Lakewood Community News - January 2023

Lakewood CommunityNews

Lakewood Center safety ranks very high

• While specifics of the Lakewood Center security program are confidential, it is a highly trained and impressive team. It includes undercover personnel who provide an extra level of protection for shoppers.

NBC4’s Lynette Romero helps honor Lakewood heroes

Fewer crimes are committed at Lakewood Center per 100,000 visitors each year than at other shopping malls surveyed in the south Los Angeles County region.

An average of 2.1 crimes per 100,000 visitors occurred at neighboring major shopping malls compared to only 1.2 crimes at Lakewood Center, based on statistics newly compiled for 2021-22.

“Creating a safe environment at Lakewood Center is a priority for the City of Lakewood, and we’re glad the statistics bear out that our efforts in partnership with the mall and the Sheriff’s Department

work,” said Mayor Steve Croft.

Steps that the city and Lakewood Center take in partnership to ensure safety:

• The city and Lakewood Center partner to provide Deputy Sheriffs to patrol the center year-round.

• Over the past year, Lakewood Deputy Sheriffs have stepped up proactive policing at the mall, focusing on spotting potential suspicious behavior.

• The mall’s own security team and Lakewood Deputy Sheriffs jointly staff a Safety Center at the mall for maximum collaboration.

• Lakewood Center Security Officers go beyond securing Lakewood Center; they also provide valuable customer service. For example, mall Security Officers have been honored at Lakewood’s Award of Valor event for lifesaving measures performed on a guest having a medical emergency at the mall.

“Lakewood Center has been extremely important to the economic health of our community since it opened as America’s largest shopping mall in the 1950s,” said Croft.

“As statistics show, Lakewood Center remains a very safe place to shop, and I hope Lakewood residents will continue to make it a place they visit and patronize for their convenience, personal benefit and the economic betterment of our community.” ♦

Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I Have A Dream” speech and the key points of his philosophy of non-violent political action and communication, which was a major force in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s and remains an inspiration today.

Every November, Lakewood honors the brave acts of heroism demonstrated by the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department, as well as good Samaritans and volunteers from Lakewood who protect and serve our community.

NBC4 “Today in LA” anchor Lynette Romero hosted the Nov. 15 Award of Valor luncheon at The Centre in Lakewood with over 400 people in attendance. Forty-two residents and Sheriff’s and Fire personnel were honored. Among those honored were:

• Four L.A. County firefighters who responded to a dangerous fire at a Lakewood gymnasium after hours with reports of a person trapped inside. In the search through heavy smoke for the trapped

person, a fire captain fell into a six-foot-deep gymnasts’ foam pit which had filled up with water making it nearly impossible to escape.

• A security guard from Lakewood’s new nighttime enhanced security patrol who took quick and sensitive action to help a distraught man who approached him on a Lakewood street saying that he wanted to kill himself, possibly by driving his car into a wall.

• A Lakewood resident who keenly observed something amiss with a man looking into a vehicle on her block.

You can watch the short video clips of these stories to learn what happened next at www. lakewoodcity.org/AOVrecap

See the video of the full Award of Valor event at www. lakewoodcity.org/AOVvideo. ♦

Save $70 on your annual property tax

Dr. King speaking at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.

The City of Lakewood will honor the life and message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the national commemoration of his birthday on Jan. 16.

On behalf of the Lakewood

City Council, Mayor Steve Croft will issue a proclamation in recognition of Dr. King. The city will also publicize some of Dr. King’s works at www. lakewoodcity.org/MLK, including audio of his famous

“I encourage our residents to listen to and read these treasures of American history,” said Croft. “This is another important step toward furthering the goals of our Community Dialogue, which is to build on all the good in Lakewood and make our city the safest and most welcoming place it can be, for everyone. ♦

L.A. County Assessor Jeffrey Prang is reminding residents to file for the “Homeowners’ Exemption” to save $70 a year on their property taxes. An owner only needs to apply one time, and the exemption is then deducted from your property taxes every year automatically.

To receive the $70 exemption, you must own the home and it must be your principal residence on Jan. 1. Apply using Form BOE-266 (Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption) from the County Assessor’s website at https:// tinyurl.com/savepropertytax

New property owners will automatically receive a Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption. Homeowners’ Exemptions may also apply to a supplemental assessment if the prior owner did not claim the exemption. Further instructions are included with the claim form.

Call 213-974-3211 or 888-807-2111 for forms and additional information. ♦

Lynette Romero of NBC4’s “Today in LA” hosted the Award of Valor.

