Lakewood Tree Lighting on Dec. 6
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 music from the Mayfair High School choir
• 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 use in the event.
There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy good cheer around the Lakewood tree if you can’t make the tree lighting on Dec.
Grateful for 2024
The Lakewood Center’s November Mixer kicked off the holiday season with a Celebration of Gratitude, Friendships, Networking, and great food and desserts, by The culinary program ARC of Los Angeles and Orange County, and more desserts by Nothing Bundt Cakes. With background music by Rudy the Saxophonist, and photographer Fawzy Girgis. Lakewood Center’s second November Mixer brought together businesses from across the City, elected officials, and residents. Thank you Lakewood Center for reminding us to usher in the holidays with a grateful spirit.
Cont. page 9
6. From Dec. 7 through Dec. 31, the tree will be on display in the plaza, providing an animated light show that changes colors to music continuously from 5 to 10 p.m. each night. Stop by and enjoy the splendor of the winter holidays!
Pets and alcoholic beverages
are prohibited.
If there is rain, some activities may be limited. 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.
Santa Claus Lives in Lakewood
Disclosure: Small children probably shouldn’t read this feature.
Meet Ed Hatz, a Lakewood resident and professional Santa Claus. Surprisingly, Hatz isn’t alone—Southern California boasts one of the largest populations of real-bearded Santas in the U.S., with many drawn to the region’s larger clientele base despite its lack of snow.
Hatz’s journey as Santa started in high school but blossomed into a career after a heartfelt moment dressing as Santa for seniors. Armed with degrees in business and social sciences, and as a student of furniture manufacturing (to “make toys”), Hatz dedicates himself to spreading Christmas joy. This holiday season marks his second local Santa appearance at Lakewood’s Christmas Mixer & Tree Lighting on Dec. 9. With a “Santa Heart” and a passion for bringing smiles, Hatz proves Santa’s magic isn’t just in the suit— it’s in the joy he brings wherever he goes.
Kids can share their wish lists with Santa.
News CITY
Mayor Todd Rogers
Taking Time to Give Thanks
We’ve now entered that special, giving season of the year, where we have holidays and events designed to get us together to celebrate with family and friends, to show appreciation for the good things in our lives, and to give with our time and resources to those we love and to those in need.
I know we all have people in our personal lives to be thankful for. And, living in Lakewood, we are also fortunate to be part of a good community for which we should also be appreciative.
At Lakewood’s recent annual Award of Valor luncheon, over 200 members of our community took the opportunity to show our thanks to the personnel of the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s departments who protect and serve us in Lakewood, as well as the citizen volunteers who help keep our community safe.
It was an event full of stories about people helping people. See the photo above of my awarding Lakewoodbased L.A. County
Firefighter Corey Martin with the Distinguished Service Award. On the right is Deputy Fire Chief Eleni Pappas. Read more about the Award of Valor event in the article elsewhere in this edition of the Lakewood Community News.
The holiday season is also a time when hundreds of Lakewood residents volunteer in many ways throughout the community to make life a little bit better for their fellow residents who may need some help. Residents get involved through Lakewood religious organizations, non-profit groups, and a project sponsored by the City of Lakewood and the Rotary Club of Lakewood called Project Shepherd. You can learn more about Project Shepherd and other ways to volunteer or donate in Lakewood at www.lakewoodcity.org/ volunteer or by calling 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
This time of the season, I’m also thankful for Lakewood’s Tree Lighting ceremony and community gathering. It happens again this year in front of City
Hall on Friday, Dec. 6.
It’s a great opportunity to see lots of friends and neighbors and get in the holiday spirit, with help from the singing of the Mayfair High School choir.
Santa Claus will be there in a regal chair, with children eager to give him their wish list of gifts. Lakewood city staff are at the ready to take a free photo of the kids with Santa and with the parents joining in if they want.
There are also large sleighs where families can take group photos in a wintry setting that make for an attractive holiday greeting card.
There are free games for kids and a caravan of food trucks offering meals at affordable prices.
The event runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Right after the tree is lit, artificial snow falls in the courtyard around the tree for about 15 minutes. Kids of all ages love that part!
