Lakewood Community News - March 2019

News

Lakewood Community

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

Volume 36 Number 3

The Lakewood Run is just around the corner!

March 2019

Avoid traffic delays for Lakewood Run

Residents may encounter traffic delays when traveling certain streets on Saturday, March 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The annual Lakewood Run begins on Clark Avenue in front of the Sheriff’s Station and proceeds toward South Street. The race will also use: • South Street (from Clark Avenue to Palo Verde Avenue) • Palo Verde Avenue (from South Street to Harvey Way, crossing Del Amo Boulevard) • Harvey Way (from Palo Verde Avenue to Woodruff Avenue) • Woodruff Avenue (from Harvey Way to Del Amo Boulevard) • Del Amo Boulevard (from Woodruff Avenue to Clark Avenue) Briercrest Avenue will be used for the 5K run between South Street and Del Amo Boulevard.

Hundreds of runners, walkers and wheelchair participants will be in attendance, and Sheriff’s deputies and volunteers will be assigned to traffic control and safety that morning.

To review the course, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/LakewoodRunRoute.

For parking information, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/LakewoodRunParking. ♦

New happenings at Burns Community Center Avid runners, fitness athletes, families and kids are all welcome.

The Lakewood Run returns the morning of Saturday, March 2, 2019 when deputy sheriffs, recreational runners, families and kids gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to run the event’s 5K/10K course for time, or do the 1K “Fun Run” or a 5K walk. Lakewood’s tree-lined residential streets provide the backdrop. The flat, “runner friendly” course is “fast” for practiced run-

ners and comfortable for fitness fans and family members.

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

Participants directly support Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach and Lakewood

Sheriff’s Station charity efforts in this family-friendly event, including the Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network, Pathways Volunteer Hospice, and uncovered expenses for the families of wounded or deceased deputies.

Registration is $40 from Feb. 1 through March 1, and $45 the day of the race. The 1K Fun Run preregistration rate is $20 and $25 on race day. On the day of the event, registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The 5K and 10K runs start at 8 a.m. The Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m.

Professional timing will be used.

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

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

You can view the route and find parking information at www.lakewoodrun.com.

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

Major Sponsors • Lakewood Center • Piazza Family McDonald’s Restaurants • TLD Law • Kenny’s Auto Service • Back to Life Chiropractic • CJ Construction • Assembly Member Anthony Rendon • City of Lakewood

The newly renovated and landscaped Burns Community Center offers expanded activities for residents.

With the voluntary vacancy of “Nifty After Fifty” from the upstairs area of the building, Lakewood’s Active+ programming, classes and activities for the “active senior” have expanded to incorporate some new offerings in this large space. New classes will be offered in the carpeted upstairs area, such as Step Aerobics, Chair Volleyball, Active+ Line Dancing, Gentle Yoga, Yoga with Weights, and Brain Games.

The downstairs area has seen an attractive remodeling. Old favorite classes are returning to the downstairs activity room, includ-

ing Stretch and Tone, Stretch and Meditate, Tech Talk, Burns Book Club and Poker Club, to name a few.

Did you know that the Activity Room at Burns Community Center is now available to reserve for your own event? Come visit and see what new and exciting opportunities are waiting for you! A listing of all classes can be found at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.

The Burns Community Center is located at 5510 Clark Ave. and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Staff can be reached at 562-925-7512. ♦

Today

Lakewood

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My year as Mayor was inspiring

By Mayor Steve Croft

On March 26, I will wrap up my year as Mayor of Lakewood.

As is the tradition in Lakewood and most cities our size, mayoral duties will now rotate to someone else on our city council for a year of service, and I will continue to be a member of the council.At our State of the City event in early February, I spoke about the accomplishments of our city over the past year and also about the challenges that we face—and will successfully meet—dealing with a structural budget deficit and returning our city to its traditional solid financial footing.

