First Networking Mixer of 2025
The first Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer of 2025 was a fantastic success! Hosted at the welcoming and vibrant George’s Greek Cafe in Lakewood, the event drew in members and non-members from all over, creating an energizing and dynamic atmosphere. Business professionals from a variety of industries came together to make new connections, share ideas, and enjoy the cafe’s delicious Mediterranean-inspired offerings. Attendees were thrilled with the opportunity to expand their networks and engage in meaningful conversations in such a friendly and inviting setting. The event also featured a brief welcome address by chamber representatives, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and community in the year ahead. The mixer set a high bar for future networking events and demonstrated the chamber’s commitment to fostering growth and connection within the Greater Lakewood
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Project sites needed for Volunteer Day
One of Lakewood’s enduring traditions is Volunteer Day, where residents help their Lakewood volunteers are ready to help
neighbors in need and make their community a better place.
The Volunteer Day program is looking for project sites for its Saturday, April 12 cleanup and fix-
up event. More than 300 volunteers will fan out that day to locations throughout Lakewood to donate a morning’s work to help their neighbors in need. Teams of volunteer workers from scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses, organizations and religious congregations will assist residents who are unable to maintain their properties themselves.
Recipients of Volunteer Day aid can be seniors or persons of any age who, because of a disability or limited means, need some neighborly help to make their Lakewood yard
or home exterior a little nicer. Work can include gardening, yard cleanup or minor painting.
The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. If you, or someone you know, can benefit from a Volunteer Day cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, please go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ volunteerdaysite to submit an application online, or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512.
Hosted by George’s Greek Cafe in Lakewood.
News CITY
Mayor Todd Rogers
Thoughts on the fires and disaster preparedness
I’m writing this column in mid-January, just two weeks after the start of the worst wildfires our county has ever seen.
We in Lakewood, like the rest of Southern California and indeed the nation as a whole, have been in utter shock with the devastation and the sadness caused by the fires that have ravaged our home area.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones… and to the many people displaced by the fires…
including the thousands who have lost their homes and much of the community around them.
Many Lakewood residents have generously stepped forward to ask how they can help those in need because of the fires. The city has placed information on our website about well-known and reputable organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Rotary Club of Lakewood, that are helping and that you can donate to with confidence. It’s important to give to
reputable organizations and not fall prey to any scammers trying to take advantage of people during this time. If you wish to donate, you can get that helpful information at www.lakewoodcity.org.
The City of Lakewood has offered our assistance to the overall firefighting and recovery effort too. That’s what cities do to help each other in times of need as part of California’s mutual aid and emergency management system. As one example, Lakewood fulfilled a request to send recreation assistants to the L.A. County Arboretum to help sort and organize clothing donated for teens and youth. Lakewood is proud to help our neighbors in this instance…just as we know our neighbors would be there to help us in a time of need.
L.A. County Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs from Lakewood were working extra long shifts of 12 hours on and 12 hours off every day over these past two weeks so that extra staffing hours could be provided in the fire areas in addition to protecting Lakewood. Those long shifts have now been able to end, thankfully. Maintaining those long hours is tough, but I know that our deputies and firefighters keep on doing it because they take pride in serving the public, especially during times of need.
Lakewood has a tradition of encouraging our residents to get trained in disaster preparedness and response through the threeday CERT course or the
hour-and-a-half Survive for 7 course. Trained residents can help their neighbors if a big disaster should ever strike, when first responders may not be able to arrive as quickly as usual. Some CERT graduates from Lakewood helped with disaster response after the recent fires. Learn how you can get trained at www.lakewoodcity.org/ DisasterPrep.
The photo above shows a Lakewood resident getting a CERT graduation certificate from me a few weeks ago.
Lakewood residents are also invited to a community meeting in the Executive Board Room at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave., at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 24 to provide feedback for Lakewood’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Our local plan will strengthen our community resilience by reducing our vulnerability to damage, loss or disruption caused by natural or human-made hazards.
Residents with valuable firsthand knowledge of local hazards and vulnerabilities are encouraged to share their insights to help the city identify these issues. The city can use the feedback to evaluate the risks posed
by various hazards, identify community vulnerabilities and catalog available resources for risk reduction.
