thursdays 6:30 pm through august 28 la mirada regional park

J U LY 2 0 1 4
Buccaneer Bay Open Daily!
Special Hours for Family Friday Nights
Buccaneer Bay open from 3 - 8 p.m.
THURSDAYS 6:30 P.M. THROUGH AUGUST 28
LA MIRADA REGIONAL PARK
Purchase tickets now
at (562) 944-9801 or
LaMiradaTheatre.com
Adopted Budget Sets Focus on
Public Safety and Capital Improvements
The La Mirada City Council recently approved the City’s budget for
Fiscal Year 2014-15. The budget was developed using the City’s conservative approach to revenue forecasting and prudent fiscal management.
Over the past several years, the City has operated with reduced staffing and spending cuts while keeping public safety as the top priority. Basic services are now delivered with a lean workforce, which has been reduced by more than 30 percent over the past six years. The City reduced
hourly employees by a similar amount over this time. Additionally, the
use of contractors to provide services has also increased in recent years.
The City’s General Fund operating revenues are projected at $37,106,483
and expenditures are budgeted at $29,159,172 excluding transfers.
Robust Capital Improvements Schedule
Public Safety Remains Top Priority
Public Safety continues to be La Mirada’s top priority. Public Safety
will receive $8,045,140 for general law enforcement services, the Community Sheriff’s Station, probation and district attorney services, emergency preparedness, code enforcement, and Neighborhood Watch and
other public safety volunteer programs.
The budget allocates $24,301,000 for capital improvements and repairs. These projects will be funded through the General Fund, Measure I sales tax revenue, bond proceeds and other federal, state and local
funds. Of this total, $4,000,000 is provided by the General Fund and
$8,125,000 from Measure I.
Some $18,294,000 is set for streets, sidewalks, and storm drains,
including $8,125,000 for Measure I residential street improvements,
$2,565,000 to complete the final phase of Foster Park area street improvements, and $1,560,000 for slurry sealing of Hillsborough Drive,
La Mirada Boulevard, and Rosecrans and Santa Gertrudes Avenues.
Streets in the industrial area, which receive heavy truck and commercial
vehicle traffic, will receive $3,400,000 for improvements using former
Redevelopment Agency bond proceeds.
Parks and recreation will receive $801,000 for new playground equipment
and sports court repairs at Neff, Anna J. Martin, and Frontier Parks. Some
$230,000 will also be spent to complete projects at the historic Neff Estate.
Public Works
The Public Works Department will receive $6,091,100 to maintain
the City’s parks, recreational areas, parkways, medians, public buildings,
equipment, and facilities. This department will also coordinate and manage the City’s capital improvement projects.
Administration & Support
Community Services
The Community Services Department will receive $4,964,133 to
serve La Mirada’s recreational, leisure, and social needs. The Department enhances the quality of life for La Mirada residents through community events, contract classes, youth sports, gymnasium programs, senior services, and social services. Other programs include counseling,
youth employment, home-bound meal delivery, and programs designed
to assist residents with special needs.
La Mirada Theatre
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts will receive
$4,815,980. A substantial portion of this funding is recovered from
ticket sales and facility rentals. The upcoming 2014-15 McCoy Rigby
Entertainment Series builds upon the success of recent years and offers
outstanding stage plays and musical productions.
2
This budget funds several departments and citywide support services
with $3,254,022 for City administration, finance, community development, human resources, risk management, and information technology.
Community Development
The Community Development Department will receive $1,007,539
for planning and building services, and housing programs. With the
gradually improving economy, the number of projects reviewed and
building permit activity has grown in recent years.
Legislative
Some $754,603 is budgeted for legislative and policy responsibilities,
all citizen commissions and advisory councils, City Attorney services,
City Clerk’s office, elections, and intergovernmental activities.
Copies of the City’s 2014-15 fiscal year budget are available for public review at La Mirada City Hall or online at cityoflamirada.org.
