Padekwa - Lakewood's NEWEST local coffee shop, is OPEN for business!
The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed Padekwa Cafe to Lakewood California. On Saturday, June 22, 2024 the Chamber officially participated in the Grand Opening Festivities and was honored to officiate the ribboncutting ceremony. The Lakewood City Mayor, Todd Rogers and City Council Members David Arellano, Steve Croft, and Jeff Wood joined us for this momentous ceremony.
Our GLCC Chairwoman Joaine Dixson expressed her welcoming remarks on behalf of the Lakewood Chamber, along with a certificate presentation from
Board Members Erika Parada and Travis "Action"Jackson. We were thankful to have our state partners, State Senator Gonzalez and Assembly Speaker Emeritus Rendon, whose representatives presented certificates to Padekwa.
GLCC President and CEO
Jose Solache said, "We are super excited to have another local coffee shop in Lakewood that offers our community a beautiful location, with yummy pastries and a variety of
coffee drinks". Solache further added, "I invite everyone to plan their next coffee meet-up at this awesome location that provides the perfect space for many good conversations, all while supporting the perfect local family owned business". The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce congratulates Jordan, Jimmy, and Sonja Pace as they open for business in Lakewood.
Padekwa, created by a fellow creative, the owner, Jordan, start-
ed the idea of Padekwa in college. She planned and hosted an event called “You’re Welcome,” an open mic and art gallery event. The event was for ALL folks, ALL backgrounds, ALL topics. As long as no hate speech was used, the mic was on. From this event, Jordan has been very intentional about cultivating inclusive spaces in all of her work spaces, including her classroom, tattoo studio, and now cafe.
Pa Dekwa is a phrase derived from the creole language that translates to “you’re welcome.”
for Padekwa on Page 14!
Service changes for July 4th holiday
Lakewood City Hall will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Lakewood's trash contractor, EDCO, will now also be closed on the Fourth of July. Here are the service updates for the week of July 1-5:
• Normal trash pickup, sweeping and sweeping-related enforcement for Monday through Wednesday, July 1-3.
• No trash pickup on July 4; collection will be delayed one day for July 4-5 (Thursday and Friday) customers only. Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Friday, July 5, and Friday’s on Saturday, July 6.
• No street sweeping, makeup sweep or sweeping-related parking enforcement in residential areas on July 4 and 5.
• No DASH transit service available on July 4. On July 4-5, tickets will still be issued for parking in red zones, crosswalks, blocking sidewalks and other violations of the vehicle code. Street sweepers will provide extra attention the week after Independence Day if needed on particular blocks.
Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Hosts Annual Fireworks Stand
Who is ready to celebrate the 4th of July this year?
Come out and support the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce's annual 4th of July Safe and Sane Fireworks Stand JULY 1-4, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The GLCC Fireworks Stand is located at 2770 Carson St., Lakewood, CA 90712, in the Walmart parking lot, at Paramount Boulevard and Carson Street.
All proceeds of the sales of the FIREWORKS STAND will benefit the GLCC's newspaper, the Lakewood Community News - which is the only newspaper dedicated to the City of Lakewood.
If you're looking to purchase Safe and Sane Fireworks for your family, come out and show your support for the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, meet the GLCC's Board of Directors, and GLCC staff members, hear some good music, and what's best, get $10 off any purchase of $50 or more with our 2023 COUPON!
Left to right: GLCC Chairwoman Joanie Dixson, Franbert Calderon (Rendon's Office), Sovanna Pouv (Gonzalez' Office), GLCC Board Member Erika Parada, Councilman Steve Croft, Owner Jimmy Pace, Mayor Todd Rogers, Owners Jordan Pace and Sonja Pace, President/CEO Jose Solache, Council Members Jeff Wood and David Arellano, GLCC Board Treasurer Travis "Action" Jackson, and Commissioner Diego Garcia-Salas.
Coupon
Concerts in the Park continue through Aug. 8
The City of Lakewood’s popular summer Concerts in the Park continue in the tree grove at Del Valle Park (Woodruff Avenue and Arbor Road) with diverse musical acts every Thursday evening (except July 4) through Aug. 8. The Woodruff service
road will remain open until 5:30 p.m. for patron drop off. Each concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and refreshments will be sold, or attendees may bring their own picnic basket. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Pets, barbeques and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Concerts in the Park are solely supported by generous area businesses and concert patrons. See the full list, as well as the food trucks for each concert, at www.lakewoodcity.org/Concerts.
