SHOP LA MIRADA

La Mirada Boulevard Shop! See! Splash! to Receive Major Holiday Edition La Mirada’s popular “Shop! See! Splash!” campaign is being offered Improvements again this holiday season. Similar to the successful program held dur- ing the summer, which rang up more than $220,000 in sales, the cam- The City is preparing to do major repairs to portions of La Mirada paign rewards those who shop in La Mirada. Boulevard using some $1.47 million in federal stimulus funds. For every $300 shoppers spend in La Mirada, they are eligible to La Mirada Boulevard, a major arterial traveled by upwards of redeem their receipts for a $5 voucher valid toward the purchase of 30,000 motorists daily, will undergo pavement resurfacing, street re- Splash! and Theatre tickets or recreation classes. Shoppers can redeem construction in select areas, replacement of damaged curb, gutter, and up to $1,500 in receipts for a maximum of $25 in vouchers. The cam- sidewalk, and installation of curb access ramps. The improvements paign will continue through January 31, 2010 with the last day to re- will be completed from the City’s northern boundary at Leffingwell deem receipts on February 12, 2010. Road to University Drive/Oakwood Lane. The southern portion of “The holiday season is often the busiest time of year for local busi- La Mirada Boulevard was improved last year. nesses due to holiday-related purchases,” says Assistant to the City “Similar to the Alicante Road project completed in August and Manager Jeff Boynton. “This campaign encourages shopping locally the southern portion of La Mirada Boulevard completed last year, as a way to provide a boost to La Mirada’s businesses.” this project will improve the driving surface of the street and en- For more information, call (562) 943-0131 or visit www.cityoflamirada.org. hance pedestrian accessibility,” says Public Works Director Steve Forster. Roadways in La Mirada have been prioritized based on current Program Guidelines conditions and traffic volumes to determine which projects will be done as funding becomes available. • Receipts may be submitted to the Business License Counter at City The project is scheduled to be awarded in December with con- Hall or the Resource Center during regular business hours. struction beginning in January. The La Mirada Boulevard im- • Receipts must be originals and show purchases were made in provements will take about 90 days to complete. La Mirada between November 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010. • Receipts for gift card purchases, school tuition, property tax pay- ments, medical visits or post office purchases will not be accepted. Credit card and/or bank statements will not be accepted in place Give to the Community of receipts. Services Foundation • Receipts will be accepted until the close of business on February 12, 2010. this Holiday Season • A $5 voucher will be issued for every $300 in receipts submitted, up to a maximum of $25 in vouchers per person. The receipt totals The La Mirada Community Services Foundation needs your as- may include taxes, but not “cash back”. sistance this holiday season. Residents are encouraged to help make a difference in the community where they live and raise families. Receipt Totals Voucher Total The Community Services Foundation partners with the City to $300 - $599.99 $5 raise money for a wide variety of community services and pro- $600 - $899.99 $10 grams. Many of these programs were highlighted in the recently mailed La Mirada Giving publication. $900 - $1,199.99 $15 Contributions of all sizes can better the lives of children, adults, $1,200 - $1,499.99 $20 and seniors in La Mirada. All contributions are made directly to $1,500 - and above $25 the 501 (c)(3) charitable organization and may provide a tax deduc- tion. • Personal identification will be required when redeeming receipts Potential donors should check with their own attorney or tax ad- for vouchers. Customers will also be asked to complete a form, visor before making any contribution to ensure such action meets available online at www.cityoflamirada.org. the needs of their individual situation. • Receipts will be returned to customers. To contribute to the La Mirada Community Services Founda- tion during the holiday season, call (562) 943-7277 or mail your • Vouchers will be valid until December 31, 2010. check to the Foundation at 13700 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638. 