Lakewood Community News, December 2011

News

Lakewood Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodnews.org

Volume 27 Number 12

December 2011

Love Lakewood? Show it by shopping local this holiday season T he past few years have been hard on the psyche and pocketbook of Lakewood families. Just when we think we see the light at the end of the recessionary tunnel, something happens to make us pull our belts a little tighter and dampen our spirits. Many of us have had to curtail spending for quite some time, and with the holiday season fast approaching people may be ready to let loose, just a little, and do some spending for a change.

The day after Thanksgiving officially kicks off the Christmas holiday shopping season. This day has been labeled “Black Friday” because it’s been recognized as the biggest shopping day of the year, and it’s when retailers are said to move into the black, representing profits.

Buyers get ready to be wooed, with so many stores vying for your holiday dollars; it’s going to be a shopper’s paradise for discounts and bargains! If you do your homework and decide which items are most important, you’ll end up getting a really good deal.

Why not shop in Lakewood?

If you’re reading the Lakewood Community News, more then likely, you’re a Lakewood

Shop Lakewood...

Stay Lakewood Loyal this Holiday Season!

resident. Consider patronizing local merchants instead of buying online this year. Not only will you be doing your part to help

support the local economy, you might actually find some great deals as retailers are becoming more aggressive in combating

online sales strategies.

Lakewood Center serves as the City of Lakewood’s economic engine, generating the largest

Lakewood is a bargain hunter’s destination both online and on the street. On the Web the ShopLakewood.org coupon site has now reached 100 participating local businesses.

The site offers a good sampling of Lakewood’s diversity with restaurants like Tokyo Hibachi, California Pizza Kitchen, Glory Days Sports Grill, Baja Fresh, Café Rio, Red Lobster, Foggia Italian Deli, Outback Steakhouse, Piazza McDonald’s, and Round Table Pizza and more The sample is a mix of both independent eateries and established chain restaurants.

Shop Lakewood hopes to make it easier to find them (with an online map) and to get deals from them (with online coupons).

Fourteen large, new signs have just been installed around Lakewood Center to help shoppers navigate the mall during the rush of holiday shopping. They’ll also showcase Lakewood’s “Restaurant Row” – where many eateries with Shop Lakewood coupons are located.

You already know that your shopping habits can directly impact the quality of life in Lakewood. Now, it’s even easier to support our park programs, law enforcement services,

beautiful trees, well-maintained streets and more.

Every time you purchase an item at a Lakewood store, dine at a Lakewood restaurant, or catch a movie here in town, you’re not just paying for a product. You are helping keep local services going. A portion of your sales tax dollars comes back to Lakewood to fund improvements to our city. You also can save on gasoline, wear and tear on your car, and your time when you shop close to home or work.

You can do it in two simple steps: 1. Visit www.shoplakewood. org. Click on the “Coupons”

source of revenue for the city.

Not only does the center generate millions in taxes, that benefit businesses which supports valuable city services that you enjoy all year long, i.e., parks, senior centers, youth centers, and recreational programs to name a few. It also provides a large local employment base.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the City of Lakewood would like to make shopping locally easier for you by launching the “Shop Lakewood… Stay Lakewood Loyal” Program. The Program is an ongoing effort to help you stretch your dollars by shopping in Lakewood first. Simply go online to www.shoplakewood. org to find the latest coupons and offerings from local businesses.

Then print the coupons you like, and enjoy your savings! Be sure to bring the coupons to the business to get those savings. The list of participating merchants is growing daily. So be sure to visit often for ongoing local deals.

If you have any questions or suggestions, call the Lakewood Chamber at (562) 531-9733.

What are you waiting for start shopping!

Fulfill a gift wish and Shop Lakewood coupon site reaches brighten a child’s holiday 100-business milestone

Each bear represents a child’s gift wish.

The Project Shepherd Teddy Bear Tree program places trees bearing paper bear ornaments at many business and community locations, including the Lakewood Center mall. Each small paper bear is huge in the eyes of a Lakewood child.

Each ornament represents a Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

child’s gift wish. Residents are invited to pick a bear from the trees and fill the wish. Bears along with their accompanying gift should be delivered to any City of Lakewood facility by December 9. The tradition of anonymous “Santas” filling these wishes goes back to 1995.

(Cont’d. on Page 5)

Change Service Requested

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Long Beach, CA PERMIT NO. 60101

link on the right to find the latest coupons and offerings from local businesses.

2. Print the coupons you like, and go enjoy your savings! Be sure to bring the coupons to the businesses to get those savings.

Let them know you found the coupon online and are looking forward to more.

There are fabulous shopping opportunities here in Lakewood, and more are being added all the time. The list of participating merchants is growing daily, so be sure to visit the website often.

For all your holiday shopping needs, don’t forget to Shop Lakewood and Stay Lakewood Loyal!

LakewoodToday

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One of Lakewood’s timeless values

By Mayor Larry Van Nostran

“Times change. Values don’t.”

An enduring value in Lakewood is the support that residents give to the public safety professionals, volunteers and community members who keep our city safe.

I’ve been honored to call Lakewood my home since 1958, just a few years after Lakewood became a city. From our city’s early days in the 1950s all the way through today, one of the biggest reasons that people move to Lakewood—and like living here— is the feeling of security that they have in our city.

People in Lakewood know that they have great law enforcement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They know that they have great fire protection and emergency medical service from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. And they know that Lakewood is full of fellow residents who are willing to get

involved to keep their city safe and maintain a good quality of life here.

In early November, Lakewood residents and community leaders gathered at our city’s annual Award of Valor Luncheon at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza to honor our public safety personnel for acts of valor in our community over the past year.

We also recognized Lakewood civilians and volunteers for taking action to make Lakewood a safer and better place in which to live.

Lakewood has hosted the Award of Valor Luncheon for over 30 years, and I’ve been pleased to attend every one of them. I can tell you that I never cease to be moved by the stories I hear of dedication, compassion, courage and commitment to one’s community.

As the old expression goes, “bad news travels fast.” And that means that in the high-speed world of today’s news, we hear a lot about the bad things that a small number of people do. We often don’t hear enough about the good things that many others do. At the Award of Valor luncheon, things are different.

We hear some about bad guys and what they’ve done, but we hear lots more about the good deeds that public safety professionals and community volunteers have performed in Lakewood.

