Free Oil Filters for La Mirada Do-it-Yourselfer’s September 1st
The City of La Mirada will be holding a used motor oil filter exchange event on Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pep Boys, 14207 Rosecrans Ave. In exchange for their used motor oil filters, residents will receive new motor oil filters free of charge. (La Mirada residents may receive up to 2 new filters in exchange for 2 used filters; valued up to $12; while supplies last.) After your next oil change, bring in your used oil and filters and receive vouchers for new oil filters to redeem at this one-day recycling event.
"Used motor oil and filters are highly recyclable," says Kevin Sales, La Mirada’s Used Oil Recycling Program coordinator. "The City wants to make used motor oil and filter recycling as easy for the Do-It-Yourselfer as possible. Both the motor oil and the steel from the automotive filter will be recycled; and you can redeem your filter voucher immediately for a free oil filter from Pep Boys."
The City of La Mirada encourages all residents to participate in the event and to recycle their used motor oil and filters. Supplementary educational materials will be available as well as additional oil change materials for eligible participants.
Other used oil collection centers can be located by calling 888-CLEAN-LA, or visiting CleanLA.com. Further information regarding the Filter Exchange Event can be obtained by contacting Kevin Sales at (562) 944-4766.
Phantom Projects Benefit Gala for Arts Education August 4th at La Mirada Theatre
Courtnee Draper, star of Disney Channel’s first original series, The Jersey, and world-wide smash hit video game, Bioshock Infinite will be honored as a founding member of the troupe.
La Mirada~Phantom Projects Theatre Group will host it’s annual event: The Phantom Cabaret: A Benefit Gala for Arts Education, taking place on August 4 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Because of this fundraising event, the group is able to provide over $20,000 in donated theatre tickets and performances to non-profits, schools, and youth groups.
The fabulous evening includes a night of entertainment, dinner, silent auction and more. The event pays tribute to the non-profit organization’s work with at-risk youth through the performing arts.
This year, the first ever Alumni Award will be presented to an outstanding veteran of the troupe, founding member Courtnee Draper who started with the troupe at the age of 11.
She would continue to perform with the group on stage over the next 12 years, while growing her on-camera career. She starred in Disney Channel’s original TV Series, The Jersey, which saw her performing alongside legendary athletes such as Peyton Manning, Tony Hawk and Laila Ali. After starring in a handful of Disney Channel movies, Courtnee transitioned into more adult roles becoming a regular on The Bold and the Beautiful, and making appearances on such shows as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tru Calling, Veronica Mars, and CSI: Miami.
After taking a break to pursue a career in law, she returned in a major way to star as Elizabeth in the world-wide smash hit video games Bioshock Infinite and Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea. The game earned her two Spike Video Game award nominations, one for Best Actress, and winning the other for Best Song.
The event will also feature performances and presentations from alumni and community members, including James McFarlane, Mayor of La Mirada Larry Mowles, Tessa Githens, Angela Griswold, The Jazz Angles, Jargie the Science Girl! and more.
Phantom Projects Theatre Group started in 1997 when a then 17-year old Steve Cisneros approached his high school Language Arts teacher, Bruce Gevirtzman, with the idea of taking plays Gevirtzman had written to local schools.
Immediately the idea grew from one touring show, rehearsed out of Cisneros’ parents’ 2-car garage, to a full six-show season at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The touring program has expanded to three touring shows, an education department, a costume rental dept and much, much more. The troupe’s home is now a 5,000 square foot facility.
The non-profit theatre troupe which aims to build theatre audiences of tomorrow through inspirational theatrical pieces, has performed for over 500,000 teens through its combination of shows.
Tickets for the Phantom Cabaret Benefit Gala start at $45 and can be purchased by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at 714.994.6310 or visiting: PhantomProjects.com/gala
City and School District Collaborate on College Banner Project After Student Proposal
La Mirada residents will notice new street banners along Adelfa Drive in front of La Mirada High School. The new banners were created as part of a College Banner Program to honor La Mirada High School students who recently graduated and plan to continue their education at a college or university the following year. The banners feature a photo of the graduate, the graduate’s name, a noteworthy achievement, as well as the college or university they plan to attend. The class of 2018 is the first graduating class to participate in this new program.
The idea for the college banners was developed and proposed by the Youth in Government students at the February 27 City Council meeting. Through the Youth in Government program, La Mirada High School students have an opportunity to learn about local government and recommend programs to enhance the community.
