Lakewood Community News - December 2019

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 39 Number 12

December 2019

Head over to Lakewood’s Lakewood Center’s annual tree lighting event “Santa HQ” offers

plenty of holiday fun

Santa HQ makes photos with Santa fun and easy.

Festive family photos is part of the fun at the annual tree lighting event.

Lakewood residents are cordially invited to join in the city’s 6th annual tree lighting ceremony and community gathering on Friday, Dec. 6 outside The Centre at 5000 Clark Ave., next to City Hall.

Carnival games and food trucks will be on the scene starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be ready to hear your children’s holiday wishes and take photos (with your own device) from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The official tree lighting program starts at 6:30 p.m.

Festivities wrap up at 8 p.m.

Fun features include: • Lots of falling snow • Dickens carolers • Plenty of food trucks located in the parking lot behind City Hall where there is room to spread out and relax.

• Wonderful and free family holiday photo opportunities. Costumed characters

will help with several holiday photo scenes, including one with Santa and two large sleighs.

The tree lighting event is made magical thanks to the generous support of community sponsors, who have provided financial support as well as in-kind contributions.

Please be sure to stop by to visit their booths and thank them for their help with this popular community event.

• Principal sponsor: Lakewood Center • North Pole Sponsors: Rotary Club of Lakewood, Office of L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, AT&T, Urgent Care Pros • Candy Cane Sponsors: FUNTastic Dental and Orthodontics, Water Replenishment District Board Director John Allen, Golden State Water Company, and Willdan • Community Partners: Lakewood Lions Club, Star-

bucks, Cassidy’s Corner, TGIS Catering • Community Group Sponsors: Friends of Lakewood Libraries, Pan American Association, Eastside Christian Church Parking will be available behind The Centre and in the large, gravel parking lot at the corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Clark Avenue. The parking lots immediately in front of and behind City Hall will be closed for use in the event.

If it is raining the late afternoon of Dec. 6, the event will be cancelled, but the tree will still be lit for the first time at 6:30 p.m. that evening. If the rain stops by 1 p.m., the event will go on, although some activities may be limited.

For more information, including weather-related updates on Dec. 6, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/treelighting or call city staff at 562866-9771, extension 2140. ♦

Holiday cheer at Civic Center through the month of December If you miss the Dec. 6 Tree Lighting event outside The Centre, you can still enjoy the holiday scene at the Lakewood Civic Center through Dec. 31.

Every night from Dec. 7 to Dec. 31, the 24-foot-tall tree will light up with accompanying holiday music between 5 and 10 p.m. in the plaza between City Hall and

The Centre along Clark Avenue.

The plaza will also include a large sleigh that is perfect for taking a holiday photo. ♦

Lakewood Center’s “Santa HQ” turns the tradition of visiting Santa into a high-tech, family-fun activity. Santa HQ is open through Dec. 24. To save time, make an online reservation for a photo with Santa at www.lakewoodcity.org/SantaPhoto.

Learn about all the holiday activities at Santa HQ by visiting www.shoplakewoodcenter. com/SantaHQ. Created through a partnership between the HGTV Network and Lakewood Center, the special holiday addition to the mall turns getting a photo with Santa into a creative and innovative activity for children.

Children can use Santa’s Magic Mirror to virtually try on outfits from one of their favorite Elves or create their own Elf ID card, a fun identification keepsake from the Elf Academy. Be sure scan yourself on the “Naughty or Nice O’Meter” to see where you land on Santa’s list this year!

Visitors will wind their way to Santa’s workshop through interactive activity stations featuring tablets and apps that let the fun be shared with grandparents and friends via social

media. Apps can be used to take the experience home.

Santa’s hours through Dec. 11: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving) Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 1: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Santa’s hours from Dec. 12-24: Dec. 12-15 (Thursday-Sunday): 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec. 16-19 (Monday-Thursday): 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dec. 20-21 (Friday-Saturday): 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec. 22 (Sunday): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dec. 23 (Monday): 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dec. 24 (Tuesday): 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Yappy Hour” Pet Photos on Tuesdays through Dec. 3 Pets get their chance to sit on Santa’s lap, too! On Tuesday evenings through Dec. 3, stop by from 6 to 8 p.m. with your cat or dog (in a pet carrier or on a leash) for a holiday portrait.

Visit www.shopLakewoodCenter.com/Events for more information or call 562-6330290. ♦

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From all of us at the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the Lakewood Community News!

Today

Lakewood

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A most wonderful time of the year

By Mayor Todd Rogers

It’s hard to imagine, but it’s the holiday season again.

I guess the weather finally knows that too. Just a few weeks ago, we had dangerously dry 90 degree days. Now, as I write to you in late November, the temperature will only hit 62 during the daytime, drop to 45 at night, and there’s rain in the forecast!

