LCN April 2017

Lakewood

News

Community

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

Volume 34 Number 4

www.lakewoodchamber.com

April 2017

Take time to smell the flowers SAVE THE DATE! AUGUST 27, 2017 in Lakewood this spring

Garzania flowers in full bloom along the nature trail.

Thanks to the winter rains and recent warm days, the California native landscape of the San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail in Lakewood is in full bloom and worth a visit.

The 1 ½ mile trail is accessible from three entry points:

Park at Monte Verde Park, 4626 N. Shadeway Road and enter at the trailhead Park at Boyar Park or the Nye Library and enter off Stevely Avenue or Del Amo Boulevard Park at the end of Candlewood Street and enter there.

The path is also accessible at Carson Street but there is no easy parking available nearby.

The trail is open from dawn to dusk.

Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ lakewoodspring for photos showing a sample of what you’ll see. u

Opening Day!

Another season of Lakewood Chamber's Softball League is underway!

Lakewood Chamber "Outsiders"

Chase Bank "Los Banquerros"

Best Buy "Knights"

Best Buy "Blue Jays"

"East Side Mario's"

"Buffalo Wild Wings"

"Sweat Shop Gym"

"LA's Finest Barber Shop"

"The Rinks-Lakewood ICE"

If you're interested in joining our Summer Season, or would like to advertise your business with a sign or booth on the field, call Frank Cardiel at (562) 531-9733. Updates posted on the Lakewood Chamber website: www.lakewoodchamber.com. u

Lakewood Chamber is excited to be celebrating their “20th” Anniversary this year at the annual Summer Stampede Car Show. If you’re interested in registering your car early, you can go to www. socalcarculture.com, and download the registration form. All other inquiries can be directed to the Lakewood Chamber office by calling (562) 531-9733, or send an email to info@lakewoodchamber.com.

Hope to see you there! u

Rogers, Croft and DuBois win re-election to city council The final results for the March 7 Lakewood City Council election were issued by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder on March 21, with incumbent council members Todd Rogers, Steve Croft and Diane DuBois being certified as the three winners.

Rogers had 25% of the vote, with Croft and DuBois at 24% each, followed by Gregory Slaughter at 12%, Justin Rodriguez at 10% and Connor Russell Gafford at 4%.

Rogers, Croft and DuBois were sworn into office for new fouryear terms at the Lakewood City Council meeting on March 28.

At that meeting, the council signaled its intention to select one of its five members to become mayor for a new one-year term at its next meeting on April 11.

In Lakewood, as in most cities of its size in California, the role of mayor usually rotates annually among the five council members.

The current mayor, wrapping up his first term as mayor, is Ron Piazza.

In Lakewood, elections for the five council seats are held in March of alternate odd-numbered years. The elections are staggered so that either two or three council seats are open in alternate election years. In 2017, three seats were open for election.

The Lakewood City Clerk normally conducts council elections in Lakewood, but this March, because there was a special Los Angeles County initiative on the ballot, the county Registrar-Recorder administered the election.

Complete election results are available at the RegistrarRecorder’s website at www. lavote.net/election-results. u

Time is running out to register for Lakewood Chamber’s China Trip! Call/email for more info: info@lakewoodchamber.com (562) 531-9733

or visit our website at: www.lakewoodchamber.com

LakewoodToday

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www.lakewoodchamber.com

There’s no time like the present to get started on strengthening your business

By Joshua Castellanos, President and CEO of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

As the President & CEO of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, it’s an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to support, encourage and interact with local businesses. It feels like we just rang in the New Year, and now we’re sprinting towards spring.

The seasons pass by so quickly, and likewise, Lakewood Chamber is on

the move! There’s just no time these days for business complacency.

Whatever your product or service, there’s a social media outlet to promote it. But what about good oldfashioned face-to-face teamwork?

That’s where your local Chamber of Commerce comes in to play. We represent small, large, for-profit, non-profit, and just about any local business, and they would benefit from being a member. However, the one caveat is, you need to be active.

There’s no moving forward from the sidelines. The Chamber Board and I continually assess the services and programs we offer with the goal of increasing the value of your Chamber membership.

We’ve recently given our website a new platform, all with our Chamber members in mind. I hope as you take a look at it that you find the website a valuable resource.

