Lakewood Community News - August 2021

News

Lakewood Community

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

Volume 41 Number 8

August 2021

Concerts in the Park continues until August 12

Knyght Ryder is always a fan favorite.

The City of Lakewood was extremely pleased this summer to bring back its Concerts in the Park series to traditional in-person gatherings in the tree grove at Del Valle Park at Woodruff Avenue and Arbor Road. The series of popular and diverse musical acts has performances every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner and refreshments are sold, or attendees may bring their own picnic basket. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged. Pets, barbeques and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Remaining concerts: July 29 -- Electric Vinyl (Classic Rock) with food trucks Go

Fusion & Grill, Roll’n Lobster, Wafl Truck, plus Manna’s Kettle Korn.

Aug. 5 – The Smokin’ Cobras (‘60s/’70s) with food trucks Deli Doctor, Go Beyond, Wetzels Pretzel, plus Manna’s Kettle Korn.

Aug. 12 – Knyght Ryder (‘80s) with food trucks VCHOS, Roll’n Lobster, Wafl Truck, plus Manna’s Kettle Korn.

Concerts in the Park are solely supported by generous area businesses and concert patrons, including: Assembly Member Anthony Rendon, LBS Financial Credit Union, Kenny’s Auto Body(Cont’d. on Pg. 3)

Sunday, September 26th 9am-2pm

Mayfair Park 5720 Clark Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712 Presented by:

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https://housing.ca.gov/eligibilityquiz.html.

Questions, or need help applying? Call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center at 833-430-2122.

Application information is kept private and will not be shared. Assistance does not count as earned income for renters nor interfere with eligibility for other state benefit assistance. ♦

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State of California program helps with unpaid rent and utilities.

The California COVID-19 Rent Relief program provides financial assistance for unpaid and/or future rent and utilities to income-eligible California renters and their landlords who have been impacted

by COVID. You can take a short quiz to see if you are eligible, learn more, and begin the application process at this State of California website,

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Renters and landlords eligible for help with unpaid rent and utilities

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Greater Lakewood CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

$35.00 Pre-Registration - Includes Dash Plaque & 5 Raffle Tickets (by Sept. 16th)

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In consideration of inclusion as a participant in the 23rd Annual Summer Stampede Car Show, the participant agrees to hold harmless the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, it’s members, agents, the City of Lakewood, its employees, and other volunteers from and against all liability of loss that the participant and/or participant’s guests, including family and relatives, may sustain or incur as a result of claims, demands, costs or judgments arising from participants involvement in the Summer Stampede Car Show. By signing this form, I understand and agree to the above statements.

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To Pre-Register, complete this form and mail with your check made payable to: Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce PO Box 160 • Lakewood • CA • 90714-0160

Call/email questions to: 562.531.9733 • info@lakewoodchamber.com

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Lakewood in good shape as new fiscal year starts

By Mayor Jeff Wood

July 1 in Lakewood marked the beginning of a new fiscal year, which runs through June 30 of the following year. Lakewood operates on a two-year city budget. We do this so that we can do better advance planning. At the half-way point of the two years, we make adjustments as needed.

June of this year was the half-way point for the 202022 city budget, and it was apt time for some budget modifications. In June last year, when we initially approved the two-year budget, COVID’s economic impacts to Lakewood were very uncertain, and so we crafted our initial budget with a lot of caution. Even though Lakewood voters had approved Measure L a few months earlier, we decided to delay moving ahead fully last year with Measure L-related expenditures, such as park and infrastructure improvements, until we were more certain whether sufficient revenue would be coming to the city.

Now, a year later, it’s fortunately clear that Lakewood has weathered the economic

impact of COVID fairly well. Unlike many big cities in Southern California, our local economy is not dependent on tourism, but instead on everyday household spending by residents of Lakewood and nearby communities who shop here… and who have continued to shop here throughout the pandemic.

While a local consumerbased economy without tourist attractions may seem “boring” in some respects, it has proved to make Lakewood quite resilient.

The city did suffer some revenue losses because of COVID last year, but we have made a good recovery. And our city revenue has demonstrated its stability enough now that the City Council feels confident moving ahead with the park and building renovations that were promised under Measure L, along with some other high priority service improvements.

