Lakewood Community News

News

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Volume 29 Number 2

The Lakewood Community News...Then and Now

By Robin Vanderwerff

September 1990 Issue

January 2013 Issue

Life is full of everyday choices, from what you wear, to where you shop, to what you read. Lakewood residents have it made, whether you know it or not, you have your own community newspaper delivered to your home every month.

The Lakewood Community News didn’t just appear on scene recently, quite the contrary, it’s been around for over 28 years. The first publication of the Lakewood Community News was distributed in September 1984. At that time

it was mailed to every Lakewood resident’s home, and most of the content was Chamber or business related.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce publishes the Lakewood Community News, however, the newspaper is a separate entity dedicated to the community of Lakewood. The newspaper has evolved over the years; what was once received in resident’s mailboxes now is distributed to resident’s porches.

Why would a Lakewood resident make the choice to pick it up and read it? The first reason, this is the ONLY newspaper distributed to the homes in Lakewood. The content is tailored for the Lakewood community.

Another reason, you would be supporting local businesses that are advertising in the paper. These businesses are not all Chamber members. Any business that wants to advertise in the paper is more than welcome. As a matter of fact, it is those businesses that choose to advertise that have contributed to the papers success for all these years.

Two fellow Lakewood residents produce the paper.

Robin Vanderwerff/News Editor, and Jodee Kilroy/Graphics Designer. We would love to hear about interesting events happening to people in the neighborhood. Please feel free to email any potential news content to news@lakewoodchamber.com.

If you would like to view the paper online, visit www.lakewoodnews. org and choose the dropdown menu under “News” and click on the “Online Printed Edition.”

Make the choice to pick the newspaper up, read it, and frequent the businesses that advertise. Let’s keep the Lakewood Community News around for another 28 years!

Learn about the current business climate at Lakewood’s Economic Forecast Luncheon The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lakewood will host the 2013 Economic Forecast Luncheon on Wednesday, February 27, at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood. Registration and networking will begin at 11:30am, and the program will start promptly at noon. The event will conclude by 1:30pm.

The informative program will offer business executives and community members a review of key economic forecast data, insight from notable guest speakers, and essential information to help navigate the ever-changing California business climate.

The keynote speaker will be Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

Dr. Robert A. Kleinhenz, chief economist at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Prior to joining the LAEDC, Dr. Kleinhenz served as deputy chief economist at the California Association of Realtors and taught economics for over 16 years, most recently at California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Kleinhenz is a frequent commentator on the economy, having been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, on CNBC, Bloomberg News and NPR. The program will also include remarks by Lakewood Community Development Director Sonia Southwell who will present an update on the city’s future development opportunities.

Mark Perumean from EDCO

Change Service Requested

Disposal Services will serve as the master of ceremonies for this annual event.

Tickets are available through the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon price is $35 for chamber members and $45 for non-members.

Sponsorship and marketing opportunities are available to promote your business. For more information, please visit www. lakewoodchamber.com. Call the chamber at 562-531-9733 for additional information.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Long Beach, CA PERMIT NO. 60101

Keynote speaker Dr. Robert A. Kleinhenz is the new Chief Economist at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation.

February 2013

Request city service via your iPhone

“Lakewood Connect” iPhone mobile app available for city services.

Lakewood’s new iPhone service request app officially went live at the State of the City event January 23. Residents can now report an issue, ask a question, or give input to the City of Lakewood anytime, using Lakewood Connect on their iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. The Lakewood Connect app is available at the Apple App store now and an Android version is being planned.

“See a pothole, graffiti, or a burned-out streetlight? Want to request a tree trim or extra recycling carts? Now you can report them quickly with your iPhone and tell us where the issue is using the app’s map features,” said Senior Management Analyst Paolo Beltran.

Based on experience, “most requested” city services are built into the app making requests or questions about things like street sweeping or trash pickup easy

to complete. The same customer service team that handles resident phone calls and web requests helped develop the program with a goal of giving mobile residents an easy tool to use.

Along with mapping, the system lets users use their iPhone’s camera. Just select your issue and take a picture, and the app attaches the photograph to your service request and sends it directly to the city’s customer service staff, where it will be handled by the next business day.

This app provides Lakewood residents, businesses and visitors the ability to communicate with City Hall 24/7. You can also view the latest city news, information and events through this app. Find the app in the Apple App Store by searching for “Lakewood Connect.”

For additional information call 562-866-9771, extension 2140, or go to www. lakewoodcity.org/apps.

Employer mandate is a recipe for unemployment

By Sally C. Pipes

Wal-Mart just announced that it will not offer health insurance to new employees who work less than 30 hours a week. It’s reserved the right to do the same for existing workers.

For these new policies, WalMart’s employees can thank Obamacare.

The federal health reform law’s “employer mandate” requires companies with over 50 employees to provide insurance for anyone working 30 or more hours a week or face fines. That creates a strong incentive for companies to push their workers into a workweek fewer than 30 hours -- and thereby avoid the additional costs Obamacare intends to saddle them with.

Wal-Mart isn’t alone. The

employer mandate will make it harder for many businesses to operate efficiently, to hire new employees -- or to ensure that existing employees can stay on full time.