In preparing for my State of the City remarks and the conclusion of my year as mayor, I was reminded about what inspires me so much about Lakewood and what gives me a great sense of appreciation and pride for our community. I was inspired by numerous Lakewood residents who give so much of themselves to make their community and their world a better place.

I was honored to meet and work with Maria Jimenez, a longtime Lakewood resident, who suffered the tragedy of losing her 22-yearold son to a sudden onset of meningitis several years ago. Maria’s son Adrian had signed up to become an organ donor prior to his death. Meeting the people whose lives were saved by her son’s final act of generosity and then becoming a community activist encouraging people in Lakewood and beyond to sign up to become organ donors has provided Maria with a deeply meaningful way to honor her son and his legacy.I had the privilege to represent the city at the 100th birthday party of Alleen Cooper, an original Lakewood resident who is also our community’s star “Thank a Servicemember” letter-writer, having written over 8,000 letters to military personnel since she started doing so during World War II. At Memorial Day, I was pleased to present a proclamation on behalf of our community to Sam Sachs, a 103-year-old Lakewood resident who commanded a glider crew of American commandos during the D-Day liberation of Europe. Alleen and Sam are a reminder of just how lucky Lakewood is to still have some wonderful members of the Greatest Generation in our community.

Lakewood is also the home to some awesome members of the Millennial Generation who I was pleased to meet this past year.

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Among them are Christopher and Marcus Guillen, who like Maria Jimenez, have dug deep into their hearts to turn tragedy into the inspiration for bringing more joy and kindness to this life. The Guillen brothers’ mother Rocio was one of the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017. The brothers have created a foundation in their mother’s name to raise money and provide scholarships and supplies to underprivileged youth athletes in the hometowns of every one of the 58 victims of the Las Vegas shooting.

The youth of Lakewood have a lot to teach about enthusiasm and optimism, as also evidenced by the service work done by members of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire and other groups. I was honored this past year to award them with plaques and certificates for their achievements.And Lakewood residents of all ages, from a wide variety of businesses, churches and nonprofit groups, were inspiring over the past year in their service as part of Volunteer Day and other events where residents gave back to their community.

Lakewood is home to people of many different religious faiths who provide daily kindness, love and support in our community as well as strength and solidarity during difficult times. That was evidenced this past year when I joined people of many different faiths in gathering at Congregation Shir Chadash in Lakewood after the horrific mass shooting at the Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. I also want to say thank-you to my colleagues on the Lakewood City Council who give so much of their personal time and energy to helping our community.

And lastly, I want to say thanks to the all great residents and businesses who step up every day to help their neighbors, their customers and others, never expecting public acknowledgement, but just doing so out of courtesy and in order to create a good community.

Thank you all again for the opportunity and privilege to serve you as mayor this past year. I look forward to working with our new mayor and to continuing to work for you on the Lakewood City Council in the year ahead. ♦

City Spotlight Volunteer Day seeking project sites

Lakewood’s Volunteer Day program is looking for project homes for the Saturday, April 13 community-wide cleanup and fix-up event. You can help over 500 volunteers throughout the city by suggesting Lakewood locations that can use their assistance.

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 submit an application online at www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteerday or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512.

Also consider volunteering a morning’s work and joining in to help neighbors in need.

Teams of volunteers from scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses and religious congregations will assist residents who are unable to maintain their properties themselves. For more information, call the Burns Community Center at the number above.

Earth Walk at Monte Verde Park on March 9

Lakewood’s free Earth Walk event returns this spring with an interactive experience for children and adults on Saturday, March 9, 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 it rains. Monte

Verde Park is located at 4626 N. Shadeway Rd. 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.

“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.”

Participants can visit the stations along the trail and get their passport stamped with specialty Earth Walk stamps. With a completed passport, participants will receive a special Earth Walk gift.

This free event is a fun and educational day for family members of all ages. For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/EarthWalk.

