Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Mirada public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with medium priority
Santa Gertrudes Avenue Restriping
A revised striping plan for Santa Gertrudes Avenue north of La Mirada Boulevard is scheduled for adoption. Lane markings can affect traffic flow and safety for everyone who drives that stretch.
Splash! Regional Aquatics Center Operations
Plans and specifications for the Phase 1 pool deck renovation at the Splash! Regional Aquatics Center were approved, and the project will be advertised for sealed bids.
Neighborhood Slurry Seal Area 7 Completion
The slurry seal of Valley View Avenue — from Rosecrans to 330 feet south of Alondra, and northbound lanes from Park Place to Artesia — is officially done, with the city accepting the work and releasing retention payments.
Biola University Master Plan Peer Review
The city hired Eyestone Environmental for $49,345 to independently review Biola's master plan update environmental document — a check on the university's expansion plans across from City Hall.
Shop La Mirada Rewards Program
A proposed shop-local app would give shoppers 5% back at La Mirada businesses (10% at city facilities) from a $50,000 city-funded rewards bank, with a $2,430 annual subscription. Council could launch it as soon as next month for the holidays.
Theater engagement contract dispute
The council met in closed session over anticipated litigation involving conflicting theater engagement contracts at the La Mirada Theatre; no action was reported.
Potential school field-use agreement for city sports
Mayor Otero reported a productive meeting with Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District about a land-use agreement that would let city sports programs use school fields.
Fleet replacement — Public Works dump truck purchase
The city is replacing a 31-year-old 1995 Ford F-700 dump truck with a $137,488.12 Ford F-650 that can tow the showmobile for summer concerts at Neff Park.
Seventh Cycle Regional Housing Needs Process
Resident Rick Klein urged the council to challenge the state's upcoming housing allocation numbers before SCAG on October 26, arguing regional growth assumptions are questionable and that even a 10% reduction would be worth pursuing.
Red Curbs at Foster Road and Clearwood Avenue Crosswalk
Parked cars were blocking the view of students at the school crosswalk near Foster Elementary and St. Paul. Red curbs of 20 and 10 feet will create daylighting in line with new state law AB 413.
Council Reorganization and New Terms
La Mirada filled a vacancy on its Senior Council, which helps connect older residents to services and information. Joseph Hong, a recent transplant with volunteer and translation experience, will serve through June 2027.
Leffingwell Road landscape and median improvements
The council approved plans and a county cooperative agreement for landscaping and median upgrades on Leffingwell Road between Telegraph and Stamy Roads — bids go out soon.
Code of Ethical Conduct and social media rules
The revised ethics code adds a section on public communication and social media. Council members say it's self-governing, but Mayor Otero admitted it has already made him hesitant to like posts online.
Telegraph Road Pavement Rehabilitation and New Traffic Signals
The council approved plans to repave Telegraph Road between Leffingwell Road and Imperial Highway and to upgrade the signal at Springview Drive, plus plans for new signals at Imperial/Burgess and Leffingwell/Stamy. Bidding goes out next, so construction is on the way.
4% Cost-of-living Raise for City Employees
Every full-time and hourly part-time city employee gets a 4% COLA for the coming fiscal year, matching what unrepresented employees receive under the union MOU. It costs roughly $719,000.
Refuse rate increase effective July 1, 2026
EDCO's rates go up because landfill closures in LA and Orange County have driven up disposal costs. Residential customers pay $1.87 more per month; the increase is lower than what the franchise agreement allows.
LGBTQ+ inclusivity and Helpline Youth Counseling funding
Pastor Jack Miranda urged the council to consider flying the pride flag for June and to increase funding for Helpline Youth Counseling, citing high suicide risk among LGBTQ teens. Mayor Pro Tem Otero responded that he would oppose flying any banner other than the American flag, which he called all-encompassing.
Community organization funding and food distribution
A resident pushed the council during public comment to fund more of the city's five or six local food distribution sites and to increase the Chamber of Commerce allocation, arguing the city's healthy financial position calls for greater community services spending.