Papa John’s CEO, John Schnatter, recently came under fire for stating that the employer mandate will take a bite out of his company’s pie. He said that his pizza chain’s franchisees would likely cut back employee hours -- and that Obamacare would add up to 14 cents to the cost of each pizza.

The owner of several Denny’s franchises in Florida has contemplated slapping a 5-percent Obamacare surcharge on every meal, and a New York Applebee’s franchisee has said he may stop hiring because of (Cont’d. on Pg. 4)

LakewoodToday

Page 2

“I Love Lakewood” shines a light on the state of our city

By Mayor Diane DuBois

On January 23, I was honored to deliver my Mayor’s “State of the City” address to over 200 residents and community leaders at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza.

This year, the State of the City program took place in the middle of our “I Love Lakewood” promotional effort. It turns out that the enthusiasm from residents that we’ve tapped into with “I Love Lakewood” is very enlightening as we take stock of the state of our city.

In “I Love Lakewood” comments, many people have raved about the city’s parks. In 2013, we will continue to prioritize the upkeep of our parks. You’ll see a new tot lot and picnic area come to Bloomfield Park, a renovated pool at Mayfair Park, and a new shade-shelter at the Bolivar Park tot lot.

Many residents also gave compliments to the city’s emphasis on customer service.

Unlike many cities, Lakewood doesn’t make its residents call around to every operating department on their own trying to find the right person to handle a request. We make it simple for residents with an easy-to-contact centralized staff fielding all those calls and emails.

And with 80,000 residents, we get a lot of calls and emails… over 24,000 last year. In follow-

up surveys on the written requests, residents reported satisfaction with the service they received 96% of the time. That’s great!

In 2013, we’re going to add another way for Lakewood residents to easily ask for customer service help. And that’s with an “app” that can be downloaded to your smart phone. Go to www. lakewoodcity.org for details.

If using “apps” isn’t your thing, don’t worry. We’ll always have our customer service staff ready to talk with you on the phone at city hall at 562-866-9771. And you can also leave a message there for them 24 hours a day.

Many “I Love Lakewood” comments have referred to public safety in Lakewood, which is always a top priority when discussing the state of our city.

From crime-fighting tools like the new Advanced Surveillance and Protection System (ASAP), to one of the area’s largest Neighborhood Watch programs, our city will continue to make investments in public safety so that Lakewood remains one of the safest communities in the region.

A big reason the “I Love Lakewood” program is resonating so well is that the state of our city is very strong. We’ve been blessed with a community that was welldesigned and well-planned nearly 60 years ago. Lakewood has attracted tens of thousands of families over the years who have wanted to build a good life for themselves here. And they have!

By taking part in Lakewood community life (some a little, some a lot) they’ve helped build a strong, caring city that has stood the test of time. Our charge as Lakewood residents and civic leaders in the new year is to do all we can to continue that tradition of good community life here. I believe that the year ahead will be

February 2013

www.lakewoodchamber.com

an excellent one for Lakewood, and that throughout 2013 and well beyond, our residents will continue to enthusiastically say: “I Love Lakewood!”

C i t y Spotlight Youth Center Super Bowl Party for teens!

Come to the Lakewood Youth Center on Sunday, February 3, from 2pm to 8pm and root for your favorite Super Bowl team.

There will be great snacks, contests and prizes at this free event intended for middle and high school students. Call 562866-9771 extension 2408, for more information. The Youth Center is located at 4658 Woodruff Avenue.

Spring recreation classes begin The City of Lakewood’s spring recreation classes begin in February. If you have not received your copy of the popular catalog, pick one up at any Lakewood park, community center, library or city hall, or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, to request one by mail.

The new spring catalog lists over 600 classes and activities offered for area residents as well as many new programs.

Customers can register online using eCatalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog.

The eCatalog is easy to use.

Log on and browse the site to check out all the programs and activities. You can also search for classes by park and find out what classes take place at the park closest to your home.

Fun-Tastic Family Nights continue at The Centre Attend this fun, affordable evening out with your family at

The Centre at Sycamore Plaza on Friday, February 22. The first event of 2013 is a fabulous performance by “Razzle Bam Boom.”

This exciting family musicalcomedy show will take the audience through a history of Rock ‘n’ Roll over the decades.

The show is from 6:30pm to 8pm and the fee is $8 per person ($5 for children 3 and under) and includes penne pasta, meatballs, breadsticks, lemonade and dessert. Pre-registration is required.

Register online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. The Centre is located at 5000 Clark Avenue in Lakewood.

Volunteer income tax assistance Volunteers will be available this spring at Weingart Senior Center to help low-income families, individuals and seniors prepare their basic tax returns.

Appointments are for Mondays and Thursdays beginning February 4 through April 15, and a reservation is required.

To make an appointment, please call 562-630-6141.

The Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue in Lakewood.

Lakewood Volunteer Day is looking for project sites The 17th Annual Lakewood Volunteer Day will be held on Saturday, April 20 and the planning team is looking for project sites. Qualifying sites are Lakewood homes that need help with outside clean up jobs such as weeding, painting, yard work or trimming. This is a free city program for residents who qualify. Please call the Burns Community Center at 562-9257512 for more information.

Tickets Available for Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame Event The Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame will celebrate its 32nd annual awards banquet on Monday, February 25 at 6:30pm

at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza.

