Progress - City of La Mirada

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6
Community Progress
Continues i n 2 0 1 6
City Advancements Continue in 2016
The City is looking forward to building upon recent accomplishments as it continues to provide a safe community, fix local streets
and roads, maintain the community’s high quality of life, and attract
new businesses and development.
Public Safety remains the City’s top priority. La Mirada is among
the safest cities in Los Angeles County and enjoys one of the lowest
crime rates in the region. Violent crime is down by about 15 percent
from the prior year. La Mirada’s low crime rate is due to the cooperation of the City, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and residents and volunteers.
The Fiscal Year 15-16 Budget maintains operations and services
at an appropriate level, provides for a robust capital improvement
projects schedule, and includes healthy financial reserves. Economic
indicators in the community continue to be positive as reflected by
property values growing by more than 4 percent during the past year
and area unemployment lowering to 4.1 percent. Building activity
has also increased with nearly 3,000 permits issued in 2015 compared
to 2,600 during the prior year.
A number of major capital projects were recently completed and
others are in progress. Construction on Measure I Phase 1, Foster Park
Phase IV, and the Industrial Area Street Improvements were all completed. Several traffic signal upgrades, playground replacements, and
neighborhood roadway improvements are underway.
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The City’s Community Services Department continues to offer a
variety of recreation, leisure, and social programs and events to meet
all ages and interests. The Third of July celebration was especially
well attended, and the City had the unique opportunity to partner with
Biola University and serve as a Special Olympics Host Town last
summer. The City’s aquatics, day camps, youth sports, tiny tots, and
senior programs truly offer something for everyone.
Splash! continues to have strong attendance with nearly 400,000
visitors. Buccaneer Bay will be open for the season in May. Splash!
is also a popular destination for aquatic programs, birthday parties,
company picnics, school fieldtrips, swim competitions, swimming
lessons and special camps and events.
The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts marked an outstanding season by earning 10 nominations from LA Stage Alliance.
La Mirada Theatre’s 2015-16 season is now underway with a terrific
lineup including Empire, Dreamgirls, and The Little Mermaid.
2015 was another year of progress in La Mirada. The City achieved a
number of goals set forth in the 2015 Strategic Plan and is currently developing the 2020 Strategic Plan. Public safety, infrastructure improvements, and preserving the community’s high quality of life will continue
to be priorities in 2016.
City Marks Progress with Infrastructure Enhancements
Capital improvements are underway throughout La Mirada as the
City makes improvements to streets, drainage systems, medians, park
playgrounds, and other important infrastructure. Additional projects
are scheduled to begin during the spring and summer.
“These projects continue the City’s efforts to maintain, upgrade
and improve aging infrastructure to meet current standards,” says
Public Works Director Mark Stowell.
The first phase of Measure I-funded work, which included the
rehabilitation of residential streets north of Imperial Highway, was
completed in October 2015.
The fourth and final phase of the Foster Park area street improvements is also complete. Work included complete reconstruction of
street pavement, curb and gutter, and driveway aprons. Storm drain
work included new storm drain pipe and catch basin improvements.
The contract for traffic signal upgrades at Imperial Highway and
La Mirada Boulevard, Imperial Highway and Oxford Drive and Imperial Highway and Cordova Road was recently awarded, and work will
begin soon.
New traffic signals will be installed at the intersections of La Mirada
Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue, Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes
Avenue, Imperial Highway and Ocaso Avenue, and Valley View Avenue
and Adoree Street.
The industrial area streets rehabilitation and slurry sealing of
La Mirada Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue were completed. Parking lots at Veterans Park, Windermere Park, Behringer Park North
and South, Creek Park (Stamy Road location), Neff Park, and Frontier Park were asphalt seal coated and restriped. At Neff Park, playground equipment was replaced and a new ADA accessible walkway
was constructed.
