Lakewood Community News - February 2020

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 40 Number 2

February 2020

Bellflower Board of Education recognizes Project sites sought for undefeated Mayfair High School Girls Volunteer Day Varsity Volleyball team

Lakewood residents of all ages pitch in to help on Volunteer Day.

The Mayfair High School Girls Varsity Volleyball team was recognized and honored by the Bellflower Unified School District Board during their December 2019 board meeting for their amazing season and accomplishments. The Girls Varsity team had another successful season, bringing home their 5th Suburban league title in a row and reaching a new league record of 59-0 in league games.

In addition to the team’s successes, the Mayfair Girls Varsity Volleyball team had 6 of their players awarded Suburban League awards. Sophomore Ashlyn Riddle was chosen as the

2019-2020 MVP for the entire Suburban League, which is voted by all high school coaches (within the league). They immediately noticed and recognized her with this award for her overall positive attitude, her strong volleyball skills as a Libero and keeping the team in an upbeat mode throughout the season – whether they were winning or losing. She was also awarded the Coaches Award at the season closing banquet.

The awards and acknowledgements of the team didn’t stop there. Esther Kailiponi (Sophomore), Jadin Williams (Junior) and Mya Tillman (Sophomore) were selected on First Team All-

League and Emma Pedroza (Junior) and Pisey Chiv (Senior) were selected on Second Team All-League. When you see how many players were selected for Suburban League awards, it’s no wonder this past season for Mayfair Girls Varsity team was a huge success!

The Certificate of Recognition plaque was accepted on behalf of Asha Greenridge and Ashlyn Riddle at the Bellflower District December Board Meeting on December 9th. They were extremely honored to accept the award presented by the district board and look forward repeating history again next season. ♦

Lakewood Run is a fun, healthy way to support the community

Avid runners, fitness athletes, families and kids are welcome.

Rain or shine, the Lakewood Run returns the morning of 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.

Participants and spectators can also enjoy a fitness expo, displays

of public safety equipment and programs, live entertainment and special giveaways from Lakewood-area businesses.

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. Register online now at www.lakewoodrun.com/registration.

Race day 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.

Your support of the Lakewood Run funds the Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach Live Your Dream program to assist women who provide the primary financial support for their families by giving them resources to improve their education, skills and employ-

ment prospects. Proceeds also benefit high school girls through the Dream It, Be It program that provides access to professional role models and career education.

In addition, Run proceeds help local organizations such as Lakewood Meals on Wheels, Su Casa~Ending Domestic Violence, Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, Friends of Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Fund, and 9-9-9 for Kids (a program benefitting foster children in L.A. County).

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

Major sponsors include Lakewood Center, Piazza Family McDonald’s Restaurants, TLD Law, Kenny’s Auto Service, Back to Life Chiropractic, CJ Construction and the City of Lakewood. ♦

One of Lakewood’s enduring traditions is Volunteer Day, where residents help their neighbors in need and make their community a better place.

The Volunteer Day program is looking for project sites for its Saturday, April 25 cleanup and fix-up event. More than 500 volunteers will fan out that day to locations throughout Lakewood to donate a morning’s work to help their neighbors in need. Teams of volunteer workers from scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses, organizations and religious congregations will assist residents who are unable to maintain their properties themselves.

Recipients of Volunteer Day aid can be seniors or persons of any age who, because of a disability or limited means, need some neighborly help to make their Lakewood yard or home exterior a little nicer.

Work can include gardening, yard cleanup or minor painting.

The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. If you, or someone you know, can benefit from a Volunteer Day cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, please go to www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteerdaysite to submit an application online, or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512. ♦

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Lakewood

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Lakewood faces a challenge

By Mayor Todd Rogers

As I write to you, I’m putting the finishing touches on the speech I’ll give at Lakewood’s annual State of the City gathering on Wednesday, January 22.

I’ll start by saying that in 2020 Lakewood faces perhaps the biggest challenge of our 65 years as a city.

The reason? We are confronting a budget crisis that seriously threatens our community quality of life.

Over the past eight years, the State of California has taken over $30 million in local funds away from us…and continues to take funds from us still today.

We’re not alone. Almost every city in California is in a similar situation.

Lakewood has already made over $3 million in cuts to the city’s budget in the last two years alone.

