State of the City tickets on sale

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

Rain or shine, the 2023 Lakewood Run returns the morning of Saturday, March 4, 2023 when deputy sheriffs, recreational runners, families and kids gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station for the 5K Run/Walk/Ruck or the 10K Run course for time.

Check out the Lakewood Run website at www.lakewoodrun. com and register online now at www.lakewoodrun.com/registration

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 employment 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 Meals

New Farmers Market in Lakewood

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 Lakewoodarea businesses.

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

Major sponsors include Lakewood Center, TLD Law, Kenny’s Auto Service, Kidztown Indoor Playground, Farmers & Merchants Bank and the City of Lakewood. ♦

• Cold pressed juices.

Plus...hot prepared foods, such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, smoked BBQ meats, vegan dishes, coffee and iced coffee drinks. There will be a shaded dining area too.

And, shoppers can pick up fresh flowers, as well as prepacked goodies like French bakery items (croissants, pastries), everything sourdough, cookies, cupcakes and more!

Lakewood's annual State of the City Luncheon is set for Wednesday, Feb. 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Centre. Attendees will hear what Lakewood's leaders are saying about the city's upcoming opportunities and challenges.

This annual event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood, Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and City of Lakewood.

The early-bird deadline for reservations is Friday, Feb. 10. Reservations are $40 per person, and tables of nine can be reserved for $360 if purchased by 5 p.m. on Feb. 10. From Feb. 11 through Feb. 16, reservations are $50 per person. Seating is not guaranteed after Feb. 16.

Reservations may be purchased online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ SOTCtickets

Residents who do not wish to purchase the catered lunch may still attend, at no charge, but are requested to reserve a table spot at the website above.

The program will review the accomplishments of the past year, the challenges ahead, and feature the first showing of Lakewood CityTV's always informative and entertaining annual report video.

If you are unable to attend, the video and Mayor Steve Croft’s remarks will be available later that day in the city’s Lakewood Connect eMagazine and at www. lakewoodcity.org. A video of the entire luncheon will be on the city’s website March 15.

For more information, call the city’s Community Relations Office at 562-866-9771, extension 3123. ♦

Project sites needed for Volunteer Day

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.

A new Lakewood Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the city property at Del Amo Blvd. and Clark Ave.

The Farmers Market features California-certified fresh produce , meaning that farmers are certified to be natural “farm land to farm stand fresh” who sell only what they grow.

Shoppers will find a variety of fresh items such as:

• Seasonal fruit.

• Fresh vegetables, including microgreens, leafy greens, avocados, root veggies, watermelons and more.

• Farm fresh eggs.

• Hive to harvest honey.

• Avocado and olive oils.

• Fresh fish and certified organic chicken.

• Nut butters and roasted nuts.

• Hummus, yogurts and spreads.

A variety of crafters and artisans will also offer their specialty items.

The market is run by the operators of a longstanding successful Farmers Market in Long Beach (at Clark Ave. and Spring St.).

Parking is in the lot next to the market (east side) or the last row of the parking lot closest to Civic Center Way. Please do not park in the designated library parking area. ♦

Volunteers of all ages come together to help their neighbors.

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 15 clean-up and fix-up event. More than 500 volunteers will fan out that day to locations throughout Lakewood to

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. ♦