3 City Council • Adopted a resolution authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the City of La Mirada, to execute future agreements and program supple- • Presented David and MaryJo Harbaugh with a certificate and The- ments for Federal-Aid Projects atre tickets in recognition of their 50th Wedding Anniversary • Adopted a resolution authorizing staff to apply for grant funds from • Presented Tony and Mini DeLuna with a certificate and Theatre the Used Oil Recycling Fund and continue the City of tickets in recognition of their 50th Wedding Anniversary La Mirada Used Oil Program • Presented Wayne and Ruth Nogle with a certificate and Theatre • Adopted a resolution authorizing traffic modifications on Foster tickets in recognition of their 60th Wedding Anniversary Road adjacent to the La Mirada Church of the Nazarene • Presented Carmen Martinez with a certificate in recognition of her • Adopted a resolution authorizing traffic modifications on Adelfa 100th birthday Drive near the La Mirada Post Office • Presented Ginny and Lynn Fairbrother with a 50th Wedding Anni- • Adopted a resolution amending parking fines and penalties versary certificate and two tickets to the La Mirada Theatre for the • Adopted resolutions of necessity for acquisition by eminent domain Performing Arts of certain real property interests for public purposes for the Valley • Presented Airport Fabrication, Architectural Area Lighting, Geor- View Grade Separation project gia Pacific, Microsemi/Babcock, Oakite Products, and Solid State • Received and filed the Statement of Investment Policy of the City Devices with Certificates of Recognition for their environmental of La Mirada for Fiscal Year 2009-10 and conservation efforts • Received and filed the Financial Transactions Report of the City of • Presented an Appreciation Plaque to Randy Grisham, Sylvia Grotz, La Mirada for the fiscal year 2008-2009 and Chris Pflanzer for their years of dedicated service as members of the Community Services Foundation • Approved a five year extension of the agreement with the Norwalk- La Mirada Unified School District for use of Los Coyotes Middle • Received the 2009 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for the School athletic fields City’s Youth Development Program • Approved the Sheriff’s Department “Mug Run” in accordance with • Proclaimed September 2009 as Emergency Preparedness Month the conditions and recommendations of staff • Proclaimed October 2009 as Lupus Awareness Month • Approved revised plans and specifications for La Mirada Boule- • Proclaimed October 26-30, 2009 as Red Ribbon Week vard Rehabilitation Improvements from Leffingwell Road to Uni- • Appointed Rebecca Cline to the Community Services Commission versity Drive/Oakwood Lane • Appointed Jesse Urquidi to the Public Safety Commission • Approved a funding request from the La Mirada Symphony for the Fiscal Year 2009-10 • Appointed Peggy Roman to the Senior Council • Approved an amendment to Fiscal Year 2009-10 Community De- • Appointed Sam Khatter to the Youth Council velopment Block Grant projects • Reappointed Ed Medrano to the Public Safety Commission • Approved an extension to the agreement with HdL, Coren & Cone • Reappointed Stephanie Seitz, Ariana Ricarte, Garrett Yniguez, for property tax audit and information services Priscilla Lee, Hannah Genberg, Eric Nimmo, Emily Rader, and • Approved an agreement with the County of Los Angeles for Law Caitlyn Cappadona to the Youth Council Enforcement Services • Adopted an ordinance adopting water conservation requirements • Approved a resolution approving the application for grant funds and amending Title 6 of the La Mirada Municipal Code from the Recreational Trails Program • Adopted an ordinance pertaining to the sale and use of safe and • Approved an amendment to the agreement with MV Transporta- sane fireworks tion, Inc. for transit services • Adopted a resolution establishing a loan between the City of • Awarded a contract to Cintas for uniform leasing services La Mirada and the La Mirada Redevelopment Agency for the La Mirada Redevelopment Agency Merged Project Area • Awarded a contract to AAONE Litho for printing services • Adopted a resolution supporting City of La Mirada membership in • Approved a cooperative agreement with the City of La Habra for ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability the Coyote Creek Channel Bikeway Project • Adopted a resolution approving an application for transit and transpor- • Authorized the Mayor to sign the County-City Special Indemnity tation funds and budget amendment to fund capital transit purchases Agreement for law enforcement services • Adopted a resolution approving the City of La Mirada’s Sewer Sys- tem Management Plan in compliance with the Statewide General Redevelopment Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems • Adopted a resolution establishing a loan between the City of • Adopted a resolution authorizing traffic modifications on Heflin La Mirada and the La Mirada Redevelopment Agency for the Drive adjacent to Gardenhill Elementary School La Mirada Redevelopment Agency Merged Project Area • Adopted a resolution finding the City of La Mirada to be in con- • Received and filed the Statement of Investment Policy of the formance with the Congestion Management Program (CMP) and La Mirada Redevelopment Agency for Fiscal Year 2009-10 adopting the CMP Local Development Report in accordance with • Accepted a proposal from A.C. Lazzaretto & Associates for the de- California Government Code Section 65089 velopment of a Five-Year Redevelopment Implementation Plan ­La Mirada City Council and Redevelopment Agency meet the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Cham- bers at 13700 ­La Mirada Blvd. City Council and Redevelopment Agency hold simultaneous Study Session meetings the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at City Hall.

