Lakewood Community News - August 2018

Lakewood

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Community

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce | 30,000 Circulation - Delivered to every home in Lakewood www.lakewoodchamber.com

Volume 36 Number 8

August 2018

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...it's time for the Summer Stampede Car Show

have a blast with our carnival-style game booths, giant inflatables, face painting and more!

There will be a wide variety of vendor booths showcasing our local businesses, raffle prizes, and award-winning opportunities to all our custom, street rods, and restored classic car entrees!

Sponsorships and vendor booths are still available, and we are also still accepting donations for raffle prizes and goody bags.

For more information, please call the Lakewood Chamber office at (562) 531-9733 or email events@lakewoodchamber.com. ♦

Turn to page 5 for the Vendor Registration Form, and page 7 for the Vehicle Registration form. Mail or drop off at 4111 South St, Unit E (upstairs).

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is revving up for their 21st Annual Summer Stampede Car Show!

This year’s event is right around

the corner on Sunday, August 12th from 8am to 3pm at Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Ave in Lakewood.

Join us for a day filled with fun, food and fantastic classic cars! It’s

the perfect way to finish off the summer!

Live entertainment will be provided by Lakewood favorite, The Retros and tasty food trucks will

Family fun at Summer Fest at Lakewood Center

Lakewood Center is hosting the “Lakewood Community Summer Fest” on Saturday, August 18 from 3 to 9 p.m. outside the mall near El Torito restaurant.

The event will include food trucks, inflatable rides, a fashion show, the onstage recognition of Lakewood heroes and free giveaways.

A special feature will be a concert by the ‘80s group Knyght Ryder, one of the perennial favorite bands at Lakewood’s Concert in the Parks. They’ll hit the stage at 6 p.m.

“Summer Fest is one of our

ways of saying thank-you to the Lakewood community,” said Lakewood Center Senior Property Manager Deena Henry.

“As a Lakewood resident myself, I know how local families love an opportunity for some affordable fun close to home, and Lakewood Center wants to be a place you can do that!”

The special day is sponsored

by Lakewood Center in conjunction with the City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Sheriff ’s Station.

“Lakewood Center has been extremely important to the economic health of our commu-

nity since it opened as America’s largest regional mall in the 1950s,” said Lakewood Mayor Steve Croft. “I hope residents from Lakewood will come to the mall for this day and night of fun. I know I’m looking forward to it!”

For more information, call Lakewood Center at 562-6330437 or go to www.shoplakewoodcenter.com/events.

Schedule of activities for Summer Fest includes: 3–9 p.m. outside fun near El Torito including: • Live musical entertainment • Beverage garden for adults • Fashion show • Honoring local heroes, such as veterans, Sheriffs, firefighters, security personnel and teachers • Food trucks • Community groups • Retailer booths • Inflatable fun zone for kids 6–9 p.m. Free concert by popular ‘80s band Knyght Ryder There will be large tents for shade with chairs. Feel free to bring your own chairs too. ♦

be on site to satisfy your cravings while you check out all the shiny vintage cars.

The interactive kids zone is perfect for the little ones and they’ll

SEE YOU THERE!

IRELAND Stop dreaming.

Start going.

Enjoy a magical and exciting trip to Ireland! Experience 8 days of stunning scenery, iconic landmarks and quaint villages, complete with round trip airfare, daily breakfast, hotel stay and many more amazing surprises!

Visit the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce booth at the 21st Annual Summer Stampede Car Show on August 12th and enter our $50 opportunity drawing to win a spot on our beautiful trip to Ireland, departing October 15, 2018! Drawing will be held at the Chamber office on August 31st at 12pm.

Additional spots are also still available for purchase! For more information, contact the Chamber office at (562) 531-9733 or at info@lakewoodchamber.com

Today

Lakewood

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Lakewood tackles budget challenges head on

By Mayor Steve Croft

Lakewood has prided itself for many years on being a well-run city that provides good services to its residents and businesses. We have well-paved streets, beautiful parks, top-notch public safety agencies, and a tradition of special events that bring our residents together and create a sense of smalltown community.

