MAY 2016

PAYMEN SY TS A O E F 3 $18 SEASON P Offe AS r end S SALE s May 31 SAVE THE DATE October 14th The La Mirada Community Foundation is excited to announce its first annual: Gala for a Cause Friday, October 14, 2016, 7 pm at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Enjoy an evening of family-friendly comedy, magic, and music to benefit the La Mirada Community Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of Greater assisting La Mirada seniors, veter- ans, and families in need of home repair. The Gala is black-tie optional and will feature a silent auction, prizes from local businesses, and nationally known entertainers: • Adam Christing (Founder of CleanComedians.com) • Michael Grandinetti (As seen on TV’s “Masters of Illusion”) • Carlos Oscar (As seen on “The Tonight Show”) • Michael & Amy (Award-winning dueling piano show) Plus: a special performance starring Biola Youth Theatre players. Visit www.LMCommunityFoundation.com/Gala for more details.

“Love a Tree” A Poster Contest Winners E T Winners of the annual “Love a Tree” Poster Contest have been announced. Posters V RE were judged for creativity and originality by the La Mirada Senior and Youth Councils O and the Community Services Commission. Winners and their schools include: L E Levi Carrigan Heights Christian Elementary TK Destiny Caballero Escalona Elementary Kindergarten Monal Walvekar Eastwood Elementary 1st Grade Sophia Sycharean Escalona Elementary 2nd Grade Brielle Han Eastwood Elementary 3rd Grade Gabriela Baides Beatitudes of Our Lord 4th Grade Isaiah Montoya Escalona Elementary 5th Grade Eryn Cyia Tandoc Benton Middle School 6th Grade Madeline Hernandez St. Paul of the Cross 7th Grade Albert Vega Benton Middle School 8th Grade POSTER CONTEST More than 800 children from La Mirada pre-school, elementary, and middle schools entered the poster contest. Winning posters will be displayed at the La Mirada Resource Center, located at 13710 La Mirada Boulevard and winners will be recog- nized at a City Council meeting.

2 City’s Finances Get High Marks Mid-year Budget Review Shows Stable Finances The City recently reviewed its annual mid-year budget report. The report showed an improving economy as key revenue sources remained stable and are expected to exceed conservative budget es- timates. Overall, General Fund operating revenues for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 are expected to reach $41.1 million, which is $1.1 million over the budget. General Fund operating expenditures are projected at $30.2 million, which is slightly below the budget. These figures do not include fund transfers. The mid-year report also emphasized the City’s continued com- mitment to maintaining public safety as a top priority and ongoing investment in local infrastructure. At mid-year, Measure I revenues were $1.9 million. Revenues are projected to be $5.6 million at year La Mirada Achieves Savings from Bond Refunding end, an increase of $850,000 or 17.7 percent above the conservative budget estimate. This funding source is planned for neighborhood On April 26, 2016, the La Mirada Public Financing Authority issued its infrastructure repairs such as Neighborhood Street Improvement lease revenue refunding bonds, series 2016, to assist the City in achieving Phases III and IV. Phase II near Escalona Elementary School was savings. The 2016 bond series refinanced the 2006 Lease Revenue Bonds recently completed. that were used for the construction of Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquat- “The City continues to budget conservatively, so revenues meet or ics Center. The City was able to benefit from a lower interest rate while exceed the forecast,” says City Manager Jeff Boynton. “Costs are kept not extending the term of the bonds. The City’s annual payments will be low while ensuring services provided meet the community’s needs.” reduced by an estimated $135,000 for the remaining 14 fiscal years, for a total gross savings of $1,890,000.

City Recognized for Fiscal Health The City’s efforts in the areas of fiscal responsibility and financial transparency have earned recognition from other organizations. The City was recently ranked in the top 96th percentile for overall fiscal health from Common Sense. The United States Common Sense orga- nization collects Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) state- ments annually from governments across the United States and uses the data to create a free, comprehensive public finance database to educate citizens. The City has also been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Offi- cers Association for its CAFR for 26 consecutive years. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmen- tal accounting and financial reporting. “The City is honored by these recent achievements that recognize on- going efforts to be good financial stewards,” adds Boynton. Information about the City’s programs and services is available on the City’s website at www.cityoflamirada.org. The City also displays its an- nual budget and other financial information on its website, and through a partnership with OpenGov, Inc., includes charts, graphs, and other fea- tures that make this information even more understandable. For more information, call La Mirada City Hall at (562) 943-0131.

