Back to School is just around the corner! tips to keep kids safe
As schools in Lakewood 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.
Lakewood’s crossing guards help keep kids safe falling or walking into intersections.
• 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
• 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, safetyapproved 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 unloading 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
(Cont'd on pg. 2)
Mayor Todd Rogers and the Council declared an Official Proclamation in support of the Lakewood Jaycees’ Lemonade Day
We invite the Lakewood community to join us on our Official Lemonade Day, Saturday, August 10th, from 10 AM to 3 PM, to support our young entrepreneurs
Visit any of the 10 lemonade stands located at each of the following locations: Bolivar Park (Miss Lemonade by Delilah), Del Valle Park (The Messi Lemonade Experience by Presley), Inside Lakewood Center Mall at Center Court near Macys (Lemon Lovers by Leah & Riley), Outside Lakewood Center Mall by Ulta & Costco (Kaylee & Caleb s Lemonade Land by Kaylee & Caleb), Lakewood Family YMCA (The Epic Lemonade Zone by Jeremiah), Lakewood Sheriff Department (Lots of Love & Lemons by Caleb & Zoe), Mayfair Park (Inside Out Lemonade by Ryan & Vivienne), Palms Park (Itzzy Bittzy Lemonade by Aranza), San Martin Park (John Lemon: A Lemonade Stand by Cora & Emiliano), and Rynerson Dog Park (Sun & Moon Lemonade by Asianna & Emery)
Our Community Favorite Award will be open for votes on our Facebook Page!
Celebrate National Night Out on August 6
Join the City of Lakewood, the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, the L.A. County Fire Department and your Lakewood neighbors in celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bloomfield Park parking lot.
Enjoy an evening of family friendly fun, including games, bounce houses, a display of emergency vehicles and more! National Night Out is an 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. ♦
The Lakewood Jaycees is excited to bring the nationally acclaimed program Lemonade Day to the City of Lakewood Lemonade Day is an engaging and hands-on program designed to teach 3rd to 5th graders how to start own and operate their own business a lemonade stand
The program fosters self-reliance, financial literacy, and introduces essential business and entrepreneurial skills
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Lemonade Day in Lakewood will feature a total of 10 lemonade stands operated by 15 young entrepreneurs, with some stands having co-owners In a commendable display of community spirit, these young business owners will donate a portion of their profits to a non-profit organization of their choice
All lemonade stands have gone through our program and are permitted by the City of Lakewood to operate on this day This is not an event to encourage anyone to pop up a lemonade stand, but rather to support the participants who have gone through the entrepreneurial program
Special Thanks to Our Supporters and Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters and sponsors: City of Lakewood, Lakewood Center, Office of Supervisor Janice Hahn, Dave Smith with REMAX, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Wienerschnitzel on Woodruff & Carson, Water Replenishment District, Friends of Lakewood Station Lakewood Family YMCA TNT Fireworks Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, CityTV, RLM Vision, Rich Casual Consulting and Padekwa
For updates on Lemonade Day, follow us on Instagram at @lemonadeday lkwd and Facebook at Lemonade Day Lakewood CA
Mayor's Monthly Report:
Hello, I’m Todd Rogers, and I’m honored to be starting a one-year term serving my fellow Lakewood residents as mayor.
City Council Members in Lakewood alternate as mayor annually. Our terms used to start in March, but we recently shifted to starting our terms in July. I’m very grateful to have been nominated and approved by my council colleagues to serve in this role until July 2025. My council colleague Cassandra Chase was nominated and selected to serve as vice mayor during this time period.
Two of the most important issues the City Council and I will be facing in the coming year are public safety and infrastructure repairs/improvements.
The single most important thing a city government should do is keep the local community just as safe as it possibly can. Everything good in a community needs to have public safety to flourish. Shopping, dining out, walking around your neighborhood,
Mayor Todd Rogers
visiting your local park, and even enjoying the peace and tranquility of your own home all require a safe community.
Many people call Lakewood home because we’re a city that values public safety and carries through on that commitment.
