Two people died including a Whittier man and two more were rescued by deputies that rushed to the scene of a fiery three-car collision after becoming trapped in the blazing car.
A deputy from the traffic services unit of the Sheriff's Department was nearby when the accident occurred at about 5:36 p.m. at Imperial Highway and 1st Avenue. The special unit had been conducting a special enforcement mission promoting motorcycle safety in the city.
The motorcycle deputy radioed for emergency help to aid in the emergency rescue effort that was unsuccessful at rescuing two of the four in the burning wreckage. the condition of the two that were pulled from the burning wreckage it's unknown at this time.
It is believed that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
One of the victims has been identified as Philip Davis, 64 of Whittier. The identity of the second victim is being withheld pending notification of relatives according to the county coroner's office.
Video as the tragedy unfolded can be viewed at the following link. Some of the images are disturbing please use caution.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation however a City News Service report states that the deputy that was first in the scene reportedly saw one of the involved vehicles speeding.
All eastbound lanes of Imperial Highway were closed to traffic for nearly 8 hours as deputies conducted an investigation into the cause of the wreck. Traffic heading west into La Mirada was also impacted with an extended closure.
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Monday, May 25, 2020
Last minute effort ensures those that made the ultimate sacrifice were still honored this Memorial Day
Passing by Olive Lawn Memorial Park a sea of American flags shines brightly across the rolling green hills from end-to-end in honor of military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in battle defending the nation as well as those that were willing to lay down their life if called upon in defense of America.
It first looked like the annual tribute would be just another of the many casualties to the COVID-19 social distancing precautions that have shuttered public gathering places across the country.
Credit La Mirada's newest council member Anthony Otero's determination to ensure that local veterans would be remembered for the sacrifice they made when he called upon local Boy Scouts Troop 438 in putting together the effort at the last minute.
Amidst the sea of flags, row after row, flags now wave across the rolling hillsides at the final resting sites of hundreds of men and women who have protected our nation including many who fought in World War I, Korea, World War II, and Vietnam.
Monday, May 18, 2020
Bus servuce on La MIrada Blvd. to Downtown Los Angeles resumes
Monday, May 18
Buses will operate every 60- 65 minutes with the first bus departing from Adelfa Dr and Ashgrove Av next to the AMC Theatre at 5:50 a.m. and the last departure to Downtown Los Angeles at 5:35 p.m. Two later departures from La Mirada at 6:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. offer service on a shortened run to Washington Bl and Greenwood Av. in Montebello.
From Los Angeles the first bus departs 4th Street and Figueroa at 5:54 a.m. arriving Adelfa Dr and Ashgrove Av at 7:36 a.m. The last bus departs Los Angeles at 5:26 p.m. arriving in La Mirada at 7:17 p.m.
No fares are being collected for service on all five lines will be in service.
No service will be offered on this route on Sunday.
Riders are asked to enter buses through the rear door and use one of the 10 seats that are marked for use in an effort to promote social-distancing. If capacity is reached Montebello Bus Lines will have additional buses on stand-by that will be deployed to provide service to those waiting patrons. All passengers must wear masks while on board.
All buses will soon be installing barriers near the bus operator to offer additional protection in this era of COVID-19.
For additional information go to ridembl.com
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Public Safety: Sheriff's Crime Report 5/17/2020
9:40 a.m. A non-injury hit-and-run collision was reported at Rosecrans Av and Valley View Av.
Tuesday, April 28
7:00 a.m. An arrest was made at Gardenhill Dr and Gandara Dr for being under the influence of a controlled substance.
6:45 p.m. A suspect was arrested at Imperial Hwy and Meyer Rd. for stealing a bicycle valued over $950, a felony.
Wednesday, April 29
8:47 a.m. A catalytic converter was reported stolen in the 14200 block of Firestone Bl.
9:42 p.m. A burglary of a storage container at La Mirada High School was reported.
Thursday, April 30
9:52 a.m. A misdemeanor arrest was made at Alondra Bl and Ocaso Av for possession of a controlled substance.
10:27 a.m. A misdemeanor arrest was made at La Mirada Bl and Rosecrans Av for possession of a controlled substance.
5:22 p.m. An arrest in the 14500 block of Leffingwell Rd was made for trespassing.
Saturday, May 2
12:15 a.m. An attempted burglary of a residence was reported in the 14400 block of Rosecrans Av.
2:50 a.m. A set of golf clubs and a golf bag, as well as a pair of golf shoes, were taken from an unlocked vehicle in the 14200 block of Bora Dr. This theft as well as second reported in the same block from another unlocked vehicle were both losses that exceeded $950 making each crime a felony.