Measure I Phase 2 is under construction and work is nearing completion. The area is bounded by Alondra Boulevard, Stage Road, Biola Avenue, Rosecrans Avenue, La Mirada Boulevard, Ocaso Avenue,
Barnwall Street and Dalmatian Avenue. The project includes pavement rehabilitation, curb and gutter repairs, installation of ADA curb
access ramps, removal and replacement of slotted cross gutters, and
storm drain pipe repairs.
Design work is in process for Measure I Phase 3 and Phase 4; Telegraph Road and Imperial Highway intersection improvements; La Mirada
Boulevard at Imperial Highway and Imperial Highway at Telegraph Road
right-turn pockets; Rosecrans Avenue dual left-turn pockets at Beach Boulevard; Leffingwell Road street rehabilitation; Imperial Highway slurry
seal from La Mirada Boulevard to east City limits; Artesia Boulevard and
Industry Circle traffic signal; Alondra Boulevard and La Mirada Boulevard intersection improvements; La Mirada Boulevard corridor traffic signal upgrades; playground equipment replacement at Anna J. Martin Park,
Frontier Park, and the Community Gymnasium; Santa Gertrudes Avenue
parkway and wall improvements between Alicante Road and Rosecrans
Avenue; Green Hills and Creek Park Neighborhood slurry seal; Valley
View Avenue median nose upgrades; protected/permissive left-turn arrow on Alondra Boulevard at Stage Road/Escalona Road; Creek Park improvements master plan; Los Angeles County Library Renovation; and
Rosecrans Avenue/La Mirada Boulevard landscape improvements.
“The robust capital improvement program demonstrates the City’s
ongoing commitment to investing in La Mirada’s future,” says City Manager Jeff Boynton. “These projects will ensure La Mirada’s infrastructure
is in good working order for years to come.”
For more information on La Mirada capital improvement projects, contact the Public Works Department at (562) 902-2385.
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Visit New City Website
The City of La Mirada’s website has been upgraded and features a
new, fresh look.
The new City website provides web visitors with a user-friendly,
informative, and uniform website from which all users have the ability to access information on City programs, events, and services. The
amount of information available on the website has been expanded
and interactive components including a calendar and site search feature allow users to review information quickly. The new website is
able to detect the screen resolution of the user device and automatically respond, so site visitors are able to use a variety of different
devices to access the website.
Visit the City’s website at www.cityoflamirada.org.
La Mirada Library
Prepares for Renovations
The La Mirada County Library has temporarily relocated to the
La Mirada Resource Center so work can begin on a $4 million interior renovation.
As part of Supervisor Don Knabe’s “Operation Libraries” project,
the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is investing $45 million into the restoration of County libraries in the Fourth Supervisorial District, including $4 million to renovate the La Mirada Library.
The library has been owned and operated by the County since it
was built in 1969. As part of a recent lease agreement approved by
the County and City, the City will manage the design and construction of the project. The library will be returned to the County following completion of the work. Emar Studio for Public Architecture is
the architect on the project and Citadel CPM, Inc. is the construction
management firm.
The project will be completed in two phases, a demolition phase
and a construction phase.
Interior renovations include the reconfiguration of the library interior; modifications to the lighting, ceiling and heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning system; new carpet, paint, and service desks;
improvements to electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications infrastructure; new furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signage; and required ADA upgrades.
Other renovations include adult, teen, and children’s reading areas, a family early childhood area, self-check-out machines, customer service desk, Friends Book Sale area, staff work area and offices,
group study rooms, public access computers, Wi-Fi, library collection, displays, restrooms, and a community meeting room with an
enhanced audio-visual system.
Exterior renovations will include building entry modifications, a civic
art component, cleaning of the exterior, and associated ADA upgrades.
The temporary library is located on the lower level of the La Mirada
Resource Center, 13710 La Mirada Boulevard. The library operates at
the following hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday – noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday – Closed
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Enjoy “A Day At
The Opera” with the
La Mirada Symphony
Mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán joins the
La Mirada Symphony Sunday, February 21. Ms.
Guzmán, one of the original Associate Artists of
Los Angeles Opera, has appeared as a principal
soloist with symphonies and opera houses around
the world. The orchestra, under the direction of
Alan Mautner, will present selections from classic operas.