But we face challenges in that. Some are societal wide, but others come from policies made in Sacramento or more recently by the L.A. County District Attorney that let socalled “low level criminals” escape with little or no accountability for their criminal acts, so they can continue to victimize people and communities.
our partners at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, to keep Lakewood as safe as possible, in spite of these challenges.
We’ve already done a lot, such as paying for as many extra patrols of Deputy Sheriffs as the Sheriff’s Department
ately alerted and can respond when a wanted vehicle or suspect enters our community.
In the year ahead, I’ll also join my council colleagues in continuing to make good on the promises we made for Measure L. We’ll carefully use our budget to make repairs and strategic improvements to Lakewood parks, playgrounds and other infrastructure, in addition to the public safety enhancements outlined above.
My City Council colleagues and I will continue working hard and creatively over the coming year to do all that we can at the local level in Lakewood, in conjunction with
allotment of deputies will allow, and paying for security guard patrols in every Lakewood neighborhood to provide more eyes and ears on the streets to deter suspicious activity and call in quickly for Deputy Sheriff response when needed. We just added security guard patrols to daytime hours on top of our existing nighttime patrols. We’ve also added more automated license plate reader cameras at the entrances to Lakewood so that the Sheriff’s Station is immedi-
Repairs and improvements are in the works for the Weingart Senior Center, Palms Park community building, and the playgrounds at Biscailuz, Boyar and Cherry Cove parks.
As I like to remind people, we on the City Council are Lakewood residents too. We pay the same water rates and trash rates as everyone else…. and if we’re not careful… the same parking tickets too. We enjoy our parks and our smooth streets, but we also contact City Hall when we see something that isn’t quite right or needs improvement.
In closing, I look forward to working with my City Council colleagues, our city staff and our great residents in the year ahead to meet the challenges we face and to keep Lakewood the wonderful community that got started 70 years ago and that has many, many great years ahead of it.
It’s an honor to be serving a year again as mayor. It’s a labor of love for the city I love.
Thank you Lakewood! ♦
Back to School Safety
(Cont'd. from Pg. 1)
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. ♦
2024 School Start Dates
City Spotlight
Adult Softball and Volleytennis Registration for Lakewood’s Adult Softball and Volleytennis fall league will take place Aug. 5-23. Softball leagues are offered on Thursday and Friday evenings, and on Sunday mornings and afternoons. Volleytennis plays Monday evenings. All ability levels are encouraged. Team registration is available online at www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog, under activitiessports league. Registration packets including fees and further information are available now at www.lakewoodcity.org/sports or by calling 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Concerts in the Park concludes Aug. 8
Lakewood’s popular summer concert series runs every Thursday evening through Aug. 8 at Del Valle Park from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Visiting gourmet food trucks offer different foodie-fun each evening including specialty tacos, burgers, sandwiches, BBQ and sweet desserts. 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 ar we not allowed at Lakewood parks. Concerts in the Park are solely supported by generous area businesses and concert patrons, including:
Gold sponsors:
Law Offices of Sandra Diaz PC, VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital, Water Replenishment District, Lakewood Women’s Club, The Rinks – Lakewood Ice, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Forest Lawn, Lakewood Little League, Dan Tirado Insurance Services, Raising Canes Lakewood and Sky Zone Cerritos.
Bronze Sponsors:
TGIS Catering Services, Inc., Swan Nails, West Coast Arborists and In Honor of Linda Plooster.
For more information and to find a list of the tasty food trucks and food concessionaires for each concert, call 562-8669771, ext. 2408 or go to www. lakewoodcity.org/concerts.
August Dates:
Aug. 1 - OC Groove, R&B/Soul/ Blues/Funk
Aug. 8 - Knyght Ryder, ‘80s
Trip to Pageant of the Masters
The City of Lakewood offers affordable, familyfriendly local travel programs, with the next trip heading to Pageant of the Masters on Thursday, Aug. 15.
adult must accompany children of all ages. This trip is sure to sell out fast so register today at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using activity #28431.
For further information, please contact Recreation and Community Services staff at 562-8669771, ext. 2408. Last day to register is Aug. 12 or until filled.
