La Mirada Blog
Articles by Tony Aiello
Oxman’s to Unveil New Purple Parking Space on Armed Forces Day
Santa Fe Springs~Oxman's Surplus, an Army/Navy Retail Surplus Store, will be hosting a celebration Saturday, May 21st, Armed Forces Day, to unveil their new “purple parking space” to be used exclusively by combat wounded, injured military personnel, and all veterans.
There will be free hot dogs and soda to the first 200 visitors. Hot dogs, will be served at 12:00 noon and at 1:00 p.m. there will be short comments by the Oxman family, Joe Enriquez of Point Man Ministries, and short impromptu comments by some of the Veterans in attendance. The purple parking space will then be unveiled.
Oxman's Surplus, founded by Jerome and Miriam Oxman in 1961 has been in the same location for 55 years. Jerome Oxman (1915-2013) was a WWII veteran and dedicated his life to buying, selling, collecting military memorabilia, and creating a store that is also a museum. Mr. Oxman wanted every customer to find what they wanted and learn a little bit about our military history and understand that "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"
Oxman's is still under the watchful eye of Miriam Oxman as two of her sons, Murray and Jason, have taken the reins and are going strong.
On Saturday, Oxman's will be offering a 10% discount on all items in the store and a 20% discount on cold weather gear.
The Oxman family would like to thank Point Man Ministries for the generous food donations.
Oxman's Surplus is located at 14128 Rosecrans Avenue at Valley View Avenue along the border of Santa Fe Springs and La Mirada.
Please feel free to Contact Murray, Jason, or Miriam during the business hours of Mon.-Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 562.921.1106.
Hutchinson Middle School Student to Appear on National TV Cooking Show
La Mirada~When a young child prefers to watch cooking shows on TV rather than cartoons, it has to be a sign of things to come.
La Mirada resident Bella Coonis will be appearing and competing on the Food Network's television program, Chopped Junior this Tuesday May 17th at 8:00 p.m. PT, after being chosen to appear on the show.
Bella went through an interview and tryout process to be considered and got the call late last year that she made the cut. She flew to New York City this past February to film her episode, but there is a hush-hush about the outcome of the show so you will have to tune in to find out what happens.
The 13-year old creator of fare is the oldest child of La Mirada natives Nick and KC Coonis, who have three other children. Bella is a big fan of the Food Network.
Her Mom KC told me, Bella has been in the kitchen since she was around two and didn’t think anything of her TV viewing habits at first. However, she knew something was up in later years when Bella would ask for kitchen appliances, such as torches and mixers, at Christmas time instead of toys.
She said her daughter “has a passion for what she does and it shines through.”
I asked Bella what one of first memories is of cooking or baking and she said making sugar cookies with her mom, “She inspired me. I loved watching her and I wanted to help her in the kitchen.”
She produced YouTube videos showing how to make such dishes as tuna casseroles when she was five years old. She was around “seven or eight” when she first began preparing complete dinners for the family.
Talking with Bella I sensed she gets a special joy out of pleasing people with her food, such as when she made spaghetti & meatballs for her Uncle Johnny, who apparently hadn’t had it prepared a certain way in a long time.
Bella attends Hutchinson Middle School and is an honor roll student. Her principal Sara Siemens said it has been low-key on campus because of the sensitivity of the outcome of the show but offered, “We are extremely excited for her and it is quite an accomplishment. It is especially enjoyable when our students take their passions and expand on them.”
As for her future, Bella said she would like to attend the Culinary Institute of America and get a business degree in hospitality. After that, she would like to open her own cafe.
See Bella’s casting video from last year here.
Recently, Bella entered a cooking competition at the Anaheim Citrus Festival. Her dish was her own original recipe called Indulgent Citrus Cake with Mascarpone Cream, and she won against an all-adult panel.
Everyone is invited to join family and friends for a viewing party of her episode "Go Fish!" this Tuesday, May 17th at 8:00 p.m. at Chili's, 1600 West Imperial Highway in La Habra.
UPDATE: Bella beat the other three contestants and was named a Chopped Junior Champion! Although she had a challenge in the desert round, she rose to the occasion to make La Mirada proud!