The College Banner Program was approved by the City Council and implemented this year in collaboration with the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
“We are extremely proud to highlight the achievements of our La Mirada High School graduates with this new College Banner Program,” says Assistant City Manager Anne Haraksin. “We hope these banners serve as an inspiration and encouragement for other high school students to pursue a college education or trade.”
Similar to the “Presidential Portraits” banners and the military banners, college banners are installed on light poles along Adelfa Drive between Foster Road and Alicante Road. The college banners will be replaced every year with new La Mirada High School graduates.
For additional information on the College Banner Program, call Community Services at (562) 943-7277.
2018 Synchro America Open This Week at Splash!
La Mirada~The top synchronized swimmers in the world have been gathering in La Mirada since Monday and will take on the best Southern California has to offer this week when they compete at the 2018 Synchro America Open Thursday June 7th through Saturday June 9th at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center.
A leg of the prestigious FINA Artistic Swimming World Series, swimmers will compete in solo, duet, mixed duet, free combo and highlight routines in junior and senior divisions.
Participating athletes will be representing Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Serbia, Ukraine, and Puerto Rico.
The event is part of a two-leg North American series, which includes the 2018 Synchro Canada Open. That event was held last week in Surrey, British Columbia.
Splash! La Mirada continues to welcome top aquatic athletes from around the world. For more information about this award-winning state of the art facility, visit splashlamirada.com.
The Synchro America Open will be live-streamed by Takeitlive.tv.
For schedule, additional details and to get your tickets for the Synchro America Open, go to teamusa.org/USA-Synchronized-Swimming/Events/2018/June/06/2018-Synchro-America-Open.
New La Mirada History Book Now Available for Purchase
La Mirada residents can now own a piece of La Mirada history by purchasing La Mirada: Three Decades of Change and Challenge, Stability and Achievement, History Book today! The 60-page hardcover book chronicles the City’s rich history from 1986 through 2016. The history book details historical events, project initiatives, and challenges though images that tell the story of La Mirada.
The new history book was written by author Allen Carden, who arrived in La Mirada in 1965 and is a graduate of La Mirada High School and Biola University.
Residents can purchase La Mirada: Three Decades of Change and Challenge, Stability and Achievement for $24.95 plus tax. However, for a limited time only, residents have the option of purchasing a Book Bundle, which includes The City of La Mirada: A Silver Anniversary History, 1960-1985 and La Mirada: Three Decades of Change and Challenge, Stability and Achievement, 1986-2016 for $39.95 plus tax.
“These history books truly capture the rich heritage of the La Mirada community,” says Community Services Director Lori Thompson.
History books are available for purchase at the La Mirada Resource Center and Activity Center. For additional information or questions, call (562) 902-3160.
Owner of New Grocery Outlet Receives a Warm Community Welcome
By Brooklynn Ackerman
La Mirada~This morning was the grand opening of the new Grocery Outlet Bargain Market located at Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes Avenue.
Yesterday, the store hosted a sneak preview event and invited some members of the community to roam the aisles before the doors were opened today.
The store is filled with GREAT deals, lots of organic options and helpful staff members.
I had a chance to speak with Pam Brown, one of the co-owners and operators. Pam has lived in Whittier for about 18 years and is looking forward to fostering great relationships and giving back to the community.
She expressed her gratitude to neighboring businesses and members of the community who have given her and her team such a warm welcome. When I asked if she was prepared for the grand opening she stated, “I’m nervous because it’s such a big day, but I am very excited. My team has been awesome and we are ready”.
The fastest growing extreme-value grocer in the U.S., Grocery Outlet now has over 290 locations covering six states.
In honor of the grand opening, Grocery Outlet will be donating the amount of customer savings from the first hour of operation to Love La Mirada. Also this morning, mystery coupons were handed out to the first 200 guests and every shopper received a reusable bag.
From April 5th through May 3rd, shoppers can enter to win free groceries for one year! There is much to be excited about, so stop by the Grocery Outlet and check out the amazing deals!
La Mirada Community Foundation Scholarship Deadline Nears
The annual La Mirada Community Foundation is still accepting applications for their Scholarship Program from qualified high school seniors. The deadline to submit all required documents is Thursday, April 12, at 4:30 p.m. at La Mirada City Hall, located at 13700 La Mirada Boulevard.
Applications are available at La Mirada City Hall, the Resource Center, and local high schools. They are also available on the City’s website cityoflamirada.org.
