Lakewood Community News - November 2019

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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 39 Number 11

The Veterans History Project needs your stories

November 2019

101-year-old still writing to ‘Thank a Servicemember’

Alleen Cooper chats with then-Mayor Steve Croft at her 100th birthday party in 2018.

USAF servicemember Selina Gonzales poses at Del Valle Park in a photo included in the 60th Anniversary Military photo gallery.

The City of Lakewood invites you to submit a story and photo of your Lakewood-connected veteran or active duty servicemember for the Veterans History Project website, www.lakewoodveterans.org.

The information is used to create a page on the website as a permanent tribute to the military servicemembers who lived, worked or were involved in the Lakewood community from its founding through today.

“On our website, the stories of our Lakewood veterans will be shared and remembered for generations to come,” said Mayor Todd Rogers.

Many of Lakewood’s original residents were veterans, and the appreciation for those who serve their country is still strong today. In 2014, as part of the city’s 60th anniversary, residents submitted family photos of their military servicemembers for a special gallery

to honor their role in the city’s founding. The collection is still available online at www.lakewoodcity.org/60thMilitary. The city would especially like to include the stories of these servicemembers in the Lakewood Veterans History Project website, if a family member can provide the information.

The Lakewood Veterans History Project website includes a page dedicated to “The Boys of Del Valle Park,” including the poem, a video, and the photos and personal history of the young people of early Lakewood who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. The poem’s late author, Vietnam veteran Dennis Lander, tells his story in the video featured there.

To share a photo and information on a Lakewood-connected veteran you know, visit the Veterans History Project website at www.lakewoodveterans. org and click on the “Submit a

Story” tab, or browse the stories posted there. You can also download a flyer at that page for details on the information you need to prepare, and guidelines for selecting and scanning a photo of your veteran. Flyers and worksheets are also available at the Public Information Office in City Hall.

If you don’t have Internet access, or need assistance, help is available. You can schedule an appointment to bring your information and photo to the Weingart Senior Center on pre-arranged dates and times.

A volunteer will complete the online form for you as well as scan and upload your photo.

To find out about appointment dates and times or with other questions about the Veterans History Project, please call Lakewood’s Community Relations Office at 562-866-9771, extension 3123 or email CommunityRelations@lakewoodcity.org. ♦

Original Lakewood resident Alleen Cooper celebrated her 101st birthday in October, but isn’t slowing down on her 70+ year tradition of writing letters of thanks and support to U.S. troops.

Lakewood’s annual Thank a Servicemember campaign is a chance for everyone to join with Alleen in writing a friendly note of thanks, appreciation and support to U.S. troops serving overseas. All it takes is to pick up a special free postcard at City Hall and write a warm wish to brighten the day of a servicemember far from home over the holidays. Cards are also available at Lakewood libraries and community centers.

You can also write a letter,

or make your own card (just no envelopes and no glitter).

To get started, read the tips and rules at www.lakewoodcity. org/TASFlyer.

There’s plenty of time to get creative--the deadline to deliver the cards to City Hall is Friday, Dec. 6. The city will send the collected cards and letters to the nonprofit organization Operation Gratitude for delivery with care packages sent to U.S. servicemembers overseas.

If your business, school, community group, scout troop or faith-based organization would like to get involved in making or gathering cards, please visit www.lakewoodcity.org/TASGetInvolved for more information. ♦

How to register for Project Shepherd assistance The holiday season can be tough for some Lakewood households, including those who have faced unemployment or underemployment for many months.

If you are a Lakewood resident facing tough economic times, your Lakewood neighbors want to help.

The registration period to receive help from Project Shepherd runs from Nov. 4 to Nov. 17 at the Burns Community Center and Palms Park Community Center. Registered families will be notified in December of the time and place to pick up assistance. Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ProjectShepherdRegistration for additional information.

Eligibility requirements: • Lakewood residents only.

• Those who are low-income, unemployed or on public assistance.

To register, bring the following: • A current utility bill and a valid driver’s license or government award letter.

• Identification for each person in the household, including children.

Registration hours at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration hours at the Palms Park Community Center, 12305 E. 207th St., are Monday through Friday, 2 to 5 p.m. with extended hours on Tuesday until 8 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m.

For more information, call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512 or Palms Park Community Center at 562-865-6414.

