Lakewood
News
Community
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce | 30,000 Circulation - Delivered to every home in Lakewood www.lakewoodchamber.com
Volume 40 Number 08
Volunteers who go above and beyond during COVID-19
members, who donated money and purchased groceries for Project Shepherd’s food bank, as well as making and distributing over 2,000 face shields to local healthcare centers. • All of Lakewood’s service organizations, who joined with the City of Lakewood and Lakewood Center mall in providing drive-through care packages to residents in need at the Lakewood Cares event in May. The event was made possible Lakewood resident Linda Manis shows some of the 2,200 cloth face by the generosity of dozens coverings she made for neighbors and community groups. of Lakewood residents and Throughout the COV- 2,200 cloth face coverings businesses. ID-19 crisis, many Lake- for various neighbors and If you are interested in wood individuals, busi- community groups. seeing how you can help, nesses and organizations • Soroptimist members, visit www.lakewoodcity. have stepped up to help who assisted the YMCA org/volunteer or www.lakeneighbors in need and sup- with wellness checks of se- woodcity.org/projectshepport the important work of niors. herd. essential healthcare work- • Meals on Wheels and See a photo gallery ers, including: Health Services Associa- of Lakewood commu• Lakewood Neighborhood tion volunteers, who dis- nity volunteers in action Watch block captain and tribute food regularly to se- at www.lakewoodcity. city commissioner Linda niors and the home-bound. org/2020Volunteers. ♦ Manis, who has sewed • Rotary Club of Lakewood
Virtual Concerts in the Park
Enjoy virtual summer concerts online.
As large public gatherings are still prohibited due to COVID-19, Lakewood re-imagined the popular Concerts in the Park series as a new Virtual Summer Concert lineup, releasing a new video performance each Thursday at 5:30 p.m. from June 18 through August 6. The series concludes with
a Best of Summer Concerts Finale first available at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6. Prior concerts featured: • Knyght Ryder (‘80s tribute) • Boys of Summer (Eagles tribute) • 90s210 (‘90s tribute) • Billy Erickson & the Bandits (Country)
• Stone Soul (Motown tribute) • The Answer (Classic Rock) You can watch any that you missed by clicking on the band’s photo on the Concerts page at www. lakewoodcity.org/Concerts. Set up your laptop on the patio, gather the family, and fire up the barbeque for a summer evening of good food, fun and fantastic music at home! ♦
August 2020
Summer is a great time for Lakewood’s nature trails
San Gabriel River Nature Trail is perfect for a summer walk.
Longer days and warm evenings make summer the perfect time to enjoy Lakewood’s beautiful nature trails. Walking trails, bike trails and facilities border virtually all of the San Gabriel River as it runs through Lakewood south from Candlewood Street to Carson Street. Scenic routes are available on either side of the river. At Rynerson Park there is a 1-mile walking trail and cycling trailhead for the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. Across the river is the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail where a round trip from Candlewood Street to Carson Street is a 2.5-mile trek. Native flora and fauna were reintroduced on the nature trail to give residents the chance to see what the Lakewood region used to look like. “Our Nature Trail is enjoyed regularly by hundreds of Lakewood residents who relax--walking or jogging--through its native habitat,” said Mayor Todd Rogers. “As I hope you’ll experience as you walk the trail, getting into a natural setting like this can be very relaxing and inspiring—and it’s wonderful to have close by in your own community.” Visitors to the Nature Trail should keep these trail rules in mind:
• Remember to keep a sixfoot physical distance between yourself and other walkers on the path. • Wear a face covering when people come close. • Stay on the designated trail for your safety. • Leave the trail as you find it; dispose of litter properly and don’t disturb the wildlife. • Dogs must be on leashes 6 feet or less; please pick up after your dog. • Observe the trail hours: from dawn to dusk, year round. • No parking from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Walk the trail from one of four entry points: • Enter at Carson Street on the south end • Enter on Del Amo Boulevard at the north end • Park at Monte Verde Park, 4626 N. Shadeway Rd. and enter at this trailhead • Park and enter off Candlewood Street at Knoxville Avenue See the Nature Trail brochure, featuring a map and parking information, at www.lakewoodcity.org/naturetrail. Lakewood's neighborhood parks also offer fitness trails for exercising close to home. You can see the measured mileage for each park and fitness trail route at www.lakewoodcity.org/fitnesstrails. ♦
Today
Lakewood
Page 2
www.lakewoodchamber.com
August 2020
One of the great things about living in Lakewood is the community spirit of our residents and civic organizations. And sure enough during these tough times, many Lakewood residents and non-profit groups have stepped up to help our neighbors in need. See the article elsewhere in this Lakewood Community News that highlights some wonderful examples. I know lots of other Lakewood residents, churches, youth groups and many others have volunteered on COVID-related assistance projects. So let me send a big shout-out of thanks to