The Hall of Fame will honor many local high school athletes including the 2012 Athlete of the Year. Additionally, Performer of the Year awards will be presented for more than a dozen sports, and Special Achievement awards will be presented for academics and other significant contributions to youth sports in Lakewood. If purchased by February 12, discount student tickets are $18; adult tickets are $28. Tickets may be purchased after these dates for a higher price. For more information, call 562-866-9771 ext. 2408.

Shop Lakewood: Businesses that ‘Have a Heart’

Throughout the month of February, special “hearts” will start sprouting on the walls of Foggia Italian Market & Deli in Lakewood. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the deli is hosting another “Have a Heart” donation drive in support of Pathways Volunteer Hospice.

Patrons making small donations at the deli’s checkout counter can sign a heart in support of Pathways and post it on the store’s wall. Foggia’s hopes to surpass the $2,000 they raised last February.

The funds support Pathway’s services of hospice care, grief support and counseling for children and families. The group is active in local schools and provides crisis response when traumatic incidents arise. They also offer care management and volunteer companions for the frail, elderly and chronically ill.

“Being a giving part of the Lakewood community is important to us. We live here and this is a special part of our business. We’re just one of a number of local merchants who believe giving back to the community is important in the long run,” said owner Bob Quarto.

The deli isn’t alone. Lakewood businesses give back to the community in many ways. Nearly 20 eateries help support the summer Civic Center Block Party through their participation in “Taste of Lakewood” that benefits the Friends of Lakewood Libraries. More than 25 large and small businesses sponsor the Lakewood Community Run that in turn helps Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach and the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station charity efforts.

Foggia Italian Market & Deli is located at 5522 Del Amo Boulevard (corner of Bellflower Boulevard).

Call them at 562-627-0987 or visit www.foggiadeli.com. To learn more about Pathways Volunteer Hospice call 562-531-3031 or visit www. pathwayshospice.org.

www.lakewoodchamber.com

February 2013

The long awaited HomeGoods store is set to open soon!

Final construction wraps up in mid-February with an opening soon after.

Fresh signage has brought added attention to the large HomeGoods store getting set to open at Woodruff Avenue at Carson Street. Rattling power tools can be heard as the final stages of construction work are completed throughout the 24,544 square-foot retail space. Workers are expected to wrap up efforts by the middle of February in preparation for stocking the facility and finishing touches. The store’s grand opening is expected to be Sunday, February 17.

Lakewood

Your

Minding

News

Community

...Since 1984

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20/yr in Orange & L.A. Counties; $25/yr in all other counties. Payable in advance.

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: The LCN encourages submission of letters to the Editor. Letters must be no more than 200 words, typed and double spaced, or sent electronically. Letters must be signed by the author and must include the author’s address and telephone number.

Opinions expressed in the letter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, members, staff or the LCN. The LCN reserves the right to refuse or edit editorial content, without notice, for the reasons of, but not limited to, length, grammar, clarity or for the potentially libelous statements.

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.

EDITORIAL DEADLINES: The 10th of every preceding month.

(There is no guarantee for insertion.)

PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs.

The Carwood West shopping center has taken off in popularity over the last three years with the addition of a large Smart & Final Extra! in May of 2011.

The 31,500 square-foot store is just south of Sprouts and is one of the company’s largest stores.

The 27,257 square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market opened in July of 2011.

Along with upgrades to tenants Alin Party Supply and Harbor Freight, the center’s 35-year-old Wienerschnitzel was revamped and moved

closer to the main intersection last year. It’s been a top national performer for the food chain. The plaza also hosts a new Chase Bank branch.

HomeGoods will join its sister store, a 28,230 squarefoot Marshalls, which opened at Carwood last October. Both are part of the TJX Companies family of brands that also includes T.J. Maxx stores.

HomeGoods offers designer and brand-name home wares and furnishings for up to 60% off department store prices.

Business Page 3

A morsel about chocolate...

Chocolate was originally enjoyed only by the wealthy, and usually in liquid form. But from its earliest days, chocolate has been popular as an aphrodisiac; it contains phenylethylamine, a chemical compound that is present with feelings of love.

Chocolate was first consumed as a solid, in rolls and cakes, in 1674. The chocolate bar didn’t come along until 1847. The first heart-shaped chocolate box for Valentine’s Day was introduced in 1861 and, within seven years, a new tradition had caught on.

&

Business Financial Page 4

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Profile on Ron Piazza: Lakewood’s newest council member

New Lakewood Council Member, Ron Piazza Newly appointed Lakewood Council Member, Ron Piazza, 61, attended his first official meeting as a member of the council on Tuesday, January 22, where he publically took the oath of office.

He was appointed to the seat

at a public meeting on Thursday evening, December 27, by a unanimous vote of the council.

He was privately sworn in at city hall on December 28.

“I love this city,” said Piazza.

“Lakewood has been good to me, and I’ve enjoyed it to the degree that I have to give back to the community. I respected Larry Van Nostran tremendously, and I thought serving on the council would be something I could do, something good for the city and to honor Larry as well.”

The longtime resident, local businessman and philanthropist fills the vacant seat created by the death of Council Member Larry Van Nostran on November 9. Piazza will complete the remainder of Van Nostran’s term, which ends March 24, 2015.