4 Polar Bear Plunge Waterslides Open New Year's Day!

Be among the first in 2010 to plunge down the waterslides of Bucca- Give the Gift of neer Bay on New Year’s Day. Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center will host the third annual Buccaneer Bay! Polar Bear Plunge from 2 to 4 p.m. New Year's Day. Adventurers will receive a photo taken of the plunge down the slides, hot chocolate, and Give true pirate treasure to the special child in your life with a admission to recreational swim in the heated 25 yard pool from noon to 2010 Buccaneer Bay Season Pass. 5 p.m. This exciting adventure is available for only $5 and is free for 2010 Pass holders receive a number of special bonuses including a season pass holders. special preview weekend May 15 and 16, which is open to season Anyone not daring enough to brave the cold waters can swim in the pass holders only. Season passes are $49 for children & seniors, heated 25-yard pool from noon to 5 p.m. for $3 (adults) or $2 (children $64 for adults, and $219 for a family-four-pack. To purchase your and seniors). Hot chocolate, coffee, and mochas will also be available holiday gifts, visit Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center or for purchase. call (562) 902-3191. For more information, call Splash! at (562) 902-3191.

Achievement Recognition Program Accepting Nominations

The City of La Mirada’s Achievement Recognition Program is ac- Gold Medalist . cepting nominations of individuals who have made outstanding contri- Recipients of the Achievement Award are recognized at a City Coun- butions in the areas of academics, arts and athletics. Nominees must cil meeting. Names of those selected are also placed on recognition walls have lived, worked, or attended school in La Mirada. at the La Mirada Community Gymnasium, La Mirada Resource Center Previous Achievement Award Winners include: Emmy Award-winning and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Nominations for indi- entertainer and Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby, the late artist Warren Van viduals and groups will be accepted throughout the year. Ess, Basketball Coach Dr. David Holmquist, Ila Bor- For additional information or to obtain a nomination form, contact the ders, the first woman to sign a professional men’s baseball contract and Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277. pitch in a men’s regular season professional game in 1997, and Olympic

5 Live Theatre Makes the Perfect Holiday Gift

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts offers gift certificates to see unforget- table performances from live music and comedy to exciting mu- sicals and plays. Tickets are available for the award-winning McCoy Rigby series, the Programs for Young Audiences shows, and brand new Theatre experiences with Upright Cabaret and ON STAGE. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Purchase tickets online at www.lamiradatheatre.com or by telephone at (562) 944-9801.

Holiday Performances at the La Mirada Theatre The sparkle of a Mexican holiday celebration comes to the La Mirada Theatre for one show on December 19 with a vibrant ballet folklorico performance of Navidad en Mexico. Accented with a variety of seasonal flavors, this holiday extravaganza is also a colorful journey through the popular music and dance traditions that characterize Mexico's rich and passionate heritage. Individual tickets are $25, $40 and $65. Programs for Young Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is coming for one night on December 23. Acclaimed for exquisite dancing, spectacular sets and cos- Audiences tumes, the Great Russian Nutcracker is a memorable holiday treat for all. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts continues its Now celebrating its 16th American tour, the show is beloved by audiences 2009-10 Programs for Young Audiences series with Tom Chap- and praised by critics for its imaginative storytelling blended with the rich- in’s Children’s Concert on Sunday, January 24. Performances ness of Russian classical dance. Individual tickets are $40, $50 and $65. are at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Senior, children and group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, Perfect for children ages 3 and older, Programs for Young call (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310 or visit www.lamiradatheatre.com. Audiences provides children and their families the opportunity to experience an entertaining mix of national and international touring stage acts. The season will continue with Nobody’s Per- fect on Feb. 28, Harold and the Purple Crayon on March 28 and Sleeping Beauty on May 16. All seats are $8 per show for chil- Phantom Projects Presents dren and $12.00 for adults. To purchase tickets, call the La Mirada Theatre Box Office The Bluest Eye at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310 or online at www.lamira- datheatre.com. Phantom Projects Theatre Group continues its 2009-2010 Season with the stage adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye on February 25. Set in 1940s Ohio, the story revolves around eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove who wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and La Mirada Symphony schoolmates. Instead, she faces constant ridicule and abuse. She blames her appearance and prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow. Concert on January 30 With rich language and bold vision, this powerful adaptation of an The La Mirada Symphony, under the direction of David Sten- American classic explores the crippling toll that a legacy of racism has ske, had a successful opening concert on October 24 with an eve- taken on a community, a family, and an innocent girl. The production is ning of Symphonies by Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven. directed by Janet Miller who was recently nominated for a Lucille Lortel The next concert will be held on January 30 with the wonder- Award for her work on the Off-Broadyway production of The Marvelous ful music of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky and highlighted by a Wonderettes. Dvorak Cello Concerto performed by the outstanding soloist John For tickets, call the La Mirada Theatre Box office at (562) 944-9801 Walz. Visit www.lamiradasymphony.com for more details. or (714) 994-6310 or visit www.PhantomProjects.com. All seats are $6 The La Mirada Symphony Association is actively seeking ad- for the 10 a.m. performance. Prices are $20 for regular admission, $12 ditional Board members who desire to see fine music resonate in for high school students and $6 for middle school students for the 7 p.m. La Mirada and surrounding communities for many concerts to performance. come. For more information call (562) 941-5779.

