Lakewood Community News - July 2021

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Lakewood Community

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

Volume 41 Number 7

City fireworks show

A safe and professional aerial fireworks show will take place at three locations across Lakewood on Friday, July 2 for 15 minutes starting at 8:45 p.m.

The city is sponsoring this show in place of the Civic Center Block Party, which had to be canceled again this year due to COVID health precautions for large gatherings. (The Block Party requires several months of advance planning, and a decision on it was required well before the new state reopening guidelines were known. It’s hoped the Block Party will return in 2022!)

The city has chosen three locations for the July 2 show so that as many Lakewood residents as possible will be able to

view it from their front yards or near their homes.

The locations will be: • Holmes Elementary School in western Lakewood • Lakewood High School in central Lakewood • Artesia High School in eastern Lakewood Public safety personnel will prevent people from congregating at those locations. Instead, please try to see the fireworks from your yard or neighborhood or a location a safe distance from a fireworks site.

People and owners of pets who can become agitated by explosions report that there is a big difference between a short, scheduled professional fire-

works show that they can plan and prepare for (like this July 2nd show) vs. the unexpected sounds of illegal skyrockets and firecrackers in their neighborhood exploding all through the day and night.

The City of Lakewood encourages residents to enjoy this safe and professional fireworks show on July 2nd and enjoy “safe and sane” fireworks on July 4, during the legal hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. “Safe and sane” fireworks are sold by Lakewood community groups and are approved by the California State Fire Marshal.

They do not explode or go into the air, and their sound does not travel far. ♦

Lakewood Chamber kicks off the summer softball league at San Martin Park

Pictured L to R: Jose Solache- Lakewood Chamber President, Vicki Stuckey & Ari Pé-City Council Members and Jeff Wood-Mayor of Lakewood.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Co-Ed Softball League kicked off their 27th season on June 16th with an Opening Day ceremony at San Martin Park in Lakewood.

Members of the Board of Directors and Chamber staff hit the field with teams from various Lakewood businesses for photo opportunities. Mayor Jeff Wood and City Council Member Vicki Stuckey & Ari Pé attended the ceremony to represent the City of Lakewood, with the Mayor throwing out the first pitch before the start of the game.

Stop by and cheer the teams on as they play for the next championship! ♦

July 2021

Patriotic photo contest

Enter the Lakewood photo contest to win prizes!

The City of Lakewood invites you to show your patriotic spirit and love for Lakewood and our country by decorating your home, front yard, car, bike, stroller, wagon, or pretty much anything you'd like to dress up in red, white and blue…including you!

Then take some photos and share them for a chance to win a prize.

Four categories will be recognized: • Most Patriotic • Most Fun • Most Artistic • Lakewood’s Finest

Be sure to identify which category your photo is for and submit it no later than Monday, July 5 to qualify for a prize.

How to submit your photo: • Post on Instagram and use #LakewoodFun; be sure to specify the category of your photo.

• Email them to LakewoodFun@lakewoodcity.org and include the category of your photo in the subject line.

Only one winner per household, per category.

Must be a Lakewood resident to participate. ♦

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Honoring a "Legend of Lakewood"

By Mayor Jeff Wood

The impact of some people on an organization or a community can be immense…and truly legendary.

That can wholeheartedly be said about Howard L. Chambers, the former City Manager of Lakewood, who passed away on June 9 from cancer at the age of 76.

Howard’s life story is intertwined with the history of our community.

Howard was one of the original “Lakewood kids” who grew up here at the time of the city’s founding and historic growth in the 1950s. And there were lots of kids in Lakewood then…the product of thousands of young families enjoying their newly built Lakewood homes. The average residential block might have 100 children living on it, playing in the streets and yards until dusk.

Howard went to Mayfair High School, was on the basketball team, and took parttime jobs with the Lakewood YMCA and then the Lakewood recreation department. He developed an interest in city government and public service based on that early work.

He graduated from Cal State Long Beach, and went to work as assistant city manager for the small city of Rosemead in the San Gabriel Valley, which only had 28 employees at the time.