Project Shepherd would like to thank our sponsors Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Macy’s for their generous support this holiday season. ♦

Today

Lakewood

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Being thankful in Lakewood

By Mayor Todd Rogers

While we should take some time every day to reflect on what we’re thankful for, I’m very glad that there’s also a day and a season when we’re especially reminded to do that. And that’s one of the best parts of the month and season we’re about to enter.

First off, I’m very thankful to be living here in Lakewood, hopefully like you are too.

We’re fortunate to live in a city that’s in the middle of a big, busy and exciting metropolitan area. There’s occasional difficulties that go along with that, but our community provides a bit of a sanctuary. We have beautiful parks in every neighborhood, tree-lined streets, and a community full of homes that inspire families to take root and build lives.

We’re protected by some of the

best public safety professionals in the world, from the firefighters and paramedics of the Los Angeles County Fire Department to the deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

In just a few days, Lakewood will continue our 41-year tradition of the Award of Valor luncheon, where we honor our public safety personnel, civilian volunteers and residents who have gone above and beyond to protect us this past year.

If you haven’t been to this event, you should really consider it. You’ll see and hear inspiring stories of people helping and serving each other and their community.

The lunch event is on Nov. 6.

Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ AOVtickets or call 562-8669771, extension 3123. There may be a few tickets available as late as Nov. 4.

I’m also thankful for living in a city whose residents volunteer so well to help their neighbors in need and to keep their community caring and strong.

With the holidays, you can see that spirit in full force with Project Shepherd as it helps Lakewood families in need. You can read about ways to get involved with Project Shepherd and other helpful efforts at www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteer or by

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calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

I want to send a special shoutout of thanks to another group of Lakewood residents, and that’s the wonderful folks who donated to the Lakewood Education Foundation over the past year. Your donations will lead to grants of about $500 each to dozens of improvement projects in Lakewood school. The projects will range from science and art supplies, to educational field trips and plenty of books.

Lakewood got its start in the early 1950s from the thousands of military veterans and their families who settled here. We continue to be a city that is deeply thankful for the service and sacrifices of our military personnel.

You can say “thank you” to an American military servicemember stationed far from home this holiday season by writing out a short note or card as part of Lakewood’s “Thank A Servicemember” campaign. We’ll take the steps necessary to get it to a servicemember overseas. It’s a nice way to bring a smile to a soldier, sailor, airman or marine this holiday season.

You can pick up a Thank A Servicemember card at City Hall or at participating Lakewood businesses. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ThankAServicemember or call 562-866-9771, extension 2123 for information.

Another way to say thanks this holiday season is to shop here in your hometown of Lakewood as much as you can. Your patronage keeps jobs and businesses going here, and brings valuable sales tax dollars to our community that pay for our many city services.

On behalf of my fellow Lakewood City Council Members, I want to wish you and your family a very happy, meaningful and thankful holiday season ahead. ♦

City Spotlight Lakewood Emergency Fair Lakewood’s 2nd annual Emergency Fair will take place at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can gather information and see various presentations on tips, ideas, and best practices concerning emergency situations that can be implemented at home and at work.

Representatives from the City of Lakewood, American Red Cross and Los Angeles County will be in attendance. For more information, call 562-866-9771 extension 2408.

Play at Palms Harvest Festival Bring the entire family on Friday, Nov. 8 from 6-9 p.m., and enjoy a crisp, cool autumn evening filled with fun at Palms Park, 12305 207th St., Lakewood. This family-friendly event will feature a petting zoo, face painting, inflatable attractions, games, food and a train ride! For more information call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ catalog.

Teen centers offer after-school options, fun and involvement Lakewood’s two teen centers offer safe, fun and positive ways for teens to spend their free time after school. At both the Lakewood Youth Center and the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, they can socialize with friends, do homework, and play video games while in the company of outgoing and responsible recreation staff.

Each center offers different Friday or Saturday night social events for teens, such as movie nights, flag football tournaments, gaming tournaments and excursions. On Saturday, Nov. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m., teens can participate in a 5-on-5 Co-ed Football Tournament at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd.,

and on Friday, Nov. 22 from 2 to 6 p.m., the Lakewood Youth Center, 4658 Woodruff Ave., will host a Turkey Day Video Gaming Tournament. For more information, Bloomfield Park can be reached at 562-865-1717 and the Youth Center can be reached at 562-429-7472.

Teen centers offer educational opportunities, too. The Teen Resource Center has weekday programs including Job Assistance and Homework Assistance. Call Bloomfield Park at 562-865-1717 for each program’s days and hours.