Youth Sports sign-ups at all city parks
The award-winning Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS) program is offering Flag Football and Volleyball/Volleytennis this fall. Online registration will take place Aug. 3-17 at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog. Simply 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. Non-resident registrations include a $20 registration fee.
The Flag Football program will offer three divisions. The Competitive Division is for youth ages 8-17. The Rookie Division, for ages 4-5, offers a fun introduction to flag football fundamentals using a Nerf football and modified rules for fun with minimal competition. The Smurf Division, for ages 6-7, offers a non-competitive league that will help transition from Smurf to competitive play.
games on weekday evenings and Saturdays from Sept. 3 through Nov. 16. Coaches volunteer an average of 3-4 hours per week. There are 1-2 practices and 1-2 games per week. No experience? No problem! Experience is not necessary. Coaches will receive training and are required to go through a mandatory background screening using Livescan.
information.
Fall/Winter Recreation Registration Begins
Check with your local park for details on how to get involved, or call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Tot Lot registration coming up
Tot Lot, a parent cooperative program for 2- to 5-year-olds, is held at Del Valle and Mayfair Parks during the fall, winter and spring.
Tot Lots meet Monday-Friday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the fenced preschool play area of each park.
The 2024 Fall/ Winter Recreation Catalog will be delivered to Lakewood homes over Labor Day weekend. The new catalog is packed full of fun programs and activities to make life better for all ages. Residents can register for classes and programs online starting Thursday, Aug. 29 at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog, or by calling Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408. Over 375 classes will be offered, with many old favorites and lots of new classes. Fall recreation programs will begin on Monday, Sept. 30 and run through Jan. 2025.
Patriot Day ceremony
Platinum sponsors: Piazza Family McDonald’s Restaurants, Kenny’s Auto Body and Towing, Rotary Club of Lakewood, Lakewood Pan Am Association, Lakewood Family YMCA, Dave Smith RE/MAX, Lakewood LIONS Club, Admiral Pest Control, LBS Financial Credit Union, Lakewood Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., EDCO and H&H Nursery.
The 2024 Pageant of the Masters production of A La Mode: The Art of Fashion will revisit some of history’s grandest spectacles and fashion trends through the magic of living pictures, unforgettable live music, and engaging storytelling. Your Pageant ticket also gives you unlimited access to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show all summer long so you can come back on your own as often as you like to listen to some great music or see and purchase some fabulous art. Bring binoculars and a jacket. Bring a small cooler or dine at one of the cafes (on your own). The cost is $85 per Lakewood resident, $100 per non-resident, which includes bus transportation. Please arrive at Burns Community Center by 5 p.m. Bus leaves promptly at 5:30 p.m. An
The Volleytennis program is a fast-moving game played like volleyball with a modified format, and will be offered for ages 8-9. Volleyball will be offered for participants ages 10-17. Players will be assigned to park teams for league play and city championships.
Teams will practice and play on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Practices can begin the week of Sept. 3, while league games will be played Sept. 21-Nov. 9. Playoffs will conclude by Nov. 16.
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
OPEN LATE
SUN-WED 9:00AM – 2:00AM THU-SAT 9:00AM – 3:30AM
Tot Lot is a cooperative program, and parent/guardian participation is required. Parents are responsible for each Tot Lot's operation and work a rotating schedule to supervise the play area and planned activities.
NOTE: A limited number of visitors are allowed in the play area during organized Tot Lot activities, limited to one visit per month. Visitors must follow Tot Lot rules.
How to register
The City of Lakewood will solemnly commemorate Patriot Day with a flag-lowering ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 in the east parking lot at Lakewood City Hall. The 30 minute ceremony will include the presentation of the colors, remarks from Mayor Todd Rogers, musical performances, and a moment of silence. At the conclusion of the event, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department trumpet players will play as our nation’s flag is lowered for the night.
Registration will be held between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26 and Aug. 2 at Del Valle and Mayfair Parks.
• Bring up-to-date immunizations cards, including mandatory TB tests (for adults) and proof of age at the time of registration.
• Registration and materials fees will apply to each registered child and member.