How was 2022 in Lakewood?

By Mayor Steve Croft

parks. Some of our community facilities are 50-60 years old and they need to be repaired or updated in order to continue our good service to residents. Thanks to Measure L, we now have the funds to do that work and keep our community in good shape for the future.

Public safety is always a top priority in Lakewood, and this year our healthy financial situation let us make some strategic investments in that key area.

businesses at shopping malls these days.

This is a time when many of us look back at the year gone by to review the highlights and take stock of what we did…and what we need to do in the next year!

I’d like to spend a few moments with you to do that in terms of the community we all call home, Lakewood.

The year 2022 continued to be one of recovery and renewal in Lakewood in terms of the COVID pandemic. We are still not out of the woods yet, of course, as we brace ourselves and take precautions for a possible wintertime surge of COVID and two other contagious diseases. But community life is definitely more open, with a better sense of togetherness in 2022 than in the two previous years.

The city held two iconic Lakewood events (the Civic Center Block Party and Pan Am Fiesta) in person for the first time since the pandemic began, and thousands of Lakewood residents enjoyed them. Our Concerts in the Park also returned to their traditional setting for the full summer, and many other community programs were back in swing as well.

Lakewood’s financial situation continued its renewal to a healthy, sustainable position for the long term, thanks largely to Lakewood Measure L.

Our community’s healthy financial situation enables us to fully maintain our parks and facilities, city services, and public safety programs…and make careful, strategic improvements in those areas.

This year, we installed new picnic shelters at two parks and a tot lot playground at one park, and began the planning process on repairs and renovations at several other

Increases in property theft, including catalytic converters, is a nationwide problem, but we wanted to do all we could at the local level in Lakewood to combat the problem. Our efforts included paying for extra Deputy Sheriff patrols to target areas with an uptick in crime, and new private security patrols to provide extra visibility and eyes and ears on the ground during the overnight hours. We also created a program to provide rebates to Lakewood residents to install home security video cameras.

Lakewood received an award from the organization “Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft” for our crime fighting efforts and results, which included a substantially reduced level of catalytic converter thefts in Lakewood compared to neighboring communities. We can’t claim to have solved the problem, but we have made an impact, and it’s something the city will keep working on in the year ahead.

Our local economy had some bright spots, but also some disappointments in 2022.

We had dozens of businesses (large and small) make the decision to invest in Lakewood as a place to start or expand their operations.

F&M Bank invested over $10 million in purchasing and renovating the building at Lakewood and Del Amo Blvds. They have employees relocating there now from other bank sites around the region…an optimistic sign for our community.

But we also had businesses start the process of closing, like Bed Bath & Beyond at Lakewood Center. That company is closing many locations nationwide, so it is not a Lakewood-specific issue, but it does point out the current and worrisome dynamics of retail

The City Council and city staff, along with expert consultants we have contracted with, will be looking at these economic issues closely in the year ahead in order to confront those challenges. Lakewood will do all that we can at the local level to maintain and attract businesses, jobs and shopping options in Lakewood, and to maximize other opportunities for economic improvements. Looking ahead, we have a number of exciting projects and developments in the works for 2023 and beyond.

Overall, 2022 was a good year for Lakewood, but we do face challenges and we will have a solid to-do list facing us as a community in 2023.

Life, of course, is a series of challenges. As your mayor and with my City Council colleagues, I look forward to taking on those that we face in Lakewood. We start the year in a very good position with the resources and community cohesion we need to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.

As you and your family approach the new year with its challenges and opportunities for you as well, my Lakewood City Council colleagues and I send you best wishes for success, health and happiness. Happy New Year to everyone in Lakewood! ♦

Play at Palms: Movie Night Under the Stars featuring SONIC the Hedgehog 2 Bring the entire family and enjoy an evening of FREE family fun and movie entertainment under the stars at Palms Park, 12305 207th St. on Friday, Jan. 13. Guests can bring chairs and a picnic and enjoy a fun evening with their families. Check in begins at 6 p.m. with the movie scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park. For more information call the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408 or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/catalog

Adult softball and volleytennis registration

Registration for Lakewood’s adult softball and volleytennis fall leagues will take place between Jan. 9 and 27, 2023.

• Softball leagues play on various weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

• Volleytennis plays on Monday evenings.

All ability levels are encouraged.

Registration is taken at City Hall. Registration packets are available now at www.lakewoodcity.org/sports or by calling 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.