“I am delighted to have Ron

join the council,” said Mayor Diane DuBois. “He has given so much to Lakewood and knows our community extremely well. I think he will be a great addition to our city government, helping us to maintain the quality service we provide residents and to guide Lakewood into the future.”

Ron grew up in Lakewood, moving to the city in 1959 at the age of eight. He began working at a McDonald’s in Lakewood at minimum wage when he was 15 years old to help his family pay their bills. He worked his way up to supervisor, then manager, and in 1981, at age 30 he bought the restaurant where he first started.

One accomplishment he takes great pride in is helping other firsttime McDonald’s employees.

He’s helped four become owners, and 40 of his first-time workers have become store supervisors and managers.

Four years ago, Ron’s son Sean became a partner in the Piazza McDonald’s business that’s grown to include 11 restaurants in Lakewood and four other cities and nearly 400 employees.

Ron has been active in Lakewood community efforts for many years, including the Youth Sports Hall of Fame (which he co-founded with Larry Van

Nostran), Concerts in the Park, Pan American Fiesta, Award of Valor, Lakewood Beautiful and Project Shepherd.

Ron’s support of Project Shepherd in Lakewood has continued unabated over the years. For many years, hundreds of holiday turkeys were delivered directly to local families in need.

It was routine for the celebratory birds to stay a night or two in Ron’s McDonald’s walk-in freezer prior to Project Shepherd volunteers distributing them. And it’s still not unusual for the volunteers who sort and pack food and toys in the project’s warehouse to have a McDonald’s meal voucher help get them through a lunch break.

Drop-offs from Project Shepherd at Lakewood’s senior apartments benefited from the use of one of Ron’s McDonald’s vehicles last fall.

Ron has also been a member of and served as chair for many Lakewood area community organizations, including the Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Weingart Lakewood Family YMCA, YMCA of Greater Long Beach and Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

Ron and his wife Nancy have lived in their current Lakewood home since 1990.

February 2013

“Employee Mandate”

(Cont’d. from Pg. 1) the additional costs borne by the law.

Obamacare’s defenders suggest that these businessmen are just greedy.

But it’s been widely known that the employer mandate would deliver a hefty blow to businesses since the president’s healthcare reform law was merely a bill.

In early 2010, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the employer mandate would force businesses to pay $52 billion in tax penalties from 2014 to 2019.

That money will have to come from somewhere -whether higher prices for consumers or reduced wages for workers.

Further, the CBO recently cautioned that the employer mandate would cause a 0.5-percent reduction of the American labor force. That may not sound like much -- but it’s equivalent to eliminating about 700,000 American jobs.

In some cases, the employer mandate may backfire -- and actually encourage businesses not to provide health insurance.

Businesses that do not furnish coverage must pay $2,000 per employee, excepting the first 30, if at least one of their workers receives subsidized coverage through the new insurance exchanges.

Folks with incomes of up to four times the poverty level, or nearly $90,000, could qualify for subsidies.

So a firm with 50 employees could be looking at a fine of $40,000.

But health insurance is expensive -- far costlier than the fine. Average premiums for single coverage were north of $5,600 in 2012 -- and above $15,700 for family policies, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Many employers may find it more economical to pay the fine and turn their workers loose in the exchanges.

Indeed, former CBO Director Douglas HoltzEakin estimates that as many as 35 million Americans out of about 160 million could lose their existing employerprovided insurance thanks to -- ironically enough -- the employer mandate.

For now, though, the employer mandate’s impact will largely be felt in the business community, at firms as big as Wal-Mart and as small as the local diner. “I don’t know what secret [the politicians] know, where they just assume we can write them a check,” Sam Facchini, owner of Metro Pizza in Las Vegas, recently told a Nevada newspaper. “We can’t pay for this. Most of us operate on a thin margin and trying to stay in compliance [with the law] will make things much tighter.”

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February 2013

Page 5

Mind your manners Free emergency response training this flu season!

The flu season has officially arrived, and what a doozy it’s started out to be! Those people that have already suffered through it will attest that it’s a nasty bug. Both a cold virus and stomach virus are spreading like wild fire; they are highly contagious viral infections.

Symptoms usually include: fever, chills, headache, moderate to severe body aches and tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea. And/or stuffy runny nose, sore throat and sneezing, usually accompanied by a cruel, lingering cough. Symptoms have been known to come on rapidly and last for a few days or longer.

When you’re in the midst of the flu, the last thing that comes to mind is “flu etiquette” and hygiene, but it can go a long way in preventing the spread of the virus. While most people realize that the flu virus is easily transmitted to others, they admit to sometimes neglecting their manners when they’re sick.

No one intentionally sets out to infect their family, friends and coworkers. However, many people will toss their manners aside when it comes to being sick. Keep in mind that the flu virus can be a serious infection, which is associated, on average, with more than 200,000 hospitalizations due to flu and related complications, and can lead to thousands of deaths every year.

It’s very important for everyone to take personal responsibility in preventing this virus from spreading.

The following etiquette tips will help in managing common situations where the flu virus might be spread from one person to another: • Share space, not the flu Covering sneezes and coughs with your forearm is a good habit all year round, especially during flu season.