3:00 a.m. A vehicle was broken into overnight in the 14700 block of Ramhurst Dr.
3:26 a.m. A theft from a vehicle was reported in the 14000 block of De Alcala Dr.
4:03 a.m. A vehicle break-in was reported in the 14300 block of San Esteban Dr.
10:08 a.m. A non-injury hit-and-run was reported at Imperial Hwy and Valley View Av.
5:06 p.m. The theft of a catalytic converter was reported in the 14300 block of Alicante Rd.
Sunday, May 3
4:06 p.m. An arrest was made in the 15200 block Rosecrans Ave of a possession alleged to have been under the influence of a controlled substance.
4:59 p,m. A liquor law violation was reported in the 14500 block of Telegraph Rd.
Monday, May 4
7:20 p.m. An arrest was made in the 15300 block of San Ardo Dr for driving impaired.
Tuesday, May 5
2:30 p.m. A misdemeanor arrest was made at Imperial Hwy and Meyer Rd for possession of more than an ounce of marijuana.
2:37 p.m. A grand theft of a bicycle valued at more than the $950
threshold making it a felony was reported in the 13900 block of Imperial Hwy.
9:00 p.m. A domestic violence assault was reported in the 16100 block of Peppertree Ln,
11:46 p.m. A phone was taken in a strong-arm robbery (force or fear of force) at Alondra Bl and Trojan Way. No weapon was displayed by the suspect.
Wednesday, May 6
1:30 a.m. A bag containing a ring and a pair of shoes was stolen from a vehicle in the 16100 block of Rosecrans Av after the suspect smashed out a window to gain access.
3:00 a.m. A theft of auto parts or accessories was reported in the 16100 block of Rosecrans Av,
11:05 a.m. A misdemeanor arrest was made at Alondra BL and Stage Rd for possession of a controlled substance.
12:53 p.m. Shoplifting was reported in the 12800 block of La Mirada Bl.
8:23 p.m. A misdemeanor arrest was made in the 15100 block of Valley View Av for possession of a controlled substance.
Thursday, May 7
12:25 a.m. A felony assault involving a gun was reported at Valley View Av and Firestone Bl. No injuries were reported during the incident.
1:03 a.m. An arrest was made at Valley View Av and Rosecrans Av alleging a felony weapons law offense.
2:30 p.m. Shoplifting was reported in the 12800 block of La Mirada Bl.
4:22 p.m. Deputies handled a liquor law violation in the 14200 block of Imperial Hwy.
6:45 p.m. A misdemeanor arrest was made at Imperial Hwy and Meyer Rd for possession of more than an ounce of marijuana.
9:30 p.m. An assault was reported in the 1520 block of San Simon Ln.
Friday, May 8
9:30 a.m. A catalytic converter was reported stolen from the 16700 block of Valley View Av.
9:49 a.m. A liquor law violation was reported at Leffingwell Rd and Telegraph Rd.
8:45 p.m. A misdemeanor hit-and-run was reported in the 15200 block of Rosecrans Av.
11:57 p.m. An armed robbery was reported at the AM/PM at 15700 Valley View Av. Two Black Males armed with a handgun obtained cash then left traveling westbound Alondra Bl. from the area in a gray SUV.
Saturday, May 9
3:00 a.m. An overnight theft of two tires and rims from a vehicle was reported in the 13900 block of De Alcala Dr.
3:25 a.m. An misdemeanor arrest was made in the 13700 block of La Mirada Bl for a weapons law violation.
9:31 a.m. Deputies handled a marijuana misdemeanor crime at Santa Gertrudes Av and Adelfa Dr.
2:30 p.m. A misdemeanor, non-injury hit-and-run was reported in the 12800 block of La Mirada Bl.
3:53 p.m. A felony grand theft of a phone was reported in the 15300 block of Valley View Av.
Wednesday, May 13
2:40 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 14800 block of Springford Dr.
From La Mirada Public Safety: Also reported during the week of Monday May 4 through Saturday May 10:
Assault 11600 block of Goldendale Dr
Burglary 13700 block of Biola Av.
Grand Theft: 14200 block of Bora Dr (GPS from vehicle), Two bicycles near Imperial Hwy and Marquardt Av
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Sheriff's Crime Report: March crimes edges upward, street racing arrest and crime log
La Mirada- After nearly a year of fewer crimes being reported came to a halt in March just as fears of a COVID-19 outbreak in jails across the state resulted in the release of lower-risk criminals back onto the streets.