The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and doors open at 2 p.m. Admission is free; no reservations required. A pre-show lecture begins at 2:15 p.m. in the upstairs
lobby. A $5 per seat donation is suggested. For more information, visit
www.lamiradasymphony.com or call (562) 941-5779.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Comes to Life at
La Mirada Theatre
Phantom Projects Theatre Group presents the second show in its
2015/16 Season on February 18, with the Pulitzer Prize Winning
novel coming to life at 7 p.m. Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s
novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community. Through
courage and compassion, lawyer Atticus Finch seeks the truth, and
his feisty daughter, Scout - a young girl on the cusp of adulthood brings new hope to a neighborhood in turmoil. Tickets are $25 and
can be purchased by calling the Theatre box office at (562) 944-9801
or www.LaMiradaTheatre.com/PhantomProjects.
Spring Beautification
Program Promotes
Community Pride
The Spring Beautification program recognizes efforts of
homeowners, schools and businesses that enhance and preserve the beauty of La Mirada. Volunteer judges will be viewing homes March 14 through March 25 to identify those that
demonstrate exceptional landscaping, exterior maintenance,
and beauty. Award recipients will be honored at the La Mirada
Theatre on Monday, June 13.
Nominations for the “Most Improved” category are being accepted through March 25. Nomination forms are available at all
City facilities and online at cityoflamirada.org. Nominations
must include a description of work completed and photos showing the home before and after the improvements.
For more information, call (562) 943-7277.
E
A TRE
E
V
LO
POSTER CONTEST
The “Love a Tree” poster contest begins February 29 and is
open to all pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students in
La Mirada. Each year the City receives hundreds of submissions showcasing students’ views of what Arbor Day means to
them. Completed entries must have the child’s name, grade, and
school listed on the back of the poster and should be submitted
by March 11. All poster contest finalists will be displayed for
public view. Winners will be recognized at a City Council meeting. For more information, contact (562) 943-7277.
Buccaneer Bay Season
Passes On Sale Now
Now is a perfect time to purchase your Buccaneer Bay season pass and
receive the pre-season price of just $54 or three payments of $18. Passes are
good for the 2016 season, which begins May 16. Season pass holders can
enjoy the 2016 extended season including Saturdays in October and special
Sneak Peek sessions. Each pass includes a free “Bring a Friend” admission
ticket as well as other exclusive discounts. As always, free parking, use of
life jackets and tubes are included. Purchase your pass today!
Splash! Welcomes the
Japanese National
Swim Team
Eight swimmers from Japan recently enjoyed a visit to Southern California during the holiday season. The athletes’ trip included training in
Splash’s 50-meter pool. The group included 2012 Olympics silver and
bronze medalist Ryosuke Irie and Olympic swimmers Misaki Yamaguchi
and Aya Takane. The swimmers are expected to represent Japan at the
Olympic Games this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Achieve Your Goals in
the New Year!
Get on Board as a Splash!
Crew Member
Establish your guide to personal success by learning a new
language, musical instrument, skill or sport. Make 2016 the year
to learn something new, get active, or fine tune a skill. The complete list of class offerings is available at cityoflamirada.org, or
in the quarterly edition of the La Mirada Living newsletter.
For more information, contact (562) 943-7277.
The City of La Mirada is looking for quality team players to join the
award-winning aquatics facility. Job opportunities and descriptions are
available online at www.cityoflamirada.org and applications must be completed online by Tuesday, March 15.
Select applicants will be invited to take part in a water test. Only applicants who successfully pass the test will be considered for hire.
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Public Safety is Everyone’s Business
Volunteer with the Public Safety Team
Volunteers serve an important role in preserving La Mirada as one
of the safest communities in the region. The La Mirada Public Safety
Team offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for those interested
in serving the community.
teur radio program focuses on providing disaster communications support to
the City during an emergency. HAM Watch members conduct an on-air net
meeting each Monday at 7:00 p.m. from La Mirada City Hall. HAM Radio
license courses are offered in the surrounding area regularly.
