March Mixer - Celebrating Women in Business!
The Chamber’s March Mixer felt like a warm end to a chilly month! On Thursday, March 13th Vida Y Alma House of Beauty graciously hosted the Chamber’s monthly evening mixer. Owners Erika Parada, the Chamber’s Vice Chair, and Roxana Luevano transformed their space into a warm and welcoming environment, perfect for a networking mixer. The atmosphere encouraged attendees to network and mingle while celebrating a women-owned business in Lakewood. The event was preceded by some wild wind gusts that made being outside just a little too chilly, so attendees were excited to walk through the doors and be greeted by the cozy and inviting atmosphere of Vida Y Alma. The mixer began with the Chamber’s President/CEO, Denise Urtiaga, warmly welcoming everyone and encouraging them to network, emphasizing that this was a space to have fun and connect with one another. The board Chair Deena Henry, and co-chair Erika Parada then shared CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
CITY
Mayor Todd Rogers
one of lakewood’s best kept secrets
In many communities in Southern California, the cost and the availability of water is a major recurring problem. Water for many communities comes from the Colorado River, Northern California or the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The amount of rain and snowfall yearto-year in those areas can dramatically affect how much water communities in Southern California can use and what the cost will be.
The City of Lakewood water system is fortunate to get all of its drinking water from aquifers immediately below the city. That means Lakewood doesn’t have to
buy expensive “imported” water from the Colorado River, Northern California or other areas. That also means Lakewood can provide our customers with safe, reliable and locally-sourced water at some of the lowest prices in the region.
Many years ago, Lakewood acquired more local groundwater pumping rights than we now typically use in an average year—thanks to our residents’ conservation efforts—which secures our long-term water needs. It also allows us to temporarily lease our surplus water rights to nearby systems that need the water. Those water systems,
in Cerritos, Compton, Long Beach and Whittier, pay our Lakewood water system for that surplus water. By law, that revenue can only be used for our water system.
We utilize that revenue for two key purposes. First, we use it to keep our water rates just as low as possible for our customers. And second, we use those funds to help keep our water infrastructure in top shape and safeguarded for the future.
For example, last year, we completed a new water treatment plant, that now provides over a million gallons of water per day… roughly 16% of our average daily usage. See the photo of my City Council colleagues and me in front of that new treatment plant on ribboncutting day.
We also replaced two miles of aging pipelines to ensure our distribution system remains robust and reliable. This year, we will drill a new high capacity well to replace a well that is beginning to show signs of deterioration. We are also expanding our leak detection system to forewarn us of potential leaks so repairs can be made promptly, before they turn into disruptive main breaks.
While 75% of Lakewood is served by our own city water department, the remaining 25% of Lakewood, east of the San Gabriel River, is served by a private water company, as it has been since before Lakewood even became a city. That system is owned by the Golden State Water Company.
Golden State is an investorowned utility. They do need to make a profit and have other costs that we do not have as a city. Their rates tend to be higher relative to the city system, but they are regulated by the state Public Utilities Commission.
We looked into the possibility of acquiring Golden State’s system in eastern Lakewood and determined that it was not feasible. But the City
Council advocates with the PUC and Golden State to push for the lowest reasonable rates possible for the Lakewood customers of Golden State. We also have an interconnection with them in case of an emergency with our system or theirs.
In Lakewood, we understand that our city water system is more than just a system of pipes and pumps that provide water. Our water system also embodies community, continuity and care.
We take great pride in being stewards of this essential part of our infrastructure, which has supported our city for many years. And we are fully committed to maintaining it in excellent condition, so that it continues to serve Lakewood for generations to come.
Spring Car Show at Palms Park
Bring the entire family out to Palms Park, 12305 207th St., for the Spring Car Show series on April 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A variety of cars will be displayed along with a food truck, vendors and a family fun zone. All cars are welcomed and no entry fee is required. This is a free event to the public. To register a vehicle, visit www.lakewoodca.gov/ carshowregistration. For more information, call the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562866-9771, ext. 2408.
Easter Egg Hunts at Lakewood Parks
The Easter Bunny will be visiting all of the parks and hiding eggs on Saturday, April 19. The schedule for the Bunny visits and other activities is available at www. lakewoodca.gov/egghunt as well as on special activity flyers available at Lakewood City Hall and Lakewood parks. Call Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408 for more information.