Lakewood is fortunate to have its own water department, which pumps locally sourced water from aquifers beneath our city. We invest regularly in modernizing our water infrastructure, such as a new water treatment plant in 2024 and a new well that we are drilling in 2025. We routinely inspect our water mains and replace aging pipes to ensure they can provide the supply and reliability we need. And we have a state-of-theart computerized system monitoring our pumps, wells, reservoirs and mains that deliver water throughout our system 24/7. We also have emergency connections with nearby water systems in Long Beach, Cerritos, Signal Hill and the Golden State Water Co. that serves the eastern portion of our city so that we can help each other in the event of an emergency. In the past three years, Lakewood has stepped up its emergency preparedness with extra staffing, extra training and other resources. On behalf of my City Council colleagues, I want our residents to know that their city takes disaster preparedness seriously and that we strive to do everything we reasonably can to be prepared for an earthquake and other potential emergencies… just in case anything ever happens in or near Lakewood.
Hall of Fame tickets on sale
Tickets for the 43rd annual Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame banquet are on sale now at City Hall. The awards banquet is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at The Centre and will honor the 2024 Athlete of the Year and more than 25 other deserving athletes and coaches.
Discounted student tickets are $32 and adult tickets are $42 if purchased by Feb. 7. After this date, tickets will be $38 and $48 respectively. Reservation deadline is Feb. 13. Call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408 for more information or to purchase tickets.
Spring Recreation classes begin Lakewood’s Spring Recreation and Community Services catalog is available online at www.lakewoodcity. org/catalog. Print copies were mailed to residents in January, and a limited number of hard copies of the catalog are available for pick up at your local park, community center and Lakewood City Hall. The new catalog features activities for participants of all ages. As always, many classes are free or low cost. Many classes begin the first week of February. Register at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog or call City Hall at 562-8669771, ext. 2408.
Play at Palms: Valentine’s Day Parents Night Out, Kids Night In
Parents, do you need a date night? What better day than Valentine’s Day! Bring the kids to Palms Park, 12305 207th St. on Friday, Feb. 14 from 6-10 p.m. and the highly qualified Lakewood recreation staff will supervise your children while parents get a much-needed night out! Enjoy a local restaurant or a movie while the kids have a pizza dinner, snacks, games and an indoor movie featuring “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” This event is for ages 3 and older (children must be potty trained.) Preregistration for this free event is required. Register now at www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog using activity #30095.
FUN-Tastic Family Night
Featuring Adventure of the Lost Treasure
Join in on this “treasure hunting” experience at The
Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. on Friday, Feb. 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The audience will help the performer act out a tale within the jungle while exploring science concepts. Chicken fingers, mashed potatoes, 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. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and use activity #30170 to register by Feb. 14.
Movie Night Under the Stars featuring Elemental (PG)
Bring the entire family and enjoy an evening of FREE family fun and movie entertainment under the stars at Biscailuz Park, 2601 Dollar St. on Friday, March 7. Guests can bring chairs and a picnic and enjoy a fun evening with their families. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be served while supplies last. Check in begins at 6 p.m. with the movie beginning at 7 p.m. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park. For more information call the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562866-9771, ext. 2408 or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ catalog.
Travel trip to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Pantages Theater
Join us on Thursday, March 13 as we travel to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood to see “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” a record-breaking hit and winner of six Tony Awards including Best Play! When Harry Potter’s headstrong son, Albus, befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all, with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mindblowing race through time, spectacular spells and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage. Please arrive at Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., at 5 p.m. for check-in. The bus will leave promptly at 5:30 p.m. The cost of this trip is $86 per Lakewood resident, $101 per non-resident. An adult must accompany children of all ages. Last day to register is Friday, March 7 or until filled.
Use activity #30197 to register at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog.
Play at Palms Family Bingo Night
Bring the entire family and enjoy an evening of FREE family fun playing Bingo at the Play at Palms Family Bingo Night at Palms Park, 12305 207th St. on Friday, March 14. You can win fabulous prizes and enjoy free snacks while enjoying an evening with your family.