The flu virus can spread up to six feet away from coughing, sneezing, or even just talking.

• Know when to take a sick day - The people you work with don’t want to get sick! At the first onset of symptoms, take a sick day or two, and see a doctor if necessary.

• In tight quarters - It’s tough to point out someone’s behavior in a movie theatre or mid-flight with hours left to go. However, if there’s no other seat available, consider saying, “I can see you’re not feeling well—would you mind covering your mouth when you cough?

Thanks.” Most people when prompted are eager to show good manners and do the right thing.

To defend yourself against the virus, make sure to wash your hands often with soap and warm water, and avoid touching your face. Keep away from noticeably sick people.

If you find yourself under the weather, stay home and rest, it’s the best thing to do for yourself, and everyone around you.

Lakewood residents, FEMA-certified instructors and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel will join forces for three Saturdays of free disaster training starting March 16. Community Emergency Response Team, “CERT,” trainers will show Lakewood residents how to survive a disaster and effectively help their community during the aftermath.

The 21-hour CERT program provides expert instruction and hands-on training. It educates residents about disaster preparedness and disaster response skills for dealing with serious crisis situations. The goal is to help Lakewood residents become more self-reliant and better prepared for the aftermath of a serious emergency like a major earthquake.

Training will be held at the Weingart Senior Center from 9am to 4:30pm on Saturdays,

CERT graduates come from all walks of life.

March 16, 23 and 30. Topics include light search and rescue, triage, fire safety, team organization, disaster medical operations and orientation about working with public safety personnel during a major crisis. The program is part of the Lakewood’s “Survive for 7” efforts. Disaster guides and how-to checklists are online at www.lakewoodcity.org/7days.

Pre-registration is required.

Registration may be done online using course number 31059.

Call Karen Plantz at 562866-9771, extension 2404 for additional information.

ChamberNews Page 6

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February 2013

Chamber’s softball league rolls into their 14th season!

Welcome New Members!

Wes Harding HARDING CONSTRUCTION 4040 E. Vermont Street Long Beach, CA 90814 (562) 761-9891

Member Renewals

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

29 Years 8 Years Rotary Club of Lakewood

Appraisal Pacific

26 Years

7 Years

Saint Joseph High School 20 Years Bob & Ruth Clayton 16 Years Lakewood Pan American

15 Years

Brodsky Orthodontics HoneyBaked Ham Company SELACO WIB Coldwell Banker/Star Realty The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the opening day of their spring season co-ed softball league. Back in the spring of 2006, Frank Cardiel, ambassador for the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, put together a softball league consisting of local businesses. The league has been a huge hit with the business community, and it’s now going into their 14th season!

Any Lakewood Chamber members up for the challenge of putting together a team and joining the league are welcome. Call Frank Cardiel at (562) 547-4161 for more information.

Opening day will be held on Wednesday, February 27th at 6pm at San Martin Park in Lakewood. Stop by and support your local business community and cheer the teams on to victory!

14 Years

Outback Steakhouse

9 Years

Orion Metal & Trading Company

6 Years

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

5 Years

Nguyen Dental Inc.

4 Years

Golden State Water Company Oncology Institute of Hope and Innovation

3 Years

Candlewood Smiles

Water Replenishment District

Congrats & Thank You!

Linda Sanchez selected for two Subcommittees Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) has been selected to serve on two crucial Subcommittees as part of her service on the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means, the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures and the Subcommittee on Oversight.

The Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures has jurisdiction over federal tax policy. In the 113th Congress, the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures will be in charge of drafting a comprehensive overhaul of the tax code. The Subcommittee on Oversight oversees all programs within the jurisdiction of the full Ways and Means Committee, which includes oversight of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Department.

To become a

ME MBE R of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, call or email us at: 562.531.9733 / info@ lakewoodchamber. com.

2012-2013 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 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

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

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

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

Glen Patrick Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90713 562-425-7431 Glen.Patrick@lbymca.org

Larry Kirk F&M Bank 5101 Lakewood Blvd.

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

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Community February 2013

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Page 7

Error on your credit report? Here’s help Vitamin Shoppe opens adjacent

By Jason Alderman

If you’ve ever tried to remove inaccurate or fraudulent information from your credit report and gotten the runaround, take heart: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now on the case.

In July 2012, the watchdog agency, formed as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, gained authority to supervise all of the major consumer reporting agencies.

The CFPB now advocates for consumers who have complaints regarding interactions with credit bureaus and identity theft protection services. This adds to the agency’s consumer grievance oversight that already included mortgages, bank accounts, consumer loans and private student loans.

“Credit reporting companies exert great influence over the lives of consumers,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray in announcing his agency’s new responsibility. “They help determine eligibility for loans, housing, and sometimes jobs.

Consumers need an avenue of recourse when they feel they have been wronged.”

You can seek assistance from the CFPB if you have issues with: Incorrect information on your credit report; • How a consumer reporting agency is handling its investigation of your complaint; • The improper use of a credit report; • Being unable to get a copy of a credit score or file; and • Problems with credit monitoring or identityprotection services.

Here’s how the new system works: If you believe your credit report contains incorrect or fraudulent information, you should first file a dispute with and get a response directly from that credit reporting company before contacting the CFPB. The same goes if you have an issue with how the company is handling its investigation of your grievance – for example, if they don’t respond in writing within 30 days.