This year we also heard many stories of public safety personnel who, in a single action or in months of dedicated hard work, prevented tragedies from happening. Part of

December 2011

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the good, smart work in public safety is intervening with a cool, rational head in a difficult situation and stopping or defusing a problem early before it develops into something where people can get seriously hurt. We’re fortunate in Lakewood to have public safety personnel who take that approach wherever possible and keep our community as safe as it can possibly be.

You can read about the acts of valor that Lakewood’s public safety personnel and community volunteers have performed over the past year at www.lakewoodcity. org/aov.

Their stories will make you appreciate even more how Lakewood is a strong city of dedicated public safety professionals, willing volunteers and caring neighbors.

C i t y Spotlight Project Shepherd needs your help As the December holiday season quickly approaches, we are reminded of those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Over 1,600 individuals living in Lakewood, many of them children and seniors, will not be able to enjoy the holidays without the food, gifts and toys that many of us take for granted.

Project Shepherd, which is

a combined effort of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood, is now entering its 39th year of community service, will make the holidays a bit more comfortable for those who are low income or unemployed.

Since 1973, Project Shepherd has brought the gift of Lakewood’s care and concern - along with a bundle of holiday gifts - to families in Lakewood.

A Project Shepherd box of staple food items and the makings for a traditional holiday dinner come with simple gifts - a toy for a toddler, a warm sweater for a senior, or a CD for a teenager facing a bleak Christmas.

Donations of food and toys are needed and can be dropped off at Lakewood City Hall or any park or community center.

If you would like to make a financial contribution, please send your donation to: Lakewood Project Shepherd, c/o The Rotary Club of Lakewood, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712.

For more information or to find out about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Burns Community Center at 562925-7512.

Ready for the ‘big one’? CERT can help Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training picks up where Lakewood’s one evening “Survive for 7” workshop leaves off. CERT introduces participants to postdisaster realities familiar to survivors of Hurricane Katrina, this year’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and other

disasters.

The 21-hour, 3-day CERT program is presented at no cost to residents and includes lectures and hands-on exercises covering topics like fire suppression, light search and rescue, disaster team organization, basic first aid, emergency medical operations and triage. The training is done in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the city’s own FEMA-certified trainers.

The program will be hosted

by Lakewood at the Weingart Senior Center. Sign up online at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog for course 27417. It will be held on Saturday January 14, 21 and 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Registration can also be done by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Register for Lakewood Youth Basketball Leagues Registration for youth basketball leagues is taking place now through Saturday, December 3 at all Lakewood parks. Boys and girls ages 6 to 17 years may sign up by completing a registration form with a parent’s signature and proof of birth date.

There is no registration fee for Lakewood residents. Proof of residency is required.

Non-resident registration will be held at Palms, Del Valle, Mayfair and Bolivar parks with a $20 fee payable on Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm to 8pm, or Saturday, December 3 from 9am to 1pm only.

Lakewood Youth Sports (Cont’d. on Page 14)

December 2011

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Lakewood Wellness Spa helps make a wish come true

Diana prepares for her facial at Studio Cie Wellness Spa in Lakewood.

Studio Cie Wellness Spa in Lakewood was recently contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to host two complimentary facials for their wish child Diana, and her mom, Estella. Carol Cisneros, owner of Studio Cie Wellness Spa, was more then happy to accommodate Diana and her mom. In preparation for her wish, Diana was to receive a day of pampering and a facial.

Diana is a 14 year old teenager from Whittier who is fighting idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an immunemediated hematologic disorder caused by a low blood platelet count. The Foundation offered Diana the opportunity for one wish. As her one special wish,

Lakewood

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Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Sales Ruby Cure Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce #24 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 P: (562) 531-9733 * F: (562) 531-9737 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com news@lakewoodchamber.com This publication is delivered to homes & businesses in Lakewood, and portions of Long Beach, with a circulation of 30,000.

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she specifically requested to have a Quinceañera party. A Quinceañera is the celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday, as it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood.

Carol asked Diana, out of all the wishes that she could have had, why did she choose a Quinceañera party? Diana answered that is was a way for all her family and friends to be together, and that her family could never have afforded one. Diana’s sister Rosie, also received a facial and she shared with Carol that she did not have a Quinceañera when she turned 15, but that planning her sister’s was just as good as having one herself.

Her cousin Rick will escort Diana to the party, and she will wear a beautiful, but simple Vera Wang bridal gown, that has been altered to look more like a special

occasion dress. Her wish was granted on November 12, 2011.

Diana expressed her gratitude to the Studio Cie staff by saying, “Thank you so much for everything, what you guys did for us was so amazing we will never forget that day. It meant so much for us three to have that moment together, and to be pampered was so great!”

A little smile, a word of cheer, a bit of love from someone near, a little gift from one held dear, Best Wishes for the coming year...

These make a

Merry Christmas!

HOW MUCH WILL YOU NEED TO RETIRE? LET’S TALK. Marjorie Anderson Financial Advisor

5536 South Street Lakewood, CA 90713

PH: (562) 804-7994

Marjorie.Anderson@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

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&

Business Financial Page 4

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There’s a difference between having insurance and being insured Submitted by John Diatalevi, Lakewood Insurance Services

What’s the difference between having insurance and being insured? Let’s start with the required state minimum liability and property damage limits. In 1967, the state of California decided to make automobile liability and property damage required coverage. They set the limits at $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000

property damage.

This means, if you caused an accident and injured someone, the insurance company would pay up to $15,000 for bodily injury per person. If you injured multiple people, the most they would pay is $30,000. They would also pay up to $5,000 for property damage.

In 1967, these limits were adequate. Now, let’s put this in perspective. In 1967 gas sold for .33 a gallon. In 1967, you could buy a new Chevrolet Malibu for less than $5000. In 1967, $15,000 would have paid for a hospital stay of over two weeks.

Now let’s fast forward to 2011. Gas is $3.85 a gallon.

The MSRP for a Smart Car

is $17,690.00. We all know how expensive medical care is today, so needless to say the $15,000 required by the state will not cover much is a given.

The problem is, the state never adjusted the required coverage to keep up with inflation. If you carry the minimum coverage, you have insurance, but your not insured. You have way too much exposure. Remember, the insurance company will only pay up to the policy limits, regardless of how much damage has been done.

If you hit and total a $100,000 Mercedes, and only have $5000

December 2011 of property damage coverage, where is the difference of $95,000 going to come from?

Not the insurance company, I can tell you that.