The website features daily, relevant articles for those that want to stay on top of all that Lakewood has

going on. Check it out at www. lakewoodchamber.com.

There’s sure to be an interesting story there for you to peruse.

The Chamber also has an array of events to assist your business, from our monthly Speaker Series events to our annual community Car Show.

There’s a lot going on, so don’t be afraid to stick your toe in the water!

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce also publishes the Lakewood Community News, which has a monthly circulation of 30,000 delivered to every home in Lakewood, with bulk drops to area businesses.

Our strength lies in our ability to work together. Local businesses are invited to join us in our quest to build a stronger and more prosperous community. Invest in yourself, your business and your community by becoming involved in the Chamber.

We welcome your participation, so call us at (562) 531.9733, we look forward to speaking with you. u

April 2017

C i t y Spotlight All-City Track & Field Meet The City of Lakewood Youth Track & Field Meet will be held Thursday, April 20 at Lakewood High School. Check-in begins at 4:30pm with the first event starting promptly at 5pm. For more information, call 562-8669771, extension 2408.

Spring Break programs—April 10-14, April 14-21 Spring Break activities at Lakewood parks will be featured throughout each school district’s Spring Break from Monday, April 10, through Friday, April 14 at Mayfair Park and Friday, April 14 through Friday, April 21 at all other Lakewood Parks.

The Easter Bunny will be visiting all of the parks and hiding eggs on Saturday, April 15. 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.

Volunteer Day seeking project sites Lakewood’s Volunteer Day program is looking for project homes for the Saturday, April 22 community-wide cleanup and fixup event. You can help over 500 volunteers throughout the city by suggesting Lakewood locations that can use their assistance.

If you or someone you know can benefit from a Volunteer Day cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, submit an application online at www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteer day 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.

FUN-Tastic Family Night features Stephen the Spectacular FUN-Tastic Family Night welcomes Stephen the Spectacular to The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave. on Friday, April 28. Stephen Levine has been wowing audiences for over 40 years and is a member of Hollywood’s worldfamous Magic Castle. The cost is $8 per person, $5 for children ages one to three (children under 1 are free) and includes a meal of BBQ chicken skewers, mashed potatoes, lemonade and a dessert.

Doors open at 5:45pm and seating is on a first-come basis.

Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog to register and use class #5891. The last day to register is April 25 or until filled. Call 562866-9771, extension 2408 for more information.

Adult Softball, Kickball and Volleytennis signups Signups for Lakewood’s Adult Softball, Kickball and Volleytennis summer league will take place May 1-12. Softball leagues play on various evenings (M-F) and Sunday afternoons.

Kickball is offered on Tuesday evenings and Sat/Sun afternoons.

Volleytennis plays Monday evenings. All ability levels are encouraged. Signups are taken at city hall. Registration packets including fees and further information are available now at www.lakewoodcity.org/sports or by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Trip to the Ramona Pageant in San Jacinto On Saturday, May 6, the City of Lakewood’s travel program will take you to the longest-running annual outdoor play in the United States, the Ramona Pageant.

The cost is $45, which includes bus transportation. Please arrive at Burns Community Center by 12:15pm. Bus leaves promptly at 12:30pm for a 3:30pm show.

Adults must accompany children of all ages. Register at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using class #6236.

For further information, please contact city recreation staff at 562866-9771, extension 2408. Make sure to register early as programs tend to fill. Last day to register is April 24 or until filled. u

Your

Minding www.lakewoodchamber.com

April 2017

Listen up...Tax phone scams are on the rise!

According to the Internal Revenue Service, aggressive

Over 1,000 take part in Lakewood Run The women of Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach and the women and men of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station are expressing a huge “thank you” to the runners and volunteers who turned out in force on March 4 for the 2017 Lakewood Run. To view the Lakewood Run photo gallery, go to www.lakewoodcity. org/LakewoodRunPhotos.

Like last year, about 1,100 people participated, however revenue is expected to be slightly higher than in prior years as a record-setting number of local businesses and organizations participated in the Expo area this year.