The mid-cycle budget adjustments approved this June by the City Council for the year ahead include: • $3 million for repairs and renovations to parks and community buildings. This gets Lakewood started on the capital improvement schedule that was part of the Measure L plan. Lakewood has a $30 million backlog in repairs and renovations for our aging community buildings and parks, which can now begin in earnest, including: o A new tot lot playground

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and picnic shelters for San Martin Park o Bathroom renovations at Rynerson Park o Renovations to the outdated roofs and electrical systems at the community buildings at Biscailuz, Bloomfield and San Martin parks.

• An additional traffic safety Deputy Sheriff. Lakewood pays for one such deputy currently. Having a second deputy will provide more traffic safety coverage throughout Lakewood and a greater ability to prevent distracted driving, the running of stop signs, speeding and other unsafe driving.

• More park and community building improvements will be coming next year and in the years ahead.

The fact that our city finances are in good shape doesn’t mean that everything is problem-free in Lakewood of course. Many businesses and residents are still hurting from COVID’s economic impacts. Over the past 16 months, the city has looked for every way possible to help those in Lakewood hurt by the pandemic, and we will continue to do so in the future.

Our stable and sustainable finances also don’t mean that we as a city won’t face challenges in the future. But the benefits of Measure L and our economic resilience during COVID have taken away one huge financial challenge that we were facing, and now give us the resources to keep our city looking good and working well for our residents for the long term…and that’s a great feeling and a great way to start our new fiscal year in Lakewood. ♦

City Spotlight Adult softball and volleytennis registration Registration for Lakewood’s adult softball and volleytennis fall leagues will take place Aug. 9-20.

• 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.

Movie Night Under the Stars Bring the entire family and enjoy an evening of fun and movie entertainment under the stars at Palms Park. Bring chairs and a picnic. Check-in begins at 7 p.m. with the movie scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed.

Saturday, Aug. 14 - Raya and the Last Dragon (PG) Palms Park, 12305 207th St. • Resident registration opens Aug. 7, non-resident registration opens Aug. 9 • Activity #20496 For more information call 562866-9771, ext. 2408 or register at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using Activity #20496.

Youth Sports sign-ups at 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 Aug. 28 – Sept. 11 at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog. Click on the “activities” tab, then follow the link for “sports league.” Players must bring a birth certificate prior to their first practice. There is no fee for Lakewood residents, and a $20 registration fee for non-resident participants.

Flag Football will offer competitive divisions for youth ages 8-15, and non-competitive divisions for children ages 4-7.

Rookie Division, for ages 4-5, of-

fers boys and girls a fun introduction to flag football fundamentals using a Nerf football and modified rules. Smurf Division, for ages 6-7, offers boys and girls a non-competitive league that will help transition from Smurf to competitive play.

Girls Volleytennis is a fastmoving game played like volleyball with a modified format, and will be offered for girls ages 8-9.

Girls Volleyball will be offered for participants ages 10-17. Players will be assigned to park teams for league play and city championships.

Flag Football, Volleytennis and Volleyball practice and play on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. Volleyball practices and plays games at Lakewood parks and the Hoover Middle School gymnasium. Practices begin the week of Sept. 20, and league games will be played Oct. 9 to Dec. 4. Playoffs conclude by Dec. 11.

Coaches needed for youth sports programs Adult volunteers are needed to coach the more than 800 youth participants of Lakewood Youth Sports Flag Football, Volleyball and Volleytennis this season.

Teams practice and play games on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings from Sept.

20 through Dec. 11. Every team will need a volunteer coach.

Coaches volunteer an average of 3-4 hours per week, with 1-2 practices and 1-2 games per week.

No experience is needed, and coaches will receive training. Coaches are required to go through a Livescan background screening.

Check with your local park on how to get involved, or call 562866-9771, extension 2408.

Youth Center Open House Middle school and high school students and their parents are invited to the Lakewood Youth Center Open House, 4658 (Cont’d. on Pg. 3)

Your

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Tot Lot registration City Spotlight

Parents and preschoolers play safely at the park.

Tot Lot is a parent cooperative park program for 2-5 year olds that takes place during the school year.

Registration for the Del Valle and Mayfair programs will be held on Friday, July 30 and again on Friday, Aug. 6 in the Tot Lot playgrounds, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Tot Lots meet Monday Friday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the fenced, preschool play area of the two parks.