But with the state’s takeaways continuing at a rate over $2 million each year, Lakewood’s budget situation is worsening.

Without a long-term solution, Lakewood is facing a significant deficit that ultimately could even require us to cut our number of deputy sheriffs and other public safety resources as our situation becomes more dire. Cuts to our recreation programs and park and pool hours would also likely occur.

As I’ve said before, the Lakewood we know and love will change rapidly if our fiscal situation does not turn around.

To identify and prioritize solutions, we asked for the input of Lakewood residents in a community conversation over the past year. We convened a Budget Advisory Group of local citizenexperts in business, finance and government. We held community meetings and sent surveys to every household in Lakewood.

Over 2,000 residents gave us their feedback and ideas, showing that residents strongly support the public safety and community services that Lakewood provides.

Based on the community’s input, the Lakewood City Council unanimously voted to place Measure L, the “Lakewood Public Safety/Local Control Measure,” on the upcoming March 2020 ballot.

If approved by Lakewood voters, Measure L, a ¾ cent local sales tax measure, would provide local funds to address the local needs that residents have told us are most important to them, including public safety, parks, recreation for all ages, and good

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roads and infrastructure.

Importantly, these local funds, by law, could not be taken by the state or any level of government.

Equally important, Measure L includes strict accountability provisions such as the creation of a Citizens Oversight Committee, public disclosure of all spending, and annual independent audits.

With Measure L on the March ballot and races for City Council representatives, Lakewood residents have very important decisions to make about the future of our city and of their local quality of life.

Find out more at www.lakewoodcity.org/MeasureL or call City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2140.

You can read my full State of the City address (and see Lakewood CityTV’s always informative and entertaining Annual Report video) at www.lakewoodcity. org/SOTC. In conclusion, the State of our City is strong in Lakewood.

But, we have a serious challenge ahead. Lakewood has faced challenges before…including financial ones…and when we did, we pulled together and made decisions as a community that kept us moving ahead in a positive direction.

Time will tell how we face this year’s challenge, but I am always optimistic when it comes to Lakewood. We have excelled as a community for 65 years, and I am confident that we will confront the challenge that we face now, become even stronger…and as always, live up to our motto of being a community where “Times Change, Values Don’t.” ♦

City Spotlight Play at Palms: Movie Night Under the Stars featuring The Lion King (2019 Film, rated PG) Bring the entire family and enjoy an evening of FREE family fun and movie entertainment under the stars on Friday, Feb. 14 at Palms Park, 12305 207th St., Lakewood. Guests can bring chairs and a picnic, and enjoy a fun evening with their families.

Check-in begins at 6 p.m. with the movie scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. If you would like to purchase dinner, a food truck will be onsite. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park.

For more information call the city recreation staff at 562-8669771, extension 2408 or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/catalog.

Travel trip to Palms Springs Aerial Tramway Join us on Saturday, March 21 as we visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, transporting riders along a two-andone-half mile ride along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon to the pristine wilderness of San Jacinto State Park.

During the approximately tenminute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once the Mountain Station is reached at about 8,516 feet, participants are on their own to explore the observation decks, natural history museum, documentary theaters, gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Lunch will be provided at the Pine Café. Temperatures at the top are generally 30-40 degrees cooler, so please check the weather and dress appropriately.

Please arrive at Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave. at 7:45 a.m. for check-in. The bus will leave promptly at 8 a.m. and will return at 5:30 p.m.

The cost of this trip is $55 per person. An adult must accompany children of all ages. Last day

to register is Monday, March 9 or until filled. Use activity #16403 to register at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.

Teen Career Builder Series Teens ages 12-17 can take advantage of the free Career Builder Series at the Lakewood Youth Center, 4658 Woodruff Ave. Teens can learn what it takes to successfully secure a job, from interviewing, to building a resume, to job searching.

Series workshops take place as follows: • Tuesday, Feb. 18, 5 to 6 p.m.: Interview Prep • Thursday, Feb. 20, 5 to 6 p.m.: Mock Interviews • Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5 to 6 p.m.: Resume Building • Thursday, Feb. 27, 5 to 6 p.m.: Finding that Job Details can be found in the Lakewood recreation catalog or at www.lakewoodcity.org/catalog. For more information call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472.