If you think you don’t have much in the way of assets because you don’t own a house, or have a lot of money in the bank, consider your job. Your job is an asset. If you lose a lawsuit, your wages can be garnished for years.

Doubling your coverage does not double the cost of insurance. In fact if you double your coverage and raise your deductibles, you’ll probably pay less.

For more information call John Diatalevi from Lakewood Insurance Services at (562) 630-4163.

Give a gift and receive a gift to Knott’s Lakewood Center Announces Partnership with Family Favorite Knott’s Berry Farm Are you making your list and checking it twice? Now is the time to give the gift that keeps on giving. Purchase $150 or more in Lakewood Center Mall Gift Cards and receive a Knott’s Berry Farm Regular Admission ticket, a $57 value.

Recipients will love receiving the gift of choice with the gift card and either you or a friend will love the gift of a Knott’s Berry Farm ticket. Lakewood Center is giving you an added incentive to shop early and give the gift of choice. Who knew holiday shopping could be so easy?

Right now at Knott’s Merry Farm guests can enjoy te following events, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

A winter wonderland with holiday music, food, a crafts village and Christmas lights everywhere.

Ring in the season with the Charlie Brown Parade, and don’t miss “It’s Christmas Snoopy,” an ice show spectacular.”

Knott’s Berry Farm offers something for everyone in the family and Lakewood Center is thrilled to partner with them, especially during the Holiday Season.

While supplies last. Gift cards must be purchased in a single transaction. One ticket per customer, per day.

Tickets expire 12/31/12. Some restrictions, including blackout dates, apply to tickets. Not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased gift cards. Void where prohibited.

See Guest Services for terms and conditions. Terms and conditions apply to gift cards.

December 2011

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Heroism, devotion to duty and volunteer service honored at Award of Valor

For their bravery in resolving a life-threatening situation, Sergeant Jodi L. Hutak, Deputy Matthew Ferguson and Deputy Anthony A. Johnson were presented with a 2011 Award of Valor.

The recent annual Lakewood Award of Valor Luncheon at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza brought together over 400 residents and civic leaders, including Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and Fire Chief Daryl Osby, Mayor Larry Van Nostran and the Lakewood City Council, as 28 deputies, firefighters and civilians were recognized for heroism, devotion to duty and volunteer service.

Among this year’s honorees were Sergeant Jodi L. Hutak, Deputy Matthew Ferguson and Deputy Anthony A. Johnson who responded to a report of a mentally unstable individual who was barricaded in his Lakewood home.

When the man armed himself with a machete and began waving it violently at his wife, deputies risked their lives trying to subdue him in close quarters. Eventually, the neighborhood was evacuated, special enforcement officers were summoned and the man was arrested.

Firefighters from Los Angeles County Fire Stations 30 and 94 were honored for their heroic efforts to aid a Lakewood woman in late stage labor. Responding paramedics and fire personnel discovered the baby was in a breech position and in distress because of umbilical cord complications.

The little boy was delivered on the way to the hospital and, thanks to the calm professionalism of the firefighters, both mother and child arrived in good condition.

Deputy Osvaldo Santa Ana received the Distinguished Service Award for his work with the city’s property abatement team over the past eight years. Working with city staff to identify and target problem properties and to devise strategies for resolving the problems, the deputy has investigated over 700 cases since 2003. His work has led to resolution of code, fire and safety complaints at hundreds of locations, declines in calls for service and improved property appearances.

In separate incidents, the Mayor’s Award was presented to Lakewood residents Uwe Bruhn and Everett Avila who spotted burglars as they attempted to gain entry into neighboring homes. Each

News

Community

called 911, gave descriptions of the burglars and assisted in confirming identities after the suspects were apprehended by deputies. In both cases, personal property was returned to grateful neighbors.

Seventeen-year old Tyler Marlowe of Lakewood received the Mayor’s Award for his

attentiveness and compassion for his elderly neighbor. Tyler befriended the 84-year-old woman and would routinely check on her welfare, tend to chores around the house, prepare meals, ensure medications were taken and simply keep her company. When Lillian collapsed in her home one day, Tyler administered CPR until paramedics arrived.

Several individuals were thanked for their volunteer efforts in promoting public safety. Chuck and Dorie Lopez were named Block Captains of the Year, Craig Hendrix was chosen as Volunteer on Patrol of the Year and Alice Mitchell was selected as the Lakewood Station Volunteer of the Year.

The luncheon included a salute to the Sky Knight Helicopter Patrol Program, which marked 45 years of service to Lakewood and surrounding communities. The first airborne law enforcement program in the nation, Sky Knight pilots and observers are credited with valuable assistance to ground units in patrol duties, surveillance work and the capture of suspects. Countless

agencies have launched similar programs over the past four and a half decades. Sikorsky Helicopter representatives were on hand to make a $5,000 donation in honor of the anniversary to the Friends of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to support programs and activities to benefit deputies and their families facing difficult circumstances.

Check out www.lakewoodcity. org/aov to see this year’s illustrated event program for more details about this year’s distinguished honorees and brave heroes.

Congrats to all!

“Fulfill a gift wish...”

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(Cont’d. from Page 1) Qualifying children from needy families in the Project Shepherd Program make gift requests and their requested toy or item is listed on a colorful paper Teddy Bear. Additional trees can be found at most City of Lakewood facilities and city hall.

Donations of food and toys, participation in the Project Shepherd Teddy Bear Tree program, and opportunities to volunteer are coordinated at the Burns Community Center. For more information, call 562-925-7512 or go to www. lakewoodcity.org/ProjectShepherd or www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteer.

Sunday Morning Worship Service ~ 10:00 am Youth Sunday School ~ 9:30 am

Nursery / Child Care Provided

ChamberNews Page 6

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December 2011

Stay away from holiday office party pitfalls!

It’s the season for the great American get- together, otherwise known as the office holiday party.

The traditional office party can be a pleasant evening or afternoon with co-workers or the first step towards a pink slip. Worse yet, holiday parties can raise legal issues for employers.

Office parties are a great morale

booster, a way for employers to say thank you for a job well done. However, it’s important for employees, as well as employers, to follow a few tips to ensure everyone stays out of trouble: • If you serve alcohol, pass out drink tickets; two per attendee is enough for the evening. Employers can be held liable if employees are

Welcome New Members!