to more good news in the near future. That can only happen if we continue to maintain our safe practices of washing our hands often…wearing a mask…and keeping our physical distance when around others outside our households. It’s also important to maintain a good example for others to follow. I know the impact on our daily lives has been devastating to some and frustrating to others, but the experts seem to agree that doing these basic things will slow the spread of the virus and be key to getting us back on the reopening track…and hopefully staying there this time. So keep up the good work everyone. ♦
Making the best of challenging times By Mayor Todd Rogers
Well, just when we thought we were returning to some normalcy in our economy and way of life, along came a serious spike in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations around the country, including in California and Los Angeles County. Governors and health officers around the country have had to make the difficult decision to reduce our public interactions so we can again reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Here in California and L.A. County that means new public health orders that require many businesses to close indoor operations. That includes gyms, barber shops, nail salons, and restaurants, among others. All of us on the Lakewood City Council know that these health orders come with a real economic hit to our businesses and residents. And we’re going to do everything we can at the local level to help. We’ve started a “Dine Outdoors Lakewood” program that is fast-tracking the efforts of restaurants to set up outdoor dining tents. Many Lakewood restaurants are starting to take advantage of that. Our Lakewood summer weather provides a good opportunity to try to move many of these operations outside. Many of us have made it a point to patronize Lakewood restaurants and other businesses even more frequently than usual since the pandemic began. Our local businesses are having a tough time and really need our continued support. So, now more than ever, is a great time to Shop Lakewood, Stay Lakewood Loyal!
The City of Lakewood has also unveiled a grant program to help local small businesses. We received a modest amount of money from the federal government’s CARES Act to help with COVID-19 related activities. We’re using some of that to offer grants to small businesses affected by the pandemic. We don’t have a lot of money to offer…it’s limited to $1,000 per business…but we figured any amount might offset the costs for new signage, personal protective gear, or other costs that Lakewood businesses are incurring now.
all of you! Your help brought relief and smiles to the faces of our fellow residents who needed it during this tough time…another big reason why Lakewood is a community we love to call home. Well, I think that’s about it for this column. Sorry to remind everyone about our recent bad news with the spike in the virus, but I am happy to also report on the good things that are still happening in our community. Hopefully, all of us continuing to do our part during this pandemic will lead
Your
Minding August 2020
Summer swimming at Mayfair Pool
Swim lessons are one of the programs offered at Mayfair Pool.
The 2020 Lakewood summer aquatics program is open at Mayfair Pool, offering only programming which fits within guidelines provided by the L.A. County Department of Public Health. McCormick Pool at Bolivar Park will not be open, due to the increased costs for staffing and safety precautions required to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. Although many neighboring cities are not opening their pools at all this summer, the City of Lakewood has worked hard to provide as many swim activities as possible in the current environment and hopes to return to normal operations at both pools next summer. Programs offered at Mayfair Pool include: • Lap Swim for participants age 16 and older
The 23rd Annual Summer Stampede Car Show scheduled for Sunday, August 23rd has been cancelled. Drivers who preregistered at last year's event will be notified and refunded during the upcoming weeks.
ER LAKEW AT
M
CE
ER
CHA
BE
D OO
GR E
We apologize for any inconvenience and we hope to see you next year. R OF COM
M
Greater Lakewood CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• Water Aerobics and Aqua Zumba classes • Swim Lessons for children ages 6 months and older There will be no open swim sessions due to physical distancing requirements. All classes will maintain proper physical distancing and capacity limits for the facility. Before entering the facility, participants must complete a health screening, including a temperature check, and will be required to wear a cloth face covering to and from pool activities. The face covering will not be required while in the water. All activities will require pre-registration. Please visit www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog and enter the keyword aquatics or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. ♦
www.lakewoodchamber.com
Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day
(SPM Wire) August 26 marks National Dog Day. Not only an annual celebration honoring dogs, it is also an awareness campaign meant to encourage the public to acknowledge the overwhelming number of dogs that need to be rescued. Here are a few ways your family can celebrate the occasion: • Take your best friend on an extra long walk or take a trip to a local dog-friendly lake or beach. • Adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. • Collect and distribute supplies and donate them to a dog shelter. • Watch your favorite dog-centric movie. • Spread the word by encouraging your friends to adopt, not shop. ♦
Business Page 3
Advertise in the award winning Lakewood Community News! Call or email us at (562) 531-9733 / advertise@lakewoodchamber.com.