A total of 73 incidents of violent and property crimes were reported in March 2020, a 10.6% increase from the 66 reported to deputies in March 2019.
Crime for the first quarter of 2020 in the city was unchanged from 2019 when the leap year is taken into account with 210 reports this year compared to 208 in the first three months of 2019.
The most notable change in crime from year to tear has been vehicle theft which has more than doubled from 14 in the first quarter of 2019 to 30 in 2020.
The city experienced one of its safest years in recent decades last year.
Street racing arrest
1:00 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen in the 13500 block of Duffield Av.
Statistics for the month of April will not be available until late May.
Crimes reported to deputies in the month of March 2019 and 2020.
2019 2020
Sexual Assault 0 1
Robbery 3 2
Aggravated Assault* 3 4
Total Violent Crimes 6 7
Burglary 12 10
Larceny Theft* 40 40
Auto Theft 7 16
Arson 1 0
Total Property Crimes 60 66
Total Part 1 Crimes 66 73
March 2019/2020
Crimes Reported to Sheriff's to deputies from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2019, and 2020.
2019 2020
Sexual Assaults 1 2
Robbery 7 6
Aggravated Assault* 13 18
Total Violent Crimes 21 26
Burglary 37 33
Larceny Theft* 134 121
Auto Theft 14 30
Arson 2 0
Total Property Crimes 187 184
All Part 1 Crimes 208 210
*Aggravated Assaults are attempted or committed attacks by the use of force that could or has caused serious bodily injury.
* Larceny Theft are crimes such as theft from breaking into cars, shopping lifting, and more that are not related to vehicle theft or burglary.
Street racing arrest
One person was arrested in connection with two street racing incidents in the city on Wednesday.
No arrests were reported during the first incident shortly before 2 am as a large number of 'sideshow takeover' fans blocked off the intersection of Alondra Blvd and Trojan Way followed by a show of doughnuts and drifting.
Later in the day, the special assignment deputies (SAO's) from the La Mirada Sheriff's Station arrested a man that was involved in a street racing contest and impounded the motorcycle he was riding on for 30 days.
A conviction brings the possibility of a jail sentence of up to 90 days, a $1,000 fine, their driver's license suspended for up to six months, and a mandatory 40 hours of community service in all cases. The vehicle being used in the speed contest will usually be subject to a 30-day impound. A previous conviction or an incident that results in injury brings harsher penalties.
Sheriff's officials state that La Mirada SAO deputies will continue to crack down on participants including spectators. Gathering for the purpose of watching one of these events is also a misdemeanor under the same law as the driver's and are also subject to arrest.
As roads empty especially late at night due to social distancing as well as school and workplace closures, law enforcement authorities have observed sharp increases in the incidents of drifting, street racing, and so-called sideshows where intersections are commandeered for shows.
The outcomes have sometimes been tragic including a recent crash in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles that killed three and pile-ups injuring multiple people in Santa Ana and Monrovia.
Sheriff's Crime Log
Sheriff's Crime Log
Monday, April 27
3:00 p.m. An arrest was made in the 12000 block of Springview Dr. for obstructing, delaying, or battery on a peace officer.
4:20 p.m. A shoplifter was reported in the 13900 block of Imperial Hwy.
4:20 p.m. A shoplifter was reported in the 13900 block of Imperial Hwy.
7:00 p.m. A misdemeanor hit and run (damage only, no injuries) was reported at Barnwall St. and Dalmation Av,
Wednesday, April 29
8:55 p.m. A theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported in the 16500 block of Summershade Dr.
Thursday, April 30
1:00 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen in the 13500 block of Duffield Av.
3:00 am A vehicle was reported stolen in the 14800 block of Mansa Dr.
4:30 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 15800 block of Alicante Rd.
3:28 p.m. A suspect was arrested in the 16100 block of Rosecrans Av after allegedly threatening a person with a knife during an argument. No injuries were reported from the incident.
3:28 p.m. A suspect was arrested in the 16100 block of Rosecrans Av after allegedly threatening a person with a knife during an argument. No injuries were reported from the incident.
Friday, May 1
8::21 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 13000 block of La Mirada Bl.
Saturday, May 2
2:50 a.m. Grand theft from two unlocked vehicles was reported in the 14200 block of Bora Dr.
3:58 a.m. A pickup truck was reported stolen from the 14400 block of Valeda Dr. The vehicle was located abandoned the following day.