• See individual location for fee
Since first gathering two weeks after the horrific events of September 11, 2001, Lakewood residents have come together annually to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks and pay tribute to the U.S. military personnel and public safety first responders who protect and serve us at home and abroad. We hope that you will take part in the commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of Patriot Day. ♦
LAKEWOOD HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
5150 Candlewood St. Lakewood, CA 90712
562-633-6412
THE SCHOOLS OF BETHANY LUTHERAN
4644 Clark Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90808
562-420-7783
TRAIL WARRIOR FITNESS
2035 Daisy Ave. Long Beach, CA 90806
562-265-3434
4328 South St. Lakewood, CA 90712
562-336-6300
10900 E. 183rd St., Ste. 350 Cerritos, CA 90703
562-402-9336
FOGGIA ITALIAN MARKET & DELI
5539 Premiere Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712
805-428-1463
Thanks to generous donations from Lakewood residents and businesses, the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) has been able to give grants for hundreds of classroom improvement projects in Lakewood schools since 2003.
How to help local schools & students n
This past year, LEF was able to fund 123 classroom projects in schools across Lakewood. In the year ahead, LEF hopes to do more, as Lakewood teachers have a continuing need for classroom resources to help their students thrive.
nations reach kids in Lakewood classrooms. Books, technology, reading
software, and educational field trips are among the most popular requests by Lakewood teachers
for classroom grants, which average about $500.
Your support, in any amount, is appreciated. Donation checks should be payable to Lakewood Education Foundation and mailed to the Lakewood Education Foundation, c/o Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. Or, you can donate securely online at www. lakewoodcity.org/DonateLEF. Donations are tax deductible.
See a video and learn more about LEF at www.lakewoodcity. org/LEFvideo. ♦
The generous level of contributions LEF receives in amounts large and small shows the importance that Lakewood residents and businesses place on our local schools…and the trust they place in LEF to select worthy projects.
LEF is a non-profit group run by Lakewood residents. An annual fireworks stand, October golf tournament, and lots of individual donations raise the annual support funding. After very modest expenses, 100% of do-
Calling all car show enthusiasts! Set to take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mayfair Park, event organizers this year are planning on their biggest car show ever.
"This year marks the Chamber's 75th year anniversary and it only comes once, so we might as well keep on celebrating this incredible milestone," said Mike Segura, GLCC Board Member.
Registration for the Car Show is now open, so mail-in the flyer to the right, or register online at www.lakewoodchamber.com. Sponsorships and vendor booths are available. Call or email the chamber for more information-lakewoodchamberinfo@ gmail.com / 562-531-9377.
We're looking forward to an exciting show this year....we hope to see you there!
Sender
One
plans its Grand Opening weekend on Aug 24 & 25
Sender One Lakewood is inviting the community to its Grand Opening Weekend!
The facility is 29,000 SF of world-class climbing, yoga, fitness, and Sender City! Their third full-service facility is located minutes from the Long Beach Airport and across the street from Lakewood Center.
Sender City is an interactive climbing center for kids and adults of all ages. Climb buildings and towers at this fun center located inside Sender One Lakewood. Their auto-belay devices automatically retract a cable attached to climbers while controlling the speed at a comfortable pace when descending a climb or activity.
Elevate your climbing experience with 50ft climbing walls, dedicated climbing training, and expansive boul-
dering areas. Or nourish your body and soul with the daily yoga classes with yoga instructors that teach a variety of yoga styles, accommodating students of all experience levels. They also offer Youth Programs dedicated to creating the next generation of climbers in a fun, inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment! ♦
Members of the Sender One staff.
GLCC Chairwoman, Joanie Dixson visits Sender One.
7
One of the downsides of social media is that some people now don’t call the police or Sheriff’s Department to report a crime—they just post it on social media.
“We need Lakewood residents to contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station if they see a crime or suspicious behavior in the city,” said Lakewood Public Safety Director Joshua Yordt.
“That way, Sheriff’s personnel can respond as quickly as possible. Even if the crime happened in the past, it is important to have a report taken so Sheriff’s investigators can see patterns and track down a particular suspect responsible for multiple crimes,” said Yordt.
“If you can take the time to post a crime or suspicious activity on social media, you can also take the time to call it into the Sheriff’s Department,” said Yordt. “Be a good citizen. That’s how we can all do our part to keep Lakewood safe.”