Parents are responsible for each Tot Lot’s operation and members select activi-

ties and excursions.

Registration information • Up-to-date immunization cards, including TB tests (for adults) and proof of age, are required at the time of registration.

• The registration fee is $55 for residents and $65 for non-residents.

• Members may register an additional child for $35.

• Insurance is $5 per person and is required for each participating child and volunteer worker.

For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. ♦

Woodruff Ave., on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021 from 3 – 7 p.m. Students can check out the game room amenities, including gaming systems, computers, ping pong, air hockey and more, as well as learn about upcoming social events, volunteer opportunities and resources available to teens. Attendees will meet the Youth Center staff responsible for after-school Game Room supervision and yearround programming. The Open House will also feature a sampling of activities available to teens weekly. All are welcome! For more information, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472.

Fall/Winter Recreation and Community Services Catalog online The new Recreation and Community Services Fall/ Winter Catalog will be posted online only Labor Day weekend at www.lakewoodcity. org/catalog. The new catalog features activities for participants of all ages.

The catalog’s availability through the city’s webpage allows for the most up-to-

(Cont’d. from Pg. 2)

date information. As always, many classes are free or low cost.

Residents can register for classes and programs online starting Sept. 2 at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog, or by calling City Hall at 562-8669771, ext. 2408. To register for classes, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and enter the activity number from the catalog description for details and to sign up beginning Sept. 2.

Fall recreation programs begin on Monday, Sept. 27 and run through Jan. 2022. ♦

Business Page 3

Concerts in the Park (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

Towing, Piazza McDonalds Family Restaurant, VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital, Cerritos College Trustee Marisa Perez, Lakewood Pan American Association, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Rotary Club of Lakewood, Law Offices of Sandra Diaz PC, The Lakewood YMCA, The Battery Connection, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Lizz Sarty, Lakewood Car Wash, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Thank Goodness It’s Sophia (TGIS), In honor of Linda Plooster, Jerilynn Peterson, and former Council Member Joe Esquivel and daughter Debbie Esquivel. ♦

Back to school – safety tips

Look out for Lakewood’s students and crossing guards.

As Lakewood schools welcome students back to the classroom for the new school year in August, it’s important for parents to spend time and review a safe route for getting their children to school.

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

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

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

• Eyes up and phones down; be attentive when walking to

avoid falling or walking into intersections.

• Bicycles must be ridden on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic. Bicyclists must also follow the same rules of the road as motorists.

• Wear a secure-fitting, safety-approved helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter or skates. It’s for your safety…and it’s the law for children under 18!

Safety tips for drivers: • Do not let your children exit a car on the traffic side of your vehicle. Be aware that drivers can be cited for unsafely loading or unload-

ing children near schools.

• Reduce vehicle speed to 25 mph or slower when driving in school zones.

• Watch for crossing guards at crosswalks within school zones. Come to a complete stop while the crossing guard has their stop sign displayed and until all pedestrians have exited the crosswalk.

• Pass a bicyclist as you would a slow-moving vehicle. Pass with caution, and only when safe. Do not squeeze the bicyclist off the road. By law, you must allow clearance of at least 3’ when passing a bicyclist. If less is available, drivers must slow down before passing.

• Look carefully for bicyclists before opening doors next to moving traffic.

• Do not overtake a bicyclist just before making a turn.

Merge first, then turn. ♦

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Challenges and success in helping the homeless in Lakewood

A homeless person in Lakewood.

Homelessness is a regional, state and even national problem. In Southern California,

it affects almost every city.

While the problem is smaller in Lakewood than in most

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communities, Lakewood is not immune to the problem or its challenges.

The City of Lakewood does the following to both assist homeless people as much as possible and maintain the quality of life in our community for other residents.

• The city takes the extra step of paying for a Lakewood Deputy Sheriff who spends a substantial portion of their time on outreach to the homeless, offering them housing and other services, and enforcing the law in terms of illegal encampments and other illegal homeless-related activity. This Deputy Sheriff is typically one who has spent many years in Lakewood and knows the community and its residents very well…and gets to know local homeless people well too.