Spring Break Day Camp
Spring Break Day Camp is a program for children ages 6-12, and will be offered at Mayfair and Palms parks. Camp will take place Monday, April 14 through Friday, April 18 at Mayfair Park, and Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25 at Palms Park. The program will provide supervised activities from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a 1:12 staff-to-camper ratio. Programmed activities will include a variety of arts and crafts, outdoor sports, indoor games and specialized activities. The fees for camp will be $180 for Lakewood residents, and $195 for nonresidents and will include an excursion to Medieval Times
on Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 25. To register, visit www.lakewoodca.gov/ ecatalog and search with the keyword “camp”. For more information, call 562-8669771, ext. 2408.
Lakewood Youth Sports volunteer coaches needed Volunteer coaches are needed for baseball, softball and T-ball teams for the summer season at Lakewood parks. Although moms and dads of players make great coaches, it’s not necessary to have a child playing to enjoy the volunteer experience. 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.
Adult Softball and Volleytennis signups Registration for
Lakewood’s Adult Softball and Volleytennis summer league will take place April 28-May 16. Softball leagues play on various evenings (MF) and Sunday afternoons. Volleytennis plays Monday evenings. All ability levels are encouraged. Team registration is available online at www. lakewoodca.gov/ecatalog, under activities-sports league. Registration packets including fees and further information are available now at www. lakewoodca.gov/sports or by calling 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
FUN-Tastic Family Night
Featuring Get Active with Bert Badger
Join Bert Badger on Friday, April 25 at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave., as he leads an interactive performance highlighting the benefits of movement and exercise. His songs embrace a healthy
City Spotlight News CITY
lifestyle through high-energy dance anyone can follow.
Teriyaki chicken skewers, white steamed rice, lemonade and a dessert will be served prior to the show. Seating is on a first come, 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. lakewoodca.gov/ecatalog and use activity #30172 to register by April 18.
Connect with Public Safety meetings
The City of Lakewood’s annual “Connect with Public Safety” meetings return in April, kicking off with the first Sheriff’s Station tour on Wednesday, April 16 at 6 p.m.
The city is hosting four tours of the station and four community meetings at sites throughout Lakewood, with guest speakers from public safety and Special Assignment Officers from the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station.
At the community meetings, you will meet and hear from Traffic Safety Deputy Sheriffs, a Graffiti Abatement Public Safety Specialist, and the Sky Knight pilot and Deputy Sheriff observer.
Station tours are free for all Lakewood residents. Preregistration is required as space is limited.
To register, visit the Lakewood Public Safety Department’s EventBrite page at www.lakewoodca. gov/eventbrite.
Dates for the 2025 Connect with Public Safety series
• Station Tours (preregistration required) are held at 6-8 p.m. on April 16, May 14, June 11 and July 9.
• Community Meetings are held at 6-8 p.m. on April 30 at Palms Park; May 28 at Burns Community Center; June 25 at Mayfair Park (Sierra Room) and July 23 at San Martin Park.
“Crime
Stoppers” uses anonymous tips and rewards
Circumstances can occur where a person is aware of a crime and a suspect but has reasons to want to remain anonymous. L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers was set up to enable people to make tips about suspects while remaining anonymous and to receive an award of up to $1,000 if a suspect is arrested. Over 4,000 arrests have been made region-wide through the successful program.
In most circumstances, you should feel secure reporting a crime and a suspect through normal channels. But on those occasions where you may feel insecure about identifying a suspect, the City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station encourages you to use the
Report crime tips anonymously and securely.
anonymous Crime Stoppers process. Learn more at www. lacrimestoppers.org.
Survive for 7: Learn how to prepare for emergencies
Emergencies and natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Do you have your emergency supplies stocked and ready, just in case?
If not, please join the next free emergency preparedness seminar, Survive for 7, on Tuesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at the Burns Community Center.
No registration is needed and all ages are welcome.
You will learn about the types of regional emergencies and disasters that can impact
Lakewood, and what you can do to prepare yourself and your family to survive in the seven days following a disaster when help may not be available.