How to report a crime (or suspicious behavior)
Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, which is staffed 24/7, 562-6233500. That’s the best number to call if a crime happened in the past and no suspect is on site and no emergency currently exists… or if you have a question or comment about a public safety issue in Lakewood. Personnel answer-
tem. The SORTS system at www. lasd.org/sorts is quick and easy for residents to use for reports, and is designed to encourage more residents to report property crimes to help Sheriff’s investigators better track crime patterns and find criminals.
To file a crime report online via SORTS, four conditions must be met:
ued at $950 or less.
c. Vandalism, excluding graffiti, where damage is valued under $400.
d. Theft from an unlocked vehicle valued at $950 or less.
e. Theft from an open or unsecured area valued at $950 or less.
f. Supplemental Loss Form (Must already have a LASD report number)
3. The individual reporting the crime has a valid email address.
ted, it will be reviewed by a member of LASD, who will determine if further information is needed. It is possible LASD may contact you by phone, email or in person to conduct the appropriate level of investigation for the reported crime. Once the report is reviewed and approved by LASD, a free copy will be sent to the email address used to report the crime.
Here are three ways to report crime (or suspicious behavior) in Lakewood.
1. Call 9-1-1. For a crime or health emergency in progress, this is of course the fastest way to get help.
2. Call the business line of the
ing the business line will direct you to the best person to handle your call. If you are ever dissatisfied with the service or answer you’ve received, you can ask to speak with the Watch Commander, who oversees Lakewood Station operations on that shift.
3. For certain types of property crimes, you can use the Sheriff’s online crime reporting sys-
1. The crime took place within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction (not within an area served by a city police department or in another county). You can check the location eligibility on the LASD Jurisdiction Lookup site at www.lakewoodcity.org/LASDmap.
2. The type of crime you are reporting is an eligible, misdemeanor property crime. These crimes include:
a. Lost or stolen cell phones valued at $950 or less.
b. Lost or stolen property val-
4. The individual reporting the crime is at least 18 years of age. If all of the above conditions are met, a crime report can be submitted online at www.lasd.org/sorts.
Once the report has been submit-
The SORTS reporting option is not intended to replace calling the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station business line or calling 911. SORTS provides an additional reporting option for a limited type of property crimes. If you are unsure if the crime you are reporting is eligible to be submitted online through SORTS, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562623-3500 to report the crime. ♦
Call in crime or suspicious behavior to the Sheriff’s Dept. Don’t just post about it on social media.
City service information for Labor Day
Lakewood City Hall will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day.
Lakewood’s trash contractor, EDCO, is now also closed on Labor Day, so there will be no trash pickup that day. There will be a one-day delay all week.
With the one-day delay in trash pickup, street sweeping on the same day as trash pickup becomes very challenging with the potential for a low quality sweep.
For this reason, the City of Lakewood is canceling street sweeping (and related enforcement) for the week of Labor Day.
Street sweepers will provide extra attention the week of September 9-13 if needed on particular blocks.
Service changes for Sept. 2-6:
• Trash pickup will be delayed one day all week. Monday’s trash pickup will be done on Tuesday, Tuesday’s pickup will be Wednesday, and so forth, with Friday’s pickup on Saturday.
• There will be no street sweep-
ing, no makeup sweep and no street-sweeping related parking enforcement on Labor Day or the rest of that week (September 2-6). Tickets will still be issued for parking in red zones, crosswalks, blocking sidewalks and other violations of the vehicle code.
• DASH Transit service will not be available on Labor Day.
When City Hall is closed, here is how you can report a non-emergency issue:
• Call and leave a message for Lakewood’s customer service department at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140, or send an email to service1@lakewoodcity.org. They will answer messages on the next business day.
• Submit a non-emergency
service request online at www. lakewoodcity.org/service.
• Use the Lakewood Connect app for your smartphone to report an issue, ask a question or give input to the City of Lakewood. The app is available from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as a free download.
For emergency service requests like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, phone 562866-9771 and follow the recorded instructions to page a 24-hour city emergency staff member.