City Receives Financial
Reporting Award
Nathan Decker, Nicholas Pattison, Adrian Visaiz, Ryan Cooper, and Abigail Carlson
Foundation Awards Scholarships
for Volunteerism and Service
Since 2005, the La Mirada Community Foundation has promoted higher education by offering community service scholarships to graduating high school
seniors living in La Mirada.
The Foundation awards up to $1,000 community service scholarships to
students who have demonstrated extensive volunteerism and leadership within
the community, and have applied to an accredited college or trade school. The
Foundation also awards vocational scholarships to students who are enrolled
in a vocational training program or trade school.
This year, the Foundation selected Elvia Cabrera, Abigail Carlson, Nathan
Decker, Nicholas Pattison, and Adrian Visaiz for the Bob Jenkins Community Service Scholarship, and Ryan Cooper for the Ray Haugh Vocational Scholarship.
The City has been awarded the Certificate
of Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and
Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report. The award is the highest form
of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and
financial reporting.
This is the 25th consecutive year the City has received
this distinguished award.
July is Parks and
Recreation Month
La Mirada values the importance of parks and recreation for a strong community. The City of La Mirada offers
a wide variety of programs and special events to meet all
interests, including: dance, sports, fitness classes, concerts,
swimming, day camp, music, and arts and crafts. Have a
great time in your parks this summer!
La Mirada Named Host Town
for 2015 Special Olympics
La Mirada has been selected to serve as a host town
for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los
Angeles. The City will host about 100 athletes for
three days from July 21 to 24, 2015, prior to the start
of the Special Olympics, which runs from July 25 to
August 2.
The City will be partnering with Biola University,
which has offered to provide food and housing for the
athletes on campus. Athletes will be able to train at
various City facilities and attend community activities
with their coaches.
The 2015 Special Olympics World Games will
be among the largest events held in the Los Angeles
area since the 1984 Olympic Games. About 7,000 athletes from more than 170
countries will compete in 25 sports during the event. More than half a million
spectators are expected to attend the games. Opening ceremonies will take
place July 25, 2015 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
La Mirada is one of about 100 host towns located in Southern California
that have been selected to host Special Olympics athletes prior to the games.
Host towns play an important role during the Special Olympics by welcoming
athletes from around the world to Southern California, introducing them to the
community, taking part in local activities, and providing places to practice and
prepare for the games.
Last Chance to Buy
Vintage Street Signs
Time is running out for those looking to own a piece of
La Mirada history. La Mirada’s vintage residential street
signs can be purchased for only $25 each.
The brown and cream colored residential street signs,
which were replaced a few years ago, are a great piece of
La Mirada memorabilia. Hundreds of signs have already
been sold. Collectors most frequently purchase signs from
streets where they, their family members, and friends have
lived.
Street signs will only be available until August 31. Proceeds are received by the La Mirada Community Foundation.
A list of street signs available for purchase can be found
on the City’s website at cityoflamirada.org. For more information or to purchase a sign, call (562) 943-7277.
3
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Soars to Box Office and Artistic Success
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts continues to earn critical acclaim and achieve box office success. Record total sales of over $2.9
million were reached for this season’s Broadway-style productions. More
than 63,000 patrons attended the McCoy Rigby Entertainment series. The
Theatre grossed over $3.4 million for all presentations and productions.
Les Miserables became the highest grossing show in the 37 year history
of the La Mirada Theatre. The production grossed over $1.1 million at the
box office during its May 30 through June 22 run. It is the first time a single
show has surpassed the million dollar sales mark at the La Mirada Theatre.
Cats, which ran just prior to Les Miserables, from April 18 to May 11,
was also a major success, earning over $800,000 at the box office. The
production drew more than 22,000 patrons to the Theatre during its run
and received excellent reviews from the theatre community.
Both productions strengthened La Mirada Theatre’s standing for
bringing high-quality productions of some of the best Broadway shows
to the local level.