The session runs about 90 minutes and concludes with a free raffle for all in attendance.
The Burns Community Center is located at 5510 Clark Ave. Call the Lakewood Public Safety Department at 562-866-9771, ext. 2114 for more information.
Lakewood Deputy Sheriffs and Public Safety staff will be holding community meetings from April to July.
The Lakewood Community News is an official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Denise Urtiaga
2025 GLCC
Executive Board
Chair
Deena Henry
Immediate Past Chair
Joanie Dixson
Vice Chair
Erika Parada
Secretary Sherry Daisey
Treasurer Travis Jackson
Board Members
Jonathan Byun
Ulysses Carmona
Glenn Curo
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
Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Greater Lakewood
Jobs Daughters Bethel 161 5918 Parkcrest St. Long Beach, CA 90808
HEX HVAC
Landon Charles (562) 568-8400
Heal The Pain Wanda West 5220 Clark Ave. Suite 445 Lakewood, CA 90712 (310) 554-5682
McClintock Advisory & Accounting
Eric McClintock (714) 305-5622
Welcome Our New MEMBERS
PHGLASS LLC
Alfonso Vasquez 7310 Adams St. Suite E Paramount, CA 90723 (562) 618-2222
Ziggis Coffee 5721 Bellflower Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90713
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
Lakewood Christ Presbyterian Church Tamara John 5225 Hayter Ave Lakewood, CA 90712
Norman Krieger, Inc. 5000 E. Spring St. Ste. 250 Long Beach, CA 90815
Ziggi’s Coffee, Welcome to Lakewood!
The city of Lakewood and The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed another business to Lakewood. The grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony for Ziggi’s Coffee was held on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. The day was set to be gloomy and rainy, but the weather cleared up and the sun began to shine on Ziggi’s Coffee as soon as the
ceremony started. City and state officials, Chamber staff, local business owners, and Lakewood residents gathered to warmly welcome Ziggi’s to the community. The ribbon was cut and they were officially open for business, attendees enjoyed some fresh and delicious coffee, fantastic food, and exceptional service. The Chamber is happy to welcome Ziggi’s to Lakewood and the Chamber family. If you ever find yourself on the corner of South and Bellflower stop by Ziggi’s to fill your coffee craving!
CHAMBER
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
APRIL
Thursday April 3, 2025
Grand Reopening Flame Broiler 4633 Candlewood St.Lakewood 11:00 am
Thursday April 3, 2025
Multi-Chamber Mixer Lazy Dog Cafe (Los Cerritos Center) 4:30pm-6:30pm Must RSVP
Wednesday Apr 9, 2025
Grand Opening Nothing Bundt Cakes 4431 Candlewood St. Lakewood 11:00 am
Thursday April 10, 2025
Grand Opening Mirror Health and Wellness 5750 Downey Ave, Lakewood 1:00 pm
Thursday April 24, 2025
Chambers Morning Mixer 9am to 10am Hosted by Cassidy’s Corner & Soroptimist 5625 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood
FUN FRIDAYS NIGHT MARKET
500 Lakewood Center Every 1st & 3rd Friday
Who are the new “Legends of Lakewood?”
At every five-year anniversary of Lakewood’s incorporation, the City Council names individuals, organizations and programs that have made a significant contribution to the development of the city as Legends of Lakewood.
With Lakewood currently wrapping up its 70th anniversary commemoration, Mayor Todd Rogers led the City Council in honoring three individuals and one community program as new Legends of Lakewood at an appreciation dinner held on March 11 at The Centre.
Project Shepherd was named a Legend for being a lifeline to those in need for over 50 years. The non-profit program is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Lakewood, the city and hundreds of volunteers and donors whose efforts provide hundreds of Lakewood residents experiencing economic hardship with emergency food, utility bill assistance, holiday food and gifts, and backpacks for school.
Vice Mayor Cassandra Chase told the audience at The Centre that the word “shepherd” in Project Shepherd is actually an acronym. “Yes, there was a community contest in the early 1970s to name the program and this was the winner,” said Chase. “SHEPHERD stands for:
Share, Help, Energy, Peace, Happiness, Everyone, Remember, Donations. Remember that for a Lakewood trivia night!”