Volunteer Day seeks project sites in Lakewood

One of Lakewood’s enduring traditions is Volunteer Day, where residents of all ages help their neighbors in need and make the community a better place.

The Volunteer Day program is looking for project sites for its Saturday, April 15, 2023 cleanup and fix-up event. More than 500 volunteers will fan out on that

day to locations throughout Lakewood to donate a morning’s work to help their neighbors in need. Teams of volunteers 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 project and meet the selection criteria, please go to www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteerdaysite or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512.

Hall of Fame tickets on sale

Tickets for the 41st annual Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame banquet will be on sale at city hall starting Jan. 17. The awards banquet is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at The Centre and will honor the 2022 Athlete of the Year and more than 25 other deserving athletes and coaches.

If purchased by Feb. 14, discounted tickets are $37 for adults and $27 for students; if purchased between Feb. 15 and 21, ticket prices are $43 and $33 respectively. Reservation deadline is Feb. 21. Call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408 for more information or to purchase tickets. ♦

Special Delivery! City Council honors homeowners

Beautiful’s prize categories include the Beautiful Home Award, Transformation Award and Water Wise Award, which is an additional designation for any home winning the aforementioned two categories that also uses efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant landscaping.

Sixteen homes received the Water Wise distinction this year.

Lakewood parking reminders

A Lakewood Beautiful water-wise home.

Many residents whose homes were selected as part of the Lakewood Beautiful Home Awards program received a special delivery recently when Lakewood City Council Members hand-delivered commemorative signs to the lucky recipients.

Over the course of two weekends, the five members of Lakewood City Council individually visited the doorsteps of winning homeowners to congratulate them on the honor and present a commemorative lawn sign displaying their winning category.

Winners enjoyed chatting with a council member and sharing the love and pride they have for their homes and Lakewood. The special delivery was marked with a photo of the homeowner and council member holding the lawn sign. You can watch a video to see how some of the visits went and browse the photo gallery of honorees at www.lakewoodcity.

org/LakewoodBeautifulWinners

Of the 180 nominations received in 2022, 55 homes were selected for honors. Lakewood

Last year marked the introduction of the Neat & Tidy Award as new category to Lakewood Beautiful. Honoring the dedicated efforts of residents whose homes impressed judges with a clean aesthetic and positive first impression, 22 homes claimed this year’s honor, reflecting the fastidious work of their homeowners.

Interested in nominating your home or a neighbor’s home next year? Nominations open up in spring 2023, plenty of time to start sprucing up your homes and front yards. Learn more by visiting www.Lakewoodcity. org/lakewoodbeautiful. ♦

Parking rules are designed for an orderly and safe neighborhood.

When parking your car in your driveway and driveway apron, remember to NOT block or overhang the sidewalk. Overhanging the sidewalk is a hazard for pedestrians, especially disabled residents, and is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Lakewood Municipal Code. Parking is not allowed in alleys as they are considered a passage way and parked vehi-

cles inhibit traffic flow. You will not see any “No Parking” signs posted, as they are not required under California law. You may temporarily park in an alley only on your street-sweeping day and time. Please move your vehicle back onto the street by the end of the street-sweeping day and time in your neighborhood track.

For more information, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/Parking. ♦

Lakewood Leadership Academy deadline

munication skills, build great 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.

Tips to jump start your weight loss in the New Year

the next day. Setting a certain bedtime and sticking to it will also help your body get the rest that it needs to burn stubborn fat. “Not having a good night’s rest can lead to craving sugar and fatty foods, which can also lead to weight gain,” says McCormick.

3. Work out in 10-minute sets

Program is open to anyone 21+ who lives/works in Lakewood.

Apply by Jan. 18 to be part of the Lakewood Leadership Academy’s class of 2023. The first session will be held Jan. 30, 2023.

Sponsored by the City of Lakewood and the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, with funding from L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the Lakewood Leadership Academy is designed to educate and develop effective community leaders to play an active role in the Lakewood community in the years ahead.

The program is designed to:

• Educate attendees about the depth and breadth of public agencies and community-based organizations that serve Lakewood.

• Teach attendees how to balance work and personal life demands, develop effective com-

Participants meet monthly for nine Wednesday half-day sessions (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.

For more information, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/LLA. ♦

(StatePoint) With the New Year right around the corner, new survey results suggest that 2023 will finally be the year that Americans bring their health back into focus.

