FEATURE: Fundraising Gala to Honor Phantom Projects Founder
After 17 years, La Mirada High’s Cisneros and his theater troop continue to produce work aimed at teen audiences
La Mirada~A special Fundraising Gala, “From 17 to 17” will be held on August 9th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts to commemorate the 17th Anniversary of Phantom Projects Theatre Group and honor its founder, Steve Cisneros, for his years of dedication to the arts.
Cisneros had the idea for Phantom Projects on the campus of La Mirada High School when his teacher Bruce Gevirtzman had written a play titled No Way to Treat a Lady that had a message about teen pregnancy. The show’s success is what led Cisneros to take the play beyond La Mirada High School.
“I noticed that people were really impacted through theater, with a message that may not have been appealing if it was shown any other way, Cisneros said. “I approached Bruce and he gave me his script and I invited educators to come to a reading of the play and then we booked a five month tour.”
The troupe that Cisneros assembled began rehearsing in his parent’s garage and they began getting requests for their performance from other schools. The unique thing about Phantom Projects is that the group actually uses teenage performers to play the roles, according to Cisneros.
After years of Cisernos personally funding Phantom Projects, the group now has a partnership with the City of La Mirada and they utilize a 5,000 sq ft practice facility.
Latest La Mirada Crime Report; July 7th-20th 2014
The following is the La Mirada crime report for the period July 7-20th 2014
Robbery-A robbery was reported at the riverbed near Mansa Dr. and Norbeck St. A bicycle and other items were stolen from the victim. The incident is under investigation. A robbery was reported on the 14800 block of Telegraph Rd. Cash was taken in the incident, no injuries were reported.
Aggravated Assault-An assault was reported on the 12700 block of Valley View Ave. A driver fled the location after striking the victim with their vehicle. The incident remains under investigation. An assault stemming from a domestic argument occurred on the 14400 block of Greenworth Dr. A suspect was taken into custody by responding Deputies. A fight between two individuals occurred on the 15800 block of Imperial Hwy. One of the victims was transported to UCI medical center.
Other Structure Burglary-A burglary to Los Coyotes Middle School was reported on the 14600 block of Mercado Ave. Various snacks and drinks we
re taken from the location.
Vehicle Burglary-A vehicle burglary was reported on the 14400 block of Firestone Blvd. The seats from the vehicle and other miscellaneous items were stolen in the incident. A third row seat was reported stolen in a vehicle burglary on the 15700 block of Willowood St.
Voters Will be Asked to Fund New School Bond Proposed by NLMUSD
Norwalk~Voters in La Mirada and Norwalk will have a chance on November 4th to decide the fate of a $375 million bond that will upgrade all district schools, after the Norwalk-La Mirada board approved the issue by a 6-0 vote this past Monday.
Member Ana Valencia was absent reportedly due to illness.
The measure, which would need a 55 percent voter approval rate, calls for the repair of “classrooms, leaky roofs, school security upgrading, fencing, fire safety, science, math and computer lab technology, and physical education and athletic facilities and also calls for the removal of asbestos and the repair of educational facilities to improve education at every school.”
In addition, the ballot measure, which – if passed by voters – will go toward building a “new performing arts center, infrastructure to support technology, performing various renovations and modernizations to all district sites and providing electronic devices for all classrooms.”
Proposals for new football stadiums at Norwalk and Glenn High ($44 million each) are included, along with $9 million earmarked for Goodman Stadium improvements at La Mirada High.
“The District has been diligent in asking for and receiving input regarding this prospective bond measure, and what our stakeholders expect from it,” said NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez.
“All funds are earmarked for classroom and school improvements as we continue with our mission to ensure Norwalk-La Mirada students are accomplished 21st century learners and are successful in college and their prospective careers.”
La Mirada High’s Brooks Will Not Return as Coach
Norwalk~Kim Brooks, the embattled head coach of La Mirada High baseball will not return as coach or athletic director, the La Mirada Blog has learned.
Brooks was recorded by a person, believed to be a student but never confirmed, on April 26th as he conducted a profanity-laced tirade at his team.
The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District released a statement this morning indicating the investigation of the incident was complete and appropriate personnel action would be taken.
The district's statement fell short however of what that action would be, citing California privacy laws.
The La Mirada Blog learned a short time later that Brooks will not return.
It is unclear at this time if Brooks will continue as a teacher at the school.
