October LCN! by Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

LAKEWOOD CHAMBER WELCOMES ACE HARDWARE

The Lakewood Chamber and City Council Members Jeff Wood and David Arellano were excited to welcome a brand new, locally owned ACE Hardware to the Lakewood Family! There was a Fantastic Grand Opening Ceremony to let ACE know that the Chamber and the City are letting them in with open arms. Make sure you stop by the “helpful hardware store” for all your hardware needs and don’t forget to congratulate them on their GRAND OPENING! ACE wants you to know that they are always there to cater to your hardware needs!

LAKEWOOD ACE HARDWARE • 5432 WOODRUFF AVENUE • LAKEWOOD

Shoutout to all our Fantastic Members who showed up for our First “MEMBERS ONLY” Chamber Mixer at Sender One Climbing! It was truly a fantastic night of thrills, fun, and networking. The Chamber is grateful to Sender One for opening their home for us and our members to explore and experience. If you have the chance, make sure you stop by Sender One for a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and a TON of fun!

SENDER ONE CLIMBING, YOGA, FITNESS • 4949 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD • LAKEWOOD

News CITY

Mayor Todd Rogers

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OCTOBER?

Fall is upon us in Lakewood.

Schools have come alive again. Trees will soon start to turn colors. Halloween and, yes the holiday season, are just around the corner. Can you believe it?

Fall is also a time when lots of Lakewood’s favorite traditional activities take place, and on behalf of the Lakewood City Council, we encourage you to consider taking part in some.

Take a look at the city’s online Recreation Catalog and sign up for classes at

www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation. You can also call city staff for help at 562866-9771, ext. 2408.

Some of the interesting classes and programs this season are: Active+ Trivia Night; Bake Shop Basics – Buttercream Piping Techniques; Knitting for the Holidays; TinyTykes Soccer; FUN-Tastic Family Night Spider-Verse Superhero Boot Camp; and Family Camp at Monte Verde Park.

Popular and classic Lakewood events this fall include:

• Lollipop Lane craft

boutique (great for early holiday shopping) at Mayfair Park on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Halloween Carnivals at Lakewood’s parks on Oct. 31, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. (And please remember to drive extra carefully on Halloween with all the children out and about.)

• Older Adults Benefits Information Fair. The city organizes this health care event for seniors, with free screening and with representatives from different health and benefit plans. The event is timed to help with decisions you may want to make during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period. It’s Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Weingart Senior Center. Call 562-630-6141 for details.

• Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament on Oct. 18 to raise funds for Lakewood classroom improvement projects. See the article elsewhere in this paper for details or go to www. lakewoodeducation.org. Whether you golf or not, please consider a donation to LEF. I’ve seen how donations to LEF—large and small—go to work making schools in Lakewood better.

• Now in its fourth year, the Lakewood Fest-Of-All returns on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 2-8 p.m. in the Lakewood Center parking lot south of El Torito. It will include a multicultural food court, family fun zone, craft village, children’s cultural booth and music and dance from all over our nation and world—everything from traditional Hmong dance, to Afro-Caribbean dance, to country line dancing.

• See further details on these events and more in related stories in this Lakewood Community News.

To get copies of the Lakewood-branded postcard or learn how you can submit your own, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ TAS.

Many people find fall to be their favorite season in Lakewood. Our city always looks for a good variety of traditional and new ideas for family-friendly fun in our community, and we hope you find your share of neat activities for you and your family this fall in Lakewood. Enjoy the season ahead!

Fall is also the time when Lakewood extends holiday wishes and appreciation to U.S. military personnel serving us overseas by writing postcards and letters in the city’s Thank a Servicemember program.

Play at Palms Movie Night Under the Stars featuring Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13)

Bring the entire family and enjoy an evening of FREE family fun and movie entertainment at Palms Park, 12305 207th St. on Friday, Oct. 11. Guests can bring chairs and a picnic and enjoy a fun evening with their families. Check in begins at 6 p.m. with the movie beginning at 7 p.m. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be served while supplies last. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park. For more information call the Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Department at 562866-9771, ext. 2408 or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ catalog

Older Adults Benefits Information Fair

The Weingart Senior Center will host its annual Older Adults Benefits and Information Fair on Monday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Adults 50+ can pick up health insurance and benefit related materials and speak with company representatives to help with plan comparison. For more information, contact the Weingart Senior Center at 562-630-6141.