Howard says he had to become a jack-of-all-trades there. A job opened up back in Lakewood as executive assistant to the city manager, and he took it.

Little did he know that political turmoil was in the mak-

ing. Within a couple of years, there were two nearly complete turnovers of Lakewood City Council Members, and the city manager had lost his job. The City Council settled on a new city manager--a young Howard Chambers, only 32 years-old.

Some figured he would only last six months, but Howard proved them wrong. He helped lead Lakewood out of its turmoil of the mid-1970s and into a sustained period of stability and professionally-run, competent city government that made Lakewood well regarded throughout the region and state.

Howard became known for his frugality and carefulness in having Lakewood city government live within its means and stay focused on doing very well at its core missions for residents.

Howard worked for Lakewood for 50 years, including a remarkable 41 years as city manager—a record for a single city in California.

Howard’s achievements for Lakewood include: • Decades of balanced budgets and fiscal stability • The building of The Centre, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Vista Lodge at Monte Verde Park, and the expansion of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station • The renovation of the Veterans Memorial Plaza and Douglas jet plane at Del Valle Park and the building of the new Pumpkin Playground at San Martin Park • The repaving of all 143 miles of Lakewood streets between 2003 and 2013 Equally important is an ethos that Howard created among Lakewood city staff of topquality, legendary customer service to residents. That ethos will hopefully live forever in Lakewood.

Howard loved his work.

He served as Lakewood City Manager until age 72, retiring in 2017. It’s one of those sad and unfair twists of fate that he didn’t get to enjoy his re-

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tirement years for long, as the cancer he had been battling for several years finally overtook him. This February, he entered hospice care at his home in Brea.

I take some solace knowing that Howard’s friends, colleagues, and current and former City Council Members had the opportunity to express appreciation to Howard over the past couple of months, knowing of his situation. It was a somber but bittersweet time to be able to tell Howard how much he meant to us and the community we all know and love.

Lakewood community leaders were also able to gather with Howard in February 2020 to formally honor him as a “Legend of Lakewood.” His name will now join others from throughout Lakewood history on our Pillars of Community which will be reinstalled soon inside The Centre. You can see a touching Lakewood CityTV video about Howard being named a Legend of Lakewood at www.lakewoodcity.org/ HowardChambersVideo.

Howard was a superb City Manager of Lakewood, and a great partner with the Lakewood City Council for many wonderful years and decades.

So much of Lakewood is the great way that it is because of his work and leadership over that span of time. Howard Chambers’ legacy will last here forever. ♦

City Spotlight

Movie Night Under the Stars Enjoy an evening of free family fun and movie entertainment under the stars. Guests can bring chairs and a picnic.

Check-in begins at 7 p.m. with the movie starting at 8 p.m.

Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed. All current L.A. County Public Health protocols will be followed.

Saturday, July 10 - Toy Story 4 (G), San Martin Park, 5231 Ocana Ave. • Resident registration opens July 3, non-resident opens July 5 • Activity #20494 Saturday, July 31 - Cool Runnings (PG), Lakewood Center, northwest parking lot near El Torito • Resident registration opens July 24, non-resident opens July 26 • Activity #20495 Saturday, August 14 - Raya and the Last Dragon (PG), Palms Park, 12305 207th St., Lakewood • Resident registration opens Aug. 7, non-resident opens Aug. 9 • Activity #20496 These events are free, but registration is required.

To register, or for more information, call Lakewood’s Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or visit www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.

Fun-tastic Family Night with Chazz Ross at Monte Verde Park Want to hear music from other parts of the world? Come to a free event outdoors at Monte Verde Park, 4626 N. Shadeway Rd., on Friday, July 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Clarence “Chazz” Ross offers African Drum and International Drum experiences featuring the djembe drum! His African and International percussion will magically channel each audience member’s internal rhythms to enrich their words through music and dance. All current L.A. County Public Health protocols will be followed. Pre-registration is required. Use activity #20497 to register at www.lakewoodcity. org/catalog.