6 Holiday Celebration Saturday, December 5

Join the City of La Mirada in celebrating the holiday sea- son on Saturday, December 5. This year’s event combines the festivities of Santa’s Workshop, Babes in Toyland and the Chili Holiday Concert.

Santa’s Workshop Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this annual gift boutique and craft fair. A wide selection of beautifully hand- crafted specialty items for the home and holiday season will be available for purchase. This year’s free event will be held at the La Mirada Activity Center from 1 to 8 p.m. Craft vendor applications are being accepted until Tuesday, December 1.

Babes in Toyland Get into the holiday spirit with your children at Babes in Toy- land. Little ones will enjoy making holiday crafts, sampling tasty treats, and playing fun-filled games. Santa Claus will also visit and be available to take photos with the children. Two sessions of this event are being offered at the Activity Center: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Children must be be- tween 3 and 10 years of age. The registration fee is $15 per child.

Chili Holiday Concert Bring your neighbors and friends to welcome in the holiday season at the Chili Holiday Concert held at the Civic Center Pla- Santa Visits La Mirada za from 6 to 8 p.m.

This holiday-themed event features live musical entertain- Santa Claus is coming to town, so reserve your visit with him at ment, a tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa Claus, and your home today! crafts and games for the children. Free chili, cookies, and hot Visits will be held each weekend from December 5 through De- chocolate will be served. cember 24. Help local children and families this holiday season by bring- Due to Santa’s busy schedule this time of year, visits will be lim- ing nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys to the concert. ited to 10 minutes. Visits cost $45 per time slot on Christmas Eve These items will be included in gift baskets and given to assist and $25 per time slot on all other days. Households with more than those in need. six children attending must sign up for two visits. Santa visits are reserved for La Mirada households. Registrations For more information on these events, call Community Ser- are being accepted at the Community Gymnasium. Space is lim- vices at (562) 943-7277 or visit www.cityoflamirada.org. ited. For more information, call the Community Gymnasium at (562) 902-2938.

Send a Letter to Santa

Children of all ages are invited to send a letter to the North Pole and receive a personalized reply from Santa Claus. Jolly Old St. Nick will reply to all mail received by Dec. 15. Special mailboxes will be located at City Hall, Activity Center, Resource Center, and Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center. Letters can also be mailed to: Santa Claus c/o La Mirada Resource Center 13710 La Mirada Boulevard La Mirada, California 90638