Teens interested in volunteering can get an application and project information at either teen center. Teens must be at least 12 years of age, willing to follow through on a volunteer commitment and interested in helping the community. Teen volunteers work through the city’s Recreation and Community Services department.

The Lakewood Youth Center, located at Del Valle Park, is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.

The Teen Resource Center, located at Bloomfield Park, is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Play softball to help Project Shepherd Residents are asked to get on base with Project Shepherd by playing in or sponsoring a softball team in the 6th annual “Turkey Tournament,” hosted by the City of Lakewood. The co-ed games will be played Saturday, Nov. 9 at San Martin Park beginning at 9 a.m. and running throughout the day.

Registrations are due by Nov. 6. Call the city’s Recreation and Community Services Department for more information or to inquire about signing up as a team or sponsor at 562-8669771, extension 2408.

(Cont’d. on Pg. 3)

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Teddy Bear Trees make shopping special

Be a “secret Santa” to a Lakewood child in need.

Thanksgiving holiday sales offer some of the best deals of the year at Lakewood Center.

They also provide an affordable way to fulfill the holiday wishes of disadvantaged children living in Lakewood.

Many of the 1,200 resi-

dents that Lakewood Project Shepherd serves during the holidays are kids—kids who could really use a toy for the holidays. Since 1995, children from families enrolled in Project Shepherd have hung their holiday gift wishes in the

form of paper bear ornaments on “Teddy Bear Trees” in the hopes of having them filled by an anonymous “Santa.”

Teddy Bear Trees are on display at City Hall as well as the Burns Community Center beginning Monday, Nov. 18.

Here’s how the program works: • You select an ornament with a child’s name, age and wish (for a reasonably priced toy or clothing) and then shop for the gift that will fulfill that wish.

• Bring the gift with the matching “ornament” to City Hall or other city facilities during business hours prior to Monday, Dec. 2.

If you are shopping at Lakewood Center on the weekend of Nov. 30, you can also stop by the Rotary Club booth in Center Court. Rotary volunteers, many of them Lakewood business and civic leaders, will help you choose a paper bear from the Teddy Bear Tree. After you purchase the gift to fulfill the wish, simply return it with the or-

nament to the Rotary Club booth.

Plus, for every Teddy Bear Tree wish fulfilled with gifts purchased in Lakewood, you’ll receive one free drawing ticket for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card to Lakewood Center. Just be sure to show the original receipt as proof when you deliver the gift and Teddy Bear Tree ornament.

All of the unwrapped gifts go to children registered through Project Shepherd, which is Lakewood’s homegrown charity to assist local families in need. Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood.

For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ProjectShepherd. ♦

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City Spotlight (Cont’d. from Pg. 2)

Teams: • Team fee is $350 • 3-game guarantee • ASA Bats • Custom Dri-FIT jerseys will be given to the 1st place team Sponsors: • Sponsors get a field sign for $100, highlighting your business in front of 120 ball players and fans.

Now in its 47th year, Project Shepherd provides food and gifts during the holiday season and throughout the year to Lakewood residents in need.

The City of Lakewood and the Rotary Club of Lakewood organize the efforts of volunteers and the donations of food, toys, clothing and cash to make Project Shepherd a success. Last year, Project Shepherd helped 301 families, including 1,112 youth and adults. ♦

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Spiritual living helps residents connect and give back

“Creating a world that works for everyone” is on the sign welcoming spiritual seekers to the meeting room on Sunday mornings at “Living Beyond Limits,” a center for Spiritual

Living.

Living Beyond Limits members are an open and loving group of people, who meet at 10 AM on Sunday mornings at the Lakewood Country

Club for a joyful and musical service. Members are offered classes related to spiritual living, as well as opportunities to socialize over potlucks and participate in book studies.

Their main focus is on being

a beneficial presence in the world and making the world a better place through thoughts, words and actions.

One way is through community service--volunteering at “Food Finders,” collecting shoes for people in developing countries for “Soles for Souls”, and hugging hundreds of shoppers at the Lakewood Center on “Hug Day”, the annual event held on Saturday, November 30th this year.

About the event, LBL Elder Ray Bunch says, “It is one of the most fun things we do. I just love hugging so many different people. It fills up the giver and the receiver.”

This event is always held on

November 2019 the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday, one of the busiest days for shoppers preparing for the holiday season.