& Financial
Business Page 4
www.lakewoodchamber.com
August 2020
Protect Your Future with Education
August 2020
News
Community
www.lakewoodchamber.com
Page 5
News
Community Page 6
Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes
Check for hidden places on your property where mosquitoes can breed.
Mosquito season is here, as around our property. making it critical to watch It is important to rememout for breeding sources ber that COVID-19 is not inside our homes as well transmitted through the
August 2020
www.lakewoodchamber.com
bite of a mosquito. However, other dangerous viruses, such as West Nile virus, can be. While you stay close to home, take the time to protect yourself by eliminating mosquito sources around your property. Key steps: • Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs, plant saucers or anything that holds water for more than a week. • Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained. • Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly. • Wear EPA-recommended insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present. Although the Greater L.A. County Vector Control District is now closed to the public due to the COVID-19 health crisis, they will continue to respond to messages from the public by email at info@glacvcd. org. Home inspections will be determined on a caseby-case basis and will be conducted contact-free with the resident. For further information and to subscribe to the District’s e-Alert notifications, visit www.glacvcd. org. ♦
City Hall ready to serve you online, by phone or in person
Many city services are available online or by phone.
While Lakewood City Hall is open during regular business hours for in-person assistance, many people find that they can quickly and easily get service for many tasks online or by phone, which can be especially reassuring during the coronavirus era. As a reminder: • City Hall’s phone number is 562-866-9771. • City Hall’s email address is Service1@lakewoodcity. org. • A wealth of information is on the city website at www. lakewoodcity.org. • Information related to your trash or water bill is at www.lakewoodcity.org/ UtilityBill or at 855-7854021. • Trash service continues as usual. Service questions, including requesting a free Bulky Item Pickup, can be directed to Lakewood’s
trash contractor, EDCO, at 562-531-3054. • Call 9-1-1 for a police, fire or medical emergency. • The Lakewood Sheriff’s Station 24-hour business line is 562-623-3500. If you just want to drop off a water or trash payment, you can use the box located outside the Clark Avenue entrance, which is checked throughout the day by city staff. If you need to come to City Hall in person, we are here for you. Please note access to City Hall is limited to the northeast entrance door. To access, please park in the lot off Civic Center Way and follow the check-in process. Cloth face coverings are required to enter the building. To see the complete chart of departments, phone numbers and links, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/ServiceGuide. ♦
Green August 2020
www.lakewoodchamber.com
Living
Page 7
Be careful with door-to-door solicitors
Solicitors should always show identification and a valid permit.
Lakewood is required by state and federal law to allow companies to go door to door soliciting goods and information, but Lakewood requires that all companies obtain a city business license specifically for soliciting.
The application process for a Lakewood solicitors license requires a background check. Solicitors are required to have a copy of the Lakewood business license with them at all times, and upon request, present it to potential customers.
Residents should know that a soliciting permit or license from L.A. County or another jurisdiction is not valid in Lakewood. If a solicitor comes to your door, look to see who is on the other side before opening your door. Remember, you do not have to answer the door if you do not want to. If you decide to speak with the solicitor and are unsure if the organization is legitimate, ask to see their identification along with their Lakewood solicitor business permit. To see a current list of approved companies to solicit in Lakewood, and to see an example of a City of Lakewood business license to solicit, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/solicitors. You can
Hazardous and e-waste drop-off station reopens Lakewood residents can once again, for free, take hazardous and e-waste to EDCO’s large transfer facility in Signal Hill on the second and fourth Saturday each month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility is located at 2755 California Avenue (between Spring and Willow streets), just a few miles from Lakewood. EDCO’s facility reopened on July 25, with new COVID-19 safety precautions in place: • Cloth face coverings are required to be worn by everyone. • You must stay inside your vehicle with windows closed, if possible. • Please stay home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, have been asked to quarantine, or have recently traveled internationally. EDCO staff will only remove household hazardous and electronic waste from your trunk or pickup bed. Expired medications and sharps may also be disposed of at this site. To dispose of sharps, you will be required to exit your vehicle and dispose of them in the designated area. Sharps should be brought in a heavy-duty plastic household container
that is leak resistant with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, such as a plastic laundry detergent container. Sharps containers should be upright and stable during use and properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container. EDCO’s Signal Hill dropoff location is the perfect place to dispose of household toxics like paints, insecticides, chemicals, sharps, expired medica-
tions, e-waste and used cooking and motor oil. Along with being a free option for hazardous and e-waste, the 68,000-sqarefoot facility is a traditional dump transfer station and, for a fee, takes large and oversized amounts of brick, used lumber and other material that can't be put in residential trash carts, recycling carts or green waste cans. The facility can be phoned at 562-597-0608. ♦