Family Play Day Bring the entire family for a free Family Play Day event at Mayfair Park on Saturday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents of all ages will enjoy a

variety of inflatable attractions and an opportunity to swim for free at Mayfair Pool. For those wanting to cool off, free recreation swim passes will be given out at the DJ booth at noon.

The passes will allow entry to Mayfair pool on Aug. 7 during the recreation swim hours of 1 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.

Youngsters ages 3-7 can also keep cool in the wading pools at San Martin, Del Valle, Mae Boyar, Mayfair and Palms parks. After the event, children can also play at the playground and explore their neighborhood park. Bring your friends and neighbors and plan to spend the day in the sun. Remember, play can be enjoyed by “kids” of any age. All current L.A. County Public Health protocols will be followed.

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

• Softball leagues play on various weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

• Volleytennis plays on Monday evenings.

All ability levels are encouraged. Registration is taken at City Hall. Registration packets are available now at www.lakewoodcity.org/sports or by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Lollipop Lane applications available in July Craft vendors interested in selling at the 28th annual Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique on Oct. 16 can print an application and instructions at www. lakewoodcity.org/LollipopLane starting in July. For more information or to have an application mailed to you, call 562866-9771, extension 2408.

Air conditioned facilities provide heat relief for seniors High humidity and triple-digit temperatures can hit Lakewood during the summer and early fall. Older residents can feel more distress from heat and humidity and often have fewer options for beating the heat. The City of Lakewood reminds seniors that the airconditioned Weingart Senior Center is a comfortable oasis, especially during the hottest (Cont’d on Pg. 3)

Your

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Report illegal fireworks

Look for this seal for approved fireworks that are safe to use in Lakewood.

To help the City of Lakewood combat the use of illegal fireworks, residents are encouraged to report an active or known address of illegal fire-

Make More Time for Fun This Summer

(StatePoint) Even relaxation and fun take some preparation. But there’s no reason to work harder than you need to. Follow these hacks to get to the good stuff faster this summer.

1. Optimized Travel: Traveling by car this summer? Road navigation apps like Waze combine GPS and real-time crowd-sourced information to help you find the best route based on traffic conditions. RoadTrippers can help you make the most of the mileage, as it offers information about scenic detours, local attractions and more.

2. Waterside Fun: Whether you’re hanging out poolside, lakeside or at the beach, faster, smarter set-up means there will be more time to unwind. Luckily, there is a brand new pool flotation technology designed to help you get out on the water faster.

Check out SwimWays Spring Floats, a collection of foldable, portable fabric-covered floats that now have three times faster inflation and deflation with no pump needed. It increases airflow in while preventing airflow out to take the stress and struggle out of setting up your float.

3. Summer Meals: When cooking is accompanied by fresh air and the sounds of nature, it will feel less like a chore and more like leisure. So don’t wait for holidays and special occasions to enjoy your backyard grill.

You don’t even need to wait until the weekend. Select one day a week to do all your indoor meal prep. Then, make the most of summer evenings by grilling and dining outdoors all week long. ♦

work use. Undischarged illegal fireworks can be forfeited to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station or any L.A. County Fire Station.

Know when to call the city’s Illegal Fireworks Tip Line vs. the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station: Call the Tip Line: 562-8669771, ext. 7233 (SAFE) or use the Lakewood Connect App or email service1@lakewoodcity.org if: • Someone in your neighborhood typically lights fireworks around a certain time; for example, 8 p.m. every Saturday.

• There’s a known location in your neighborhood with the regular use of illegal fireworks.

Call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station: 562-623-3500 nonemergency line if: • You just witnessed someone lighting off illegal fireworks.

• You heard the location that actively uses illegal fireworks just set off a firework.

REMINDER: The use of ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are ONLY legal on July 4th from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ALL fire-

works, including ‘Safe and Sane,’ are considered illegal before or after July 4th.