That of course doesn’t mean that Lakewood is a fenced-off middle-class paradise immune to the problems facing our broader society. But what we try to do is address the local challenges facing us as clearly and straightforwardly as possible so that we can resolve them to the best extent possible.

Like many cities in California, Lakewood is now facing fiscal challenges caused by three major factors: (1) the state government’s ongoing takeaway of local redevelopment funding (which now costs Lakewood over $2 million a year); (2) the rising cost to California cities of contributions to their employee retirement system as the state-run system takes steps to shore up its finances after the 2008 recession; and (3) the prospect of only modest sales tax growth to our local government as more shoppers go online for purchases instead of shopping with local merchants.

Lakewood ended the most recent fiscal year on June 30, 2018 with our revenues still above our expenses (giving us a small sur-

plus for the year), but we could see a structural deficit forming in the future caused by the factors listed above.

Maintaining a balanced budget every year is a very important value in Lakewood, so the city council directed our city manager, Thaddeus McCormack, to come up with $2.9 million a year in spending reductions to bring the budget into balance immediately for the coming two fiscal years.

The reductions are designed to minimize service changes for residents and prioritize Lakewood’s traditional focus on public safety and recreation.

The steps the council took to immediately balance the city budget include: • Freezing or delaying hiring for seven vacant city staff positions.

• Tightening the scope of and spending on city special events.

• Reducing new tree plantings for residents and city land by 50%, but maintaining a priority for residential needs.

• Reducing janitorial maintenance at city hall.

• Deferring the update of the city’s General Plan.

• Maximizing the use of outside grant funds for city operations and capital improvements.

The city council will oversee an analysis in the coming months to find ways to keep Lakewood’s budget in balanced alignment for the long term. We start from a good position of having healthy reserves to help us through a transition, but we want to quickly get to a fiscal situation where our budget continues to be reliably balanced every year.

In our new budget for fiscal years 2018-2020, Lakewood will maintain full funding for public safety programs (highlighted by the city’s use of the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department) and for recreation programs for all ages (which have been a hallmark of

Lakewood since the city’s founding). The city’s budget is available at www.lakewoodcity.org/budget.

As a long-time resident and community leader in Lakewood, I know that our city council, staff and community are up to the task of this fiscal challenge.

We’ve already taken some strong steps. More will be needed in the months and years ahead. But we start with an excellent foundation and with people committed to the adjustments necessary to get our city back on the solid and sustainable financial track that we’ve always been on in the past.

My city council colleagues and I look forward to keeping in touch with you as the city works through this process. ♦

Adult sports kicking off: Softball and volleytennis

Signups for Lakewood‘s adult softball and volleytennis fall leagues will take place between August 6 and 17.

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

• Volleytennis plays on Monday evenings.

All ability levels are encouraged, and teams can register online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog. Simply click on the “activities” tab, then follow the link for “sports league.” You can also sign up in person at city hall. Registration packets including fees and further information are available now at www.lakewoodcity. org/sports or by calling 562-8669771, extension 2408. ♦

August 2018

City Spotlight Plenty of family fun this summer Pack a picnic dinner or buy from the food trucks at Movie Night Under the Stars on August 3 featuring Cars 3 at Del Valle Park (class #10864). Try Family Karate (class #10307, starting August 16), where parents and kids learn basic self-defense moves.

Parents, need a date night? At Parents Night Out, Kids Night In from 6-10 pm, August 10 (class #10531) trained staff give kids a fun evening of pizza, games and more!

Youth Sports sign-ups at all city parks The award-winning Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS) program is offering Flag Football and Girls Volleyball and Volleytennis this fall. Online registration will take place August 4-18 at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog. Click on the “activities” tab, then follow the link for “sports league.” In-person registration for Lakewood residents August 11-18 at all Lakewood parks. Players must bring a birth certificate and signed registration form.

There is no fee for Lakewood residents with proof of residency. All non-resident registrations will take place online and include a $20 registration fee.

Coaches needed for youth sports programs Adult volunteers are needed to coach Lakewood Youth Sports Flag Football, Volleyball and Volleytennis teams this season. Teams will practice and play league games on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings from August 27 through November 10.

