November LCN! by Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

26th ANNUAL SUMMER STAMPEDE

The 26th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show was hosted by The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce at Mayfair Park, with a record attendance of 200 beautiful cars! This year’s Best of Show Winner was a beautiful restored 1960 Chevrolet Corvette own by Tony and Kim Membiela. Tony was so excited to accept the plaque. And proud to have been selected as a winner, Tony and Kim have spent time with the process of restoring such a gorgeous machine that took some time to get it to this condition of show quality. They are so proud to show off their car! “They enjoy driving the car and taking it to local car shows.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce was honored to host Speaker Emeritus Hall of Fame event as a way of expressing our deepest gratitude to Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon for all he has done for our community and the state of California. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

News CITY

MAYOR’S MONTHLY REPORT

Message from Mayor Todd Rogers

EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM IN LAKEWOOD

Lakewood has long been known for its strong sense of volunteerism, a value that has been cherished since our city’s founding in the 1950s. This holiday season— and throughout the year—I encourage you to consider volunteering or donating to support our community.

Our city is home to numerous non-profit organizations and clubs, supported by hundreds of dedicated volunteers and staff who provide valuable service to residents in need. Whether it’s through libraries, hospice care or meal deliveries to

the homebound, these organizations are always seeking extra hands or financial contributions to expand their impactful work.

There are many ways to get involved:

• Join or support youth groups like the Boy Scout and Girl Scouts, Little Leagues or the American Youth Soccer Organization.

• You can also help through local religious congregations or participate in the cityorganized Neighborhood

Watch program or Volunteer Day, highlighted in the photo above.

• Contribute to local educational foundations that support elementary and high school projects, as well as college students in need, including those in school but facing homelessness. Donations can be directed to student emergency funds at Long Beach City College or Cerritos College specifically for Lakewood students, or to students in need at California State University, Long Beach.

To learn more about volunteering or donating, visit lakewoodcity.org/ volunteer or lakewoodcity. org/donate.

Kudos to everyone who helps out on these efforts. A volunteer cause close to my heart is the Lakewood Education Foundation, which offers grants of up to $500 for classroom improvement projects proposed by Lakewood teachers. Recently, we held our annual fundraising golf tournament, and we look forward to awarding grants to many deserving teachers

in November. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated or donated!

Another meaningful way to show appreciation is through Lakewood’s annual “Thank a Servicemember” campaign. Residents are invited to write postcards or letters of gratitude to American military personnel serving overseas during the holidays. We’re collecting these messages through early December. For details, visit lakewoodcity.org/TAS or call City Hall at 562-8669771 ext. 3123.

A wise and timeless adage

is that volunteering not only benefits others but enriches your own life through the act of giving. That volunteer spirit is essential to what has made Lakewood a friendly, neighborly and safe community for 70 years and counting.

As you and your family prepare for the holiday season, my colleagues on the Lakewood City Council and I wish you all the best. Thank you for being such wonderful neighbors!

SAVE THE DATE

for the tree lighting in Lakewood

Lakewood residents are cordially invited to join in the city’s 11th annual tree lighting ceremony and community gathering on Friday, Dec. 6 outside The Centre at 5000 Clark Ave., next to City Hall.

Carnival games and food trucks will be on the scene starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be ready to hear your children’s holiday wishes and take photos (with your own device) from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The official tree lighting program starts at 6:30 p.m. Festivities wrap up at 8 p.m.

Fun features include:

• Lots of falling snow

• Holiday Musical Group

• Plenty of food trucks located in the parking lot behind City Hall where there is more room to spread out and relax.

• Wonderful and free family holiday photo opportunities. Costumed characters will help with several holiday photo scenes, including one with Santa and two large sleighs. Parking will be available behind The Centre and in the large, gravel parking lot at the corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Clark Avenue. The parking lots immediately in front of and behind City Hall will be closed

For more information, including weather-related updates on Dec. 6, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ treelighting or call city staff at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.

Teen centers offer after-school options, fun and involvement

Lakewood’s two teen centers provide a safe, fun, and positive space for teens to spend their free time after school. At the Lakewood Youth Center at Del Valle Park and the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, teens can socialize, do homework, and play video games under the supervision of friendly and responsible staff.

Each center hosts exciting Friday or Saturday night events like movie nights, air hockey tournaments, and dodgeball. Upcoming activities include:

• Lego Day: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Lakewood Youth Center, 4658 Woodruff Ave.