Volunteers on Patrol (VOP)
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that teaches volunteers techniques to protect themselves, their family, and the
community from crime. Volunteers also learn to recognize and report
suspicious activity in the neighborhood, implement crime prevention
techniques such as home security and property identification, and
how to prepare for emergencies.
“HAM Watch” Amateur Radio Volunteers
HAM radio volunteers are licensed amateur radio operators who
communicate with each other using many different types of transmitting methods. Although some HAM radio groups use radio communications for leisure and personal use, the La Mirada HAM Watch ama-
Managed and operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,
volunteers are trained to patrol and act as an extra set of eyes and ears for
the Public Safety Team. Duties of VOPs include patrolling the community
and reporting criminal activity and safety hazards, conducting vacation security checks, searching for missing children, and conducting school and
park safety checks.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
La Mirada CERT volunteers go through a 20-hour all-hazards training
taught by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The CERT program is
designed to help residents protect themselves, family, and neighbors in a disaster or emergency situation. Lessons include Fire Safety, Hazardous Material and Terrorist Incidents, Disaster Medical Operations, and Search and
Rescue. CERT trainings are held regularly in the area.
For more information on volunteer opportunities with the Public Safety
Team, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
Avoid Becoming a Victim - Prevent Identity Theft
Scams and identity theft are prevalent throughout the nation. Some
local victims have reported receiving a phone call from someone asking
for their personal information. Because the caller sounded professional,
the person fell victim to the scam. It sometimes isn’t until months or
years later that victims discover their identity has been stolen.
Below are tips to help prevent identity theft:
• Obtain a copy of your current credit report at least once a year and
review for discrepancies.
• Never give out personal information, such as your social security
number or date of birth, over the Internet or phone.
• Never carry important personal documents such as your social security
card, birth certificate, or passport, unless absolutely necessary.
• Cancel and destroy all unused credit cards and keep track of current
credit cards by reviewing statements on a monthly basis.
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• Never write down your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Memorize them.
• Shred all papers containing personal information before discarding,
including bills, bank statements, receipts and credit card offers that
are pre-printed with your name.
• Password-protect and/or encrypt tablets, computers, cell phones,
flash drives and hardware of any kind that contain sensitive personal information.
If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, contact your
bank and credit card companies as soon as possible. La Mirada residents
should also contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s station at (562)
902-2960.
Report Graffiti (562) 943-1557
La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station (562) 902-2960
Pet Vaccinations and
Licensing Clinic
Latent Fingerprinting
Helps Catch Criminals
Latent fingerprint investigations serve as a tool for solving crimes
and identifying criminals.
To ensure prompt and exceptional service for residents, La Mirada
Public Safety Officers (PSOs) are trained to conduct latent fingerprint
investigations at crime scenes involving theft. Trained by the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Scientific Services Bureau,
PSOs are able to process crime scenes and use advanced techniques
to search for fingerprint and DNA evidence.
Once collected, fingerprint and DNA evidence is processed
through law enforcement databases to check for positive identifications. Positive identifications are made when latent fingerprints match
fingerprints on file from previous arrest records. If a positive identification is made, detectives are notified as the investigation continues.
The La Mirada Public Safety Team schedules latent fingerprint investigations for all calls involving property theft. If you have been
a victim of a burglary or would like more information, contact the
La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
Roof Leaks Pose Problems
During Heavy Rain
With the winter season upon us, it is important to address household repairs. A leaky roof should be the highest priority on your list.
Roof leaks can develop because of improper roof installation, excessive wind or storm damage, and lack of maintenance. Most roofs are
meant to last 20 to 30 years, so it might simply be time to replace it.
Even a small roof leak can pose health and safety risks, including
interior mold and mildew. Constant water intrusion can eventually
reach the foundation of the house, causing costly damage on the way.
