Deploying drones and fining homeowners considered in illegal firework crackdown next 4th

La Mirada-  At its December study session, the city council revisited the issue of what actions the city should take to combat the growing problem illegal fireworks have become in the city.

Council members directed city staff in July to explore several ideas they proposed including the use of drones that could be employed to assist authorities in 
a promised crackdown in 2019.      

Also New on 12/28 Sheriff's News Roundup: LM School goes on lockdown due to gun scare                                                         
 The renewed effort follows an avalanche of complaints from the community directed at city officials and voiced on social media and mirrored in a city report that the use of illegal fireworks was getting worse in La Mirada.

A city staff report detailing fireworks enforcement dated July 10, 2018, showed the number of complaints deputies responded to from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. had nearly doubled from 23 in 2016, to 43 in 2018. 

A proposal to use drones to aid in identification and apprehension of violators has gained the most attention and proved controversial based on the concerns voiced on social media sites.

A city staff report back to council on the proposal noted that due to privacy concerns the Sheriff's Department does not use drones in local law enforcement efforts.  

After considering the expense as well as FAA hurdles the city would incur by starting its own program the report recommends that council members consider contracting with a private company at an estimated cost of $175 per hour.

The response from the public on social media has ranged from support to those expressing privacy concerns and the growing footprint of 'big brother' in their daily lives.

The city council is also expected to approve a proposal that allows citations to be issued to property owners of places that are identified as locations where violations have taken place.

Violators to the current law and proposed expansion are subject to a $1,000 fine.

In other city business, the council also discussed a proposal to increase security at two city parks by using surveillance cameras.

The proposals for Neff and Frontier Parks were requested earlier in the year by several council members in response to several complaints of suspicious activity by park patrons.

The proposed system would cover select areas of each park would be capable of only recording for later retrieval and not monitored real-time and carries a price tag from $18,000 to $93,000.

There would also be an annual cost of up to $10,000 to maintain and service the system.

The city staff report does not mention any past incidents the proposed cameras would have been useful either deterring or apprehending the suspect in a past crime.

City Hall notes:

City Hall which closes each year for part of the Holiday season began its extended closure on Monday, December 24th, and will not reopen until Wednesday, January 2nd.

La Mirada News Briefs Only one home left at Olive Walk

Photo: Olson Homes

La Mirada-  There is only one home still available in the Olive Walk development built by urban living specialist Olson Homes at 12000 La Mirada Blvd.

The home available is a model home, includes furnishings inside the model and Olson has but the price this weekend only.

Interested buyers can also make backup offers for homes that could still allow you to grab a home if a pending sale falls apart.

Contact the Olive Walk sales office for further information at (562) 370-9514. or www.olivewalk.com

La Mirada Chili Holiday Celebration returns Dec. 1 

La Mirada's signature Holiday event will be held next weekend at Splash! Regional Aquatics Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event features live entertainment including local youth groups singing Christmas Carols for the crowd, free chili, hot dogs, cookies and refreshments,

Snow sledding and other activities will be available and a Tree Lighting Ceremony will be a special highlight.

Event organizers are asking those in attendance to bring non-perishable food items and/or unwrapped toys that will benefit local families in need

Splash! is located behind the La Mirada County Library at 13806 La Mirada Blvd.

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

Holiday Food and Toy Drive

The City of La Mirada is asking the public to donate toys and non-perishable food items to one of its six collection points around the city through Friday, December 14 to benefit needy families in the area.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

La Mirada Activity Center  13810 La Mirada Blvd.

La Mirada City Hall   13700 La Mirada Blvd.

La Mirada Gymnasium 15105 Alicante Road.

La Mirada County Library 13800 La Mirada Blvd.

La Mirada Resource Center 13710 La Mirada Blvd.

Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center 13816 La Mirada Blvd.

The donations will be distributed by the La Mirada Volunteer Center, Interfaith Food Center, Grace Evangelical Free Church, St. Paul of the Cross Church, and Beatitudes of our Lord Church.