The late Kirk Real, an original Lakewood resident and longtime educator and community leader, was also named a Legend. Real was the principal of Mayfair High School for many years and of every elementary school existing in the Bellflower Unified School District during his career. Council Member Steve Croft led the council in presenting the award to Real’s family saying that Real had been a “community volunteer extraordinaire” with his lengthy service with Pathways Volunteer Hospice and Christ Presbyterian Church along with 39 years on city commissions.
Another posthumous Legends award was given to original Lakewood resident and Vietnam veteran Dennis Lander. Lander was one of the original, huge group of kids who grew up in Lakewood in the 1950s and ‘60s. He then joined another large group of hundreds of young Lakewood residents who enlisted or were drafted to serve in the military during the Vietnam War. Forty-three of those Lakewood youth gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation in Vietnam…and their names were placed on the city’s veterans memorial at Del Valle Park. “Those experiences,” said Council Member Jeff Wood, “and his life in Lakewood, led Lander to write the iconic poem, ‘The Boys of Del Valle Park,’ that has become part of the fabric of our community and has made Dennis Lander truly a Legend of Lakewood.”
The late Dave Rodda was honored for laying the groundwork for a lot of what has made Lakewood a great sports and recreation community. Rodda started as a part-time coach for Lakewood in the 1950s, rose through the ranks, and became the city’s Director of Recreation and Community Services in 1987. He is perhaps best known for his role in making Lakewood a pioneer among cities in developing sports and recreation programs for girls and women.
Rodda became an U.S. Olympic coach for women’s track and field in the 1980s and was Lakewood’s representative in carrying the Olympic torch through Southern California to welcome the 1984 Summer Games. He was also instrumental in developing many popular Lakewood programs and facilities, including Concerts in the Park, Arbor Day and the nature trail along the San Gabriel River. “Dave Rodda was a giant for our city and played a larger-thanlife role in the development of recreation, sports and community services in Lakewood,” said Council Member David Arellano, who presented the Legends award to the family.
“These Legends of Lakewood embody the ideals that we hold dear in our city,” said Mayor Todd Rogers in wrapping up the event. “Their contributions have made a lasting impact that will continue for generations to come, and it is my hope that there will always be people in Lakewood who give of themselves and inspire others to do the same…and keep Lakewood the special place it has been for 70 years…and counting.”
Watch the video tributes of each of the four new Legends at www.lakewoodca.gov/Legends and see the display and video honoring all 27 Legends of Lakewood in the lobby of The Centre at 5000 Clark Ave.
Family of Dennis Lander with Lakewood Council Members.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
a few words about how important it is for all of us to come together and feel what Lakewood is all about. Before everyone was left to network with one another, the Assembly District 26 Woman of the Year Terri Belch gave a speech emphasizing togetherness and how important women-owned businesses are in any community. You could hear the buzz of conversation and laughter from miles away as attendees spent the evening mingling and making meaningful connections.
March Mixer - Celebrating Women in Business!
As the event began to wind down, The Chamber held its monthly opportunity drawings, giving each guest a chance to win exciting prizes—adding even
more energy to the room. With the final drawing, the evening came to a close. Attendees were thanked for stopping by and spending a great night
First Business Brew of 2025 - Brewing Success, One Cup at aTime
The Lakewood Chamber’s first business brew was held on Thursday, February 27th. It was a smashing success with many business owners, residents, and city officials coming together to network, show support for the Chamber, and experience Costco, who graciously invited us to host this event in their space, before they opened their doors to the public. The morning began with attendees arriving and networking with each other. As they walked through the door, they were greeted with fresh pastries and drinks from the Costco food court and bakery, accompanied by the fresh smell of coffee to energize them for the exciting walkthrough Costco had organized. Before taking a trip through the store, the Lakewood Chamber President / CEO Denise Urtiaga and the board Chair Deena Henry gave an inspiring speech thanking all of the attendees for showing up and using this time to get to know what the Chamber, Lakewood, and its businesses are all about. Attendees were then taken through Costco and given a rundown of what goes into putting each section together. Employees were interviewed and provided
detailed information on what went into running each department. As everyone made their way through the store, many took to networking while enjoying the samples handed out at the department before. The event concluded with a huge group photo and a special thank you to everyone who attended from Costco staff and the Chamber board. Thank you to everyone who attended, the Chamber can’t wait to see you at the next one!
with incredible people. We hope to see you all at the next mixer!