• Lakewood’s Deputy Sheriff takes great pride and satisfaction when they are able to persuade a homeless person to accept services. It’s

not easy. Many people think that just offering housing or support services to a homeless person will solve the problem, but the sad reality is that the majority of homeless people refuse such help.

L.A. County’s civilian-run homeless task force reports similar frustrating results. It often takes months of interacting with a homeless person for them to make the decision to leave the streets and accept assistance. Even then, many homeless people will not accept the help. Addiction, mental illness and other problems are serious hurdles in the way.

• Lakewood’s Deputy Sheriff succeeded recently in persuading two homeless men to accept housing and services with a local program. After two months, the two men are still in the program, which is a promising sign.

• Lakewood works with regional organizations such as the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) that are continually looking for improved methods for outreach and service

to homeless people.

• Court rulings generally give homeless people the right to sleep in outdoor public places, especially if a city cannot guarantee that it has housing available for every homeless person in its city.

Most homeless people choose to sleep on public property away from other people, like in freeway rights-ofway, under highway bridges and in flood control channels. Homeless people can be moved from public sites if it creates a safety hazard for them or the general public. Homeless people do not have the right to sleep or set up camp on private property.

The City of Lakewood informs private property owners of their rights, and the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station will direct homeless people to leave private property if the owner requests and will enforce that request if need be.

• If Lakewood residents are concerned about homeless people at a particular location, they can contact City Hall’s customer service staff at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140 during business hours or the Sheriff’s Department business line at 562-623-3500 24 hours a day. Outreach will be made to the homeless people, with the goal of offering help, ensuring the safety of the homeless people and local residents, and ensuring that the law is being followed. And of course, if residents see a crime in progress, please call 9-1-1 immediately. ♦

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

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Celebrate National Night Out on August 3

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annual community-building event designed to take a stand against crime and build good relationships among residents, public safety personnel, and fire department professionals to strengthen communities. ♦

Public safety staff and residents come together for fun.

Join the City of Lakewood, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, L.A. County Fire Department and your Lakewood neighbors in celebrat-

Family play day at Palms Park

ing National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Palms Park.

Enjoy an evening of family friendly fun, including games, bounce houses, a display of emergency vehicles and more!

Join us: • Tuesday, Aug. 3 • 6-8 p.m.

• Palms Park, 12305 207th Street, Lakewood National Night Out is an

We don’t just work in Lakewood, we live in Lakewood!

10% OFF

45 MINUTE RESPONSE Bring the entire family for a free Family Play Day event at Palms Park, 12305 207th St. on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enjoy a variety of inflatable attractions for all ages.

For those wanting to cool off, free recreation swim passes will be given out at the event to allow entry to Mayfair Pool on Aug. 7 during the recreation swim hours of 1 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.

Youngsters ages 3-7 can also keep cool in the wading pools at San Martin, Del Valle, Mae Boyar, Mayfair and Palms parks. After the event, children can play at the playground and explore their neighborhood park.

Bring your friends and neighbors and plan to spend the day in the sun. Remember, play can be enjoyed by “kids” of any age. ♦

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How to treat on-the- Traffic safety in Lakewood gets go stains additional Deputy Sheriff

(StatePoint) Whether it’s spilling a to-go coffee on your stark white shirt or dropping your blush brush in your lap, stains can happen anywhere at any time, even to the most poised among us. But how -- and when -- you deal with the stain can impact whether your garment survives the snafu.

While spills that occur at home can instantly and easily be treated by flushing the garment under cold water (don’t use hot water as it can cause the stain to set), when you’re on-the-go, you’ll need a fast solution that doesn’t require a wardrobe change.

One convenient way to ensure your clothes stay good as new, come what may, is by keeping a stain remover pen with you. For an effective option that’s safe for all colorfast, washable fabrics and doesn’t leave a residue, try the OxiClean On the Go Stain

Remover pen. Recommended by 91% of reviewers, according to PowerReviews, it works great on common food, drink and makeup stains, tackling anything from spaghetti to soy sauce in two steps: 1. Remove excess residue from the stain and place a napkin behind the fabric.

2. Squeeze the pen, and use its scrubber tip like an eraser to eliminate the stain.

For more on-the-go stain removal information, visit oxicleanpen.com.