Public is invited to the Biola Tree Lighting Ceremony

The public is invited to the Biola University Chrismas Fair and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday,

November 30 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Vendors will be selling gifts as carolers sing holiday songs as part of the Christmas Fair on the Bell Tower Walkway from 4:30 pm to 9 p.m.  Hot drinks will also be available for purchase during the Fair.

The highlight of the evening will be from 7:00 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Metzger Lawn for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

For additional information contact Alumni Relations at (562) 903-4728.

City Hall News: Council approves plans for next Measure I phase

La Mirada-  The City Council recently approved plans for the next Measure I phase which is scheduled to begin this winter covering the largest area of the city undertaken yet.

The residential roadway rehabilitation project would cover a large section of the western end of La Mirada between Valley View and Biola Avenues, and from the Milan Creek which runs just south of Plantana Drive up to but not including Stage Road.

The city will begin accepting bids to perform the 5th phase of work which carries an estimated price tag of $8 million and covers pavement rehabilitation, as well as repair or replacing curb and gutters, sidewalks, and installation of ADA compliant curb access ramps.

Just over $5 million remains from the one-cent Measure I sales tax that has not been collected since the end of March, and the city will use other funds from gas taxes, as well as from a number of other transportation measures including SB1.

It appears the city could have two or three additional capital projects underway at the same time this winter including a major center median project on La Mirada Blvd and Rosecrans Ave, at Splash! for the new sllide, and improvements at the La Mirada Theatre sound system.

Residential areas north of Biola University, near Kling Center, as well as Green Hills and parts of Hillsborough still remain to complete the project which began in 2013.

Work on Phase 5 is scheduled to begin this winter.

On street parking eliminated on two streets

Also, at its last meeting, the city council gave its blessing to a staff request to remove the two-hour parking zone along the entire length of Trojan Way, and change the street to a 'No Stopping' zone to growth in the area.

Anticipating traffic will grow once construction on a large industrial project is completed on the west side of Trojan Way near Northam Street, the city plans on adding a second lane of travel will be in both directions of travel between Alondra Blvd and Desman Road,

Council also abolished a two-hour parking zone on a portion of northbound Valley View Ave between Gannet Street and Alondra Blvd in order to improve sight lines for vehicles entering and exiting the road.

The entire length of Valley View Ave from Imperial Hwy to Artesia Blvd will be a posted 'No Stopping' zone.

City Hall notes

• The next regular session of the council on Tuesday, November 27 has been canceled and are expected to meet next on Tuesday, December 12 in the monthly Study Session as well as on regular session later on the same day.  Traditionally they meet just once each in the month of December.

• Staff and council discussed during its monthly study session recreation activities offered for adults.  With a majority of city assets used by youth sports activities, little is left for use by adults, and the grumbling has grown louder on local social media during the calendar year.
• The number of complaints about RV's and other oversized vehicles parked on city streets has fallen sharply in the year since the practice was banned. 74 citations have been issued, while education has been the preferred route to address first-time complaints.  Residents can obtain up to 20 temporary permits good for a 2-hour period per year for loading and unloading of R.V. trailers etc.

• Council member Andrew Sarega missed the meeting due to an illness.

City Hall News: Center median landscaping plan approved

La Mirada-  The city council advanced an upcoming project to replace center median landscaping on

several major roadways by approving the design plan without discussion during their last meeting.

New median landscaping will be installed the entire length of La Mirada Blvd and Rosecrans Ave within city limits as well as a one-mile stretch of Valley View Ave between Imperial Hwy and Rosecrans Ave.

An emergency executive order put in place by Gov. Jerry Brown during the drought banning the use of potable water to water medians is responsible for the die-off of the turf as well as major damage that the trees have suffered.  The ban has since been made permanent.

A new design that includes cobblestones and concrete, as well as turf and trees addresses the new restrictions.