AT&T 1150 S. Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 743-7003

Member Renewals

With their renewal, the following businesses have celebrated another year as members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman’s

Circle

Platinum

City of Lakewood Lakewood Center Lakewood Regional Medical Center Piazza McDonald’s Willow Urgent Care/Memorial Healthcare IPA

gold

Gateway Business Bank

silver

Candlewood Smiles Dentistry First City Credit Union Lakewood Dental Arts Lakewood Self Storage

bronze A+ Hearing Aid Center The Boeing Company EDCO Waste & Recycling George Chevrolet Hawaiian Gardens Casino HealthCare Partners

Officers and Board of Directors

John Kelsall President/CEO Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 562-531-9733 Fax 562-531-9737 John@lakewoodchamber.com www.lakewoodchamber.com www.lakewoodnews.org

11 Years Christ Presbyterian Church Lakewood/Long Beach Soroptimist Inter.

7 Years K.E.Y. Design 4 Years Your Lucky Pet Sitter Orozco’s Auto Service Chick Fil A George Chevrolet 2 Years First United Methodist Church

Thank You!

KATHY “APPLES” Prudential California Realty

Call or Text 562-884-1863 Email Kathy@KathyApples.com

K.E.Y. Design Nguyen Dental NuVision Federal Credit Union Outback Steakhouse Rotary Club of Lakewood Southern California Edison

Mission Statement: The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce creates a healthy business environment for the community.

2011-2012 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

56 Years Lakewood Center 41 Years Weingart Lakewood YMCA 26 Years Su Casa – Ending Domestic Violence Dr. Raymond Mangigian D.D.S 23 Years Cerritos College 20 Years Hap’s Auto Parts 19 Years Boy Scouts of America 17 Years Lakewood regional Medical Center

involved in auto accidents after drinking too much at a company function.

• The office holiday party is a must attend event. Stay for at least an hour, you may have a conflict, or something else to do, but nothing else is more important than making an appearance at the party.

• Avoid talking about your job in a negative connotation. No one wants to hear about how over-worked and under-paid you are over appetizers and drinks.

However, be sure to tell the boss how much you enjoy working for the company, and how you respect their accomplishments, etc.

• It’s best to avoid gift exchanges.

In these tough times employees may not be able to afford to bring a gift. Consider the option of contributing to a local charity that helps the poor or homeless over the holidays.

• Managers and supervisors should be on the look out for any inappropriate behavior.

Subordinates should not get overly friendly with management or with each other. No one wants to return to the office on Monday with a sexual harassment lawsuit looming.

• Before decorating the office with a Christmas tree and Santa motif, let employees know they are welcome to bring decorations for their winter holidays as well. Make room for a Hanukkah menorah, the red, green and black candles of the Kwanzaa kinara, and any other holiday decorations employees would like to contribute to the party décor. When decorating it’s best not to hang mistletoe. It’s just not a good idea.

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Glen Patrick ~ Chairman Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90713 562-425-7431 Fax 562-425-5451

Frank Croes The Boeing Company 2401 E. Wardlow Road Long Beach, CA 90807 562-593-2937 Fax 562-982-6199 Frank.Croes@boeing.com

Patrick Houston Lakewood Regional Medical Center P.O. Box 6070 Lakewood, CA 90712 562-602-0083 Patrick.Houston@tenethealth.com

Doug Roscoe Lakewood Center 500 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 562-633-0437 Fax 562-633-1452 Doug.Roscoe@macerich.com

Larry Kirk F&M Bank 5101 Lakewood Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90712 562-602-8378 Fax 562-633-3012 larry.kirk@fmb.com

Mike Hedges Pacific Striping Company 1820 Coronado Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755 562-429-2562 Fax 562-938-8811 pacificstripeco@aol.com

Joy Janes Behavior Safety Associates 5710 Harvey Way Lakewood, CA 90713 562-531-9733 Fax 562-531-9737 Joyjanes@yahoo.com

Cathy Gies Willow Urgent Care/Memorial Healthcare IPA 1100 E. Willow Street Signal Hill, CA 90755 562-981-9500 Fax 562-981-2964 cgies@mhipa.com

Jimmy Liorides George’s Greek Cafe 5252 Faculty Avenue Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 529-5800

Mark Perumean EDCO Waste & Recycling Services P.O. Box 398 Buena Park, CA 90621 714-522-3577 mperumean@edcodisposal.com

Ben Harvey SCE/Southern CA Edison 2800 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90806 800-655-4555 Fax 562-981-8289 Ben.Harvey@sce.com

Mike Segura Farmers Insurance 2725 Candlewood Street Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-4980 msegura@farmersagent.com

Women in Business Council

Wednesday, Dec. 14th

POTLUCK & BOUTIQUE!

Promote Your Business and Display & Sell!

11:30am-1:00pm Sproul Reception Center 12239 Sproul St. Norwalk, CA 90650 Call Marjean for more info: (562) 402-9336 x1252

Green

December 2011

Christmas tree recycling and extra holiday trash pick-up

Lakewood residents will be able to recycle their Christmas tree and get their extra postholiday trash hauled away with assistance from the city’s waste hauler, EDCO Waste and Recycling Services.

For two weeks after Christmas – from December 26 through January 6 – the green waste recycling truck will pick up discarded Christmas trees on each of the city’s regular trash collection days.

Each year, over 10,000 trees are collected from Lakewood residents, creating more than 100 tons of useful, recycled mulch.

As in past years, trees should be left curbside, not put into blue

Tips to avoid workplace germs

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle through rest, diet, and exercise • Wash hands thoroughly and frequently • Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or cough into your elbow • Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean • Do not use other workers’ phones, desks, offices or work equipment • Don’t spread the flu! If you’re sick stay home!

• Get vaccinated against the seasonal flu

recycling or gray trash carts. The collection of trees for recycling is free.

Also this year, EDCO will run an extra truck to help residents with the added trash that is typical during the holidays. The pickups are intended to deal with the overflow of Christmas wrapping and boxes that follow holiday giving. Residents should continue to use their existing carts.

The special, one-week pickup period starts Monday, December 26 and is only for holiday-related trash that will not fit in normal trash carts. It should be bagged using standard garbage bags and left two feet from the carts for pick up. Up to 10 standard size trash bags are allowed. Holiday and appliance boxes may be left for pickup as well.

Tree recycling tips • The tree should be at the curb on the regular trash pick-up day.

• Decorations (ornaments, tinsel, etc.) and metal or plastic stands must be removed.

www.lakewoodnews.org

Parks offer holiday vacation programs

Living

Holiday activities at Lakewood parks are featured throughout the two weeks of school vacation from Monday, December 26 through Friday, January 6. Special activity program flyers are available at Lakewood City Hall and Lakewood parks. Santa will make an early appearance on Saturday, December 17 at each of the parks.