Family overnight camp in Lakewood

Bring the whole family and have a fun overnight campout under the stars Oct. 19-20 at Monte Verde Park, 4626 N. Shadeway Rd. Participate in games, crafts, nature walks, roasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire. All meals and snacks are prepared, so parents can sit back, relax and enjoy nature.

Learn more by watching a CityTV video at www. lakewoodcity.org/familycamp.

A “what to bring” list will be emailed before camp. The fee is only $10 per person.

A $20 per person supply fee is due to the instructor at camp. Use activity #28675 for registration.

Pets, barbecues and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

FUN-Tastic Family Night Featuring SpiderVerse Superhero Boot Camp

Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and SpiderGwen will be swinging down to The Centre, 5000 Clark

Ave. on Friday, Oct. 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join them in a fun training to increase your agility, strength, speed and superhero poses. Cheese enchiladas, rice, and a dessert will be served prior to the show. Seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, $12 for children 1-3, and children under 1 are free. Visit www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog and use activity #28695 to register by Oct. 18.

Play softball to help Project Shepherd

Residents are being asked to get on base with Project Shepherd by playing in or sponsoring a softball team in the 10th annual “Turkey Tournament,” hosted by the

City of Lakewood. There will be two tournament divisions offered: a co-ed division and a men’s division. Games for both will be played Saturday, Nov. 9. The co-ed tournament will take place at San Martin Park, while the men’s tournament will be played at Palms Park. Games begin at 9 a.m. at both locations and run throughout the day.

Registrations are due by Nov. 4. Call the Recreation and Community Services Department for more information or to inquire about signing up as a team or sponsor at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.

Teams

CITY

City Spotlight

--Team fee is $350 --3-game guarantee --ASA Bats

--Custom Dri-FIT jerseys will be given to the 1st place team

FRIENDS OF LAKEWOOD LIBRARIES BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Lakewood Libraries (FOLL) book sale is set for Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library at 4990 Clark Ave. in the Lakewood Civic Center.

Visitors will find plenty of paperback bargains plus hardback books for $1 and up on used nonfiction, novels, children’s and large-format books.

The FOLL “Members only” pre-sale is Friday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Members only” times are also open to disabled patrons. Nonmember shoppers may purchase FOLL memberships at the door and take advantage of the widest selection before the public sale.

LOLLIPOP LANE RETURNS WITH OVER 100 ARTISANS!

Mayfair Park will come alive with over 100 crafters offering handmade, affordable holiday gifts on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One of the first boutiques of the season in our region, the Lakewood event features a wide range of quality crafters and

Lots of interesting arts and crafts for all ages at Lollipop Lane.

artists displaying Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items. Jewelry, clothing, quilts, cards, gourds, gift bags, scarves, purses, wood crafts, paintings, candles, soaps, lotions and many other beautiful handcrafted items will be for sale.

Please bring your own shopping bags to the event.

Memberships start as low as $5 for seniors, $10 for individuals and $15 for a family. Dues are tax deductible.

Proceeds from the sale support Lakewood’s two local libraries in many ways, including:

--Purchases of additional books, books on CDs, DVDs and periodicals.

--Programming funds to bring professional performers or workshop presenters for a variety of arts and educational events.

--Incentives for the children’s Summer Reading Program.

--Movie licensing and supplies for art activities and STEM projects for all ages.

--Furniture to improve library spaces.

For more information on FOLL, visit www. lakewoodlibraryfriends.org.

Admission is free, and each merchant handles their own sales. There will be a food truck onsite with a percentage of purchases benefitting Meals on Wheels of Long Beach, which serves residents in Lakewood.

Mayfair Park is located at 5720 Clark Ave., at the corner of South Street and Clark Avenue. Parking will be available at the park. Additional parking and a free shuttle will run from the Lakewood City Hall east parking lot (5050 Clark Ave.). The shuttle will run every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. For more information, please call 562-8669771, ext. 2408 or 562-866-4776 the day of the event.

FREE SH REDDIN G EV ENT

The City of Lakewood and EDCO Waste Services are teaming up again to sponsor a FREE shredding event to help you prevent identity theft by securely shredding sensitive documents as well as to safely dispose of unwanted e-waste.

On Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, Lakewood residents can take advantage of easy drive-through shredding and recycling services in the parking lot behind City Hall and the Iacoboni Library. The line will close promptly at noon.

No walk-ups or bicycles; vehicles only.

Residents will enter the parking lot behind Iacoboni Library off of Civic Center Way and drive through to access these services:

--Shredding: Bring up to three bankers-style boxes (10” x 12” x 15”) per household of sensitive documents such as bank statements and tax records for free shredding on site. No CDs, DVDs, diskettes or other media.

--Battery disposal: Bring used household batteries (no car batteries).

--E-waste disposal: Bring TVs, monitors, computer CPUs, keyboards, printers and cell phones for

environmentally safe disposal.

--Mulch: Bring bags or containers to get up to 3 cans/bags per vehicle. As a courtesy, Lakewood employees will shovel the mulch. If you plan to haul your mulch in an open truck or trailer, please remember to bring a tarp to cover your material.

Please do NOT bring these items to the event, as they are hazardous waste:

--No lightbulbs of any sort.

--No household toxics like paint, insecticides, or chemicals.

--No expired medications or sharps.

Hazardous waste and e-waste are accepted on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (except holiday weekends) at EDCO’s large transfer facility located at 2755 California Ave. in Signal Hill at no charge to Lakewood residents.

The Oct. 5 event is for Lakewood residents only. The line will close promptly at noon. Be prepared to show proof of residency, with either a driver’s license or utility bill with current Lakewood street (not P. O. Box) address.

For more information, please call 562-866-9771, ext. 2140.

Book sales support both Lakewood libraries.

OCTOBER 2024

“FEST-OF-ALL” FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL OCTOBER 12

The fourth annual multicultural food and music festival called Lakewood’s Fest-Of-All will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 2-8 p.m. at Lakewood Center in the large parking area south of El Torito and west of Target.

Representing the wide variety of cultures which Lakewood is proud to have in the community, Lakewood’s Fest-Of-All will include the following fun features:

--Two entertainment stages—with a wide variety of musical and dance acts

--Multicultural Food Court

--Family Fun Zone with inflatable attractions

--Craft Village

--Children’s Cultural Booth

--Passport Around the World Lakewood Center is the Platinum sponsor of this event.

Fest-Of-All

Entertainment Schedule

2 p.m. Event begins

2:05 – 2:30 p.m. Qeej Not Gang Program of Hmong Association of Long Beach (Traditional Hmong Dance)

2:35 – 3 p.m. Paso De Oro Dance Company (Mexican Folk Dance)

3:05 – 3:30 p.m. Caribbean Joy Dance Entertainment (Afro-Caribbean Dance)

3:30 – 5 p.m. Las Chikas (Salsa)

5 – 5:25 p.m. Dance Lessons with Gina (Country Line Dance)

5:30 – 5:55 p.m. Jung Im Lee Dance Academy (Korean Dance)

6 – 6:25 p.m. Arpana Dance Company (Classical Indian Dance)

6:30– 8 p.m. Pop Vinyl (Pop/Dance Favorites)

8 p.m. Event ends

Multicultural food court of booths and food trucks

Tatay Ry’s (Filipino)

Noah Cajun Shrimp (Cajun)

Padekwa Café & Create (Southern Creole Desserts)

Gordo Hibachi (Japanese)

El Churro Panzon (Mexican Desserts & Beverages)

Gochu Gang (Korean BBQ)

Woodfire Pies (Italian)

A free shuttle will run every 15 minutes from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Lakewood City Hall’s east parking lot (Clark/Del Amo) to the Fest-Of-All entrance. For more information and updates, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/Fest-Of-All or call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.

HALLOWEEN FUN AT LAKEWOOD PARKS

Lakewood’s traditional Halloween Carnivals are back, offering fun and safety for youngsters on the year’s spookiest night.

Special carnival activities are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar, Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin parks.

Each park will have a special theme:

--Biscailuz Park: “Shrek”

--Bloomfield Park: “Dr. Seuss”

--Bolivar Park: “Nightmare Before Christmas”

--Boyar Park: “Despicable Me”

--Del Valle Park: “Five Nights at Freddy’s”

--Mayfair Park: “Hotel Transylvania”

--Palms Park: “Pokemon”

--San Martin Park: “Gravity Falls”

“Haunted houses” for little ghosts and goblins to venture inside will be available at Bolivar, Del Valle, Palms and San Martin parks.