FUN-Tastic Family Night featuring Mad Science Mad Science comes to The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. on Friday, March 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.! This exciting show deals with the incredible pressure that we all live under- air pressure! Volunteers will launch indoor hot air balloons and ride the “Mad Science Hovercraft.” Participants will be amazed by an astounding “Dinosaur Sneeze” special effect that nobody will want to miss! The cost of the show is $8 per person, $5 for children one year old to three years old (children under 1 are free) and includes a meal of penne pasta with white sauce, meatballs with red sauce, breadsticks, lemonade and a dessert. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and seating is on a first come basis. Go to www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog to register and use activity #13057. The last day to register is March 25 or until filled. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for more information.

(Cont’d. on Pg. 5)

Your

Minding March 2019

How to deal with negative people

Not everyone with whom you come in contact has a sunny disposition. It would be amazing if the people in your family, your friends, or coworkers all acted like Mr. Rogers, Mary Poppins or Mother Theresa. The reality is that most people are wrapped up in their own lives and dealing with their own garbage, which sometimes happens to spill onto the next person they meet. That might be you.

Engaging with a negative person who thrives on drama is POINTLESS! You will never win. More than likely, you’ll feel like you were run over by a MAC truck.

Here are three tips to help you get home in one piece.

1) Ignore the negative comments.

Stay silent if you can. There’s

nowhere they can go from there.

Don’t let your Ego get in the fight.

2) Empathize with them, even if you’re fibbing. Arguing will just make them want to prove they’re right.

3) Change the topic if you can.

Distraction often work wonders.

Talk about the weather, or your favorite sports team, anything to divert the conversation away from their drama.

If you want to get more tips, read the entire blog at www.rossanasnee.com.

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT, author of The Healing Alphabet, 26 Empowering Ways to Enrich Your Life. Follow her on Twitter, Periscope, and www. rossanasnee.com. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. ♦

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March 2019

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Sheriff’s department warns of fake online payments

City Spotlight (Cont’d. from Pg. 2)

Mother/Son Mayhem

We all sell items online to make some quick cash, but sellers beware the buyer’s money may never get deposited into the seller’s account.

How this scam works: The victim would post items on a resale app, and when a buyer (scammer) shows interest, the buyer will recommend the seller use another payment site like PayPal, to avoid service fees from the selling app.

The seller would receive an email impersonating PayPal indicating that the funds have been deposited into the seller’s bank account. The seller will then mail the item to the buyer, only to find out a few days later the funds were never deposited into the seller’s account.

The fake email impersonating

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Community

PayPal will look authentic based on the use of the PayPal logo, the font used, and will include a security link that will lead you to the actual PayPal website.

A red flag to look for within the email: the fake email will show @mail.com, and the real address would be service@paypal.com As a buyer or seller, always verify the transaction occurred and the funds have been deposited into your bank account. Never assume the transaction was successful based solely upon a confirmation email.

When in doubt click on www. bbb.org and go to their Latest Scam Information section for more information. ♦

Mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other special ladies invite your son(s) or other special men, ages 5 and older, to compete in a variety of sports challenges at Monte Verde Park, 4626 N. Shadeway Rd. on Saturday, March 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. “Ready, Set, Glow” to a fun, casual sports themed event featuring a delicious dinner, inflatable attractions, plenty of lights and prizes. A motherson duo will be entered into the Hall of Fame and all guests will receive a keepsake Mother/Son photo. Registration is $15 per person and registration will not be taken at the door. Visit www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog to register in advance using activity #13204.

St. Patty’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

Teens, come out to the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd., on Saturday, March 16 from 2 to 6 p.m., and show off your skills in a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. Participants will be divided into co-ed middle and high

school divisions. Call Bloomfield Park at 562-865-1717 to register today!

Spring Break programs— April 15-19

Spring Break activities at Lakewood parks will be offered from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 at all Lakewood Parks. The Easter Bunny will be visiting all of the parks and hiding eggs on Saturday, April 20. The schedule for the Bunny visits and all other activities is listed on special activity flyers available at Lakewood City Hall and Lakewood parks.