• Paint Night: Saturday, Nov. 9, 4-8 p.m. at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd.

• Canvas and Cocoa: Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-

12 p.m. at the Youth Center

The Teen Resource Center also offers weekday Job and Homework Assistance programs.

Teens interested in volunteering can apply at either center; volunteers must be at least 12 years old and committed to helping the community. Both centers are open Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. For more details, call Bloomfield Park at 562865-1717 or the Youth Center at 562-429-7472.

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 coed division, and a men’s division. Games for both divisions 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 will 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 562866-9771, ext. 2408.

Teams

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

--ASA Bats

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

News CITY

City Spotlight

needed for basketball teams for the upcoming season at Lakewood parks. Although parents of players make great coaches, it’s not required to have a child playing to be a volunteer. Volunteering to coach is a rewarding experience, and anyone that wants to be involved is welcome.

No coaching experience is necessary. City staff will provide the appropriate training. Inquire at any Lakewood park for complete details or call 562866-9771, extension 2408.

Lakewood Hall of Fame seeks nominations

The Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 43rd annual sports awards program. The 2024 Athlete of the Year, Performers of the Year and Special Achievement awards will be selected based on data supplied in nominations. Nominations are due to the Recreation and Community Services Department at City Hall by Dec. 5. Athletes must live or attend school in Lakewood to be eligible. The awards banquet will take place on Feb. 24, 2025. Call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408 for details.

Five ways to help Project Shepherd this holiday season

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we are reminded of those who are less fortunate. Over 1,500 individuals living in Lakewood, many of them children and seniors, will not able to enjoy the holidays without the food, gifts and toys that many of us have come to take for granted.

With your help, Project Shepherd will ensure there’s enough joy for everyone in Lakewood during the holiday season.

Here are five ways you can contribute to the program:

1. Make a donation by check

Mail a check to Lakewood Project Shepherd, c/o Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712. Or, put the check in

an envelope addressed to Project Shepherd and drop it off in the utility payment box outside City Hall.

2. Fulfill a child’s wish on a Teddy Bear Tree

• See the Teddy Bear Trees displaying paper ornaments from Monday, Nov. 18 through Monday, Dec. 2 at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., near the reception desk at Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Ave., and near the Recreation and Community Services Dept. desk temporarily located in The Centre lobby, 5000 Clark Ave.

• Select a paper teddy bear ornament with a specific holiday wish for a child in need, purchase that gift, and return the ornament with the item to City Hall, The Centre lobby or Burns by Dec. 2.

3. Visit Project Shepherd’s gift registry on Amazon to purchase a gift and have it sent directly to the program. Starting Nov. 18, visit the link to Project Shepherd’s gift wish list on Amazon at www.lakewoodcity.org/ PSAmazon

4. Support the Virtual Canned Food and Toy Drive

Sponsor 1 to 35 canned goods for holiday meal baskets or donate to provide a toy for a child in need –or do both! It’s easy using the secure online form at www.lakewoodcity.org/ PSholiday

5. Donate $10 Grocery Gift Cards

Next time you’re at the market, pick up a $10 grocery gift card or two to donate. Please drop off gift cards to the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., before Dec. 9. Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood. For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherd.

CITY SERVICE CHANGES FOR THANKSGIVING

City Hall is closed for the Nov. holiday, but service is still available.

Lakewood City Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

NO trash pick-up will occur on Thursday, Nov. 28. Trash pickup for Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day. That means pickups normally scheduled for Thursday will happen Friday, and Friday’s normal pickups will happen Saturday.

There will be NO residential street sweeping Thursday and Friday and no makeup sweep. Therefore, there will be NO residential street-sweeping parking tickets issued during those two days. Street sweeping and related parking enforcement will be normal on the Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. Parking enforcement will continue for non-streetsweeping related violations, such as parking in red zones or blocking sidewalks.

DASH Transit will be closed on Nov. 28-29.

When City Hall is closed, here is how you can report a non-emergency issue:

• Call and leave a message for the city’s customer service staff at 562-866-9771 ext. 2140 or send an email to service1@lakewoodcity.org. They will answer messages on the next business day.

• Submit a non-emergency service request online at www.lakewoodcity.org/service.

• Use the Lakewood Connect app for your smartphone to report an issue, ask a question or give input to the City of Lakewood. The app is available from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as a free download.