Coaches volunteer an average of 3-4 hours per week. There are 1-2 practices and 1-2 games per week.No experience is needed. Coaches will receive training. Coaches are required to go through a mandatory background screening using Livescan.

Check with your local park for details on how to get involved, or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Pageant of the Masters Travel Trip Where art comes to life! Join us for a most unique annual outdoor show in Laguna Beach on August 16. You’ll see a host of great classical and contemporary works of art recreated by real people. This year’s performance is themed “Under the Sun.”Bring binoculars and a jacket, a small picnic cooler or purchase dinner at one of the cafes.

Please arrive at Burns Community Center at 5:00 p.m. (bus leaves promptly at 5:30 p.m.) Children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the trip is $48 and you must register by August 6 using class #10377. See www.lakewoodcity.org/travelprograms for all excursions.

Tot Lot registration coming up Tot Lot is a parent cooperative program for 2-5 year olds and takes place during the school year. Registration for the Del Valle program will be held on Friday, August 3 and Friday, August 17, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at Del Valle Park. Registration for the Mayfair program is Friday, August 3, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at Mayfair Park. Tot Lots meet Monday Friday, 9:30–11:30 a.m. in the fencedpreschool play area of the two parks. Parents are responsible for each Tot Lot's operation and members select activities and excursions.

For details on fees and requirements, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

FUN-Tastic Family Night Join us on Friday, August 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Centre, 5000 Clark Ave., when magician extraordinaire Arty Loon entertains us with his comedy magic, amazing illusions, spectacular feats of juggling and fun for the whole family! The fee is $8 per person ($5 for children ages 1-3, children under 1 are free) and includes a light dinner of bean and cheese burritos, Spanish rice, lemonade and dessert prior to the show.

Pre-registration is required (class #10312).

Canned Drive for a Dive-in Movie Featuring “Moana” On Saturday, August 18, at Mayfair Pool beginning at 7:30 p.m., Lakewood residents and swim lesson participants who have taken any swim lesson during the summer, and their families, can bring in one canned food item per person and receive free admission at Mayfair Pool, 5720 Clark Ave. Lakewood residents should bring proof of residency and swim lesson participants should bring lesson cards to receive admission for their entire family. The pool opens at 7:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 8 p.m. ♦

For more information and to register for any of our classes, please visit www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Your

Minding www.lakewoodchamber.com

August 2018

You can help with the Red Cross Blood Drive

The American Red Cross, in cooperation with the City of Lakewood, has a blood drive set for Thursday, August 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Maple Room at The Centre, 5000 Clark Avenue.

Donations take about an hour.

Participants are encouraged to drink plenty of water, eat a nutritious meal ahead of time and bring a photo ID. Make an appointment online at http://www.redcrossblood.org with sponsor code CityofLakewood. Streamline your donation

experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading for information.

Residents unable to make the scheduled event can quickly find other blood drives using easy search tools at the Red Cross website.

Additional information on donations and volunteer opportunities are at www.redcrossblood. org/volunteer. ♦

Door-to-door soliciting Solicitors must have a permit from the City of Lakewood to go door to door.

They should have the permit with them at all times, and upon request, present the information to potential customers. The city requires such solicitors to go through a fingerprint background check first. A permit from Los Angeles County or another jurisdiction is not valid in Lakewood.

Be careful with solicitors. Bogus charities and "almost too good to be true" deals can happen in door-to-door solicitations.

Scam artists create fake charity or business names that are similar to legitimate ones, which allow you to think that the solicitation is valid.

If a solicitor comes to your door, look to see who is on the other side before opening your door. If you are unsure if the organization is legitimate, ask to see their identification along with their Lakewood

solicitor’s permit. You can even double check if their permit is legitimate at www. lakewoodcity.org/solicitors or by calling Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2622.

If someone comes to your door without a Lakewood permit, you can call the Sheriff’s Department business line at 562623-3500. They will send a deputy out to check on the solicitor.