A big thank-you to the community sponsors of the event, starting off with the principal sponsor, Lakewood Center. A full list of the sponsors can be seen at www.lakewoodcity.org/ TreeLighting. Lakewood has been celebrating its 70th anniversary as a city this year, taking stock of and appreciating how our community continues to be a wonderful place to live. I am thankful that my wife and I have raised our family here, and that thousands of other Lakewood families contribute in many different ways to make this a great community.
On behalf of my fellow Lakewood City Council Members, we wish you and your family a very happy and meaningful holiday season ahead.
Lakewood Hall of Fame nominations due Dec. 5
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
LYS Basketball
Registration
Sign-ups for Lakewood Youth Sports Basketball will be available online Nov. 23 – Dec. 7. Simply go to www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog and click on the “Sports” tab at the top of the page. The co-ed Rookie and Smurf Divisions, for ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7,
emphasizes instruction using a smaller ball and modified rules to promote fun and minimize competition. The Competitive Divisions are for ages 8 to 17.
There is no registration fee for Lakewood residents. Non-resident registration is $20. Players will be instructed to present a birth certificate to verify age classifications on Saturday, Jan. 4, from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Teams practice weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, beginning Dec. 23. League play begins Jan. 18 and concludes March 8. Playoffs will conclude by March 15. For more information, call Lakewood’s Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-8669771, ext. 2408.
Lakewood Youth Sports volunteer coaches needed Volunteer coaches are 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 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Winter Break Excursions
For the traditional twoweek winter holiday school recess, winter excursions, departing from Mayfair Park, will be offered for children ages 6-12. On Friday, Dec. 27, participants will travel to Sky Zone in Cerritos. The cost of this activity is $80/resident and $95/ non-resident. Participants can register at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using activity #28931. On Friday, Jan. 3, participants will travel to Boomers Amusement Park in Irvine. The fee for this activity is $85/resident and $100/
News CITY
City Spotlight
non-resident. Participants can register for this activity using activity #28932.
Supervision will be offered from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., with each trip departing at 9 a.m. Games, crafts and sports activities will be provided before and after the excursions. For more information, call the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562866-9771, ext. 2408.
Spring Recreation and Community Services Catalog coming soon
The 2025 Spring Recreation Catalog will be delivered to Lakewood
homes over the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend and posted online beginning Thursday, Jan. 16. The new catalog is packed full of fun programs and activities to make life better for all ages. Residents can register for classes and programs online starting Thursday, Jan. 16 at www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog, or by calling Lakewood City Hall at 562866-9771, ext. 2408. Several classes will be offered, with many old favorites and lots of new classes. Spring recreation programs will begin on Monday, Feb. 3 and run through June.
‘Tis the season for Project Shepherd
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, Lakewood’s homegrown charity, Project Shepherd, can ensure there’s enough joy for everyone in Lakewood during the holiday season.
Here are four 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. Visit Project Shepherd’s gift registry on Amazon to purchase a gift and have it sent directly to the program.
Visit the link to Project Shepherd’s gift wish list on Amazon at
www.lakewoodcity.org/ PSAmazon.
3. 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.
4. Donate $10 Grocery Gift Cards
or monetary donations for neighbor-helping-neighbor program.
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
CHiPs for Kids toy drive AT LAKEWOOD CENTER
CHiPs for Kids is hosting a toy donation drive on Friday, Dec. 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the plaza in front of the Costco at Lakewood Center. KCAL9-TV will be on site doing hourly check-ins that day to air on their local news broadcasts.
The annual CHiPs for Kids toy drive is put together by CHP officers who support local families in need by collecting new, unwrapped toys and other items for infants, tots and teens. Athletic equipment, gift cards and makeup for teens
HAVE “COCOA WITH A DEPUTY” AND SUPPORT PROJECT SHEPHERD
Join the City of Lakewood’s Public Safety Department for their annual Cocoa with a Deputy and Project Shepherd Toy Drive at Lakewood Center’s Panera Bread on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m., featuring:
• Free hot cocoa and coffee.
• Free cookie decorating.
• Free crafts for kids.
Meet Deputy Sheriffs from the Lakewood Sheriff Station and Lakewood’s Public Safety Team, who will answer questions about public safety, offer crime prevention tips, or just say “hello” and “happy holidays.”
For those who are able to,
please bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Lakewood Project Shepherd for local Lakewood children enrolled in the holiday program.