Park activities during the vacation period will include spring-themed craft projects, indoor and outdoor games, and fun with food. For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Daddy/Daughter Date Night

The annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night is Friday, April 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. This year’s theme is “Glam and Glow.” Dads and daughters, ages five and above, will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by dancing to a popular D.J. There will be exciting contests throughout the evening, including the crowning of the king and

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princess. All guests will receive a keepsake daddy/daughter photo. Registration is $25 per person and it fills quickly. For more information, or to sign up for this event, call 562-8669771, extension 2408 or sign up at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using activity #13030.

Family Movie Night Featuring Ralph Breaks The Internet

Bring the entire family out to Palms Park, 12305 207th St., and enjoy an evening of free family fun and movie entertainment featuring “Ralph Breaks The Internet” on Friday, March 8. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. with the feature beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and blanket. Be sure to visit the food truck onsite. To help us plan a memorable experience, pre-register using activity #14483 at www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park. ♦

To register, use the activity number provided in the event description and call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog.

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“Crime Stoppers” uses anonymous tips and rewards to catch suspects

March 2019

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Pan Am Association accepting scholarship applications

Report crime tips anonymously and securely.

Circumstances can occur where a person is aware of a crime and a suspect but has reasons to want to remain anonymous. The L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers organization was set up to enable people to make tips about suspects while remaining anonymous and to receive an award of up to $1,000 if a suspect is arrested. Over 2,000 arrests have been made region-wide through the successful program.

In most circumstances, a resident should feel secure reporting a crime and a suspect through normal channels. But on those occasions where a resident feels insecure about identifying a suspect, the City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station encourage residents to use the anonymous Crime Stoppers process. Learn more at www.lacrimestoppers.org. ♦

Pan Am Association’s 2018 scholarship winners.

The Lakewood Pan American Association’s annual scholarship program is now accepting applications. Current high school seniors who live in Lakewood are eligible, regardless of where they go to school. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,500 and are provided to help pay future college or trade school costs. About 12 scholarships are provided each year.

Students who have overcome

adversity, made significant contributions to their schools and/or community and excelled academically are encouraged to apply. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/PanAmScholarship for the letter and application.

Applications are also available at www.lakewoodpanam.org and at Lakewood City Hall.

Completed applications must be postmarked by Friday, March

15 if mailed to the Lakewood Pan American Scholarship Committee, P. O. Box 1186, Lakewood, CA 90714-1186.

Applications may also be delivered to Lakewood City Hall, Recreation and Community Services Department by close of business on Friday, March 15. For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. ♦

Advertise in the Lakewood Community News, call (562) 531-9733, or email advertise@lakewoodchamber.com.

Green March 2019

Mattress disposal and recycling available

There are two ways that Lakewood residents can dispose of unneeded mattresses. About 80% of a mattress can be recycled, which is good for our environment and for keeping trash disposal costs down.

1) Single-family residential customers get a free, bulky item pickup done by Lakewood’s trash collection contractor, EDCO, at your home. Call EDCO at 562-5313054 no later than 3:30 p.m. the day before your regular residential trash pickup day. Then place your mattress on the parkway. EDCO will send a special truck to pick up the mattress on your trash day.

This option is available six times a year for free for residents of single-family homes, but not apartment buildings.

2) For Lakewood apartment resi-

dents (single-family residents may take advantage of this option, too) you can take your mattress to the EDCO Transfer and Recycling facility for a nominal fee.

EDCO’s facility is located at 2755 California Ave. in Signal Hill. The Transfer facility accepts materials Monday to Saturday between 6 a.m. and 4:40 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDCO can be contacted at 562-597-0608.

For items to be picked up directly at apartment complexes, property managers need to call EDCO to arrange for this service on behalf of their tenants.

For additional information on the City’s Bulky Item Pickup Program, please visit the City’s website at www.lakewoodcity.org/ bulkystuff. ♦

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Living

Earth Walk returns to Monte Verde Park

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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 9 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 4626 N. Shadeway Rd. 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 fea-

tures 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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March 2019

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March 2019

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Stay vigilant to protect your home and property

Property crime was significantly lower in Lakewood in 2018.

