News Ticker: Last Carnival in La Mirada Shuts Down
Last Remaining Carnival in La Mirada Shuts Down
October came and went this year and an annual event didn’t take place in La Mirada and it appears to have signaled the end of yet another era in town.
The St. Paul of the Cross Fiesta was the last true “carnival” in La Mirada that featured the classic rides, food, games, an entertainment stage and so much more.
Beatitudes of our Lord Church discontinued their event this past decade and of course the “4 La Mirada Kids Carnival” at Benton School shut down in 2017 after 23-year run.
The three-day St. Paul event dates back to the 1970’s as far as I can tell, after speaking with some neighbors, a representative from the church and by utilizing my own recollection.
Organizers were unable to pull it off this year cited by a number of reasons: the amount of hard work along with the time the volunteers put in with not enough profit to show for it and also the cost of permits and security seems to be an issue.
They did host a one-day “feast” this year to commemorate St. Paul’s death on October 18th, 1775 and it was held on October 20th in Gannon Hall.
La Mirada resident Diane Whetsell said many neighbors looked forward to the celebration every October, “I sure did miss it (this year)! A lot of parishioners and friends got together for this event.”
The church has not completely ruled out bringing back the carnival next year.
Trogman Joins PIH
La Mirada resident Richard Trogman, FACHE, has joined PIH Health as System Chief Operating Officer (COO) & President of PIH Health Hospital-Downey. Trogman is a seasoned healthcare executive with 29 years of progressive healthcare experience. His first day with PIH Health was on Monday, October 7th.
Annual Art Show
The annual Mirrors of Your Mind Art Show presented by the Arts Colony of La Mirada is now underway through Friday, November 22.
Exhibit hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the La Mirada Activity Center, 13810 La Mirada Boulevard.
An award reception will conclude the show on Saturday, November 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m.
Sponsors include Century 21 Westworld Realty; Prime One Escrow; Art Supply Warehouse; Oriental Art Supply & Gamblin Artists Colors.
Artists interested in joining the Arts Colony of La Mirada are encouraged to visit acolm.org or call (562) 941-4116 for additional information.
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Family Resource Fair set for Foster Road Elementary
La Mirada~The annual Foster Road Elementary School Thanksgiving Dinner and Family Resource Fair will take place on Thursday, November 21st from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Open to all, the resource fair will include city and county community services and businesses designed to enhance the quality of family life. Insurance, real estate, finance and banking services will be on-hand for questions and opportunities. La Mirada middle schools will also present their programs.
This year, organizers are giving the turkeys a break as Chick-fil-A of La Mirada will provide the dinner: chicken of course!
During the meal, former La Mirada High School counselor and community advocate Oscar Diaz will be recognized for his tireless service and affection toward Foster Road Elementary School's students and families.
Event sponsors include: the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce; Los Angeles County; Banc of California; Chick-fil-A La Mirada; EDCO; Suburban Water; City of La Mirada; Living Faith/La Mirada; Kiwanis Club of La Mirada; La Mirada Rotary Club; La Mirada Ebell; Friends of the La Mirada Library and the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
Freedom Christian Center to Host Spine-Chilling Halloween Maze and Live Production October 25-27
Freedom Christian Center (FCC) announced that it will host its third annual Night of Terror event October 25-27th featuring a Halloween maze and live production and also will include photo booths and food trucks for all guests.
Night of Terror has achieved a best-kept secret reputation since its first year in 2017, when 3,500 people attended the five-night event. Last year, 5,000 people attended the three-night event. FCC anticipates a continued growth and is preparing to draw over 7,500 people this year.
“We’re expecting one thing this year,” said Pastor Jason Lozano, lead pastor of Freedom Christian Center. “For thousands of people to enjoy this production and get the hell scared out of them.”
Night of Terror will hold a 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. showing each night, beginning on Friday, October 25 and ending Sunday, October 27. The event will take place at Freedom Christian Center, 13808 Imperial Hwy at the Santa Fe Springs/La Mirada border.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here.
About Freedom Christian Center: Freedom Christian Center was established in 2002 by Pastor Jason Lozano and Pastor Liz Lozano in Whittier, California. Freedom has an average combined weekly attendance of 5,000 at their Santa Fe Springs and Uptown Whittier locations.
ANOTHER MAZE: The folks at Alondra Boulevard and Elmbrook Drive in La Mirada will once again be providing some Halloween fun this year. Check out their haunted maze preview night on Saturday, October 26th before the big night on the 31st.
OBITUARY-Murray Oxman from Oxman’s Surplus
Murray Oxman, 70, of Brea and Santa Fe Springs, passed away on August 19th. He was the co-owner and operator, along with his brother Jason, of Oxman’s Surplus which was founded in 1960 by his parents Jerome and Miriam Oxman, also known as “Mr. and Mrs. O.”
Oxman’s Surplus grew into a sprawling military surplus outlet and now encompassing 7,000 square feet with army surplus, camping equipment, and clothing, along with the original garages now called Gadgeteers Paradise, the store and military museum attracts customers from all over the world.
