You know that feeling when you're trying to figure out what’s actually going on in your own backyard, but the official city calendars feel like they’re written in another language? Honestly, keeping up with city of La Mirada news can sometimes feel like a part-time job. Between the constant construction on Rosecrans and the flurry of local council meetings, there’s a lot to wade through.
Right now, as we hit the middle of January 2026, things are moving fast.
The city is currently gearing up for some major community milestones and, frankly, a few logistical headaches that every resident should probably have on their radar. If you've been seeing the signs for the 2026 Homeless Count or wondering why the Planning Commission meeting was suddenly scratched, you aren't alone.
The Big January Shake-up: Meetings and Cancellations
Let's talk about the schedule. It’s a bit of a mess this week.
If you were planning to head over to City Hall for the Planning Commission meeting on January 15, hopefully you caught the update that it was cancelled. It’s one of those weird scheduling gaps that happens at the start of the year.
However, the real action is coming up on Tuesday, January 27. That’s when the next City Council Meeting is set to go down at 6:30 PM. These meetings are basically where the rubber meets the road for local policy—everything from budget tweaks to those tiny zoning changes that somehow end up affecting your property value.
Public Safety is Front and Center
Beyond the standard council drama, the Public Safety and Traffic Commission is meeting on January 22. This is actually a big deal for anyone tired of the "La Mirada Speedway" vibes on some of our main drags.
✨ Don't miss: Election Where to Watch: How to Find Real-Time Results Without the Chaos
They’re diving into the latest crime and safety reports. Most people don't realize that in late 2025, there was a significant uptick in "notable arrests" for warrants and narcotics violations—over 20 in just a two-week span at one point. It’s the kind of stuff that doesn't always make the evening news but definitely shows up in the commission's data.
What's Changing on the Streets?
Have you seen the new Dutch Bros at the corner of Beach and Rosecrans? It’s finally live.
That development was a long time coming. It’s got a massive 20-vehicle drive-thru, which—given the local obsession with caffeine—was probably a smart move by the planners.
But it’s not just coffee. The city is pushing hard on several other projects that are changing the local landscape:
- 84 Lumber is officially operational now. That 26,000-square-foot facility is a massive addition to the commercial sector here.
- The old car wash site is being cleared out. If you're a fan of Yoshinoya or Chipotle, you're in luck. Both are slated for that spot, complete with outdoor dining.
- The Market by Superior site is finally getting its facelift. Expect a much more modern produce and deli section, plus they’re looking at a license for on-site alcohol tastings.
The 2026 Homeless Count and Housing Stress
Here is something most people tend to overlook in the city of La Mirada news cycle: the 2026 Homeless Count.
It’s happening this month.
🔗 Read more: Daniel Blank New Castle PA: The Tragic Story and the Name Confusion
The city is currently implementing its "6th Cycle Housing Element Update." That’s a fancy government term for a plan that runs through 2029 to meet state mandates for "diverse housing options." Basically, the state is breathing down everyone's neck to build more, and La Mirada is currently in the middle of rezoning efforts to make that happen.
It’s a balancing act. People want the small-town feel, but the "Housing for All" initiative means we’re going to see more density in specific areas soon.
Entertainment: It’s Not All Boring Meetings
If you need a break from all the talk about zoning and safety, the La Mirada Theatre is actually killing it lately.
They’ve hit record-breaking box office numbers for three years straight. Right now, the buzz is all about Sweeney Todd, which kicks off January 30. Honestly, if you haven't seen a show there, you’re missing out on one of the few places where the production quality actually rivals the big L.A. venues without the $40 parking.
How the Budget Actually Looks
Wait, don’t scroll past the money stuff. It actually matters.
The city is operating on a General Fund of about $39 million. Roughly $9 million of that goes straight to public safety, which covers our contract with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.
💡 You might also like: Clayton County News: What Most People Get Wrong About the Gateway to the World
The interesting part? Measure I, that big residential street improvement fund, has been sunsetting for a while now. The city is currently scrambling to find "alternative revenue sources" to finish up the final phases of neighborhood street rehab. Translation: Expect more debate about taxes or fees in the coming year to keep the potholes at bay.
Local Wins and Recognition
It’s not all bureaucratic grind. The city recently gave out the Older Americans Recognition Day Award, and the Neff Estate is still doing its historical tours—there’s one on January 17 from 2 PM to 4 PM if you want to see what this place looked like before the suburban sprawl took over.
Also, shout out to the West Coast Warriors Cross Country Team and the local Youth in Government students. These kids are actually proposing projects that might end up in the next budget cycle. It's cool to see people under 20 actually giving a rip about local governance.
Actionable Steps for La Mirada Residents
If you want to stay in the loop without checking the city website every four hours, here’s how to handle it:
- Sign up for E-notifier: The city has an email list. Use it. It’s the only way to get those "meeting cancelled" alerts before you drive all the way to City Hall.
- Attend the January 27 Council Meeting: Especially if you have thoughts on the new housing rezoning or the traffic issues on Imperial Highway.
- Check the Crime Reports: The La Mirada Blog and the Public Safety Commission post detailed arrest logs. It's eye-opening to see what’s actually happening versus what you hear on Nextdoor.
- Support the Theatre: Grab tickets for the Broadway series. It’s one of the city’s biggest revenue generators that isn't a tax.
The city is definitely in a transition phase. We’re moving from the "quiet bedroom community" vibe into something a bit more developed and, honestly, a bit more crowded. Staying informed is the only way to make sure that transition actually benefits the people living here.