LA MIRADA STRATEGIC PLAN
COMMUNITY SPORTS
Candidate
Page 12
for the 2013
Page 10
Pulitzer Prize
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VOL. 2, NO. 1
LA MIRADA, CA., FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013
LA AUDITOR WENDY GREUEL CAMPAIGNS FOR MAYOR ON TAXPAYER’S DOLLAR LAMPLIGHTER EXCLUSIVE By Randy Economy A six month investigation by Los Cerritos Community Newspaper (LCCN) into the official activities of Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel has shown that, in possible violation of the Los Angeles Governmental Ethics Commission Ordinance, she has spent a n over whelming majority of her official schedule for the past three years attending lavish dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and social events in an effort to advance her 2013 mayoral campaign. Greuel is in a heated four-way campaign for Mayor of Los Angeles in the upcoming March 5th Primary Election against fellow city councilmembers Eric Garc-
etti, Jan Perry, and former Federal Prosecutor Kevin James. LCCN released more than 640 pages of Greuel’s “official city appointment calendar” on Monday that was obtained through the Freedom of Infor mation Act. Those FOIA req u e s t s went unanswered for more than five months by Greuel and her office. “We received tips from inside her office that Gruel was campaigning on county time, so LCCN requested copies of her 2009-2012 daily calendar,” Hews said. “LCCN was able to conquer a bureaucratic maze created by the Controller’s Office that included being told more than 15
Record 58 Pound Sturgeon Caught by Cerritos Resident
Cerritos resident Kay Fujimura has new bragging rights this week after landing a big fish, a REALLY BIG fish. Fujimura, and his friend Ray Lovell are seen here holding his new “huge sturgeon” that was caught at Irvine Lake. For the record, the fish was recorded at 58 lb 6 oz and was hooked on a 3 lb. test line which set a new lake record and could actually establish a new international Game Fish Association World Record for line class under 4 pounds. Fujimura, who caught the sturgeon released it back into the lake after lake officials took their measurements and pictures.
times that our request was being “gathered” by personnel in her office.” “The process to obtain the records was extremely arduous and involved. As a public official, whose calendar is open to the public, I expected this process to be simple, and for city staff to be helpful rather than adversarial toward releasing information about a public employee, especially to a community newspaper,” Hews said. “This treatment certainly raised some red flags.” According to the California
See AUDITOR page 8
Sheriff Reserve Commander Hangs Up Shield After 38 Years By Randy Economy Local residents have been adieu to one of the most recognizable faces in law enforcement after Reserve Commander Patrick J. Cleary hung up his badge as a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after nearly four decades of employment and service. On Saturday, January 5, at 11:00pm, Cleary served his last shift at the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station. He reflected on his storied career in an interview with Los Cerritos Community Newspaper and the La Mirada Lamplighter on his last “day on the job” for the last time he donned is working uniform.
Reserve Commander Patrick J. Cleary hung up his badge as a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after nearly four decades of employment and service. “I love this community, it is les County Sheriff’s Department part of me,” Cleary said. and being able to serve the com“I have loved every minute of my work with the Los Ange-
See CLEARY page 8
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AUDITOR
Continued from page 1 Public Records Act (PRA) [GOVT. CODE 6250 - 6276.48] the responding agency of the government must fulfill the request for public records within approximately 24 days. Further extensions can be requested but should not go longer than three months. “But in this case it took the Controller’s office six months and several phone calls to provide LCCN with Greuel’s calendar. That being said, whether or not the controller’s office is in compliance with the California Public Records Act is definitely a big question,” Hews said. Upon reviewing Greuel’s calendar, LCCN discovered numerous activities dedicated to advancing her mayoral campaign. “Within the first few pages, we quickly found out why the Controller’s office was so hesitant to give us Gruel’s calendar”, said Hews. “The activities we found appear to show that she is in violation of the Los Angeles Governmental Ethics Commission Ordinance No. 172891 Section 49.5.5 (B).” The ordinance states: “No City official