Platinum Level
H&H Nursery
Kenny’s Auto Body & Towing
Lakewood Family YMCA
Lakewood Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
Lakewood LIONS Club
Lakewood Pan American Association
LBS Financial Credit Union
Piazza McDonald’s Family Restaurants
Rotary Club of Lakewood
Gold Level
AGA Life & Health
Forest Lawn
Lakewood Little League
Lakewood Women’s Club
Law Office of Sandra Diaz, PC
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Sky Zone Cerritos
The Rinks – Lakewood Ice
VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital
Water Replenishment District
Bronze Level
In Memory of Linda G. Plooster Swan Nails
TGIS Catering Services, Inc.
West Coast Arborists, Inc.
Remaining Concerts:
July 11 – Smokin’ Cobras (Classic Rock)
July 18 – Stevie Nicks Illusion (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
July 25 – The Eagles Ronstadt Experience (Eagles & Linda Ronstadt Tribute)
Aug. 1 – The OC Groove (Funk/Soul/R&B/Blues)
Aug. 8 – Knyght Ryder (‘80s)
The Lakewood Community News is printed once a month and covers the City of Lakewood and surrounding communities, with a strong emphasis on the business community. Both the GLCC President/CEO and Managing Editor have exclusive authority over the content that is published. For
City Spotlight
Movie Night Under the Stars
featureing Migration (PG)
Bring the entire family out to Palms Park, 12305 207th St., and enjoy an evening of free family fun and movie entertainment featuring “Migration” (Rated PG) on Friday, July 12. It’s part of the Play At Palms series of fun events sponsored by the City of Lakewood. Event area opens at 7 p.m. with the feature beginning at 8:15 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and blanket. Pre-registration is not required. More information can be found at www. lakewoodcity.org/playatpalms or by calling 562-866-9771, ext. 2408. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park.
Family Scavenger Hunt at Lakewood Center
Bring the whole family to compete in an evening of fun at Lakewood Center on Friday, July 26 from 6-8:30 p.m. Teams will be immersed in a race against other teams as you answer Lakewood trivia questions, locate secret destinations within the mall, and compete in fun, family activities. Whether you are in it to win it or just playing for a few hours of family fun, this scavenger hunt is sure to be an unforgettable experience for your whole squad. Participants may compete in teams of 2-6 players and must have access to a mobile phone with Wi-Fi or cellular data. Register at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog using activity #28269.
Tot Lot registration coming up Tot Lot, a parent cooperative program for 2- to 5-year-olds, is held at Del Valle and Mayfair parks during the fall, winter and spring.
Tot Lots meet Monday-Friday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the fenced preschool play area of each park.
Tot Lot is a cooperative program, and parent/guardian participation is required. Parents are responsible for each Tot Lot's
operation and work a rotating schedule to supervise the play
ity.org/ecatalog to register using class #28270.
area and planned activities.
NOTE: A limited number of visitors are allowed in the play area during organized Tot Lot activities, limited to one visit per month. Visitors must follow Tot Lot rules.
How to register Registration will be held between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26 and Aug. 2 at Del Valle and Mayfair parks.
• Bring up-to-date immunizations cards, including mandatory TB tests (for adults) and proof of age at the time of registration.
• Registration and materials fees will apply to each registered child and member.
• See individual location for fee information.
Parents Night Out, Kids Night In
On Friday, Aug. 2, parents get a much-needed break with Parents Night Out, Kids Night In. Bring the kids to the Lakewood Youth Center from 6 to 10 p.m. and the highly qualified Youth Center staff will supervise your children while parents enjoy a night off. Kids will enjoy pizza, snacks, games and more! Preregistration is required and the cost is $5 per child. For ages 3 and older (children must be potty trained). Go to www.lakewoodc-
Youth Sports sign-ups at all city parks
The award-winning Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS) program is offering Flag Football and Volleyball/Volleytennis this fall. Online registration will take place Aug. 3-17 at www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog. Simply click on the “activities” tab, then follow the link for “sports league.” Players must bring a birth certificate prior to their first practice. There is no fee for Lakewood residents. Non-resident registrations include a $20 registration fee.