If a firework does not have a State Fire Marshal ‘Safe and Sane’ approved seal on the packaging, that firework is classified as dangerous and is prohibited in Lakewood or anywhere in California. Safe and Sane fireworks do not explode, go into the air, or have sound that travels far.

The City of Lakewood understands concerns from the community regarding illegal firework activity and makes every effort to quell their use prior to and after July 4th.

To learn all about Lakewood’s efforts to address illegal firework use, see this Lakewood CityTV video: https://tinyurl.com/PublicSafetyFireworks. ♦

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City Spotlight (Cont’d. from Pg. 2) time of the day--from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Lakewood seniors can use the free DASH Transit service as transportation to Weingart if they can’t drive or don’t have a ride.

For more information on DASH call 562-924-0149.

Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue and can be reached at 562-6306141. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.

All current L.A. County Public Health protocols will be followed.

Additional information and a list of other air conditioned centers is available at www.lakewoodcity.org/cooling.

Several other city facilities of-

fer relief from the heat during business hours: • Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Boulevard, 562-865-1717 • Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, 562-9257512 • Mae Boyar Park, 6701 Del Amo Boulevard, 562-925-6912 • Lakewood Youth Center, 4658 Woodruff Avenue, 562-429-7472 • Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Avenue, 562-866-4776 • Palms Park, 12305 207th Street, 562-865-6414 • Angelo M. Iacoboni Library, 4990 Clark Avenue, 562-8661777 • George Nye Jr. Library, 6600 Del Amo Boulevard, 562-4218497 ♦

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Updates to city services with reopening from COVID

Kids are ready to have fun at Mayfair Pool.

The City of Lakewood is bringing back many recreation and community service programs previously restricted by the COVID pandemic.

Highlights: • The Summer Recreation Cat alog classes and activities will expand to include typical sessions with indoor and outdoor opportunities offered once again for youth, adults and seniors alike. Most classes begin the week of July 5. Visit www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog to register.

• Park Programs aimed at youth and families will be accessible again. The Summer Cool Zone program offered for children 8-13 returns to a drop-in program not requiring preregistration. The fun program with games and crafts is provided at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar, Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin Parks, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wading pools open for summer operation on Saturday, June 19 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check with your local park for daily schedules.

• Summer Concerts in the Park will return to the come-onecome-all format. On Thursdays from July 8 through August 12, concerts will return to their traditional setting at Del Valle Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Concert schedule at www.lakewoodcity.org/Concerts.

• Senior Programs at the Weingart Senior Center will return with a full scope of offerings on Monday, June 28. At the Burns Community Center, both outdoor Active+ fitness programs and indoor programs have returned as of June 21.

• Aquatics Programs at Mayffair Pool will expand in scope, allowing swim instructors back into the water to have handson instruction with lesson participants and allowing parents to once again watch from the sidelines.

• The Junior Lifeguard Program returns for a six-week course. Learn water safety and life-guarding skills, while volunteering to help pool staff.

• Recreation Swim sessions are

back, beginning with two sessions daily on the July 4 weekend from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Regular sessions resume daily on Monday, July 19: • Monday-Friday 1-2:30 p.m.

• Saturdays 1-2:30 p.m. and 2:45-4:15 p.m.

• Sundays 2:45-4:15 p.m.

• You can reserve a facility for gatherings. Starting July 1, facility permit applications will be accepted, allowing large groups to gather for important family and community-building parties, showers and celebrations. Lakewood residents and community organizations may reserve picnic shelters at parks. Simply go to the park at which you’d like to host your event and complete an application. You can also get a permit for activity rooms, ball fields and pools. To reserve these facilities, residents must call City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 to begin making appointments to complete applications.

Lakewood’s recreation staff will have the most up to date information, and can be

reached at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and alternating Fridays (open July 2, 16, 30) from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can also check the updated online catalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/Catalog.

What's new at City Hall: • Masks are not required for vaccinated persons entering City Hall.

• All three entrances to City Hall are now open; no temperature check or health screening is required.

• If you need service from Public Works, Community Development or Public Information, you are asked to check in at the information desk in the middle of the north lobby first.