For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054. ♦
Ice Cream with a Deputy
Bring the family and enjoy a sweet summertime treat with Lakewood Sheriff Station Deputies and Lakewood Public Safety Department staff at 6:30 p.m. on Fri. Aug. 23 at Crazy Delights La Michoacana.
The “Ice Cream with a Deputy” event is part of Lakewood's long-standing
efforts to offer great public safety service to residents and build close relations between residents and public safety personnel.
Crazy Delights La Michoacana is located at 4031 Hardwick St. near Hobby Lobby, across from Lakewood Center. ♦
Free Community BBQ
On Friday, Aug. 9, bring the entire family out to Palms Park, 12305 207th St., for a free Community BBQ from 6 to 9 p.m. sponsored by the City of Lakewood.
Participants can enjoy free food (while supplies last), fun games, contests and other attractions. Vendors and giveaways will be on site as well.
For more information visit www.lakewoodcity.org/PlayAtPalms. ♦
Confused by Nutrition Labels? You’re
Not Alone
(StatePoint) Shopping for groceries can be like navigating a maze: so many choices in every aisle, food packages covered in marketing claims and little direction on what is truly healthy and what isn’t. People want to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, but how can they when the information available to them can be so overwhelming?
For years, the Nutrition Facts label on the back of food packages has provided important nutrition information, such as the amount of calories, fat, sodium, sugar, protein and vitamins and minerals. But all the numbers can be confus-
Why the Living Trust is so IMPORTANT
Living Trusts are an efficient and effective way to transfer property, at your death, to the relatives, friends or charities you’ve chosen. Essentially, a Living Trust performs the same function as a Will, with the important difference that property left by a Will must go through the probate court process.
ing, and they’re not readily visible. Given America’s high rates of diet-related disease and illness, advocates say that more must be done to make sure consumers have the information they need to make healthy choices.
That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sets standards for nutrition labeling, is developing a new labeling system that would appear on the front of food and beverage products, offering clear and concise information to help people quickly and easily identify healthier foods. Research from other countries shows that front-of-pack labeling helps consumers make healthier purchases and even gets manufacturers to make healthier products.
What could a front-of-pack label look like? More than 40 countries
already require it. Some countries use stoplight colors like red, yellow and green, or a grading system like a report card — A, B, C, D, E — to indicate how healthy a product is. Other countries use a warning system that indicates whether products include high amounts of added sugars, saturated fat or sodi-
um. Approaches like these make it easy for consumers to understand with a quick glance what’s healthy and what’s not.
The FDA plans to release a proposal for a front-of-pack food labeling system in the United States that can get everyone out of the food shopping maze. To stay in-
formed and learn more, visit yourethecure.org/FOP.
“Clear, concise front-of-pack nutrition labeling is the answer. After all, grocery shopping shouldn’t require a degree in nutrition,” says Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. ♦
In probate, a public court proceeding, the deceased’s debts are paid. Then after a year or more at tremendous expense to your heirs, the remaining property is finally distributed to them.
By contrast, property left by a Living Trust can go promptly, privately and directly to your heirs.
Living Trusts are created while you’re alive and are “revocable.” You can revoke or change them at any time, for any reason. You can abolish the Trust, alter its terms or change the beneficiaries.
As the original trustee, you can do whatever you wish with your assets - manage them, sell them, or give them away. Upon your death, the successor trustee takes over the estate immediately without going through probate, then distributes the assets and terminates the Trust.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Vozzella Attorney
Summer swimming continues at Lakewood pools
Daily open recreational swimming at Mayfair and McCormick pools takes place through Aug. 25, with sessions from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Fees are $1 for residents ages 17 and under, $1.50 for adult residents (age 18+), and $2 for nonresidents ages 17 and under and $3 for non-resident adults.
Lessons are also available through the month of August. For details go to www.lakewoodcity.org/aquatics or call Mayfair Pool at 562-804-4256 or McCormick Pool at 562-4213343. Register online at www.
Friday nights at McCormick Pool are fun for the whole family.
lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.
Wading pools for ages 3 to 7 will be open on various days
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 25. The wading pool at Palms Park is ADA accessible and is also open daily. Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/aquatics to view the wading pool schedule.