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www.HewsMediaGroup.com or employee of an agency shall engage in campaign related activities, such as fundraising, the development of electronic or written materials, or research for a campaign or an elective office or ballot measure during the hours for which he or she is receiving pay to engage in City business; or using city facilities, equipment, supplies of other city resources.” Several times Greuel had her city staff scheduled to attend mayoral campaignrelated events after hours. Greuel even had her Controller Executive Team brief her for a mayoral debate on the Thai Community Development. Further, on at least one occasion during regular business hours, Gruel met with people such as Rick Jacobs, a political organizer and founder of the California Courage campaign and past California chairman of Howard Dean 2004 presidential effort; Eric Bauman, Chairman of the LA County Democratic Party and Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party; Maria Elena Durazo, Chairman of the LA County Federation of Labor; Michael Bustamante of California Strategies, a political advisory firm; Michael Mand of Creative Artist Agency (a Talent Agency); John Shallman and Marty Cooper, campaign strategists; LA Grant Communications, a full service marketing, advertising, and communications firm; Donna Lucas, Lucas Public Affairs; Yashar Hedayat, known for fundraising for Hillary Clinton; Teray Stephens another local fundraiser; political consultant Lindsay Bubar; political consultant Myung Soo Seok; Douglas Herman a Democratic political strategist and direct mail specialist; Gary Belz, President of the House of Blues; Arturo Vargas of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials; Antonio Gonzalez of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. Greuel even attended a wedding ceremony at the posh Terranea Resort during
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regular office hours. “According to the calendar, Angelinos are paying for Wendy Greuel to run for Mayor. The names above are only a sampling. We found a majority of her time is spent fundraising, meeting for lunch, and attending parties all over town. Even more egregious is the appearance that she is using her Controller staff to advance her 2013 mayoral campaign,” said Hews. Los Cerritos Community Newspaper was the publication that broke the story about the current criminal investigation inside the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office that has resulted in the arrest of Assessor John R. Noguez, multi millionaire property tax Agent Ramin Salari, and two other members of the Assessor’s inner circle. LCCN also sent requests to both Garcetti and Perry on Monday to obtain copies of their official calendars as well. As we ask other elected officials in Los Angeles who are running for office to exercise transparency, let’s hope they are less resistant to transparency than Greuel,” Hews stated. “Los Cerritos Community Newspaper is also requesting that Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey review Greuel’s calendar to see if any possible laws were violated,” Hews said. A copy of Greuel’s calendar can be found at lmlamplighter.com.
CLEARY
Continued from page 8 munity I live in has been an honor,” a jovial Cleary said. Cleary began working for the LASD back in February 1974. The former graduate of George Washington High School in Los Angeles in 1962 spent a number of year working as a patrol unit dealing with
day to day crimes in and around Norwalk, La Mirada and the Unincorporated Area of East and South Whittier and Los Nietos. “I have seen it all. Crime goes up, it goes down, but we have to always remember that a real person is affected each and every day,” Cleary said. He said that one of his biggest accomplishments was busting up a car burglary ring in which 27 vehicles had their car stereos stolen. “We found the guys who did it and we had each and everyone of those stereos returned to their proper owners and all of them were reinstalled. That was amazing when you stop and think about it,” Cleary said. For his efforts he was presented the Departments Meritorious Conduct Medal that he pointed to on his uniform during his last shift. Cleary had huge praise showered on him by Captain Patrick Maxwell, of the Norwalk Station. “Reserve Commander Cleary has proudly worn the Sheriff’s uniform for 38 years all of which have been at the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station. For the past 27 years he worked as Unit 45R, serving the residents of the City of Norwalk every Friday and Saturday night,” Maxwell said in an interview. Prior to his Norwalk assignment, he spent 11 years serving the residents of unincorporated Whittier as Unit 48R. “Reserve Commander Cleary’s dedication and exemplary work ethic will continue to influence many deputies, past and present, at Norwalk Sheriff’s Station. He has built a legacy and I am forever grateful for his service,” Maxwell said. “I have grown children and two grandchildren, and it is a good feeling to know that I can do whatever I want from now on,” Cleary laughed. Cleary also said that “Norwalk is a safer place today that back when I started here in the 1970’s.”
Kiwanis Club of La Mirada presents its 6th Annual
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JANUARY 11, 2013
Controller Greuel’s Calendar Puts LCCN/Lamplighter Into Media Spotlight
Hews and Economy with CBS' Dave Lopez.
[l-r] LCCN Investigative Reporter Randy Economy, NBC's Patrick Healy, and LCCN Publisher Brian Hews.
Underwater Homeowners Breathe a Sigh of Relief as Underwater Homeowners Breathe aForgiveness Sigh of Relief asDebt Congress Extends Congress Extends Mortgage Relief Act Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act
Fox News Anchor Susan Hirosuna and Randy Economy in the LCCN newsroom. A video of the Fox report can be found at www.loscerritosnews.net.