City Spotlight News CITY
Pre-registration for this activity is required. Check in begins at 6 p.m. and bingo runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sorry, no
pets or alcohol allowed at the park. Register now at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using activity #28842.
Why You Should Become a Chamber Member
Do you own a local business? Are you interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce? Check out these benefits and visit our Website for more information!
What does the Chamber provide? We bring more value to your business!
• Assistance with Grand Openings / Ribbon Cuttings
• Business development opportunities
• Inclusion in the GLCC Website Member Directory for more business visibility
• Lakewood Community Newspaper business and member spotlights
• GLCC social media - posts, reels, and live promos
• Business mixers and networking opportunities
• Constant promotions and referrals
• Advertising discounts in this very newspaper
• Discounts to Chamber-related events
All of these benefits and more are available to you once you become a member of our Chamber! Joining the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce also means being part of a collective voice advocating for the needs of local businesses in our community. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of Lakewood’s economy and contribute to meaningful initiatives that support growth and development. Additionally, as a member, you’ll have access to exclusive member-only events, programs, and resources designed to help your business thrive.
News COMMUNITY
Lakewood Beautiful: Spring into action!
Beautiful celebrates landscaping and exterior efforts.
As we look forward to the early signs of spring with blooming flowers and plant growth, it’s a perfect time to recognize your house or a neighbor’s house.
The Lakewood Beautiful program honors Lakewood residents who take extra care to keep their homes and yards (and local neighborhoods) looking great.
Studies show that home upkeep and beautification by caring, committed residents keeps crime rates low and property values healthy, thereby benefitting
the whole community.
You can help honor those Lakewood residents who go “above and beyond” to keep their home and yards looking beautiful by submitting a nomination form by 5 p.m. on March 20.
There are four ways to honor your home or a neighbor’s home in the Lakewood Beautiful program:
• Beautiful Home Award. This is the city’s most traditional award, which has honored hundreds of
Lakewood homes over three decades. This award recognizes the front facing exterior and landscaping of a home, displaying exceptional care and pride of ownership.
• Jackie Rynerson “Transformation Award.” This honors homeowners who have remodeled the frontfacing exterior and landscaping of their property within the past three years . The rejuvenation need not have been expensive or elaborate, but something that improves or enhances the overall property. The bulk of the improvements must have been done or overseen by the current homeowner, not a prior homeowner. Nominations must include “before” and “after” photos to demonstrate the transformation (digital photos may be uploaded to the online nomination
Obstructions in streets not allowed in Lakewood
We all want to have our streets swept as well as possible. That’s especially important and a challenge in the winter with leaves and storm debris in the streets.
Lakewood prohibits
obstructions in the street or in the parkway if they hang over into the street. Such obstructions can block street sweepers and be dangerous to vehicles in the roadway.
If you have such an
obstruction temporarily for recreation or other purposes, please remove it as soon as you’re immediately done with it so it doesn’t become a hazard for motorists or a detriment to a clean sweep of your street.
form). Homes being marketed for sale are not eligible. Jackie Rynerson was an original Lakewood resident and city council member from 1978 to 1990, and she created the original Lakewood Beautiful to inspire and honor Lakewood homeowners.
• Neat and Tidy Award. This newest category was added to recognize homeowners who are consistent with maintaining their landscaping and a clean home exterior.
• Water-Wise Award. This honors beautiful homes nominated in one of the first three categories that deserve extra recognition for landscaping that utilizes water-conserving irrigation devices and plantings
As a guide, past Lakewood Beautiful winning homes have been distinguished not just by attractive style, but for displaying exceptional
care and pride of ownership, such as:
• Neat, clean and wellmaintained exteriors.
• Landscaping design of front yard and parkway in harmony and balance with the home.
• Good use of plant variety, texture and color.
• Attention to detail.
• Overall consistent care of property and landscaping.
You can nominate your property or that of a neighbor by going to www.lakewoodcity.org/ LakewoodBeautiful or by calling City Hall at 562866-9771, ext. 3123.
The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 20.
After the nomination deadline, photos are taken by a professional photographer of the street-facing portion of each home and yard. A panel of judges then reviews the photos and determines if the home will be recognized.