UFC Offering Free 22-Day Pass for Veterans to Support Awareness Program
La Mirada~UFC GYM hosted their #22ADAY Campaign to generate awareness for the #22Kill Veteran Awareness Program, a global movement bridging the gap between veterans and civilians to build a community of support to help and address issues of veteran mental health.
UFC teamed up with 22 local business partners within Whittier, La Mirada, La Habra and Buena Park to share the experience and members and partners did 22 pushups each on Friday April 22nd at 2:22pm.
UFC Gym has a goal of generating 222,000 pushups to support the cause. Members who participated received a #22ADAY UFC Gym branded rubber bracelet to show their support after the event.
From April 22nd-30th, all Veterans will receive a 22-day UFC membership. Military ID required, contact UFC GYM/La Mirada at (714) 332-1770 for details.
Teen Series Continues at La Mirada Library
The La Mirada Library is pleased to announce the “How to be a Grown Up for Teens”, a life skills series, will continue at the La Mirada Resource Center during renovation. This project was supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
This program series is ideal for teen’s grades seven and higher to gain essential life skills for surviving adulthood. Don't get caught off guard, come learn about getting fit and staying healthy and how to present the best you to the world.
Upcoming topics include:
Cyber Safety and Social Media on April 5, 2016, 6:00-7:00 PM Fitness on April 19, 2016, 6:00 -7:00 PM
Please note: The La Mirada Library is closed for refurbishment and this program will be held in the La Mirada Resource Center lower level at 13710 La Mirada Blvd.) For more information about this program please call 562-943-0277.
For other programs in this series please visit the County of Los Angeles Public Library website: colapublib.org.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Presents Dreamgirls
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment present the fourth show of their 2015-2016 season, an all-new spectacular DREAMGIRLS, book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, music by Henry Krieger, musical direction by Dennis Castellano and directed & choreographed by Robert Longbottom. Dreamgirls will preview on Friday, March 25, 2016 (with a press opening on Saturday, March 26) and run through Sunday, April 17, 2016 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada.
Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, the sensational new production of Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl singing group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "One Night Only" and "Listen." This Tony and Academy Award winning musical sparkles like never before.
For tickets visit the theatre website here or call the box office at (562) 944-9801.
World’s Largest UFC Gym Celebrates Grand Opening in La Mirada March 19th
UFC® Fighters Matt Hughes, Urijah Faber, Cub Swanson and James Moontasri to Make Special Guest Appearances
La Mirada, Calif. – UFC GYM®, the fast-growing franchise that combines mixed martial arts (MMA) and fitness, will celebrate the grand opening of the new 47,000 square foot location from 9 am to 6 pm Saturday, March 19 in La Mirada. Located at 14920 La Mirada Boulevard, the La Mirada gym is noted as the largest location since the organization’s debut.
“UFC GYM has quickly become the premier fitness destination of Los Angeles County,” UFC GYM President Adam Sedlack said. “The reception we’ve received from the local community has been amazing. Unlike other gyms, our coaches include professional caliber athletes with years of experience in an array of training disciplines, eager to share their knowledge and passion with our members. This location represents the best workout facility we’ve ever built and we want to celebrate this gym’s opening with the entire community.”
UFC® Hall of Famer and former two-time UFC welterweight champion Matt Hughes, former WEC featherweight champion and current no. 3 ranked UFC bantamweight contender Urijah Faber, no. 6 ranked UFC featherweight Cub Swanson and UFC lightweight contender James Moontasri will lead free seminars and sign autographs throughout the entire day.
UFC GYM will also raffle several exciting prizes, including a trip for two to Las Vegas and tickets to an upcoming UFC event. Guests will also have the opportunity to obtain special grand opening incentives during the month of March.
Highlighted by a 30-foot Octagon®, members of this top-of-the-line signature gym will have access to strength training and cardio machines, battle ropes, agility ladders, bag room, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio, large group fitness rooms and other functional training equipment for dynamic workouts. The gym’s explosive workout environment uses cutting-edge training techniques inspired by UFC athletes and provides members with everything needed for the entire family to sweat, move, live and Train Different®.
