Crime in La Mirada falls 37% in November from previous year

Crimes reported in La Mirada continue to show a dramatic decrease, falling 37% in the month of November compared to the same month in 2018.

65 Part One crimes were recorded last month in the city, down from the 103 reported to sheriff's deputies in November 2018.

Data made available today by the Sheriff's Department is also showing crime for the first 11 months of the year off 15% compared to the same period in 2018 dropping from 854 to 726.

La Mirada is on course to record its third-lowest rate of crime in the past three decades if the current trend extends through December.

That trend is showing the number of incidents being reported to sheriff's officials is falling more as each month passes through most of 2019. At the end of October, the crime rate was down 12% widening to 15% as of November 30.

Part One crime data is collected by the FBI from police agencies across the nation and consists of violent and theft of property crimes. The data is commonly used to compare year-to-year trends as well as city-to-city.

Professor who accused Virginia Lt. Gov of sex assault seeks local Assembly seat

Vanessa Tyson (from APNews)

A Whittier college professor who accused Virginia's lieutenant governor of sexual assault in February has publicly announced that she is one of the nine candidates seeking the open 57th District Assembly seat in March 2020. 

Vanessa Tyson, 42, a Democrat, made news headlines across the nation during the height of the #metoo controversy after she accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of forcing her to engage in oral sex during the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004. 

Tyson claimed cited a repressed memory of the event as the reason she reported it close to 15 years later. Fairfax has denied the accusation.

Tyson, who teaches political science champions women's rights, the environment and affordable housing on her platform.

Also on the March 3, 2020 ballot for the 57th Assembly District are:

Democrats:

Josue Alvarado-  A Whittier city councilmember

Dora D. Sandoval- A Little Lake School District board member

Oscar Valladares-  Rio Hondo College Dist, trustee

Gary Mendez- Also a Rio Hondo College Dist. trustee

Lisa Calderon- A businesswoman

Sylvia Rubio- A businesswoman

Primo Castro- A cancer patient advocate

Jessica Martinez, an educator is the sole Republican on the ballot.

The 57th District seat became an open one after Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon announced last month he was not going to seek re-election in order to spend more time with family. 

The 57th District covers an area that extends from La Puente and into Hacienda Heights and over the hill to include La Mirada, Whittier, and Norwalk.

Larry Mowles not seeking third term in upcoming election that starts off controversial

Dec. 30  Editor's Note:  La Mirada News reported in error that 5th District candidate Anthony Otero had completed a course of study to the level of a Master's Degree when in fact he has earned a Doctorate.


Seven candidates including two incumbents have filed nomination papers to fill three council district seats up for election in March and a familiar name to many La Mirada residents will not be among those on local ballots.

After two decades of service to the city including two terms on the city council, Larry Mowles will not be seeking a third term when voters in three of the five council districts cast ballots next March.

Mowles, a founding member of the La Mirada Community Foundation in 1999, and from 2000 until 2007 was the foundation's president while at the same time serving as an appointed member of the La Mirada Community Services Commission.

Councilmember Mowles was appointed to the Public Safety Commission in May 2007 followed by an appointment to the La Mirada Planning Commission in May 2009 where he served until winning election to his first city council term in March 2011.

Expect a standing-room-only crowd the night of Larry Mowles last meeting as well as a long list of well-wishers. No city does this better than La Mirada does.

District 3

In District 3, real estate agent and tax preparer John Accornero is challenging incumbent Ed Eng for the east side council seat.

Accornero is an agent with Keller Williams Realty in East Whittier has not released a platform to this date, states he is in the process of putting one together that will debut soon.

Ed Eng

Eng is the Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Economy and Efficiency Commission which acts as an independent advisory group to the Board of Supervisors. The commission reviews the many facets of how the largest county in the United States functions internally including its policies, management, and operations of its varied departments and commissions.   

Eng is running on a platform that places public safety and fiscal prudence as his top priorities and emphasizes his years of service to the community. 

District 5

District 5, which winds south from Leffingwell Rd. through the center of La Mirada and then west to include a neighborhood just south of Biola University has three candidates competing for the only open seat in the March city election.

Matthew Morse appointed to the Planning Commission in February is running on a platform that focuses on housing density, city infrastructure, attracting more local businesses and is critical of the state of La Mirada youth sports. Morse has a Master's Degree in Intercultural Studies from Biola and is volunteers his time to youth soccer.