Monday, May 4
1:45 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 13900 block of Imperial Hwy.
2:00 a.m. A vehicle was reported in the 14100 block of Lynmark St.
1:45 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 13900 block of Imperial Hwy.
2:00 a.m. A vehicle was reported in the 14100 block of Lynmark St.
2:15 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 16100 block of Mart Dr.
3:00 a.m. A motorcycle was reported stolen from the 16100 block of Rosecrans Av.
6:48 p.m. A misdemeanor arrest was made at Leffingwell Rd and Telegraph Rd for possession of a controlled substance.
Tuesday, May 5
12:50 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 14700 block of San Esteban Dr.
12:50 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 14700 block of San Esteban Dr.
2:42 p.m. La Mirada special assignment deputies made a felony arrest in South Whittier in the 13500 block of Leffingwell Rd for transport of marijuana for sales, possession of methamphetamines, possession of counterfeit currency, grand theft, and a warrant.
Wednesday, May 6
4:00 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 14500 block of San Dieguito Dr.
4:00 a.m. A vehicle was reported stolen from the 14500 block of San Dieguito Dr.
4:30 a.m. An arrest was made for misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance at Alondra Bl and La Mirada Bl
Also during the week of April 27 through May 3 the following crimes were reported according to La Mirada Public Safety
A storage container was broken into at La Mirada High School.
A daytime burglary of a home was reported in the 14400 block of Rosecrans Ave.
Three additional burglaries of vehicles during the daytime were reported including: tools from a vehicle in the 13600 block of Avion Dr, a purse 13900 block of Ramhurst Dr, and a third vehicle was broken into in the 14700 block of Ramhurst Dr.
A vehicle was broken into overnight in the 14300 block of San Esteban Dr.
Catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles in the 14300 block of Alicante Rd and 14200 block of Firestone Bl.
An arrest of a bike theft suspect was made at Imperial Hwy and Edwards Rd,
A stolen vehicle was located and recovered from the 13200 block of Woodridge Av.
Also during the week of April 27 through May 3 the following crimes were reported according to La Mirada Public Safety
A storage container was broken into at La Mirada High School.
A daytime burglary of a home was reported in the 14400 block of Rosecrans Ave.
Three additional burglaries of vehicles during the daytime were reported including: tools from a vehicle in the 13600 block of Avion Dr, a purse 13900 block of Ramhurst Dr, and a third vehicle was broken into in the 14700 block of Ramhurst Dr.
A vehicle was broken into overnight in the 14300 block of San Esteban Dr.
Catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles in the 14300 block of Alicante Rd and 14200 block of Firestone Bl.
An arrest of a bike theft suspect was made at Imperial Hwy and Edwards Rd,
A stolen vehicle was located and recovered from the 13200 block of Woodridge Av.
Three arrested after pursuit and two hour manhunt of stolen vehicle suspects
 |
| The driver of the stolen truck that led deputies on a ten minute pursuit is taken into custody Saturday. |
At 10:06 a.m. deputies on patrol began following a stolen vehicle they spotted on Leffingwell Rd near Imperial Hwy in the Sunshine Acres neighborhood of South Whittier while more deputies responded for backup.
Noticing they were being followed, the suspects made a quick right turn onto Fidel Ave from Imperial Hwy and began to flee after seeing that deputies continued to follow from behind.
Initially, the driver stuck close to the posted speed limit as the men headed east on Imperial Hwy into La Mirada. After reaching Valley View Av the suspects returned to Sunshine Acres, a neighborhood centered along Carmenita Rd. with the chase turning more dangerous as it shifted to residential streets in the densely populated area.
The fleeing driver headed back towards La Mirada down Meyer Rd. after an attempt to perform the pit maneuver on Beaty Av near Carmeniita Rd failed. The pursuit was called off as the driver began driving faster, blowing traffic signals and stops signs as the truck turned back onto Imperial Hwy near Big Lots.
Several minutes after the pursuit had been terminated deputies that had gathered at Ecology Recycling for a debriefing on the incident were again sent scrambling as word came in that a Channel 7 helicopter that had been overhead continued following the stolen truck was reporting that three men abandoned the truck at the end of a long driveway in the 12300 block of Louis Ave and were on foot in the area.
The driver was taken into custody first after a resident in the 12400 block of Laurel Av. called 911 stating a man was hiding under a car at a nearby home.
A second suspect was arrested just after the driver hiding on the same lot with several houses where the truck had been abandoned.