There will be inflatable attractions at Mayfair Park for an additional fee.

Support for the carnivals comes from community volunteers, civic organizations and Lakewood Tot Lot parents. Want to help? Volunteers are needed to run carnival booths. Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/HalloweenVolunteers to sign up.

For information, call the park nearest you or City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408. Use the “Park Finder” at www.lakewoodcity.org/parkfinder to locate which Lakewood neighborhood park is closest to you.

Children’s Cultural Booth from last year.

News COMMUNITY

OCTOBER IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

October is Disability Awareness Month and it’s an important time to recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities, and to recommit to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.

With approximately 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability, representing a wide array of abilities and backgrounds, this month serves as a powerful reminder of the diversity, personal resilience and strength within this community.

Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often not treated--nor seen as—equals or valued members of society. A key element of Lakewood’s Community Dialogue on Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating the diversity of people and cultures that Lakewood is proud to have as part of our community.

The City of Lakewood is actively working to improve accessibility and inclusion for its residents with disabilities. Lakewood is proud of the playgrounds in its many neighborhood

parks, and as those playgrounds are upgraded, the city looks for creative ways to make them accessible and inviting for all children, including those with disabilities. The upcoming enhancements to the Weingart Senior Center—such as new flooring, lighting, ADA-compliant restrooms, and additional hearing loops—reflect a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Similarly, the DASH transit program, with its wheelchairaccessible buses and vans, ensures that reliable transportation is available for those in need. All DASH buses and the six new vans are wheelchair accessible. To become a DASH rider, call city staff at 562-924-0149.

For information, contact Bloomfield Park staff at 562-865-1717.

Lakewood’s partnership with Special Olympics Southern California and the ongoing Adaptive Recreation Program at Bloomfield Park are exemplary efforts to provide meaningful athletic and recreational opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Disability Pride flag, designed by Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy, symbolizes the varied experiences within the disability community. Each color on the flag holds significant meaning, representing different aspects of disability:

Black -- for mourning those who have faced mistreatment or neglect

Green -- for sensory disabilities

Blue -- for psychiatric disabilities

White -- for invisible or undiagnosed disabilities

Gold -- for cognitive and intellectual disabilities

Red -- for physical disabilities

See the City of Lakewood’s proclamation in recognition of Disability Awareness Month, signed by Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers, at www.lakewoodcity.org.

CARE

SOLACE’S FREE HELP CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s mental health, the City of Lakewood understands how overwhelming it can be. That’s why Lakewood has partnered with Care Solace so that one call to them can make it easier to get the help you need.

Renessa lost loved ones to COVID. The isolation and grief caused her to seek therapy for her daughters. Care Solace helped them find a therapist who fit their needs and took the burden off of their family. Watch a video to hear Renessa’s story (and learn more about Care Solace) at www.lakewoodcity.org/AskForHelp.

Care Solace is available and free 24/7/365 to all Lakewood community members. Their compassionate team is ready to step in, lend a hand, and walk you through the process of finding the right help.

Reach out to Care Solace today at 888515-7881 for personalized assistance or visit www.caresolace.com/LakewoodCA to search for support anonymously.

Care Solace client Renessa tells her story.

The Lakewood Community News is an official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Denise Urtiaga

2024 GLCC Executive Board

Chair

Joanie Dixson

Vice Chair

Deena Henry

Secretary Sherry Daisey

Treasurer Travis Jackson

Board Members

Jonathan Byun

Ulysses Carmona

Glenn Curo

Erika Parada

Glen Patrick

Brian Rodriguez Mike Segura

Administrative Assistant Kyle Henry

The Lakewood Community News is printed once a month and covers the City of Lakewood and surrounding communities, with a strong emphasis on the business community. Both the GLCC President/CEO and Managing Editor have exclusive authority over the content that is published.