Proceeds from the Run will benefit Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Program that assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them resources to improve their education, skills and employment prospects, and the Dream It Be It Program to provide high school girls with professional role models and career education. Proceeds also go to local organizations such as Lakewood Meals on Wheels, Su Casa~Ending Domestic Violence, Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, and 999 for Kids (a program benefitting foster children in L.A. County). u

Lakewood

News

Community

...Since 1984

Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 4111 E. South Street, Unit E Lakewood, CA 90712 P: (562) 531-9733 | F: (562) 531-9737 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com news@lakewoodchamber.com Contents of the Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise, edit, reject or suspend publication of any content germane to any addition without prior notice.

The LCN is not responsible nor liable for any claims offering for product availability that may be advertised.

SUBMISSION POLICY: Editorial must be no more than 200 words, and be submitted by the 15th of the preceding month you want the editorial published.

SPACE RESERVATIONS & AD DEADLINES: The 15th of every preceding month for ads to be designed or current ads requiring changes. The 20th of every preceding month for camera-ready art furnished by advertiser.

and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers during the 2017 filing season.

During filing season, the IRS generally sees a surge in scam phone calls that threaten police arrest, deportation, license revocation and other things. Over 10,000 victims have lost over $54 million as a result of these 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 an 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.

Here 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 lawenforcement 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 personal information and hang up immediately.

• Contact the U.S. Treasury Department to report the call. You can call them at 800-366-4484.

Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.

Business Page 3

ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

Stay alert to scams that use the IRS as a lure during tax season as well as the rest of the year. If you have been the victim of any scam, it is important to report it to law enforcement. u

&Financial

Business Page 4

Lakewood student gets dream gig as beat writer for the L.A. Kings As any good writer knows, you must have passion to pursue the art of formulating words into meaningful, albeit, heartfelt sentences. Amy Wesselman of Lakewood is all too aware, at just 22 years old, the beautiful symphony of words needed to convey an idea. She recently won an Essay Contest for the Entire Southern California News Group to be a “beat writer” at Staples Center, for

www.lakewoodchamber.com

April 2017

the recent Los Angeles Kings Hockey game. Amy says, “As a student of English, as well as a loyal Kings Hockey fan, this contest provided the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Having the pleasure of winning and being able to participate in all of this was easily the greatest experience of my life.”

This would be the perfect opportunity to pair passion with inspiration as Amy is a huge Los

Lakewood resident, Amy Wesselman, with Hall of Fame announcer, Bob Miller.

Angeles Kings fan. Her dad was a Kings fan before her and she’s

followed in his footsteps. So much so that her room is decked

out in hockey paraphernalia and mementos.

The evening began with a press conference with Hall of Fame announcer Bob Miller, who announced his retirement that night. Amy was honored to meet him after the press conference to thank him for the fine job he has done announcing these past 44 seasons.

The excitement had just begun, as Amy was ready to watch the Kings take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. She was escorted to the press booth for her premium seat so she wouldn’t miss a beat.

The Leafs started the game fastpaced and strong, and the Kings won the game in front of a soldout crowd, helping their playoff chances.

The thrill of the game wasn’t quite over yet. Amy had the opportunity to see the Kings locker room, where she watched Kings coach Darryl Sutter hold one of his iconic post-game interviews.

The evening was one Amy wouldn’t soon forget. She’ll take the memory of this experience with her as she continues to develop her writing skills.

Amy’s showing her fortitude by making her aspirations a priority, next year she’ll transfer from Long Beach City College to Cal State Long Beach where she’ll major in English. Amy is counting on many more lifechanging opportunities. But for now she’s still reeling from her time as an honorary “beat writer” for the Kings. u

Family-friendly Pan Am Fiesta

BRENDATRIGO, REALTOR®

(562) 881-9416

Do you like a family-friendly mix of amusement rides, live music with dancing, crafts for sale, and food trucks and food booths? Then, mark your calendar for the Mother’s Day weekend of Thursday, May 11 through Sunday, May 14.

The Pan American Fiesta is returning to Mayfair Park in Lakewood with its classic mix of new attractions combined with Lakewood traditions.

A complete schedule (including other performers) is at www.lakewoodcity.org/ fiesta. With questions, call 562866-9771, extension 2408.

Traditional elements of the Pan Am Fiesta will include the flag presentation ceremony of the United States and all the countries of the Americas, children’s cultural booth, Pan Am Fiesta historical display, and plenty of arts and crafts dealers offering unique gifts.