The Foundation offers three scholarships: the Bob Jenkins Community Service Scholarship, the Ray Haugh Vocational Scholarship, and Southern California Edison STEM Scholarship.
The Bob Jenkins Scholarship is available to students who have provided significant community service, reside in La Mirada, and have applied to an accredited college. Applicants must complete an essay on the value of community service and their involvement in the community.
The Ray Haugh Vocational Scholarship is available to students who have provided community service and/or volunteered in La Mirada, reside in La Mirada, and are enrolled in a vocational training program or trade school.
The Southern California Edison STEM Scholarship is available to students who plan to major in Business, Computer and Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, Engineering Technology, Natural Resources and Conservation, and Physical Science. The STEM scholarship is available to students who reside in La Mirada and have applied to an accredited college.
Scholarship recipients are selected based on meeting academic requirements, the scope and duration of their community service, and their impact in the La Mirada community. For additional information, call (562) 943-0131.
La Mirada News Ticker #13
-A grand opening will take place on Thursday, April 5th for the new Grocery Outlet at 15745 Imperial Highway. The first 200 shoppers will receive a gift card loaded with an amount between $5 and $200. The fastest growing extreme-value grocer in the U.S., Grocery Outlet now has over 290 locations covering six states.
-Chick-Fil-A has submitted plans to the city to construct a new store across the street from the Holiday Inn on the southeast corner of Firestone Blvd and Gateway Drive.
-The annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place at Regional Park on Saturday, March 31st from 9:00-11:00 a.m. The 11th Annual Going Quackers for Kids Derby Duck Race will immediately follow the Easter Egg Hunt. This fun–for-all-ages event will take place at Splash! Enter the back gate of Splash! by following the duck prints. Bring a blanket, and enjoy some family time. All kids’ games and activities are FREE!
-The La Mirada Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will take place Friday, April 13 from 7:00-9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn La Mirada. Guest Speaker will be County Supervisor for the 4th district, Janice Hahn.
-Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School Board member Sean Regan has resigned his seat after moving to Whittier, seven months before his term ends in November. The School District is currently accepting applications for the vacancy.
-Arts Colony of La Mirada's April meeting will feature Victoria Pflanzer as demonstrator. Ms. Pflanzer is an award winning photographer and educator at Benton Middle School. The meeting is open to the public and will be held on Monday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mirada Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Blvd. For further information call 562-941-4116 or check their website at acolm.org.
-La Mirada High baseball started their 2018 Suburban League campaign in style on March 26th. Sophomore Jared Jones struck out 11 in a complete game and Darius Perry blasted a two-run homer as the Mats (8-1-1, 1-0) beat Cerritos (8-3, 0-1) by a score of 3-0.
Easter Egg Hunt and Duck Derby this Saturday
La Mirada~Hop in for another fun-filled Easter egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at La Mirada Regional Park.
This free event is perfect for the whole family to enjoy and features crafts, games, music, and photos with the Easter Bunny.The egg hunts promptly begin at 10:15 a.m. and continues throughout the morning for children ages 10 and under.
La Mirada Historical Advisory Council members will be on hand to take pre-orders for the soon to be released new city-sanctioned history book, “La Mirada 1986-2016, Three Decades of Change and Challenge, Stability and Achievement.”
The La Mirada Kiwanis Club will be serving a pancake breakfast throughout the event, as well as hosting the annual Duck Derby at Splash!, which raises funds to support community causes.
For additional information, contact the Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277.
11th Annual Duck Derby Follows Easter Egg Hunt
The 11th Annual Going Quackers for Kids Derby Duck Race is this Saturday, March 31 immediately following the Easter Egg Hunt. This fun–for-all-ages event will take place at Splash! Enter the back gate of Splash! by following the duck prints! Bring a blanket, and enjoy some family time. All kids’ games and activities are FREE!
The Duck Race is sponsored by La Mirada Kiwanis and benefits multiple La Mirada community groups. Fifty percent of duck sales go directly to the selling groups. With $3,500 in cash prizes, and many other prizes, your odds are better than the lottery, and more fun!
There is a sponsor race and the main race with 5,000 ducks. Individual ducks for main race are $5.00 or 6 for $25.00, visit the Duck Race web site for more information including how to purchase a duck corporate sponsorship.
We’ll see you and your family this Saturday at Splash! after the Easter Egg Hunt!