• If you just need to pay a bill,

you can drop it in the box on the outside of the Clark Avenue entrance, or go directly to the line at the Finance counter just inside that door.

• For Recreation and Community Services, the entrance nearest the department is now open. You can go directly to the counter for help.

If you have any questions about City Hall operations, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2140. ♦

SAVE THE DATE!

Mayfair Park - 5720 Clark Avenue, Lakewood | Sunday, September 26, 2021 | 9AM - 2PM

MUSIC | ENTERTAINMENT | VENDORS Presented by

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Sign up now for Lakewood’s Camp Circle summer day camp

Kids can enjoy indoor games and arts and crafts as well as outdoor sports.

The City of Lakewood will offer Camp Circle, a summer day camp program for children ages 6-12, at Mayfair and Palms Parks and the Lakewood Youth Center, for 10 consecutive weeks from June 14 through August 20.

The program will provide supervised activities Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a 1:12 staff-to-camper ratio.

See the flyer at www.lakewoodcity.org/CampCircle.

Programmed activities will

be centered on a different weekly theme and include

a variety of arts and crafts, outdoor sports, indoor games and specialized activities congruent with the week’s theme.

To ensure the health and safety of all staff and campers, city staff will follow the protocols for operating summer camps as prescribed by the L.A. County Department of Public Health. This currently includes the requirement of staff and campers to wear face coverings, exercise physical distancing and confirm good health before and during participation.

Registration is already open.

The fees for Camp Circle

Living

are $130 per week for Lakewood residents, and $145 per week for non-residents.

There is also a one-time materials fee of $15 per camper for a personal supply kit of basic arts and crafts materials.

To register, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and search with the keyword “camp.” ♦

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City budget gets mid-cycle update At their June 8, 2021 meeting, Lakewood City Council Members made mid-cycle adjustments to the two-year budget that runs from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022. Lakewood’s budget remains balanced in its focus and priorities, with almost equal spending on recre-

ation and community services, public works and public safety (each constitute about 25% of the city budget).

“The good news is that Lakewood has weathered the economic impact of COVID better than many other communities,” said Mayor Jeff

Wood. “We are fortunate that our local economy is not dependent on tourism, but instead on everyday household spending by Lakewood residents and visitors who come to Lakewood to shop and have continued to shop here throughout the pandemic.”

A key feature of Measure L, passed in 2020, was the commitment to repairs and improvements to city facilities, as well as targeted enhancements to public safety and other services. As a result, the mid-cycle budget adjustments for the year ahead include: • $3 million for repairs and improvements to parks and community buildings. Lakewood has a $30 million backlog in repairs and renovations for its aging community build-

July 2021 ings and parks which can now begin thanks to Measure L, including: o New picnic shelters and tot lot playground for San Martin Park. o Bathroom renovations at Rynerson Park. o Renovations to the out dated roofs and electrical systems at Biscailuz, Bloomfield and San Martin park community buildings. o More park and community building improvements will be coming in the years ahead.

• An additional traffic safety Deputy Sheriff. The new deputy will provide more traffic safety coverage throughout Lakewood and a greater ability to prevent distracted driving, driving under the influence, the running of stop signs, and other unsafe driving. Funding

ECONOMIC FORECAST

for the new position became available because the Sheriff’s Department annual cost increase to Lakewood was less than expected, freeing up funds the city could use for this new position.

• $800,000 budget surplus projected for the upcoming fiscal year. The surplus is very strategic and was part of the rationale for Measure L. Lakewood needs the surplus in the early years of Measure L in order to pay down long-term costs, including infrastructure repairs, so that the city can extend the benefits of Measure L for many years into the future.

See Lakewood’s full budget at www.lakewoodcity.org/ budget. ♦

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Keep pets safe this July 4

be toxic or dangerous if ingested and cause stomach upset. Be sure alcoholic drinks are out of reach; if ingested, your pet could become very intoxicated and weak.

• Parents should supervise children. They are not likely to understand the adverse effects that fireworks have on pets and may accidentally let the family pet out.