Anthony Otero

Anthony Otero, a police lieutenant with 23 years of law enforcement experience and former marine. possesses a Master's Degree in Executive Leadership from USC and has now completed studies that have earned him a Doctorate.

Otero's platform promotes maintaining a safe community with a strong public safety program, fiscal responsibility, pro-business environment, and strong youth development programs. 

Noel Jaimes is also seeking the 5th district seat, is a current La Mirada Chamber of Commerce board member and has been involved in area politics and community organizations for several decades. 

La Mirada News has not seen a platform for Jaimes who states a website should launch shortly and will include one.

District 4

A newcomer to local politics will take on incumbent Mayor Steve De Ruse in the 4th district which covers neighborhoods in the southwest part of La Mirada.

Mayor De Ruse spent more than a decade leading a La Mirada church congregation before assuming the same role at Artesia Baptist Church where he is a senior pastor. In addition to his duties as a pastor, he represents the city on nine regional agencies and is actively involved in many local organizations and attends most local events.

Steve De Ruse

Mayor De Ruse was first elected to the council in 2011 and is seeking a third term citing his record of proven leadership and commitment to ethical government. Prior to becoming a council member, he served on the Community Services Commission and the La Mirada Clergy Panel from 2001 to 2010.

Looking to unseat the incumbent is Jackie Fowler, the owner of a local preschool. 

Fowler has provided very little information about herself, however, her candidacy and that of Matthew Morse in the 5th district have combined to create a stir partly due to the similar design and positions staked within each candidate's platform and how closely they mirror the opinions of Councilmember Andrew Sarega.

Several sources that have chosen to remain anonymous state the Fowler and Morse candidacies appear to be in retaliation in response to years of tension on the council that has pitted Sarega against Mayor De Ruse and council member Ed Eng.  

The same unnamed sources also point out the platforms contain a number of key statements that are not rooted in fact including claims by both Matthew Morse and Jackie Fowler that the city voted to kick the La Mirada Soccer Association off from city fields with only a week before the beginning of the season last August.

La Mirada News has verified that it was the La Mirada Athletic Council, a self-governing board comprised of delegates from each sports league using city fields including LMSA that was responsible for making the untimely vote to remove LMSA after years of rule violations and not City Hall.

LMSA went before an appeals board that was comprised of Mayor De Ruse, Mayor Pro-Tem John Lewis, and LMAC President Scott Anderson who voted unanimously to overturn the decision restoring the soccer season for LMSA players. 

In early January La Mirada News will look further into the claims being made in all of the candidates' platforms while giving all interested parties a chance to clarify their positions on these or any other relevant issues.

Gardenhill School named a California Distinguished School

Gardenhill Elementary Schoool was named as one of California's distinguished schools for  2020 by the California Department of Education on Wednesday in recognition of its outstanding programs and practices 

Gardenhill is one of 323 elementary schools to receive the annual honor that is awarded for closing the achievement gap and exceptional student performance.

Gardenhill Principal Sarah Gilbert notes in a message on the school's webpage that students are immersed in STEM education and are using up-to-date technology in everyday classroom instruction. 

Other nearby schools receiving the honor include Emery Elementary School in the Los Coyotes area of northern Buena Park, Mulberry Elementary in South Whittier, and Julia B. Morrison Elementary in Norwalk.

Community News Dec 5 Chili Holiday this Saturday and La Mirada Theatre a sale on Threatre tickets

The community is invited to attend the City of La Mirada annual Chili Holiday on Saturday, December 7th from 5pm to 8pm at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center behind City Hall.




(Video of an earlier Chili Holiday from City of La Mirada YouTube)

There will be live entertainment featuring local school children singing, snow sledding, rides aboard a holiday train, holiday crafts complimentary hot dogs, warm beverages and chili and culminating in a tree-lighting ceremony.

Attendees are urged to bring an unwrapped toy for a needy boy or girl in the community. 

Wreaths that have been donated by local businesses and non-profit organizations will be auctioned off to raise funds for the La Mirada Community Foundation. The Foundation now entering its 21st year raises money to benefit a number of local services including Meals on Wheels, sports, and senior groups, provides funding for college scholarships and more.