“This year’s decision to offer two musicals, back-to-back, in one
season, turned out to be a huge success for us,” said Theatre Director
Brian Kite. “We are all so pleased that the La Mirada Theatre continues to connect with audiences from throughout Southern California at
such a high level.”
La Mirada Theatre’s stage is set for another outstanding season in
2014-15. The McCoy Rigby Entertainment lineup of shows includes:
Good People, Sept. 19 – Oct. 12; Late Nite Catechism Las Vegas: Sister
Rolls the Dice, Oct. 24 – Nov. 16; Billy Elliot The Musical, Jan. 16 –
Feb. 8; Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: A Musical, Apr. 17 – May 10;
Mary Poppins, May 29 – Jun. 21; and Carrie the Musical, Mar. 12 – Apr.
5. In addition, two performances by six-time Grammy Award-winning
singer Amy Grant will be held on May 23.
Subscriptions are available by calling (562) 944-9901 or visiting
lamiradatheatre.com.
Capital Projects Continue
A number of street improvement projects are underway and several more are
scheduled to begin construction by the end of summer. These projects build
upon the City’s efforts to upgrade its infrastructure to meet modern development standards.
The Valley View Grade Separation project remains on track to be completed
by early fall. The Imperial Highway median and streetscape improvements are
making significant progress and are scheduled for completion by November. The
new bikeway along Coyote Creek is also moving forward.
The first phase of Measure I work in the neighborhoods north of Imperial
Highway and the final phase of street improvements in the Foster Park neighborhood will begin construction this summer. Slurry seal and restriping on Santa
Gertrudes Avenue and Hillsborough Drive will also be underway soon.
Visit cityoflamirada.org or call (562) 902-2385 for more information on
these projects.
4
Buccaneer Bay
Open Daily!
Join the fun in Buccaneer Bay this summer, now open daily through
September 1 and weekends through September 28. Season passes offer
the best value. Take advantage of the easy payment option and spread the
payment over three months. Each pass includes unlimited admission for
the season, a free “bring a friend” one day admission ticket, a free Chickfil-A sandwich, and other offers and discounts.
Choose to soar down the 25 foot tall waterslides, float in the lazy river, or splash through the spray areas. Smaller children will enjoy the play
structure and toddler pirated slide located in the Neverland Splash Zone.
Splash is a great location for end of summer celebrations and parties.
Call to book your event today!
Family Friday Nights
Make a splash in Buccaneer Bay Friday nights from 3 to 8 p.m.
through August 22. Admission is just $13.95 per person for all
ages or free to season pass holders.
To purchase tickets, season passes or for more information
visit splashlamirada.com or call (562) 902-3191.
Splash! Family Camp
Bring the family, your tent and a sleeping bag, and be ready for a fun
adventure at the annual Splash! Family Camp in Buccaneer Bay. Your
adventure includes swimming, dinner, breakfast, and traditional camp activities for the whole family. Camp will take place Friday, August 22 at
4 p.m. through noon on Saturday, August 23.
Admission
Regular / Season pass holder
General $36 / $29
Jr (under 48”) $29 / $24
Sr (age 60+)
$29 / $24
Swimming Lessons
Save Lives!
Family Swim in Movies
Movies are held on Sunday’s from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. See
what happens when we combine a warm summer night and a
poolside movie. The cost is $6 per person and season pass holders receive free popcorn.
July 27
August 10
August 24
Despicable Me 2
The Lego Movie
Frozen *Special encore presentation
More than 300 children recently participated in the World’s Largest
Swim Lesson at Splash! with four time Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist Janet Evans. The event was created to send the message, “Swimming
Lessons Save Lives!”
Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for
children ages 1 to 5. Research shows the risk of drowning can be reduced
by 88 percent when children participate in formal swimming lessons.
Now is the time to get started and be safe in and around the water.
Swim lessons for all ages and swimming levels are offered year-round at
Splash!