A good quality stain removal pen can save the day, but only if you’re prepared. To be ready for every situation, consider keeping a stain remover pen in your desk or workplace, in your everyday purse or bag, and in your carryon suitcase when you travel. ♦

new assignment.

Lakewood receives little revenue from traffic tickets (most goes to the state and court system). Instead, the City of Lake-

wood pays for two traffic safety Deputy Sheriffs in order to reduce accidents and keep Lakewood drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists safe. ♦

Lakewood’s Deputy Sheriff Mastantuono is dedicated to traffic safety.

As part of the new city budget that started July 1, the Lakewood City Council has funded a second Deputy Sheriff dedicated to traffic safety.

This will provide more hours of coverage across the city to reduce distracted driving, speeding, the running of stop signs, driving under the influence, unsafe driving around schools, and more.

Give L.A. County Deputy Sheriff Pasquale Mastantuono a wave and wish him well in his

Summer swimming at Mayfair pool Daily recreational swimming at Mayfair Pool takes place through Sept. 6. Fees are $1 for residents ages 17 and under, $1.50 for adult residents (age 18+), and $2 for non-residents ages 17 and under and $3 for non-resident adults. Go to www.lakewoodcity. org/aquatics for rec swim times.

Lessons are also available through the month of August, with private lessons offered through the month of September at Mayfair Pool. For details go to www.lakewoodcity.org/aquatics or call Mayfair Pool at 562-8044256. Register online at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.

Aqua Zumba classes take place from 6-7 p.m. on Mondays or Wednesdays. Shallow Water Aerobics class will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. 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 Aug. 29. 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, or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/aquatics. ♦

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Las inscripciones están disponibles en línea en www.busd.k12.ca.us bajo registro Para inscribir a su estudiante, se requiere lo siguiente:  Licencia de conducir o identificación de California con

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 Dos facturas de servicios públicos vigentes (gas, electricidad, agua)  Acta de nacimiento original del estudiante  Registros de inmunización

Si tiene más preguntas con respecto a la inscripción, comuníquese con la oficina de bienestar infantil y asistencia escolar al (562) 866-9011 ext. 7410 o visite el sitio web del Distrito en www.busd.k12.ca.us.

Junta de Educación Formamos futuros!

Laura Sanchez-Ramirez, Presidente ● Renita Armstrong, Vice Presidente Richard Downing, Secretario ● Sue ElHessen, Ed.D., Miembro ● Mayra Garza, Miembro

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SH P LAKEWOOD

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

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...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

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Illegal fireworks use on July 4th results in 75 citations

Deputy sheriffs and civilian staff prepare for patrol against illegal fireworks.

This year, the City of Lakewood focused new efforts and even more resources on combatting illegal fireworks. This included new street banners and public education on the dangers that illegal fireworks pose to veterans, pets and neighbors. (Illegal fireworks in California include skyrockets, firecrackers, and anything that explodes or goes into the air.)

Over the four nights of July 1-4, the city fielded a total of 76 Deputy Sheriffs and public safety personnel to patrol Lakewood neighborhoods, seize illegal fireworks and issue citations to violators.

A team of 18 Deputy Sheriffs and 6 civilian Community Safety Officers (CSOs) patrolled Lakewood on the night of July 4th alone, responding

to calls about illegal fireworks.

The Lakewood law enforcement team wrote 75 citations for illegal firework use on July 4th -- a record for recent years.

Deputies and CSOs responded to 250 calls from residents about illegal fireworks over the July 1-4 period (some incidents generated multiple calls, so each call does not necessarily equal a single incident).

“The increased number of citations is not necessarily an indication that illegal fireworks use was worse in 2021,” said Lakewood City Manager Thaddeus McCormack. “Instead, it could very well be that our public education efforts, including on how to report illegal fireworks use, paid off in terms of more people calling in with tips on a timely basis when violators were in the act.”

“Illegal fireworks use is a

growing national problem,” said McCormack. “It’s not just a Lakewood problem.

Many cities in Southern California report illegal fireworks use equal to or worse than in Lakewood. There also seems to be no difference between cities that allow ‘safe and sane’ fireworks, like Lakewood, and those that don’t, like Long Beach. Both kinds of cities have a similar problem with illegal fireworks.

And no city has yet found the magic cure.”