For advertising or story inquiries, email us at: info@lakewoodchamber.com

Call: (562) 531-9733

For MEMBERSHIP Inquiries, please go to the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce's website, at www.lakewoodchamber.com

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712

MESSAGE FROM

Joanie Dixson

EXECUTIVE BOARD, CHAIR

Hello Lakewood, First and foremost I would like to thank everyone who has been supporting the Greater Lakewood Chamber 75th Anniversary this year. Starting with the support from the City of Lakewood, our Lakewood Council, Mayor Todd Rogers, Vice Mayor Cassandra Chase, Council Members David Arellano,

Steve Croft, and Jeff Wood, Business Owners, Partnering Cities and all the local Lakewood residents. This year would not have been possible without all of you. Another big thank you to our President/CEO Jose Solache’ for leading the Lakewood Chamber for the last 6 years and Denise Urtiaga for accepting the position as our new President/CEO of The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, I would like to thank my 12 Board Members who also represent their own businesses or a business right here in Lakewood for their dedication. We will continue to have our Monthly Board Meeting to ensure the Lakewood Chamber be a recourse for all business in Lakewood and help celebrate any grand openings, anniversaries, community events etc…

Bye for now Lakewood however, please get ready as we end this year with a bang. Stay tune for our October, November, and December Mixers!!!

Your Chair, Joanie

Welcome OUR new MEMBERS

MODA Aesthetics + Wellness 4820 Paramount Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 213-9133

Became member in: September

renewing members

Kustom Made Graphics P.O. Box 59422 Norwalk, CA 90652 (626) 348-4060

Became member in: August

Zoom Room Lakewood 4154 Woodruff Ave. Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 270-4510

Became member in: September

California Pizza Kitchen 125 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 633-0859

Became member in: August

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following companies and individuals renewed their membership. The services we provide are possible to their support. American Cancer Society 444 W. Ocean Blvd. #950 Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 437-0792

American Legion Post 5938 E. Parkcrest St. Long Beach, CA 90808 (562) 618-3160

Lakewood Women’s Club 5938 Parkcrest Street Long Beach, CA 90808 (562) 760-9770

8 | OCTOBER 2024

CALENDER OF EVENTS

October 4, 2024

Friday Night Pop Ups @ Lakewood Center Mall 6pm-9pm

• October 10, 2024

October Chamber Mixer Hosted by The Lakewood Women’s Club & The American Legion Post 496 6pm-8pm

• October 11, 2024

Emeritus Hall of Fame Honoree Anthony Rendon Tickets must be purchased by October 9th.

•

October 12, 2024 Fest-Of-All @ Lakewood Center Mall 2pm-8pm

•

October 18, 2024

Friday Night Pop Ups @ Lakewood Center Mall 6pm-9pm

•

NOVEMBER 2024

November 14, 2024

November Chamber Mixer Hosted by The Lakewood Center Mall

• DECEMBER 2024

December 9, 2024

December Holiday Mixer & Tree Lighting Ceremony Hosted by F&M Bank

ROLL-EM-UP TAQUITOS SEPTEMBER MIXER

September was a good month for networking as our Monthly Networking Mixer took place at Roll-Em-Up Taquitos, which is a new business in Lakewood! The Chamber partnered up with Roll-Em-Up Taquitos to provide a fantastic night of food, networking, and good vibes! Thank you to Roll-Em-Up for letting us into your home and thank you to everyone for attending, we can’t wait to see you at our October mixer! On October 10th. Hosted by The Lakewood Woman’s Club and The American Legion. ROLL-EM-UP TAQUITOS• 5001 CANDLEWOOD STREET • LAKEWOOD

‘THANK A SERVICEMEMBER’ NEEDS YOUR HELP

The City of Lakewood’s 11th annual ‘Thank a Servicemember’ campaign is in full swing, collecting cards and letters of appreciation to send to our U.S. military servicemembers stationed far from home.

The deadline to deliver the cards to City Hall is Thursday, Dec. 5 (or on Friday, Dec. 6 at the annual Tree Lighting event), so there’s plenty of time to get involved. The city will send the collected cards and letters to the nonprofit organization Operation Gratitude for delivery with care packages sent to U.S. servicemembers overseas.

You can pick up a free Lakewood-

themed postcard, write your message and drop it off at the check-in table in the lobby at City Hall. You can also get creative and make your own card or write a letter and bring it in, no envelope or stamp needed.

Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ TAS to learn more about Thank a Servicemember and how you can get involved. You’ll find a list of program partners as well as additional card drop off locations and alternative ways to submit your message online.

For more information, call the city’s Community Relations office at 562866-9771, ext. 3123.