If, after filing your grievance, you are dissatisfied with the resolution, you may file a complaint with the CFPB using any of the following methods: • File online at www.cfpb.gov/ complaint

• Call toll-free at 855-411-2372 Fax it to 855-237-2392 • Mail to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, P.O. Box 4503, Iowa City, Iowa, 52244.

Once your complaint has been logged, you’ll be given a tracking number to check its status. Each complaint will be processed individually and sent to the credit bureau in question for response. The CFPB expects companies to respond within 15

days with information about the steps they have taken or plan to take. You’ll have the option to dispute the company’s response to your complaint.

Credit reporting companies issue more than 3 billion consumer credit reports a year and maintain files on more than 200 million Americans.

Among other things, they track the number and types of credit accounts you use, how long they’ve been open and whether you’ve paid your bills on time.

You can order one free credit report per year from the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. (Order through www.annualcreditreport.com; otherwise you’ll pay a small fee.)

Proactively ordering your reports on a regular basis can help identify bad credit behavior and spot fraudulent activity or errors before they can damage your credit.

to Lakewood Center

Vitamin Shoppe has landed in Lakewood. The company recently opened a 4,000 square-foot store, after fully refurbishing the former Russell’s Restaurant location. Store Manager James Tucker cut the opening ribbon with Lakewood Vice Mayor Steve Croft. They were joined by Macerich Senior Manager, Doug Roscoe and members of the Long Beach City College cheer team, Metro Flex Gym and 24-Hour Fitness.

Located at 4327 Candlewood Street, the location is at the western end of Lakewood’s popular “Restaurant Row.” The plaza was formerly known as the “Candlewood Shops.”

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Plan to get healthy in 2013!

So you overindulged during the holidays and gained a few pounds or, even more distressing, you’ve added more weight to the weight you were trying to shed all year.

Now you find yourself joining the thousands of people who make the most commonly made New

Year’s resolution: lose weight and get into shape.

In January, gym memberships are skyrocketing, and the streets are teeming with new joggers.

Sadly, as the months pass, many of us have given up, and learned to live with the extra pounds.

www.lakewoodchamber.com Regain the upper hand by following a simple P.L.A.N. for weight-loss success: P: Preparation. Whether you are the CEO of your home or CEO of a Fortune 500 company, you know that the odds of success increase with preparation. One of the biggest missteps is to depend on “will power.” If you are stressed after a long day at work, you didn’t sleep well the night before and you missed your afternoon snack, what will you choose when you get home: the chocolate chip cookies or preparing a sensible dinner? If, on the other hand, there are no cookies available and you have already prepared dinner, then what do you chose? That’s the difference between will power and preparation.

Go through the pantry and fridge and dispose of tempting leftovers. You will not help starvation in Africa or any other country by overindulging.

Restock with your favorite fruits, vegetables and raw nuts, all of which make easy snacks.

Divide the nuts into appropriate single-serving sizes. Remember: preparation, not will power.

L: Identify your limits. This

February 2013 is the key to success for many weight management programs. It may be presented as daily points, calorie count or prepackaged foods, but the take-home message is the same: Know your limits.

A simple rule of thumb is to eat your vegetables first, perhaps with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil or crushed nuts to ensure absorption of all the nutrients vegetables offer, then consume your protein source (a portion the size of your palm), and finally, the carbohydrate. Keep carbs whole grain, high fiber and limit to a half-cup. Eating this way has several advantages. It slows down the absorption of sugar and thereby prevents insulin spikes and reactive hunger; it helps you to feel fuller more quickly; and it maximizes absorption of nutrients.

A: Increase activity level.

You want to increase activity not because it will help you to lose weight but because it will improve your energy, moods and muscle tone. All are important ingredients in any weight-loss program. The first rule of thumb is to pick an activity that you like – or one you don’t hate. Next, shoot for consistency before

quantity. Starting out with an hour a day may feel overwhelming and exhausting, and can also cause an injury, which would derail all your good intentions. If 10 minutes four times a week allows you to be consistent, then start there and build up. Rome was not built in a day.

N: Finally, cut the negative talk.

Remember when your grandmother said you could attract more flies with honey?

I think this is what she meant.

Beating up on yourself gives you the excuse you need to continue the habits that have kept you in the same place. We have just left a season where, hopefully, we have been reminded of the importance of being kind to others. Why not extend that kindness to yourself?

Instead of constantly looking for proof of why you are going to fail, look for evidence of success: “I exercised 10 minutes a day for four days last week and already I am feeling a bit better. Wow, imagine when I can do it for 15 minutes.”

New medical facility opens in Long Beach MemorialCare Medical Group, recently opened a new conveniently located medical building in what once was a Border’s store. The new facility includes primary care and select specialty care physician practices. There is also an urgent care center and ancillary services, making it the newest health care destination in the greater Long Beach and South Bay region.

Located at the corner of North Bellflower Boulevard and Stearns Street in the busy Los Altos MarketCenter in Long Beach, the two-story, 30,000 square-foot-building serves as a “one-stop” medical site for comprehensive health care services for patients and families. It offers primary care services, including physicians specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and select physician specialties.