FUN-Tastic Family Night Dino Encounters Show Travel back in time 65 million years to the Cretaceous period where the Dino Encounters Show will introduce you to several dinosaurs that were found in North America. Don’t miss out on the 9-foot-tall, 14-footlong “Rocky the T-Rex!” The event is held Friday, Feb. 21 at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. The cost of the show is $9 per person, $6 for children one to three years old (children under one are free) and includes a meal of penne pasta with white sauce, meatballs with red sauce, breadsticks, lemonade and a dessert. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is on a first come basis. Go to www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog to register and use activity #16453. The last day to register is Feb. 18 or until filled.

(Cont’d. on Pg. 4)

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State of the City video and mayor’s remarks ments spanning the past 65 years. It also addresses the serious financial challenge that the city faces.

Lakewood Sheriff’s Lieutenant Dave Sprengel provided a public safety update and Mayor Todd Rogers provided a detailed analysis of

the city’s budget challenge and the proposed solution, Measure L, on the March 2020 ballot.

Mayor Rogers’ State of the City remarks and the Annual Report video can be seen at www.lakewoodcity.org/ SOTC. ♦

February 2020

Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame tickets on sale

Mayor Todd Rogers gives his remarks at the Jan. 22 State of the City.

The Lakewood State of the City annual luncheon always includes the premiere showing of the city’s informative annual report video produced

by Lakewood’s award-winning CityTV team.

At this year’s Jan. 22 event at The Centre, the theme of

the video was “65 Years of Milestones,” narrated by Lakewood’s council members.

There was plenty of discussion and video footage of Lakewood community events over the past year, as well as 15 milestone mo-

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Brad Crihfield attends Jan. 22 State of the City.

Tickets for the 39th annual Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame banquet will be on sale at City Hall starting Tuesday, Jan. 21. The awards banquet is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. and will honor the 2019 Athlete of the Year and more than 25 other deserving athletes and coaches.

Awards include the “Larry Van Nostran Future Star Award” which honors a freshman athlete with the most outstanding achievements in a sport. The award is named after Lakewood’s longestserving council member, who in 1980 founded the Hall of Fame in conjunction with local business owner and current Council Member Ron Piazza. Van Nostran passed away in 2012.

If purchased by Feb. 6, discounted tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students; if purchased between Feb. 7 and 14, ticket prices are $36 and $26 respectively. Reservation deadline is Feb. 14.

Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for more information or to purchase tickets. ♦

City Spotlight (Cont’d from Pg. 2) Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for more information.

Spring recreation classes begin The City of Lakewood’s spring recreation classes begin in February. If you have not received your copy of the popular catalog, pick one up at City Hall or any Lakewood park, community center or library.

Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 to request one by mail, or view online at www.lakewoodcity.org/catalog. The new spring catalog lists over 600 classes and activities offered for area residents as well as many new programs. Customers can register online using eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog. ♦

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Free emergency-prep workshop

Lakewood’s free “Survive for 7” workshop returns with a oneevening “jump start” for emergency preparedness efforts. The workshop educates residents about actions they can take to protect their family and teaches skills needed to survive in the first week following a catastrophe.

Learn more at www.lakewoodcity.org/7days.

The free program is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Burns Community

Presidents’ Day city service information

City Hall will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day. Trash service will continue as usual. There will be no street sweeping on this day and no makeup sweep. DASH Transit service will not be available.

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 562-8669771, 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 24hour city emergency staff worker.

For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054. ♦

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Center, 5510 Clark Ave. Register at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog using activity #16739, or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information.

Everyone should stock six emergency basics at home: water,

food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools and emergency supplies/special items. If you have pets, plan for their needs.

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container with wheels, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.

Lakewood’s response in the days and weeks after a major disaster depends in large part on how well our community stays informed. In the event of a disaster, the city’s radio station 1620 AM will broadcast Lakewood-specific information about emergency services. Be prepared to tune into KLWD 1620 AM using a portable crank disaster kit radio or car radio. Emergency information will also be posted on the city website at www.lakewoodcity.org and on Lakewood CityTV channel 31. ♦

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Coyotes in urban environments Like opossums and raccoons, coyotes have adapted over the years to suburban life throughout California and the nation.

