La Mirada honors 2025 ‘Love La Mirada’ neighborhood heroes

The La Mirada City Council recognized 10 residents with the 2025 “Love La Mirada” neighborhood hero awards during its March 24 meeting, honoring volunteers whose work officials said strengthens local community ties.

City staff presented each honoree and cited examples of their service. Senior Administrative Analyst George Orozco described Bruce Dixon’s leadership coordinating volunteers on patrol and assisting with campus memorial logistics; Oscar Duarte’s routine help with yard work for neighbors; Jackie Galindo Avila’s decade-long leadership of the La Mirada Baseball Association; and Stephen James’s seven years as a school crossing guard at Eastwood Elementary. Other honorees included Chris and Desiree Johnson for hosting fundraisers through their car wash business, Ricky Ostendi for donating a mural and logo to Escalona Elementary, Adrianna Sprescu for organizing a neighborhood Fourth of July parade, Greg Stump for founding Love La Mirada, and Matt White for creating inclusive TOP soccer programming.

Why it matters: the council said the recognition highlights grassroots volunteerism that complements city services and supports youth programs, neighborhood safety and recreation. Mayor Eng praised the honorees as “stand-up citizens” and invited them to share brief remarks about their motivations.

Several recipients told the council their service stems from family tradition, a desire to help neighbors and long-term ties to La Mirada. George Orozco and the mayor noted the city provides certificates and thank-you gifts, and encouraged other residents to get involved in local volunteer opportunities.

The presentation concluded with logistical instructions for recipients to pick up certificates and two theater tickets at the mayor’s office.