Laboratory and digital x-ray services also are available onsite for patient convenience.

For more information about the new Los Altos facility, go to memorialcare.org/losaltos. To schedule an appointment with a physician or take a tour of the new facility, call 562/346-2222.

“You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

February 2013

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February 2013

Green

Living

February 2013

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Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that simply painting your roof white can reduce household electricity bills by 40 percent. Is this something any of us can do? ~ Susan Pierson

Earth Walk returns to Monte Verde Park

Yes anyone can do it—and the benefits can be significant, especially for those in warmer climates who expend a lot of energy keeping cool. But most of the world’s roofs, including on some 90 percent of buildings in the U.S., are dark-colored.

Dark colored roofs absorb more heat from the sun’s rays than light colored ones, and as such get much hotter. A black roof exposed to full sun can increase in temperature by as much as 90 °F (50 °C), meaning the air conditioning inside has to work that much harder to compensate for the added heat load.

But a white or reflective roof typically increases temperatures only 10-25 °F (5–14 °C) above ambient air temperatures during the day. This translates into a savings of up to 15 percent on air conditioning energy use over a year for a typical one-story residence, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The upshot of this energy savings is not only cost savings for the consumer—annual energy bill savings of 20-40 percent aren’t uncommon for single story homes in America’s Sun Belt—but also reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions generated in the production of electricity.

The non-profit White Roof Project promotes the concept across the U.S. and last year painted some 30 buildings, helping hundreds of families lower their energy bills in the process.

The White Roof Projects gives away instructions (via a free downloadable “DIY Packet” White Roof Project, w w w. w h i t e r o o f p r o j e c t . o rg ; DOE Cool Roof Fact Sheet) to help do-it-yourselfers paint their own roofs white without hiring a painter or roofer.

All it takes is a few painting supplies, a couple of cans of highly reflective elastomeric white paint, and a plan for how to cover all relevant surfaces properly and safely. Those who would rather hire someone to do the ladder climbing and paint application can hire any local painter or roofer.

While green roofs may be preferable from a strictly environmental perspective in that they contain plants that filter pollutants and reduce

run-off, white roofs may indeed provide more overall environmental benefit for the cost of a couple of cans of special white paint. Indeed, painting the roof white might be the best energy efficiency improvement you can make to your building or house.

Lakewood’s free Earth Walk event returns this spring with an interactive experience for kids and adults on Saturday, March 16, from 10am to 1pm. The event will be held at rustic Monte Verde Park, which is the trailhead to over three miles of landscaped walking trails and the San Gabriel River Parkway. Activities will move into the park’s S. Mark Taper Lodge or under canopies if there’s rain.

Monte Verde Park is located at 4626 N. Shadeway Road.

“Woody the Tree,” Lakewood’s “Tree City, U.S.A.” mascot will be in attendance. He will help teach visitors about Lakewood’s “urban forest.”

For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ GreenLiving.

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Mayor DuBois delivers upbeat State of the City address A mixture of seriousness and good-hearted humor was on display as over 200 Lakewood residents and community leaders gathered at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza on January 23 to hear Mayor Diane DuBois deliver Lakewood’s annual State of the City address.

DuBois outlined new features coming to Lakewood in 2013, including a colorful new tot lot playground and picnic area for Bloomfield Park, renovated pool for Mayfair Park, and new shadeshelter for Bolivar Park’s tot lot.

In the slides shown by DuBois, many residents mentioned the city’s well-maintained streets as a reason they love Lakewood. The mayor said that in early 2013 the city would reach the milestone of repaving 100% of its streets over the past 12 years. “That’s an achievement,” said DuBois, “that not many cities can say they’ve done in 20 or 30 years…or ever!

Our smooth streets save on auto wear-and-tear for our residents.

They’re quieter to drive on and live by. And they just add to the quality of life in Lakewood.”

The mayor indicated that the city would continue periodic repaving of major boulevards and localized spot-repairs when needed. But the city’s residential side streets now have a solid base of rubberized asphalt that will last up to 25 years without repaving. “That’s a great legacy to leave for Lakewood’s future,” DuBois said.

The Commander of Lakewood’s Sheriff Station, Captain Merrill Ladenheim, spoke after the mayor to give an update on public safety issues. Ladenheim noted that Lakewood has experienced a beneficial five-year downward trend in crime, with auto theft down 41% and burglary down 21% over that time period. But Lakewood, like much of the region, is experiencing a one-year uptick in those types of crimes, which Ladenheim and other law enforcement officials attribute to the state government’s “prison realignment,” which has led to the release of many non-violent criminals.

Ladenheim complimented Lakewood on the many steps the city takes to keep crime as low as possible, including a vigorous Neighborhood Watch program, funding staff to take fingerprints at non-violent crime scenes (which many cities don’t do), and recently installing the Advanced Surveillance and Protection System (ASAP) at intersections around Lakewood Center. Ladenheim played a video showing ASAP’s automatic license plate readers and pantile-zoom cameras leading to an actual arrest. Since its installation in November, ASAP has led to the arrest of several suspects traveling in Lakewood in wanted vehicles.

The State of the City Luncheon started with two videos. First was a memorial video about longtime Council Member Larry Van Nostran, who passed away on November 9, 2012. Following that

Mayor Diane DuBois delivered Lakewood’s annual State of the City address. was Lakewood’s 18-minute annual report video reflecting on the year past and looking ahead to 2013.