“We know it’s frustrating for residents,” said Mayor Jeff Wood. “But I hope Lakewood residents appreciate the amount of effort that their city puts into battling the use of illegal fireworks and keeping it from being even worse.”

“Our next step is to analyze this year’s results,” said Wood, “assess what worked best, review what other cities tried, and determine if Lakewood should implement anything new or increase our efforts in a particular area next year.”

Reminder: if you know an address that used illegal fireworks this year, report it (anonymously if you want) to the city’s Tip Line at (562) 866-9771, ext. 7233 or use the Lakewood Connect app.

Deputy Sheriffs will put that address on their patrol list for next year. And if you see illegal fireworks currently in use (even after July 4), call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at (562) 623-3500 so deputies can respond right away. ♦

You can help…be a blood donor

The City of Lakewood will hold an American Red Cross Blood drive in the Maple Room at The Centre from 9

a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5.

Donations are urgently needed to ensure a strong blood supply due to high demand from hospitals.

All participating donors will be entered into a drawing to win two Knott’s Berry Farm tickets.

To make your life-saving appointment, sign up online at www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code CityofLakewood.

You can streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting www.

RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your predonation reading and answer health history questions on the day of your appointment.

In most cases, there’s no blood donation deferral if you received a COVID-19 vaccine and you’re symptom-free and feeling well when you come to give. Learn more at www.RedCrossBlood.org. ♦

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How to get your parkway tree trimmed

Eric M. Reed, D.D.S. UCLA ‘91 / Lakewood HS ‘82

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Lakewood’s parkway trees are a valuable, beautiful asset.

Lakewood’s parkway trees are a valuable asset to residents and the community as a whole.

Healthy trees provide shade, keep areas cool, absorb rainfall and increase property values.

The parkway is the strip of land between the sidewalk and the street. The trees planted in the parkway are the property of the city. The city takes the responsibility for trimming and maintaining the tree, and the property owner has the responsibility for watering the tree.

Lakewood’s Municipal Code states that no person, resident or outside company hired by a resident may cut, injure, destroy or remove any parkway tree. If caught, criminal charges can be brought, along with an order to pay restitution for damage to the tree.

Lakewood schedules parkway trees for trimming every four years.

If you believe your tree is in need of a trim sooner than that, here’s what you can do: • Call City Hall at 562-8669771, ext. 2140 or use the LakewoodConnect mobile app to request a tree trim.

• Lakewood’s expert tree staff will respond within 7-10 days to assess the tree and leave a door hanger with more information.

• If work is required, staff will schedule a professional trim to safely care for the tree.

If you want your parkway tree removed: • You may apply for a free removal permit.

• If the tree meets the city’s removal criteria, you may remove it at your expense.

• The city will replace it with the current species designated for your block.

For over 30 years, Lakewood has been named a Tree City USA for the care it provides its nearly 30,000 city-owned trees and its beautiful tree-lined streets and parks. Please do

your part to keep Lakewood’s trees healthy and looking beautiful. Do your part to water the parkway tree in front of your

house, and if you have any questions or concerns about your tree, call City Hall at 562866-9771, ext. 2140. ♦

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CURRENT PATIENT SPECIALS • 25% off Teeth Whitening

Free Kindergarten Dental Screening!

Town

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August 2021

dren are properly supervised in a safe and creative environment. Each Lakewood park has its own schedule of programs and activities.

Teens have the option of using the Lakewood Youth Center at Del Valle Park or the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park as their afternoon hangout. Both centers have computers, filtered internet access for homework, game tables and video game systems.

Program schedules are available at Lakewood City Hall, at all Lakewood parks and at www.lakewoodcity.org/ activityzone. For more information, call City Hall at 562866-9771, ext. 2408. ♦

Pick up your pencil and lets play Sudoku!

After-School Activity Zone

Kids having fun at the park.

Lakewood’s After-School Activity Zone is a free drop-in program for school-age children and preteens. City parks offer supervised after-school activities Monday to Friday

from 3 to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, Aug. 23.

Kids are provided with playground games, arts and crafts, and homework help. Parents can be assured that their chil-

Thank You to our Sudoku Sponsor!

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 Monday, August 23, 2021, 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. ♦

News

Community August 2021

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August 2021