Official statistics compiled by the Sheriff’s Department show burglaries falling by 37% and auto thefts down by 23% in Lakewood, thanks in part to extra steps the city took in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department...and to safety steps that residents took.

Despite the good news, there are still burglars and auto thieves who commit crimes in Lakewood, so it’s important we all do

Lakewood Family Reading Festival returns this May

Save the Date!

The 2019 Lakewood Family Reading Festival will be held at George Nye Jr. Library on Saturday, May 4th from 11am to 3pm.

The annual event, now in its 15th year, is presented by the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries, a nonprofit organization that seeks to enhance the programs, services and materials of Angelo M. Iacoboni and George Nye Jr. libraries here in Lakewood. Bring the entire family and look for the Aquarium of the Pacific “Mobile Tide Pool” truck from 11am to 1pm. This “aquarium on wheels” allows guests to touch and observe sea creatures such as sea stars, anemones, sharks and other California marine inhabitants.

More information can be found on the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries website, www.lakewoodlibraryfriends.org.

March 10th

our part to keep crime down in 2019 too.

Here are tips for keeping your home and vehicle secure: At home: • Walk the exterior of your home to scout out its weaknesses, such as easily visible valuables and shrubbery that provides a place for thieves to hide. Keep shrub-

bery around entrances and walkways trimmed.

• Keep your garage door closed.

An open door gives thieves a preview of items they might want.

• Install motion-sensor lighting and video cameras around your home, along with a video door bell.

• Get involved in the Lakewood

Neighborhood Watch program on your block. Call 562-866-9971, ext. 2114.

When leaving your home: • Close and lock all external doors with dead bolt locks.

• Close and lock all windows, regardless of the weather condition.

• Lock sliding glass doors with an additional security bar, broom handle, dowel or window sash thumbscrew lock.

• Put some internal lights on timers if you will be gone for an extended period.

• Leave a radio on to a talk station so it appears there are people home.

• Garage door should be closed and locked, as well as any door attached to the garage.

• Keep electronics and high value items out of view from windows; if you have curtains or shades, pull those closed while away.

When leaving your vehicle: • Take your key and never leave

your vehicle running or unattended.

• Close and lock all windows and doors.

• Park in well-lit areas when possible.

• Never leave valuables in your vehicle.

• Be mindful about when and where you place packages in your trunk.

• Do not store wallets in the center console!

• Backpacks, laptop bags and giftwrapped packages are inviting to thieves.

• Shut your windows and sunroof.

Leaving them open, even a crack, encourages break-ins.

If you see anything suspicious or unusual in your neighborhood call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to report the activity at 562623-3500.

If you see a burglary in progress, always call 9-1-1. ♦

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March 2019

SH P LAKEWOOD

Long Beach City College competes at prestigious 2019 Bellwether Awards Earns top ten finalist position for national community college honor Considered as the equivalent to the Academy Award for community colleges nationwide, Long Beach Community College District (LBCCD) placed in the top 10 of more than 1,000 community colleges as a 2019 Bellwether finalist for its Long Beach College Promise 2.0 Program at the Community College Futures Assembly in San Antonio, Texas. Of the 1,000 programs reviewed by Bellwether, this puts LBCCD in the top one percent of all community colleges nationwide.

A team presented “Promise 2.0:

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

Left to right: Kerry Gerot, Marcia Parker, Dr. Reagan Romali, Dr. Kathy Scott, Dr. Mike Muñoz and Josh Castellanos.

Partnerships Championing a Decade of Student Success” to a panel of judges on February 4. This was an in-depth examination of the ground-breaking partnership between: Long Beach Unified School District; LBCCD; California State University, Long Beach; the City of Long Beach; and the Port of Long Beach.