For further information about this event please contact La Mirada Community Services at (562) 943-7277

La Mirada Theater online ticket sale

This week only through Friday, the La Mirada Theatre of the Performing Arts is getting in the holiday spirit by holding an online ticket Cyber Sale and is offering tickets at 35% off for a large number of shows appearing at the theatre though June. 

The offer includes a number of shows in the upcoming three Broadway Series performances from McCoy/Rigsby Entertainment.

The sale which ends on Friday, December 6th offers a discount on a good selection of show dates. Premiere seating has been excluded from the sale and the discount cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. The offer code 2019CYBER should be entered before selecting any seats for purchase.

Dates and shows that have discounted seats as well as where online purchases can be made and show information can be seen at this special highlighted link. Click here.

You must act quickly. The sale ends tomorrow

Thanksgiving Day trash, street sweeping and city facility schedule changes

Holiday trash collection/street sweeping/city service schedule changes

La Mirada- Changes are being made to trash collection dates, street sweeping, and other city services in order to accommodate the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Edco will not collect trash on Thanksgiving Day in order to give their employees the day off.

La Mirada customers that normally have trash collected on Thursday will instead see service on Friday, and customers that normally have pick-up on Friday will have a Saturday collection this week.

City Hall and other city facilities except for Splash! will be closed on both Thanksgiving Day and the following day Friday, Nov. 29.

Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatic Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, then reopen the following day, Friday, Nov. 29 from 7 a.m. until noon.

The city has also announced there will be no street sweeping on residential streets on both Thanksgiving Day, Nov 28 and the following day Friday, Nov. 29. 

Commentary: The status of La Mirada's homeless Part 1 Stumbling across a camp that right under the nose of commuters

Originally posted with only minor changes on Facebook Mon. Nov. 18

Just feet into  Orange County a camp is located
under this Beach Blvd gateway marker.
(La MIrada News photos)

News media coverage of homeless encampments at Parnell Park and Leffingwell Ranch Park in East Whittier many local residents are fearful that the problem could take hold here too.

Who could blame residents here from being anxious after seeing images on Channel 4 of a tent city in a city park, a disheveled and belligerent woman lashing out at a news photographer, or a man that allegedly struck a school principal urinating in public as examples of what is taking place daily just a mile outside their city?  

After taking a close look across the city that totaled close to eight hours over a three-day period I feel comfortable saying as Whittier has seen the problem grow over the past year, La Mirada has experienced due to a team effort approach.

I welcome your comments and observations.  Your voice is important.  This is your community.

The first stop on the homeless tour was to be the Coyote Creek flood control, but as I walked towards to access the location I stumbled upon the camp that was pictured in a post early this morning that is right next to the sidewalk along the west side of Beach Bl. south of Rosecrans Av. just outside the city limits. 

Underneath the Buena Park gateway marker within two feet of the pedestrian walkway and less than ten feet of the road, I found a camp that was more elaborate than most featuring many of the comforts of home including electricity, a heater and my personal favorite, a microwave oven. 

The camp takes advantage of four separate and spread out electrical outlets attached to the ground that was easily popped open enabling the maze of electrical extension cords that was observed stretching around the campsite. 

While it's hard to say when the camp was established, I can guess based on the sophistication and the wear on the landscaping that this did not just pop up in recent days or weeks. 

You can point your fingers in the direction of Buena Park City Hall on this one. 

Coming up Part 2: What I found in La Mirada. Here's a spoiler: I was very happy with what I found.

Commentary: Why my visit to an illegal weed shop called 'Dank Dairy' Stank

Dank Dairy on Nov 3, 2019. A LMNews photo

It's no longer a surprise anytime I learn that an illegal weed shop has popped up in the unincorporated areas of Whittier near La Mirada while at the same time remaining amazed at how they open and operate just under the radar.

I was a bit surprised to learn that one has been operating for a month or two no more than 100 feet beyond the city line at a place I drive past regularly.  I had no idea that an even bigger surprise would greet me once I arrived to check out the location.

After moving out of the former Electra Burger site at Leffingwell  Rd. and Corley Dr., Organic Solutions has opened up shop in the old closed-up drive-thru dairy at Imperial Hwy. and Meyer Rd. and is now calling itself the Dank Dairy.