If you do contribute to someone at your door, do not give cash. Make a check out to the name of the charitable organization, and make sure you get a receipt with the charity name on it. Or make an online donation to the charity. Unless you specifically entered a contest, always ignore solicitations saying that you’ve won money or a prize. These are almost always fraudulent. ♦

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August 2018

August 2018

Lakewood team wins silver medal in USA

Lakewood Dirtbags and coaches with Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver at USA Games in Seattle.

The state-champion Lakewood “Dirtbags” softball team compiled a 4-2 record in the USA Games Special Olympics championship in Seattle and made it all the way to the final game of the series on July 5. They fell 19-13 in the concluding match to a team from Canton, OH, which was named USA champions. But the Dirtbags brought the silver medal home to Lakewood as a result.

The Dirtbags won the California championship in 2016, thereby winning the right to represent the Golden State against 49 other state teams in this year’s nationwide games. The Dirtbags were the first team in Lakewood history to participate at the USA Games level.

“Congratulations, Lakewood Dirtbags,” said Mayor Steve Croft.

“Your hometown is very proud of you!”

Scores of Lakewood well-wishers joined Mayor Croft and the Lakewood City Council in a congratulatory send off for the Dirtbags at Glory Days restaurant on June 27. Donations raised by the city, residents and Special Olympics provided funding for the trip.

Players flew together to Seattle on June 30. For some it was their first time on an airplane and the trip of a lifetime.

Among the highlights of their trip, the Dirtbags met with Tim Shriver, the Chairman of Special Olympics and the son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics and the sister of President John F. Kennedy.

The Dirtbags won their first three matches at the USA Games against teams from Rapid City, SD; Annapolis, MD; and Miami, FL. They lost game four to Canton, OH, and then won game five

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against South Orange, NJ earning the right to play Canton again in the series final.

“I am so proud of these Lakewood ball players,” said team manager and head coach Chuck Martucci. “Three of the teams we played against in the championship, including the winner from Ohio, were actually all-star teams made up of the best softball athletes from cities throughout their state. Our athletes were all from the Lakewood team. It just goes to show you that a team from one city that has played together for over 20 years can compete with the best of them. The Lakewood athletes are real all-stars in my book!”

For over 30 years, Lakewood has operated an award-winning “adaptive recreation” program that teaches valuable life skills and provides recreational opportunities to developmentally disabled youth and adults. The sports component of the adaptive recreation program is the city’s award-winning Special Olympics program.

See a Lakewood CityTV segment about the Dirtbags at www. lakewoodcity.org/Dirtbags. ♦

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August 2018

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Summer Adoption “Paw-looza” at SEAACA SEAACA is making it more affordable than ever to give a pet in need a forever home. From now through August 18, you can adopt a cat (eight weeks and older) for only $5 or a dog (one year and older) for 50% off the regular fees.

These low rates include: • Spay/neuter (some pets may require a refundable deposit) • Micro-chip ID • First set of vaccines

• Flea treatment This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. View the flyer at www.lakewoodcity.org/SEAACAsummer.

The longer days, better weather and slower pace of summer give you and your new pet more time to get to know one another.

You can view the pets available for adoption online at www. seaaca.org or visit SEAACA, 9777 Seaaca Street in Downey,

Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over 25,000 animals per year go through the animal care center of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) in Downey, which provides animal care and control services to Lakewood and other cities in our region.

Lakewood’s CityTV runs a monthly feature highlighting SEAACA pets for adoption at www.lakewoodcity.org/petsvideo.

If you’re unable to adopt a pet but would like to help shelter animals, you can volunteer with or donate to SEAACA by calling 562-803-3301, extension 264 or visiting www.seaaca.org. ♦

Advertise in the award winning Lakewood Community News! Call or email us at (562) 531-9733 or advertise@ lakewoodchamber.com.

Green August 2018

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Living

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Summer is a great time to enjoy Lakewood’s nature trails 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: • 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

Lakewood improved both sides of the San Gabriel River providing great walking and jogging opportunities to enjoy nature.

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, expanded in 2015, where a round trip from Candlewood Street to Carson Street is a 2.5mile 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 Croft.

