Deadly Station Fire Providing Spectactular Views for LM

A plume of smoke from the Station Fire in the Angeles Forest can be seen from Marquardt Avenue in La Mirada on Sunday

La Mirada~If you have lived in Southern California long enough, you must have wondered at one time or another; what if the Angeles Forest really caught on fire some day.

 That day seems to have arrived, let's just be thankful that so far, wind has not been a factor.

The deadly-still out of control-Station Fire, which originated in La Canada on Wednesday, has now consumed more than 85,000 acres, as it continues to travel wildly, in all directions.

Two LA County firefighters lost their lives Sunday, and 21 homes have burned. Another 10,000 homes are currently in danger, including homes in the Sunland and Tujunga areas.

The fire continues to threaten Mt. Wilson, which can be seen from La Mirada, year-round on a clear day. Mt. Wilson is the home of radio, TV, and emergency transmission towers, communication equipment, and the Mt. Wilson Observatory.

This fire has provided La Miradians with a sight few have seen.

"I have lived here for 55 years", said La Mirada resident Edgar Macias, "And I have never seen a fire like this one. Yesterday, it looked like a volcano erupted."

With little wind in the Southern California area the last few days, La Mirada has not been affected with smoke by this fire, so far. Officials continue to advise residents to stay indoors however, and avoid outdoor activity, if possible.

• by Tony Aiello
• Aug 31, 2009

Driving Checkpoint Scheduled for La Mirada

La Mirada~The City of La Mirada, in conjunction with the California Office of Traffic Safety, has scheduled a DUI/Drivers Licence Checkpoint for Saturday August 29, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on westbound Imperial Highway at Santa Gertrudes Avenue in La Mirada.

For more information contact the La Mirada Sheriff's station at (562) 902-2960.

• Aug 28, 2009

Rose Hills Hosts Chamber Appreciation Mixer

Whittier~Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary will be saying THANK YOU to area Chambers and their business members that support Rose Hills and its community mission throughout the year at a 10-Chamber Mixer this Thursday, August 27th, 2009 from 5-7 P.M. This event will be held at Rose Hills' Sky Rose Chapel, 3888 Workman Mill Rd., (at Main Gate) in Whittier.

Attendees will enjoy cocktails, great food, entertainment and networking with 10 Chambers (including La Mirada),  from L.A County and the OC.

Call the Whittier Chamber at (562) 698-9554 for more info.

• Aug 26, 2009

Urquidi Gets Jump on Competition

Photo Courtesy Andres Delfin

La Mirada~Wasting no time, Norwalk-La Mirada School Board Candidate, Jesse Urquidi, had a campaign kick-off & mixer at the Holiday Inn Thursday night.

Around a hundred people showed up-including some La Mirada Kiwanians-for a night of food, conversation and fun.

Numerous local dignitaries were spotted in the crowd including, Norwalk Mayor Cheri Kelly (whom I had a lenghty conversation with); NLMUSD Board Member Lorraine Neal; former NLMUSD Board member and current President of the La Mirada Symphony, Pat Ruiz; former NLMUSD Board Member and new La Mirada High School teacher, Leonard Shryock; and current Tanla President, Laura Williams.

Urquidi faces five other challengers for four spots in this November's election.

• by Tony Aiello
• Aug 23, 2009

Field Set for Norwalk-La Mirada School Board

Norwalk~With the filing deadline having passed, there will be six candidates vying for four spots on the Norwalk-La Mirada School Board of Education this November 3rd.

Incumbent John Johnson, an unexpected winner four years ago, has not filed for re-election.

Of the six candidates, three incumbents have filed: Daryl Adams, Ed Hengler, and Ana Valencia.

The three challengers are Jesse Urquidi (Engineering Project Manager), Chris Pflanzer (Parent/Business Owner), and Margarita Rios (Police Detective/Parent).

Look for the La Mirada Blog to endorse four candidates in October.

• by Tony Aiello
• Aug 21, 2009