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper once again was the focal point of media outlets throughout Southern California this past week after they released an online expose article that featured the public calendar of controversial Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel who is hoping to become the next Mayor of the second largest city in America. Publisher Brian Hews and Investigative Reporter Randy Economy released Greuel’s official city calendar late Monday afternoon on its website www.loscerritosnews.net and within hours their coverage became the top reported news program for a 48 hour period on this week. Reporting from the LCCN news room (located on Artesia Boulevard and Shoemaker Avenue) was Fox News Anchor Susan Hirosuna, NBC Southern California Reporter Patrick Healy, as well as CBS2/ KCAL9 Investigative Reporter Dave Lopez. Hews and Economy where also featured on several radio talk shows in Southern California this week including a live in studio interview with hard hitting journalist David Cruz, with the popular “David Cruz Show” on KTLK AM 1150. Economy was also a guest on 790 KABC Talk Radio’s Peter Tilden Show on Monday night. LCCN’s coverage into Controller Greuel’s highly controversial calendar was also featured in the Los Angeles Times, The Daily News, Pasadena Star News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, The LA Weekly, The Huffington Post, KFI’s Bill Carroll Show, CityWatch, and dozens of other media outlets. Los Cerritos Community Newspaper is being considered for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for its groundbreaking investigative work that lead to the arrest of Los Angeles County Assessor John R. Noguez, Property Tax Agent Ramin Salari, as well as two others who are accused of hundreds of collective counts of money laundering, accepting of bribes, and criminal forgery.
La Mirada, California– January 10 – On January 1, 2013, Congress passed an extension of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act as part of tax bill H.R. 8, the bill addressing the “fiscal cliff.” Originally passed in 2007, this act exempts struggling homeowners from paying taxes on debt forgiven in a short sale, foreclosure, or loan modification. The bill extends the act through December 31, 2013, allowing underwater homeowners to once again pursue alternatives to foreclosure, such as short sales or loan modifications, without the fear of owing thousands and taxes. “For distressed homeowners, the extension of the Mortgage Debt Relief Act is amazing news. Before this act, homeowners would negotiate a loan modification or avoid foreclosure through a short sale only to find they owed an equally unmanageable tax debt afterwards,” says Kevin Raisch, CDPE, Coldwell Banker Olympic. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Kevin Raisch is specially trained to help homeowners who find themselves facing foreclosure. “I’m committed to helping homeowners who are struggling,” Kevin Raisch said. “Too often, homeowners facing foreclosure believe there is nothing they can do, but there is.” “In fact, the options available to homeowners are better than ever. Lenders realize how much foreclosures cost, and increasingly favor short sales and other alternatives over letting a home go to foreclosure. Lenders are more willing than ever to work with homeowners,” said Kevin Raisch. Kevin Raisch has developed a free report with more information on the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and the options available to homeowners facing foreclosure. This report, entitled, “Attention: Distressed Homeowners! Congress Renews Critical Homeowner Relief Program,” is accessible from his website, http://www.cdpe.com/profile/ view/2143, click on “Useful Links” For more information, please contact:
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LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL REVIEWS STRATEGIC PLAN A Strategic Plan that builds on La Mirada’s record of success and sets future goals is being finalized by the City Council. The plan sets forth six broad priorities for the City to focus its efforts on in the coming years. A series of 31 specific goals and more than 100 separate actions to be taken are identified in the plan. Target dates for completing all of the work by the end of 2015 are also included in the plan. The Strategic Plan, which has been in the works for more than a year, was reviewed by the City Council earlier this week. Members of the City’s Planning, Public Safety, and Community Services Commissions have also reviewed the document in recent months. Six broad priorities serve as the foundation for the City of La Mirada Strategic Plan. Priorities include: •Secure a fiscally sound community; •Ensure a responsive City government; •Provide a safe community; •Promote a high quality of life; •Provide quality planning and infrastructure; and •Promote a strong local economy. Following the unprecedented financial challenges from the national recession and State takes of local funds in recent years, local officials have identified a number of goals that will continue to stabilize the City’s finances. Actions taken in recent years to reduce
staff, expand the use of contract services, and modify programs and services have helped the City through these
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La Mirada Adult Resource Center 13710 La Mirada Blvd. La Mirada City Hall 13700 La Mirada Boulevard La Mirada Community Dental 14930 Imperial Highway La Mirada Family Dentistry 15071 East Imperial Highway La Mirada Golf Course 15501 East Alicante Road La Mirada Landmark Adult Community 13710 Avenida Santa Tecla La Mirada Public Library 13800 La Mirada Blvd. La Mirada Sheriff‘s 13716 La Mirada Boulevard La Mirada Splash 13800 La Mirada Blvd. Martin Meats 15850 East Imperial Highway Mike‘s Classic Burgers 15738 Imperial Highway Olive Lawn Memorial Park 13926 La Mirada Blvd Panera Bread 15220 Rosecrans Ave Pepboys 14207 Rosecrans Avenue Popular Community Bank 12333 La Mirada Blvd Ray‘s Western Toggery 14265 East Imperial Highway Sugar and Spice Bakery 11523 La Mirada Blvd. The Audio Shop 14953 Leffingwell Rd.