Highlights will include winter holiday craft projects and a special winter vacation movie day at Boyar Park on Wednesday, December 28.

Enjoy cocoa, popcorn, and other treats as you watch the Disney Pixar film, “Cars 2” showing at 11:30am and 2:30pm.

Free bus transportation to Boyar Park will be offered from other neighborhood parks. For more information or to obtain the bus schedule call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 by December 23.

Heating & Air Conditioning (562) 533-7933

Alex Geverkian CA License # 882704 Owned & Operated by a Veteran

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Lakewood Chamber urges residents to keep their shopping $$$ local!

This holiday season, you can save time and avoid chaos by doing all your shopping in the City of Lakewood. The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce wants to help make finding a local business a little easier. Whether you’re looking for a particular restaurant or hotel to house your guests for the holidays, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce urges you to keep your dollars local. Below is a list of Chamber Members ready to help out this holiday season!

Accommodations-Hotel Holiday Inn-Long Beach Airport (562) 597-4401 Long Beach Marriott (562) 425-5210 Aerospace Boeing Company (562) 593-2937 Animal Care Bloomfield Animal Hospital (562) 402-9717 Found Animals Foundation (310) 574-5794 Your Lucky Pet Sitter (562) 682-8954 Poopy Scoop Pet Waste Management (562) 867-3530 Your Elegant Pet (562) 529-8414 Apartments Bixby Knolls Apartments (562) 595-5033 Clair Del Gardens (562) 428-7588 Lakewood Manor Apartments (562) 634-3642 Attorneys Law Offices of Tania Whiteleather (562) 866-8755 Newell, Curtis, Nelson & Burnight (562) 435-7471 Automobile-General Lakewood Car Wash (562) 634-9020 Greg’s Collision Center (562) 531-6600 Orozco’s Auto Service (562) 427-4256 Automobile-Dealer George Chevrolet (562) 925-2500 Pacific Ford (562) 426-3301 Au t o mo b ile-Parts & Supplies Hap’s Auto Parts (562) 422-1201 Transamerican Wholesale (310) 900-5567 Allen Tire Company (562) 420-2269 Banking Institutions Gateway Business Bank (562) 627-9800 First City Credit Union (562) 944-2200 First Bank (562) 663-6500 F&M Bank (562) 602-8378 LBS Financial Credit Union (562) 598-9007 LPL Financial Services/ Triple Check (562) 634-7070 Chase Bank (562) 619-2874 NuVision Federal Credit Union (562) 375-8327 Beauty Salons & Spa Studio Cie Wellness Spa (562) 924-9524 Finely Kneaded Day Spa (562) 425-3500 Savvy Chic Nail Cottage (951) 264-3445 Massage 4 A Better U (562) 965-6164 Catering/Banquet Hall The Grand (562) 426-0555 TGIS (Thank Goodness its Sofia) (562) 804-4434 Savor… Catering by SMG (562) 499-7565 Delightful Crepes Café

(562) 594-9400 Lakewood Country Club (562) 421-0550 Che c k Ca s hi ng Cash America Payday Advance (562) 630-8500 Child Development-Day Care Long Beach Day Nursery (562) 591-0509 Best Steps (562) 422-3432 Yvonne’s Kids – Quality Child Care (562) 213-7569 Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA (562) 425-7431 Chiropractors Long Beach Spine & Rehab Health Center (562) 938-8770 Churches Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (562) 496-2319 Lakewood Christ Presbyterian Church (562) 633-0749 Lakewood 1st United Methodist Church (562) 425-1219 Life Center Assembly of God (562) 866-9078 Dentistry & Orthodontics Aesthetic Smile Dental Center (562) 496-1888 Candlewood Smiles (562) 634-5042 Brodsky Orthodontics (562) 496-2000 Dr. Goren D.D.S. & Associates (562) 531-7373 Nguyen Dental (562) 634-2500 Lakewood Dental Arts (562) 866-1735 Seth S. Shimono, D.D.S (562) 867-4155 Raymond Manigigian D.D.S. (562) 429-2459 Lakewood Orthodontics (562) 602-2222 Department Stores Wal-Mart 2609 (562) 429-6239 Wal-Mart 3477 (562) 425-5113 Lakewood Center Mall (562) 633-0437 Sam’s Club 6613 (562) 425-5616 Costco Wholesale (562) 630-2391 Dan Goldman Jewelers (800) 546-5362 Education-Schools & Colleges Cerritos College (562) 860-2451 Bethany Lutheran School (562) 420-7783 Bellflower Unified School District (562) 866-9011 ABC Unified School District (562) 926-5566 Kumon Math & Reading (562) 412-6802 Lakewood Christian Schools (562) 425-3358 Long Beach Unified School District (562) 997-8242 Saint Joseph High School (562) 925-5073 Long Beach City College (562) 938-4353 Employment Development

SELACO WIB (562) 402-9336 Entertainment Hawaiian Gardens Casino (562) 860-5887 Cal Bowl (562) 421-8448 LessonsThatRock (562) 773-0422 Equipment Rental Lakewood Rent-All (562) 421-4714 Escrow Services A Plus Appraisals (562) 425-0564 Castlehead, Inc. Escrows (562) 809-7772 Appraisal Pacific Inc. (562) 377-1000 Team Escrow (562) 920-9611 Financial Services Edward Jones Investments (562) 804-7994 Florists Melinda McCoy’s Flowers (562) 424-0901 White House Florist (562) 925-1238 Funeral Services Forest Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuaries (714) 484-2088 Luyben Family Dilday-Motell Mortuary (562) 425-6401 Grocery/Market Milk Barn (562) 425-3745 Healthcare AppleCare Medical Group (714) 443-4532 CareMore Medical Group (866) 622-2820 Healthcare Partners (562) 361-5650 Immediate Medical Center (562) 802-0208 Lakewood Medical Group (562) 788-7574 Lakewood Primary Care (562) 630-3105 The Oncology Institute of Hope & Innovation (562) 869-1201 Lakewood Primary Care (562) 630-3105 Willow Urgent Care/Memorial Healthcare IPA (562) 595-0203 Conrad Cox M.D. Inc. (562) 461-8584 R. Dan Murphy, DPM, Inc. (562) 421-7199 Hearing Aids A+ Hearing Aids (562) 867-7728 Fidelity Hearing Center (562) 926-6066 Home Improvement B&B Carpet Connolly Construction (562) 925-1434 K.E.Y. Design (562) 292-1217 Hospitals Community Hospital of Long Beach (562) 498-1000 Lakewood Regional Medical Center (562) 531-2550 Insurance Services Capizzi Insurance Agency (562) 896-3016 Farmers Insurance (562) 531-4980