also call Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2622. If someone comes soliciting to your door without a Lakewood business license to solicit, you can call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station non-emergency line at 562623-3500. Remember to provide as much descriptive detail to the dispatcher as you can remember, so that deputies are able to identify the solicitor and make contact with them. You can also report them to City Hall at the number above. Please try to get the name of the company so that we can appropriately handle the violation. Bogus charities and "almost too good to be true" deals can happen in doorto-door solicitations. Ignore solicitations saying that you’ve won money or a
prize. These are almost always fraudulent and an attempt to steal your money or personal information. Scam artists create fake charity or business names that are similar to legitimate ones, which cause you to think that the solicitation is valid. Residents are strongly encouraged to not give cash to solicitors. Instead, consider making the donation in person at the organization’s official website. ♦
SH P LAKEWOOD Page 8
www.lakewoodchamber.com
SH P LAKEWOOD
August 2020
Census takers coming to your neighborhood Starting in mid-August, census takers will visit homes that haven't yet responded to the 2020 Census. A final reminder postcard was mailed the week of July 22. If you respond online or by phone today, a census taker is less likely to have to visit your home to collect your response. It’s not too late. Visit https:// my2020census.gov/ to be counted!
What to expect • Census takers will wear face coverings and follow public health guidelines when they visit your home. • Census takers are hired from your area, and their goal is to help you and everyone in your home be counted in the 2020 Census. If the census taker who visits your home does not speak your language, you may request a return visit from a census taker who does speak
your language. • If no one is home when the census taker visits, they will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail. How can you verify that someone is an authorized Census Taker? • Check to make sure they have a valid ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expira-
Census workers will be following up to ensure a full count.
tion date. • Census workers may also carry Census Bureau bags and other equipment with the Census Bureau logo.
...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL
If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 213-314-6500 to speak with a Census Bureau representative. ♦
SH P LAKEWOOD August 2020
www.lakewoodchamber.com
Page 9
SH P LAKEWOOD
SEAACA offers outdoor vaccination clinics and licensing services
Outdoor Vaccination Clinics and Licensing Services are now available at the Southeast Area Animal Control Agency (SEAACA) from Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Cloth face masks are required, and only one person per pet is allowed in line. It’s a good idea to bring water for yourself and your pet. Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/SEAACAClinic for the flyer. SEAACA’s Care Center remains closed to the pub-
Eric M. Reed, D.D.S. UCLA ‘91 / Lakewood HS ‘82
Digital X-Rays NEW PATIENT SPECIALS
• Cleaning, x-rays and exam $75 (over 60% off) • Teeth Whitening $25 (reg. $99) with Cleaning, X-Rays & Exam
Family Dentistry 2704 Del Amo Blvd. (at Paramount) Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 423-1441 www.EricReedDentistry.com
CURRENT PATIENT SPECIALS • 25% off Teeth Whitening
Free Kindergarten Dental Screening!
lic (except by appointment) and modified its operations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Field Service staff continues to respond to select calls and all emergency service calls. If you’ve lost a pet or are interested in adopting: • Please call SEAACA Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 562-8033301 to make an appointment. • Start by viewing the online listings of lost pets or pets available for adoption at www.seaaca.org. • For adoptable animals, you can place a hold over the phone by calling SEAACA at 562-803-3301 Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • When you visit at your scheduled appointment time, please note only one visitor per household is allowed, and a cloth face covering is required to enter the facility. Please note these modifications to SEAACA’s services: • No new intake of healthy cats. Animal trappers will be advised to stop actively trapping. • Owner surrenders will be referred to their veterinarian. • SEAACA is temporarily
stopping all in-house volunteers from reporting to the Care Center. • Donations will be limited to SEAACA’s Wishlist on seaaca.org. No over-thecounter items will be accepted at this time. SEAACA strives to limit physical human contact and manage the shelter’s animal population as much as possible during this time. Increased cleaning and sanitation throughout the Care Center and in the field will remain routine. In addition to external vaccination services for members of the public, the Vet-
...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL
erinary Team continues to provide medical treatment, monitor animals at the Care Center and perform spay/ neuter surgeries for adoptable pets. Please check SEAACA’s website at www.seaaca. org for updated information. ♦
News
Community Page 10
www.lakewoodchamber.com
August 2020
Most recreation programs still closed through August
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and state and county health orders, the City of Lakewood has had to cancel most recreation events and programs through the month of August. Events like Movie Night Under the Stars and Fam-
$4.00 off X-Large $3.00 off Large $2.00 off Medium $1.00 off Small
ily Play Day, and programs like Lakewood Youth Sports and Activity Zone cannot be conducted based on restrictions from the state and county Department of Public Health. Lakewood is legally obligated to follow those health safety orders.