The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year in Lakewood.

Lots of residents decorate their homes beautifully. People are in an especially good mood with each other (generally). And many organizations hold festive events commemorating the holidays and reflecting on the spirit of the season.

The City of Lakewood spends a lot of time and effort organizing a tree lighting ceremony for the community, held in the Lakewood Civic Center outside of City Hall on the first Friday in December.

It’s become a wonderful annual tradition now in our city, and it’s a great place to see lots of friends and neighbors and get in the holiday spirit.

If you haven’t been before, I encourage you to.

We have Dickens Carolers singing fun and reflective songs that set a good mood for

the evening.

Santa Claus is there sitting in a large regal chair, with a long line of children eager to give him their wish list of gifts. Lakewood city staff are at the ready to take a free photo of the kids with Santa and with the parents joining in if they want.

There are also two large sleighs where families can take group photos in a wintry setting that make for an attractive holiday greeting card.

There are free games for kids, a caravan of food trucks offering meals at affordable prices, and free coffee and cocoa donated by local merchants.

The full event on Friday, Dec. 6 runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with the tree lighting happening at 6:30 p.m. Right after the tree is lit, artificial snow falls in the large courtyard around the tree for about 15 minutes. Kids of all ages love that part!

More details are available at www.lakewoodcity.org/ TreeLighting or by calling City Hall at 562-866-9771.

A big thank-you to the community sponsors of the event, starting off with the principal sponsor, Lakewood Center. A full list of the sponsors can be seen at the website above.

The holiday season is also a time when hundreds of Lakewood residents volunteer in many ways throughout the community to make life a little bit better for their fellow residents who may need some help. Residents get involved through Lakewood religious organizations, non-profit groups, and a project sponsored by the City of Lakewood and the Rotary Club of Lake-

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wood called Project Shepherd.

You can learn more about Project Shepherd and other ways to volunteer and help in Lakewood at www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteer or by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Lakewood is celebrating its 65th anniversary as a city this year, and our community continues to be a wonderful place to live. I am thankful that my wife and I have raised our family here, and that thousands of other Lakewood families contribute in many different ways to make this a great community.

On behalf of my fellow Lakewood City Council Members, we wish you and your family a very happy and meaningful holiday season ahead. ♦

How to access City Hall for business on Dec. 6 Lakewood’s annual Tree Lighting will be held Friday, Dec. 6 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. City Hall will operate “business as usual” that day (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), however, parking will be impacted.

The parking lot in front of City Hall (off of Clark Avenue) will be closed all day on Dec. 6 as city staff and contractors prepare for the event.

The rear lot behind City Hall will be open until noon. Parking will be available behind The Centre all day long. Street parking on Civic Center Way will also remain open all day.

Disabled parking will be available behind The Centre all day and behind City Hall until that lot closes at noon.

If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 562-8669771, ext. 2140. ♦

City Spotlight LYS Basketball Registration Sign-ups for Lakewood Youth Sports Basketball will be available online Dec. 7-21. Simply go to www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and click on the “Sports” tab at the top of the page.

Lakewood residents can still choose to visit their local park to register, as they have done in the past. The co-ed Rookie and Smurf Divisions, for ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7, emphasizes instruction using a smaller ball and modified rules to promote fun and minimize competition. The Competitive Divisions are for ages 8 to 17. 15-17 Boys and Girls divisions will play a 3 on 3 format, focused on providing a fun, social atmosphere.

There is no registration fee for Lakewood residents.

Non-resident registration is $20 and can be paid online any time. Players will be instructed to present a birth certificate to verify age classifications prior to first practices.

Teams practice weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, beginning Dec. 30.

League play begins Jan. 25 and concludes March 21. For more information, call Lakewood’s Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Lakewood Youth Sports volunteer coaches needed Volunteer coaches are needed for basketball teams for the upcoming season at Lakewood parks. Although parents of players make great coaches, it’s not required to have a child playing to be a volunteer. Volunteering to coach is a rewarding experience, and anyone that wants to be involved is welcome.

No coaching experience is necessary. City staff will provide the appropriate training. Inquire at any Lakewood park for complete details or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Winter vacation programs— Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 Holiday activities at Lakewood parks will be featured throughout the two weeks of school vacation from Monday, Dec. 23 through Friday, Jan. 3. Special activity flyers are available at Lakewood City Hall and Lakewood parks. Parks are closed on December 24 and 25. Santa will make an early appearance on Saturday, Dec. 21 at each of the parks, followed by a candy cane hunt.

Park activities during the vacation period will include winter holiday craft projects, indoor and outdoor games, and fun with food. For more information, call 562-8669771, extension 2408.

Register for Spring classes Resident mail-in registration and online registration start when catalogs go out in the mail in December. General registration for the public, including phone-in and walk-in registration, begins Monday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall.