This store has been a favorite of La Mirada area kids for generations and veterans came to the store for treasured memorabilia which is impossible to find anywhere else.
Miriam Oxman, who passed away in 2017 and her late husband, Jerome Oxman, who passed in 2013, started the historical collection for the museum beginning in 1950 when Mr. O bought a discarded B-29 Bomber Norden Bombsight which is still in the store.
The Museum is actually the entrance to the store and there is no charge to see it.
Murray, a familiar fixture at the cash register of Oxman’s for many years, was a veteran of the US Navy, loved to play ice hockey and root for the Anaheim Ducks and was an avid golfer. He supported many youth organizations and was active in Congregation B’nai Israel, the La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs Chambers of Commerce and Associated Surplus Dealers.
Murray Oxman’s survivors include his wife Linda, who is a teacher, sons Zachary and Josh, brothers Brian and Jason; aunts Rene Oxman, Tessie Oxman, Phyllis Sarto and Barbara Snyder; many cousins and several grandchildren. Murray loved his family, his Jewish heritage, his country and every day he spent in the store.
Murray was buried alongside his parents on August 21st at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach.
The family plans to continue operating Oxman’s Surplus, where a memorial will be held.
Phantom Projects’ 13th Annual Young Artist Project August 3rd
La Mirada~Each year, nearly 200 young, creative, multi-faceted performers from all across the United States, apply to be considered for The Young Artist Project, an event held annually each August at the 1,300-seat La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Those selected, (this year there are six), are given access to a 5,000 square foot rehearsal space, the theatre, and the financial and creative support of a 22-year-old production company. The participants are between the ages of 16-23 but each have the experience of a seasoned veteran.
They have just 14 days to completely create a polished, finished, professional production that is then presented as the final production in the 18/19 Phantom Projects Theatre Group Season at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday August 3rd at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
For tickets call La Mirada Theatre’s Box Office at 714.944.9801 or visit PhantomProjects.com/youngartistproject
Visit the Friends of the La Mirada Library Bookstore
Bookstores still exist and did you know there is one inside the La Mirada Library?
It is operated and staffed by the Friends of the La Mirada Library (FOL) volunteer members and is open to the public the same days as the La Mirada Library.
All items for sale in the bookstore are donated, nothing is purchased. The book store accepts donations of books, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s, audio books, comic books and more. Tax donation receipts are available upon request.
Contributions of books and media provide the materials sold at lobby sale tables and the semi-annual FOL Super Book Sales hosted in May and October. Funds raised go to support La Mirada Library programs and purchases.
Contact the library at (562) 943-0277 to learn about becoming a FOL member and/or to make a donation of items to the store. Donation baskets are also located inside the library.
The Friends of the La Mirada Library is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit association of community-minded individuals committed to focusing public attention on the library’s services, facilities and needs, and to encouraging gifts and donations in support of the library.
Board meetings are held every 4th Thursday every month from 6:30pm-7:30pm in the meeting room of the La Mirada Library. FOL members are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings so they can be informed what the FOL is doing for the library, what the library is doing for the community and also vote on future projects. Visitors are always welcome.
Where Does the La Mirada Blog Go Next?
Well, I think it’s about time.
You mean an opinion column on my own website? What a novel concept. I hope to produce this on a every-other-month basis so let’s see and let’s go. Thank YOU for taking time out of your busy day to read this and I hope you enjoy it as we move forward.
From the beginning, I am not going to grovel for days over this column or it’s just going to stress me out and I won’t like doing it. So, my goal is to knock it out in 30 minutes and it is what it is. I’ll put a stop watch on my desk and let’s see how it goes.
Where is the La Mirada Blog going and how has it evolved and changed over the years? What’s next, if anything? What happened in the 2017 La Mirada City Council Election, just 27 months ago-the true story, other than me losing? 😊 City Council members are now elected by district, but are they serving in their districts?
The first issue is this website. I hear you, it's outdated. I hope to have it updated very soon and I apologize. Social media took over in 2009-10 as you well know if you’re a long time follower and the website has been neglected, but mostly because of financial reasons. The overhaul is going to cost more than I thought and I hope to have this remedied very soon. However, with that being said, it is still a place for exclusive content and I have some great advertisers!
Minus the website, the La Mirada Blog has 20,000+ social media followers, not to mention the engagement and reach. What does this mean? Nothing, but comparatively speaking, in a town of 50,000 it is significant and sometimes there is a stress and pressure that goes along with it.
Although I knew I loved what I was doing when I started the Blog many years ago in 2003, at times I have had difficulty keeping up emotionally with its tremendous growth, its status in the community and the responsibility that comes with it along with trying to approach it in a non-biased way in a city I have such a personal attachment to.
So, join on this journey with me as I trudge along running the La Mirada Blog and let us all see what’s next. I tell you and you decide. Send me your ideas, questions, topics, stories and story ideas, advice, news ideas and anything to lamiradablog@gmail.com and let’s travel this road called life, together. Till next time.
Follow the La Mirada Blog on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
La Mirada News Ticker #15
•The Arts Colony of La Mirada (ACOLM) Plein Art Painting Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The next group meeting will be July 11th with the location to be announced. Participants are required to bring their own snacks, drinks and art supplies. Contact Madeline Thomas for more info (562) 941-4116.