I arrived at this place just before 11 a.m. today and despite it being a perfect location for such an operation I found myself wondering if the information I had verified on Weedmaps had been bogus because there were no cars around and not a soul in sight.

Not to worry, it was very clear just seconds later that Weedmaps is still the leading resource for cannabis users. 

In the time it took to grab my camera a man in a car blasting thumping 'Banda' music parked right behind me in front of a row of well-maintained homes and church on Loma Dr. No more than a minute a shiny newer model BMW stopped on the opposite of the street near the old dairy a few feet from the curb.

Without a hint of shame, the fan of Banda music got out of his car and walked up to the BMW getting into the rear seat and with the car door still open began conducting what was clearly a drug transaction right in front of me as I stood just 40-feet away with a camera clearly in my hands. No more than a minute later both men drove off in their own cars.

No longer focused on the likely drug transaction that just went down I have now focused again on the old dairy and discover several cars are now parked and more are arriving and even more, people are coming to buy a quart of milk on foot. No less than a dozen people were seen coming and going in less than ten minutes. Business was so good it difficult finding a lull in activity so I could snap a few photos that did not show an image of any customers coming or going.

It's not hard to imagine why operators run the risk of a fine and the loss of their inventory once or twice a year in a raid with all this demand. This place is a gold mine. 

Just as I was about to depart I got a better idea of how attached the operators of the Dank Dairy must be to all the tax-free cash when a man emerged from the fenced-off area where the entry door is located and began to intimidate and ultimately make threats regarding my presence.

As I calmly walked off, I got a bit of a kick by the man declaring that I was violating the law and he would call the police if I took his picture without permission.  

Isn't that ironic?  

And to think that this was just intended to be a photo and a paragraph or two about five raids Sheriff's detectives have done in the past month on weed stores in the area last month and that two shops that were already on the Sheriff's Departments radar had relocated.

Now it's quite clear why cannabis stores need to be zoned, permitted, and held accountable for the ill effects they have in the neighborhoods they operate in.

Based on my experience over just ten minutes, Dank Dairy needs to be the first to go.

78 cars impounded in recent street racing crackdown

Industry Ca.-  La Mirada deputies participated in a multi-agency task force crackdown on rampant street racing and intersection takeovers in the area last weekend resulting in several arrests and 30-day impounds on 78 vehicles mostly belonging to spectators.

Please click the link for the rest of the story on the La Mirada News Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/LaMiradaNews/photos/a.492560434572027/700773817084020/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC_PSUy9riR18Apavrx3NFsGDubqu14yJxZ40q6n-F34EUgAHc4PDo56GLwcpHr7vd-YQmEoQbwcfbcZXvgVYmvWvevTqIKhniZP-ZPeGlPaBjXevYXVupXPlDfk_ZhFMkvHdsqPh5xlcYIZx5UQwMdY9mOiDa95bDAH8CoZQzIHVoth-fy0oQy-s_US4g2a82oU0mTuYSJ9782CX_9-HXTXJdq6T2yqrIopVj_D9jojRlVzOnEsk5SMhT704NMOXkSyvxadXrmgXaaziE5aSHVv-QaPsn1UziCzrYggOYeGZzmEkQRkBj7VxtyjANjC-sP_SPKb840Kuay20UlVwM&__tn__=-R

City News Council approves 4-way stop for Granada Dr intersection Also: Election season nears

La Mirada-

The city council approved the installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Granada Dr and Los Coyotes Ave/Monticello Dr. during a recent meeting.

The recommendation was made by a county traffic engineer after a comprehensive traffic study was conducted on Granada Dr. from La Mirada Bl. to Stamy Rd.

The study found that children were passing through the intersection as a main walking route to and from school while traffic volume on Granada Dr had increased to an average of 2.740 vehicles per day, an 11% increase from three years ago. 

On Los Coyotes Av which along with Monticello Dr. already have a two-way stop in place at the intersection Granada Dr., has seen traffic volume increase 31% since 2016.

A request will also be made with Caltrans requesting removal of Granada Dr as a designated collector road on maps of the California Roads System to local road.

Classification as a local road will allow the Sheriff's Department to conduct radar speed enforcement at the 25 mph basic speed limit for residential streets. 