Vets, pets & illegal fireworks regrets
Lakewood, like many communities in California, allows the use of “safeand-sane” fireworks approved by the State Fire Marshal on the day of July 4th only. These are fireworks that do not explode or go into the air. Their sound does not travel far. And families can enjoy them responsibly as part of a fun…and safe…July 4th celebration. Their use also benefits Lakewood community groups that sell them at stands throughout the city between July 1-4.
However, some people make the unfortunate decision each year to purchase and use fireworks that are illegal in California for personal use. These include skyrockets and explosives…all of which are illegal and very dangerous to use in highly populated residential neighborhoods like Lakewood, where embers can fall--and have fallen--on house roofs, starting fires, sometimes hours later after slowly smoldering.
If you’re thinking of using illegal fireworks, did you know the following?
1. Some combat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be traumatized by illegal fireworks. The U.S. Marine Corps urges Americans to be considerate of the veterans living among us when it comes to illegal fireworks use. A Marine veteran of two tours in Iraq said he can prepare for events like the annual fireworks
display that his hometown puts on at a certain time. But the sudden rat-a-tat of firecrackers set off by his neighbors throughout the night transports him back to Baghdad and sets him on edge. Lakewood is a community that deeply respects military veterans for their service, so the City of Lakewood urges residents to be considerate of veterans…and think twice before using illegal fireworks in Lakewood.
2. Pets can also be traumatized by loud fireworks…and more pets run away from home and are lost on July 4th than on any other day. Like veterans, most pet owners can prepare their animals for a short, one-time event like a planned fireworks show or the use of safe-and-sane fireworks whose sound does not travel far. But there’s no preparing for the loud and unexpected sounds of illegal skyrockets, firecrackers and other
explosives, including those happening late at night.
“Lakewood residents can have a lot of fun with safe-and-sane fireworks,” said Lakewood City Manager Thaddeus McCormack, “and you won’t risk harming veterans, pets and neighbors in the process.”
“The problem of illegal fireworks use has grown in recent years throughout California and the nation, and it doesn’t matter whether a community allows or disallows the use of safe-and-sane fireworks,” said McCormack. “The problem of illegal fireworks is the same in both types of communities. Lakewood is known throughout Southern California as a city that does everything it can to deter the use of illegal fireworks. Please do your part to help, so our community can have a safe and peaceful July 4th holiday where we are respectful of our neighbors.”
Mother’s Day Brunch
Show mom how much you appreciate her with an unforgettable, all-you-caneat Mother’s Day brunch experience provided by TGIS Catering at The Centre in Lakewood on Sunday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Centre’s highly acclaimed, in-house caterer is one of the premier cuisine and eventplanning teams in Southern California.
In addition to a delightful brunch buffet, there will be a complimentary photo booth, and gift bags for moms. Guests can also surprise their mother with a special personalized greeting that will be displayed on the big
screen during the brunch.
TGIS’s Mother’s Day menu includes:
• Bottomless Champagne and Mimosas
• Chocolate Fantasy Fountain
• Traditional Breakfast Buffet
• Waffle Station
• Southern Comfort Station
• And much more! Menu Subject to change without prior notice.
The Centre is Lakewood’s leading location for community banquets, meetings, events, weddings and receptions for every season of the year. Bring your family to celebrate this
special occasion honoring our amazing moms!
Space is limited, so reservations must be made early. Contact TGIS Catering at 562-804-4434 or events@ lakewoodca.gov.
The cost is $48.95 for adults, $43.95 for seniors age 60+ and $33.95 for children age 10 and younger.
NOTE: Sales Tax & 15% Gratuity will be added to all Parties/Reservation. A 3% Credit Card Convenience Fee will also be added to all Parties/Reservation. Pricing is subject to change without prior notice.
Young athletes honored by Hall of Fame
The Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame event held Feb. 24 at The Centre honored Athlete of the Year Nyemah King, along with the 2024 Hall of Fame inductee class of more than 60 performers of the year, special achievement honorees and championship teams.