Themed family swim nights are offered each Friday from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. at McCormick Pool for a cost of $3 per Lakewood resident and $5 per nonresident. Adult ID with proof of residency required.
Aug. 2- It’s all Fun and Games
Aug. 9- Float with Friends
Aug. 16- Popsicle Pool Party
Aug. 23- Back to School Swim Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ catalog for more information. ♦
Home rehab loan amounts increase
Using special federal and other housing funds, the City of Lakewood administers a deferred-payment loan program. The city recently approved an increase of the loan amount from $18,000 to up to $35,000 for lower income residents to repair and rehabilitate their homes.
To qualify, your home must be a single-family, owner-occupied dwelling in Lakewood. The family must earn less than the income limits set by the federal government, which are $77,700 for a resident living alone, and $110,950 for a household of four. (Income limits adjust based on household size.) The limit is 80% of the average median income in L.A. County. Other restrictions apply.
Loan program funds may be used for a variety of improvements.
the house is sold or refinanced, equity is extracted from the home value or the title is transferred.
The loan is interest-free and payment is deferred, meaning it only needs to be paid back when
For information on the type of improvements covered by the program and how to qualify, call City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2320 or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/HomeRehabProgram. ♦
Beware of unlicensed solicitors trying to access your house
All door-to-door solicitors require ID and a valid license like this one.
Unlicensed solicitors have been going door-to-door in Lakewood recently, offering to come into your home to test your water and then making a pitch to sell you a water filtration or similar system.
Reportedly they also falsely claim or imply that they are representing or have the approval of the City of Lakewood or the Lakewood Water Department. No city employee or other utility employee would arrive at your door unannounced or without an appointment and ask to come inside your home.
Properly licensed solicitors will have a physical copy of a City of Lakewood license to solicit and an employee ID badge with them and you may ask for both of these proofs of identification if you choose to speak with them. It is a violation of the Lakewood Municipal Code to solicit door-to-door without a city solicitor's license, which includes a background check.
Criminals use tactics similar to soliciting in order to get you to open your door. Once inside your home, criminals will steal your property while your attention is diverted. If you suspect someone may be posing as a utility worker, solicitor or city employee to try to gain access to your home, please call the Lakewood Sheriff's Station at the number below.
Lakewood public safety staff recently investigated reports of water filtration solicitors, located and stopped one of the solicitors and issued her a citation. The fine is $100 for the first infraction, and the amount increases if there are further infractions. The city is prepared to investigate and issue further citations if that solicitor or others from the company resume soliciting without licenses.
What to do if a solicitor comes to your door
• Don’t answer…you always have that option.
• If you do answer, ask to see their Lakewood solicitor's license (see photo of sample license) AND employee ID
badge.
• Be aware that a solicitor's license from L.A. County or another city is not acceptable, nor is a business license from Lakewood or another city.
• If you suspect that a solicitor is unlicensed, please call the Lakewood Sheriff's Station business line at 562-623-3500 with a description of the solicitor so that a Deputy Sheriff or city Public Safety Officer can be dispatched to talk with the solicitor.
Information on handbilling Handbilling is the act of leaving communication media at a residence or place of business. This includes commu-
nications on goods, services, religious organizations, politics, etc. Handbillers don’t speak to anyone, knock on the door or ring the doorbell; they will simply leave their printed materials at your residence and walk away.
Handbilling is protected under the First Amendment, and therefore is permissible activity. Cities, including Lakewood, are unable to require handbillers to obtain permits or licenses, although the City does ask them to do so as a courtesy to our community. However, most organizations engaging in handbilling do not do so.
Handbilling and soliciting are not the same. Soliciting is the act of engaging in activity designed to offer goods or services for sale. This is why the city may require soliciting permits but may not require handbilling permits. ♦
Transit options in Lakewood
Every summer, the City of Lakewood produces a Transit Guide to give residents updated information on bus, metro rail, bike and other options for commuting without driving. The guide also includes information about Lakewood’s free DASH transit bus for seniors and disabled residents.
everything Metro and Long Beach Transit are doing to continue to ensure the safety of passengers and operators as the postpandemic health guidelines evolve.