Currently, in order to use radar to enforce a speed limit, the state vehicle mandates that a survey must be done on a collector route and the speed limit set at the speed 85% of motorists are driving on the road in free-flowing conditions. The limit can be lowered from that number on roads with high accident rates

The current 85th percentile speed on Granada is 36 mph. and would likely result in a speed limit posted at 35 mph before speed enforcement could take place using radar.  The new designation will allow radar enforcement at 25 mph once the change is accepted.

Date selected for city council elections

         City Council Districts Map (Source: City of La Mirada)

A resolution was passed without discussion setting March 3, 2020, as the date city elections will be held allowing residents to choose the first members to represent council districts #3, #4, and #5.

If it seems a long time since you last voted in a city election, it has been. Here is why.

A state law mandating city elections in general law cities be held on one of the two days statewide elections are held in primary and election years required La Mirada end its practice of holding local elections during years when statewide balloting was not conducted,

Council terms were extended another year so a term for a given seat would expire at the same time the election to fill the seat for a new term was to be held.

In 2015, state lawmakers passed SB-415 establishing California's concurrent-elections in an effort to boost voter participation.

La Mirada chose 2020 as the year the change would go into effect making it five years since a majority of residents last voted in a city council race.

Councilmember Ed Eng, a resident of District 3 which covers most of Green Hills, Hillsborough, and the area near Los Coyotes Middle School is expected to seek re-election. Real estate agent John Accornero has announced he intends on running for the same seat while Eng has not made a public announcement yet.

Councilmembers Larry Mowles and Mayor Steve DeRuse both hail from District 4 covering most of the southwest portion of the city and are approaching the end of their extended terms. 

It seems unlikely the two will run again each other for another term. A lot of eyes will be watching to see who takes out nomination papers and who does not. There is a wealth of qualified candidates that have experience serving on city commissions, committees, and local service groups residing in the district. 

This could be an interesting contest if both incumbents decide to step aside.

The District #5 seat will be a wide-open affair with those seeking election not having to contend with an incumbent to compete against.

Located in the north-central area of La Mirada, the district includes the Creek Park area south to Regional Park, then makes a gerrymander-like jaunt avoiding Biola University to include a neighborhood south of the school north of Rosecrans. End-to-end  the district extends more than three miles  

Former Community Services Commissioner Dustin Dahl has expressed interest in a run for the District 5 seat. A well-known local figure is also rumored to be showing more than just a passing interest.

Diamond Anniversary logo considered

During its monthly study session that is held prior to the regular meeting, staff was expected to discuss the design of a special city logo to mark La Mirada's 60th anniversary next year.

Council will choose from three submissions the logo marking the city's diamond anniversary that will be incorporated into a temporary city seal, social media sites including Twitter and Facebook, and on publications including the La Mirada Living newsletter mailed out to residents throughout the year.

La Mirada became the county's 68th city on March 23, 1960, with the name Mirada Hills due to a local formation technicality. Voters approved changing the name of the city to La Mirada eight months later back to the name of which the community was developed and was accustomed to.

La Mirada Crime Notes Sept 26,19

La Mirada-
A man who fled from a deputy patrolling the area near Gardenhill Park avoided arrest early Tuesday morning after fleeing through the park on a bicycle and disappearing into the rear yard of a nearby home.

At about 1:15 a.m. a man described only as a White Male riding a bike near Biola Av and Tacuba Dr. refused to yield and instead chose to flee south on Heflin Dr from Ragan Dr., then west to Gardenhill Park. 

The deputy lost sight of the man after turing into the darkened park.

Moments later dispatchers at Norwalk Sheriff's Station received a 911 call from an alert citizen a block west of the park stating a suspicious man had just dumped a bicycle on the front yard of a neighboring home in the 13200 block of Fleta Dr. just off Valeda Dr. and ran into the rear yard of the home where he could be seen hiding.

The man was able to avoid arrest after deputies were unable to deploy a heat-seeking search device that helicopters are equipped with and lacking a sufficient number of patrol deputies available to conduct a timely ground search.

(It should be noted with appreciation the two officers from Biola Campus Safety that were on hand to help shorthanded deputies with perimeter containment  Many in the public may not be aware that Biola officers have on-duty peace officer powers and are very well trained and led by a renowned Chief, John Ojeisekhoaba who is recognized as a leader in his field by his peers at the national level.)