7 Public Safety is Everyone’s Business

Holiday Home Decorating Program

Get out your decorations and start planning your festive holiday display. The City of La Mirada’s annual Holiday Home Decorating program is fast approaching. Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and help spread holiday cheer throughout La Mirada. No application is needed for this program. Every decorated home in La Mirada will be considered for recognition. Judging for the Holiday Home Decorating program will take place Dec. 5 through Dec. 9. Winners will be selected in the categories of Most Original, Best Use of Lights, and Best Holiday Scene. Award winners will receive a holiday ornament. For information on the Holiday Home Decorating Program, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Report Shows Drop Report Refuse in Crime Scavenging La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station has received increased La Mirada’s recent crime analysis indicates that 173 incidents reports of individuals scavenging through trash and recyclables on were reported in September compared to 223 reported in August trash collection days. 2009. This decrease can be attributed to a sobriety checkpoint The La Mirada Municipal Code prohibits any person other than held in August where deputies issued 44 citations for a variety the City’s designated trash collector from removing recyclables or of violations. other items from a trash bin. Residential burglaries decreased from 12 in August to six in “If you witness someone scavenging through trash bins, do not September. Several of the residential burglaries occurred during make contact with them,” says La Mirada Lieutenant Pat Valdez. “In- the day while residents were away from their homes. Residents stead, get a description of the person and their vehicle, including the li- are encouraged to designate a trusted neighbor who is home dur- cense plate number, and report it to the Community Sheriff’s Station.” ing the day to watch over their home. Encourage your neighbors For more information or to report an incident, call the La Mirada to report suspicious people and vehicles in the area. Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960. Vehicle burglaries decreased from 16 in August to nine in September. While vehicle burglaries decreased, residents are reminded to keep all items in vehicles out of view. The most common items stolen from vehicles are GPS units, wallets and/ Celebrate the New Year or purses, and briefcases containing laptop computers. Vandalism incidents increased from 15 in August to 18 Safely in September. Residents are encouraged to call the City of La Mirada’s graffiti removal hotline at (714) 522-5858. The City of La Mirada offers several tips on how to celebrate a “It is very important to report graffiti immediately,” says safe and happy New Year: School Resource Deputy Patrick Unkle. “By quickly removing • Fireworks, including “Safe and Sane” fireworks, may not be dis- graffiti, La Mirada sends the message it will not tolerate vandal- charged. ism and other crimes.” • Gunfire is prohibited. The Public Safety Team also encourages residents to contin- • Public drinking of alcoholic beverages and public intoxication ue supporting the community’s proactive approach to fighting are prohibited. crime by joining La Mirada’s Neighborhood Watch and report- • Following a warning by the Public Safety Team, individuals who ing suspicious activity to the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s host large parties that disturb the peace and quiet of the neigh- Station. borhood will be billed for the costs of breaking up the party. For information about Neighborhood Watch or La Mirada • Streets may not be blocked to accommodate parties and large Public Safety, call the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station gatherings. (562) 902-2960. • If you drink, do not drive!

8 Lindsey Hernandez

Over 500 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade partic- ipated in this year’s Public Safety Poster Contest. Participants in this year’s contest, themed “Safety Rules are your Best Tools,” illustrated safety awareness through their creative designs. Posters highlighted using safety equipment properly, observing safety signs and obeying Jackie Luna safety rules. Members of the Public Safety Commission selected the winners of the contest. This year’s winners were:

Kindergarten and First Grade 1st Place Nicole Vuong Escalona Elementary School Holiday Shopping 2nd Place Brooke Gonzalez Escalona Elementary School 3rd Place Lauren Aquino Beatitudes of Our Lord School Safety Tips Holiday shopping is a favorite pastime for many. Second and Third Grade However, busy stores and crowds of shoppers provide an environment for criminal activity. Avoid being a victim 1st Place Sara Yniguez Gardenhill Elementary School and ensure your holiday season is enjoyable by following these shopping safety tips: 2nd Place Jake Mukai Eastwood Elementary School • Avoid carrying large amounts of money. Whenever 3rd Place Makeila Catt John Foster Dulles possible, use credit cards or checks instead of cash. Elementary School Make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your credit card number and be sure to destroy any Fourth and Fifth Grade copies. 1st Place Lindsey Hernandez Escalona Elementary School • Never leave valuables, including purse, wallet, or 2nd Place Heather Lee Eastwood Elementary School other items unattended. • Use extreme caution when using public restrooms. 3rd Place Berlyn Gonzalez Beatitudes of Our Lord School Avoid putting personal belongings, including purs- es, on hooks, door handles, or on the floor. Sixth through Eighth Grade • If you need to store purchases in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk and keep them in a non-visible place. 1st Place Adrienne Anes Beatitudes of Our Lord School • Park in well-lit areas. 2nd Place Samantha Monzingo Beatitudes of Our Lord School • Remain alert in parking lots. Avoid carrying too 3rd Place Jessica Campoy Beatitudes of Our Lord School many packages that may prevent you from being aware of your surroundings and personal safety. Ninth through Twelfth Grade • Scan the area surrounding your vehicle both when you park and when you return to your vehicle. 1st Place Jackie Luna La Mirada High School • Lock your doors immediately after entering your vehicle. 2nd Place Isabel Navarro La Mirada High School • Immediately report suspicious persons and activities 3rd Place Robert Whetsell La Mirada High School to police or store security personnel.

