MY PRIORITIES

LA MIRADA CITY COUNCILMEMBER - DISTRICT 1

JOHN LEWIS, ESQ.

(714) 600-7878

CALL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONSCA

A COMMENDATION AWARDED from our Sheriff's Dept. for Commitment and Dedication for making Public Safety in La Mirada a Priority

Supporting Youth Sports .

Supporting the Student speaker contest

Service to the Community!

38th Safest City in California

Drive-Thru Events for the Kids

Supporting Charity Causes in the City with Love La Mirada!

Supporting Local Businesses as Mayor

Supporting the Fire Dept with Chief Osby

MY MAIN PRIORITIES REFLECT OUR COMMUNITY VALUES AS FOLLOWS:

1. MANTAIN A SAFE COMMUNITY - PUBLIC SAFETY

2. ENSURE A WELL-MANAGED, FINANCIALLY SOUND, AND TRANSPARENT CITY

3. DELIVER QUALITY PROGRAMS. SERVICES, AND EVENTS

4. PROVIDE EFFECTIVE PLANNING AND RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

5. STRENGTHEN BUSINESS-FRIENDLY EFFORTS

Each of these priorities are supported by specific strategies on the attached link below: Click on the STRATEGIC PLAN here for a detailed plan we have created.

>>CLICK HERE <<

PUBLIC SAFETY

Public Safety is My Number 1 Priority

Public Safety is the foundation for all issues that affect our city, including quality of life, property values, and business growth for the city. By making public safety the number one priority, the city becomes attractive for businesses to relocate, homeowners to purchase homes here, and for the community to thrive. Since 2017, the City has moved from the 75th safest city in California to the 38th safest city in the state in 2021. See https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-california

Making the district and city a safer place gives confidence to existing business to grow and helps attract new businesses to the city.

I continue to work with our Sheriff's and Public Safety Departments on law enforcement policies, techniques or personnel in in the city in order to cut down on crime and the response time to this District, and have a greater law enforcement presence in the area

A strong partnership between the public safety team, the residents and the businesses has kept La Mirada the safest city in the region.

I continue to work to Improve the neighborhood watch programs. I also continue to work with the local Sheriff’s Department to pinpoint local safety issues for improvement and enforcement to improve the safety of the residents in all areas of the city. I regularly ride along with our Sheriff's deputies to ascertain the current state of public safety - firsthand.

The City's STRATEGIC PLAN for PUBLIC SAFETY which we passed in 2025 sets forth my goals for continuing the priority of public safety for our City. These goals incorporate the following strategies:
- Strategy 1: Maintain a crime rate that is below regional, state, and national benchmarks.
- Strategy 2: Provide professional and responsive law enforcement services.
- Strategy 3: Conduct Public Safety outreach and community education.
- Strategy 4: Promote emergency preparedness for residents, community partners, and City staff.
1. See the entire STRATEGIC PLAN here: >>CLICK HERE<<

BUSINESS GROWTH/ ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES

La Mirada was named the "Most Business Friendly City"in LA County - in 2013 and 2019, and nominated to the top 5 in 2024 by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. The City won these awards for * Making economic development a core priority * Providing programs and services to facilitate business growth and expansion * Having competitive business tax rates and low fees for business licenses and development * Offering quality customer service and a timely development review process * Demonstrating extensive business outreach efforts * Having a high quality of life and a low unemployment rate

As your councilmember, I have, and will continue these policies to review economic conditions and review / revitalize the city’s laws (municipal codes, ordinances, etc.) in order to continue to make La Mirada the "Most Business Friendly" and give a competitive advantage over local cities to:

- Attract new businesses, and,
- Allow our current businesses to thrive, and,
- Increase local property values.

I passed new ordinances as follows

Vacant Commercial Property Ordinance: that requires businesses that have blighted vacant buildings for over one year to justify their lack of use or maintenance. This revitalizes commercial properties that have been blighted for years.
Homeless Property Storage Ordinance: that prohibits homeless from storing personal property or camping on public land.
Brewery Ordinance: that streamlines the requirements to allow breweries to open and operate in the City with minimal red tape in order to attract breweries to open in the city.