Discount carnival ride tickets go on sale at city hall starting May 1 and at Mayfair Park starting May 8. u

www.lakewoodchamber.com

April 2017

Lakewood couple begins a new chapter in their book called life

By Brenda Trigo, Realtor - VB Realty Group

Carol and Glenn of Lakewood move on to their new adventure.

A lifetime of memories were packed and loaded onto the moving truck. Carol and Glenn sat in their front yard on their own personal park bench. It had been relocated from their porch onto the grass. It was making its way one step closer to the moving truck. It would be the last thing loaded. They had believed that they would always live in Lakewood. With its small-town feel, full of community, parks, and special people, Lakewood had always been home.

Glenn and Carol’s home had been the prettiest on the block.

Their pride grew along with their well-tended garden. If they weren’t out working on the yard, Glenn could be seen enjoying the garden from that park bench on the porch. But now, two of their children lived in Ohio, and since home is where the heart is, they were ready to move on.

When Glenn and Carol decided to sell to follow their children, they turned to their long-time neighbor and friend, Brenda Trigo. Brenda’s team, VB Realty Group, was always a top ranked team. Glenn and Carol knew that Brenda was invested in the community and understood its value.

News

Community

In addition to years of conversations across the fence, Glenn and Brenda had worked on a special project together. Glenn had been a carpenter in Lakewood for years, and had helped with

many community projects. One special project was named, ‘Little Free Library’ that he built with the support of Brenda. She had sponsored the library to be housed at Allison Tutoring in Lakewood.

Glenn designed and built the small, sweet, house-shaped library. Their motto is, “Leave a book. Take a book.”

“Carol and Glenn’s house was always the prettiest on the block. I was their neighbor for three years.

My dog, Petey, was their special guy. And the only dog ever allowed in their house. The house was immaculate. They would get top dollar. They deserved it.”

Brenda worked with Carol and Glenn to get the house ready for sale. Once the house was in tiptop shape, utilizing Brenda’s skills as a Staging Expert, it went on the market. And promptly sold

that weekend. They received ten offers and eventually closed the house for $620,000.

As Glenn and Carol head off on their next great adventure, their memory will live on in the home they built, the homes that Glenn built for others, and the ‘Little Free Library’ that Glenn and Brenda built that still resides at 4102 South Street in Lakewood.

If you’re wondering how valuable your Lakewood home has become, contact Brenda Trigo at VB Realty Group, 562-8819416 or by email at BrendaTrigo@ gmail.com. Using her special three-step, Top Dollar marketing plan, she’ll help you sell quickly.

Get ready to Showcase, Market and Sell…for Top Dollar.

Looking for some help for your child with math or reading?

Contact Allison Tutoring at 562-822-6488, or by email at AllisonTutoring@me.com. u

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Youth Hall of Fame video and photos online

At the Hall of Fame’s recent 36th annual induction banquet, Montana Dixon from Lakewood High School was honored as the 2016 Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame Athlete of the Year.

Dixon headlined a Hall of Fame inductee class of more than 60 performers of the year, special achievement honorees and championship teams.

To see the Hall of Fame photo gallery, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/HOFphotos.

To see the video of the Hall of Fame event, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ HOFvideo. u

Chamber News Page 6

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Tax time ain't no time to get pummeled...Prepare to shred!

The City of Lakewood and EDCO Waste Services are teaming up again to help battle identity theft.

On Saturday, April 29 from 9am to noon, “Lakewood Shreds!” returns with free, professional shredding to help deal with the proliferation of sensitive documents

that comes with tax season.

Residents are invited to the Lakewood Civic Center to safely dispose of documents containing personal information like old bank statements and tax records. The free shredding event also has “green” features like a mulch giveaway,

April 2017 e-waste drop off, and the new rain barrel promotion. Rain barrels may be pre-ordered through April 28 at www.lakewoodcity.org/rainbarrels and picked up at the event. Rain barrels are offered at a discounted price and qualify for a $35 per barrel rebate (maximum two per household). The drive-through drop-off location will be behind the Iacoboni Library. (Enter from Civic Center Way from off Del Amo Boulevard or Candlewood Street.

The exit for the event will be the driveway to Clark Avenue.)