“This honor puts the Long Beach Community College District and our community on the national stage, proving once again that there is no better place when it comes to providing the very best for our students and our citizens,” said LBCCD Board of Trustees President Sunny Zia. “The thought that a child could be born in communities such as Avalon, Lakewood, Long Beach, and Signal Hill and have a seamless pipeline to universal pre-school, high-quality K-12 education, excellent higher education, and a rewarding career is nothing short of amazing.”

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

SH P LAKEWOOD March 2019

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SH P LAKEWOOD

DNA Salon hosts fundraiser for Su Casa Domestic Abuse Treatment Center

Diana & Alisa Macias from DNA Salon collecting Diapers & Dreft for Su Casa.

DNA Salon in Lakewood is passionate about community service, and that was recently demonstrated when they partnered with Su Casa, a non-profit community based organization dedicated to the philosophy that every individual has the right to live free from domestic violence. The salon, along with its clients, held a “Diapers & Dreft” drive last month to benefit Su Casa. Donations totaled 2,510 diapers, 1,604 baby wipes and 753 loads of laundry. “We are so grateful to our clients who understand the value of serving others”, said co-owner Alisa Macias.

DNA Salon’s next fundraiser will be a “Cut-A-Thon” event on Sunday, April 28th to benefit Su Casa. Event information will be posted on their website, dnasalonconnect.com or you can call the salon directly at (562) 804-4440. ♦

Lakewood welcomes new notary business to the neighborhood

Mayor Steve Croft and members of the Lakewood Rotary Club and Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce were on hand for the Grand Opening ceremony of “LeNay, Notary & More!” The ribbon cutting ceremony took place this past month to welcome this new business

into the community.

“LeNay, Notary & More!” provides notary services to local Lakewood residents, as well as live-scan and ink fingerprinting, immigration consultations, auto registration, wedding officiating services, marriage licenses and more. Their business is located at

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

5437 South St., off the northwest corner of South St. and Bellflower Blvd. ♦

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Lakewood Beautiful returns!

The Lakewood Beautiful program promotes well-kept homes and yards.

Nominate your house! Nominate a neighbor’s house!

The Lakewood Beautiful program is ready to recognize Lakewood residents who take extra care to keep their homes and yards (and local neighborhoods) looking great!

Studies show that home upkeep and beautification by caring, committed residents keeps crime rates low and property values healthy, thereby benefitting the whole community.

You can help honor those Lakewood residents who go “above and beyond” to keep their home and

yards looking beautiful.

There are three ways to honor your home or a neighbor’s home in the Lakewood Beautiful program: • Beautiful Home Award. This is the city’s most traditional award, which has honored hundreds of Lakewood homes over three decades. This award recognizes the front facing exterior and landscaping of a home, displaying exceptional care and pride of ownership.

• Jackie Rynerson “Transformation Award.” This will honor homeowners who have remodeled the front-facing exterior and landscaping

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of their property over the past 3 years.

The rejuvenation need not have been expensive or elaborate, but something that improves or enhances the overall property. To be eligible, the bulk of the improvements must have been done or overseen by the current homeowner, not a prior homeowner. Nominations must include both “before” and “after” photos to demonstrate the transformation (digital photos may be uploaded to the online nomination form). Homes being marketed for sale are not eligible.

Jackie Rynerson was an original Lakewood resident who helped organize her fellow citizens to form the City of Lakewood in 1954. Jackie served as a city council member from 1978 to 1990, and she created the original Lakewood Beautiful to inspire and honor Lakewood homeowners.

• Water-Wise Award. This honors beautiful homes nominated in one of the first two categories that deserve extra recognition for landscaping that utilizes water-conserving irrigation devices and plantings.

You can nominate your property or that of a neighbor by going to www.

lakewoodcity.org/LakewoodBeautiful or by calling City Hall at 562-8669771, extension 3123. Nomination forms will also be in city utility bills over the course of March and April.

The nomination deadline is Friday, May 10, 2019.

After the nomination deadline, photos are taken by a professional photographer of the street-facing portion of each home and yard. A panel of judges then reviews the photos and determines if the home will be recognized. Winners will be honored at a Lakewood Celebrates reception in the fall. ♦

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Watch out for tax phone scams State of the City video

The IRS will never call to demand payment or threaten arrest.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers during the 2019 filing season.