Lend a Hand to Others
A great way to make a difference in the community is by volunteering
with the City’s Helping Hands program. The program provides an opportunity to assist seniors and others in need of assistance with gardening and
minor home repairs. The program is held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the
last Saturday of every month with the exception of holidays.
If you are interested in volunteering or receiving assistance from the
Helping Hands program, contact the Activity Center at (562) 902-3160.
5
Spring Beautification
Winners Honored
Winners and honorees of the 2014 Spring Beautification Program
were recognized during an awards ceremony in June at the La Mirada
Theatre for the Performing Arts. Now celebrating its 54th year, the
Spring Beautification Program recognizes the efforts of residents and
businesses to keep La Mirada beautiful through maintenance and enhancement of their homes and workplaces.
Within each of the 13 residential areas, volunteer judges selected 20
honorees and one most outstanding winner. In addition to neighborhoods, apartments/condominiums, houses of worship/schools, and business/professional buildings were also judged. Each property is judged for
the pride and creativity shown in relation to the neighborhood.
Overall, 254 properties from throughout La Mirada were honored
for outstanding property maintenance efforts.
2014 Most Outstanding Properties
Behringer
Alfredo & Mirella Gutierrez..................... 14830 Mercado Avenue
Biola
Joseph Comstock & Walter Sateikis..... 14811 Greenworth Drive
Creek Park
Anne Mendoza......................................... 15684 Yellowbrook Lane
Considering Home
Improvements?
Get a Permit First
Residents considering making home improvements should check with
the City of La Mirada’s Community Development Department early in
the process to determine if a permit is needed for the work. Neglecting
the planning approval and building permit process can result in safety
and legal issues. Homes with unpermitted work can potentially complicate an otherwise standard property sale and reduce the value of the
property.
Projects involving any structural changes to buildings, driveways,
and/or walls and fences will likely need a permit and planning approval.
In addition to popular kitchen and bath remodels and room additions,
permits are needed for replacing windows, light switches and electrical
outlets, and plumbing fixtures.
Hiring a licensed contractor for remodeling work is recommended.
Licensed contractors are generally able to navigate the building permit
process, understand forms that must be completed, and will be present
for the required inspections.
If you have questions as to whether your home improvement project
requires a building permit, contact the City’s Planning Division at (562)
943-0131 or visit City Hall.
Escalona
Mark & Jennifer Medlin........................... 15503 San Ardo Circle
Foster Park
Tammy Brookhart.................................... 14003 Gladeside Drive
Gardenhill
Robert & Susanna Feller......................... 14307 Bridgewood Drive
Green Hills
Danny & Shelia Haile............................... 12852 Larrylyn Drive
Hillsborough
Bong Kim.................................................. 16515 Blackburn Drive
La Pluma
Jorge & Isabel Hernandez...................... 15541 Pastrana Drive
Neff Park
Elaine Booth............................................. 14566 Cortina Drive
North La Mirada
Brian & Melanie Sullivan......................... 11704 Toerge Drive
Windermere
Lambi & Tamara Eliopoulos.................... 15713 Elmbrook Drive
Apartments/Condominiums
La Mirada Vistas....................................... 14129 Adoree Street
Mobile Homes
Donna McLellan........................................ 12703 Lake Park Way
Houses of Worship/Schools
Granada Heights Friends Church........... 11818 La Mirada Blvd.
Businesses/Professional Buildings
Walgreens................................................. 14210 Imperial Highway
6
Pet Regulations at
City Parks
The summer months are an ideal time for pet owners to take their pets
on walks in La Mirada’s parks. Park patrons are reminded to follow all
posted regulations and to pick up after their animals and keep their dogs
on a leash. Los Angeles County Animal Control Officers will be visiting
parks this summer to remind pet owners about these regulations.