3 Free Bulky Item Trash Pickup Council Meeting Recordings While doing spring cleaning, take advantage of the City’s free curbside bulky item pickup service. to be on City Website Bulky items can include furniture such as couches and mattresses The City is moving forward with plans to record regular Council and other goods such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Construc- meetings. A contract was recently approved with Granicus for video tion material is not accepted. To schedule a bulky item pick up, call recording and hosting services. Granicus provides similar services for EDCO Disposal at (562) 597-0608 at least 24-hours prior to your many cities and provided a proposal that best met the City’s needs. regularly scheduled refuse collection day and provide a list of items An item about video recording of City Council meetings was in- to be collected. Items may be placed curbside before 6 a.m. cluded in the community satisfaction survey conducted last Septem- For more information, contact the Public Works Department at ber. The majority of respondents were supportive of the meetings be- (562) 902-2385. ing recorded and made available for viewing online. Meetings will be recorded and made available to view the follow- ing day on the City’s website beginning in late May. The meeting agenda will also link to the recorded video segment of each specific Household Hazardous item. Regular City Council meetings are open to the public and held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Waste Roundup La Mirada City Hall. To view City Council meeting agendas and videos, visit La Mirada residents may safely dispose of household hazardous www.cityoflamirada.org/agendas. waste items free of charge on Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at La Mirada Regional Park in the tennis court parking lot, with ac- cess from Adelfa Drive. Materials such as motor oil, paint, turpentine, cleaners containing ac- ids or lye, household and car batteries, pesticides, and garden herbicides can be brought to the free Countywide Hazardous Waste Roundup. For more information, call the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County at (800) 238-0173 or the City’s Public Works Department at (562) 902-2385.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Southern Air Quality Management District is offering a new incentive program to help residents purchase in-home electric vehicle charging stations at a reduced cost. Eligible residents may purchase a Level 2 (240V) charging station for their battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles at a dis- counted rate. This program will coordinate with other utility rebate programs for electric vehicle charging units. For more information, call (909) 396-2113.

Garage Conversions 2016 It is illegal to convert a garage to any other use unless additional on-site covered parking is provided, and project approvals and per- mits are required from the City’s Planning and Building Divisions. Spring Beautification A garage conversion consists of any alteration or modification of a garage for purposes other than for storing vehicles. Awards Reception When a garage is illegally converted for living purposes, it can cause serious health and safety issues. Such uses create dangerous con- June 13 ditions including increased risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, it can affect the quality of life in the entire neighbor- All community members are invited to attend an awards recep- hood. Garage conversions decrease the availability of parking space tion honoring home owners whose efforts enhance and maintain the and increase cars parking on streets and illegal parking. beauty of the community. Homes, schools, businesses, and houses For additional information about garage conversions or to report of worship were selected for their exceptional landscape and exterior a potential code violation, contact the Code Enforcement Division at upkeep. The event will be held at the La Mirada Theatre for the Per- (562) 943-0131. forming Arts on Monday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m.

4 Make a Splash! All Summer Long

Buccaneer Bay season passes are the best way to enjoy La Mirada’s pirate-themed waterpark for a great value. Season pass holders receive exclusive deals and discounts, and can visit throughout the summer. Soak up the sun and spend the summer months floating in the lazy river, splashing in the spray pad areas, and sliding down the Join Splash! lifeguards and swimmers from all around the world for the water slides. World’s Largest Swim Lesson on Friday, June 24 at 9:30 a.m. at Splash! The special pre-season sale price of $54 ends May 31, so pur- La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center. This free event is open to all and chase yours today! Season passes are available at Splash!, the sends the important message, “Swimming Lessons Save Lives.” Partici- Resource Center, and online at www.splashlamirada.com. For pants age 13 and under can receive free waterpark admission following the information, call (562) 902-3191. lesson with a paid adult. To pre-register, call (562) 902-3191.

Summer Day Camp & Teen Camp Sign your child up for a summer they will cherish forever! Summer Day Camp and Teen Camp are offered at Neff Park for children ages five to 14. Campers enjoy fun enrichment activities, crafts, sports, and excur- sions all while making new friends. Weekly registration includes a camp t-shirt and one fun excursion. Space is limited, sign up today! For more information, call (562) 943-7277.

5 Public Safety is Everyone’s Business

Captain K-9 Program Recruits Dog Owners to Fight Crime The Public Safety Team recently held its first “Captain K-9” Dog of the suspicious person,” says Safety Education Officer Mary Cipres. Walker Watch meeting. Residents, many with their dogs, learned how “Use your intuition and always call if something seems wrong.” they can aid law enforcement by serving as an extra set of eyes and ears. Residents were also reminded that they know their neighborhoods The training event educated dog owners on spotting suspicious ac- best, and can more easily identify suspicious activity. By getting to tivity and the importance of gathering key information. “Dogs are very know neighbors, residents can better recognize when unfamiliar cars or intuitive,” says Saftey Education Officer Mary Cipres. “Pay attention to irregular activity might be occurring on the block. their bark and observe what has their interest.” The Team also offered The next Captain K-9 meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 13 tips on proper dog walking and the difference between calling 911 and at Gardenhill Park at 6 p.m. Dog owners and dogs are encouraged calling the Community Sheriff’s Station. to attend. “When calling in suspicious activity, report detailed information For more information on the Captain K-9 Dog Walker Watch pro- such as vehicle features, direction of travel, or specific characteristics gram, contact Safety Education Officer Mary Cipres at (562) 902-2986.