Centers for Spiritual Living and the teachings of the Science of Mind have been in existence since the 1930s and Lakewood’s Living Beyond Limits center just celebrated its seventh anniversary. Sunday talks are recorded and can be heard at www.LBL-CSL. org, and can also be found on Facebook and Meetup. ♦

City service changes for Veterans Day Lakewood City Hall will be closed in observation of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11.

• Trash service will continue as usual, picked up on your regular day.

• In residential areas, there will be no street sweeping and no makeup sweep, so the city will not issue parking tickets.

Street sweeping and parking enforcement will still occur in commercial areas.

• DASH Transit will not be available.

When City Hall is closed, you can call and leave a message for the customer service department at 562-866-9771, extension 2140 or send an email to service1@ lakewoodcity.org. City staff will answer messages on the next business day. ♦

“Light Up a Life” helps Lakewood residents remember those we’ve lost

The holiday season will soon be upon us and for some it can be a particularly difficult time of year. Pathways Volunteer Hospice has a wonderful way to bring special meaning to the holidays by remembering someone who is missing from your life through a wonderful program and ceremony called “Light Up a Life”.

“Light Up a Life” is a signature tree lighting program traditionally promoted by hospices across the U.S. A small donation of $20 provides one light on the “Light Up a Life” holiday tree in memory or in honor of someone you love. Additionally, the name of the person being honored or memorialized is listed on the “Light Up a Life” scrolls displayed by the trees during the month of December at various libraries throughout the community.

This very special event will take place Monday, December 7, 2015 from 7-8 p.m. at the Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood, and then again on Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 7-8 p.m. at the Recreation Park Golf Course Gazebo in Long Beach. Both ceremonies will be held outdoors so bring your coats and mittens! All donations benefit Pathways’ programs and services which are provided free of charge.

For more information on Pathways services or how you can participate in the “Light Up a Life” program, please call Vickie Kaefer at 562-531-3031 or email Vickie@pathwayshospice.org. ♦

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Important Safety tips for the holidays

When traveling from home…

• Make your home look “lived in” while away. Your home will be less vulnerable to burglary. This is a good habit even when you are away for the day at work.

• Use timers on a few lights.

And put a timer on a radio and set it on a talk-radio station, so it sounds like people are inside your home.

• Have your mail/newspapers held (or ask a close neighbor to do that).

• Consider having a friend or family member house-sit if you are gone for more than a few days.

• Ask your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain and close neighbors to be on the lookout for unusual activity while you’re away. Provide neighbors with emergency

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contact numbers.

• Call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500 for a “vacation check” at least a week before you go on vacation. When you call, give the deputy some telltale items they should look for while patrolling, such as how many cars should be in your driveway, lights that should be on, anyone that has permission to be at your home, emergency contact numbers etc.

When shopping…

• Don’t leave shopping bags or valuable items in your car when you go shopping.

• Lakewood shoppers can feel safe during the holiday season. Extra law enforcement is always provided during this time at Lakewood Center and other shopping centers. And if you ever need assistance to your vehicle, escorts are avail-

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able by calling Lakewood Center security at 562-6343497.

• The theft of mail packages left on doorsteps rises during the holidays. Consider requiring a signature at delivery or having packages sent to your work.

When at home….

• If you see unusual or suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call the Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500. And if you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

• Remember, if you “See Something, Say Something.”

Maybe that’s strange people peeking into a window or down a driveway; maybe it’s someone unfamiliar carrying a package away from a doorstep right after a mail delivery; or solicitors going door to door without a valid Lakewood solicitor’s permit.

• Solicitors must obtain a business license from the City of Lakewood to go door to door. They should have a copy of the license and company ID with them, and upon request, present it. If not, call the Sheriff’s Station at 562-635-3500.

L.A. County licenses are not valid in Lakewood.

For pets….

• Don’t feed bones to pets, es-

pecially poultry bones. They can splinter, causing pain and even death.

• Many holiday plants are toxic if pets chew or eat them.

Examples include holly, mistletoe and poinsettias. It’s wise to keep all such plants out of a pet’s reach.

• For more tips, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/petsafety. ♦

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Free rainwater harvesting class and rain barrel pickup

You can pre-order a watersaving rain barrel at a special low price and pick it up at the free Rainwater Harvesting class on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the We-

ingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Ave., Lakewood.