“As I hope you’ll experience as

• 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. ♦

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SH P LAKEWOOD

August 2018

Kids get ready, August is back-to-school time in Lakewood Drivers and students need to take care as Lakewood’s school districts open their doors again for the new school year in mid to late August.

Helping get the community’s 15,000 students back to school safely each fall is a big job that the City of Lakewood has assisted with since the 1950s.

Lakewood’s Suggested Route to School maps show the location of traffic signals, stop signs and crossing guards. Lakewood is fortunate to have experienced crossing guards, some of whom have worked for the city for over 40 years.

Suggested Route to School maps and other safety tips are provided

Lakewood’s crossing guards help keep kids safe. to every child in a Lakewood elementary school and at www. lakewoodcity.org/backtoschool.

Parents should spend time going over the route with their children.

Even better, parents should walk the route with their children.

Safety tips for children: • Always stop, look all four ways and listen before crossing the street.

• Cross the street only at corners and crosswalks, not between parked cars.

• Walk or ride with a group of people; there is safety in numbers.

• When walking on sidewalks, look out for cars pulling out of driveways.

• Always wait for a crossing guard to control traffic before starting to cross the street.

Safety tips for drivers: • Reduce vehicle speed to 25 mph or slower when driving in school zone.

• Double parking for a quick dropoff is very hazardous for small children, who are invisible behind an SUV or van until they dart in front of oncoming traffic.

• Do not let your children exit a car on the traffic side of your vehicle. Be aware, drivers can be cited

for unsafely loading or unloading children near schools.

• The only safe way to drop off your youngsters is to pull up to the curb in front of the school or at a safe location where youngsters can

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

walk to the end of the block and cross to school through an intersection controlled by a stop sign, signal or crossing guard. ♦

SH P LAKEWOOD August 2018

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SH P LAKEWOOD

Shop Lakewood…and help Project Shepherd get kids back to school

Donating school supplies helps local kids in need.

Lakewood Project Shepherd is collecting “Back to School” backpacks and school supplies for low-income families with school-age children in Lakewood through August 10. The start of school is only weeks away and many kids in the community

could use some help.

New backpacks and school supplies appropriate for all ages will be accepted at Lakewood City Hall during regular business hours or at the Burns Community Center at 5510 Clark Avenue from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on week-

days and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information, call 562-925-7512.

As you help Project Shepherd, consider that Lakewood has some of the nation’s most popular and value-oriented backto-school retailers…including Costco, Marshalls, Home Goods, Target, Office Max, Dollar Tree, 99¢ Only Stores, Walmart, Kohl’s, Forever 21, JCPenney, Macy’s and Big 5.

Did you know that as a Lakewood resident you benefit each time you make a purchase at a Lakewood store, restaurant or gas station? A portion of your sales tax dollar stays right here in Lakewood. That pays for parks, roads, law enforcement and all the features that make for a good quality of life here in our community.

This back-to-school season, keep your hometown in mind, and Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal. And check out Shop Lakewood’s home on Facebook for coupons and updates at www. shoplakewood.org. (You don’t have to be signed up on Facebook to use the site.) ♦

Trapped

Some time ago, my husband received a call from a panic-stricken customer telling him he’d been trapped in his elevator for an hour. With some over-thephone instructions, my husband was able to get the man out. Later, the wiring problem that caused the elevator to get stuck, was fixed.

The event started me thinking about people who feel trapped—in a deadend job, a marriage, or career choice, etc. Those can last a lot longer than an hour and can be more painful.

Do you feel trapped in a life situation? Wish you could make one call and get rescued? You may not get the one call, but there IS a way out.

When you feel stuck, you are unable to see beyond the problem. It’s literally like being blind. But there is a solution, even though you can’t see it. Sometimes all you have to do is take a step back; take a break. Look at the bigger picture.

Assess where you are. Decide where you want to be; who you want to be, then take the necessary steps.

Don't allow yourself to become panic-stricken like the guy in the elevator. He wasn’t stuck forever, and neither will you.