For emergency city service requests, like downed tree limbs, traffic signal outages or water main leaks, call 562-866-9771 and follow the instructions to page a 24-hour city emergency worker.

For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-5313054.

CITY SERVICE CHANGES FOR VETERANS DAY

City service changes for Veterans Day

Lakewood City Hall will be closed on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

• Trash service will continue as usual, picked up on your regular day.

• There will be no street sweeping and no makeup sweep in residential areas.

• Sweeping around parks, schools and major streets will continue.

• DASH Transit will not be available.

When City Hall is closed, you can call and leave a message for customer service staff at 562-866-9771 ext. 2140 or send an email to service1@lakewoodcity.org. City staff will answer messages on the next business day.

For emergency city service requests, like downed tree limbs, traffic signal outages or water main leaks, call 562-866-9771 and follow the instructions to page a 24-hour city emergency worker.

For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054.

REMIND HOLIDAY VISITORS OF STREET-SWEEPING DAYS

Family and friends

visiting Lakewood over the holidays may be unfamiliar with Lakewood’s parking and street-sweeping schedules and regulations that help keep neighborhoods clean and safe for everyone. Help your visitors enjoy a joyful celebration and avoid tickets by sharing these tips:

• Check the streetsweeping schedule in advance.

For Thanksgiving, there will be no residential street sweeping on Thursday or Friday, Nov. 28-29, so no street-sweeping related tickets those two days. However, street sweeping will be normal on Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 25-27, so be sure visitors know where they can safely park on those three days to avoid getting cited. Street sweeping and enforcement will resume Monday, Dec. 2.

• On your streetsweeping day only, parking is allowed on the front and side lawns.

• Any day, parking is allowed on the apron, which is the sloped area between the street and the sidewalk leading up to your driveway, as long as the vehicle does not overhang the sidewalk.

• Don’t obstruct or overhang onto the

sidewalk. When parking in your driveway or on the apron any day of the week, including street-sweeping day, it is important to NOT obstruct or overhang onto the sidewalk. That creates a dangerous obstruction for pedestrians and violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state parking laws.

• Citations are issued only when a vehicle is immediately in the way of the sweeper. (Parking enforcement vehicles follow directly behind the sweeper.) That means you can park on the street before and after the sweeper passes your home during the posted times in your neighborhood.

• Help get a clean sweep by keeping the path clear. Don’t make leaf piles or leave trash in the street. Put small fallen branches into your green waste cart if you can. Remove larger branches from the street if you can.

Street sweeping is cancelled when city staff

determines it is raining enough that water is pooling or flowing in gutters throughout a neighborhood, which prevents effective sweeping. (Sweeping still occurs during a light sprinkle.)

In the case of a rain cancellation, sweeping in that neighborhood is postponed until the regular sweeping day the following week. For example, the cancellation of a Friday sweep means the next sweep in that neighborhood is the following Friday. No sweeping-related parking citations are issued on rain cancellation days. Call or email customer service to verify if sweeping has been cancelled due to rain.

If you have any questions, please contact Lakewood customer service staff at 562866-9771 ext. 2140 or at service1@lakewoodcity. org.

Read the tips for avoiding tickets.

COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER

GET READY TO VOTE IN THE 2024 ELECTION

L.A. County’s Vote Centers, Vote by Mail and official Drop Boxes make it easy for everyone to participate in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Have you registered to vote?

You can register or check your registration status at the Los Angeles County RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk website.

The last day to register to vote online or by mail is Monday, Oct. 21. If you miss the deadline, you can register to vote or update your registration information for the election by completing the Same Day Voter Registration (Conditional Voter Registration) process at vote centers.

Three ways to vote

Vote Centers: Check your Vote By Mail packet for information on drop box locations as well as Vote Centers near your home or work address, or use the locator tool at LAvote.gov.

All Vote Centers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election

Day, Nov. 5.

In Lakewood, starting Oct. 26, you can vote in person at:

• Mayfair Park – Activity Room

Starting Nov. 2, you can vote in person at:

• Biscailuz Park – Activity Room

• Lakewood Country Club –Hacienda Room

• Lakewood Youth Center –East and West Rooms

• National Polytechnic College, 4105 South St. –

Satellite Classroom

Hours for these centers are:

• Oct. 26 (or Nov. 2) through Nov. 4: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Nov. 5 (Election Day): 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Vote by mail: Your ballot includes a return envelope with prepaid postage. Just be sure it’s postmarked on or before Election Day. You can track your ballot using the State of California’s Ballottrax website at https://california.ballottrax.net/ voter/.