A dynamic two-sport athlete for the Lakewood High School Lancers, Nyemah King established herself as one of the most dominant competitors in both Girls Basketball and Flag Football. Her performances have earned her numerous accolades at the league, CIF and state levels, solidifying her legacy as the 2024 Athlete of the Year.
In 2024, Nyemah’s impact on the court was nothing short of extraordinary. As a leader for the Lancers basketball team, she excelled as point guard, demonstrating exceptional scoring ability, court vision and defensive prowess. She had an average of 25.9 points, 3.2 steals, 2.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game. King scored a season high 37 points against Fountain Valley, even though she often found herself double-teamed throughout the game.
King’s efforts earned her First Team All-CIF, First Team AllMoore League, League MVP, Team MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Century Club Player of the Year and Press Telegram Girls Athlete of the Year. She led Lakewood to a historic season, highlighted by the program’s first trip to a CIF-SS championship game.
As a standout in the inaugural season of Girls Flag Football, Nyemah dominated on both sides of the ball, making gamechanging plays and setting high standards for excellence on the playing field. At the wide receiver position, King ended the season with 15 touchdown receptions totaling over 1,500 receiving yards and 1,000 rushing yards. As a safety, she had 10 interceptions and 3 sacks as season totals. Her efforts earned her First Team All-CIF, First Team Moore League, Team MVP and Press Telegram First Team Dream Team.
Nyemah was able to accomplish all of her athletic achievements while still maintaining a 3.77 overall GPA in the classroom. Though she is undecided as to where she will attend school next year, she hopes to major in business. Her goal is to continue to work within the sports industry with children who carry a passion for sports, which matches the love of athletics she has had in her young life.
Nyemah’s dedication, leadership and elite athleticism have made her a role model and a true game-changer for Lakewood High School. Whether on the court, on the field or in the classroom, she continues to raise the bar.
Visit www.lakewoodca.gov/HOF2025 to view the event and Athlete of the Year videos, as well as the photo gallery and complete list of winners.
Lakewood High School athlete Nyemah King is the 2024 Athlete of the Year.
LYS baseball/softball/T-ball signups
Youth baseball and softball team signups begin April 19.
Signups for Lakewood Youth Sports baseball, softball and T-ball teams will take place April 19-May 3.
T-ball teams are for boys and girls ages 4-5 and coach pitch teams are for children ages 6-7. Baseball and softball teams are for boys and girls ages 8-17.
Registration is available online at www.lakewoodca.gov/ecatalog, under activities-sports league. There are no registration fees for Lakewood
residents. Proof of residency is required. The non-resident registration fee is $20. Birth certificates must be presented to the office of the park you register for before the start of play. For more information, call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Lakewood Jaycees Announce Lemonade Day Lakewood 2025
The Lakewood Jaycees, a premier leadership and civic organization, proudly bring Lemonade Day to Lakewood. Since 1952, they have supported key initiatives like the Greater Lakewood Pageants, Pan American Festival, and Project Shepherd, shaping leaders like Vice Mayor Cassandra Chase and past Council Members.
Lemonade Day teaches 3rd-5th graders to start and run a business, fostering financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Participants gain confidence while donating a portion of their earnings to charity.
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM, 20 youth-run lemonade stands will pop up across Lakewood, permitted by the city. This is an opportunity to support young entrepreneurs who have completed the program.
Past locations included Bolivar Park, Del Valle Park, Lakewood Center Mall, and Mayfair Park. The Official Lemonade Map will be available on the Lakewood Jaycees and Lemonade Day Lakewood Facebook pages. Join us in celebrating and supporting the next generation of business leaders!
Friends of Lakewood Libraries book sale
The Friends of the Lakewood Libraries (FOLL) book sale is set for Saturday, April 5 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 non-fiction, novels, children’s and large-format books.
Please bring your own shopping bags to the event.
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.
Donations are welcome. Book donations should be given to the librarians at the counter. Donations of magazines, puzzles, board games, CDs, vinyl records and DVDs may be dropped off at the FOLL bookstore inside the Iacoboni Library. Friends of Lakewood Libraries is also seeking volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board meets the first Thursday of each month
Save the date for the Pan Am Fiesta
Looking for a familyfriendly mix of amusement rides, live music with dancing, crafts for sale and food trucks? Then, mark your calendar for the Mother’s Day weekend of Thursday, May 8 through Sunday, May 11.