Public Safety is Everyone’s Business
Report Graffiti (562) 943-1557
La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station (562) 902-2960
Neighborhood
Emergency Preparedness
Program Offered
Are you and your neighbors prepared for a disaster? Creating a neighborhood disaster preparedness plan can safeguard your
family, neighbors, and property, while strengthening and unifying
your neighborhood.
The City has launched the Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) to organize and educate neighborhoods to
handle all types of emergencies. The project uses a community
approach to engage and mobilize small neighborhood teams to be
self-sufficient following an emergency or large-scale disaster.
La Mirada NEPP will train residents how to develop and implement a neighborhood emergency plan in response to a variety of
emergencies and disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, and blackouts.
Emergency Preparedness information for neighborhoods will
be held at these locations and dates:
Frontier Park
Sat., Aug. 16 at 9 a.m.
Neff Park
Sat., Aug. 30 at 9 a.m.
Heights Christian Elementary
(12200 Oxford Dr.)
Wed., Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.
Neighbors from apartment communities, churches, neighborhoods, retirement and active living communities, and home owners associations are invited to attend.
For more information, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
Night Out Against Crime
August 7
The Public Safety Team will
host its annual National Night
Out event on Thursday, August 7,
from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at La Mirada
Regional Park. The event will be
held in conjunction with the City’s
Concerts Under the Stars event.
National Night Out brings residents and law enforcement together to heighten crime and drug prevention and build participation in
anti-crime programs.
Representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, La Mirada Public Safety Team, and Neighborhood Watch program will be in attendance. Free kid printing will also be available.
For more information, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Department at (562) 902-2960.
P.A.R.K. Program Offers
Safety Activities
A Summer Safety series for youth is being offered at the City’s
Positive Alternatives and Recreation for Kids (P.A.R.K.) program.
Safety presentations will be given by several public safety agencies
including the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, and Animal
Care and Control.
The safety activities will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. every Thursday through August 28 at the following sites:
• July 31
Gardenhill Park • August 7 Frontier Park • August 14
Windermere Park • August 21 Gardenhill Park • August 28
Frontier Park P.A.R.K. is a free drop-in recreation program offered by the
City. The program offers participants a variety of activities such as
the reading club, homework club, science workshops, sports tournaments, crafts, and cooking classes. During the summer months,
the P.A.R.K. program is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
“Like” to Get Instant
Updates on Facebook!
facebook.com/LaMiradaPublicSafety
City Of La Mirada, 13700 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638 www.cityoflamirada.org
La Mirada City Council
Lawrence P. Mowles, Mayor
Pauline Deal, Mayor Pro Tem
Steve De Ruse, Councilmember
Steve Jones, Councilmember
Andrew Sarega, Councilmember
PRSTRT STD
ecrwss
U.S. Postage
Postal Customer
La Mirada, CA 90638
PAID
Whittier, CA
Permit No. 2452
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Enjoy a great lineup of summer concerts. Bring your family and
friends for a wonderful night under the stars every Thursday through
August 28 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy food, music, and free children’s activities while you relax on your blanket or lawn chair. Free children’s
activities will also be provided. The Stroll in the Park concert will be
held Thursday, July 31 at Creek Park.
July 31
Stroll in the Park at Creek Park
Kulayd
Doo Wop and Disco
Tom Nolan Band
Motown
La Palabra
Latin Jazz
August 7
“National Night Out”
DSB
Journey Tribute
August 14 The Kelly Rae Band
Country
August 21
80’s Rock
Neon Nation
August 28 “Volunteer Recognition Concert”
Cold Duck
R&B and Latin
All That Dance
Friday, September 5
Visit the La Mirada Activity Center with a night of dancing and
live entertainment by “Jim Gilman & Associates.” Seniors are invited to line dance, tango, ballroom, and do the twist from 7 to 10
p.m. on Friday, September 5. Light refreshments and door prizes are
included with the $5 entrance fee.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling
(562) 902-3160.
Visit the City’s web site at www.cityoflamirada.org and sign up for La Mirada E-News.