The class will cover the importance of rainwater harvesting, the benefits of a rain barrel and the installation

Free paper shredding returns in November

Identity theft is a continuing problem, and the City of Lakewood and EDCO Waste Services are teaming up again to help with the biannual Lakewood Shreds event.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot behind the Iacoboni Library, Lakewood residents can take advantage of easy drive-through shredding and recycling services, as well as pick up some freebies (while they last).

Residents will enter the parking lot behind Iacoboni Library off of Civic Center Way and drive through to access these services: • Shredding: Bring up to three bankers-style boxes (or large trash bags) of sensitive documents such as bank statements and tax records for free shredding on site. No CDs, DVDs, diskettes or other media.

• Battery disposal: Bring used household batteries (no car batteries).

• E-waste disposal: Bring TVs, monitors, computer CPUs, keyboards, printers and cell phones for environmentally safe disposal.

• Mulch: Bring bags or containers to get up to two 30-lb bags of free mulch. As a courtesy, Lakewood employees will shovel the mulch.

• Freebies: Giveaways include a kitchen recycle basket, motor oil recycling kit, and one free Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal bag per car.

Please do NOT bring these items to the event, as they are hazardous waste: • No lightbulbs of any sort • No household toxics like paint, insecticides, chemicals • No expired medications or sharps Hazardous waste and e-waste are accepted on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at EDCO’s large transfer facility located at 2755 California Ave. in Signal Hill.

This event is for Lakewood residents only. The line will close promptly at noon. Be prepared to show proof of residency, with either a driver’s license or utility bill. For more information, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2140. ♦

process. Also discussed will be how to apply for a rebate, drought-tolerant landscaping and water conservation tips inside and outside of your home.

In conjunction with the class, www.RainBarrelsIntl. com is offering barrels at a discounted rate of only $65 each, plus tax.

To reserve your spot in the class and to pre-order your barrel, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/rainbarrels. Only rain barrels ordered in advance are guaranteed to be available for pickup at the Nov. 9 event.

Barrels purchased through this event qualify for a Metropolitan Water District program that rebates $35 each for up to two barrels per household (one submission is allowed).

For additional information on the rain barrel rebate, please visit www.SoCalWaterSmart.com. ♦

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Lakewood Farmers Market holds grand re-opening during harvest festival

City Council Members, Chamber Board members and Farmers Market vendors commemorating 3 years of the Lakewood Center Farmers Market with a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Many Lakewood residents yearned for a Farmers Market to come to town, and it did three years ago. The Lakewood Center, City of Lakewood and Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce came together on October 19th to commemorate this event with a Grand Re-Opening celebration for Lakewood’s first Farmers Market. The outdoor market also held a harvest festival, complete with face painting, crafts for the kids and a spooky pumpkin photo backdrop.

Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers, Vice Mayor Jeff Wood and Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

President/CEO Jose Solache posed for photos with Farmers Market manager and hummus vendor Haz Alqawaqneh during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Lakewood Farmers Market is open on Saturdays, with new extended hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakewood Center, just south of the El Torito restaurant.

The market now has up to 30 merchants, with items such as farm fresh fruits and vegetables, unique jewelry, crafts and cosmetics and various foods for sale such as such as tamales, pupusas, popcorn and Mediterranean-style dips and hummus. ♦

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November 2019

Save the date for the tree lighting in Lakewood

Lakewood residents are cordially invited to join in the city’s 6th annual tree lighting ceremony and community gathering on Friday, Dec. 6 outside The Centre at 5000 Clark Ave., next to City Hall.

Carnival games and food trucks

will be on the scene starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be ready to hear your children’s holiday wishes and take photos (with your own device) from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The official tree lighting pro-

gram starts at 6:30 p.m. Festivities wrap up at 8 p.m.

Fun features include: • Lots of falling snow • Dickens carolers • Plenty of food trucks located in the parking lot behind City Hall where there is more room to spread out and relax.

• Wonderful and free family holiday photo opportunities. Costumed characters will help with several holiday photo scenes, including one with Santa and two large sleighs.

Parking will be available behind The Centre and in the large, gravel parking lot at the corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Clark Avenue. The parking lots immediately in front of and behind City Hall will be closed for use in the event.

Taking a photo with Santa is a family favorite…for almost everyone.

There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy good cheer around the Lakewood tree if you can’t make the tree lighting on Dec. 6. From Dec. 7 through Dec. 31, the tree will be on display in the plaza, providing an animated light show that changes colors to music continuously from 5 to 10 p.m. each night. Stop by and enjoy the splendor of the winter holidays!