The search then shifted about a quarter of a mile to the north to a set of homes on a lot in the 11800 block of Laurel Av. Two men and a woman inside one of the homes were eventually detained after initially refusing a loudspeaker announcement to surrender to deputies after the men were spotted outside the rear of one of the homes by a sheriff's helicopter crew overhead.
One of the men was identified as the outstanding suspect and placed under arrest.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Valley View median project shelved due to economic uncertainties
La Mirada- May 4, 2020.
The La Mirada city council approved a recommendation by City Manager, Jeff Boynton, to delay moving forward with the Valley View Ave center median improvement project due to budget uncertainties that have been created by the current COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak at it's April 28th meeting.
The project would have removed the existing center median from Imperial Hwy. south to Rosecrans Ave and replace it with an all-new median similar to the recently completed medians along Rosecrans Ave and La Mirada Blvd.
An executive order issued by Governor Brown in 2017 during the worst drought recorded in California history banned the use of potable water on center median lawns. Following the order resulted in the die-off of turf as well as serious damage to many of the trees along the median.
The city had earmarked 'remnant' bond proceeds from the former La Mirada Redevelopment Agency to fund the $1.35 Million project.
With unemployment rates expected to exceed 30% later this month and the Congressional Budget Office forecasting a 40% drop in GDP during the current quarter local governments across the state expect significant revenue shortfalls will occur over the next several years with the California League of Cities projecting losses in revenue to cities across the state at approximately $6.7 billion during fiscal year 2020-21 alone.
On a per-capita rate, La Mirada's share would be $8.3 million though it is not likely to be that high with the heaviest losses hitting big-spending cities like Santa Monica $300 million and San Francisco $1.7 billion, the worst.
La Mirada has a $7 million rainy-day fund that was established after the Great Recession of 2007-09 just for such occurrences, but the magnitude and shock to the economy from the current pandemic shutdown will likely result in losses to the bottom line that may far-exceed that number over the current and next few budget years.
La Mirada News sources confirm the city is expecting a significant drop in revenue however the uncertainty over how the crisis will evolve does not allow an accurate prediction on what the shortfall will amount to. Discussions on what if any cuts to community services that might be made to deal with any revenue shortfalls have yet to occur.
Transit patrols coming to La Mirada
The city council voted 5-0 to use $110,000 in unused Prop. A transportation funds for extra patrols at local bus stops.
The Sheriff's Department will likely fill the special patrols with the four deputies and sergeant assigned to the La Mirada Special Assignments unit on overtime.
The supplemental patrols will provide an opportunity for deputies to engage members of the public as well as offer assistance and resources to homeless individuals that are often found at bus stops.
Councilmember Anthony Otero suggested that deputies also board and ride the buses to interact with the driver and patrons in order to bolster their sense of security and wellbeing.
The special patrols will have the added bonus of raising the overall visibility of law enforcement in the city and the additional deputies can be shifted to emergency incidents if the need arises.
City Council Notes
Mayor John Lewis assisted Love La Mirada to secure $10,000 from County Supervisor Janice Hahn writing a proposal that will fund will be funding close to 1,300 senior care packages that provide basic necessities that have been hard to find to those in need.
As of May 1st, about 1,100 deliveries have been completed in the effort spearheaded by council member Ed Eng along with the owners of the La Mirada Grocery Outlet and Pastor David Newman of the Neighborhood Life Church in La Mirada.
Pastor Newman leads the delivery effort and is seeking volunteers or donations with the goal of 2,000 packages. Anyone interested in helping out can reach the church at (562) 359-7945 or email neighborlife.church@gmail.com
The above video from the Neighborhood Life Church Facebook page shows in fast motion the volunteer effort in action.
During the current health emergency, many of the functions of the county court system have been delayed as the need to conduct court proceedings in a time of social-distancing while respecting the rights of all persons involved in court cases has presented a unique set of problems to overcome.
Certain court matters such as the issuance of protection orders and hearings for criminal suspects that remain in custody must still be conducted and a new video arraignment program developed by council member Ed Eng and his Los Angeles County Citizens' Economy Efficiency Commission where he is Executive Director will help in that endeavor.
The program launched hastily on April 21 allows appearances from a remote location via streaming video eliminating a lot of the close-in exposures persons in custody experience during transportation and in cramped courthouse holding cells.
The new program has been put in place in 32 courtrooms at 17 courthouses according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.
The program designed to eliminate much of the labor and cost of transporting prisoners to courthouses for their initial arraignments could save the county from $30 to 50 million annually if fully implemented.