Pick up a free 2024 Thank a Servicemember postcard at City Hall.

News COMMUNITY

PAGE 12 | OCTOBER 2024

LUNCHEON TO HONOR THOSE WHO PROTECT LAKEWOOD

Every November at the Award of Valor Luncheon, Lakewood invites residents and community leaders to take time to recognize Deputy Sheriffs, Firefighters and fellow residents who have demonstrated heroism and outstanding service to the community. This year will follow that tradition, with a luncheon at noon on Wednesday,

Nov. 6 at The Centre.

The Award of Valor annual luncheon brings together over 400 people, including Lakewood residents, civic and business leaders and public safety professionals.

Top officials from the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s departments will speak and join the Lakewood community in a show of support and appreciation for local heroes and public safety personnel.

“This event is a great opportunity to say

thank you to the Deputy Sheriffs and Firefighters who work hard every day protecting and serving us, and to the community volunteers who have gone above and beyond in the cause of public safety in Lakewood,” said Mayor Todd Rogers. “If you are able, I hope you can join us at this wonderful and meaningful annual city event.”

Reservations are required. Tickets are $37 each, and tables of nine are available if purchased by 5 p.m. on Oct. 16. After that, tickets will be $47 each. Seats are not guaranteed after Oct. 23.

Checks should be made payable to the City of Lakewood and

mailed with names of attendees to: Lakewood City Hall, c/o Community Relations Office, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.lakewoodcity. org/AOVtickets. Contact 562-866-9771 ext. 3123 for more information.

Award of Valor is sponsored by:

Gold Sponsors

EDCO

F & M Bank

H & H Nursery

Lakewood Family YMCA

Lakewood Jaycees

Lakewood Pan American Association

TGIS Catering Services, Inc.

Water Replenishment District Director John Allen

GOLF TOURNAMENT TO HELP LAKEWOOD SCHOOLS

You can help students attending Lakewood schools by supporting the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 18. And, you don’t even have to play golf to support the cause!

Through the generous donations of Lakewood residents and businesses, LEF was able to donate over $58,900 last year in grants of up to $500 to dozens of Lakewood teachers for classroom improvement projects. These grants provided electronic tablets, microscopes and other science equipment; art and physical education supplies; books of all kinds and reading levels;

a variety of classroom technology such as Apple TVs and microphones; and flexible seating and learning materials.

Here’s how you can help to fund classroom requests this year:

• Play golf (or sponsor another golfer, such as a high school student) at the Oct. 18 tournament, starting at 1 p.m. at the Lakewood Country Club. The entry fee of $145 includes greens fees, golf cart, pre-tournament lunch, goodie bag and on-course small bites and beverages.

Visit www. lakewoodcity.org/

COLLEGE FAIR IS OCTOBER 8

Lakewood’s annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave.

Parents and students (ages 15-22) can meet college representatives, pick up brochures and get the information needed for the admissions process.

All students in attendance on Oct. 8 are eligible to win a $250 scholarship.

College-bound teens and their parents can sign up for two free informational workshops to be held at the Lakewood Youth Center the week after the College Fair:

LEFGolf to support the event in any of these ways

o Register for the golf tournament

o Take advantage of sponsorship opportunities

o Buy a “Tee Sign” with your name/message for $100

o Purchase raffle tickets

o Donate a raffle prize of merchandise or a gift card worth $25 or more.

The non-profit LEF is run by volunteers in Lakewood and is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for local

How to Pay for College Without Going Broke

Tuesday, Oct. 15 6:30 - 8 p.m.

College Information & Admissions Workshop Wednesday, Oct. 16 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Space is limited. Register now at www. lakewoodcity.org/ CollegeFairWorkshops

and take advantage of these free opportunities to get the information and resources to guide your student through the college preparation and application process.

For more info, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/ CollegeFair, or call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472.

students. Watch a video about LEF at www. lakewoodcity.org/ LEFvideo

For more information, or to register or donate, please call 562-8669771, ext. 2401. You can donate directly by writing a check to the Lakewood

Education Foundation and mailing it to LEF, c/o Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712. You can also donate online at www. lakewoodcity.org/ DonateLEF. Donations are tax deductible.