Most classes and activities begin the week of Monday, Feb. 3. Online registration is fast, easy and convenient at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog.

Call City Hall at 562-8669771, extension 2408 for additional information.

Lakewood Hall of Fame seeks nominations The Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 39th annual sports awards program.

(Cont’d. on Pg. 3)

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“Light Up a Life” helps Lakewood residents honor loved ones

Pathways, a communitybased local non-profit, provides families with a special opportunity to remember and honor those they love this holiday season.

Join in the festivities on Monday December 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Centre at Sycamore Plaza (5000 Clark Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712) when families, friends and neighbors come together to light the Pathways “Light Up a Life” holiday tree. Enjoy music, reflection, and fellowship with others from your community while honoring and remembering those we love.

Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers will M.C. the event and music will be provided by the Emmanuel Reformed Church Choir.

This holiday event is free to attend, but for each $25 gift you make, a shining light on the Pathways tree will represent your friend or loved one being honored or memorialized. Names will be read aloud at the ceremony and your loved one’s name will also be added to the “Light Up a Life” scrolls displayed by the tree throughout the holiday season.

Pathways has been providing services in the community, free of charge, for 34 years. From frail and chronically ill older adults, to hospice patients battling

terminal illness, to children and families overwhelmed with grief, Pathways has always been a ray of hope in a sea of confusion, heartache and healthcare red tape.

Be a part of “Light Up a Life” this holiday season and support the good work of Pathways by making a gift that is personal, special and unique!

For more information on the “Light Up a Life” tree lighting ceremony or Pathways’ programs and services, please call (562) 531-3031 or visit our website at www. pathwayshospice.org. ♦

City Spotlight (Cont’d. from Pg. 2)

The 2019 Athlete of the Year, Performers of the Year and Special Achievement awards will be selected based on data supplied in nominations. Nominations are due to the Recreation and Community Services Department at City Hall

by Dec. 5. Athletes must live or attend school in Lakewood to be eligible. The awards banquet will take place on Feb. 24, 2020. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for details.

Whale Watching Travel Trip Join us on Saturday, Jan. 25, as we board a ship to go whale watching. The ocean near Los Angeles and Orange counties is one of the few destinations in the world that has a thriving year-round whale population. During the winter months, thousands of gray whales leave the cold Arctic Seas

Business Page 3 and follow the coastline to the warm waters of Southern California. Sightings of minke, humpback and even killer whales have been reported, in addition to several species of dolphins, sea lions and other types of marine life. Bring a camera, binoculars, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Light concessions and beverages are available onboard or bring your own snack.

Please arrive at Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., Lakewood, at 10:30 a.m. for check-in.

The bus will leave promptly at 11 a.m. and will return at 3:30 p.m.

The cost of this trip is $34 per person. An adult must accompany children of all ages. This trip is not ADA accessible. Participants must be able to walk up steps and board the ship on their own or bring an attendant to assist. Last day to register is Monday, Jan. 13 or until filled. Use activity #16041 for registration. ♦

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November 2019

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Lakewood citrus trees still at high risk of deadly HLB disease In the last year, the devastating citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) was found in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside coun-

Expires 12-31-19

ties, increasing the HLB quarantine area by 47%. This means the disease (which has been detected in a residential citrus tree in

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Lakewood) is spreading to new areas.

Visit www.CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org for more information on the disease and how to inspect your own trees. For what to expect when an agricultural official visits your property, see the flyer at www.lakewoodcity. org/Citrus.

An insect called the Asian citrus psyllid spreads the disease as it feeds on leaves. The main way the psyllid spreads throughout the state is by people transport-

ing infested plants or plant material.

Once a tree is confirmed with the disease, it will die and must be removed to limit its spread.

To protect other trees, be sure to dry out citrus clippings and double bag them before removing the plant material from your property.

Lakewood residents can play a critical role in stopping the spread of HLB by searching for signs of the pest and disease on their citrus trees, which include: • blotchy or yellowing leaves • yellow shoots • lopsided, small and bitter fruit • premature and excessive

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fruit drop.

If you see suspicious symptoms of HLB, act quickly and call the state of California’s free hotline: 800-491-1899.

HLB can affect all citrus trees, including orange, lemon, lime, mandarin, pomelo, kumquat, grapefruit, tangerine and more.

If you have any of these plants in your backyard, inspect them monthly, or whenever watering, spraying, pruning or tending trees.

If you spot psyllid insects, visit your local nursery or garden center to get advice on products that can protect your tree.