Official Drop Boxes in Lakewood: Official Ballot Drop

Boxes are an easy, secure way to deliver your ballot. Drop Boxes in Lakewood are open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day at:

• Angelo M. Iacoboni Library

• CVS on South St. (Palo Verde Ave.)

• George Nye Jr. Library Ballots are securely collected regularly at each Drop Box by L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk staff members throughout the voting period.

TEDDY BEAR TREES MAKE SHOPPING SPECIAL

Thanksgiving holiday sales offer some of the best deals of the year at Lakewood Center. They also provide an affordable way to fulfill the holiday wishes of disadvantaged children living in Lakewood.

Many of the 1,500 residents that Lakewood Project Shepherd serves during the holidays are kids—kids who could really use a toy for the holidays. Since 1995, children from families enrolled in Project Shepherd have hung their holiday gift wishes in the form of paper bear ornaments on “Teddy Bear Trees” in the hopes of having them filled by an anonymous “Santa.”

Beginning Monday, Nov. 18, Teddy Bear Trees will be displayed at the Recreation and Community Services counter in The Centre lobby, near the reception desk at Lakewood

City Hall, as well as at the Burns Community Center. Here’s how the program works:

• You select an ornament with a child’s name, age and wish (for a reasonably priced toy) and then shop for the gift that will fulfill that wish.

• Bring the unwrapped gift with the matching “ornament” to the donation box at the Centre, City Hall or the Burns Community Center during business hours prior to Monday, Dec. 2.

• All of the unwrapped gifts go to children registered through Project Shepherd, which is Lakewood’s homegrown charity to assist local families in need.

Or, you can fulfill a child’s wish online by visiting Project Shepherd’s Amazon gift registry starting Nov. 18 at www. lakewoodcity.org/PSAmazon. There you can choose a gift

For more information, go to the Registrar’s website at http://www.lavote.gov

You can also call the Lakewood City Clerk’s Office at 562-866-9771, ext. 2200 and they will provide the most helpful information they can on the locations and processes used by the county Registrar of Voters.

to purchase and have it sent directly to the program.

Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood. For

more information about Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherd.

News COMMUNITY

PAGE 6 | NOVEMBER 2024

NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Diverse indigenous communities have been an integral part of the American story for thousands of years, and November has been designated Native American Heritage Month in Lakewood and across the United States to call attention to the culture, traditions and achievements of our nation’s original inhabitants and their descendants.

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are 574 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages, each with its unique culture, traditions and languages, along with their own distinct histories and governance systems. In the 2020 Census, the Native American population (3.7 million) accounted for 1.1% of all people living in the U.S. And those who identified as Native American or in combination with another group comprised 9.7 million, or nearly 3% of the total population.

communities around the nation in not only celebrating Native Americans, but honoring their resilience in dealing with a long history of oppression and marginalization. In celebrating Native American traditions, language and art, we help support the preservation and revitalization of these aspects of our full American heritage.

A key element of Lakewood’s award-winning 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. To that end, the city recently issued a proclamation declaring November as “Native American Heritage Month” in Lakewood.

NOMINATIONS WELCOME FOR CITY’S LUMINARIES OF LAKEWOOD

The Lakewood City Council has launched a new program to recognize deserving individuals as “Luminaries of Lakewood” for their significant volunteer or professional work to benefit the community and reflect the values and goals that make Lakewood a great place to live and work.

Anyone can submit a nomination for potential honorees, who could be members of Neighborhood Watch, PTAs, city and county government, religious organizations, health care agencies, youth sports leagues or any of Lakewood’s many civic and service organizations.

The City of Lakewood joins

See a special Lakewood CityTV video that highlights the Native American people who lived in the LakewoodLong Beach area, including the Tongva people at www.lakewoodcity. org/NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.

SANTA PHOTOS

NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 24

Ideally, a nominee would be someone whose hard work and dedication to addressing a community need or challenge has made a lasting impact.

Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/Luminaries for examples of nominee qualifications, criteria for evaluating candidates, and the online form to submit your nomination for a person deserving of the spotlight. Nominations must include at least one way to contact the nominee (phone number, address or email) in order to be processed.

You can also pick up a paper nomination form at City Hall. The deadline to receive nominations is by 5 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2025.

