Young People Use the Stage to Discuss Teen Drug/Alcohol Usage Through Performance and Open-Forum Discussion
"Out, Out Brief Candle" features all-youth cast on May 16th
La Mirada~The staggering statistics on teen drug and alcohol use will be in the spotlight on May 16th as a cast of 15 teens/young adults takes to the stage to perform and speak on a subject that effects every teen at one point in their life.
On May 16 at 10AM and 7PM, Phantom Projects Theatre Group will continue its 2012/2013 Season offering a youthful perspective and emotional support through a powerful production called Out, Out, Brief Candle at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
The newly revised drama by Bruce Gevirtzman, directed by Steve Cisneros, will be performed on May 16 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets from $7 to $20 are now available by calling 562-944-9801 or going online to phantomprojects.com.
Though a dramatic scene confronting a rape scenario featuring a teen girl was written 5 years ago, it is early reminiscent of the situation in Saratoga, CA when a 15 year-old-girl was driven to suicide last September after three teens allegedly sexually abused her while she was unconscious from alcohol at an unsupervised house party.
“Out, Out, Brief Candle is designed to help teen audiences have a healthier view of who they are and who they can become,” said Steve Cisneros, Phantom Projects’ Producing Artistic Director who founded the company in 1996 at the age of 17. “It’s drama based on real life. And because the teen cast is the same age as much of the audience, the post-show discussion is always candid.”
2013 Suburban League Swimming Finals This Week at Splash!
La Mirada~The 2013 Suburban League Swimming and Diving Finals will be held two days this week at Splash! Regional Aquatics Center in La Mirada.
Varsity and Junior Varsity boys and girls will compete attempting to qualify for the CIF-SS Swimming & Diving Ford Championships to be held in Riverside May 6-11th.
Suburban League teams competing are Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, La Mirada, and Mayfair.
For La Mirada High School, participants include Amber Cano, Taline Calindrano, Barbara Chumsatya, Teresa DeAvila, Katelyn Degener, Kiana Escobar, Madison Friend, Kendy Gandee, Diana Garcia, Alyssa Gruber, Anysa Hernandez, Marlena Huerta, Jade Jasso and Sharon Kim.
Also, Erin Klansek, Becca Maat, PJ Maddela, Evy Najarian, Meredith Orozco, Carolyn Patrick, Jillian Peart, Janet Ponce, Sydney Quick, Vanessa Ramirez, Sabrina Reyes, Kristen Rodriguez, Sydney Schrudder, Krista Seitz, Grace Spirescu, Zoe Sun and Racquel Tarango.
Boys competing for La Mirada include Trent Beauchamp-Sanchez, Conor Cardenas, Shane Chambers, Matt Frani, Randy Huang, Ross Jasso, Greg Jimenez, Evan Klansek, Timothy Koehler, Alex Laufer, Sean Lundin, Andrew Maddela and Anthony Melero.
Also, Dash Najarian, Robby Nivvo, Christian Park, Patrick Perez, Luis Perez-Garcia, Ryan Poff, Alexander Sigler, Johnny Soto, Luis Torrejon, Antonio Valdez, Armando Valencia, Dominik Vancini, Trevor VanEeckhoutte, Nathan Ventura and Stephan Williams.
Session 1 will be the preliminaries today and Session 2, the finals, are on Friday, May 3rd at Splash!
Warmups are at 2:00 p.m. both days with the meets starting at 3:00 p.m.
Weekly La Mirada Crime Report: Home on Biola Hit by Burglary
The following is the La Mirada crime report for April 15-21, 2013:
Aggravated Assault-An assault was reported on the 14500 block of San Feliciano Dr. The suspect, who is related to the victim, was taken into custody following a physical altercation.
Residential Burglary-A burglary was reported on the 14200 block of Biola Ave. Cash, jewelry, and other items were stolen from the residence.
Other Structure Burglary-An incident occurred on the 12600 block of La Mirada Blvd. Various prescription medications were stolen from the business.
Vehicle Burglary-Five vehicle burglaries were reported last week. A window smash burglary was reported on the 14300 block of Firestone Blvd. A briefcase with a tablet PC and other items were stolen from the vehicle. A third row seat was reported stolen from a SUV parked on the 14400 block of Firestone Blvd. A burglary was reported on the 15900 block of Clear Spring Dr. Cash and electronics were stolen from the vehicle. An incident was reported on the 16100 block of Rosecrans Ave. No items were taken from the vehicle, however the vehicle's ignition was damaged. A window smash burglary was reported on the 13300 block of Beach Blvd. A purse was taken in the incident.