Lakewood
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
Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
90712
562Photobooth
Brianna Escamilla 5903 Pepperwood Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712 (714) 249-5744
22 Collectibles Lakewood, CA https://221of1.com
Welcome oUR new MEMBERS
ColeJacks Enterprises Valon Jackson Long Beach, CA 90807 (310) 420-4425
ARDIFA Fitness & Karate 4129 E. South St. Suite B Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 275-9833
Carbon Health 2010 E. Carson St. Long Beach, CA 90807 (213) 401-0371 https://carbonhealth.com/ locations/long-beach-ca-carsonst
Kang Business Solutions, Inc. https://www.kbizsolutions.org Michelle@kbizsolutions.org (562) 444-5690
renewing members
The Flame Broiler 4633 Candlewood St. Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 633-9333
Journey of Love & Hope https://journeylh.com lizzie@journeylh.com
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 Live Scan Fingerprinting 2725 Candlewood St. Suite A Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9199
Outback Steakhouse 5305 Clark Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 634-0353
ABC Unified School District 16700 Norwalk Blvd. Cerritos, CA 90703 (562) 926-5566
Lakewood Pan American Association Dan Wamba (562) 423-9419
Piazza Family Restaurants Inc. 4128 Paramount Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712
Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 Carson St. Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 425-7431
8 | FEBRUARY 2025
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY
Wednesday February 12, 2025 Zoom Room
4154 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting @12pm
Thursday February 13, 2025 February Multi-Chamber Mixer
Hosted by Alas Toxicas 10723 South St, Cerritos 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursday February 27, 2025
New Chamber Morning Mixer
Hosted by Lakewood Costco 8:30am-9:30am
MARCH
Thursday March 13, 2025
March Chamber Mixer
Hosted by Vida Y Alma House of Beauty 5840 Adenmoor Ave, Lakewood 6:00pm-8:00pm
Tuesday March 25, 2025
Multi Chamber Mixer @ Angel Stadium Angels vs Dodgers Visit lakewoodchamber.com To purchase your tickets
Thursday March 27, 2025
New Chamber Morning Mixer
Hosted by Padekwa Café 5841 Bellflower Blvd, Lakewood 9:00am -10:00am
FUN FRIDAYS NIGHT MARKET
500 Lakewood Center Every 1st & 3rd Friday
Sweethearts Night w/ Mickey & Minnie Friday Feb 7th 5pm-9pm
Angel City Market: 4 Year Anniversary Celebration Friday Feb 21st 5pm-9pm
First Networking Mixer of 2025
business community. We would like to once again thank George’s Greek Cafe for inviting us into their space and being such wonderful hosts, and we would like to thank RLM Vision for providing their wonderful photo booth services to the attendees at the mixer. This event was a fantastic way to start this year; we cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds for us.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
State of the City tickets on sale
Lakewood’s annual State of the City Luncheon is set for Wednesday, Feb. 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Centre. Attendees will hear what Lakewood’s leaders are saying about the city’s upcoming opportunities and challenges.
This annual event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood, Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and City of Lakewood.
The early-bird deadline for reservations is Feb. 12. Reservations are $45 per person, and tables of nine can be reserved for $405 if purchased by 5 p.m. on Feb. 12. From Feb. 13 through Feb. 19, reservations are $55 per person. Seating is not guaranteed after Feb. 19. Reservations may be purchased online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ SOTCtickets.
Gourmet vegan and
vegetarian entrees are available by request. Residents who do not wish to purchase the catered lunch may still attend, at no charge, but are requested to reserve a table spot at the website above.
The program will review the accomplishments of the past year, the challenges ahead, and feature the first showing of Lakewood CityTV’s always informative and entertaining annual report video.
Take a survey to help Lakewood’s Disaster Resiliency
Share your insights in this short online survey.
The City of Lakewood invites the community to participate in the city’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) by sharing your experiences and insights in an online survey, and encouraging others to as well.
What is the LHMP?
The LHMP is a plan that seeks to improve the resilience of communities, reducing their vulnerability to damage, loss or disruption from natural or humancaused hazards.
While the city cannot entirely eliminate natural and human-caused risks to the community, the LHMP aims to enhance community safety.