The city clerk will now advertise a request for bids on the work staff estimates will carry a price tag at close to $4 million.

Assembly Majority Leader makes an appearance

Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, (D-Whittier)  presented the council with an oversized check similar to those seen at a lottery winner dog and pony show highlighting the $400,000 grant he was able to secure from state funds that are being used for upgrades at the La Mirada Theatre.

Calderon revealed that he has used the Theatre as a venue for functions over the years and that it will always be a special place to him.

Securing money from the state and bringing it back to the people of his district is one of the key obligations Calderon feels strongly about fulfilling.

The money that will come from the grant will be combined with money allocated from the city budget to pay for the recently completed seat replacement project and one in January that will upgrade the sound system, followed by improvements to the smaller presentation lounge on the second floor.

Additional funding request for Symphony approved

The city council approved a request presented during it's October 9th Study Session by the La Mirada Symphony for additional financial assistance during the current fiscal year that will enable the organization to secure rehearsal locations during the Symphony season.

In-kind donations of up to $40,000 is the value city staff has determined use of the Theater or the  Activity Center when the Theatre is not available, and an additional $5,000 monetary donation will allow the Symphony to use another location if both city-owned locations were unavailable.

The city had already allocated $26,474 in the current budget that funds Symphony materials, ads, box office, and Theatre administration costs.

The Symphony holds four free concerts for the public as well as two events for local students. 

The first free concert is on November 19th.

La Mirada council to consider median landscaping work

October 23, 2018.

La Mirada-   The city council is expected at tonight's meeting to review plans for and authorize staff

to solicit bids for a capital improvements project that seeks to remove and replace deteriorated center median landscaping along three of the city's major roadways.

The proposed median work is for the entire length of La Mirada Blvd as well as Rosecrans Ave within city limits plus to a one-mile section of Valley View Ave north of Rosecrans Ave should cost about $4.1. million.

Also tonight Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon will be in attendance and will present the city with a ceremonial check that represents the $400,000, grant he secured that is being used to help fund upgrades at the La Mirada Theatre that has already helped pay for the replacement of all the seats and for an upgrade to the theatre sounds system that is scheduled to be completed during a break in the schedule next Janurary.

Calderon represents La Mirada in the Assembly.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6:30 p.m

10-23-18 LMNews Editor

City Council News: Contract approved for Leffingwell rehab

La Mirada-   The city council approved a contract that will address the deteriorated condition of a 0.6 mile stretch of Leffingwell Road from Telegraph Road to La Mirada Blvd.at its most recent meeting.

The contract in the amount of $1.083,533 awarded to R. J. Noble of Orange and will repair or replace damaged sidewalks, gutters, and curbs, bring crosswalks into ADA compliance as well as repair and pave the road surface.

The county which owns half of the roadway will is also funding part of the project.

Theatre sound system upgrade approved

The council also approved a proposal from Theatre Director BT McNicholl to begin upgrading the antiquated and deficient sound system after hearing more complaints about from patrons that were not able to hear performers or the quality was substandard.

More speakers will be added to the orchestra and balcony levels,  and placed into the stage and once in place will be calibrated for maximum performance.

Mc Nicholl told the council that staff felt if the sound system was not upgraded to current standards it could result in shows and performers to seek a better venue elsewhere.

Most of the current sound system was in place when the Theatre first opened its doors in 1977.

The $423,571 deal with Diversified also adds a new audio-visual system to the smaller upstairs performance lounge as well\as adding two speakers there too. McNicholl would like to begin to hold performances that are geared to a smaller audience.

The work by Diversified will commence during a break in the Theatre schedule in January..

A $400,000 state grant secured for the city by Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon as well as $70,000 of city money are being used to pay for the upcoming project as well as the new seats installed last month.

Symphony funding request under consideration
The city council is studying a request from La Mirada Symphony President Davids Derks for additional financial assistance from the city to secure a place for them to hold rehearsals during the season.

