Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Mirada public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
36 issues
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Funding
The Council is scheduled to consider a $338,727 budget amendment to keep the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program going using federal CDBG funds. That program helps La Mirada homeowners pay for repairs to their homes.
Discount Store Regulations
The council is crafting permanent rules for discount stores before the moratorium expires December 10. The revised approach drops a hard cap and instead requires new stores to win a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission, with upkeep and signage standards applying to existing stores within a year.
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.
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.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Phase 1
The city is proposing a Phase 1 inclusionary housing ordinance, which would shape how new residential development addresses affordable housing. The financial evaluation is intended to show what the requirements would cost developers and mean for the city.
New Electronic Marquee at City Hall
City Hall will get a $125,480 electronic marquee to broadcast city news and events to passersby.
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.
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.
City Hall tree replacement proposal and invasive beetle damage
A local Boy Scout told the council the eucalyptus trees at City Hall are infested with an invasive leaf beetle, messy, and non-native, and proposed replacing them with drought-tolerant western redbuds, Spartan junipers, and a deodar cedar to boost curb appeal and Tree City USA standing.
E-bike safety enforcement study
Mayor Pro Tem De Ruse reported on Chula Vista's new e-bike enforcement ordinance and said La Mirada may follow its progress, noting crash data on e-bikes is still new.
Winter Storms Preparation Plan
Forecasters give a strong El Niño a greater than 90% chance of lasting through February 2027, raising risks of flooding, road damage, and fallen trees. The plan covers drain cleaning, facility protection, contractor agreements, and resident education — storm season starts December 1.
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.
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.
Traffic Signal at Rosecrans Avenue and Stanton Avenue
The intersection has had 10 crashes in five years, five this year, and a crossing guard on school days. The signal meets state warrant standards and will be funded largely with measure funds; the council discussed syncing it with existing signals at 45 mph.
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.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Budget
The council approved $3.25 million in warrants, a $148,408 landscape maintenance contract amendment with BrightView, and accepted the completed Behringer Park turf renovation — routine money moves that keep streets, parks, and city operations running.
Little League World Series championship celebration
The city honored the Junior League World Series champion All-Stars, capping an undefeated run that ended with a 10-inning win over Asia-Pacific. The victory drew the community together for a parade from Behringer Park to City Hall.
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.
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.
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.
School-zone traffic and no-stopping signage at Hutchinson Middle School
Parents double-parking along Estero Road during pickup have been blocking both directions of traffic. New school-day no-stopping signs should clear the queue lane — and staff say education comes before citations.
Regional water management representation (GWMA)
La Mirada's seat on the regional water authority board went to new Public Works Director Marlin Munoz, with Priscilla Lee as alternate, after Mark Stowell's retirement.
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.
CDBG Grant Program Participation (2027–2030)
The council locked in La Mirada's spot in the county's federal Community Development Block Grant program for another three-year cycle. That funding backs the city's home improvement assistance program and senior services. Without the agreement, those programs would lose federal support.
Digitizing city records
MetaSource was hired, for up to $223,844, to scan and digitally index city documents — modernizing record-keeping and public access.
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.
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.
Cabaret lounge at the La Mirada Theatre nearing completion
A fourth change order worth $57,546.60 was approved for the theatre's new cabaret lounge, which is about 60-65% complete and targeted to open with the Broadway series this fall.
Theater director salary realignment
With the theater director leaving, the position's pay range drops from 151 to 142 to match other department directors — about $22,000 a year in savings.
Meeting continuity policy under SB 707
State law now requires cities to plan for tech failures during meetings. If the Zoom or phone line dies, the city must announce it, try for at least an hour to restore service, and then can only continue the meeting by a roll-call vote finding the public interest outweighs remote access.
San Ardo Drive lot consolidation
A homeowner will merge two parcels — one with a house, one vacant — into a single 13,002-square-foot lot. No driveway to Stage Road is planned, so neighbors won't see new traffic impacts.
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.