You can also obtain citrus care advice at the University of California Extension IPM website at http://ipm.ucanr.edu/. Taking proper care of your citrus trees will encourage healthy citrus growth and protect the tree from HLB. California residents should only purchase citrus trees from reputable, licensed nurseries in your area. ♦

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Have you noticed that fear is pointless? It is about some imagined event that might take place. Rarely does what the mind produce ever occur. In fact, it’s just the opposite. The things I never worried about— my mom falling and breaking her hip, my dad rushed to the ER after a bad fall, my son getting a piece of metal in his eye—none of it did I see coming. The images that kept me up at nights, never materialized.

Fear is obsessed with the future. But we’re not psychics, so we can’t predict it. Like Stephen King drafting out his next horror novel, all we can do is rely on our vivid imagination.

If you are fearful, it means nothing has happened yet. If the “event” were to happen, you will no longer be afraid. You will be in action-mode.

Fear messes with your mind.

It makes you think your projections are real when, in fact, they are only a scary image on your life’s screen.

Next time you’re in fear, ask yourself, “What’s happening right now? Is there anything I can to do?”

Save your energy for when you really need it. Otherwise, just work on enjoying life.

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT, author of The Healing Alphabet, 26 Empowering Ways to Enrich Your Life. Follow her on www.youtube.com/ channel/UCcigu_joKqgIelc6jhvecsw, Twitter, Instagram (@therapyXpress).

Visit her at www.rossanasnee.com.

She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. ♦

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Tips for a Merry Holiday Home

(StatePoint) A merry holiday season starts at home.

Here are some nice ways to add cheer to the rooms and spaces where people gather.

• Light a Fire: It may be the most primitive technology in existence but lighting a fire is still one of the best ways to create a rich holiday atmosphere. Bonus: use aromatic firewood such as pine, fir or cedar.

• Project a Movie: Decorating for the holiday season can be as easy as setting up a projector and playing seasonal movies on a loop.

From classics like “Miracle on 34th Street” to contemporary favorites like “Elf,” these films provide the perfect backdrop to the holiday season. With the ability to run all day, the LampFree Projectors in Casio’s Slim Series are ideal for this purpose.

• Bake Cookies: Make the

whole house smell amazing (and become everyone’s favorite person) by popping cookies and other desserts in the oven that include spices evocative of the season, like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla. For a lighter option, you can get the same effect by brewing tea with these same ingredients.

• Host a Sing-a-Long: Securing yourself a digital piano with an authentic concert grand sound may just be the best gift you give your family this holiday season.

The Casio GP-500 reproduces the three-dimensional sound field generated by an acoustic grand to fill a room with rich, complex sound, making it a great place to gather for holiday sing-alongs. The piano itself can also be a decoration destination -- think garlands and candles. Be sure to set out sheet music and other in-

struments like tambourines or bells so that guests can join in the fun.

• Add Flora: Spruce up your living spaces – literally.

Holly, Christmas cactus, poinsettias and spruce add color and vibrancy to mantels, staircases, coffee tables and other nooks and crannies. What’s more, many of these plants will continue to thrive long after the lights and tinsel come down.

The holidays come but once a year. Make the most of the season by turning your home into a winter wonderland. ♦

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Christmas tree recycling and special holiday trash

Trees should be placed next to the curb near trash carts.

Starting Thursday, Dec. 26, Lakewood residents can recycle their Christmas trees and get extra holiday trash hauled away with assistance from the city’s waste hauler, EDCO Waste and Recycling Services.

Christmas tree disposal. For two weeks after Christmas (from Dec. 26 through Jan. 8), EDCO will pick up discarded Christmas trees on your trash collection day. Flocked trees are OK, but ornaments, tinsel, and metal or plastic stands must be removed. Wooden tree stands can be left on the tree.

The tree must not be in a bag.

Trees over six feet tall must be cut in half. Place your tree near your carts on your parkway or next to the curb.

Holiday-related extra trash

service. For the week immediately following Christmas, from Dec. 26-31, EDCO will pick up the extra holiday trash on your trash pickup day. You should continue to use your existing carts as much as possible, but you can also leave up to 10 standard-size trash bags about two feet from your cart for pick-up. Holiday and appliance boxes may be left there as well. There is no charge for this extra service and no need to call EDCO in advance.

No bulky item pickup service from Dec. 24 to Jan. 8.

The service starts again on Thursday, Jan. 9. To use it, call EDCO at 562-531-3054 by 3:30 p.m. at least one day before your normal trash day. ♦

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December 2019

‘Tis the season for Project Shepherd

Teen volunteers help sort and pack canned goods.

The Lakewood community’s commitment to caring is obvious every holiday season when the Youth Center at Del Valle Park transforms into the “Project Shepherd Warehouse.”

Teddy Bear Tree toys are gathered and the makings for family holiday meals are assembled.

A small army of volunteers and city staff makes

lists and checks them twice to help an expected 300+ Lakewood families in economic need have a brighter holiday season. Everyone involved will be continuing Project Shepherd’s 47-year commitment of helping residents in need during the holiday season, along with a year-round mission of maintaining an emergency food pantry.