NLMUSD Board to Vote on Facilities Bond for November Ballot
Norwalk~The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education is scheduled to vote on whether to place a bond measure on the November ballot that, if passed, will provide $375 million for classroom repairs and improved instructional facilities.
The District says it surveyed more than 500 likely voters in the NLMUSD area and found that 64 percent would support a bond measure in the November 2014 election. A bond measure would need 55 percent approval to pass. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m.
072314 13:12 UPDATE: The NLMUSD Board of Education on Monday voted 6-0 to place the bond issue on the Nov. 4 election. Board member Ana Valencia was absent.
Contact Information for Upcoming La Mirada Olive Fest
The 5th Annual La Mirada Olive Fest is coming up Saturday, September 20th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at beautiful La Mirada Regional Park in La Mirada.
The event will feature live entertainment, a craft fair, food, an antique car show, kids activities and so much more.
An opportunity is available for craft vendors, businesses, and community groups to participate. Please use the contacts below if you are interested.
CRAFT VENDORS: Contact Rose at tgifestival@aol.com
ARTISTS: Contact Madeline at (562) 941-4116
COMMUNITY GROUPS: Contact Dustin at dustin.dahl@yahoo.com
BUSINESSES: Contact Dustin at dustin.dahl@yahoo.com
Public Safety Team Issues 57 Citations on July 4th
La Mirada~On July 4, the La Mirada Public Safety Team enforced fireworks regulations by canvassing the community and responding to calls for service. The Team consists of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies, along with City Public Safety and Code Enforcement Officers patrolling the City.
This year the Public Safety Team issued 57 citations for illegal fireworks violations, and one citation for a safe and sane violation. The La Mirada Community Sheriff's Station received 32 calls for service on the night of July 4 pertaining to fireworks.
In La Mirada, discharging of fireworks on City-owned property, including parks, streets and sidewalks, is prohibited. The use of "safe and sane fireworks" is only allowed on July 4 from 3 to 10 p.m.
Latest La Mirada Crime Report; Attempted Robbery on Chesire
The following is the crime report for La Mirada June 30th-July 6th, 2014:
Robbery-An attempted robbery was reported on the 14800 block of Cheshire St. The suspect fled the location before Deputies arrived. There were no injuries or loss reported. The incident remains under investigation.
Aggravated Assault-An assault was reported on the 16700 block of Knott Ave. The victim's vehicle was struck by another vehicle at the location. An assault stemming from a domestic dispute was reported on the 14800 block of Cheshire St. No injuries were reported.
Residential Burglary-A residential burglary was reported on the 14100 block of Priscilla St. A window was broken at the location. It is unknown if any items were stolen from the residence.
Vehicle Burglary-A vehicle burglary was reported on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. A vehicle burglary was reported on the 12300 block of La Mirada Blvd.
Sugar and Spice Bakery to Host Grand Opening Celebration
La Mirada~Sugar & Spice Bakery and Deli will host their Grand Opening celebration Saturday July 12th from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Free samples of Boars Head deli meat and cheeses will be available.
A free coffee mug to the first 100 customers along with free samples of their cake and cupcake flavors will be offered.
Sugar and Spice is located in the Home Depot Shopping Center at 12240 La Mirada Boulevard.
For information call (562) 947-8600, email infosugarandspicelamirada.com or visit facebook.com/cakesancupcakes.
La Mirada Group to Host Fundraiser for Children Fighting Cancer
Children fighting cancer will benefit from a fundraiser sponsored by a La Mirada group on Friday, July 18 at the Friendly Hills Country Club.
The “Reach for the Stars” event will be presented by members of From Maddi’s Closet, a nonprofit organization started nearly a decade ago after Madison Leslie Holmes lost her battle with cancer at four years of age.
Maddi’s family and friends began the organization to carry on the extraordinary spirit of generosity and compassion the young girl had shown to other children fighting cancer. Maddi had frequently befriended other children undergoing treatment, and given her own toys and clothing to those in need. She even asked her family members to go and sit with other children who were more sick, frightened or lonely when they had no family members at the hospital.
Since its early days, participation in From Maddi’s Closet has grown, and the organization has broadened its efforts to support children with cancer. The group now raises funds for pediatric cancer research. The organization also offers support to ill children and their families whose special emotional and financial needs are unmet by other assistance programs. The group provides many services – from an annual toy drive to events and activities geared for patients at CHOC and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
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