By conducting a thorough evaluation of potential threats and crafting a unified approach to address them, the LHMP fosters better coordination and collaboration among the city, public agencies, businesses, service providers and residents.
How you can help
Your engagement in the planning process is vital as it brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. As community members, you have unique insights into local hazards and vulnerabilities based on your experiences and observations.
• Take the online survey. Your input is crucial for Lakewood to better grasp the vulnerabilities of the community.
• Share the survey. Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to get involved in the planning process and share the link to take the survey.
You can take the survey at www.tinyurl.com/ LakewoodLHMP or visit the city’s webpage with more details (including the survey link) at www.lakewoodcity. org/LHMP
If you are unable to attend, the video and Mayor Todd Rogers’ remarks will be available on the city website (www.lakewoodcity.org) the day after the event, and through the city’s weekly
eMagazine, which residents can subscribe to at www. lakewoodcity.org/subscribe. For more information, call the city’s Community Relations Office at 562866-9771, ext. 3123.
Donuts with a Deputy
Come enjoy a donut and coffee while chatting with Lakewood Sheriff Station Deputies and Lakewood’s Public Safety Department staff on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. at Fresh Donuts, at 4140 South St. All ages are welcome.
• The first 50 people to attend get a free delicious donut.
• The first 20 people to attend get a free coffee mug.
• Raffle entry for a $50 gift card to Albertsons (must be present to win).
• Free coffee and a great time for all!
Donuts with a Deputy is part of Lakewood’s ongoing work to provide lots of opportunities for residents to meet with and get to know Lakewood public Safety Department personnel and LASD Deputy Sheriffs serving the Lakewood community.
COMMUNITY
Lakewood Run is healthy fun for a good cause
Rain or shine, the 2025 Lakewood Run returns the morning of Saturday, March 1 when Deputy Sheriffs, recreational runners, families and kids will gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station for the event’s 5K Run/Walk/Ruck or the 10K Run course for time.
This year’s theme is “Unleash your Inner Champion” and 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.
The event features a Health Expo, public safety equipment displays and programs, live entertainment, prizes and giveaways, a scavenger hunt, costume contest, and food trucks.
The Lakewood Run is presented by the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station and Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach.
Your support of the Lakewood Run funds the Soroptimist International of Lakewood/ Long Beach Live Your Dream program to assist women who provide the primary financial support for their families by giving them resources to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Proceeds also benefit high school girls through the Dream It, Be It program that provides access to professional role models and career education.
Rain or shine, avid runners, walkers, families and kids enjoy the Lakewood Run.
In addition, Run proceeds help local organizations such as Su Casa~Ending Domestic Violence, Friends of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Fund, and 9-9-9 for Kids (a
Presidents
program benefitting foster children in L.A. County).
Get all the details at the Lakewood Run website and register online now at www. lakewoodrun.com.
Day city service info
City Hall will be closed Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day. Trash service will continue as usual. There will be no street sweeping and no makeup sweep. There will be no DASH Transit service available.
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, extension 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.
Apply for Pan Am Association scholarships
by March 7
The Lakewood Pan American Association’s annual scholarship program is now accepting applications. Scholarships to help pay future college or trade school costs will be awarded in the range of $750 to $2,000.
High school seniors are eligible to apply if they:
• Reside in Lakewood (2 years or longer).
• Attend any public or private school in Lakewood or the surrounding area.
• Are enrolled at any accredited college, university or trade school for the Fall 2025 term.
• Are active in the community and at school (not restricted to Lakewood).
The theme for the 2025 scholarship essay is “Why are you so special to you?” Completed applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 7.
For more details and to apply, visit www. LakewoodPanAm.org.
The Lakewood Pan American Association is a civic organization that
Applications open to Lakewood residents who are high school seniors.
provides diverse cultural and educational opportunities for residents of Lakewood.
February is Black History Month
Celebrated every February, Black History Month is filled with events, exhibitions, shared resources and discussions on the Black experience in America. This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. The City of Lakewood joins the federal government, state government and hundreds of public and private organizations in paying tribute to this important commemoration and theme.