Panera Bread is located at 135A Lakewood Center (south of Target on the Lakewood Blvd. side).
are also welcome. If you’d like to help, you can bring a new unwrapped toy to the event, or donate at Lakewood Center. The Lakewood Costco will have a booth set up with toys that can be purchased and donated on the spot.
Project Shepherd welcomes food, toys
Apply for the LAKEWOOD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The Lakewood Leadership Academy (LLA) application period for the class of 2025 opens Dec. 2 and continues through Jan. 6, 2025. Sponsored by the City of Lakewood, the LLA aims to educate and develop effective community leaders to play an active role in the Lakewood community in the years ahead.
The program will:
• Educate attendees about the depth and breadth of city government and communitybased organizations that serve Lakewood.
• Teach attendees how to balance work/personal life demands, develop effective communication skills, build teams, and value the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Encourage attendees to serve the community in leadership roles.
• Expand and enhance networking and relationships.
Participants meet monthly for nine sessions (from 5 - 9 p.m.) covering different topics each session. Dinner will be provided.
The format includes a combination of lectures, panel
discussions and hands-on activities relevant to that session’s topic. Experts on the topics addressed will share their insights and views.
The Academy is open to people at least 21 years old who live or work in Lakewood. Upon acceptance, there is a nominal program fee of $100.
The City of Lakewood is accepting applications through Jan. 6, 2025 with the first session of the program slated to start Jan. 29, 2025.
For more information, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/LLA.
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
Hello Lakewood
This has been a wonderful year… Kicking off the year with our 75th Anniversary for the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce to our very first Gala, on to multiple ribbon cutting ceremonies celebrating new businesses opening in the city of Lakewood, our businesses that hosted our monthly mixers, to F&M Bank hosting our annual Non Profits Mixers celebrating the service clubs putting service above self and now into my favorite time of the year the Holiday Season!!! A big thank you to my Co-Chair Deena Henry who will soon be our
very own Chair of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce in 2025. Deena kicked off our November Holiday Mixer reminding the City and all business owners of how we are entering the season of gratitude. Thank you to all of you that showed up and shared how grateful you are for the Lakewood Chamber. We are equally Grateful for each and every one of you that supported the Lakewood Chamber throughout the year. As for our December Holiday Tree Lighting Mixer I hope to see you at Farmer & Merchants Bank on December 9th @ 5:30pm. There will be lots of Food, Fun and more Networking. Please join us as we end this year with a bang. I also want to give A HUGE thank you to my entire Greater Lakewood Chamber Board: Co Chair Deena Henry Director of Property Management (Lakewood Center, Stonewood Center, Los Cerritos Center), Treasurer Travis “Action” Jackson owner of We’re Real Estate, Secretary Sherry Daisey from Timmons of Long Beach, Mike Segura owner of Lakewood Farmers Insurance, Glen Patrick President/CEO of American Gold Star Manor, Mike Hedges President/CEO of Pacific Trux, Glen Curo from Lakewood Raising Cane, Johnathan Byun owner of Kidstown, Ericka Prada owner of Vida Y Alma House of Beauty, Ulysses Carmona owner of UC Design Studio, Brian Rodriguez owner of Big Brian’s Meat. Past Chair David Arellano owner of Preferred Auto Design, The Lakewood Chamber “New” CEO Denise Urtiaga and our Past CEO/President Jose Solache. It’s because of the collective efforts of my entire Board Members this year was made possible!!! Last but definitely not least the Lakewood City Council Members: Mayor Todd Rogers, Vice Mayor Cassandra Chase, Steve Croft, Jeff Wood, David Arellano. Thanks to the entire Council for your amazing ongoing support of the Greater Lakewood Chamber and all of our Members it is greatly appreciated.