A majority of the request in an in-kind donation that denotes the value the city places for use of either the Theatre when there is not another event playing, or the Activity Center when the Theatre is unavailable. The remaining  $5,000 of the request would be used to secure another rehearsal location if both city locations were unavailable.

City Manager Jeff Boynton pointed out that the organization performs four free concerts for the community each season as well as two programs for youth from around the NLMUSD.
The next youth program on Feb. 19th allows students to hear up close the sound of each instrument individually then as a group.  Students will be encouraged to come up on stage and join the Symphony for a performance.

The city already has allocated $26,474 in the current budget that covers Symphony marketing, administration, printing programs, publicity, and box office costs.

Boynton asked the council to also look at recovering the box office expenses incurred by the box office from the free concert ticket distribution by placing a $2 processing fee on each free ticket

The first free concert is on November 19th.

City Hall notes:

*  Work has been completed that upgraded traffic signals along La Mirada Blvd that replaced some of the shorter overhead arms and poles, put into place new shiny and more visible reflective overhead street signs, larger signal lamps for improved visibility and installation of components that were well past the intended span of service.

Mike Eng

One of the most noticeable changes enhances safety in each intersection with the replacement of the old-style sodium street lighting with new and brighter LED lights.

*  The brother of Ed Eng, former Assemblyman Mike Eng is the favorite in the contest in the San
Gabriel Valley against Baldwin Park Mayor Sally Rubio for the term-out 22nd State Senate seat on Tues. November 6th after finishing with a margin of 19% of the votes with 45$ of the ballots cast, well ahead of the 20% cast for Rubio.  Rubio has been dogged by controversy at City Hall.

Mr. Eng spent six years in the California Assembly and is currently a trustee on the board of the Los Angeles Community College District.

Paul Martin, LMNews Editor

City Council Report: Measure I projects running over budget

La Mirada City Seal

Sept 13, 2018

La Mirada-  A report reviewed by the City Council Tuesday updating Measure I spending shows spending so far is well over budget for at least three of the four phases of work. With about 20% of the money raised by the half-cent sales tax still remaining, close to half of the city still has not seen improvements even begin.  The Measure I tax ended on March 31, 2018.

A review of the reports indicates expenditures far exceeding amounts originally budgeted for work completed so far by more than $2 million dollars for Phases 2, 3, and 4.

                                          Budgeted Amount               Final  Amount

Phase 2                                    $3,880,000                      $4,670,000      

Phase 3                                    $6,689,000                       $7,460,000

Phase 4                                    $4,697,219                       $5,560,000*

* Phase 4 is complete, but the city states there are still outstanding invoices for work completed.

Figures were not immediately available for the amount budgeted for Phase 1, but the ending expenditure for the project was $4.89 Million.

The report from the citizen's committee that oversees Measure I spending states that $23.1 million of the $29 million collected by the sales tax has already been spent.

Invoices are still expected in the just completed Phase 4 area, and with Phase 5 budgeted at $8 million scheduled to begin late this year, the city will use road and transportation funds to pay for work after the Measure 1 funds have been depleted.

After the Phase 5 work that covers the area mostly south of Gardenhill Park to Rosecrans Av areas remaining have infrastructure work done consists of neighborhoods north of Biola University, the Kling Center area and Hillsborough.

New Dial-a-Ride buses coming soon

A request by city staff to replace Dial-a-Ride buses that have reached the end of their useful life for transit operations was approved by the council.

Three 16 passenger buses and one 20 passenger bus will be ordered at a cost of $415,000 and will be purchased with funds earmarked for transportation programs.  

The city is also purchasing ten fareboxes to equip the entire fleet which is operating with them currently.

Meeting Notes

An update was provided for the new slide to be added at Splash!  The project is currently in design, and construction is tentatively set to commence in February 2019.  The slide will have six mat runs and two tube slides.

Former City council member and Mayor Art Leslie attended the regular meeting.