Beth Bettger Insurance Agency Inc. (562) 496-1000 New York Life (949) 964-9291 New York Life (949) 797-8281 Gotz Insurance Agency, Inc. (562) 424-0726 Lakewood Insurance Services (562) 630-4163 Libraries Friends of Lakewood Libraries (562) 866-1777 Marketing-Consulting SRK Enterprises (562) 244-4099 Oil/Gas Industry Bahour Oil (562) 920-0078 Kuster Company (562) 595-0661 Organizations & Clubs American Cancer Society (562) 437-0792 American Red Cross (562) 595-6341 Behavior Safety Associates (562) 429-1750 Boy Scouts of America (562) 427-0911 Lakewood Women’s Club (562) 925-4405 Lakewood/Long Beach Soroptimist Int’l.

(562) 866-9771 Lakewood Knights of Columbus (562) 431-7703 Lakewood Lions Club (562) 421-9640 Lakewood Masonic Lodge (562) 686-3599 Lakewood Meals on Wheels (562) 925-8747 Lakewood Pan American Association (562) 421-0676 Long Beach State Athletics (562) 985-7441 Marcedes Lewis Foundation (562) 841-5455 National Pacific Islander Network (562) 496-2319 Nifty After Fifty (714) 823-4400 Pathways Volunteer Hospice (562) 531-3031 Rotary Club of Lakewood (562) 421-1213 Special Olympics Southern California (562) 570-1685 Su Casa-Ending Domestic Violence (562) 303-1030 Picture Framing Andazola’s Gallery (562) 427-3100 P l u m b i n g / H VA C Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (866) 204-4068 G&A Heating & Air Conditioning (562) 533-7933 Pete’s Plumbing (562) 425-2373 Printing Services Norwalk Printing (562) 864-3216 Office Max (562) 790-8188 Publications Lakewood Community News (562) 531-9733 Press Telegram (562) 435-1161 Real Estate Coldwell Banker/Star Reality

r. it Vis hambe c d ber woo em lake for M ion t com forma in

(562) 804-1385 ReMax (562) 673-4337 Prudential California Realty (562) 809-1331 O.B. Phillips Jr. & Co (562) 430-9010 Recycling Good Earth Recycling Center (562) 490-0072 EDCO/BZ Waste & Recycling (562) 423-8161 SA Recycling, LLC (213) 222-2811 Orion Metal & Trading Co. (562) 633-2350 Restaurants Chick-Fil-A (562) 924-9408 Café Rio (562) 616-6700 Denny’s Restaurant (818) 364-5635 East Side Mario’s (562) 630-7600 Foggia Italian Market & Deli (562) 627-0987 George’s Greek Café (562) 529-5800 Honeybaked Ham (562) 634-9711 Little Caesars (562) 866-9909 Marie Callender’s (562) 634-3612 Outback Steakhouse (562) 634-0353 Piazza McDonald’s (562) 497-0055 Round Table Pizza (562) 408-1914 Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes (562) 531-6778 Road Services R.F. Dickson Company, Inc. (562) 923-5441 Pacific Striping Co. (562) 429-2562 Self Storage Lakewood Self Storage (562) 627-1888 Sporting Goods D&D Sporting Goods (562) 429-9633 Street Lighting City Light & Power Lakewood, Inc. (562) 983-2000 Ta x S e r v i c e s Miller Tax Services (562) 424-2411 H&R Block (562) 429-2384 Checked & Balanced (562) 420-0043 Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s AT&T (213) 590-0551 Transcom Telecommunications (562) 633-2034 Utilities SCE/Southern California Edison (800) 655-4555 Southern California Gas Co. (562) 803-7575 Wa t e r S e r v i c e s Coast Water Technologies (562) 420-8157 Central Basin Municipal Water District (323) 201-5527 Golden State Water Co. (562) 907-9200 Water Replenishment District of Southern California (562) 921-5521

News

Community

www.lakewoodnews.org

December 2011

A Politically Correct Christmas Poem Twas the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck...

How to live in a world that’s politically correct?

His workers no longer would answer to “Elves,” “Vertically Challenged” they were calling themselves.

And labor conditions at the North Pole, were alleged by the union, to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished without much propriety, released to the wilds, by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear, that Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid, were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his beautiful sleigh, because the ruts were deemed dangerous by the EPA, and millions of people were calling the Cops, when they heard sled noises upon their roof tops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe, had his workers quite frightened, and his fur trimmed red suit was called “unenlightened.”

To show you the strangeness of today’s ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose.

He went to Geraldo, in front of the Nation, demanding millions in over-due workers compensation.

So...half of the reindeer were gone, and his wife who suddenly said she’d had enough of this life, joined a self help group, packed and left in a whiz, demanding from now on that her title was Ms. And as for gifts... why, he’d never had the notion that making a choice could cause such commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur..., which meant nothing for him or nothing for her.

Nothing to aim, nothing to shoot, nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.

Nothing for just girls and nothing for just boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific, nothing that’s warlike or nonpacifistic.

No candy or sweets... they were bad for the tooth.

Nothing that seemed to embellish upon the truth.

And fairy tales...while not yet forbidden, were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden, for they raised the hackles of those psychological, who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football... someone might get hurt, besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist and should be passé.

And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled and perplexed, he just couldn’t figure out what to do next? He tried to be merry, he tried to be gay, but you must have to be careful with that word today.

His sack was quite empty; it was flat on the ground, nothing fully acceptable was anywhere to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift he might give to us all, without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy - with no indecision, each group of people in every religion.

Every race, every hue, everyone, everywhere...even you!

So here is that gift, it’s price beyond worth...

“May You and Your Loved Ones, Enjoy Peace On Earth”

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Furry friends are welcome to take photos with Santa Why should humans have all the fun? Bring in your furry family member to Lakewood Center on Tuesday, December 6th between 4pm-8pm for Pet Photo Night. Take a picture with Santa and take home a lasting memory.