Burglary rates skyrocket over the summer

Just about the time, the above incident was concluding, Sheriff's Communications Center received a call from an alarm company that a break-in signal had been received from a business on Knott Ave.  The break-in was verified by responding deputies.

The only thing really noteworthy about this break-in is the timing of the two events shows clearly what deputies are up against. The cover of darkness and very few watchful eyes are an invitation to thieves 

Thefts from unlocked vehicles have been an issue for a year or more and now a huge jump in burglaries was observed this summer versus last. The biggest increases were to homes and garages.

Several local residents expressed concerns about feeling unsafe in their homes in mid-August after residents had reported coming home and finding intruders inside their homes four days apart.

The description of the suspects that were seen fleeing as the resident walked up to the door of the home in the 15200 block of Tricia Lane on August 12 closely resemble the suspects that ended up leading a deputy in a short vehicle pursuit down Imperial Hwy.

The suspects with a good head start lost the pursuing deputy in heavy traffic after they were spotted fleeing the area shortly after the August 16 break-in was interrupted near Oxford Dr and Imperial Hwy.
In 2019 as of August 31, there had been 101 burglaries from 80 during the same period in 2018, a 26% increase.   In the month of August 2019, there were 32 an increase from 17 reported in 2018. 

In recent years criminals perhaps leery of having a strike attached to them that comes with a residential burglary conviction only committed no more than a handful a month. With more than two dozen report in the past three months, those days are over. 

Update from the reported security breach at Granada School

On Tuesday morning we reported on Facebook that deputies had detained a man near Granada Middle School at Stamy Rd. and Lemon Dr after he was observed talking to students on campus. 

The initial 911 caller reported he jumped over the fence, but it is believed he may have used the pedestrian gate between Scott Ave and Granada schools, a statement supported by the fact he was riding a bike.

A Sheriff's official from Norwalk Station said after further investigation that the man was determined to not have made any threats or hold any ill intentions or perceived to be a danger towards the school.  The man was placed under arrest for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

It's not known if school officials had begun or ever intended to place the camps never in lockdown mode because the man had been quickly detained by several deputies in less than two minutes after the call was received.

Woman arrested after owner of van she stole spots her red-handed behind the wheel

Photos by LM News

La Mirada- A call to Norwalk Sheriff's Station to report a stolen vehicle from a business this morning took a sudden turn that resulted in the arrest of a suspect after the owner called back to report he was following a person driving his vehicle not far from where it was taken.

Shortly after 8 a.m. the owner of Dorado Bakery next to the new Mc Donald's in East Whittier at 15662 Leffingwell Rd reported to dispatchers that one of the panel vans he owns had been stolen. 

A short time later dispatchers received a call back from the man at 8:14 a.m. saying he found his van being driven by a woman in the Saver's parking lot at Imperial Hwy and Santa Gertrudes Ave.

After driving the stolen van around the parking lot for several minutes the woman head east on Imperial Hwy to turning left onto First Ave where it was quickly spotted by a Sheriff's Aero Bureau helicopter crew as it approached Lambert Rd.

Deputies in patrol vehicles were not far behind. 

A successfully stop in the 10800 block of First Ave (just north of Leffingwell Rd.) blocked the northbound lane at Lashburn Street as deputies with guns drawn ordered the occupants to exit the van by loudspeaker. Only the female driver was found inside the stolen van.

A Norwalk Station deputy speaks to the suspect as other deputies plan their approach to the van

A Norwalk Station Sergeant supervising deputies in the field arrives on scene.

La Mirada car prowler caught on video

La Mirada- Images of a young man that is believed to have taken a wallet from an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway of a La Mirada residence overnight early Sunday was captured on home security video.  

The crime on this video was captured on a Ring security system about 1:20 a.m. at a home in the area of La Fortuna Dr. and La Fonda Dr. which is just north of the Post Office.

The suspect can be seen checking door handles on two other cars in the driveway in an apparent attempt to find one unlocked.

Advances in the home security system marketplace have raised awareness of how common these crimes appear to be in the area.

Early morning crash into telephone pole injures one near Creek Park

Photos by La Mirada NewsBeat

East Whittier-  One person was hospitalized after rear-ending another motorist then striking a telephone pole on Lemon Dr near La Mirada Creek Park early this morning. 