A leaking roof should be repaired as soon as possible. Chronic
roof leaks lead to wood deterioration, weakened and rotten roof framing, and serious problems that require assistance from a licensed contractor. Property owners can also face expensive repairs if water leaks
down into ceiling joists and walls.
The City’s Home Improvement Program can help eligible homeowners with fixing their roofs. For more information call (562) 943-0131.
A Pet Vaccination and Licensing Clinic will be held at La Mirada
Regional Park on Thursday March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Pet owners
will have the opportunity to renew or obtain new animal licenses at
the following rates:
Altered dog.............................................................................$20
Unaltered dog.........................................................................$60
Senior Citizens-owned altered dog.....................................$7.50
Senior Citizens-owned unaltered dog....................................$60
Altered cat................................................................................$5
Unaltered cat..........................................................................$10
Pet vaccination and microchipping will be available at the following rates:
Dog Rabies...............................................................................$7
Cat Rabies................................................................................$7
Purevax for Cats (an optional/alternative Cat Rabies vaccine)...........$20
DHPP......................................................................................$19
Bordetella...............................................................................$14
FVRCP...................................................................................$18
FELV......................................................................................$21
AVID Microchips for Cats.....................................................$28
AVID Microchips for Dogs....................................................$28
Other Services:
Roundworm / Tapeworm deworming.......... (depending on weight)
Payment by cash or credit card only (additional $3 charge for
credit card) will be accepted for all veterinary services. Checks
will be accepted for licensing services. Proof of a prior Rabies
vaccine should be provided by pet owners to ensure a 3-year Rabies vaccination as opposed to a 1-year. Valid proof is a Rabies
Certificate, License Renewal Notice, or license tag. For more information regarding the Vaccination Clinic or Animal Control call
(562) 943-0131.
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City Of La Mirada, 13700 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638 www.cityoflamirada.org
La Mirada City Council
Pauline Deal, Mayor
Steve De Ruse, Mayor Pro Tem
Ed Eng, Councilmember
Lawrence P. Mowles, Councilmember
Andrew Sarega, Councilmember
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Postal Customer
La Mirada, CA 90638
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
CONCERTS &
SPECIAL EVENTS
ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN LIVE!
Feb 19, 2016 • 8pm
AARP Tax Assistance Program
Do you need assistance preparing your income tax forms? The AARP Tax Assistance Program offers trained volunteers to assist with federal and state income
tax preparation at no charge for seniors and community members with low to moderate income. The program is offered through April 15 at the La Mirada Activity
Center. The service is offered from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for seniors, and Fridays for low-income participants. Taxpayers should bring
records of income and deductions including forms W-2, W2P, and I099’s, statements showing health insurance coverage, interest and dividends, a copy of last
year’s tax return, and any other pertinent records. Walk-ins are welcome, however
appointments are recommended. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (562) 902-3160.
All That Dance • March 4
Dance the night away at All That Dance with Jim Gilman and Associates. The
traditional band plays musical favorites sure to put a smile on your face. Join us at
the Activity Center for a “Black and White Night” themed dance on Friday, March 4
from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and door prizes and refreshments will
be provided. Pre-registration is encouraged but tickets may be purchased at the door.
Ages 18 and over are welcome. For more information, call (562) 902-3160.
Celebrate Spring at
the Easter Egg Hunt
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS
THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED
Feb 20, 2016 • 8pm
(562)944-9801
w w w. La M ira d aThe at re. c o m
La Mirada will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26 from 9 to
11 a.m. at Regional Park. Bring family and friends for a morning of candy, games,
music, activities, crafts, and fun. Participants who collect specially marked eggs during the hunt can redeem them for prizes. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance and
is available for photos.
The Easter Egg Hunt is for children ages 10 and under and will begin promptly at
10:15 a.m. Hunt areas will be separated by age groups. Participants are encouraged
to gather by their designated areas 15 minutes prior to the event.
La Mirada’s Kiwanis Club will also be there serving pancakes for a nominal fee.
The Kiwanis Duck Derby will be held at Splash!, immediately following the event.
LA MIRADA UPDATE
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