While Lakewood doesn’t have the level of coyote problems of many communities near foothills or large open spaces, coyotes can venture

into residential areas and become problematic, especially if people are feeding them (intentionally or unintentionally) by leaving pet food out overnight, tree fruit on the ground, or trash unsecured.

These coyote attractants create a threat to pets, as coyotes coming into neighbor-

hoods see them as potential prey. Coyotes will kill cats and small dogs who are left unattended or stray off your property.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has jurisdiction over urban wildlife in our state, provides helpful tips for communities and asks for our cooperation.

The City of Lakewood recommends that residents follow these guidelines to prevent attracting coyotes into our community.

Tips to safeguard your pets • Feed pets inside. Don’t feed feral cats, ducks or pigeons.

They attract coyotes to your neighborhood, putting pets at risk.

• Never feed coyotes! (When humans have been bitten by coyotes it is often because someone nearby is feeding

Learn the tips to safeguard your pets from coyotes.

them and it breaks down their natural fear of humans.)

• Pick up fallen fruit (another food source for coyotes and for animals and rodents that attract coyotes).

• Keep trash lids securely closed. Don’t overfill trash cans so they can’t close fully. Coy-

otes can reach in and get food.

This teaches them to come to your home.

• If you compost, use enclosed bins. Do not compost meat, dairy or egg products.

• The safest place for cats and small dogs is inside. Coyotes can jump over fences 6-10 feet high. While coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, they have been sighted at all hours of the day.

• While walking dogs, keep them on a leash 6’ or shorter. If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog, remain calm, take control of your dog by picking it up if possible and back away slowly, keeping your eyes on the coyote. Look for another pedestrian to assist you.

• Use negative reinforcement (“hazing”) to train coyotes to stay away. If you see a coyote, let it know it’s not welcome in your neighborhood by making loud noises to frighten it away.

You’re helping the coyote by keeping it wild…and you’re helping protect your neighborhood.

• Don’t ignore or run away from a coyote. You need to scare it away, but don’t injure it or it could become unpredictable.

Trapping coyotes is not a long-term solution. State law prevents the relocation of trapped coyotes because doing so upsets the wildlife ecosystem where the coyote is transported.

Routine trapping and euthanizing of coyotes, even when pets have been attacked, is also not a viable option because if food and water sources remain, new coyotes will simply move in and continue the cycle. Government agencies generally limit the trapping and euthanizing of coyotes to certain narrow situations, such as when coyotes have attacked people.

The best way to prevent problems in the first place is to remove coyote attractants, safeguard your pets, and haze and train any coyotes you see to stay away from humans.

For more information and further guidelines, or to report a coyote sighting, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/coyotes or call 562-866-9771, extension 2140. ♦

Green February 2020

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Earth Walk returns to Monte Verde Park

4626 N. Shadeway Road.

Participants will learn what they can do to help keep the earth beautiful and protected.

Adults and children are invited to take a nature walk, plant seeds, create nature-themed crafts, make s’mores and learn about recycling. The park features many California native plants.

“Woody the Tree,” Lakewood’s “Tree City, U.S.A.” mascot, will be in attendance.

He will help teach visitors about Lakewood’s “urban forest.”

For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or go to www.lakewoodcity. org/EarthWalk. ♦

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Time to Check In

January has flown by, and now we’re staring at the cold face of February. How did that happen?

I’m certain I haven’t been sleeping. Has it gone as fast for you?

As I mentioned in the previous article, many good intentions are set at the start of a new year. Now it’s time to check in with yourself.

What were some of the things you intended to put into action in 2020? Did you start them? If not, what happened that prevented you from doing so? If you did manage to start implementing some of your goals, are you still working on them, or did you give up from lack of continued motivation?

Earth Walk is a fun way for kids to learn about nature.

Lakewood’s free Earth Walk event returns this spring with an interactive experience for kids and adults on Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will be held at rustic Monte Verde Park, which is the trailhead to over three miles of landscaped walking trails and the San Gabriel River Parkway.

Activities will move into the park’s S. Mark Taper Lodge or under canopies if there’s rain.

Monte Verde Park is located at

Living

Ask yourself the above questions. Review what you’ve done so far, and what you’d still like to accomplish. It is not too late.

You’ve got 11 remaining months before 2021 comes around.