Joanie Dixson
EXECUTIVE BOARD, CHAIR
Welcome oUR new MEMBERS
Dilly’s Sandwiches
Rory Ann Clements 4414 N Viking Way Long Beach, CA 90808 (562) 421-4449
Honey Bee Peadiatric Dentistry
Assal Abdossalehi 4700 D St. Ste D Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 732-4423
Coffee Cakes
Devonta Houston 5515 Del Amo Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 323-4758
Caruso Ford Lincoln
Mike Kitzmiller 3500 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 627-5100
562Photobooth
Brianna Escamilla 5903 Pepperwood Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712 (714) 249-5744
Zoom Room
Hyemin Kim 4154 Woodruff Ave. Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 270-4510
Drayer Properties
John Paul Drayer (562) 331-5028
Lakewood Interfaith Council
Dr. Candace Kelly 4067 Hardwick St. Lakewood, CA 90712
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
The Tax Sale Master
Kenneath Letourneau 16911 Bellflower Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706 (310) 418-5495
Woodspring Suites Bellflower Khemara Kong 8827 Artesia Blvd. Bellflower, CA 90706 (562) 800-5112
renewing members
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following companies and individuals for renewing their membership. The services we provide are possible due to their support
Santa Hatz Ed Hatts (562) 405-1669
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER
Wednesday December 4, 2024
Zoom Room
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting @12pm
•
Saturday December 7, 2024
Coffee Cakes
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting @12pm
•
Monday December 9, 2024
Chamber December Holiday Mixer & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Hosted by F&M Bank 5:50pm-8:30pm •
Fun Fridays: Xmas Celebration
500 Lakewood Center
Friday December 6, 2024 5:00pm-9:00pm
•
YMCA Lakewood
Family Market 5835 Carson St 12pm-4pm
Sunday December 1, 2024
Sunday December 8, 2024
Sunday December 15, 2024
Sunday December 22, 2024
Sunday December 29, 2024
CASSIDY’S CORNER CAFE
5625 WOODRUFF AVENUE
Opens its second location in Lakewood! But this is their first location with a DRIVE THRU! Congratulations Joe and Desiree Ung!
GRATEFUL FOR 2024
TRASH PICK UP AND CITY SERVICES
FOR DEC 24 - JAN 3
Lakewood City Hall will be closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 to observe the holidays, and on Jan. 3 as part of the usual alternating Friday schedule.
• Trash service pickup for the holiday weeks of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 will be as usual prior to each holiday, including on Dec. 24. However, as Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Wednesday, trash pickup for the rest of the week will be delayed one day, starting with Wednesday’s pickup happening on Thursday.
• There will be no street
sweeping on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, and no makeup sweeps for those three days.
Street sweeping in residential areas will occur as usual on the other weekdays from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3.
• DASH Transit Service will not be available on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Visit www.lakewoodcity. org/holiday for a one-page reference sheet with trash and street sweeping service, Christmas tree recycling, and extra holiday trash pickup details.
When City Hall is closed, here is how you can report a
non-emergency issue:
--Call and leave a message for the 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 for free from both the Apple App Store and
the Google Play Store.
For emergency city service requests, like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, please phone 562-866-9771 and follow the recorded instructions to page a 24-hour
city emergency staff worker. For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054. Disposal at 562-531-3054. Disposal at 562-531-3054.
Get ready for the Lakewood Run!
Registration is now open for the 34th annual Lakewood Run where you are inspired to “Unleash your Inner Champion” on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Deputy Sheriffs, recreational runners, families and kids will gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to walk, roll, ruck or run the event’s 5K Run/Walk/Ruck or the 10K Run course for time.
Runners of all levels are welcome, from seasoned runners to beginners. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just want to have fun, the Lakewood Run caters to all.
Lakewood’s tree-lined residential streets offer a flat, “runner friendly” course that is fast for practiced runners and comfortable for fitness fans and family members.
Professional timing will be used. Medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each category of the 5K and 10K running events. All finishers for the 5K/10K will receive finisher medals.
After crossing the finish
line, enjoy the after-party near the stage in the Expo area for food, refreshments, live music and race results, including a medal ceremony. Visit the vendors for a chance to participate in a prize drawing. The Lakewood Run is presented by the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station and Soroptimist Int’l of Lakewood/ Long Beach. Proceeds from the race benefit both charity organizations.
Registration fees in effect through Dec. 31: $38.10 for the 5K Walk/Run, and $48.70 for either the 5K Ruck or 10K Run. Rates increase as of Jan. 1, 2025, so register early. Check out the Lakewood Run website and register online now at www.lakewoodrun. com.
To inquire about group rate entries or to get more event information, email info@ lakewoodrun.com.
Avid runners, fitness athletes, families and kids are welcome.
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 by sharing these tips:
• Share the streetsweeping schedule in advance. Street sweeping will be as usual on Dec. 23, Dec. 26-27, Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 2-3, but there will be
no street sweeping on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 or Jan. 1, and no makeup sweeps.
• 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 the sidewalk. That creates a dangerous obstruction for pedestrians and violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state parking laws.