• If a pet turns up missing, check the SEAACA website the very next day. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the facility is closed except by appointment.

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Check the listings of lost pets on www.SEAACA.org. If you see yours, call to make an appointment. If you don’t see your pet there, keep looking. They may have strayed quite far trying to escape the fireworks.

Additionally, increased staff will be on duty at SEAACA immediately following the holiday to help rescue any lost pets.

Call SEAACA at 562-803-3301 for assistance and to report any loose dogs. Any acts of animal cruelty should also be reported to SEAACA immediately. ♦

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Keep pets safely inside and away from fireworks.

Independence Day means lots of unusual noise and resulting agitation and fear for many animals. This can make July 5 the busiest day of the year for animal control professionals dealing with lost pets.

“We all love the 4th of July and summer outings, but it can be a difficult time for cats, dogs and other pets,” notes Denise Woodside, Executive Director of the South East Area Animal Control Agency (SEAACA), which provides animal care services in Lakewood. “It is important to take special care of your pets as you would with all family members. With a few simple precautions, we can make it safe for our pets and celebrate without worry.”

• Beware of fireworks. Pets are easily frightened by the explosions. DO NOT take your pet to a firework show or even a neighborhood gathering. Keep your pet indoors (not leashed in a yard) during the holiday in a comfortable, escape-proof room with bed, food and water. Leave a radio or television playing in the background. This can serve as a distraction and offer a sense of comfort for your pet.

• Call your vet. Sedatives can be prescribed by your veterinarian for those highly excitable pets likely to suffer extreme anxiety from the fireworks.

• Never leave animals tethered or chained outside. In their fright and distress, they can injure themselves. Cats should be indoors.

• Protect pets from the heat.

Never leave them in an unattended parked car. Keep them in the shade with plenty of water. Remember, if the asphalt is too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

• Place identification on pets.

Micro-chipping is a good idea for those pets that seem to always escape from their collars.

SEAACA offers low-cost microchipping for your pet. Your pet’s information will be registered in a national database so no matter

where you travel, your pet can be identified.

• No picnic table and grill scraps--and watch the alcohol.

Human food such as bones, onions, avocado, grapes and raisins should be off limits at all times to your dog. Some human food may

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Lakewood Project Shepherd is collecting “Back to School” backpacks and school supplies through July 30 for lowincome families with schoolage children in Lakewood.

Many kids in the community

could use some help.

New backpacks and school supplies appropriate for all ages will be accepted at the Burns Community Center at 5510 Clark Ave. from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Please call Burns at 562-925-7512 to schedule a drop off time for donations. For more information, see the flyer at www.lakewoodcity.org/PSbackpack.

As you help Project Shepherd, consider that Lakewood has some of the nation’s most popular and value-oriented back-to-school retailers… including Costco, Marshalls, Home Goods, Target, Office Max, Dollar Tree, 99¢ Only Stores, Walmart, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Macy’s and Big 5.

Did you know that as a Lakewood resident you benefit each time you make a pur-

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chase at a Lakewood store, restaurant or gas station? A portion of your sales tax dollar stays right here in Lakewood.

That pays for parks, roads, law enforcement and all the features that make for a good quality of life here in our community.

This back-to-school season, keep your hometown in mind, and Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal. And check out Shop Lakewood’s home on Facebook for coupons and updates at www.shoplakewood.org. (You don’t have to be signed up on Facebook to use the site.) ♦

Drive-through Bow Wow and Meow event Lakewood’s pet-friendly summer tradition, Bow Wow and Meow Day, returns in a drive-through format on Friday, July 23 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Lakewood Civic Center parking lot.

Products and services offered include: • Discounted rabies shots ($8 + $2 medical waste fee) • Individual feline and canine vaccines and discounted vaccination packs • $30 micro-chipping with lifetime registration • Physical exams • Prescription flea, tick & heartworm prevention products • Fecal exams, diagnostic testing and prescription medication Information regarding low-cost spaying/neutering and health care for dogs and cats will be available.