Lakewood residents can dispose of up to three “bankers”-sized boxes of documents, which will be safely and securely shredded on-site by a professional shredding company. No CDs, DVDs, diskettes or other media can be accepted for shredding.

A number of “green” freebies will be distributed, including an oil recycling kit, and each vehicle that brings material to shred will, in turn, get a free, sturdy Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal bag, while supplies last.

Household batteries and electronic waste, such as TVs, computers, keyboards, printers and cell phones, will be collected for disposal. However, hazardous waste will not be accepted.

Residents interested in free mulch can bring their own bags or containers to get up to two 30lb. bags, while supplies last. As a courtesy, Lakewood employees will shovel the mulch.

This event is for Lakewood residents only. Be prepared to show proof of Lakewood residency, either with a driver’s license or utility bill. For more information, please call EDCO at 562-531-3054 or Lakewood City Hall at 562-8669771, extension 2140. u

Free tax help!

Trained volunteers are available at the Weingart Senior Center and other sites in the Lakewood area to assist low-income families, individuals and seniors in preparing their basic tax returns.

At Lakewood's Weingart Senior Center, appointments are required and are available Mondays and Thursdays through April 17. Call 562-630-6141 to make an appointment. The Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue.Volunteers are from the AARP Foundation called "Tax-Aide."

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.

For more information, go to www. irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-returnpreparation-for-you-by-volunteers. u The community is invited to enjoy the California Spring weather at the We-U Craft Fair on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 9am to 3pm.

There will be a variety of vendors, bake sale and lunch. Get ready for Mother’s Day, Graduation and Father’s Day all in one spot. Join them at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5730 South Street in Lakewood. u

Green April 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Living

Volunteers plant a Get your rain barrel and start beautiful garden of hope saving water for a rainy day!

Five LBS Financial Credit Union employees recently volunteered at the Su Casa emergency shelter in Long to clean, prepare and replant the shelter’s garden. Assisting Su Casa this year was a new venture for LBS Financial that was made possible when a board member of the shelter reached out to the credit union seeking assistance.

The team of employees weeded, tilled, and raked the garden, removing all the previously overgrown vegetation. New soil was laid and more than 100 potted vegetable plants were planted in the garden, all of which were donated

by LBS Financial Credit Union. u

Water-saving rain barrels will be on sale at the next “Lakewood Shreds” event behind the Iacoboni Library on Saturday, April 29 from 9am to noon.

Capturing rainwater from your home roof with a rain barrel is a good way to conserve and use water that would otherwise be wasted.

Along with disposing of e-waste and shredding sensitive documents at the April 29 event, Lakewood residents can also pick up pre-ordered 58-gallon rain barrels at a reduced price and qualify for a generous rebate.

RainBarrelsIntl.com is offering barrels at a discounted rate of only $65 each, plus tax.

To pre-order and pick up at the April 29 event, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/rainbarrels.

Purchases must be made by April 28 to be picked up at the event.

There will also be rain barrels sold at the event on a first-come basis. Full retail price on these sorts of barrels normally runs as high as $169.

Rain barrels are “food grade” recycled-plastic barrels with a brass ¾” spigot for garden hose attachment and a 4” tight screen to prevent bug access. They’re

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website or at the Rain Barrel Truckload Sale qualify for a Metropolitan Water District program that rebates $35 each for up to two barrels per household.

For additional information on the rain barrel rebate, please call (562) 743-7842 or visit www. rainbarrelsintl.com. u

available in black or terra cotta.

Each barrel is 39” tall and 23” in diameter.

Barrels purchased through the

The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on Thursday, April 27th at 11am, Del Valle Park Youth Center. The program is on the LB Nature Center. Speaker will be discussing all the beauty the nature center offers. Call Gwen for more info: (562) 867-0516.

ShopLakewood Page 8

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Shop Lakewood...

New opportunities for learning coming soon to Lakewood!

National Polytechnic College (NP College) will be opening their doors soon in Lakewood. Lakewood

will be the third college location for CEO/Founder Dariush Maddahi and Director Alfonso Zavala. The

other two are located in the City of Commerce and Torrance.

Dariush is excited to be opening in Lakewood and to have the opportunity to offer the community something different in educational options.

Their motto is “Where a better future begins.” Dariush is a true believer in significatly cutting the time that it would normally take to earn a certificate or a diploma. His goal is to see his students in careers earning a salary, not sitting in chairs any longer than necessary.