To close last week's meeting Mayor John Lewis presented Steve De
Ruse with a custom made bobblehead of his likeness to mark the completion of his second run as mayor two weeks ago.
Mayor Lewis who was at home social- distancing during the April 14 was unable to present the gift to De Ruse during his final meeting as mayor.
The La Mirada city council approved a recommendation by City Manager, Jeff Boynton, to delay moving forward with the Valley View Ave center median improvement project due to budget uncertainties that have been created by the current COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak at it's April 28th meeting.
The project would have removed the existing center median from Imperial Hwy. south to Rosecrans Ave and replace it with an all-new median similar to the recently completed medians along Rosecrans Ave and La Mirada Blvd.
An executive order issued by Governor Brown in 2017 during the worst drought recorded in California history banned the use of potable water on center median lawns. Following the order resulted in the die-off of turf as well as serious damage to many of the trees along the median.
The city had earmarked 'remnant' bond proceeds from the former La Mirada Redevelopment Agency to fund the $1.35 Million project.
With unemployment rates expected to exceed 30% later this month and the Congressional Budget Office forecasting a 40% drop in GDP during the current quarter local governments across the state expect significant revenue shortfalls will occur over the next several years with the California League of Cities projecting losses in revenue to cities across the state at approximately $6.7 billion during fiscal year 2020-21 alone.
On a per-capita rate, La Mirada's share would be $8.3 million though it is not likely to be that high with the heaviest losses hitting big-spending cities like Santa Monica $300 million and San Francisco $1.7 billion, the worst.
La Mirada has a $7 million rainy-day fund that was established after the Great Recession of 2007-09 just for such occurrences, but the magnitude and shock to the economy from the current pandemic shutdown will likely result in losses to the bottom line that may far-exceed that number over the current and next few budget years.
La Mirada News sources confirm the city is expecting a significant drop in revenue however the uncertainty over how the crisis will evolve does not allow an accurate prediction on what the shortfall will amount to. Discussions on what if any cuts to community services that might be made to deal with any revenue shortfalls have yet to occur.
Transit patrols coming to La Mirada
The city council voted 5-0 to use $110,000 in unused Prop. A transportation funds for extra patrols at local bus stops.
The Sheriff's Department will likely fill the special patrols with the four deputies and sergeant assigned to the La Mirada Special Assignments unit on overtime.
The supplemental patrols will provide an opportunity for deputies to engage members of the public as well as offer assistance and resources to homeless individuals that are often found at bus stops.
Councilmember Anthony Otero suggested that deputies also board and ride the buses to interact with the driver and patrons in order to bolster their sense of security and wellbeing.
The special patrols will have the added bonus of raising the overall visibility of law enforcement in the city and the additional deputies can be shifted to emergency incidents if the need arises.
City Council Notes
Mayor John Lewis assisted Love La Mirada to secure $10,000 from County Supervisor Janice Hahn writing a proposal that will fund will be funding close to 1,300 senior care packages that provide basic necessities that have been hard to find to those in need.
As of May 1st, about 1,100 deliveries have been completed in the effort spearheaded by council member Ed Eng along with the owners of the La Mirada Grocery Outlet and Pastor David Newman of the Neighborhood Life Church in La Mirada.
Pastor Newman leads the delivery effort and is seeking volunteers or donations with the goal of 2,000 packages. Anyone interested in helping out can reach the church at (562) 359-7945 or email neighborlife.church@gmail.com
The above video from the Neighborhood Life Church Facebook page shows in fast motion the volunteer effort in action.
During the current health emergency, many of the functions of the county court system have been delayed as the need to conduct court proceedings in a time of social-distancing while respecting the rights of all persons involved in court cases has presented a unique set of problems to overcome.
Certain court matters such as the issuance of protection orders and hearings for criminal suspects that remain in custody must still be conducted and a new video arraignment program developed by council member Ed Eng and his Los Angeles County Citizens' Economy Efficiency Commission where he is Executive Director will help in that endeavor.
The program launched hastily on April 21 allows appearances from a remote location via streaming video eliminating a lot of the close-in exposures persons in custody experience during transportation and in cramped courthouse holding cells.
The new program has been put in place in 32 courtrooms at 17 courthouses according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.
The program designed to eliminate much of the labor and cost of transporting prisoners to courthouses for their initial arraignments could save the county from $30 to 50 million annually if fully implemented.
To close last week's meeting Mayor John Lewis presented Steve De
Mayor Lewis who was at home social- distancing during the April 14 was unable to present the gift to De Ruse during his final meeting as mayor.
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