Please note this event is drivethrough only; walk-ups cannot be served due to public health restrictions.

You will enter the line from Civic Center Way, south of the library.

Attendants will direct cars to multiple stations for each segment to keep the line moving.

This event will be a contactless experience. Safety protocols, including use of masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and alcohol spray bottles, as well as sanitizing communal items and maintaining a six-foot minimum distance, will be followed. ♦

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Concerts in the Park return July 8

The Concerts in the Park series of six popular and diverse musical acts kicks off Thursday, July 8 with Motown band

Lakewood Transit Guide now available

Stone Soul and concludes on Thursday, Aug. 12. The concerts offer a relaxing evening of family fun in the grove at Del Valle Park at the intersection of Woodruff Avenue and Arbor Road. Each concert starts at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner and refreshments will be sold, or attendees may bring their own picnic basket.

Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are encouraged. Pets, barbeques and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. All current L.A. County Department of Public Health protocols will be followed.

For a schedule of bands, food trucks and other details, go to www.lakewoodcity. org/concerts or call 562-8669771, extension 2408.

Concerts in the Park are solely supported by generous area businesses and concert patrons, including:

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

This summer’s schedule:

July 8 – Stone Soul (Motown) July 15 – Country Nation (Country) July 22 – Hard Day’s Night (Beatles Tribute) July 29 – Electric Vinyl (Classic Rock) August 5 – The Smokin’ Cobras (‘60s/’70s) August 12 – Knyght Ryder (‘80s)

Lakewood Transit Guide now available.

Every summer, the City of Lakewood produces a Transit Guide to give residents updated information on bus, metro rail, bike and other options for commuting without driving. The guide also includes information about Lakewood’s free DASH transit bus for seniors and disabled residents.

In the Transit Guide, you’ll also read about everything Metro and Long Beach Transit are doing to ensure the safety of passengers and operators during COVID-19.

Wearing cloth face masks and practicing social distancing are required to board.

This year’s new Lakewood Transit Guide is available at www.lakewoodcity.org/ Transit or by calling city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140. ♦

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

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Community Page 12

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July 2021

News

Community July 2021

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Salon in Lakewood gets COVID grant

Mayor Jeff Wood presenting ceremonial SELACO check to salon owner Natasha Jackson.

La De Da salon on Del Amo Blvd. near the 605 Freeway is one of six Lakewood businesses that have won federal COVID relief grants distributed by SELACO (the South East L.A. County Workforce Development Board).

Hair We Are at 4130 South St. was another Lakewood salon to also win a grant.

La De Da will use the funds to defray the costs of the COVID protection equipment it purchased during the height of the pandemic, including plexiglass, tents, cleaning supplies, air purifier and banners.

Salon owner Natasha Jackson was reflective and appreciative when Lakewood Mayor Jeff

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

Wood asked what it meant to her to get the funds. “It meant a whole lot. Somebody cared enough to want me to stay open,”

said Jackson. La De Da specializes in hair and makeup. Jackson was recently voted “favorite hair stylist” by the readers of the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Mayor Wood is Lakewood’s representative on the SELACO Policy Board where he currently is the chair of the board. SELACO has a two-fold mission: (1) To assist employers seeking a trained workforce and provide employers with funds to provide up-skill training to new and existing staff; (2) To help job seekers with training to gain the skills necessary to secure long term employment.

The agency serves Lakewood and seven other cities. ♦

YMCA

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Save a Life event July 24

Designated ‘water watcher’ keeps children safe around a pool.

Swimming is the most popular summer activity, but unsupervised water play can lead to tragedy. A child can drown in a matter of seconds without making a sound.

Whether at a public pool or at home, it’s important for everyone in the family to learn about water safety.