The Flag Football program will offer three divisions. The Competitive Division is for youth ages 8-17. The Rookie Division, for ages 4-5, offers a fun introduction to flag football fundamentals using a Nerf football and modified rules for fun with minimal competition. The Smurf Division, for ages 6-7, offers a non-competitive league that will help transition from Smurf to competitive play.
8-9. Volleyball will be offered for participants ages 10-17. Players will be assigned to park teams for league play and city championships.
Teams will practice and play on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Practices can begin the week of Sept. 3, while league games will be played Sept. 21-Nov. 9. Playoffs will conclude by Nov. 16. Coaches needed for youth sports programs
Adult volunteers are needed to coach Lakewood Youth Sports flag football, volleyball and volleytennis teams this season. Teams will practice and play league games on weekday evenings and Saturdays from Sept. 3 through Nov. 16. Coaches volunteer an average of 3-4 hours per week. There are 1-2 practices and 1-2 games per week.
No experience? No problem! Experience is not necessary. Coaches will receive training and are required to go through a mandatory background screening using Livescan.
Check with your local park for details on how to get involved, or
call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Adult softball and volleytennis
www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog, under activities-sports league. Registration packets including fees and further information are available now at www.lakewoodcity.org/sports or by calling 562866-9771, ext. 2408.
Lollipop Lane applications available in July
Craft vendors interested in selling at the 31st annual Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique on Oct. 19 can print an application and instructions at www.lakewoodcity. org/LollipopLane starting in July. New this year – Kids Crafter Corner! This year we invite young entrepreneurs, ages 6 – 17, to participate in the first kids crafter corner to sell their goods. No fees apply, and adult supervision is required. For more information or to have an application mailed to you, call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Family Camp
The Volleytennis program is a fast-moving game played like volleyball with a modified format, and will be offered for ages
Registration for Lakewood’s adult softball and volleytennis fall league will take place Aug. 5-23. Softball leagues are offered on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and on Sunday mornings and afternoons. Volleytennis plays Monday evenings. All ability levels are encouraged. Team registration is available online at
Parents and children can enjoy an outdoor experience together and spend a night out under the stars at Monte Verde Park July 20 and 21. Activities include games, crafts, nature walks, roasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire. Camp guides will be in attendance to assist with camp set up, meals and snacks, so parents can sit back, relax and enjoy nature. The cost of this fun family outing is $10 per person. In addition, a $15 per person materials fee for meals is due to the instructor at camp. Camp begins on Saturday, July 20 at 1 p.m. and ends at noon on Sunday, July 21. The supply list is available online at the Family Camp registration page. Register at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog using activity #28357 or call 562-866-9771 ext. 2408 for more information.
Save-A-Life event –be a 'Water Watcher' On Saturday, July 13 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Mayfair
(Cont'd. on Pg. 10)
Council passes two-year Lakewood budget
At their June 11 meeting, Lakewood City Council members approved a two-year city budget that runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026. Lakewood’s budget is balanced in its priorities, with almost equal spending on public safety, public works/infrastructure, and recreation and community services (each constitute about 25% of the city budget). For this budget, public works/infrastructure spending will total 29% of the budget, with highlights below.
ing team of nine Public Safety Officers, who are specially trained civilian staff perform-
strategic improvements, and carry out needed renovations on its parks and infrastructure because of the financial stability provided by Lakewood voter-passed Measure L.
Lakewood will end the two-year budget with an estimated $3 million surplus.
Connect with Public Safety at Palms Park
Features of the 2024-26 budget include:
• $65 million for capital improvement projects—a record in Lakewood—including major renovations to the Weingart Senior Center and Palms Park community building, along with playground renovations to Biscailuz, Boyar and Cherry Cove parks.
• $5 million for sidewalk repairs, allowing Lakewood to repair 520,000 square feet of sidewalks over the next two years—the largest sidewalk repair effort in the city’s history.
• Continued funding for extra hours of Deputy Sheriff patrols, overnight Security Guard patrols and a Community Prosecutor who has proven valuable in using the legal system to make progress on many public safety and quality of life issues in neighborhoods.
• Funding for a new Lead Public Safety Specialist who will be in the field helping lead an exist-
ing important support duties that free up Deputy Sheriffs so they can spend more time on patrol and responding to calls for service. Lakewood’s investment in a team of well-trained PSOs (formerly known as Community Safety Officers) is one reason why Deputy Sheriff response time in Lakewood is consistently faster than the average in L.A. County.