If it is raining the late afternoon

of Dec. 6, the event will be cancelled, but the tree will still be lit for the first time at 6:30 p.m. that evening. If the rain stops by 1 p.m., the event will go on, although some activities may be limited.

For more information, including weather-related updates on Dec. 6, visit www.lakewoodcity. org/treelighting or call city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140. ♦

Lakewood Women’s Club

The Lakewood Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at Sycamore Centre, 5000 Clark Ave, Lakewood. Our meeting begins at 11:00 am, Lunch at 12:00 pm, and the program at 1:00 pm. For our program this month, we will welcome Margene Stevens, President of Friends of the Lakewood Libraries. For lunch reservations, contact Arlene Roos 562863-4933.

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

Besides supporting many wonderful organizations, the club also enjoys fun and interesting outings.

In October, the club visited the Japanese Gardens at Long Beach State College. This month, members are looking forward to hopping on a bus and heading to Pala Casino for the day. This will be a District Fundraiser.

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 Sandy Reprogle Richardson at 562-8668410. ♦

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City service changes for Thanksgiving

City Hall is closed for the November holiday, but service is still available.

Lakewood City Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, 11/28 and 11/29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

NO trash pick-up will occur on Thursday, 11/28. Trash pickup for Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day. That means pickups normally scheduled for

Thursday will happen Friday, and Friday’s normal pickups will occur on Saturday.

There will be NO residential street sweeping Thursday and Friday 11/28 and 11/29 and no makeup sweep. Therefore, there will be NO residential streetsweeping parking tickets issued

during those two days. Street sweeping and related parking enforcement will be normal on the Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week.

DASH Transit will be closed on 11/28 and 11/29.

When City Hall is closed, here is how you can report a nonemergency issue: • Call and leave a message for the customer service staff at 562866-9771, extension 2140 or send an email to service1@lakewoodcity.org. They will answer messages on the next business day.

• Submit a non-emergency service request online at www. lakewoodcity.org/service.

• Use the easy to use Lakewood Connect app for your smartphone to report an issue, ask a question or give input to the City of Lakewood. The app is available from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as a free download.

For emergency city service requests, like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, please phone 562-866-9771 and follow the recorded instructions to page a 24hour city emergency staff worker.

If you would like to obtain an RV/Trailer permit you can

contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Safety Center at 562-623-3583.

For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562531-3054. ♦

DNA Salon stylists dedicate time to be trained as domestic violence advocates

Since inception, DNA Salon has been a salon that advocates for those

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escaping domestic violence. DNA Salon and Su Casa - Ending Domestic Violence, a local safe house, collaborate in educating the community about the patterns of harmful behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. DNA Salon’s coowners Diana & Alisa Macias recently took their team of stylists to Shear Safety- Hairdressers With A Purpose training where they learned that 1 out of 4 women and 1 out of 5 men will be abused every 9 seconds.

Diana Macias states, “As stylists we are exposed to many intimate facts about our guests lives. We also believe that our salon chairs have the power to feel safe for those desiring to exit from this epidemic. When we are made aware of their needs, we immediately share Su Casa’s 24-hour hotline number (562-402-4888). They are a healing sanctuary that provides long term help to those involved in domestic violence.”

For more information about Su Casa - Ending Domestic Violence, visit www.dnasalonconnect.com and click on the “Give a Damn” page. ♦

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November 2019

Lakewood welcomes two new businesses

Lakewood business owners pose alongside their families and Chamber President/CEO Jose Solache.

Lakewood residents were excited to welcome two new businesses to the city on October 12th with the support of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Andy’s Xpress Wash and Mac’s Automotive, located right next door

from each other off the northwest corner of Carson St. and Los Coyotes Diagonal, drew a large crowd to their joint Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Business owners Andy and Malek were joined by their

...STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL

family and friends to commemorate the special event and to pose for pictures with Chamber President/CEO Jose Solache.

Solache spoke about the location, a former McDonald’s, which had been vacant for quite some time. He praised the owners for joining together to open their businesses here in Lakewood, filling the empty lot and bringing more revenue into the city. He also encouraged those in attendance to “wash their cars at Andy’s Xpress Wash, then make an appointment to bring your cars into Mac’s Automotive.” ♦

SH P LAKEWOOD November 2019

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Circus Vargas returns to Lakewood Center for a limited engagement

Join us in celebrating Circus Vargas’s 50th Anniversary Extravaganza, an homage to the golden era of circus in America!