challenging times. As the economy continues its recovery, the City will continue to manage employee costs, use contract services efficiently, and budget conservatively. City officials will remain responsive to issues affecting the community. Actions taken at the federal, state, and regional levels will be monitored to ensure La Mirada’s best interests are addressed. The plan calls for protecting local control of funds to continue as a high priority. Resident involvement in the City’s governing process by serving on a City advisory body will continue to be encouraged. Additionally, the City plans to enhance the amount of information available on its website, such as steps taken recently to post City Council staff reports online. A number of actions are identified in the Strategic Plan in support of providing a safe community, the City’s longstanding top priority. The City will be working with Sheriff’s officials to explore additional ways to fight crime in the area. Efforts to maintain the region’s lowest crime rate will continue with special attention on gang and drug prevention activities in La Mirada’s neighborhoods. The La Mirada community will continue to be called upon to serve as “the eyes and ears” in reporting suspicious activity. Residents will also be asked to join the City’s emergency preparedness campaign. La Mirada officials aim to remain a desirable, family-oriented community. The plan calls for the City to continue providing outstanding recreational and cultural opportunities, such as those offered at Splash!, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, and the City’s network of parks and facilities. Local officials value the efforts of La Mirada’s community partners, including School District representatives, service clubs,
and volunteers to enhance La Mirada’s high quality of life. Building upon these relationships to make La Mirada an even better community is an important endeavor. Popular community events, such as Summer Concerts and Chili Holiday Event, will continue to bring the community together. Efforts to upgrade the community by improving housing conditions and opportunities, and stimulating new commercial and industrial development are identified in the plan. Improvements to the Crossroads Shopping Center and other shopping centers in La Mirada will be completed this year. La Mirada is also poised to undergo significant infrastructure improvements in the near future. The $65-million Valley View Grade Separation project is currently under construction. Additionally, a number of street resurfacing projects are currently out to bid, with work expected to begin this spring. Infrastructure repairs from voter-approved Measure I funds are being planned, and will be used to address a portion of the City’s nearly $67-million in infrastructure needs. The Strategic Plan aims to build upon local economic development efforts expanded in recent years to attract and retain quality business that create jobs and generate revenues. Building a strong local economy will be achieved through supporting business expansion, new development, and providing business assistance programs. While the State’s elimination of redevelopment agencies has eliminated the City’s best economic development tool, the City will continue its business outreach efforts, streamlined permitting, and campaign to shop locally. These actions are among the reasons La Mirada has been recognized as a five year finalist for the Most Business Friendly City award by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. “The goals and objectives contained in the Strategic Plan address the many challenges and opportunities facing our community in the coming years,” says City Manager Tom Robinson. “For over 50 years, La Mirada has been known as a safe and attractive community with a great quality of life. This Strategic Plan is designed to help La Mirada become an even better community in the future.” Once the Strategic Plan is adopted, several steps will be taken to ensure the document becomes a real part of the City organization and influences how the City carries out its mission on a daily basis. The plan will be discussed with City employees, and made available to the public through the City’s website. Updates will be issued periodically on achievement of goals. The City Council will receive status reports on progress. Future agenda reports will identify the specific goals to which they relate. Annual reviews of the Strategic Plan will be done by the City Council and management staff, and necessary revisions and amendments will be made. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to consider adoption of the proposed Strategic Plan at its meeting on January 22.