Commissions and Councils

Appointment of Commissioners:

Commissioners are appointed by the City Council following a recommendation by a specific Councilmember. With the exception of the Planning Commission, which is required by State Law, all La Mirada advisory groups were established by resolution to provide residents participation in specific areas of concern.

The council-appointed citizen advisory commissions, include: Community Services, Planning, and Public Safety. These Commissions are responsible for performing studies on municipal issues and rendering opinions and advice to the City Council, as well as for developing community goals.

All Commission members must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States; and
• Be a resident of the City of La Mirada; and
• Have taken and filed with the City Clerk, the oath as required by the La Mirada Municipal Code.

In addition to the above listed requirements, the Public Safety Commission requires that a member be at least 18 years of age. 

Currently, there is a vacancy on the Community Services Commission.  If you are interested in fililng out an application, they are available in the Lobby at City Hall or click here for an application.  Completed applications are kept on file for one year.  If you have any questions, please call City Hall at (562) 943-0131.

All Commission monthly meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public.


Community Services Commission

Person	Role
Susan Savage	Chairperson
Martin Sandoval	Vice Chairperson
Rebecca Cline	Commissioner
Stephen DeRuse	Commissioner
Vacant	Commissioner
Michael Saenz	Athletic Council Representative
Lillian King	Senior Council Representative
Dr. Rick Bee	Community Services Foundation Representative
Ariana Ricarte	Youth Council Representative
Judie Peters	Historical Preservation Advisory Council (HPAC) Representative

Meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m.  Meetings are open to the public.

The Community Services Commission is responsible for developing recommendations to improve the quality of life in the community regarding social, recreational and cultural needs and programs. For an application please contact City Hall at (562) 943-0131.


Planning Commission

Person	Role
Ron Boatright	Chairperson
Doug Francis	Vice Chairperson
David DeBoer	Commissioner
Larry Mowles	Commissioner
Alejandro Ponce	Commissioner

Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m.   Meetings are open to the public.
Established: July 7, 1962

The Commission’s responsibilities and authority are in accordance with the Conservation and Planning laws as related to general law cities, except as may be otherwise authorized by and set forth in specific City Ordinances. The Commission receives and expeditiously acts on all special project assignments made by the City Council and submits reports and recommendations to the City Council on these assignments.


Public Safety

Person	Role
Kenny Ratzlaff	Chairperson
Joseph T. Gibbons	Vice Chairperson
Edward Medrano	Commissioner
Alan Nichols	Commissioner
Jesse Urquidi	Commissioner

Meetings: Fourth Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m.   Meetings are open to the public.
Established: May 26, 1976

The Commission assigns studies, makes reports, holds hearings, and makes recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to public safety in the City. Major areas of responsibility of the Commission include: planning and preparation for a program of civil defense and disaster; problems of traffic safety as related to traffic and pedestrian control; and adequacy of police, fire, and health services.


Senior Council

Members	Members	Alternates
Lillian King - President	Larry McCollum	Lois Nelson
Mariann Hampton - Vice President	Judie Peters	Lynda Strait
Barbara Epps	Peggy Roman
Edna Gaarde

Meetings: Fourth Wednesday, 10 a.m.   Meetings are open to the public.

The Senior Council consists of 16 members and alternate members including 4 members selected at-large from the community. The Senior Council deals with issues such as planning senior recreation activities and programs, enhancing senior social services, developing community safety, technology, and mentoring programs, distributing public information, and expanding community events.


Youth Council

Mission Statement: "We the members of the La Mirada Youth Council are here to represent all youth of La Mirada. We will strive to involve more young people in the community and make them aware of opportunities that are available. We also commit to helping unite people of all ages so that we may better understand one another and work together in making our city a better place for everyone."

Members	Members at Large	Alternates
Ariana Ricarte - President	Caitlyn Cappadona - Vice President	Sam Khatter
Hannah Genberg - Member		Eric Nimmo
Vacant - Member		Emily  Rader
Priscilla Lee - Member
Garrett Yniguez - Member

Meetings: Last Wednesday monthly, 6:30 p.m.   Meetings are open to the public.

The Youth Council consists of 13 primary members (4 at-large, 9 school representatives, and nine alternates all serving one-year terms expiring in October. They meet the last Wednesday of each of month at 6:30 p.m. in the La Mirada Resource Center.) The Youth Council works on creating a Youth Master Plan, planning youth recreation activities, expanding programs and facilities, school and campus safety, technology, mentoring programs career enhancement programs, public information social services and community events.


Community Services Foundation

Person	Role
Dr. Rick Bee	Vice President
Jeff Duhammel	Member
Steve Keithly	Member
Karen Ratzlaff	Member
William Savage	Member
Dr. Steven Smith	Member
Dr. Ray Yutani	Member

Meetings: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m.   Meetings are open to the public.

For more information regarding the Community Services Foundation click here


Historical Preservation Advisory Council

Person	Role
Judie Peters	President
Myllie Taylor	Vice President
Mary Abbott	Member
Richard Eggan	Member
Ann Moorman-Ferris	Member
Marlene Olsen	Member
Gail Pearch	Member
Dr. C. David Peters	Member

Meetings: Second Thursday of each month, 4:30p.m.  Meetings are open to the public.
Meetings are held at La Mirada City Hall in Conference Room #1