During filing season, the IRS generally sees a surge in scam phone calls that include the threat of police arrest, deportation, and license revocation. The IRS reminds taxpayers to guard against

The Lakewood Women’s Club The Lakewood Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19th at Sycamore Centre, 5000 Clark Ave, Lakewood. Meeting will be at 11am, Lunch at 12pm and the Program at 1pm.

This month’s program will have our club members sharing their writings. For lunch reservations, call Arlene Roos at 562-8634933.

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

Some of the organizations the Women’s Club supports are Meals on Wheels, Project Shepherd, Pennies 4 Pines, Long Beach VA Hospital and Fisher House at the Long Beach VA Hospital to name a few.

For more information on the club, as well as their evening meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 at the American Legion -5938 Parkcrest St, Long Beach, Call Sandra Reprogle Richardson at 562-866-8410. ♦

scams increasing during tax season.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) reports that over 10,000 victims have collectively paid over $54 million in phone scams since October 2013.

Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may also leave

“urgent” callback requests through phone “robo-calls,” or via a phishing email. Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS employee titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.

The following are things the scammers often do but the IRS will never do: • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.

Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.

• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.

• Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

If you believe you have been contacted by an IRS phone scammer, remember the following: • Do not give out any information and hang up immediately.

• Contact TIGTA to report the call. You can call them at 800366-4484 or reach them online at https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/ contact_report_scam.shtml. Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. ♦

and mayor’s remarks

Mayor Steve Croft gives his remarks at the February 6th State of the City event.

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 Feb. 6 event at The Centre, the theme of the video was “Lakewood voices,” which included short interviews with a large number of Lakewood residents expressing their thoughts on their hometown.

There was plenty of discussion and video footage of Lakewood’s achievements over the past year, as well as

the budgetary challenges the city faces in the year ahead.

Lakewood Sheriff’s Lieutenant Dave Sprengel provided a public safety update and Mayor Steve Croft provided a forecast of the year ahead in Lakewood in his State of the City address.

His remarks can be viewed at www.lakewoodcity.org/ SOTCmayor.

The full event, including the Annual Report video “Lakewood Voices,” was recorded and can be viewed at www.lakewoodcity.org/SOTCevent. ♦

Town

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MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center’s “Dancing for Our Stars” Introduces Unique New Annual Theme

touched by cancer. Each community member will again be teamed with a professional dancer to choreograph and perform a theatrical dance — this year blending freestyle and waltz in a musical genre of their selection.

“Our dancers will not only raise critical funds for those currently battling cancer, but have a unique opportunity to honor loved ones or triumphantly show their strength as a cancer survivor,” says Sharon Thornton, president, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation. “With this gala being tied so closely to the cause, we’re hoping to show that no matter where someone might be on their cancer journey, we as a community are with them.”

Several other exciting new elements are being added to transport guests into a mysterious and magical evening. Gala guests will be invited on the dance floor to test their dancing skills with a group dance lesson featuring a dramatic, upbeat and whimsical waltz. A “Raise a Mask” live fundraising element will challenge attendees to fund MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute’s equipment and program areas of greatest need.

“We’re so excited to be the beneficiary of the first themed ‘Dancing for Our Stars’ Gala,” says Cathy Kopy, executive director, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Medical Center. “Our goal is to provide custom and targeted treatments for each patient while empowering them to achieve the best quality of life. Our efforts depend on the generosity of our community and this is such an exciting and fun way for them to stay connected to our mission.”

“Dancing for Our Stars” will take place on Friday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. Sponsorship, underwriting and event program advertisement opportunities are available.

For more information, contact the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation at EventsMMCF@memorialcare. org or (562) 933-1660. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting memorialcare.org/WaltzingforTCI. ♦

After a decade of fundraising success, the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation is building upon its “Dancing for Our Stars” Gala by introducing a unique annual theme tied to its fundraising cause.

