Phantom Projects’ 3rd Annual Young Artists Project Unites Seven Performers for a Unique Evening of Original Music, Theatre, Film, and Dance at the La Mirada Theatre, August 8th at 7 P.M.

La Mirada~ Put seven promising young artists in a workshop environment with no creative limits, stir with the guidance of a veteran director, and cook under the pressure of a public performance within weeks and what do you get? You get a theatrical event that blends drama, poetry, comedy, dance, film, and spoke word.

Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group's Third Young Artist Project is currently providing this kind of crucible for a talented troupe of former strangers who are suddenly experiencing the joy and pressure of creating professional theatre.

They will perform their evening program at 7 p.m. on August 8 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. For tickets ($6 to $20) or additional information, call 714-994-6310 or visit PhantomProjects.com.

The Young Artists Project is the brainchild of Steve Cisneros, Phantom Projects Founder and Artistic Director, who launched the program in 2007 as part of his company's 10th Anniversary.

The group had never met before their first rehearsal, and rehearsed every day for 14 days including one unique rehearsal that began at 12-midnight and ran until 8AM. The participating artists are Marnin Grace Abad (18, Anaheim), Gennesis Lopez (18, Los Angeles), Emily Lappi (16, Las Flores), Caitlin Selitrennikoff (19, Anaheim Hills), Emily Walker (18, Huntington Beach), Jon Wayne (19, La Habra), Kelley Williams (20, Alta Dena).

• Aug 05, 2009

High School Football Season Just Around the Corner

La Mirada~A touch of Autumn in the evenings indicates football season is almost here.

The 2009 La Mirada Matadores begin play September 4 against rival St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs.

Follow the Mat's progress all season long right here and look for an exclusive team-by-team Suburban League preview here on the La Mirada Blog the week of August 17th. Check for La Mirada game times on our community calendar.

Also, check out the cool 2009 LM Football web-site at www.eteamz.com/lamiradafootball. The link has also been added to our La Mirada Links page. Go Matadores!

• Aug 05, 2009

A 3rd of July I Will Never Forget; Dog is Killed as Fireworks Explode

FLASHBACK

The following is a re-post from a story I wrote in 2009 after witnessing a dog get killed on July 3rd of that year at La Mirada Blvd and Foster Road after the very young dog ran frightened from the fireworks show at Regional Park after the family had brought the dog to the event earlier in the day.

The La Mirada Blog is recommending dogs not to be taken to the annual celebration at Regional Park.

We all know parks and dogs go hand in hand, but this is one exception. The crowd is to large and dogs simply don't like fireworks.

Please do NOT take your dogs to Regional Park for the 3rd of July celebration, there are simply to many things that can wrong.

If you are worried about your dog staying home alone, you simply can't go the event.

Read this story I wrote six years ago, and I hope it makes you and others aware of the increased possibility of mishap.

Story originally written July 26th, 2009

Frustration, Joy, Despair; All in One Day

La Mirada~A friend, we'll call him MP, recently told me, "Tony, you have to write a La Mirada book someday."

Well, add another chapter.

An opinion piece, me? I don't do these any more, but I absolutely feel compelled in this instance.

Finally after over two weeks, I am able to write this story. As I said, over two weeks has passed now, and this year's 3rd of July event is now fading into distant memory for most.

Not so fast.

I worked the Kiwanis of La Mirada booth during the middle of the day; helping the club barbeque and prepare tri-tip sandwiches to be sold to the crowd. It was the most pleasant part of my day. What a line we had around 6 p.m. What a blast!

I had some interesting thoughts and observations throughout the day, but one that kept bothering me was the fact that many people had brought their dogs to this event.

People, I know dogs love parks, but this is simply an event you cannot bring your dogs to. During the day maybe, but still, there were way too many people to have your dog there, even during the day. And I had to wonder how many of those people were going to bring their dogs home for the evening. This worried me.

As a general rule dogs don't like fireworks. This is common knowledge. Sure, there are some exceptions, but for the most part they dislike fireworks and loud noises. In fact special precautions must be taken for your dog during the 4th of July, even at your own home. Guess what? You can't have both. You can't own a dog and go see the fireworks show. Someone needs to monitor the dog at home. It's a simple as that.

This bothered me all day after seeing dog after dog nervously looking around at the overwhelming crowd.

After finishing up at the booth I wandered over to the family's blanket to relax and watch the fireworks show. Fireworks really don't do much for me, but it's that family, quality factor thing.

At 9:07 p.m. the lights went out in the park and the show was about to begun. Just as the first projectile exploded, a little black dog went frantically racing by our blanket; leash still attached. You could barely see him because of his color and because of the darkness of the night.

I heard people laughing and it sickened me. This dog was obviously traumatized and bolted from its owners grasp. How did this happen? Who would be so irresponsible to let this happen? My worst fear was coming true.

Our blanket was located behind one of the softball diamonds, with our backs to the parking lot and Foster Road. The dog ran towards the lot and Foster Road. It was running so fast in the dark, and I immediately gave chase. I ran as fast as I could. I just wanted to get to the dog and let him/her know, it was OK.

• by Tony Aiello
• Jul 27, 2009

McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts Announces “National Youth Summer Stock” for Talented Young Singers and Dancers from So.California and Across the Nation

Yorba Linda~The McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts (MRCA) will launch the nation's only "Summer Stock" for talented young musical theatre performers, selected by audition from Southern California and throughout the United States, to be held in Orange County, California from July 13 through August 15, 2009.

• Jun 10, 2009

Rest Easy: How to Ensure a Goods Night Rest

Sleep problems are actually extremely common in our society, and they can have serious consequences. Sleep problems can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, loss of energy, fatigue and emotional instability, and in the longer term, can elevate your risk of serious health conditions including high blood pressure and heart attack. And poor sleeping can cause difficulties with learning, memory, thinking and feelings, which may lead to poor school and work performance. Furthermore, problem sleepiness can manifest as drowsy driving or workplace accidents and errors.

Aside from some of the more serious things that could be negatively affecting your sleep, there are some variables or situations that you can have more control over. Let's talk about how to change your sleeping conditions so you sleep easier and get the rest your body needs:

• by To Your Health
• May 28, 2009

Genesis Awards 2006

The 20th gala honoring members of the news and entertainment media for highlighting animal issues. There were two firsts for me at this years event. I recorded  live segments of my radio show and my wife Carmen co-hosted with me. Below you can listen to the program's four segments that were recorded live in March 2006.

Segment 1: Tony and Carmen on the red carpet, before the festivities, spontaneously interviewing Kelly Bishop and then Steve Valentine (with a lot of chatter in between).

Segment 2: Tony and Carmen in the press room following the awards ceremony.  Interviews include Jennifer Aspen, Don Woodard, Joe Mantegna, Tippi Hedren

Segment 3: Bob Linden (Go Vegan Radio), Amy Anzel (Animal Fair Magazine)

Segment 4: Esai Morales & wrap up of the show