A man suffered only minor injuries in the crash reported at 7:20 a.m. in the 15600 block of Lemon Dr just west of Mayes Dr

The force from the impact caused the pole to shift and will need to be reset into a safe and stable position.

The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident that occurred in the westbound direction of travel at the bottom of a hill that has seen at least five accidents in just over a year in a one-block section from Mayes Dr to Hartdale Ave. 

Note to readers:  The remainder of this post is shamelessly opinionated. 

Three of those accidents involved vehicles that were parked and the driver fled and the fourth involved an intoxicated driver and a motorist allegedly driving at a high rate of speed in May sending one person to the hospital with minor injuries. One of those hit-and-run drivers was arrested after fleeing to his home nearby on Scott Ave.

A traffic safety study conducted for the City of La Mirada denied a request for yellow lane striping to calm speeding down the hill. The study conducted for the La Mirada Public Safety Commission stated safety issue did not exist on the street. The commission denied the request based on the study.

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Commentary: A way must be found to let the kids to play.

Commentary

 The following was not an action taken by the La Mirada City Council.  It also must be said that the viewpoint of those on the Athletic Council has not been heard publicly, and the only side I present is that of 850 kids.

As many in the community are learning after several years of political bickering over infractions the La Mirada Soccer Association has been kicked off the La Mirada Athletic Council just as the season gets underway.

The result is the 850 kids that are registered to play no longer have access to the fields at the Behringer Park Athletic Facility with the end result being their season was over before it started.

This community stands at a crossroads and the direction this takes will be very telling about what kind of community La Mirada really is.

Yes, adherence to the rules is important, but this should have been handled in a more timely fashion with regards to the when the membership was being canceled.

Politics should not prevail. Somehow a way must be found quickly that allows these kids to play.

I have always felt our city leaders and those active in community organizations have held the same unwritten core value that decisions are made 'In the interests of the community'.

It is my belief that a way to have the kids play soccer this year will be found

Don't miss the last 2019 Concert Under the Stars/ National Night Out event

The City of La Mirada will hold it's annual National Night Out event in conjunction with the last remaining installment of the Concert Under the Stars summer series and Night Market this evening Thursday, August 8, 2019, at La Mirada Regional Park.

Entering its 36th year, National Night Out events are held across the country to enhance the effectiveness of anti-crime programs through community building as well as stronger relationships with local law enforcement.

Members of the La Mirada policing and public safety teams from the Sheriff's Department and La Mirada Public Safety including representatives from Neighborhood Watch and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will attend the event from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The community can find out about the many anti-crime and public safety programs as well as view exhibits, ask questions, learn how to form a neighborhood watch, or just chat with local public safety members. Child identification fingerprinting will be available, 

Named the #1 local band in 2017 by Inland Empire Magazine, Arnie Newman's 'Country Club Band' will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. in the final installment of the Summer 2019 'Concert Under the Stars' series with Country & Western music.

The Night Market also returns today featuring vendors selling food, refreshments, crafts and more opens at 4 p.m.

Car prowler seen disabling security system in Creek Park area crime

La Mirada- The images of a pair of thieves were captured on home security video as they entered cars at a handful of homes near La Mirada Creek Park overnight early Tuesday.

Around 3:30 a.m. a security camera on Penford Dr began
recording two individuals that were on both sides of the street checking cars on both sides of the street including those parked on driveways. Both suspects were reportedly wearing white hoodies.

A man who appears to have a device that sends a signal to the key fob controlling the locks and alarm system is seen opening the door of a car a fraction of a second after both the front and rear lights on the vehicle turning on. The man then begins to search through the contents of the car then walk over towards a residence on Hartdale Ave. 

About 15 minutes after the video was taken a nearby resident reported seeing two persons on bikes one with a white shopping bag ride northbound towards Lemon Dr and out of sight. 

The resident that posted the video spoke to the neighbor about the incident this morning and was told nothing had been taken and the car had been locked because it is equipped with a self-locking and self-arming security system.

The incident was reported to deputies stating the area would receive more overnight patrols. Further details were unavailable about other incidents that may have been reported in the area.

(Video Source: Ring Neighbors App)

***Breaking News** Robbery suspects tracked to Norwalk home

Deputies are currently in the 11400 block of Fairford Ave in the City of Norwalk and have surrounded a home where a vehicle that was used earlier this afternoon in an armed robbery at the La Mirada Home Depot was found parked.