Former Community Services Commission member Dustin Dahl's culinary skills were a big hit at the Maddi's Closet fundraiser at Splash! Saturday evening and was one of the event's highlights.

Mr. Dahl has been doing all the right things, becoming more and more visible in the right circles, and must be considered a serious contender to become the first council member in the new District 5 in 2020.  Dahl has not made a public statement on his future political plans yet, but stay tuned.

City Council News: Leffingwell roadwork plans approved

La Mirada-  The city council approved during its regular meeting earlier this week plans and specifications for long-awaited roadwork for a section of Leffingwell Road from La Mirada Blvd and Telegraph Road that is in poor condition

The estimated $1.4 million price tag will be shared with the county which owns the northern half of the road will be put out bids on work that will consist of repairs of the roadway foundation and pavement, and repair and replace any damaged curbs, gutters, sidewalks and install or replace ADA curb ramps.

Work is currently taking place in the area at Leffingwell Raod and Arroyo Drive on a separate project that will see a traffic signal at the intersection when completed.

Vehicle purchases approved 

The council approved the purchase of four vehicles for use by sheriff's deputies and the Public Safety Department.

Two Ford Polic
e Interceptor Utility vehicles will be to replace vehicles that are used by deputies belonging to the Specia Assignment Officer (SAO0 problem-solving team. The SAO's were responsible for two separate busts made on alleged drug dealers this past week.

TThe city will also acquire two Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedans for use Code Enforcement and Public Safety Officers.

New members added to Youth Council

Chloe Ward, entering her senior year at La Serna High School and Samuel Betancourt beginning his senior year at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower were named to serve on the Youth Council as At-Large members.

Both Ward and Betancourt have been involved in the city's Leaders in Training program and are active in a number of community groups.

News Briefs:Santa Gertrudes Wall and Parkway project approved

LA MIRADA- The La Mirada City Council selected a contractor at it's last meeting will be doing the work for the long-awaited Santa Gertrudes Wall and Parkway Improvement Project.

The $1.33 Million project replaces the compromised and leaning wall along the east sidewalk between Alicante Road and Rosecrans Avenue, as well as replacement of the uneven walkway.  A city report suggests the current condition in that section of Santa Gertrudes Avenue is just as much a hazardous as it is an eyesore..

A new irrigation system will also be installed as well as new trees.

The project is being funded by proceeds from the Prop C transportation sales tax and is schedules to get underway early this summer.

Norwalk educator named to vacant NLMUSD board seat

NORWALK-   Jude Cazares, a Norwalk father of four was selected by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified school board to the seat vacated by Margaret Rios after winning a seat on the Norwalk City Council in March.

Cazares a history teacher for 13 years in the Los Angeles Unified School District bested three La Miradans for the post including Diego De Lama who was ranked the highest in the initial phase of the selection process.

La Mirada Councilman accused of harassment

Lamplighter editor Brian Hews alleges that La Mirada Councilman Andrew Sarega and his father Ion Sarega are now harassing him in apparent retaliation for it's coverage of election campaign irregularities.

The investigation by Hews outlined in a series of articles, were critical of the election campaigns by Sarega who won re-election, and Tony Aiello, owner of a local blog who lost his bid for the District One seat to newcomer John Lewis last March.

After the election Hews filed a complaint with the Fair Political Practises Committee requesting that his findings be investigated.  The case is still under investigation.

Hews reports as he was leaving his office last Tuesday both Sarega's were waiting for him in the parking lot to depart.

Hews alleges that both Sarega's approached him in an aggressive manner, but quickly retreated to their car when Hews began snapping photos.

http://lmlamplighter.com/la-mirada-councilman-andrew-sarega-and-his-dad-ion-harassing-lamplighter-publisher/

La Mirada council approves anti-smoking ordinance

LA MIRADA-    The city council voted unanimously to adopt a city ordinance prohibiting smoking of any type at La Mirada city parks and facilities.