The City of Lakewood is holding a free “Save a Life”

Construction - Single Story Room Additions from Concept to Completion - 75% of work done in-house

• Plan & Designing Service • Plans Drawn Ready for Permit • 38 Years of Design & Building Experience on Lakewood Models • Lakewood Resident since 1961 • Only work in Lakewood References Available

Call Kyle (562) 278-2360 K.E.Y. Construction Lic#: 540452

event on Saturday, July 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mayfair Pool, 5720 Clark Ave., to teach families how to keep children safe in and around the water.

All ages are encouraged to attend to participate in activities covering: • Water Safety • CPR • Life Jacket Fittings • Water Watcher Program Free 30-minute swim lessons are offered for children at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Approved swimsuits are required and swim diapers are required for all children four years old and under.

You can register for lessons online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog under Save a Life, or call Mayfair Pool at 562-804-4256 for more information.

Pre-registration is required for swim lessons, however it is not required for the event. ♦

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Pick up your pencil and lets play Sudoku!

To be eligible for a Foggia’s gift card, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall in Lakewood. The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the winner will be drawn on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, and a call to the winner will be

made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. ♦

Thank You to our Sudoku Sponsor!

News

Community July 2021

How to help local schools & students

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Two great reasons to join Neighborhood Watch

By joining Lakewood Neighborhood Watch on your block you get to: (1) help keep your block and neighborhood safe, and (2) make new friends and connect with your neighbors.

Neighborhood Watch block captains and their neighbors get to know each other in-person and virtually, and are supported in their crime prevention efforts by the City of Lakewood’s Public Safety Department and tion and mailed to the Lake- Special Assignment Officer wood Education Foundation, (SAO) team of Deputy Sherc/o Lakewood City Hall, 5050 iffs. With the city’s NeighClark Avenue, Lakewood, CA borhood Watch, community 90712. Or, donate securely on- members can: line at www.lakewoodcity.org/ • Learn different crime prevention techniques from DonateLEF. See a video and learn more Lakewood Deputy Sherabout LEF at www.lakewood- iffs and Lakewood’s Public Safety Department. city.org/LEFvideo. ♦ • Learn about emergency

• Attend quarterly informational seminars hosted by various public safety agencies.

Want to learn more? All you have to do is make the call! Take the first step in preventing crime in your neighborhood and meeting more of your neighbors.

Call city staff at 562-8669771, extension 2114 or email crimeprevention@ lakewoodcity.org. ♦

preparedness and response to natural and man-made disasters.

• Receive monthly crime pre vention tips.

Sunday, September 26th 9am-2pm

Mayfair Park 5720 Clark Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712

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Thanks to generous donations from Lakewood residents and businesses, the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) has been able to give grants for hundreds of classroom improvement projects in Lakewood schools since beginning in 2003. This past year, 74 classroom projects in 21 Lakewood schools were funded for a total of $33,550. This level of contributions came in amounts large and small and shows the importance that Lakewood residents and businesses place on our local schools…and the trust they place in LEF to select worthy projects.

LEF is a non-profit group run by Lakewood residents.

An annual fireworks stand, October golf tournament, and lots of individual donations raise the annual support funding. After very modest expenses, 100% of donations reach kids in Lakewood classrooms.

The most popular request by teachers last year for classroom grants, which average about $500, was for books and technology to support distance learning during the pandemic.

With schools returning to inperson learning in the new school year, teacher requests may include some of the popular items from the recent past such as reading software and educational field trips to aquariums, museums and even the UCI Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.

You can help for this coming school year by making a donation. Any size is appreciated and put to good use. Donation checks should be payable to Lakewood Education Founda-

www.lakewoodchamber.com

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Greater Lakewood CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

SHIRT SIZE: (circle one) ($45 pre-sale only)

$45.00 Pre-Registration - Includes a Dash Plaque, 5 Raffle Tickets & T-Shirt (By Sept. 16th) $50.00 Day of Event (Includes 5 Raffle Tickets & T-Shirt, while supplies last/Size not guaranteed) Name

S M L XL 2XL 3XL

Phone #

Street Address

City, ST, ZIP

Vehicle Make EMAIL ADDRESS

Model

Year

Car Club (N/A if none)

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

Signature

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

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

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YMCA

March 2021