Wide Selection of Items Affordably Priced at the Friends of the Library Book Sale
The Friends of the La Mirada Public Library (“Friends of the Library” or “FOL”) will host its next semi-annual Book Sale on Saturday, May 4, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The fundraising event will be held at the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Blvd. (behind the fire station), in the City of La Mirada.
The book sale will offer a wide selection of quality secondhand hardcover and paperback books as well as audio and video materials at bargain-basement prices. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., customers may buy bags to fill with books for only $3.00 per bag.
“We are very excited about offering a wide variety of materials to the public at low cost,” said Hal Malkin, FOL’s Ways and Means vice president. “Everyone from young readers to senior learners will find something that will appeal to them at affordable prices.”
“Out, Out, Brief Candle” to Play at La Mirada Theatre May 16th
La Mirada~The deadly consequences of teen drug and alcohol use are all too real and often times ignored.
The drug and alcohol prevention production presented by La Mirada-based theatre group Phantom Projects, “Out, Out, Brief Candle”, by former La Mirada High School teacher Bruce Gervitzman, is playing May 16th at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, bringing harsh truth to an up-close and personal level.
Audiences will relate to the real-life issues acted out on stage; they will also meet teens during the post-performance discussion that have dealt with and overcome obstacles in their own road to recovery.
Candid and deeply personal, cast members will share firsthand accounts of how drugs and alcohol can have impacted their young lives. Hear from an inspirational group of teens as they share the realities of their lives with honesty, compassion, and hope.
The production is directed by former La Mirada High School student and founder of Phantom Projects, Steve Cisneros.
10am Performances: ALL SEATS $7.00 10am field trip performances can be arranged by calling Phantom Projects at (714) 690-2900 | 7pm Performances: Adults: $20; High School Students w/ID: $12; Middle School Students w/ID: $7 | Group Discounts for groups of 15 or more. Call the Box Office for info. | Subscribe & Save! Subscriptions: See all 4 shows for just $25 | Evening tickets may be purchased online or by calling (562) 944-9801 | Visit phantomprojects.com
Weekly La Mirada Crime Report: Alicante Hit By Window Smashings
The following is the La Mirada crime report for April 8-14, 2013
Residential Burglary-A residential burglary was reported on the 15400 block of Fairhope Dr. Cash and MP3 players were stolen from the home. An incident was reported on the 13000 block of Clearwood Ave. Cash and a MP3 player were taken from the residence. Electronics were stolen from a residence while it was being fumigated on the 13200 block of Oakwood Ln.
Other Structure Burglary-A drinking fountain was reported stolen from a business on the 14500 block of Firestone Blvd.
Vehicle Burglary-Three vehicle burglaries were reported last week. Tools were stolen from a vehicle parked on the 15200 block of Alicante Rd. Two separate window-smash burglaries were reported on the 15900 block of Alicante Rd. A wallet and sweatshirt were stolen in one of the incidents.
Grand Theft-A grand theft was reported from a business on the 14400 block of Firestone Blvd. Televisions and other items were stolen from a hotel room. Copper wiring was stolen from refrigeration and air conditioning units on the 14800 block of Beach Blvd.
Get this report sent directly to your email weekly by visiting cityoflamirada.org and signing up for e-watch
REAL ESTATE: Though the Housing Market has Improved, Families Still Struggle in La Mirada
REAL ESTATE
Dear La Mirada Homeowner,
My name is Noel Jaimes, and I have called the City of La Mirada my home since 1975. I will be writing a weekly column here about La Mirada real estate in hopes of giving residents a general overview of what is happening in the real estate market each week.
I began my career in real estate when I was a student at Biola College, now Biola University. It is funny how 38 years later I still consider myself a tentmaker. Helping people buy their first home was an exciting job. Before the big financial crash of the last decade, people worked very hard and long to save 10 to 20 percent for a down payment.
I remember buying my first home after getting married and then worring about making the $690 mortgage payments. Yes, I did say $690 a monthly mortgage payments. You may be smiling and wishing that this was your current mortgage payment. But the reality is it’s a matter of perspective.
When we moved into our home there was a wonderful elderly couple living at the adjacent corner of where we lived. His name was Leonard. I can’t remember his wife’s name right now. Anyway, when I shared with him how hard it was to come up with $690 a month. He just smiled and told me that it would…. “get better.”
Of course I doubted him and he could tell by the look on my face that I did not believe him.
Leonard then proceeded to tell me how after returning from France after World War II, he bought his home on Gabbett Drive for only $7,200-brand new. His payments were $72 a month and back then he was worried, wondering how they were going to make it as newlyweds.