For more information, contact the Community Relations office at 562-866-9771 ext. 3123.

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 @lakewoodchamberofcommerce

Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712

MESSAGE FROM

Joanie Dixson

EXECUTIVE BOARD, CHAIR

Hello Lakewood,

The momentum that the Chamber has continued with our Annual Car Show is immeasurable… This was a tremendous turn out! A Big Thank You to everyone for showing your ongoing support by coming out to join in on all of the fun. Seeing all of the beautiful cars, water balloon contest, and supporting the local business vendors, was truly appreciated.

The same energy was carried over to the American Legion Post 496 where they joined forces with the Fantastic Lakewood Women’s Club for our Annual Halloween Mixer. Yes, another great time filled with lots of food, raffles and networking opportunities…

If you haven’t had a chance to join one of our Monthly Mixers it’s not too late. Let’s end this year with a BANG!!! Please join us for more networking at our last two Mixers of the year. November 7th @ The Lakewood Center and December 9th @ Farmers and Merchant Bank for our Annual Tree

Lighting Mixer.

Remember, “what you put into the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is what you’ll get out”.

Bye for now Lakewood!

Your Chair, Joanie

Welcome OUR new

Drayer Properties John Paul Drayer (562) 331-5028

renewing member

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following companies and individuals renewed their

Nothing Bundt Cakes Stephanie Nishirano 4431 Candlewood St. Lakewood, CA 90712 (657) 222-0059

Roxanne’s 1115 E Wardlow Rd Long Beach, California 90807 562) 426-4777

MEMBERS

The Tax Sale Master Kenneath Letourneau 16911 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706 (310) 418-5495

Lakewood Interfaith Council Dr. Candace Kelly 4067 Hardwick St. Lakewood, CA 90712 with gratitude at thanksgiving, we

Woodspring Suites Bellflower Khemara Kong 8827 Artesia Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706 (562) 800-5112

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November

November 1, 2024

Lakewood Center Fun Fridays @ Lakewood Center Hello Kitty Celebration 5pm-9pm •

November 7, 2024 November Chamber Mixer Hosted by the Lakewood Center •

November 9, 2024

Cassidy’s Corner Cafe Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting @ 10am

November 15, 2024

Lakewood Center Fun Fridays @ Lakewood Center

Next to JC Penny Bluey & Bingo Meet & Greet 5pm-9pm

DECEMBER

December 9, 2024

December Holiday Mixer & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Hosted by F&M Bank

LAKEWOOD CELEBRATES

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce was invited to the Lakewood City Family for their Lakewood Celebrates reception. Mayor Todd Rogers and the members of the city council congratulated and welcome new President/CEO of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Denise Urtiaga and thanked past President/CEO Jose Solache for all he has done working side by side with the city.

Denise Urtiaga President/CEO said, “This was such an exciting event and had the privilege to be recognized by the mayor as part of the Lakewood family.”

SPEAKER EMERITUS HALL OF FAME HONOREE ANTHONY RENDON

The Speaker Emeritus Hall of Fame event was a heartfelt tribute and celebration to Rendon’s outstanding leadership and tireless work on behalf of the people of California, as well as a “Thank You” from the Lakewood community for his many years of service.

Surrounded by elected officials, community leaders and members of the business community attended as some guest speakers from City of Lakewood, City of Paramount, City Council members, Businesses and Representative from Supervisor Janice Hahns office, took the time to share heartfelt stories and experiences.

They all reflected on his role in championing education, environmental justice, and improving the lives of everyday Californians. Most of all, though, they reflected on how he is a people person, someone who is caring and kind to everyone around him, no matter what walk of life you are from.

Sponsors of the event included, Southern California Edison, as the Event Host Sponsor, Farmers Insurance, Lakewood YMCA, Lakewood Center, F&M Bank, The City of Lakewood, California State Assembly, Paramount Chamber of Commerce, Raising Canes and Kustom Made Graphics. Thank you for your support!

GREATER LAKEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMMER STAMPEDE

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce hosted their 26th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show at Mayfair Park, with a record attendance of 200 cars, their biggest Show yet!.

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning for the event as Registrants from all over Southern California proudly displayed their prized vehicles.

You could feel the excitement in the air with every car entering the park. Each one of the vehicles that rode up onto the grass had its own story, and driver ready to describe the work it took to make their car show-worthy.