The Pan American Fiesta is returning to Mayfair Park in Lakewood with its classic mix
of new attractions combined with Lakewood traditions.
Here are some of the features of the 2025 Pan Am Fiesta:
• Food trucks and food booths, with creative and popular menus.
• Exhilarating attractions… and lots of carnival rides (for young kids all the way up to
from 6 to 7 p.m. Stop by the FOLL bookstore in the Iacoboni Public Library or email 90712FOLL@gmail. com to learn more.
Memberships start as low as $5 for seniors, $10 for individuals and $15 for a family. Dues are tax deductible.
Visit FOLL’s website at www. lakewoodlibraryfriends.org.
teens and adults).
• Live music Friday and Saturday night!
• A complete schedule (including other performers) is available at www. lakewoodca.gov/fiesta. With questions, call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Traditional elements of the Pan Am Fiesta will include the
flag presentation ceremony of the United States and all the countries of the Americas, children’s cultural booth, Pan Am Fiesta historical display, and plenty of arts and crafts dealers offering unique gifts. Discount carnival ride tickets will be on sale at city hall April 28 through May 7.
Free shredding event May 3
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, May 3 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
Rides, games and food make the Fiesta fun for the whole family.
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, chemicals.
• No expired medications or sharps.
Hazardous waste and e-waste are accepted on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at EDCO’s large transfer facility located at 2755 California Ave. in Signal Hill at no charge to Lakewood residents.
This event is for Lakewood residents only. 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.
City seeking historical items for display
The City of Lakewood is reaching out to longtime residents who may be willing to lend or donate an artifact or piece of memorabilia that tells a part of the city’s story through social events, family and school photos, materials that show the development of the business and faith communities, and items celebrating city milestones.
“Our goal,” said city Historian Emeritus Don Waldie, “is to display these historical materials in an interesting and educational collection that will show Lakewood residents how their hometown grew and changed and is still shaping its bright future.”
Types of items needed:
▪ Publications by Lakewood civic and social clubs, particularly in the period 1950-1980.
▪ Mementos (pins, giveaways, prizes, and other nostalgic items) that were offered at community events such as park playdays, school carnivals, church festivals, business promotions and anniversaries, club celebrations, and the like.
▪ Family photographs that show major events in the city’s history since 1950, particularly those that show how these events were
celebrated by residents—with dates and identification of those depicted.
▪ School annuals from 1957 through 2000.
▪ School histories that tell the origin of the school and its namesake and mascot.
▪ Booklets, flyers and advertisements by Lakewood business that were begun in the 1950s through the 1980s.
▪ Histories of churches and other religious congregations that tell about their start in Lakewood.
▪ Lakewood Chamber of Commerce business guides and other Chamber publications that will help tell the economic history of Lakewood.
▪ Historical materials from Lakewood’s employers: Lakewood General Hospital, Douglas/Boeing, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Lakewood Center, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and others.
▪ Marketing and promotional booklets and advertisements for the new residential developments that came after 1954. (The city already has plenty of the original sales brochures from the Lakewood Park Corp. from 1950-53.)
▪ Mementos imprinted with Lakewood-specific identification (for example,
a plaque honoring a resident that also refers to Lakewood).
▪ Artifacts that are uniquely connected to Lakewood.
▪ Photographs of notable people and places that have had a significant place in Lakewood’s story. (Dates and identifications are important.)
What’s NOT needed:
▪ City newsletters and annual reports.
▪ Newspapers.
▪ Photos without captions or identification of those depicted.
▪ Artifacts that cannot be connected to Lakewood’s story.
If you have any of these interesting items that you are willing to loan or donate, please complete the online form at http://www. lakewoodca.gov/Collection. You will be asked to upload photos and descriptions of the items with the form. Please do not bring the items to City Hall. Use the online form instead.
If you need help or have questions, please contact the City of Lakewood Community Relations Department at 562-866-9771, ext. 3123 or communityrelations@ lakewoodca.gov.
1951 sales poster for Lakewood Park Mutual homes.
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