If you haven’t been able to accomplish much due to life stepping in, don’t beat yourself up.

Instead, step back, give yourself some encouragement, and be willing to restart. Just hit REFRESH. If you bit off more than you could chew, take things off your plate, and tackle whatever is left.

It’s doable. Just keep moving forward.

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT, author of The Healing Alphabet, 26 Empowering Ways to Enrich Your Life. Follow her on https://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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February 2020

Urgent Care Pros opens office in Lakewood

Court to present the business with certificates of recognition during their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Located at 5424 Woodruff Ave., Urgent Care Pros offers comprehensive urgent care with extensive experience in emergency rooms. For more information, contact their Lakewood office at (562) 452-0038. ♌

The City of Lakewood and the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce were proud to welcome Lakewood’s newest urgent care center, Urgent

Care Pros, to the neighborhood on January 9th. Mayor Todd Rogers joined the Chamber Board of Directors and Miss Greater Lakewood

Advertise in the Lakewood Community News! Call or email for our first-time advertiser rates!

(562) 531-9733 advertise@lakewoodchamber. com

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

SH P LAKEWOOD February 2020

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Lakewood Run helps women in need live their dreams

live their dreams last May at the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards dinner.

Funding for the Live Your Dream Awards is raised by generous sponsors and participants of the Lakewood Run, an annual collaboration of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station and Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach.

In its 29th year, the Run is a family-friendly 5K/10K event with walkers and runners, plus a 1K run and obstacle course for the kids. Register for the March 7th Run at www.lakewoodrun. com and follow the Lakewood Run on the Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach, CA Facebook page. Contact Kathy Salinas if you are interested in a Run sponsorship. Send your inquiry by email to kathysalinas@bhhscaprops.com. ♦

Stephanie Ruiz is a strong woman, determined to build a better life for herself and her three children with special needs. Leaving her violent partner meant almost two years of homelessness, staying in motel rooms, shelters, and couch-surfing with relatives. At one low point, Stephanie was taking her children to the drive-in theater, where she could get some sleep, then driving through the night while the children slept.

Her dream is to be a diagnostic medical imaging technician. She is enrolled at Long Beach City College and has secured a job at the college working in the Disabled Student Services Program.

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• Thin or Thick Crust • Salads & Sandwiches • Live Music - Bluegrass every Sat & Big Al on the piano every Fri. • Free Banquet Room (20-100 people)

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Phone: 562-421-8908

She is also enrolled in child development classes where she is learning how to better help her own children.

Stephanie was one of five women with equally heartwrenching stories who were given cash awards to help them

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

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New places and hours to vote this March

Based on a new state law, the L.A. County Registrar of Voters is replacing traditional Election Day polling places with new Voting Centers that will be open for multiple days leading up to Election Day. For the March 3, 2020 election, in addition to state and national races, there will be a Lakewood focus with voting for two seats on the Lakewood City Council and Measure L, the “Lakewood Public Safety/Local Control Measure.” Information about the Lakewood-specific items is available at www.lakewoodcity. org/election.

In Lakewood, there will be multiple Vote Centers, with some open for 4 days and others 11 days leading up to and including March 3. The County Registrar is finalizing the locations of the Vote Centers, which voters will be able to find on the Registrar’s website at www.lavote.net or in documents from the Registrar being mailed to all voters in February.

Vote Centers will replace the traditional neighborhood precinct polling places, so it’s important that voters look at information coming in the mail from the Registrar (or at the website above) telling them where Vote Centers are. New this year, voters can also cast their ballots at any Vote Center in L.A. County and their votes will be automatically tallied in their home jurisdiction. This can allow people to vote closer to where they work or go to school.

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election is Tuesday, Feb. 18. You can register to vote at www.lavote.net or in person at the Lakewood City Clerk’s Office in City Hall.

After Feb. 18, you can still conditionally register and vote at the Registrar’s main office or at satellite offices listed at www. lavote.net.

Vote by Mail (VBM) remains a very convenient option, and is even easier this year, with postage already paid on the returnenvelope. The last day to request a VBM ballot is Feb. 25 if you are already registered to vote.

Request a VBM ballot easily online at www.lavote.net or in person at the Lakewood City Clerk’s Office in City Hall. You can also request to be a VBM voter when you register to vote. ♦

February 2020

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Scam from solicitors offering home repairs

Be wary of door-to-door solicitors.