Marvel at the sights and sounds emanating from the big top, just as audiences did de-

cades ago, in Lakewood at the Lakewood Center Mall from November 1st through 11th.

Always fun for the entire family, Circus Vargas’s incredible new 2019 production highlights an amazing cast of world-re-

nowned performers.

Arrive 30 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive preshow celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more!

Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance.

Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members, all part of an unforgettable Circus Vargas experience!

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www. circusvargas.com or call 877GOTFUN-1. (877-468-3861). ♦

Circus Vargas Performance Schedule:

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Town

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California State of the State a grand success

their Clean Energy Pathway Program.

Assembly Speaker Rendon spoke at length about the importance of investing in infrastructure including water, power and early childhood education.

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of the valued sponsors of the event for their time and contributions, and they look forward to another successful event next October. ♦

Southern California Edison, also presented a short video on

FULL SERVICE VETERINARY HOSPITAL • Quality, Reliable & Affordable Vet Care for Over 25 Years • Comprehensive Dental • Vaccinations/Spay/Neuter • Digital X-Rays • Pet Grooming • Laser Therapy

Since August 2019, we have donated 2 tons of pet food through the Grandpaws Foundation Thank You!

Office Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8:30am-1:00pm 3:00pm-5:30pm Saturday 8:00am-2:30pm

Please Call for an Appointment:

(562) 402-9717

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Congratulations to the winner of the October Sudoku puzzle, Dominique Williams!

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper.

Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

Or drop it by the Chamber office at 24 Lakewood Center Mall in Lakewood (next to See’s Candies). The winners

loomfield Animal Hospital Dr. Jose E. Arambulo, DVM EcoFriendly

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Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon with Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The 2nd Annual California State of the State presented by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce was well attended by City Council members and elected officials from several surrounding cities, as well as small business owners and members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

The yearly event features California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon of the 63rd Assembly District as the keynote speaker and guest of honor.

The luncheon event took place at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza on October 11th.

The program opened with remarks given by Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers and Chamber President/CEO Jose Solache. The main event sponsor,

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are drawn by random.

One entry per household.

The winner will be drawn on Wednesday, November 20, 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 December issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u

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Remind holiday visitors of street-sweeping days

Read the tips for avoiding tickets.

Family and friends visiting Lakewood over the holidays may be unfamiliar with Lakewood’s service schedules and regulations that help keep neighborhoods clean and safe for everyone. Help your visitors enjoy a joyful celebration by sharing these tips to avoid tickets: • Check the street-sweeping schedule in advance. For Thanksgiving, there will be no residential street sweeping on Thursday or Friday, Nov. 2829, and no tickets will be issued those two days. However, street sweeping will be normal on Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 25-27, so be sure early visitors know where they can safely park on those three days to avoid getting cited.

Street sweeping and enforcement will resume Monday, Dec. 2.

• On your street-sweeping day only, parking is allowed on the front and side lawns.

• Any day, parking is allowed on the apron, which is the sloped area between the street and the sidewalk leading up to your driveway, as long as the vehicle does not overhang the sidewalk.

• Don’t obstruct or overhang onto the sidewalk. When parking in your driveway or on the apron any day of the week, including street-sweeping day, it is important to NOT obstruct or overhang onto the sidewalk.

That creates a dangerous obstruction for pedestrians and violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state parking laws.

• Citations are issued only when a vehicle is immediately in the way of the sweeper.

(Parking Enforcement vehicles follow directly behind the sweeper.) That means you can park on the street before and after the sweeper passes your home during the posted times in your neighborhood.

Street-sweeping is cancelled when city staff determines it

is raining enough that water is pooling or flowing in gutters throughout a neighborhood, which prevents effective sweeping. (Sweeping still oc-

curs during a light sprinkle.)

In the case of a rain cancellation, sweeping in that neighborhood is postponed until the regular sweeping day the following week. For example, the cancellation of a Friday sweep means the next sweep in that neighborhood is the following Friday. No sweeping-related parking citations are issued on rain cancellation days. Call or email customer service to verify if sweeping has been cancelled due to rain.

If you have any questions, please contact Lakewood customer service staff at 562-8669771, extension 2140 or at service1@lakewoodcity.org. ♦

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