At the time of this conversation with Leonard I was just 27 years old, just graduated from Biola College, was working part time in real estate and full time at Ralph Grocery Company and was not able to fully swallow this tall tale by a man who is my senior by at least 50 years. So guess what Leonard did?
First, he invited me to his home. Once I was there, he walked over to a cover drawer where he removed a small box. I thought he was going to get his reading glasses. But instead he opened the box and handed me something that completely shocked me.
19th Annual Carnival Offers Tons of Fun and Opportunities for Local Groups to Raise Funds
La Mirada~A fun-filled weekend of rides, food, and entertainment is fast approaching for the 19th Annual "4 La Mirada Kids" Community Carnival to be held at Benton Middle School.
The carnival features a variety of activities for the entire family and sees over 10,000 people pass through the gates for the food, rides and entertainment.
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| Many local groups will once against perform at the 19th Annual "4 La Mirada Kids" Carnival this weekend, April 26-28. Photo Tony Aiello |
The initial concept of the carnival-to help local nonprofits and schools raise money for programs that benefit La Mirada kids-remains the same today.
Local non-profit groups including schools, sport leagues, and community organizations will be offering a variety of tasty food for sale and running game booths throughout the weekend.
You can come out and support Benton Middle School Cheer, La Mirada High School Wrestling, Band and Aquatic Boosters, Color Guard, Cross Country, and Girls League, St. Paul of the Cross, Hutchinson Middle School, La Pluma Elementary School, La Mirada Pop Warner and Bobby Sox, and Cub Scout Packs 803 and 919, among others
Exciting rides and amusements will be offered for those seeking thrills. Gentler, kid-friendly rides for younger children will also be available.
Pre-sale ride ticket books can be obtained for $10 at most La Mirada schools and the La Mirada Resource Center until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 26. Each booklet contains coupons for eight different rides, offering a substantial savings over purchasing ride tickets at the event.
Also, when you purchase your ride tickets ahead of time, a percentage of the pre-sale proceeds are returned to the local schools and organizations.
Entertainment this year will feature crowd-favorites the Squirettes, the Alohi Polynesian Dancers, and more including contests for kids. Tony Aiello, of the La Mirada Blog Media Network will be the MC for the entertainment line-up on Sunday.
The La Mirada Community Foundation sponsors the carnival to raise funds for youth groups and community organizations that provide a variety of educational, cultural and extracurricular opportunities in La Mirada.
Carnival days and hours are Friday, April 26, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, April 27, 12-11 p.m.; and Sunday, April 28, 1-6 p.m. For more information, call Community Services at (562) 943-7277.
Gaming and Entertainment at BEST Foundation Casino Night in La Mirada
La Mirada~Have a lot of fun and contribute to a great cause at Casino Night presented by the Southern California BEST Foundation.
The event will be held Saturday, April 27th at the La Mirada Volunteer Center, 11900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada
Happy hour and dinner run from 5:30-7:00, followed by gaming, raffles, and a live auction from 7-11 p.m.
The cost is $40 or $75 per couple and includes gaming chips, dinner and entertainment.
All proceeds to support the Southern California Best Foundation Scholarship Fund.
Now in its eighth year of operation, BEST (Business, Education, Scholarship, Training) has presented over $25,000 to local high school students.
Its partners include The La Mirada High School Business Academy, the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce, and the La Mirada business community and service groups,
Checks and credit cards accepted and sponsorships are available.
For more information contact Mimi Frick at (562) 943-3177 or (562) 458-9650.
See you this Saturday night for Casino Night in La Mirada!
REVIEW: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at La Mirada Theatre
La Mirada~Hand clapping and foot-stomping fun, along with a lot of hootin’ & hollerin’ is exactly what we experienced at The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts this past Friday evening.
Set in 1850’s Oregon wilderness, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS-directed by Glenn Casale-was absolutely sensational with the costuming right on target.
We have not had this much fun at a theatre house in a very long time and the energy emanating was amazingly electric.
The music was superb and the choreography by Patti Columbo, which was assisted by Karl Warden, was outstanding, with the stage version being perhaps a little more risqué than the original MGM movie.
One of our female reviewers commented, “It was nice to see half-naked men on the stage for once, instead of half-naked women.”
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| The company of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, directed by Glenn Casale and now playing at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. |
We’re not quite sure where she was going with that comment, but we digress.
If you’re a sucker for true love in all its meaning then we highly recommend you take a night off from the norm, and be prepared to be entertained in the areas of love and humor, and by some show-stopping dancing and one heck of a talented team of actors.
Brides and Brothers is now playing through May 5th with Mondays and Tuesdays being dark and matinees on weekends.
Tickets range from $20-$70 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, or by calling the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310. Student, Senior, Children and group discounts are available.
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