According to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, the scam works like this: a fake “contractor” knocks on the door of a house. He offers a free estimate for low-cost home repairs and asks the resident to do a walkaround of the home’s exterior and backyard so the resident can point out areas that need repair.

While the homeowner is away from the front door and distracted, the solicitor’s unseen partners quickly walk into the open front door. They are experts at stealing valuable items in just one minute. After the walk-around the solicitor gives

the homeowner a fake business card and leaves, promising to follow up with an estimate. By the time the homeowner figures out he or she’s been burglarized, the thieves have driven away.

Tips to prevent this kind of scam: • The safest course of action is to not answer your door for solicitors…or tell the solicitor to leave your property. If they do not listen, call the Lakewood Sheriff Station at 562-623-3500.

• If you choose to speak with a solicitor, never step outside your home to do so.

• Never allow solicitors into

your home.

• If you are in the market for home improvement projects, thoroughly vet contractors before you allow them into your home. Seek references from friends and neighbors and reliable websites so you know you are working with a legitimate business.

• If you experience a solicitor offering free estimates or free services, report them to the Lakewood Sheriff Station. Deputy Sheriffs will appreciate your help in trying to apprehend the recent burglars. ♦

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What Veterans Should Know About Caregiver Jobs

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path. What’s more, caregiver jobs are interesting and dynamic and no two days are the same.

For job opportunities, visit www. interimhealthcare.com/careers.

With veteran unemployment on the rise and a growing need for home health aides, veterans should consider how a job in the homebased healthcare industry might be right for them. ♦

Lakewood Women’s Club

(StatePoint) Today, there are over 18 million U.S. veterans, many of whom are seeking civilian jobs.

Experts say that the caregiving industry -- which is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to an aging population -- is particularly well-suited to the skills and experience of those who’ve served their country.

“Veterans bring many valuable attributes to the table that make them amazing candidates for caregiving careers,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief executive officer of Caring Brands International and Interim HealthCare Inc. “Given their tried and true ability to lead, think critically and solve problems in a demanding environment, as well as a service-focused mindset, it’s often a great fit.”

The experts at Interim HealthCare Inc. are offering some tips and information to help veterans know what to look for before taking a position in the caregiving industry.

• A track record of hiring veterans: Companies with a proven track

record of hiring veterans may be more likely to value the skills veterans bring with them, and may be more likely to accept military training in place of civilian training.

• Diverse opportunities: Veterans should seek employment with companies that offer opportunities for growth, as well as exclusive benefits to veterans. In the case of Interim HealthCare for example, the company offers comprehensive continuing education and inservice programs, and is actively seeking veterans to fill office and field staff jobs.

• Support: Does the company offer resource groups for veterans? Look for signs that you will be supported once you are hired.

• Meaningful, interesting work: After having served one’s country, finding work that’s meaningful is of importance to many veterans.

Helping patients stay vital and healthy has a positive impact on individuals, families and communities, and for many in the industry, is an immensely rewarding career

The next Lakewood Women’s Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at the Sycamore Centre, 5000 Clark Ave in Lakewood. Meeting begins at 11 AM, lunch at 12 PM and the program at 1 PM. For our program this month, we will welcome speaker Pam Ament, who holds the title of V. P. Elect State President. For lunch reservations, call Arlene Roos at 562-863-4933.

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! For more information on the Women’s Club, as well as their evening meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday evening of the month at 6:30 PM, call Sandra Richardson at 562-866-8410.

One of the many highlights for the month of February will have the members enjoying a Silver Tea held at the Monte Verde Lodge. The afternoon includes socializing, wonderful food provided by the members and the chance to take home a beautiful gift basket! ♦

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Assemblyman Anthony Rendon made a donation to DNA Salon’s 2nd Annual Diapers and Drive campaign benefitting Su Casa - Ending Domestic Violence. Rendon represents

two locations, where the donations would be taken to Su Casa, a Long Beach-based organization that provides shelter, support and counsel to victims of domestic abuse and violence.

This year’s collection more than doubled in quantity thanks to the support of Lakewood residents. Diana Macias, owner of DNA Salon states, “Most people want to help out, and we are happy to help facilitate that for them. Not only that, we are bringing awareness to an epidemic that needs addressing. By collecting diapers and Dreft, we are giving everyone an opportunity to be advocates for this great cause.”