Dariush says, “The College offers new options. They have smaller class sizes and more hands-on training, so getting through the curriculum is fast paced.”

The college is fully accredited and has been granted institutional approval from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. In 2003, the school was accredited by ACCSC, and in 2005 they received approval for Title IV financial aid.

If you’re looking for a career in the medical field, NP College is just the school for you! To learn more, check out their website at www. npcollege.edu, or give them a call at (888) 575-4188. Get started on your future today! u

April 2017

Taiko performance taking place at Iacoboni Library The Taiko Center of Los Angeles (TCLA), with director Reverend Thomas Kurai presiding, will provide a performance on April 19, 2017, at 6:30pm, at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library in Lakewood. Taiko is an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums. The drums range in size; the most common drum size in taiko is the “chu-daiko” which is the size of a wine barrel. Since it’s founding 20 years ago, The Taiko Center has performed at such venues as the Hollywood Bowl, Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, Japan America Theater, John Anson Ford Amphitheater, UCLA’s Royce Hall, and a Super Bowl Pre-game show. The founder, Reverend Thomas Kurai, has taught and performed taiko for 40 years, since 1975. u

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

April 2017

ShopLakewood

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Shop Lakewood...

Lakewood loves their pets and Spoil mom in style with a they're good for your health too! Lakewood Mother's Day Brunch!

Who wouldn’t love to come home from a long day of work to be greeted at the door by a tail-wagging pal, a purring kitty or feathery friend? Although this sweet welcome can be heart warming, can it also be heart healing?

Studies show that having a pet in your life can have a significant impact on the health and well being of the owner. Pet owners benefit from their little friends by getting more social contact with other people. Pets can motivate their owners to exercise, as the dog needs to be taken for a walk or run daily. A pet also helps create a social opportunity to converse with others.

What are you waiting for? Give Adopt & Shop a call at (562) 531-2871, better yet, head over to 353 Lakewood Center Mall, and there’s sure to be a pet just waiting for a good, loving home. u

Show mom how much you appreciate her with an unforgettable, all-you-can-eat Mother’s Day brunch experience provided by TGIS Catering at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood on Sunday, May 14, from 10am to 2pm.

The Centre’s highly acclaimed, in-house caterer is one of the premier catering and eventplanning teams in Southern California.

In addition to a delightful brunch buffet, there will be live entertainment, a complimentary photo booth, and gift bags for moms. Guests can also surprise their mother with a special personalized greeting that will be displayed on the big screen during the brunch.

TGIS’s Mother’s Day menu includes: • Bottomless Champagne and Mimosas

• • • •

Chocolate Fantasy Fountain Maple Bacon Waffles Carving Station Poke Station

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

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And much more!

The Centre at Sycamore Plaza is Lakewood’s leading location for community banquets, meetings, events, weddings and receptions for every season of the year. Bring your family to celebrate this special occasion honoring our amazing moms!

Space is limited, so reservations must be made early. Contact TGIS Catering at 562-804-4434 or tgiscatering@lakewoodcity.org.

The cost is $33.95 for adults, $28.95 for seniors age 60+ and $19.95 for children age 10 and younger. u

News

Community Page 10

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April 2017

S AV E T H E DAT E ! Old habits don't produce Kids get visit

new opportunities!

GRAND OPENING! Friday, May 5th

5930 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood CINCO DE MAYO! FREE Stuff, Prizes, DJ, Food & Refreshments DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN!

Do you find yourself complaining that you’re in a rut?

You might be right. Take a look at what you’re doing. Are you living each day in the same old way, not unlike Bill Murray’s character in the film Groundhog Day? If you are, you may be in a slump.

Doing the same things day in and day out doesn’t yield different results, only the same old, and stale outcomes. Sure, doing something different can be scary.

New things can feel risky, and sometimes daunting. But at least you’re moving. At least you’re allowing new opportunities to knock on your door. You’ll get the chance to meet new people, taste new foods, see new sights, and hear new music.

If you want something new to

Want to be a member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce? Call or email for more information: 562-531-9733 info@lakewoodchamber.com

happen in your life—something that will stir you up—re-charge yourself. Small steps are the way.

Don’t set your sights so high, that you set yourself up for failure.