Lakewood Finance Director Jose Gomez told the council that the city is able to maintain its existing services, make some
“These current surpluses are a very strategic part of our long-term plan for success with Measure L,” said Gomez.
“We need these surpluses in the early years of Measure L to pay down long-term costs so that we extend the benefits of Measure L for many years into the future, as promised to our residents. Lakewood is in good financial shape now, and we have the means to stay in good shape for the long term if we continue to be careful with our budgeting.”
See Lakewood’s budget and other city financial documents at www.lakewoodcity.org/budget.
The City of Lakewood invites residents to “Connect with Public Safety” at Palms Park on Wednesday, July 24 at 6 p.m.
You’ll hear from Traffic Safety Deputy Sheriffs, a Graffiti Abatement Public Safety Specialist, and Sky Knight pilot and Deputy Sheriff observer.
Contact Lakewood’s Public Safety Department at 562-866-9771, ext. 2114 for more information.
Lakewood City Council Members (from left) Cassandra Chase, David Arellano, Todd Rogers, Steve Croft and Jeff Wood.
GREATER LAKEWOOD CHAMBER
device near your property, in your neighborhood, or on your daily errands around town, please report it as soon as possible by contacting the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station’s non-emergency number at 562-6233500.
You can also snap a photo and email it with location details to service1@ lakewoodcity.org, or use the Lakewood Connect smartphone app to report its location so our Water Department can respond quickly.
Report illegal fireworks
To help the City of Lakewood combat the use of illegal fireworks, residents are encouraged to report an active or known address of illegal firework use. Undischarged illegal fireworks can be forfeited to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station or any L.A. County Fire Station.
Know who to call and when. 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.
• You see or hear illegal fireworks currently in use.
Use the Lakewood Connect
App on your phone or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/service (then enter “fireworks” in the search bar) 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.
You can also report known addresses of illegal fireworks users by calling City Hall’s customer service team at 562866-9771, ext. 2140. After business hours, leave a message with as much information as possible, including the
address or cross streets of the location.
REMINDER: The use of ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are ONLY legal on July 4th from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. ALL fireworks, 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 problem of illegal fireworks use has grown in recent years throughout California and the nation.
“It doesn’t matter whether a community allows or disallows ‘safe-and-sane’ fireworks. The problem of illegal fireworks is the same in both types of communities,” says Lakewood City Manager Thaddeus McCormack.
“Despite the challenges, Lakewood is known throughout Southern California as a city that does everything it can to deter and reduce the use of illegal fireworks,” says McCormack.
Low-cost pet care event now at Mayfair Park
Dogs and cats can get low-cost vaccinations and more at
• Lakewood’s pet-friendly summer tradition, Bow Wow and Meow Day, moves to Mayfair Park on Friday, July 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Patrons and pets can line up on the walkway in the area next to the parking lot off Fidler Avenue.
The one-stop event offers required $12 rabies vaccinations as well as:
• Discounted vaccination packs.
• Micro-chipping.
• Deworming.
• Parasite prevention.
Physical exams. Information regarding low-cost spaying/neutering and health care for dogs and cats will be available. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in secure carriers to ensure safety while in the walk-up line. Prior medical records not required but recommended.
Visit www.lakewoodcity. org/pets for more information about pet services, licensing and pet adoption.
Mayfair Park event.
Agencies that help victims of discrimination
As part of the City of Lakewood’s Community Dialogue on race, equity, diversity and inclusion, the city annually publicizes the ways that Lakewood
To learn more or discuss a potential problem, contact:
• U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division at www. civilrights.justice.gov or (855)
residents can protect their civil rights against discrimination.
Both the state and federal governments have agencies and staff devoted to protecting the right of people to be free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or abuse in a variety of settings like housing, the workplace, school, voting, healthcare, public spaces, while patronizing a business, while interacting with law enforcement, and more. People may not be discriminated against based on their: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, primary language, citizenship, immigration status, disability, sex or gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status and more.
Examples of illegal discrimination:
• An Asian-American couple is denied a table at a restaurant even though there are vacant tables available and other customers are seated immediately.
• Charging men and women different prices for comparable services, such as clothing alterations, haircuts, dry cleaning or drinks at a restaurant or bar.
