience with the sport’s organizations in La Mirada for many years, such as AYSO and Little League. He understands the challenge his is facing with 2 openings out of 5 council seats at this time, but this is his opportunity to make himself known in the community. His children are old enough to understand and appreciate his efforts and life that it will bring to the household. His current involvement is in public education. He taught at Paramount High School and eventually moved to the central district office in the area of finances where he joined in responsibility for a 10 million dollar budget. He experienced considerable decision-making and preparing data. Between raising children, his professional life and his personal experience, his common sense ability is strong.
Rosecrans Closing for Five Days
La Mirada~Valley View Avenue-from Rosecrans Avenue to Gannet Street-will close for five days from Thursday, February 21st through February 26th.
The closure is pat of the Valley View Grade Separation Project.
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Catalytic Converters Stolen in Two Separate Incidents; Weekly La Mirada Crime Report: February 4-February 10
Residential Burglary-An incident was reported on the 12900 block of Woodridge Ave. Various jewelry and other items were stolen from a bedroom at the location.
Vehicle Burglary-A window-smash burglary was reported on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. A purse containing identification and credit cards was stolen from the vehicle. Car stereo equipment was reported stolen from a vehicle on the 16400 block of Valley View Ave. A purse was stolen from a vehicle in a window-smash burglary near Beach Blvd. and Rosecrans Ave.
Grand Theft -A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle parked in front of a residence on the 14200 block of Whiterock Dr. A grand theft was reported on the 15900 block of Valley View Ave. The incident is under investigation. Two catalytic converters were stolen from a vehicle parked on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd.
Grand Theft Vehicle-Three vehicle thefts were reported last week. A truck was reported stolen from the 14700 block of Firestone Blvd. The vehicle was recovered by the Long Beach Police three days later. An older model Honda was reported stolen from the 13000 block of Mcnally Rd. The vehicle was recovered the same day by the Costa Mesa Police. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd.A stolen older model Honda was recovered on the 15500 block of Alondra Blvd. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Buena Park the previous day.
Game Between Rivals to Decide League Title
Season of Streaks for Matadores Culminates With Last Regular Season Game Deciding League Title
La Mirada~In a season that has had more ups and downs than gas prices, the La Mirada High Boys Basketball team plays the biggest game of their season-thus far-tonight at Mayfair High School.
The Matadores will face the Monsoons, with both teams at 10-1 in league and the Suburban League title on the line.
The Matadores only league loss was against Mayfair January 11th, 54-44 at La Mirada.
Mayfair lost to Norwalk January 25th, 67-53.
2nd year head coach Bryce Jones says the team is ready, "We feel pretty confident. We have had four straight days of practice. The guys know what to do and we know what we did wrong last time against them. There's a lot on the line. This is why we work hard all year."
A league title would almost guarantee a first-round home game in the CIF playoffs beginning next week.
La Mirada is looking for their first outright Suburban League title since 1982.
UPDATE: The Matadores lost to Mayfair 60-59 in a very exciting game Friday night. The Mats actually took the lead 59-58 with 38.6 seconds left but, couldn't pull out the victory. The Matadores (17-11,10-2), second-place finishers in the Suburban League, now await the release of the CIF playoff pairings on Sunday to find out where and who they play next.
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