A special thank you goes out to La De Da Salon in Lakewood for being a second drop-off location. Any other businesses that may be interested in participating in future community service events can call Diana Macias at (562) 804-4440. ♦

February 2020

Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon Makes a Visit to DNA Salon

the 63rd Assembly District, which includes nine cities, one of them being Lakewood. The collection encouraged local residents to drop off diapers and Dreft detergent at one of

Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work

Congratulations to the winner of the January Sudoku puzzle, Martin Arellano! To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

Or drop it by the Chamber office at 4111 South St. in Lakewood. The winners are drawn by random.

Cool Gift Ideas That Last Beyond Thank You Valentine’s Day to our

(StatePoint) Flowers, chocolate and candlelit dinner are classic ways to show devotion on Valentine’s Day, but by tapping into your loved one’s hobbies and interests, you will discover gifts that truly last.

• For readers: For avid readers, it can seem as though there are never enough books. However, a book-of-the-month subscription box can help satiate bibliophiles.

Delivered right to their doorstep, discovering new favorite authors and titles has never been so convenient.

• For music-makers: A keyboard

with versatile features such as the ultra-compact CT-S200 from Casio can inspire any aspiring or seasoned musician to learn the basics or take the show on the road. With its 61 full-size keys and built-in carrying handle, beginners can connect it to the Chordana Play app, which features progressive lessons, or take advantage of its dance music mode to create and remix electronic dance music tracks.

• For artists: A gift certificate to an art studio is a thoughtful way to cultivate your loved one’s talent. It also gives them the flexibility to select a class that fits their schedule and level of experience. If classes that meet outside the home are not viable, consider a subscription to an online learning platform such as Skillshare, which offers thousands of classes, including those in fine art, digital art, photography and more.

• For gamers and sports enthu-

siasts: Gamers and sports fans have one thing in common, and it’s the need for a great home theater set-up that offers clear, bright images. You can help them experience their favorite pastime in a brand-new way with a home projector, such as the Slim XJ-A257, a low-maintenance, high-brightness projector that incorporates a CASIO developed hybrid light source combining laser and LED technology.

• For writers: Whether your loved one is a budding novelist, a poet or essayist, a beautiful journal in which to capture their thoughts will be much appreciated. For those prone to writer’s block, consider a journal that includes writing prompts and other exercises to get the wheels spinning.

This year, try gifting something different than the old standbys. Valentine’s Day lasts one day but the right gift will bring your loved one joy throughout the year. ♦

Sudoku Sponsor!

One entry per household; the winner will be drawn on Friday, February 21, 2020, and a call to the winner will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winner will be published in the March issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. ♦

News

Community February 2020

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Weingart Center offering free income tax help

AARP Tax-Aide booking now at Weingart Center.

Volunteers are available at Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center to assist low-income families, individuals and seniors in preparing their basic tax returns. Appointments are required and are available Mondays and Thursdays from Feb. 3 through April 13.

Call 562-630-6141 to make an appointment. The Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Ave. If you are filing a joint return, both husband and wife must come to the appointment. Individuals with appointments should bring in their tax information (W-2 or 1099 forms) and last year’s tax return. The returns generally take about two hours to prepare, and every return is reviewed by a second tax preparer before they’re filed.

The service is a nationwide AARP Foundation program called “Tax-Aide.” Through a corps of trained volunteers, Tax-

Aide has helped low- to moderate-income individuals for more than 40 years across the nation.

The program helps taxpayers receive applicable tax credits and deductions. Tax-Aide is free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ taxaide.

Volunteers WILL: • Prepare simple forms, including sale of homes and rental property (NO depreciation).

• Prepare Schedules A, B, C & D. • Prepare K-1 (Interest & Dividends only).

• Refer technical questions/returns to the IRS or other professional assistance.

Volunteers WILL NOT: • Prepare complicated returns such as rental property with depreciation.

• Prepare business returns or complicated K-1.

• Answer technical questions for which they have not been trained.

• Refer taxpayers to any firm.

• Accept fees. ♦

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February 2020

Paid for by Lakewood Neighbors in Support of Measure L (ID# 1423028)