• Denying re-employment or firing someone based upon their service in the military.
856-1247
• California Department of Fair Employment & Housing at www. dfeh.ca.gov or (800) 884-1684
To make a complaint about discrimination, abuse of force, or any conduct or service by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel, go to www.lasd.org/public-complaint or call 800-698-TALK. You can also contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station watch commander 24-hours a day at (562) 6233500. At both contacts above, you can also make commendations for excellent Sheriff’s Department service.
For 30 years, the City of Lakewood has operated a Fair Housing Program to educate residents on their rights and eliminate housing discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability or age. Lakewood’s fair housing staff coordinates workshops for residents, assists with landlord-tenant disputes, and refers residents to the proper agencies for housing discrimination claims. To talk with Lakewood’s fair housing staff, call City Hall at (562) 866-9771, ext. 2140 or email Service1@ lakewoodcity.org.
2024
Group Swim Lessons
Survive for 7: Learn how to prepare for
Emergencies and natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Do you have your emergency supplies stocked and ready, just in case?
Join Lakewood’s Emergency Managers Chuck Martucci and Kaitlin Sanchez for Survive for 7, a free seminar on emergency preparedness. No registration is needed, all ages are welcome.
The next Survive for 7 session will be held Tuesday, July 16 at 6 p.m. at the Lakewood Youth Center, 4658 Woodruff Ave. The session runs about 90 minutes and concludes with a free raffle for all in attendance.
emergencies
You will learn about the types of regional emergencies and disasters that can impact Lakewood, and what you can do to prepare yourself and your family to survive in the seven
days following a disaster when help may not be available. Call the city Public Safety Department at 562-866-9771, ext. 2114 for more information.
Private Swim Lessons
Project Shepherd Backpack Programhow to register
Lakewood residents who have school-age children (preschool to 12th grade) may register to receive a free backpack with school supplies for the upcoming school year.
The registration period to receive help from Project Shepherd continues through Monday, July 29. Visit www. lakewoodcity.org/PSbackpack for additional information.
Eligibility requirements:
• Lakewood residents only.
• Those who are low-income, unemployed, or facing economic hardship
To register, call the Burns Community Center at 562-9257512.
• Burns Community Center hours are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• A current utility bill (water, gas, electric) or government award letter must be shown upon pickup to receive a backpack.
Project Shepherd would like to thank our platinum sponsors: Golden State Water, Macy’s and Lakewood Elks Lodge #1570 for their generous contribution towards the program.
Donate backpacks and school supplies for Lakewood kids!
Lakewood Project Shepherd is collecting new “Back to School” backpacks and school supplies for low-income families with school-age children in Lakewood through Monday, July 29. Many kids in the community could use some help.
As you help Project Shepherd, consider that Lakewood has some of the nation’s most popular and value-oriented backto-school retailers…including Costco, Marshalls, Home Goods, Target, Dollar Tree, Walmart, Kohl’s, Forever 21, JCPenney, Macy’s and Big 5.
For those wanting to make a donation from the comfort of home, visit www.lakewoodcity. org/backpackwishlist for an Amazon Wish List of items needed.
New backpacks and school supplies appropriate for all ages will be accepted at Lakewood City Hall during regular business hours or at the Burns Community Center at 5510 Clark Ave. from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Please deliver your donation no later than Monday, July 29. For more information, call 562925-7512 or see the flyer at www. lakewoodcity.org/PSbackpack.
City Spotlight
(Cont'd from Pg. 3)
pants can participate in a free, 30-minute swim lesson designed to emphasize safety around water for children and parents. All ages are encouraged to attend. Classes are scheduled for 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12 p.m. Additionally, participants can learn more about the Water Watcher program and receive a free Water Watcher tag. Other activities include water safety/ CPR, activity stations, and life jacket fittings. Approved swimsuits are required and swim diapers are required for all children four years old and under. Register online at www. lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog under Save a Life, or call Mayfair Pool at 562-8044256 for more information.
pools daily through Aug. 25
from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Resident fees are $1 for children and $1.50 for adults (age 18+). Nonresident fees are $2 for children and $3 for adults (age 18+).
Adult Lap Swimming: Lap swimming is available for ages 16 and over at both pools. It’s a great way to get aerobic exercise. $2 a session for residents; $3 for non-residents. Available
times are at www.lakewoodcity. org/aquatics.