For volunteer information, see the flyer at www. lakewoodcity.org/ProjectShepherdVolunteer or call 562-925-7512.

Project Shepherd always welcomes your donations of money, toys, simple food staples and household basics.

Financial contributions can be made by check to: Lakewood Project Shep-

herd, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, 90712. Donations can also be made online at www.lakewoodcity. org/GiveProjectShepherd.

Donations of non-perishable food and grocery staples can be made at most city parks and facilities.

Here are some examples of the best items to donate: • Canned and jarred goods such as meat, fish, fruit, soup and peanut butter • Dried goods like pasta, rice and cereal • Basics like toilet paper, laundry detergent and toothpaste • $10 grocery gift cards from any local grocery store You can drop items off at: • Burns Community Center at 5510 Clark Ave. • Lakewood City Hall at 5050 Clark Ave. • Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Ave. • Palms Park Community Center at 12305 207th St. near Del Amo Blvd. and

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Last year 301 families were served, helping 1,112 individuals living in Lakewood, many of them children. They were able to enjoy the holidays when they otherwise lacked the food, gifts and toys that many of us take for granted.

For more information on Project Shepherd and all the ways to help, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ projectshepherd. ♦

Lakewood Women’s Club

The Lakewood Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 17 at Sycamore Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. in Lakewood.

Meeting begins at 11 am, lunch at 12 pm and our program at 1 pm. This month’s program will be a fun “white elephant” gift exchange.

For lunch reservations, call Arlene Roos at 562863-4933.

The Lakewood Women’s Club concentrates on civic projects to help improve the lives of those in the area and we welcome others to join us!

This month, we have several holiday parties planned for the club members to enjoy, but what is most important is what we offer at the Long Beach VA Hospital - visiting the patients and providing dinner at the Fisher House.

For more information on the club, as well as their evening meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, contact Sandra Reprogle Richardson at 562-866841. Happy Holidays to all! ♦

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Five things you should stop doing when you get home from work

Because the lines between work life and private life are blurred in far more pervasive and subtly intrusive ways than ever, it’s increasingly important to keep those lines firmly drawn.

Being able to work any time from any place means, well… being able to work any time from any place.

In other words: It’s up to you to consider, draw, and keep the boundaries so your personal time actually helps you to recharge.

Here are some things you should stop doing when you leave work and enter the sphere of home life.

(If you work from home, consider “when you get home from

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work” as the stopping point of your work day, or at least a demarcation between work time and personal time.)

Dropping all your stuff at the front door It’s tempting because you’re finally home and you just want to set it all down, physically and figuratively. But a cluttered, messy front room is not going to clean itself up and having to confront it later is not relaxing.

If you’ve organized your entryway to have a home for your daily staples—like your purse, umbrella, and coat, by all means hang them up or set them down.

But resist the urge to drop your

effects at the front door, and instead try to filter as much as you can right away.

Doing that “one last thing” for work There are certainly exceptions when finishing something before you call it a day gets something off your back and helps you relax more fully, but for the most part, having a firm end to your work day is vital. Even if you see a work email come through on your phone, or shifting into work mode is only a click away while you’re doing something else on your laptop, try to keep personal time personal. Be consistent in the times you are not available for work, both for yourself and your coworkers.

Switching on the TV It’s too easy to flop down and veg out, but you’re only delaying the not-fun things you have to do like putting away your belongings, paying the bills that are due today, and getting dinner started.

Don’t procrastinate on responsibilities so that you can enjoy your rest time fully free when you’re finished.Jumping into jobs at home Yes, you should check some small after work to-dos off your list when you get home rather than putting them off, but you don’t want to swing headlong into your “job” at home. Give yourself a little bit of space and time to sink into the home feeling, like a 5-minute meditation, or reading 20 pages of your book.

It might help to designate a time when you’ll “get cracking” after you get home and stick to that.

Forgetting to reconnect with your loved ones Treating the loved ones who live with us like they’re always there isn’t something any of us would purposely choose to do.

How about deliberately reconnecting? Sitting and chatting about your day, a ten-second hug, or helping someone bring the groceries in can set the tone for a pleasant evening ahead. ♦

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Lakewood Run registration is open!

The Lakewood Run returns on Saturday, March 7, 2020 when Sheriff’s deputies, recreational runners, families and kids gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to run the event’s 5K/10K course for time, or do the 1K “Fun Run” or a 5K walk. Lakewood’s tree-lined residential streets provide the backdrop. The flat, “runner friendly” course is fast for practiced runners and comfortable for fitness fans and family members.

Check out the Lakewood Run website and register online now or download the PDF sign-up form to sign up a group or pay by check at www.lakewoodrun.com/registration.