The inaugural theme, “Waltzing for a Cure,” will welcome masked guests, dressed in their finest attire, to dance the night away at Long Beach’s only masquerade gala while raising funds for the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center.

“Our MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute treats more than 1,800 newly diagnosed patients each year,” says John Bishop, CEO, Long Beach Medical Center. “Almost everyone in our community has been personally touched by cancer, which is why this year’s theme is near and dear to many hearts.”

The favorite elements of “Dancing for Our Stars” will remain, including the dancing showcase. However, this year’s dancers will be community leaders whose own life, or that of a loved one, has been personally

March 2019

Put your brain to work!

Congratulations to the winner of the February Sudoku puzzle, Barbara Hays! 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 BEFORE March 18th, at 4111 South St. in Lakewood. AFTER March 18th, we will be located at #24 Lakewood Center Mall. The winners are drawn by random.

Thank You to our Sudoku Sponsor!

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, March 20, 2019. The winner will be drawn on Friday, March 22, 2019, and the call to the winner will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winner will be published in the April issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u

News

Community March 2019

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Keep your heart healthy with these five keto-friendly foods

(StatePoint) The low-carb, high-fat diet known as keto has Americans looking at healthy food consumption in a whole new light. Keto programs have proven effective for weight loss, but how heart-healthy are they? As with all things, moderation is key.

To get you started, the experts at South Beach Diet -- a more accessible version of the keto diet – recommend these five keto-friendly, heart-healthy foods: 1. Full-fat dairy: “Full-fat dairy is healthy,” says Dr. Arthur Agatston, creator of the South Beach Diet.

“For example, you should be eating full-fat yogurt, not low-fat yogurt.”

With zero net carbs, items such as butter and cream are rich in healthy fats. While large amounts are associated with obesity and may cause heart disease, according to many experts, the opposite is true when consumed in moderation, as shown in studies published by the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” Stick to recommended serving sizes of

rich keto foods such as sour cream, cream cheese and yogurt.

2. Eggs: Despite receiving a bad rap for high cholesterol content, eggs are low in carbs and high in protein and amino acids. And according to the Mayo Clinic, the effect of egg consumption on blood cholesterol is minimal when compared with the effect of trans fats and saturated fats, and their high protein content helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Egg whites contain no cholesterol and are high in protein; while the yolk provides the majority of the egg’s nutritional content. Eaten sensibly, eggs are both keto- and heartfriendly.

3. Shrimp: Shrimp is a versatile superfood, high in protein and contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including selenium, which reduces inflammation and promotes heart health. Seek out wild-caught shrimp to avoid antibiotics. Frozen just after they’re caught, frozen shrimp is usually a good bet, however, if you buy fresh, be sure the shells don’t

feel slimy or soft or have a fishy, ammonia-like smell.

4. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and have been proven to lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease. Flaxseed also contains 800 times more of a cancerfighting phytochemical called lignan than any other food. For maximum nutritional benefits, choose ground flaxseed and refrigerate for longevity. Try mixing it into olive oil-based mayo or blending it into your favorite protein shake.

5. Olive-oil or avocado-oil based mayonnaise: This often-maligned condiment is high in heart-healthy, monounsaturated fats, and is a keto staple with its zero grams of net carbs.

“Look for varieties without added sugar, which just contributes additional calories without any other nutritional benefits,” says Courtney McCormick, manager, clinical research and Nutrition at South Beach Diet.

“Phase one of the South Beach Diet has always been keto-friendly.

Get rid of all the white stuff -- white flour, breads and pasta,” says Dr. Agatston. “Once you eliminate them from your diet, your body starts burning fat, and you will feel so much better.”

For more information on the South Beach Diet and its ketofriendly options, visit www.southbeachdiet.com.

When adopting a keto-style diet, think beyond weight loss. Be sure to include a range of foods that are great for heart health. ♦

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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 through April 15.

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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March 2019