COUPON
FREE DELIVERY(LIMITED AREA)
Not good with any other offer Limit (1) w/coupon
PIZZA
• Thin or Thick Crust OPEN FOR PICK UP AND • Salads & Sandwiches Me -n - Ed’s FREE DELIVERY Pizza Parlor PLEASE CALL & 4115 Paramount Blvd., PLACE YOUR ORDER Lakewood
Phone: 562-421-8908
The City of Lakewood continues to stay in close touch with the Department of Public Health in order to reopen facilities and programs when it can be safely done. Residents are encouraged to check the city’s website at www.lakewoodcity.org/covid19 and subscribe to the city’s eMagazine at www.lakewoodcity. org/subscribe for updates. Pools can open according to county health rules, although with tight restrictions. Although many neighboring cities are not opening their pools at all this summer, the City of
Kids can have safe, creative fun at Camp Circle.
Lakewood has worked hard to provide as many swim activities as safely possible in the current environment. See the article about Mayfair Pool activities elsewhere in the Lake-
wood Community News. The city is also providing Camp Circle, an affordable summer day camp program for children ages 6-12, offered at Mayfair and Palms Parks for eight consecutive weeks ending August 21. The program operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. To check availability, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and enter “Camp” in the search box. For more information about swim and camp programs, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/catalog or call 562-866-9771 ext. 2408. ♦
Town
Around August 2020
www.lakewoodchamber.com
You can help…be a Red Cross blood donor
Make an appointment now to donate at August 6 blood drive.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to require an urgent need for blood donations, and you can help. The American Red Cross, in cooperation with the City of Lakewood, has a blood drive set for Thursday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Maple Room at The Centre, 5000 Clark Avenue in Lakewood. Donations take about an hour. Participants are encouraged to drink plenty of water, eat a nutritious meal
Expires 8-30-20
ahead of time and bring a photo ID. Donors must wear a face covering. Please bring one with you, or one will be provided to you. Make an appointment online at http://www.redcrossblood.org with sponsor code City of Lakewood. NEW! All blood donations are now tested for COVID-19 antibodies. For details, see www.redcrossblood.org/ antibodytesting. Streamline your donation experience and save up to
$75 OFF
ANY WATER HEATER INSTALLATION 11829 Downey Ave Downey, CA 90241 (562) 861-1234
Call Now!
info@downeyplumbing.com
www.downeyplumbing.com St. Lic#: 731172
We Accept
15 minutes by visiting www. RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your predonation reading for information. Everyone who donates blood in August will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott's Berry Farm, including travel, hotel, park admission and more! Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.rcblood. org/CedarFair for details. If you can’t make this event, you can quickly find other blood drives using easy search tools at the Red Cross website or download the Blood Donor App by searching Red Cross Blood in your app store. You can donate if you: • are at least 17 years of age and 110 pounds (16 years of age with Red Cross permission slip) • are in good health the day of donation • have been in the U.S. for at least three years • have received a tattoo by a licensed body art establishment and technician in California • have piercings that were done in a sterile environment • have high cholesterol • have diabetes or blood pressure and it is under control • donated at least 56 days ago For restrictions on donations from those with health conditions (including cancer) or individuals who have traveled, please call 866236-3276. ♦
Page 11
3 1 9
Sudoku 1
5 6
2 6
8 3 1
3
2 5 9 3 2 5 1 3 9 6 2 1 1 9 6 3 8 3 1 6 2 5 4
Pick up your pencil and let's play Sudoku To be eligible for a Foggia's gift card, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall in Lakewood. The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the winner will be drawn on Wednesday, August 19,
Thanks to our Sudoku Sponsor
2020, and a call to the winner will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winner will be published in the September issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. ♦
Page 12
www.lakewoodchamber.com
August 2020