Lakewood Summer Travel Program makes
exploring fun and easy
Keep cool in a Lakewood pool this summer
As the summer heats up, a Lakewood city pool is the place to be for fun, swimming and exercise. Get all the details at www.lakewoodcity.org/swim and sign up for classes and activities at www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog. For complete information, please call 562-8669771, ext. 2408.
Recreation Swim: Summer open recreation swim continues at Mayfair and McCormick
Lessons: Summer swim lessons continue through August. Session 3 runs July 15-26, Session 4 is July 29-Aug. 9, and Session 5 is Aug. 12-23. Group lessons are also available on Saturdays at McCormick Pool.
Aqua Zumba: Aqua Zumba is offered Mondays from July 8 to Aug. 26 and Wednesdays from July 10 to Aug. 28 from 6:40 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at McCormick Pool. Register at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using activity #28264 (Mondays) or #28266 (Wednesdays). For more information, please call
You can enjoy exhibits and amazing live programs to learn more about the solar system, experience the magic of living pictures with the Pageant of the Masters theme
A La Mode: The Art of Fashion, cheer on the L.A. Sparks as they take on the New York Liberty, and explore the excitement of Universal CityWalk …with no parking or traffic worries.
Lakewood has four spectacular travel trips planned for the summer, and each one requires you only to register, board the bus and enjoy the ride to your next adventure! Here’s what’s coming up:
• Saturday, July 13: Griffith Observatory (activity #28429)
562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
Wading Pool: The Mayfair Park wading pool for ages 3 to 7 will be open daily through Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The wading pool at Palms Park is ADA accessible and is also open daily. San Martin Park and Del Valle Park are open Mon./Wed./ Fri./Sat./Sun. Boyar Park and Bloomfield Park are open Tues./ Thurs./Sat./Sun. Wading Pools at Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin Parks are also open Wednesday evenings from 5-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 21.
Family Swim Nights: Themed Family Swim Nights are offered at McCormick Pool every Friday evening through Aug. 23 from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Admission is $3 per Lakewood resident and $5 per non-resident. Must show valid adult ID.
Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ aquatics for more information on the swim program and the current summer aquatics schedule.
For complete information, please call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
• Thursday, Aug. 15: Pageant of the Masters (activity #28431)
• Wednesday, Aug. 28: Los Angeles Sparks Basketball Game (activity #28430)
• Saturday, Sept. 14: Universal CityWalk (activity #28432)
Explore the Lakewood summer
recreation catalog with all the details at www.lakewoodcity.org/ Catalog and register soon as these trips will fill early.
For more information about registration, please call 562-8669771, ext. 2408.
IMAGINARIUM AT LAKEWOOD, WHEN LIGHT MEETS MAGIC
Wander through 20,000 roses a bloom with LED lights, and make your way through our enchanted forests, alive with more than 25 larger-than-life storybook characters and fantastical creatures. Capture memories in dozens of photo boxes, enter mind-boggling mirror rooms, and enjoy immersive experiences such as laser mazes and interactive art!
ADVERTORIAL
Why the Living Trust is so IMPORTANT
Living Trusts are an efficient and effective way to transfer property, at your death, to the relatives, friends or charities you’ve chosen. Essentially, a Living Trust performs the same function as a Will, with the important difference that property left by a Will must go through the probate court process. In probate, a public court proceeding, the deceased’s debts are paid. Then after a year or more at tremendous expense to your heirs, the remaining property is finally distributed to them.
By contrast, property left by a Living Trust can go promptly, privately and directly to your heirs. Living Trusts are created while you’re alive and are “revocable.” You can revoke or change them at any time, for any reason. You can abolish the Trust, alter its terms or change the beneficiaries.
As the original trustee, you can do whatever you wish with your assets - manage them, sell them, or give them away. Upon your death, the successor trustee takes over the estate immediately without going through probate, then distributes the assets and terminates the Trust.
For more information, contact Elizabeth
Located in parking field between George's Greek Cafe and Buffalo Wild Wings, through August 4th.
Air Quality District offers cash to ‘Replace Your Ride’
New program offers cash for old vehicles.
Qualified owners of 2007 vehicles or older could receive up to $12,000 to replace their existing cars with newer, cleaner vehicles or other clean modes of transportation, thanks to a cash voucher program offered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
To be eligible, applicants must:
• Not exceed household income requirements based on family size and federal poverty rates.