Adopt & Shop counselors will be on hand to answer any questions on pet adoption, they

Lakewood Center and Adopt & Shop Partner Together for a Night of Pet Photos and Fun!

will also provide pet treats to keep the four-legged friends happy. Photo packages start at $22.99.

Please no exotic animals. Pets must be leashed or kenneled.

Pet treats available while supplies last. Please come prepared to clean up after your pet.

News

Community Page 12

A China adventure awaits you!

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce & CITSLINC International is proud to announce our 5th annual Chamber Trip to China in March of 2012.

This tour is of exceptional value and includes round-trip international airfare, Chinese domestic airfare, 5 or 4-Star hotel accommodations, deluxe tour bus, a knowledgeable Englishspeaking tour guide in each city, three full meals a day, fees for all tour attractions, airport taxes and air fuel surcharge. A nonrefundable registration fee of $200 per person is required and due at the time you register. This will be deducted from your total tour fare, the balance of which will be due before December 31, 2011.

Visit major cities: 3 days in Beijing (visit ancient landmarks

such as Tian An Men Square, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the Palace Museum, the Summer Palace and the Ming Tombs); 4 days in Shanghai/ Suzhou/Hanzhou (visit the Pudong economic development zone and parks, including Lingering Gardens, the Bund and the Yu Gardens. During the entire trip, enjoy the local cuisine while watching shows with traditional Chinese Music and acrobats. Shop at the silk & Embroidery Factories, Pearl Farm and more!

This one of a kind China trip experience is available for the special price of $1,999 per person double occupancy (for single room, it is an additional $450 per person).

For more information call (562) 531-9733.

www.lakewoodnews.org

Former Poly legend Marcedes Lewis makes big donation

Pictured from L to R: Cody Withers (Marcedes’ brother), Marcedes Lewis, Yvonne Withers (Marcedes’ mother), and Niki Withers (Marcedes’ sister). Both siblings also attend Poly High School.

Former Lakewood resident and Long Beach Poly star, UCLA Graduate and Pro Bowl Tight End of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Marcedes Lewis, presented a $20,000 check that will benefit the boy’s basketball team, the girl’s volleyball team, and the Poly North Camp Program at Poly High School.

Marcedes continues to host his annual football camp at Poly High School. He plans to remain charitable towards the school in the future.

Ants * Fleas * Bees Rats * Termites * Bed Bugs ...and more!

December 2011

Keep you and your home safe this holiday season

Holiday hustle and bustle can be a major distraction. Keeping aware of your surroundings is an important personal safety tip that should be applied when shopping.

It’s also important in the hub-bub of harried holiday traffic.

Protect your car by driving just a bit slower and remembering to lock your doors every time you exit your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in plain sight; lock packages in the trunk of the vehicle. If your vehicle is stolen or broken into, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500 as soon as possible.

You can add to your vacation peace of mind by taking steps to ensure your home is secure when you are traveling.

Lakewood’s Neighborhood Watch team advises residents to take advantage of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station “vacation check” program. The program involves Lakewood Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs) monitoring your house while you are away.

You should call for a vacation check at least a week before you go on vacation. When you call, give the deputy some telltale items that VOPs should look for while patrolling. Telling them specific details, such as how many cars should be in your driveway, which lights should be on, etc. are helpful.

Call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Vacation House Check Program at 562-623-3520 for more information or to schedule a vacation check.

Having your block captain and close neighbors keep on the lookout for suspicious activity around your home while you’re away is another good idea.

They’ll be sensitive to what’s normal on your block.

Tell us what you would like to read in the Lakewood Community News.

E-Mail: news@lakewoodchamber.com or mail to P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

December 2011

Holiday scams: ‘Tis the season The holidays are a time of giving. It’s also a season when criminals step up their attempts at “taking.”

Bogus charitable solicitations and “almost too good to be true” deals are common over the phone, door-to-door and online. Be wary.

Scam artists create fake charity or business names that are similar to legitimate ones, which allow one to think that the solicitation is valid.

Ask solicitors for the name, address and phone number of the charity. This information may help you verify the solicitation. If the information isn’t readily given, hang up, close your door or delete the e-mail.

Most tax-exempt charities can be verified at the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance at 703-276-0100 or at www.bbb.org/ us/charity/.

Once you’ve determined that the charity is legitimate and you’ve decided you want to contribute, simply give what you can and want to give--it will be appreciated. Do not give cash. Make a check or pay by credit card to the charitable organization, and make sure you get a receipt.

Unless you specifically entered a contest, always ignore phone calls, letters and e-mails telling you that you’ve won money or a prize from a charity. These are almost always fraudulent.

Door-to-door solicitation Solicitors must obtain a permit from the City of Lakewood to go door to door. They should have the permit with them at all times, and upon request, present the information. If they do not, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-635-3500. Los Angeles County licenses are not valid in Lakewood.

• Before opening the door, look to see who is on the other side.

• If you are unsure if the organization is legitimate, ask to see their identification and call the organization to verify their employment. Keep your door closed and locked while you do this. Do not let anyone inside.

• Do not give out your Social Security number or other personal information to solicitors.

• All City of Lakewood employees and utility workers wear uniforms and carry identification badges.

Utility companies do not normally come to your residence without you calling first for service.

• Be suspicious of someone claiming to be at your home to shut anything off. Typically, numerous notices are sent before a utility will be shut off.

Online donating • Stick with charities that are reputable rather than those that spring up overnight.

• E-mail “phishers” (senders of fake e-mail solicitations) continue to be creative in their approach to luring consumers to their fake websites for purposes of identity theft and fraud and may look nearly identical to legitimate

News

Community www.lakewoodnews.org

Youth Hall of Fame nominations requested

athletes, teams, boosters and athletic achievements. Special Achievement awards are also presented for academics and other significant contributions to youth sports in Lakewood.

For more information call Lakewood City Hall at 562-8669771, extension 2408.

e-mail.

• During the holidays and following disasters, consumers can expect an even wider range of scam efforts • Don’t donate directly from e-mail solicitations. Clicking on an e-mail may lead you to a site that looks real but is established by identity thieves seeking to obtain money or personal information. Bypass the e-mail and go directly to a site with which you are familiar.

Resources • Lakewood Sheriff’s Station 562635-3500.

• Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance at 703-276-0100, and www.quidestar.org.

• The state’s Office of the Attorney General has a consumer information page covering topics including charitable giving scams, identity theft and credit card traps at http://oag.ca.gov/consumers.