News COMMUNITY

PAGE 2 | OCTOBER 2024

PAGE 14 | OCTOBER 2024

How to Register for Project Shepherd Assistance

The holiday season can be tough for some Lakewood households, including those who have faced unemployment or underemployment for many months. If you are a Lakewood resident facing tough economic times, your Lakewood neighbors want to help. The registration period to receive help from Project Shepherd for the December holiday runs from Monday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 17. Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/PSRegistration for additional information.

Eligibility requirements:

--Lakewood residents only.

--Those who are low-income, unemployed or on public assistance. To register, bring the following:

--A current utility bill (water, gas, electric) or government award letter.

--Identification for each person in the household, including children.

Call to make an appointment starting Monday, Oct. 21. For an appointment time, call the Burns Community Center Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at 562-925-7512.

Project Shepherd would like to thank our platinum sponsors Macy’s, Golden State Water Co., Elks Lodge #1570 and Lakewood Center for their generous support this holiday season.

HOME SECURITY AND THEFT PREVENTION REBATES

Lakewood residents are invited to apply for up to five rebates to help protect their home and property through purchasing and installing a home security system and/ or equipment to protect their vehicles’ catalytic converters from theft. The program is part of the City of Lakewood’s ongoing commitment to work with residents to keep Lakewood one of the safest communities in the region.

Home security rebates

Residents may apply to receive one rebate in each of the three categories:

1. Security Camera Rebates

• $75 rebate for purchasing and installing one security camera.

• $150 rebate for purchasing and installing two security cameras.

2. Security Camera Installation Rebates

• $75 for the installation of at least one security camera via hardwire electrical connection by a third party for an installation cost of $150 or greater.

• $150 for the installation of at least one security camera via hardwire electrical connection by a third party for an installation cost of $300 or greater.

3. New Home Security Alarm System Rebate

• 50% of the installation and activation cost for a new alarm system, up to $200.

For full details on home security system eligibility requirements and how to

apply, email SecurityCameraRebate@ lakewoodcity.org or visit www. lakewoodcity.org/SecurityCameraRebate

Catalytic converter theft prevention rebates

Lakewood residents can receive up to two $150 rebates for purchasing and installing any of the catalytic converter anti-theft devices listed below:

• Catalytic Converter Protection Shield

• Catalytic Converter ‘CatClamp’ style lock

• Catalytic Converter Wrap-style device

For full details on theft prevention eligibility requirements and how to apply, email CatConRebate@lakewoodcity.org or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/CatConRebate

All rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. For more information, call City Hall at 562866-9771, ext. 2140.

COMMUNITY SAFETY OFFICERS NOW CALLED PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS

New name, same high level of service.

In July, Lakewood rebranded its Community Safety Officers (CSOs) as Public Safety Officers (PSOs).

PSOs, which are part of the city’s Public Safety Department, better aligns with the department’s name as well as reflects their integral role in ensuring public safety within our community.

PSOs collaborate closely with Deputy Sheriffs stationed at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station while maintaining their status as City of Lakewood civilian employees.

The City of Lakewood currently employs seven dedicated PSOs. They respond to a variety of criminal, non-criminal and traffic collision incidents to take reports, address quality of life issues and violations of the Lakewood Municipal Code, provide added eyes and ears on patrol, and take fingerprints and DNA at crime scenes like robberies and burglaries—a service level most cities don’t provide. That extra

evidence gives Sheriff’s investigators added tools for finding and prosecuting criminals in Lakewood. The overall support that PSOs provide Deputy Sheriffs in Lakewood is a key reason why Deputy Sheriff response time is faster in Lakewood than the average in L.A. County.

Be sure to keep an open eye for PSOs out and about in the city. PSOs can be distinctly identified by their blue uniform polo shirt with City of Lakewood patches on the shoulders and black pants. They work seven days a week, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. generally, and drive white Ford Fusions with the wording “Public

Safety--Partners with Our Community” written on the sides of the vehicle.

Residents cannot directly call for PSO assistance as they are assigned calls by dispatchers at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station.

If you need help, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500 and a Deputy Sheriff or PSO will respond to your call, depending on who is best for your need.

If you haven’t met Lakewood’s PSOs yet, join the city’s Public Safety Department at their next event. You can check the Public Safety event calendar at www.lakewoodcity.org/ PublicSafetyEvents.

A Lakewood Public Safety Officer.

Piazza McDonald's