According to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 30 and above commissioned by Nutrisystem and conducted by OnePoll, two in three Americans credit the past two years with teaching them how important their health really is. However, for many, losing weight can seem like a difficult task. The truth of the matter is it doesn’t have to be. Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers the following tips to help you take that step toward a healthier you.

1. Keep healthy food in sight

Having healthy food at arm’s reach can make losing weight easier. A Cornell study found that women who kept a bowl of fruit where they could see it weighed an average of 13 pounds less than those who didn’t.

2. Give yourself a bedtime

Children aren’t the only ones who need a bedtime! Adults need a set bedtime as well to be productive

Grants and loans available to low-income residents for home repairs

If you’re short on time or have back-to-back meetings, working out in intervals of 10 minutes three times a day creates more flexibility in your busy schedule. Doing this creates long-term healthy habits that will help you lose and maintain weight.

4. Drink more water

What’s not to love about water? It’s hydrating and keeps your body healthy. Water aids digestive health, regulates body temperature and even aids in losing weight and maintaining the weight loss. This is because water helps you stay full between meals and avoid unnecessary snacking. In fact, feeling hungry is often a sign that you’re actually thirsty and it’s time to get hydrated.

5. Forgive a slip-up

Mistakes can actually help you understand what is healthy for your body. Having a slip-up allows you to consider the progress you’re making in your weight loss journey and be able to hold yourself accountable when making future healthy decisions.

For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem’s The Leaf, at leaf.nutrisystem.com

There is no better time than now to focus on your overall health and wellness goals. When you are geared with the tools to succeed, living a healthier lifestyle is easily achievable. ♦

Using special federal and other housing funds, the City of Lakewood administers a Fix-Up, Paint-Up program utilizing grant funds to paint the exterior of single-family homes as well as interest-free, deferred-payment loans of up to $18,000 for low-income residents to repair and rehabilitate their homes.

To qualify, your home must be a single-family, owneroccupied dwelling in Lakewood. The family must meet the income limits set by the federal government, which are $66,750 for a resident living alone, and $95,300 for a household of four. (Income limits adjust based on household size.) Other restrictions apply.

Grant funds for approved Fix-Up, Paint-Up program projects never need to be paid back by homeowners. The interest-free, deferred payment loans only need to be paid back when the house is sold or refinanced or the title is transferred.

For information on the type of improvements covered by the program and how to qualify, call City Hall at 562866-9771, ext. 2320 or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/HomeRehabProgram. ♦

Lakewood Run just around the corner

this family-friendly event.

Early bird registration fees are in effect through Jan. 31. The fee is $45 for the 5K Run/Walk, $50 for the 5K Ruck, or $50 for the 10K Run.

Spring recreation catalog online Jan. 13

Residents can register for classes and programs online starting Jan. 13 and non-residents can register beginning Jan. 23 at

Avid runners, fitness athletes, families and kids are welcome.

The 32nd annual Lakewood Run, “Warriors Building a Healthier Community,” returns on Saturday, March 4, 2023. 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.

New this year, participants can do a 5K Ruck. Rucking is the action of walking with a weighted rucksack (backpack) on your back. Rucking is a low-impact exercise based on military training workouts.

Check out the Lakewood Run website and register online now at www.lakewoodrun.com/registration

All participants will be supporting Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach and Lakewood Sheriff’s Station charity efforts while they pursue their personal best in the 5K/10K event for time or just for fun in

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.

For participants and spectators, the day includes a fitness expo and displays of public safety equipment and programs. There is also live entertainment and special giveaways from Lakewood-area businesses.

To inquire about group rate entries or to get more event information, email info@lakewoodrun.com. ♦

Residents can register online starting Jan. 13.

The new Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Spring Catalog will be posted online Friday, Jan. 13 at www.lakewoodcity.org/Catalog

A limited number of hard copies of the catalog will be 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.

www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog, or by calling City Hall at 562866-9771, ext. 2408. ♦

To keep Lakewood clean and attractive, the city encourages residents to report anyone dump-

ing in alleys and parkways. It’s a violation of the law, and the city will pursue illegal dumpers.

How to report dumping

• If you see dumping in action, get the license plate number and description of the perpetrators, and call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station business line at 562-6233500.

• To report material that’s already been dumped, call City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140.

“The city has implemented a

number of efforts to crack down on illegal dumping…and to keep Lakewood beautiful,” said Mayor Steve Croft.

“Lakewood residential trash customers have plenty of options for disposing of large and bulky items free of charge, so there’s no reason for anyone to illegally dump. It’s irresponsible, against the law, and costs our city taxpay-

ers time and money to pick up,” said Croft.