•The group is looking for volunteer face painters for the city’s summer concert series now underway Thursdays at 6:30 through August 8th, (7/25 at Creek Park). Painters should be there about 20 minutes in advance of the music starting at 6:30 p.m. The event Night Market begins at 4:00 p.m.
•We’re sad to report Marla Greer, a longtime member of ACOLM, passed away due to complications of a stroke. Her services will be held on Saturday June 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St Joseph's Episcopal Church, 8300 Valley View St., Buena Park 90620. Those who knew her and intend to attend, please call Madeline Thomas at 562-941-4116 for a head count. Sherri Scialla at 714-904-7031 is the family's contact.
•After a long stint at La Mirada High School, popular teacher Ollie Lynch has confirmed with us he will not be returning to the school this fall. Lynch will be heading across town to El Camino High to lead the Independent Studies Program.
•Carol Schneider from the Year-Around Garden Club in Whittier recently presented a check of $500 to the La Mirada Historical Preservation Advisory Council at their monthly meeting. The money will be applied to the cost for the replacement of the tree identification plaques at the living arboretum at Neff Park created by La Mirada founder Andrew McNally in the late nineteenth century. A La Mirada organization also donated $1000 for the project, but they wish to remain anonymous.
•The Friends of the La Mirada Library will be installing the 2019-2020 board members at their meeting Thursday, June 27 at 6:30pm.
•The Chop Shop will be hosting its official grand opening Sunday June 23 from 10:00a-4:00 p.m. There will be raffles, giveaways, food and 50% off all cuts. The barber shop is located at 13948 Valley View Avenue.
•Last month, La Mirada resident Margie Cramer had her garden chosen to be part of the prestigious Mary Lou Heard Memorial Garden Tour. Read more about the tour and Margie’s garden here.
City Hall Waterfall Reaches Crossroads
La Mirada~Is this the end for the iconic fountain and water fall at La Mirada City Hall?
The 49-year old fountain and pools at La Mirada City Hall are showing their age and were shut down due to public safety concerns and excessive water loss and power usage, according to a recent staff report.
The item was discussed at the March 12 City Council Study Session.
The City Council now seems poised to make a decision about the future of the water feature, a familiar landmark of the La Mirada landscape.
Much of the feature still retains most of the original plumbing and electrical system-and it was failing. Also, the water pumps and valves used for the operation of the fountain were beyond their normal life expectancy and have to be replaced as well.
The pool surfaces also have multiple cracks and are in need of extensive repair. Saturated soil has been observed around the structure due to the leaks, the report indicated.
The disabled fountain consists of three pools with a water fall from the largest pool dumping water to a smaller pool which then flows to another smaller pool to the south of the civic center stairway.
Staff has identified three options for the City Council’s consideration.
Option 1: Restore and renovate the feature to its original condition and replace the entire infrastructure. Cost: $1,000,000-$1,375,000.
Option 2: Reduce and modify the total pool area and install landscape (planters, rocks, shrubs, etc.) and hardscape within the reduced area. The entire infrastructure would still have to be replaced for remaining pools. A new patio deck is also being considered (Option 2A) Cost: $1,750,000-$2,250,000.
Option 3: Eliminate all the pools and replace with landscape and hardscape improvements. This is obviously the most cost-efficient option, especially from a maintenance standpoint moving forward, but it will dramatically change the legendary look of the city hall grounds. Cost: $500,000-$750,000.
The fountain debuted with the dedication of the city hall building on March 20, 1970.
New Chick-fil-A Opening May 23rd
Chick-fil-A will open its first La Mirada restaurant at 14303 Firestone Boulevard on May 23, bringing its handcrafted food and award-winning customer service, commitment to community engagement and hands-on mentoring for nearly 90 newly-hired Team Members.
The overnight Grand Opening First 100 Campout includes engaging activities for participants ages five and older who will also enjoy a Chick-fil-A meal during the countdown to the opening. Registration begins in the restaurant parking lot at 6 p.m., May 22. Details include: Up to 100 adults, ages 18 and older, will win a digital offer card with a year of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 meals with each consisting of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Potato Fries, and a medium beverage).
The community event is open to guests surrounding the restaurant with a list of eligible zip codes and complete rules found at https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Future-Openings
New local owner Chris Schivley graduated from Long Beach State University in 2002 with a degree in criminal justice and went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy and administration in 2006. Schivley, who grew up in the Los Angeles County area, spent the first 20 years of his career in law enforcement. His first Chick-fil-A experience came a few years ago when his family began a weekly “date night” tradition of visiting the local Chick-fil-A in Long Beach.
After learning about the Chick-fil-A franchise owner opportunity from a colleague, Schivley’s interest was piqued and it didn’t take long before he realized the brand’s focus on serving freshly prepared food and mentoring young people matched his entrepreneurial goals. By the end of 2018, Schivley left his police department job to pursue his dream of becoming an Operator and was thrilled when he was selected for the new La Mirada restaurant.
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