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT, author of The Healing Alphabet, 26 Empowering Ways to Enrich Your Life. Follow her on Twitter, @HealingABCs, Facebook.com/askjoshsmom and www. rossanasnee.com. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements.

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

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Summer swimming continues at Lakewood Pools Daily open recreational swimming at Mayfair Pool and McCormick Pool (located in Bolivar Park) takes place through August 26, with sessions from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Resident fees are $1 for ages 17 and under, $1.50 for adults (age 18+).

Lessons are also available at both

August 2018

Only a few Thursdays left for Concerts in the Park

pools. New this summer, private lessons are offered through the month of September at Mayfair Pool. For details go to www.lakewoodcity.org/aquatics or call Mayfair Pool at 562-804-4256 or McCormick Pool at 562-421-3343. Register online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog.

Aqua Zumba classes take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at McCormick Pool on Mondays or Wednesdays. Shallow Water Aerobics class will be held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays/Thursdays at Mayfair Pool. Get details and sign up at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.

The Mayfair Park wading pool for ages 3 to 7 will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through August 26. The wading pool at Palms Park is ADA accessible and is also open daily.

For complete information, including the wading pool schedule at other Lakewood parks, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. ♦

Classic rock band ‘The Answer’ wraps up the concerts.

Lakewood’s popular summer concert series runs every Thursday evening through August 9 at Del Valle Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Visiting gourmet food trucks offer different foodie-fun each evening including gourmet hot

dogs, specialty tacos, burgers, sandwiches, BBQ and sweet desserts. Mr. B’s Kettle Corn will also be on site selling kettle corn and shaved ice. A percentage of the proceeds benefit local community groups.

Bring your picnic blanket and low-back chairs and dine with your friends and neighbors while listening to great sounds.

Please remember that dogs, alcohol and barbeques are not allowed at Lakewood parks.

Concerts in the Park are solely supported by generous area businesses and concert patrons, including: Platinum sponsors: DunRite Pest Control, Kenny’s Auto BodyTowing, Long Beach City College, Marisa Perez—Cerritos College Trustee, Pan American Association, PENSKE Buick GMC of Cerritos, Piazza Family McDonald’s Restaurants Gold sponsors: Allen Tire Company, Dreamland Dental & Orthodontics, Fantastik Auto Repair, Rotary Club of Lakewood, The Rinks, Water Replenishment District Silver sponsors: EDCO Waste & Recycling, Lions Club of Lakewood, Lizz Sarty – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Wing Stop Bronze sponsors: In Memory of Linda G. Plooster, Mr. B’s Kettle Corn, Swan Nails, TGIS Catering For more information and to find a list of the tasty food trucks and food concessionaires for each concert, call 562-866-977, extension 2408 or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/concerts. ♦

SCHEDULE: July 26 Hard Day’s Night (Beatles Tribute) August 2 Escape (Journey Tribute) August 9 The Answer (Classic Rock)

Town

Around August 2018

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Free Community Connect event to assist low-income households

Pick up your pencil and let's play Sudoku

Learn ways to save energy and money at this free event.

City of Lakewood staff, Southern California Edison and SoCalGas invite you to learn ways to save energy and money at the Community Connect event on Saturday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave. Learn ways to lower your monthly bill through a variety of programs. Income-qualified households can sign up on the spot to receive monthly discounts on gas and electric bills. Please bring a copy of your utility bill to the event. SoCalGas will also be giving away gas-saving kits to residents with their gas bill on hand.

Other organizations in attendance providing information include Human Services Association, Lakewood Meals on Wheels, 211 Los Angeles County, and the City of Lakewood Recreation and Community Services department.

See the flyer with all the details (in English and Spanish) at www. lakewoodcity.org/connect. ♦

Congratulations to the winner of the July Sudoku puzzle, Sharon Vanselow! To be eligible, 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 4111 South St. in Lakewood. The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Friday, August 17, 2018. The winner will be drawn on Monday, August 20, 2018, and a call to the winner will be made the same day. If a

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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. ♦

Sudoku Sponsor

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August 2018

@ 11:00 am