The ban was approved because of growing concern from the public on the danger presented by secondhand smoke.

La Mirada becomes one of close to 400 local cities and counties in the state having bans in place.

The American Lung Association recently gave La Mirada a grade of 'F' in it's survey on local tobacco control measures.

A violation of the ordinance is an infraction and could result in an administrative citation with a fine of $100 for the first offense, a fine of $200  for the second violation in a 12-month period, and a $500 penalty each additional citation in a year.

The new rules will be enforced by sheriff's deputies, and by city code enforcement and public safety officers. Most violators will receive a warning before being ticketed.

Included in the ban is also use of vaping devices, electronic cigarettes, pipes, or any device that creates a smoke or vapor.

There is a 30-day period to start that will feature a public awareness campaign and only warnings being issued, to allow time for patrons to become aware of the new restrictions,

An anti-smoking ordinance has been in place for years at the county-owned Regional Park and state laws already forbid smoking on school campuses, near playgrounds, and withing 250 feet of any youth sports event.

La Mirada council to study ban on smoking in city parks and facilities

LA MIRADA    City council will consider a ban on smoking in city parks at its monthly study session next Tuesday.

The proposed ordinance was requested by the Community Services Commission and includes bans on vaping, electronic cigarettes, and marijuana use at city parks and facilities.

The county already has a similar ordinance in place and currently bans smoking at the county owned Regional Park.

If approved the ordinance would be enforced by both sheriff's deputies and city public safety officers with violators being subject to a non-criminal administrative citation carrying a fine of $100 for the first offence.

A public hearing at a future date would be held before the ordinance could be enacted.

Final Results: Andrew Sarega hands Pauline Deal stunning defeat, John Lewis to join La Mirada council

LA MIRADA    Despite an election mailer controversy and repeated battles with the council majority Andrew Sarega surprised Pauline Deal, both incumbents, by handing her a defeat for the District Two council seat by a wide margin.

In District One John Lewis a member of the planning commission was the winner in District One defeating three other contenders, beating his closest contender Diane Gramajo 34% to 26%.

The victory by the embattled Sarega was even more surprising to many, with Deal enjoying the endorsement of the other three members on the council and endorsements or support from what many consider the La Mirada political establishment comprised of  former city council members and the well-respected and former city manager Gary Sloan.

Sarega received no such support, but still received 19% more votes than Deal, with the final tally standing at 349 votes for Andrew Sarega (54%) and 292 votes (46%)  for Pauline Deal.

Local politics won out in District One as the favorite of past and many present on the council, John Lewis (340 votes 34%) finished far ahead of his nearest challenger Diane Gramajo (264 votes 26%), despite her endorsements from area Democratic party heavyweights.

Lewis ran on a platform that emphasized economic development and public safety versus Gramajo pledging to give a voice to district voters at City Hall for the first time.

Public safety commission member Jim Emmerling tallied 20% of the vote (203 votes) finishing third in District One and Tony Aiello was fourth with 194 votes (19%). This was Aiello's second attempt at a city council seat in as many elections.

In the weeks leading up to Tuesday's vote recurring tension that resurfaced between Sarega and some of the other members of the council during a series of verbal attacks at recent meetings and Sarega denying responsibility for an election mailing attacking Pauline Deal.

Sarega has been at odds with some members of the council after he was bypassed in 2015 to serve as mayor-pro-tem, then as mayor as tradition would have dictated.







 

La Mirada election mailers create stir

LA MIRADA    A controversial

election campaign mailer critical of Pauline Deal by a group calling itself  Residents for a better La Mirada  is examined by Los Cerritos News/La Mirada Lamplighter editor Brian Hews in two recent articles.

http://lmlamplighter.com/city-council-campaign-getting-dirty-in-la-mirada/

http://www.loscerritosnews.net/2017/02/27/exclusive-dark-money-donations-influencing-la-mirada-city-council-race/