In the Transit Guide, you’ll also read about
This year’s new Lakewood Transit Guide is available at www.lakewoodcity.org/Transit or by calling city staff at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140. ♦
Your Back to School Style Starts Here
(StatePoint) With the first day of school just around the corner, it’s important for students to arrive with confidence in footwear that meets their style and function needs.
To help make school shopping a bit easier, here are some tips for this back-to-school season's top shoe trends:
1. Elevated: From color-blocked to classic-inspired sneakers, your favorite brands like Nike, Converse, Vans and Crocs are offering trends that will complement a variety of outfits, and become wardrobe staples.
2. Retro: Take a step back in time with retro and Y2K looks from Adidas, Puma and New Balance. These brands offer an assortment of designs and take it back old school.
3. Comfy: Staying indoors or lounging in the dorm? Crocs, HEYDUDE and Birkenstock offer laidback, comfortable choices ranging from fuzzy-lined styles to lightweight and flexible cush-
ion slides.
4. Bold: Want your first impression to be memorable? Glitter, embellished toe caps and a wide selection of bright colors are your best friends. And this season’s collaborations with Sanrio, Disney and My Little Pony bring favorite characters to life. You’ll be sure to find your pair of statement makers.
5. Sporty Accessories: Be in style and learn with style. For this school year, choose a backpack from a variety of colors, patterns, materials and brands. Rack Room Shoes has backpacks with the needed space for every textbook, laptop or water bottle; featuring padded shoulder straps or a back panel for comfortable carrying.
Whether it’s to make a bold first impression, raise the bar, or let old school meet new school, the right pair of shoes can give kids the confidence they need to step into a brand new school year. ♦
Over 200 people join council in raising flags at Veterans Memorial Plaza
On short notice, over 200 residents of Lakewood and nearby communities came out at noon on July 8 to join Lakewood City Council Members in raising new U.S. and POW/MIA flags over Veterans Memorial Plaza at Del Valle Park. The flagraising was in response to the arson and vandalism at the memorial on the night of July 4, when the two flags were illegally cut down and burned on the memorial’s walkway, causing damage to the flag pole and the walkway.
law the people who committed these acts of arson and vandalism,” said Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers.
Blood Drive
Red Cross Blood Drive at Lakewood Center
Suite 127 (Across California Pizza Kitchen ) 500 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood, CA 90712
Friday August 5, 2025 ~ 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM
“We are going to do everything in our power to identify, capture and punish to the fullest extent of the
“But equally important, we are doing everything in our power to show that we love and cherish our flag and our nation…and the men and women who have served and protected us. Thank you to everyone who came out and joined us at the veterans memorial today!”
Anyone with information about the possible arsonists, one of whom came and left the memorial grounds on a bicycle around 11:45 p.m. on July 4, is asked to call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500.
See the Lakewood CityTV video of the ceremony at www.lakewoodcity.org/ Flag. ♦
Please make an appointment online at RedcrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: LakewoodCenter or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and heath history questions on the day of your appointment.
City Hall construction and playground renovations
Renovations at the south end of City Hall continue through early 2025.
Lakewood City Hall is undergoing a new phase of renovations which involves remodeling the Recreation & Community Services counter at the south end of City Hall. Once complete, the renovated public counter will provide more room to better serve the public.
As of July 15, while the renovations are underway, the RCS public counter in City Hall has
been relocated to The Centre’s lobby desk (beneath the stairs). There residents can get help with in-person facility rentals, activity registration and other recreation services.
The south doors of City Hall will remain closed to the public during construction. The east and west entrances are open at the north end of City Hall. The construction is expected
to be complete in early 2025.
Playground renovations underway
Biscailuz and Boyar parks will have new playgrounds by early fall.
Biscailuz Park’s construction on a new tot lot began Monday, July 8, followed by the start of work on the Boyar Park combined tot lot and school-aged playground on Monday, July 22.
The playgrounds will be closed during construction. The timing of the work was necessary due to the limited availability of certified installation contractors, and to avoid weather-related delays that affected previous projects done in the winter. ♦