9 H1N1 Flu Vaccinations

The City of La Mirada is partnering with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to host vaccination clinics to reduce the impact and spread of the H1N1 flu, formerly known as swine flu. The City hosted its first vaccination event on November 7 at the La Mirada Community Gymnasium. Additional vaccination events are scheduled on the following dates: Tuesday, December 1, from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, from 1 to 9 p.m. County officials indicated they are prepared to administer approxi- mately 2,400 vaccinations per operation date; however, this number Citizen Task Force to is subject to change based on the availability of the vaccine. Vaccina- tions will be available free of charge to both residents and non-resi- dents and no appointment is necessary. Currently, vaccination efforts Review City Finances will focus on the following population groups: and Operations • Pregnant women; The City recently created a Citizen Task Force on City Finances and • Individuals who live with or care for children younger than 6 Operations. The Task Force, comprised of some 25 La Mirada com- months of age; munity members, will review proposed infrastructure improvements • Health care and emergency services personnel; and City services, and provide recommendations to the City Council. • Persons between 6 months through 24 years of age; The group will focus on four areas including: the Fiscal Environ- • People 25 through 64 years of age who are at high risk of com- ment and Threats to the City of La Mirada; Infrastructure Mainte- plications from H1N1 flu infection because of chronic health nance and Improvements; City Operations; and Local Control Op- disorders or compromised immune systems. portunities. The task force will meet periodically through March 2010. A list of findings will be presented to the City Council at a For information on the H1N1 Flu, call the Department of Public Study Session meeting in the spring of 2010. Health at 211 or visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/H1N1. “La Mirada’s infrastructure is more than 50 years old, and is begin- For additional information on H1N1 Flu vaccination operation ning to show its age,” says City Manager Thomas E. Robinson. “The sponsored by the City of La Mirada, call (562) 943-7277. City has significant infrastructure needs at a time when the State is tak- ing away traditional local revenues to patch up its budget. The Task Force will be helpful in providing recommendations to the City Coun- cil on completing these infrastructure improvements, maintaining ex- isting City services and assuring local control of local revenues.”

Tree Trimming Plans Set Free Christmas Tree The City of La Mirada Public Works Department will be performing its Recycling annual parkway tree trimming program. The program divides the City into sections, and all of the parkway trees Residents may dispose of their Christmas trees for free after the within that section are trimmed simultaneously. This ensures that all trees holidays. To recycle Christmas trees, place them curbside beginning are kept on a three year pruning schedule. By pruning every three years, Dec. 28 through Jan. 8 on scheduled trash collection days. the City is able to inspect each tree to determine its overall health and Trees should have all ornaments, stands, tinsel and garland re- minimize potential branch failure. moved prior to disposal. Trees should be cut into six-foot lengths and Grid trimming is also a cost effective measure, as proper tree mainte- should not be placed in plastic disposal bags or trash bins. nance reduces infrastructure replacement costs in the future. A drop-off location for tree recycling will also be available in front This year the Public Works Department will trim 4,760 trees in the area of the La Mirada Community Gymnasium, located at 15105 Alicante of the City bordered by Valley View Ave, Imperial Hwy, La Mirada Blvd Road, from Dec. 28 through Jan. 8. Trees that are dropped off must and Stage Rd. The residential area south of Alondra Blvd will also be also have all ornaments and other decorations removed before recy- included. Residents within this area will see “No Parking” signs posted cling. in front of trees 24 hours prior to it being trimmed. Work will begin this In observation of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, trash ser- month and should be completed in early 2010. vice will be provided on the day following normal trash service. For For more information, call the Public Works Department at (562) 902-2385. information, call the Public Works Department at (562) 902-2385.

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