OPENING DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
9 – 10:00 a.m. BJJ Seminar with Mauricio Mariano 9 – 10:00 a.m. Daily Ultimate Training class with Urijah Faber 10 – 11 a.m. MMA Striking Seminar with Cub Swanson11 – 11:30 a.m. Raffle Giveaway 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MMA Grappling Seminar with Matt Hughes 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. UFC Athlete Meet & Greet 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Raffle Giveaway – Trip for 2 to Vegas & UFC Fight Tickets* 2 – 3:00 p.m. Youth Seminar with James Moontasri 2 – 3:00 p.m. Daily Ultimate Training class with Cub Swanson 4 – 4:15 p.m. Raffle Giveaway*Must be 18 years or older and must be present to win. See entry form for additional contest rules and regulations.
As one of the brands signature gyms, La Mirada is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, joining the regions Corona, South Corona, Rosemead and Torrance locations with the same distinction in Southern California.
In-N-Out Employee Found Dead in Restaurant Parking Lot Early This Morning
La Mirada~A long-time employee of In-N-Out Burger was found shot to death in the parking lot of the restaurant early this morning.
A call came in to the sheriff’s department around 4:45 a.m. about a person down behind the eatery at 14341 Firestone Boulevard.
When deputies arrived, they found a woman unresponsive wearing an In-N-Out uniform. Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The woman, a charter employee of the La Mirada store, was identified as Josefina Alcocer by In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder, “The entire In-N-Out family grieves today over this senseless tragedy as we send out thoughts and prayers to the Alcocer family,” she said in a statement.
“Josefina had been a part of our In-N-Out family since 1996 and she was one of our original associates at our La Mirada restaurant. We are devastated and will miss her. We will remain strong and stand in love for Josefina.”
No suspect description is available at this time.
It is also unclear if any other employees were on duty at the time of the incident.
In-N-Out Executive Vice President Carl Van Fleet who was on the scene, said the restaurant is equipped with an expansive security camera system but couldn’t elaborate any further.
Officials will continue to investigate at the scene and the restaurant will not be open for business today. Firestone Boulevard is open to through traffic although reduced to one lane in each direction.
Check our Twitter feed for more information including the live Periscope broadcast shot earlier at the scene.
Anyone with information regarding this case has been urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
City Council to Discuss Recording Meetings
La Mirada~Yes, it's been a long time coming.
Following a staff presentation at tonight's study session meeting, the city council is expected to discuss the recording of meetings and making them available on the city's website the next day.
Cost to the City would be an initial $3,500 set-up fee and $500 per month for web hosting services.
The City conducted a survey this past September and the report indicates 79 percent of respondents were supportive of city council meetings being recorded and made available online.
Carter Scores 25 in Matador Debut; Reynoso-Avila Sidelined
Anaheim~The La Mirada High Boys Basketball team picked up where they left off last season by winning their first game of the 2015-16 campaign in a convincing 87-62 win over Paramount in pool play at the Canyon/Esperanza tip-off classic.
Serra transfer Ian Carter scored 12 points and Anthony Newman seven in the first quarter as the Matadores jumped out to a 27-15 lead.
Carter finished with 25 points total, Newman had 18 and Dylan Banks added 17 for the defending Suburban League and State Champions.
The Matadores (1-0) will take on Northwood tonight at 7:30 at Canyon High School.
Vittorio Reynoso-Avila, one of La Mirada's top seniors, and potential Princeton product, has been sidelined until January 6th with a broken metatarsal in his foot, his father told the La Mirada Blog.
120215 23:12 UPDATE: The Matadores beat Northwood 65-63 on a driving layup by Dirk Helaire as the game winded down.
120315 22:40 UPDATE: La Mirada improved to 3-0 by beating Servite 59-55.
120415 19:56 UPDATE: The Mats improved to 4-0 on the season by beating Canyon 70-54. Anthony Newman lead all scorers with with 26. Dirk Helaire at 14, Ian Carter 12 and freshman Bryce Craver had nine.They will play in the Canyon/Esperanza Tournament championship game after sweeping through the brackets, Saturday, December 5th at 7:00 p.m. vs. Long Beach Jordan at Canyon High School.
120515 20:21 UPDATE: La Mirada improved to 5-0 on the season by beating Long Beach Jordan 85-76, capturing the Esperanza/Canyon Tip Off Classic title.
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