A key element of Lakewood’s Community Dialogue on Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating the diversity of cultures in our community. On behalf of the Lakewood City Council, Mayor Todd Rogers has issued a proclamation in recognition of Black History Month, found at www.lakewoodcity.org/BlackHistoryMonth
Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has themed recreation programming including movie screenings, cooking classes, arts and crafts and more for the entire month of February.
The Los Angeles County Library has curated a booklist (lacountylibrary.org/aabhm-booklist/) sharing a range of voices that continue to tell the stories of African American struggle, history, art and love. It will also host many in-person events in celebration of Black History Month at branches across the region, including Lakewood’s two libraries.
Angelo M. Iacoboni Library
Check the event calendar at https://visit.lacountylibrary. org/events to register.
African American and Black History Month: Activism through Art
• Thursday, Feb. 6, 4 - 5 p.m.
• Teens ages 13-17
Learn about youth activism and its impact, then create your activist coaster in support of a cause you care about.
Celebrate African American & Black History Month: Romare Bearden Collages
• Friday, Feb. 7, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• Kids ages 6-12.
Join the Barnsdall Arts Center to learn about the colorful and abstract work of African American artist Romare Bearden. Create your own collage and learn how printmaking works!
George Nye, Jr. Library
Dream like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Kids ages 5-12.
Join us to celebrate MLK Day in remembering the strides he and other civil rights leaders made towards peace, freedom and justice for all. You will have a chance to put your dreams for 2025 and beyond on paper, so you can watch them come to life! All materials provided.
COMMUNITY
Lakewood youth recognized at MLK event
Twenty-two Lakewood youth were honored as winners and runners-up at the second annual MLK Day art and essay contest sponsored by the Lakewood Interfaith Council and held at the Lakewood Family YMCA on Jan. 19.
Over 100 people, including parents and family of the winning youth attended the event, which included welcoming remarks from Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers and keynote remarks from Dr. Olubunmi Bakare, director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Miller Children’s & Womens Hospital in Long Beach. The MC for the event was Shannon Stewart, founder of Helping Hands Giving Hope and past president of the Lakewood Family YMCA Board.
The theme of the event and the art and essay contest was “How do you see unity in our community?” Students, including those attending YMCA’s after-school program, were asked to reflect on that question and the principles of racial equality and non-violent social change advocated by Dr. King. The winning essays and pieces of art were displayed
Fifth grade student Emily Reyes with her winning MLK art and essay. throughout the YMCA event room for attendees to view. Two performances by the Chosen Vessels dance troupe rounded out the special event.
“To the winners of the essay and art contest, congratulations and thank you,” said Mayor Rogers. “Your hard work, creativity and thoughtfulness in bringing Dr. King’s message to life is inspiring for the future. Your efforts help ensure that his powerful vision of equality, justice and peace will continue to resonate for generations to come.”
Free income tax help by appointment
Volunteers at Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center are ready to assist low-income families, individuals and seniors in preparing their basic tax returns. Appointments are required and are available Mondays and Thursdays from Feb. 3 through April 14.
Call 562-630-6141 to make an appointment. The Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue.
If you are filing a joint return, both husband and wife must come to the appointment. Individuals with appointments should be prepared to bring in
their government-issued identification, pertinent tax information (W-2 or 1099 forms) and last year’s tax return. The returns generally take about two hours to prepare, and every return is reviewed by a second tax preparer before they’re filed.
The service is a nationwide AARP Foundation program called “Tax-Aide.” Through a cadre of trained volunteers, Tax-Aide has helped low- to moderateincome individuals for more than 40 years across the nation.
The program helps taxpayers receive
applicable tax credits and deductions. Tax-Aide is free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. For more information, visit www. aarp.org/taxaide.
Volunteers WILL:
• Prepare simple forms, including sale of homes and rental property (NO depreciation).
• Prepare Schedules A, B, C & D.
• Prepare K-1 (Interest & Dividends only).
• Refer technical questions/returns to the IRS or other professional
assistance.
Volunteers WILL NOT:
• Prepare complicated returns such as rental property with depreciation.
• Prepare business returns or complicated K-1.
• Answer technical questions for which they have not been trained.
• Refer taxpayers to any firm.
• Accept fees.