A Lakewood resident stated, “It was truly a sight to see all 200 cars lined up and shining in the sun; it feels like the whole park has been filled with gorgeous cars from so many different eras!”

The Show also hosted wonderful vendors filling both sides of Vendor Lane; as attendees enjoyed strolling up and down the parked cars, leading them to Vendor Lane.

Vendor Lane comprised from home-based business, small

shops, and brick-and-mortars.

Local food vendors were amazing! Big Brian’s Meats, Nostalgia Gordita’s, Patty Cakes, Manna Kettle Corn and Punky’s Ice Cream.

The 26th annual Summer Stampede Car Show was a roaring success, but the Chamber didn’t do it alone!

The 26th annual Summer Stampede was proudly sponsored by City of Lakewood, World Energy, Farmers Insurance, Lakewood Family YMCA, Raising Cane’s, Valero, F&M Bank, Southern California Gas Company, Timmons of Long Beach, Lakewood Jaycees, Preferred Auto Design, Ride Yellow, Kustom Made Graphics, and Lakewood Car Wash.

We genuinely appreciate your support in making this fantastic Show happen!

Thank you once again to our sponsors and every car owner for participating in this year’s Car Show.

Thank you to our vendors and car enthusiasts everywhere who ensure that Lakewood’s very own Summer Stampede is part of your annual car show itinerary.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

GREATER LAKEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OCTOBER HALLOWEEN MIXER

Our SPOOKY October mixer, in partnership with the Lakewood Women’s Club and the American Legion Post 496, was a wonderful success!

It was truly a night of wonder, with delicious food dishes, great

dancing, raffles, and lots of networking. Let’s not forget about the amazing costume contest!!

All the attendees had a blast mingling with each other while listening to some great music and watching the fantastic dancers

dance the night away. Thank you again to the Lakewood Women’s Club and The American Legion post 496 for putting together an amazing event and for gifting us with their space for the night! We’ll see you at our November Mixer!

LAKEWOOD BEAUTIFUL HOME AWARD WINNERS HONORED

The Lakewood Beautiful Home Awards program marked its 41st anniversary this year, with 43 recognized homes chosen from 84 nominated residences. The Lakewood City Council congratulated the winners at the recent Lakewood Celebrates event held at The Centre, where they received certificates marking their achievement. All honorees also have a new item to display proudly from their front yard – a special lawn sign indicating their winning category. The Lakewood Beautiful program honors homes in three categories: Lakewood Beautiful, Transformation, and Neat and Tidy. Water Wise Awards are also given to those winning homes in any category that use efficient irrigation and droughttolerant landscaping while maintaining a beautiful yard and home.

2024 winners by category --Fifteen homeowners received the Lakewood Beautiful Award.

--Twelve homeowners were honored with a Transformation Award for making significant improvements to their home’s exterior or landscaping in the past

--Sixteen homeowners received the Neat & Tidy Award.

Water Wise Awards were given to 19 homeowners for using efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant landscaping while maintaining a beautiful yard and home.

See the photo gallery of winning homes and hear some of the winners talk about their home exterior designs at www. lakewoodcity.org/ LakewoodBeautifulWinners.

One of the Lakewood Beautiful honored homes.

Don’t trim trees in the parkway; call the city instead

The parkway is the area between the sidewalk and the street in front of a residence. The City of Lakewood plants the trees in that area. Those trees are city property and it is the city’s sole responsibility to trim them when needed. Residents should not trim the tree on their own. There have been cases of residents (or their gardeners) doing their own trimming in a way that is harmful to the tree or to the aesthetics of the neighborhood.

Lakewood is proud to have a “Tree City USA” designation, and the city trims every parkway tree on a rotating, four-year cycle for the health of the tree.

However, the city will send out a crew to trim more frequently if:

• The foliage of the tree is too thick.

• The tree is growing too close to the house.

• There is “sucker” growth out of the base of the tree.

• The tree is over hanging the sidewalk or street dangerously.

For more information or questions, contact City Hall customer service staff at 562-866-9771 ext. 2140 or Service1@ lakewoodcity.org.

Trimming a city tree without permission is criminal vandalism and can lead to a large fine.

Please do your part to keep Lakewood’s beautiful street trees in good shape. For tips on watering your street tree properly, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ TreeCare

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 to register. 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 Company, Lakewood Center, Lakewood Elks Lodge #1570, the Lakewood Family YMCA and Smart & Final for their generous support this holiday season.