• Own the vehicle for at least 12 months prior to the date of application submittal.
• Clear any liens from the vehicle title.
• Turn in an older gas- or diesel-powered car for scrapping. Applicants can also choose to scrap their older vehicle in exchange for a voucher that can be used for an electric bike, car sharing, or public transportation passes. For a full list of requirements and to apply for free, please visit ReplaceYourRide. com and select the Get Started tab. Call (844) 797-2223 for further information.
SUN-WED 9:00AM – 2:00AM THU-SAT 9:00AM – 3:30AM
Lakewood Water Quality Report and conservation update
The City of Lakewood's 2023 Water Quality Report shows that the city's drinking water continues to meet all federal and state quality standards.
You can view the report at www.lakewoodcity.org/waterquality.
After the heavy rain and snow of the past two seasons, California’s water conditions have significantly improved and the drought has officially ended. Stringent water conservation rules imposed during the drought have been lifted by the State Water Resources Control Board. The ending of these rules also applies to Lakewood residents.
For example, Lakewood residents can now water their yards without the specific limit of the number of minutes per week that has existed for the past several years.
However, as a good practice against the wasting of water, the following rules remain in effect statewide and in Lakewood until further notice:
• No landscape watering within 48 hours of rainfall.
• No hosing off sidewalks, drive-
ways and other hardscapes.
• No sprinkler runoff to side walks, gutters and other landscape.
• No washing of cars and equipment, except from a bucket or hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
In addition, in commercial and industrial settings, the statewide restriction remains against the watering of "non-functional" turf (solely ornamental and not used for recreation or gatherings). This rule does not apply to residential water users.
“Thank you Lakewood residents for your diligent efforts during this most recent drought,” said Lakewood Water Resources Director, Dr. Derek Nguyen. “You helped our community conserve our precious resource and put our city in a good position to make it through future droughts, which we know will return at some point.”
If you want a printed copy of the Water Quality Report or have any questions about water conservation, contact the Lakewood Department of Water Resources at 562-866-9771, ext. 2700.
Family Swim Nights at McCormick Pool
Bring out the whole family to cool off on Friday evenings this summer through Aug. 23 at McCormick Pool in Lakewood’s Bolivar Park from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m.
Upcoming themed nights are:
June 28: Dip n' Dance
Bring your friends and family to this Splish n' Splash Bash! Take a dip in the pool while listening to classic tunes.
July 19: School Supply Splash
Support Project Shepherd and help children receive the items they need to succeed in school.
Bring NEW school supplies and receive free admission.
friendly competition! Relay races and sports contests will be held in the battle for bragging rights.
Aug. 9: Float with Friends
July 12: Sundae Fun-Day
Get to the pool as fast as you can for a free ice cream sundae! The first 100 swimmers will receive a free treat!
July 19: School Supply Splash
Support Project Shepherd and help children receive the items
July 26: Grandparents Appreciation Day
Bring the whole family out for a night at the pool. Grandparents get in free with a paid child admission.
Aug. 2: It's All Fun & Games
Join us for an evening of
Bring your inflatable raft for some wet n' wild fun. Single-person floats only. All attendees will also receive a root beer float!
Aug. 16: Popsicle Pool Party
Enjoy a frozen sweet treat with the whole family for a splashing good time.
Aug. 23: Back to School Swim
Spend one last lazy day in the pool this summer.
Admission is $3 per Lakewood resident and $5 per non-resident. Must show valid adult ID.
Mad Science LA: Up, Up and Away
Kids and adults alike can enjoy exciting demonstrations of the incredible qualities of air pressure at this special FUN-Tastic Family Night event held at The Centre (5000 Clark Ave) from 6:30-8 p.m. on July 19. A Mad Scientist will offer a dynamic science action show while the audience will have the opportunity to participate in a unique interactive environment that will get them excited for science. Registration includes the show and a dinner of orange chicken and rice, salad, lemonade and dessert, served
prior to the show. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for this event is $15 per person, $12 for children 1-3, and free for children under 1.
Last day to register is July 11 (or until filled).
Register at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using activity #28271.
This event is part of the City of Lakewood’s family-friendly “Finally It’s Friday” series held every Friday night in July and August (except for July 5). See the full lineup at www.lakewoodcity.org/FinallyItsFriday.