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

Early registration will be $35 until Jan. 31, $40 from Feb. 1 through March 6, and $45 the day of the race. The 1K Fun Run pre-registration rate is $20 and $25 on race day. On the day of the event, registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

The 5K and 10K runs start at 8 a.m. The Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m.

Professional timing will be used. Medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each category of the 5K and 10K running events. All finishers for the 5K/10K will receive finisher medals.

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

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

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SH P LAKEWOOD

December 2019

DNA Salon, La De Da Salon host 2nd Annual Diapers and Dreft campaign for Su Casa Last year, DNA Salon held a holiday campaign by collecting diapers of all sizes and Dreft baby laundry soap to supplement the needs of Su Casa - Ending Domestic Violence. Su Casa is a local nonprofit, communitybased organization that protects families from domestic violence. They are dedicated to the philosophy that every individual has the right to live free from violence or the threat of violence.

DNA Salon, along with its clients, donated 2,510 diapers, 1,604 baby wipes

and 753 loads of laundry.

Diana Macias, co-owner of DNA Salon said, “We are so glad that our guests understand the value of supporting a non-profit in our community.”

This year, through their friendship and passion for community outreach, another drop off spot has opened at La De Da Salon. Community service is at the heart of both of these Lakewood salons.

Natasha Jackson, owner of La De Da Salon shared, “We are happy to be a second drop off location for this campaign. Being able

to give to those in need brings personal satisfaction and growth.”

Diapers and Dreft can be dropped off at either location, and monetary donations are also welcomed.

Campaign collections begin November 18th, and will continue through the end of the year.

DNA Salon is located at 5466 Woodruff Ave. off the southeast corner of Woodruff and South St. La De Da Salon is located at 11126 Del Amo Blvd. off of Del Amo Blvd. and Studebaker Rd. ♦

Shop Lakewood and fulfill the wish of a child in need The opportunity to make a difference returns to Lakewood Center the weekend of Nov. 30–Dec. 1. While shopping for their own families, residents can fulfill the holiday wish of a child in need.

The wishes of dozens of local kids will adorn a Teddy Bear Tree in the mall’s center court. Rotary Club

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

of Lakewood volunteers, many of them Lakewood business and civic leaders, will help guests choose a paper bear from the tree.

Rotarians will be on hand to accept the unwrapped gift items returned to the booth with their bear ornament. Gifts can also be dropped off at most City of Lakewood facilities during business hours prior to Monday, Dec. 2.

The Teddy Bear Tree program has helped countless youngsters since 1995.

Gifts go to individual children registered through Project Shepherd. Without help, the children will probably go without gifts this holiday season.

Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood, and helped 301 families and 1,200 individuals last year through the organization’s holiday season efforts and yearround emergency food pantry. For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ProjectShepherd. ♦

SH P LAKEWOOD December 2019

www.lakewoodchamber.com

SH P LAKEWOOD

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

Page 11

News

Community Page 12

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Long Beach City College receives grant that will impact thousands of students Long Beach City College received a $3 million federal Title V grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve student success and equitable student outcomes for Latinx and low-income students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

“It is both an incredible honor and a tremendous opportunity to receive such an extraordinary amount of money specifically for our students’ STEM education,” said LBCCD Board of Trustees President Vivian Malauulu.

LBCC will create the DESTINO: Developing Engaging STEM Through Innovative New Opportunities program that will implement strategies designed to address four goals: innovate STEM teaching strategies to support historically underrepresented student groups; ensure students are equitably welcomed into and supported in opportunities in STEM education; provide focused and integrated academic and student services support throughout the edu-

cational life cycle for STEM students; and invest in people and support structures needed for STEM transformation.

“Because we are a nationally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution, this grant will greatly help significantly assist our Latinx and lowincome students improve in the area of STEM,” said Malauulu. “Destino is Spanish for destination. LBCC is determined to ensure that our students’ ultimate destino is success!”

LBCC’s plans for the Title V funding include: • Hiring a team of faculty and staff for the Science Resource Center.

• Hiring a STEM counselor and academic support staff.

• Hosting a STEM-focused summer bridge program that will help local high school graduates successfully transition to LBCC. • Hosting STEM-focused outreach events for future students, their families and the community at large.

• Conducting financial literacy workshops with the goal

Congregation Shir Chadash of Lakewood will hold their annnual “Latkapalooza” dinner and latka (Potato pancakes} feast on Friday, December 20 at 6:30 pm at 6440 E. Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood.

Everyone is welcome. Those attending may also bring their Hanukkah Menorahs (holiday candelabras) and take part in lighting their candles for this 8-day holiday, which goes from December 23-30 this year.

RSVP’s may be made by calling the Temple Office at (562)429-0715.

of reaching 480 students each year during the Title V grant.

“Fifty-six percent of LBCC’s student population identifies as Latinx or Hispanic,” said LBCCD Superintendent-President Dr. Reagan Ferragamo Romali.