Street-sweeping is cancelled when the city 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. Check the city’s website, 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 562-866-9771, ext. 2140 or at service1@lakewoodcity. org
Local high school band to march in Rose Parade
Congratulations to the 605 All Star Band, chosen to perform in the Rose Parade in Pasadena on Jan. 1, 2025.
Over 500 students from Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, John Glenn, Gahr, La Mirada, Mayfair and Norwalk high school bands will come together as the 605 All-Star Band, representing three school districts along the 605 Freeway (ABC, Bellflower and Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School Districts). They will be one of the largest bands to play and march in the Rose Parade.
After the pandemic downsized the programs of individual high schools, the idea to combine the bands into the 605 All-Star Band was conceived by Mayfair High’s band director Tom Philips.
Each school’s band rehearses separately for musical practice and conditioning, with all schools coming together for the 136th Annual Rose Parade.
MLK Student Art & Essay Contest
The Lakewood Interfaith Council is hosting its 2nd annual Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. student art and essay contest, with the theme this year of “Unity in the Community.”
Lakewood area students in grades K-8 are invited to submit an essay, poem or letter of up to 500 words addressing the theme of “how do you see unity in our community?” Students can also submit a 2D piece of art up to 8 ½ by 11 inches in size also addressing “unity in the community.”
Contest winners from each grade will receive awards and prizes at an event honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 19,
2025 from 3-5 p.m. at the Lakewood Family YMCA at 5835 E. Carson St.
Further details on the contest and how to submit entries by the Dec. 13 deadline can be found at: www. akewoodInterfaithCouncil. org/events, or by emailing lifc.executive@gmail.com or calling 562-708-4232.
The public is cordially invited to attend the Jan. 19 event at the Lakewood Family YMCA honoring Rev. King and the participating students. Last year, Lakewood’s Mayor and City Council attended the event, and will be invited to attend again this year.
Chamber Partners with F&M Bank to host Christmas Mixer & Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 9
In honor of another amazing year, the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is joining F&M Bank for the 2nd year to host a Christmas Mixer & Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, December 9, where, you can experience a Lakewood, Taste of Christmas. Come experience some amazing food from local restaurants.
Set to take place at Farmers & Merchants Bank, located at 4909 Lakewood Blvd., in Lakewood, the Christmas Mixer & Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature carolers, a countdown, photos with Santa, Hot Wassail, live jazz music and light appetizer menu items donated by Outback Steakhouse, Raising Cane’s, Stonefire Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Big Brian’s Meats. Last year’s Christmas Mixer had over 200 attendees make sure to bring lots of business cards and get there early! (Food is limited)
Christmas tree and holiday trash pickup
Lakewood residents can easily recycle their Christmas trees and get extra holiday trash hauled away with help from the city’s waste hauler, EDCO Disposal, for the weeks of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Christmas tree recycling. EDCO will pick up discarded Christmas trees left on your parkway or next to the curb on your trash collection day between Thursday, Dec. 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 8. Remember that trash pickup days are delayed by one day for the portion of the weeks following Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, which falls on a Wednesday. (Normal Wednesday pickups will be picked up on Thursday, etc.). Flocked trees are OK, but decorations, tinsel, and metal or plastic stands must be removed. Wooden tree stands may be left on the tree. The tree must not be in a bag. Trees over six feet tall must be cut in half.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 9, trees can be disposed of in this manner:
--Cut up your tree in 4-foot or smaller lengths and place it in the green cart (if unflocked) so it fits with the lid closed.
--Flocked trees must be cut and placed in the regular trash cart, as they can’t be recycled.
--Or, both kinds of trees may be left curbside but only if they are cut to 4’ in length and bundled and tied together (not loose).
Extra trash service. For the week immediately following Christmas, from Dec. 26-Jan. 3, EDCO will pick up extra holiday trash on your trash day (with the one-day delay). You should continue to use your existing carts as much as possible, but you can also leave up to 10 standard-size trash bags about two feet from your cart for pickup. Holiday and appliance boxes that are broken down, flattened and bundled may be left there as well. There is no charge for this extra service and no need to call EDCO in advance.
No bulky item pickup service from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4. The service starts again on Monday, Jan. 6. To use it, call EDCO at 562-531-3054 by 3:30 p.m. at least one day before your normal trash day.
Place trees next to the curb near trash carts.