Take baby steps. And like a baby, eventually you’ll be walking, then running.

Open your arms and welcome the new. Feel the exciting charge that will lead you to new heights!

It’s awesome up there. Give it a go!

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @askjoshsmom, Periscope.com, and https://www. facebook.com/askjoshsmom. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. u

from Zootopia characters Arbor Week was celebrated in Lakewood in mid-March, with city recreation staff putting on a fun, educational program about the value of trees at 13 schools and parks.

Always picking a creative theme, recreation staff this year played animals from the movie “Zootopia” helping to save Lakewood’s “Woody the Talking Tree” and other trees from a villain. The annual play teaches children about one of the city’s most important and beautiful resources—its trees.

Lakewood has been selected once again as a Tree City USA— this time for the 33rd year—by the National Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the city’s 27,000 trees and its tree care program.

Keeping Lakewood’s trees healthy is a big job. The city has a certified arborist on staff to oversee tree care, and the city responds quickly to emergency conditions and removes limbs and trees if they’re brought down by wind and rain. Street trees are trimmed about every four years (sometimes more often, depending on growing conditions and tree species). u

Town

Around April 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

As the weather gets warmer, you can’t help but stare at your backyard pool, anxious to begin a new season of memories with friends and family. No matter the season, pool safety should always be top of mind where children are concerned. With safety barriers or layers of protection - in place between the home and the pool, you can experience the pleasures of backyard swimming pools and feel confident that children, grandchildren and visitors will be safeguarded from pool accidents.

It’s impossible to watch your children every second of every day. There are times when a parent or caregiver is distracted by answering the phone or door, household tasks or checking email. Unfortunately, accidents tend to happen very quickly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

a responsibility to safeguard it. There is no substitute for vigilant supervision. But there are additional steps you can and should take to keep everyone safe - including these: • Never prop a gate open for convenience or during pool parties. It’s simply not worth the risk.

• Ensure children in the home learn how to swim, and that adults know CPR. CPR can make the difference between full recovery and brain damage or death. If anyone else will be supervising kids in the pool, make sure they learn it, too. Impress upon babysitters that they must follow your safety rules.

• When children are in the pool, designate a “water watcher” to maintain uninterrupted supervision of children in the pool at all times.

• When not in use, keep toys and other objects out of the pool area, and don’t use chlorine dispensers that look like animals or toys that will attract children.

By following some pool safety precautions, you can give your family great memories that will last a lifetime! u

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Now's the time to prepare for warm weather water safety

Stoppages

drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 to 14. The CDC reports that in most cases, the children involved were out of their parents’ sight for less than five minutes.

If you have a pool, you have

License #: 971888

Water Heaters

Garbage Disposal

Sewers & Drains

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Wall Furnace

Copper Re-pipes

Floor Furnace

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Remodels

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Video Inspections www.DBplumber.com

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It's time to put your brain to work!

Congratulations to Phillip Orpilla the lucky winner of the March Sudoku contest!

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 4111 South Street, Unit E. The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 21, 2017.

The winners will be drawn on

Monday, April 24, 2017, and the call to the winners 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 winners will be published in the May issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u

Thank you to our Sudoku Sponsor!

(562) 881-5557

Get your news in the LCN!

• Electronic press releases are preferred.

Imagesshouldbeinjpegformat.

• Brief press releases are best. (250 wordsmaximum) • Always include complete contact information.

• We are a monthly newspaper, which meansalleditorialmustbereceivedbythe 15th for submission in the next month’s issue. (i.e. press releases for February issueshouldbereceivedbyJanuary15th.)

• Send all press releases/editorials/story ideastonews@lakewoodchamber.com.

Enchanted April A heartwarming romantic comedy about love, friendship and the rediscovery of magic in one's life!

Featuring the students of St. Joseph & St. John Bosco High Schools

Performance Dates: 3/31 - 7:30pm 4/1 - 3:30 & 7:30pm 4/6 - 7:30pm 4/7 - 3:30 & 7:30pm 4/8 - 7:30pm Performance Location: St. Joseph High School 5825 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood Tickets are $13 and may be purchased at school or online: sjhs.ticketleap.com Call for more info: (562) 925-5073 x193

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www.lakewoodchamber.com

February 2017