Use these telephone numbers to verify that the person at your door really is an employee: • AT&T Broadband 888-2555789 • City of Lakewood Water Resources Department 562-8669771, extension 2700 • Southern California Gas Company 800-427-2200 • Time Warner Cable 888-8922253 • Verizon 800-483-4000

Page 13

The Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for outstanding Lakewood student athletes. Nominations are being accepted for Athlete of the Year, Performers of the Year and Special Achievement awards.

Nominations are due to the recreation office at Lakewood City Hall by December 1.

Athletes must live in Lakewood or attend school in Lakewood to be eligible.

Supporting information is a critical component to the nomination process. Nomination forms are available at www. lakewoodcity.org/HOF. The awards banquet will take place on Monday, February 27.

It will honor accomplishments

for sports seasons ending in 2011.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding

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Around

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with Robin Vanderwerff

Page 14

December 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Pathways hosts annual tree lighting ceremony

Pathways Volunteer Hospice is again hosting “Light Up A Life” ceremonies for the upcoming holidays on Monday, December 5 at 7pm at Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood. The “Light Up A Life” tree lighting ceremonies are an opportunity to remember and honor those we love and those who have passed on. Each shining light represents a friend or loved one being honored or memorialized. A donation of $20 provides one light on the hospice trees and the name of the person being honored or memorialized is reflected on the “Light Up A Life” scroll displayed by the tree. This year, Pathways’ “Light Up a Life” holiday trees will be displayed at the Cerritos Library, Gateway Business Bank, the Iacoboni Library and the George Nye Library.

Ceremonies will feature guest emcees, holiday entertainment and an overview of the Spirit of Pathways.

For more information about Pathways, visit at www.pathwayshospice.org.

Sudoku Sudoku

City Spotlight

(Cont’d. from Page 2) basketball teams will practice and play league games on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning December 10. The season concludes March 3.

Candy Cane Capers This holiday workshop is for children ages 6 to 12 on Saturday, December 17 from 9am to 2pm at Monte Verde Park. Activities will feature holiday crafts, games, snack time, a movie and a visit from Santa. Children will sing carols and join in the holiday spirit with other children.

This is a good time for parents to drop off their kids and get some last minute shopping completed.

Cost is $10 for the class and an additional $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor, April Berg, in class. Lunch is included in the cost and attendance is limited, so register online at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog or by calling 52-866-9771 extension 2408.

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8 5 4 6 5 4 1 9 3 3 Thanks to our November Sudoku Sponsors Outback Steakhouse Foggia’s Italian Market & Deli

Souplantation

Dr. Jose E. Arambulo, DVM FULL SERVICE VETERINARY HOSPITAL • Quality, Reliable & Affordable Vet Care for Over 25 Years 20927 Norwalk Blvd.

• Vaccinations/Spay/Neuter/Dental/Digital X-Rays Lakewood, CA 90715 • In-house Lab Testing, Internal Medicine & Surgery www.bloomfieldvet.com • Multiple Pet Discounts • Grooming Services Available Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-1:30pm Bring in this 3:00pm-6:00pm ad for a Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm FREE EXAM! New clients only Limit One (1) Per Household Expires 11/30/11

Please Call for an Appointment: (562) 402-9717

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Congratulations to S.W. Williams, Sr., Russell Stuver and Stephanie LaRocco! They are the lucky winners of the November Word Scramble. Out of the 88 correct entries, they won a meal. S.W. Williams Sr., will enjoy Outback Steakhouse, Russell Stuver, Foggia Italian Market and Deli and Stephanie LaRocco will enjoy The Souplantation. What are you waiting for? Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work!

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8 ½ x 11) piece of paper, tape the puzzle cut out from the newspaper with all the answer boxes completed 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 (right next to Sees Candies) The winners are drawn by random, so if you’ve been a previous winner, continue to play, you just might win again.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Thursday, December 16, 2011. The winners will be drawn Monday the 19th; 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 (business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the January issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

Around Town in December Lakewood

• Back by popular demand…

Pictures with Santa on December 3 & 4 from 10am to 3pm. Schedule your appointment by calling, Your Elegant Pets at (562) 529-8414.

Receive a 5x7 same day print for only $10.

• Bring in your furry family member to Lakewood Center on Tuesday, December 6th between 4-8pm for Pet Photo Night. Photo packages start at $22.99.

• The Hearing Loss Association (HLA), Long Beach/Lakewood Chapter, will hold their December potluck dinner on Thursday, December 8th, 6pm at the Weingart Senior Center in Lakewood.

News

Community December 2011

City service information for year-end holidays

Lakewood City Hall will be closed for the last and slowest week of the year -- Friday, December 23 through Sunday, January 1. As usual, emergency city service requests (such as a traffic signal malfunction or a water leak) can be made when city hall is closed by calling 562866-9771 and following the recorded instructions. City crews are on 24/7 standby duty for these requests.

For emergency law enforcement, fire or medical services, always call 911.

Residents can make routine, non-emergency service requests that will be acted upon Monday, January 2 by leaving a message at 562-866-9771, extension 2140 or filling out a service request at www. lakewoodcity.org/service. To obtain an RV/Trailer permit on city hall’s closed days, contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Safety Center at 562-6233583. If you already have an account, the online parking permit system is available 24/7 at www.lakewoodcity. org/parking.

Details on other city services during the year-end holidays are as follows: • Trash collection: Trash schedules will not be affected for residential customers. All pick-up days will remain the same. For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, contact EDCO Waste Services at 562-531-3054.

• DASH Transit: DASH vans will operate on a shortened schedule on December 26.

• Street sweeping: Streets will not be swept on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2. There will be no makeup sweep.

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www.lakewoodnews.org

Volunteer youth sports coaches needed

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the Lakewood Community News would like to wish everyone a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season!

Adult volunteers are needed to coach Lakewood Youth Sports basketball teams this season. Lakewood’s tradition of volunteer coaches is a decades-long tradition that has contributed to the city’s quality of life and the lives of kids on the courts and playing fields.

The youth teams will practice and play league games on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning December 10. The season concludes March 3. Coaches volunteer an average of 3-4 hours per week. There are 1-2 practices and 1-2 games per week.

No experience is needed. Coaches will receive training, and an optional coaches clinic will be held on December 14. Additionally, volunteer coaches are required to go through a mandatory background screening using Livescan.

Check with your local park for details on how to get involved, or call 562-866-9771 extension 2408 for more information.

12/31/11

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www.lakewoodnews.org

December 2011