Third-Row Seats in Demand Easily removable third-row seats make SUVs a prime target for thieves. The high demand for third-row seats is attributed to the high resale and replacement cost of these items. Cable locks and cabled bike locks, which can be looped through the seat frame and floor mounts, are a suggested deterrent. They are inex- pensive and can be found at most bicycle and motorcycle shops. The most targeted SUVs include: • Cadillac Escalades • GMC • Yukon Denali • Chevrolet Suburban For more information on prevention tips, call the Community Sher- iff’s Station at (562) 902-2960. 6 Report Graffiti (562) 943-1557

La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station (562) 902-2960

Beware of IRS Scams

With tax season over, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) scams are on the rise. Scam artists can be difficult to identify, as they often use persuasive and aggressive tactics. They can invade your home by telephone and mail, advertise in well-known newspapers and magazines, or even show up at your front door. Residents have reported receiving telephone calls from scam- mers claiming they owe money to the IRS. The callers often threat- en criminal prosecution, arrest, or deportation unless payment is made or personal information is given. The IRS will never: Residents Urged to • Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. Document Valuables • Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportu- The frustration of being victimized by a property crime worsens nity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. when the lawful owner of stolen items is not able to recover them if • Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes. they are eventually found by law enforcement. Residents can ensure • Ask for credit or debit card information over the phone. their property is returned by inventorying valuables. “Law enforcement often recovers stolen goods and stores them • Threaten to bring in local police or other law enforcement as evidence,” explains Public Safety Specialist Jennifer Anderson. groups to have you arrested for not paying. “Unfortunately, owners do not always get reunited with their prop- To learn more about the IRS investigator scam, go to erty because there is no way of identifying the owner or proving the www.IRS.gov and type the word “scam” in the search field. recovered items belong to them.” Keeping a written list, video record, or photographs of the items including their serial numbers or unique markings are recommended for documenting valuables. The description should include: • Brand of item • Model number • Serial number • Purchase date • Estimated value • Brief description For items that don’t have serial numbers, consider etching a unique identifier onto the item, such as part of a Driver License number or “Like” to Get Instant home address. Remember to include items in the garage, tool shed, and storage containers in addition to items in the home. Updates on Facebook! For more information, contact the Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960. facebook.com/LaMiradaPublicSafety City Of La Mirada, 13700 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638 www.cityoflamirada.org PRSTRT STD ecrwss La Mirada City Council U.S. Postage Steve De Ruse, Mayor Postal Customer Ed Eng, Mayor Pro Tem PAID Pauline Deal, Councilmember La Mirada, CA 90638 Lawrence P. Mowles, Councilmember Whittier, CA Andrew Sarega, Councilmember Permit No. 2452

COMMUNITY EVENTS

THE BROADWAY MUSICAL LIVE! Friends of the La Mirada Library Book Sale - May 21

The Friends of the La Mirada Public Library will host its Spring Book Sale on Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Activity Center. All proceeds from the sale support the La Mirada Public Library. The book sale offers a wide selection of quality, secondhand hardcover and pa- perback books as well as audio and video materials at bargain prices. The popular “three-bucks-a-bag” clearance where customers can buy bags to fill with books, begins at 1:30 p.m. In addition to the sale, the Friends of the Library will hold its popular “mem- bers-only” pre-sale at the Activity Center on Friday, May 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Members can purchase items before the sale to the general public. For a $10 mem- bership fee, non-members may join and take advantage of the early bird shopping opportunity.

All That Dance - Friday, June 3

Let’s Dance! The spring dance will be held on Friday, June 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Activity Center. Kick up your heels and dance along to the musical talents of Jim Gilman & Associates. Light refreshments will be provided as well as the opportunity to win door prizes. Admission is $5 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (562) 902-3160. Music by ALAN MENKEN Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN and GLENN SLATER Book by DOUG WRIGHT

Choreographed by JOHN MacINNIS Helping Hands – Directed by Volunteer and Help Your Neighbors GLENN CASALE Make this the year to give back by volunteering. The Helping Hands program provides minor exterior home repairs and landscaping services to elderly, low in-

“Just gorgeous - full of Disney magic!” come, and disabled residents of La Mirada. -Good Day New York Volunteers meet at the Resource Center at 8:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of ev- ery month, with exceptions on holiday weekends. Upcoming dates include June June 3 - 26, 2016 25, July 30, and August 27. Volunteers can pre-register or show up on the day of the event. Volunteers age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to regis- (562)944-9801 ter, contact (562) 902-3160. www.LaMiradaTheatre.c o m LA MIRADA UPDATE Find us on City of La Mirada Electronic Newsletter

Visit the City’s web site at www.cityoflamirada.org and sign up for La Mirada E-News.