Call for a free pickup of bulky items

Residential trash customers can call Lakewood’s disposal contractor, EDCO, at 562-531-3054, before 3:30 p.m. at least one day prior to your regular trash collection day for a free Bulky Item Pickup. It’s a convenient way to get rid of large, unwanted household items, including mattresses, water heaters, sofas and chairs.

Lakewood customers get six free Bulky Item Pickups a year of up to six items each time. Lakewood residents are fortunate because most cities provide fewer pickups a year. Lakewood’s Bulky Item Pickup service resumes on Jan. 9, 2023.

If you can, don’t dispose…donate or recycle

The City of Lakewood encourages residents to consider giving unwanted items a second life by having them re-used rather than disposed. There are numerous local shelters, non-profits, repair shops and thrift stores that may be willing to take unwanted household items. Go to www. lakewoodcity.org/bulkystuff for a list of local agencies that welcome donations. Some even pick up for free.

E-waste, such as TVs and computer equipment, can also be disposed of for free through a Bulky Item Pickup or at EDCO’s transfer station at 2755 California Ave., Signal Hill on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hazardous waste like paint, oil and household chemicals can also be dropped off at EDCO’s transfer station. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/specialtrash for more information. E-waste and hazardous waste should not be placed in your regular trash.

Lakewood apartment residents should talk with their property managers about programs they have in place to dispose of bulky items. Apartment residents and others can take mattresses and other bulky items to EDCO’s transfer station in Signal Hill for a reasonable fee. The station is open seven days a week for these disposals. For hours and other details, go to www.lakewoodcity. org/EDCOtransferstation. ♦

Call to report illegally dumped items.

Holiday changes to trash and city services

Lakewood City Hall will be closed the week of Dec. 26-30. Here are trash and other city service details for the year-end holiday period and the Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration on Jan. 16:

Trash service

• Trash pick-up for the weeks of Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 will continue as usual.

• EDCO will pick up gift and appliance boxes and extra holiday trash (up to 10 standardsize bags) placed about two feet from your cart on your normal trash day from Dec. 26-30.

• Bulky item pickup service returns Jan. 9.

Tree recycling

• Trees left on your parkway or next to the curb on your regular trash day Dec. 26-30 will be picked up for recycling. Flocked trees are OK, but no decorations. Wooden tree stands may be left on the tree. Trees over six feet tall must be cut in half.

• In January, trees must be cut to fit inside your green waste cart (unflocked trees) or your regular cart (flocked trees). Flocked trees cannot be recycled and will contaminate a load of green waste if they are placed in green waste carts.

Street sweeping and citations

• Street sweeping in residential areas will occur as normal Dec. 27-30 and Jan. 3-6. There will be no street sweeping on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 and no makeup sweeps.

• The city will not issue street sweeping-parking citations from Dec. 23-Jan. 6 in order to accommodate school closures and the large number of people home during those weeks. However, if you can, please move your vehicles off the street during street-sweeping hours to help your street get the cleanest possible sweep.

• Parking enforcement for non-street-sweeping violations, such as parking in red zones or blocking sidewalks, will continue.

On Monday, Jan. 16, Lakewood City Hall will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, but trash pickup and street sweeping will occur as usual. There will be no street sweepingparking citations issued.

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. ♦

Kids enjoy creating their own cards for the campaign.

Each year, the City of Lakewood collects handmade cards and heartfelt greetings from residents, businesses and community groups that take a moment to share their appreciation

for U.S. military servicemembers overseas during the holidays.

Many individuals and groups helped significantly with the effort, now in its ninth con-

secutive year. A majority of the submissions came from children, elementary through high school-aged students, from in and around Lakewood. Service organizations and faith-based groups also contributed thousands to this year’s program.

Since the launch of Lakewood's 'Thank a Servicemember' campaign, and including this year’s greetings, more than 40,000 cards, greetings have been sent overseas during the holidays. They are shipped via the military support group Operation Gratitude.

“Now, more than ever, our military personnel deserve our gratitude for their continued sacrifices,” said Mayor Croft. “Thank you for all who took the time to give Lakewood’s appreciation to the brave men and women who serve our nation, defend our freedoms and keep us safe.” ♦

Chamber of Commerce 2023 Board Members

Jose Solache President/CEO

Brad Crihfield Immediate Past Chair

David Arellano Board Chair

Sherry Daisey Secretary

Mark Dameron Treasurer

Joanie Dixson Vice Board Chair