“The DESTINO program will support all LBCC students in STEM fields, but the strategies will help improve achievement for students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields.”

LBCC received news about receiving the Title V grant on Aug. 22. The grant will be distributed to LBCC over the next five years.

Long Beach City College consists of two campuses with an enrollment of over 25,000 students each semester. The education program’s primary purpose is to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions, entry into work or career development, and to support businesses in economic development. Long Beach City College serves the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill and Avalon. Long Beach City College promotes equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities.

Visit www.LBCC.edu for more information on Long Beach City College. ♦

December 2019

Lakewood Self Storage serves as drop-off location for Toys for Tots Drive

It continues to be a privilege for Lakewood Self Storage to serve as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots and they are striving to collect more toys this year than any other previous year. Everyone in the community is encouraged to bring unwrapped new toys to Lakewood Self Storage, which will then be donated to Toys for Tots for the holidays. Please drop off the toys by December 12, 2019.

The objective of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to help needy children throughout the United States experience

joy at Christmas. Lakewood Self Storage appreciates your continued support for this very worthwhile charity which helps make this an enjoyable Christmas for many children in our community.

Lakewood Self Storage is a local self storage facility in Lakewood, located at 3969 Paramount Boulevard. Our professional staff is friendly and dedicated to helping you with all of your storage needs.

Our commitment to customer service explains why most of our clients are either repeat customers or referrals. ♦

News

Community December 2019

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Page 13

Changes to trash pickup and city Unlock your full potential with Toastmasters services through the holidays

Lakewood City Hall will be closed the week of Dec. 2327 and on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Here are trash and other city service details for the two holiday weeks of Dec. 23 and Dec. 30: • Trash pick-up for the two holiday weeks of Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 will not change for Monday and Tuesday trash customers. But for all other customers, your trash pick-up will be delayed by one day.

That means that Wednesday pickups will happen on Thursday, Thursday pickups on Friday, and Friday pickups will happen on Saturday.

• Street sweeping in residential

areas will not occur during the holiday weeks of Dec. 23-27 and Dec. 30-Jan. 3. And there will be no street-sweeping related parking enforcement during those weeks. Street sweeping will resume on Monday, Jan. 6.

• DASH Transit service will not be available on Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.

When City Hall is closed, here is how you can report a non-emergency issue: • Call and leave a message for the customer service staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140 or send an email to service1@ lakewoodcity.org. They will answer messages on the next

business day.

• Submit a non-emergency service request online at www. lakewoodcity.org/service.

• Use the Lakewood Connect app for your smartphone to report an issue, ask a question or give input to the City of Lakewood. The app is available for free from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

For emergency city service requests, like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, please phone 562-866-9771 and follow the recorded instructions to page a 24-hour city emergency staff worker.

If you would like to obtain an RV/Trailer permit you can contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Safety Center at 562-6233583. For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054. ♦

ship skills, has helped millions of men and women become more confident when communicating with their peers.

Upper Crust, the local Lakewood branch of Toastmasters, is inviting new members to discover the benefits of improving their interpersonal communication in a supportive and interactive environment. Meetings are held on Wednesday mornings at 11:30 am at the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, 24 Lakewood Center Mall, next to See’s Candies.

For more information on Upper Crust, please visit their website at www.uppercrust.toastmastersclub.org or call Rick Harenburg at (714) 4784529. ♦

Are you interested in improving your communication and building leadership skills? Do you have difficulty expressing yourself in your personal and workplace relationships? Since 1924, Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leader-

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The Lakewood Women’s Club is looking for a room to hold evening meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. This meeting is so working women can be a part of our great philanthropic organization. The group prepares dinner once a month at Fisher House and is currently working to fill Christmas bags for the patients at L.B. Veterans Hospital. If you have a space to donate that would accommodate 12 – 15 people, please contact Linda Peressini at 562-8671948 or by email at linda@lperessini.com. ♦

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Around Page 14

December 2019

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood heroes are honored

Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work Kona with the Martin family, with Mayor Todd Rogers at left and Fire Chief Daryl Osby at right.

The City of Lakewood held its annual Award of Valor luncheon on Nov. 6 to thank the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department, as well as the community volunteers who protect and serve Lakewood.

Among the incidents shared, the city honored L.A. County firefighters based in Lakewood for combating a dangerous residential fire that originated in the attic. The homeowners were saved by their dog, Kona, when she alerted them to the nighttime inferno by barking loudly, saving their lives as the home burned down. Kona Martin was awarded the first ever Mayor’s Award given to a non-human, and Jamie

Martin read a heartfelt letter thanking her neighbors for their generosity and support as they dealt with losing their home.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Lakewood Deputy Sheriff Steve Vranek for his 30-year career with the Sheriff’s Department, as well as Fire Battalion Chief William Mayfield, who also reached his 30-year service mark.