We have worked hard on a Legislative Platform to preserve local control and enhance the City's innovation. The main objectives of this LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM is to enhance quality of life and public safety and continue to grow La Mirada objectives and rebuff state control:

These objectives are:
- Protect Local Authority: Support legislation that reinforces the City’s autonomy in land use, zoning, and public service delivery. Oppose measures that undermine local authority or impose unfunded mandates.
- Decision-Making Flexibility: Advocate for state and federal policies that preserve the unique needs of La Mirada and allow the City to implement customized solutions deemed best for our community.
- Local Revenue Protection: Oppose the diversion of local revenues to other government agencies and support efforts to maintain municipal control over budgeting and resource allocation.
- Business Attraction and Retention: Support legislation and funding opportunities that enhance the City’s ability to attract and retain businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, expand job opportunities, and enhance the local economy.
- Infrastructure Investments: Advocate for funding to improve and maintain local infrastructure, including roads, facilities, utilities, and broadband.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Oppose policies that create financial burdens on local governments, such as unfunded mandates or restrictions on municipal revenue generation. Support measures that enhance the City’s fiscal stability through equitable and predictable funding mechanisms.
- Workforce Development: Promote regional partnerships and programs that provide workforce training and employment opportunities to La Mirada residents.

For The City's LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM Details >> CLICK HERE <<

La Mirada's real property values continue to increase at a higher rate than local cities due to policies of the Council.

I continually to work to bring in quality businesses and restaurants through programs and incentives. Council has passed new incentive programs for new businesses and restaurants.

REVITALIZE INFRASTRUCTURE / BUILDINGS & VACANT LOTS

Making La Mirada an attractive and innovative city to attract residents and businesses is key to continuing to stay on top.

The center medians, city streets, city fountain, traffic signals, community gardens, city infrastructure and most city parks have been revitalized in the past 7 years. The City has approved a major upgrade to the street lights (all LED), electric recharging stations, solar panels at the city parking structures, and other cost saving upgrades to innovate the city for the future.

All city street lights have been upgraded to efficient LED lighting saving money and providing more light. New street lights on Valley View were installed on the new medians . Behringer Park upgrades, Creek Park Upgrades and safety cameras in the local parks have been installed, etc.

The City has installed new turn lanes at La Mirada Blvd. and Telegraph Avenue to improve the traffic flow as well as curb cuts at Imperial Hwy and LM Blvd. Also upcoming at Rosecrans / Valley View and Alondra / Valley View.

The city has upgraded ALL of the traffic signals with protected / permissive turn signals and improved timing to improve traffic flow in the city.

New Stop signs, including at Gardenhill and Biola, for safety of the children walking to school. New pavement markings for safety of pedestrians.

All city parks have been revitalized including Frontier Park, Gardenhill Park, Creek Park, Behringer Park Athletic Fields. New playground equipment for all parks. Revitalized/resurfaced sports courts (basketball, tennis, etc.) including a new community garden at Frontier Park.

I continue to review city parks, structures and lots for additional uses by the local residents for sports or business attractions for local residents.

A City Farmers Market has been added and continues to thrive.

Community gardens have been installed at Frontier Park.

Gardenhill Amphitheater has been added community uses such as movie night and possibly other upcoming community services events.

District revitalization for business growth in the area attracted new businesses such as Northgate Market, 7 Leaves Coffee, Krunch Burger, and more.

I workwith schools, the school district, and businesses to improve the land in and around their structures for community aesthetics and use.

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY/BUSINESSES

As the past President of the La Mirada Rotary, a charitable public benefit organization, I have led local business and community leaders to serve the families of our district. This service has allowed me to understand and incorporate these principals into service for this district and community.

As a Trustee to SASSFA, (Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority) I have seen the need in the community and can prioritize the funding for needed services in the area.

As a past planning commissioner, current business and real estate attorney, and current councilmember, I have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of businesses, state and local building codes, policies, and requirements. I will work to continue improving local businesses in the city and help implement new businesses, improve local properties, and serve to attract new businesses to the city.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

La Mirada is in the top 6% of all California Financially Sound Cities as determined by the California State Auditor. Transparency and accountability is a priority in city finances.
La Mirada maintains balanced budgets every year!
No City property tax or city utility tax in La Mirada.
Always put people and community first.