A nSHeriff's copter is overhead making loudspeaker announcement for the occupants of the home near Studebaker Rd and Firestone Blvd. to exit.

Earlier today the man robbed the store in the 12300 block of La Mirada Blvd. at about 3:15 p.m. while waving a knife at an employee in a threatening manner.

The man fled the location in a Honda driven by a second suspect. 

Not finding the car at the address it was registered at in Santa Fe springs a detective doing some quick work uncovered information that led them to the home in Norwalk.


***Update 4:49 p.m.*** Deputies have three detained so far with loudspeaker announcements being made.

**Update 5:06 p.m.**  This is going to be a long process including an interior check of the home after safeguarding cop un-friendly dogs inside the home. The witnesses will hopefully be found to identify and more tasks.  It will be a while for a disposition.

**This is a developing story

Things to do: La Mirada's Stroll in the Park tonight 7/25/19

Vocal group 'Kulayd' seen here at a previous
'Stroll in the Park' returns this year
Photo Courtesy: City of La Mirada

'Concerts Under the Stars' makes a venue change this week moving to Creek Park tonight becoming for the always popular yearly 'Stroll in the Park' from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.


Tonight's entertainment will feature three performances including the return of 'Kulayd', a vocal harmony group that will perform hits from 50's Doo Wop, 60's Motown, 70's disco and 90's harmony groups.

Also, tonight Latin hits will be performed by 'Latin Nation Band' and jazz music fans can enjoy the 'Amanda Castro Band'.

Local businesses and community organizations will offer food and refreshments for sale, and information about the services they provide.

Creek Park is located at 12021 Santa Gertrudes Ave. 

For additional information contact La Mirada Community Services at (562) 943-7277.

**Exclusive**South Whittier man believed to have stabbed wife to death dies

The victim in last Saturday's apparent murder-suicide was identified as 83 year-old Marjorie Arnett is believed to have been stabbed to death by her husband Robert Arnett, 89 has died at UCI Medical Center in Orange.

Follow this link to the La Mirada NewsBeat Facebook page to read the exclusive update.

La Mirada family dispute turns into a skirmish leaving three injured

Updated   5:00 p.m. 
(see below)

La Mirada-  Local deputies were sent scrambling Monday evening after deputies from Orange County at a family disturbance inside at a home became involved in a brawl putting out a call for help.

Multiple Sheriff's patrol units from La Mirada and South Whittier responded to the emergency call for help 8100 block of Barrington Lane at 9:39 p.m.

Two Orange County deputies and a suspect were injured in the melee that was quickly brought under control when Norwalk Station deputies arrived en masse followed by officers from Buena Park and La Habra. 

The extent of the injuries is unknown. Paramedics were called to the scene.

The incident occurred in a small pocket of unincorporated Orange County behind the Rose Beach Apartments between the Coyote Creek and east of Stanton Av and receives police services from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

La Mirada deputies respond regularly to urgent and emergency calls in the area to restore order until Orange County deputies can arrive and can take over.  OCSD usually will have an extended response time with their closest patrol area having full-time coverage being West Anaheim and Stanton.

**Updated 7:00 a.m.**

An Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesperson confirms both of the injured in last night confrontation were hospitalized with moderate injuries as well as the suspect a man in his 30's.  La Mirada Newsbeat does not identify suspects involved in incidents such as this.

La Mirada NewsBeat has learned that deputies responded to the home on Barrington Lane last Wednesday evening (July 10) to quell a family disturbance.  

After the July 10th encounter, the parents of the man that fought with deputies last night went to court to have a judge issue a restraining order naming the son.

Then last night one of the parents phoned 911 stating there was another disturbance involving their son who resides at the residence and they wanted assistance with serving the son with the stay-away order.

The son confronted deputies when they arrived and a fight broke out that resulted in the officer needs help call to be sent out to deputies from Norwalk Station at 9:39 p.m.

It's unclear what charges will result from the incident.

**Update Tues 5 PM**


The two injured Orange County deputies have been treated for their injuries and sent home according to an OC Register report.

OCSD is obviously going to go at this guy hard via the District Attorney's Office as demonstrated by their Crime Lab still processing the crime scene well after sunrise this morning