The city also recognized several Lakewood residents for their volunteer service in public safety, either as part of Neighborhood Watch or the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Volunteers. Denny Reed was awarded the Lakewood Station Volunteer of the Year for 24 years of volunteerism and

an astonishing 40,000 hours of service, the most in the history of the Sheriff’s Department.

Mayor Todd Rogers expressed how in our current climate everyone should be watching over one another, and attendees were impressed to hear from and see 16 civilians who demonstrated selflessness and bravery in Lakewood over the past year. This included three neighbors who helped stop a violent carjacking, and seven city employees who acted swiftly with two separate encounters with fire as well as coming to the aid of an ill woman at a city event who was later discovered to have suffered a heart attack.

Lakewood CityTV has produced a video of the luncheon where you can see all the stories of Lakewood’s sworn and civilian heroes.

Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/AOVvideo. View the photo gallery from the event at www.lakewoodcity.org/ AOVgallery. ♦

Congratulations to the winner of the November Sudoku puzzle, Joshua Fleming! 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 24 Lakewood Center Mall in Lakewood (next to See’s Candies). The winners are

Thank You to our Sudoku Sponsor!

drawn by random.

One entry per household.

The winner will be drawn on Friday, December 20, 2019, and the call to the winner will be made the same day.

If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winner will be published in the January issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u

News

Community December 2019

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Page 15

City Council places “Local Control Last chance to ‘Thank Measure” on March 2020 Ballot a Servicemember’

Lakewood City Council

At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Lakewood City Council voted unanimously to place the “Lakewood Public Safety/Local Control Measure” on the March 2020 ballot for consideration by city voters.

If enacted by Lakewood voters, the measure would create a 3/4 cent local sales tax that would provide Lakewood with locally controlled funding that legally cannot be taken by Sacramento.

Funds would strictly be for use in Lakewood, to address priorities identified in recent surveys by Lakewood residents including: maintaining 911 emergency response and Sheriff’s patrols, as well as services to prevent property crimes like burglaries; keeping Lakewood parks and public areas safe and clean; maintaining senior and youth programs; and other services.

The “Lakewood Public Safety/Local Control Measure” was developed after nearly a year of community surveys and outreach by the city following the adoption of the 2018-2019 city budget, after State funding takeaways had begun to impact Lakewood’s services to residents.

“We’re at a crossroads,” said Mayor Todd Rogers.

“Either we generate more revenue for Lakewood or we have to make deep cuts in our services to residents, including parks, community services and even public safety. And those would be cuts that would change Lakewood from the way we’ve known and loved it for many years.”

“Our #1 job on the Lake-

wood City Council is to protect the quality of life of Lakewood residents,” said Rogers. “And I feel strongly that giving our residents the opportunity to determine the future of their city and their quality of life is the right thing to do.”

“Residents have also let us know that they realize that their property values are affected by whether their local community is financially stable and can keep providing good services. That’s what this Lakewood local control measure is all about,” said Rogers.

The measure includes strict local accountability requirements, including mandatory financial audits and the creation of a Citizens Oversight Committee, to ensure that all funds are spent in Lakewood as promised.

Details on the Lakewood Public Safety/Local Control Measure can be viewed at www.lakewoodcity.org/StaffReport.

The city will provide more information in the months ahead about the upcoming Lakewood municipal election on March 3, 2020, including voting place changes and ballot changes recently implemented by Los Angeles County and new State laws allowing later deadlines for voter registration.

Lakewood voters will also be selecting City Council representatives. ♦

Kids can help by making cards and writing notes.

Lakewood’s 2019 Thank a Servicemember campaign kicked off on Sept. 11 at the city’s Patriot Day Commemoration and ends on Tuesday, Dec. 10. It’s easy to help…simply write a message on a free Lakewood commemorative postcard available at City Hall, or create your own holiday greeting card or letter of thanks to U.S. troops deployed overseas.

You may drop off your postcard, card, letter or drawing (please, no envelopes and no glitter) in the bright blue boxes at City Hall or at the other locations listed at www. lakewoodcity.org/TASpartners.

Scout groups, youth groups and schools are encouraged to orga-

nize card collections, too. Group collections must be delivered to City Hall along with a special transmittal form. Organizers may visit www. lakewoodcity.org/ThankAServicemember or call 562-866-9771, extension 2123 for details.

The city will send all submissions collected to U.S. servicemembers overseas through the military support group, Operation Gratitude.

“You can help,” said Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers. “Please take the time to fill out a card and drop it in a collection box before Dec. 10. We may not know their faces or their names, but we should take every opportunity to thank our military personnel for all they do for us.” ♦

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www.lakewoodchamber.com

December 2019