Re-broadcasts of the annual report video and the addresses

by Mayor DuBois and Captain Ladenheim will run on CityTV Channel 31 from February 10 to February 28 (on Sundays and Thursdays at 12:00am,

12:00pm, 7:30am and 7:30pm).

Re-broadcasts of the Larry Van Nostran memorial video will run on CityTV from February 3 through March 2 (Tuesdays and Saturdays at 1:30am, 1:30pm). CityTV can be seen on Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and on the city’s website at www.lakewoodcity.org/ citytv.

February 2013

The community is invited to join together for a morning of prayer Lakewood’s 36th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will take place on Friday, February 22, at 7:30am. The public is invited to join with Lakewood Mayor Diane DuBois and the Lakewood City Council, as well as a diverse gathering of religious leaders, members of local churches and synagogues, civic and business leaders, representatives from community organizations, as well as local school officials as they come together in a celebration of faith, unity and community spirit.

Dr. Bill Hoy is this year’s keynote speaker. Dr. Hoy is a clinical professor of Medical Humanities at Baylor University. Prior to his move to Texas, Dr. Hoy was a pastor and hospice chaplain in southern California and directed the bereavement counseling program at Pathways Volunteer Hospice in Lakewood. Dr. Hoy will offer thoughtful remarks on life, loss and accepting change.

The morning program will include inspirational music from the Lakewood High School Madrigal Singers.

The event will be held in the Weingart Ballroom of The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Avenue, in Lakewood. Tickets are $20 per person and tables of nine are available for $180. Advance reservations are required by Thursday, February 14 and may be made online at www. lakewoodcity.org/mpb.

Reservations can also be made by mail. Send the name of the attendee(s), as well as organization/title (if appropriate), address, phone and e-mail, along with a check made payable to the City of Lakewood. Mail your reservation to the Community Relations Office, City of Lakewood, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. For more information, call Theresa Gutierrez at 562-866-9771, extension 2127.

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Page 13

Help older parents avoid Employers need to be aware of what to provide reservists returning from military service financial “scams” Submitted by Marjorie Anderson, Edward Jones Financial

Here’s a disturbing statistic: One out of every five Americans over the age of 65 has been victimized by a financial scheme, according to the Investor Protection Trust, a nonprofit organization devoted to investor education. If your parents are in this age group, should you be concerned? And can you help them avoid being “scammed” so that they maintain control over their finances?

The answer to the first question is “yes” — you should be concerned. Of course, as the numbers above show, most aging Americans are not being swindled, which suggests they can take care of themselves quite well. Still, it’s no secret that many fraud schemes target seniors because of their concentrated wealth and in many cases, trusting nature. And as much as you’d like to think otherwise, your parents could be susceptible to rip-off artists.

Fortunately, in regard to the second question above, you can indeed take steps to help prevent your parents from being fleeced.

Here are a few suggestions: • Observe their behavior. If you live close to your parents, listen closely to any new friends, investment deals or sweepstakes they mention during your normal interactions. If you’re in a different city, try to stay abreast of your parents’ behavior by communicating with them frequently and by checking in with other family members or friends who have occasion to see your parents.

• Urge them to watch out for suspicious e-mails. You’ve probably seen them — the e-mails offering to “reward” you with huge amounts of money if you will only contact such-and-such from a distant country and then put up a “small” sum to initiate some ill-defined transaction. You probably “spam” these without a moment’s thought — and you should urge your parents to do the same.

• Become familiar with their financial situation. Having a serious discussion with your parents about their finances may not be easy — but it’s important.

The more you know about their investments, retirement accounts and estate plans, the better prepared you’ll be to respond helpfully if they mention an action they’re considering taking that, to you, just doesn’t sound appropriate.

• Suggest professional help.

If your parents are already working with a qualified financial professional, they’re probably less likely to be victimized by fraud than if they were managing their finances on their own. And it’s a good idea for you to know their financial advisor, and for him or her to know you, as you may well be involved in your parents’ legacy planning. But if your parents don’t already have

a financial advisor, you may want to recommend one to them, particularly if it’s someone you already know and trust.

It’s entirely possible that your parents won’t need any assistance in avoiding financial scams.

But, just in case, be prepared to act on the above suggestions.

Your intervention could help preserve your parent’s financial independence.

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

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

Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 800,000 reservists and national guardsmen have been called to leave their civilian life to serve the military full-time, with more than 250,000 pressed into active duty more than once.

A federal law, The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), is intended to give reservists and others in the U.S. Armed Forces employment protections when they return to their civilian jobs.

But confusion about the federal law runs rampant. Without the proper knowledge, reservists are denied their rights to re-employment.

Those adversely impacted include reservists in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as the National Guard.

To provide clarity, employers are

required to provide reservists with the following: • Prompt re-employment • A job of similar status • Rate of pay as if continuously employed • Reinstatement of civilian health insurance and vacation • Pension as if continuously employed • Accommodations for disability • One-year protection from discharge Unfortunately, too many employers don’t understand what they legally must provide to returning reservists.

Ironically, the federal government was the employer with the most USERRA complaints in 2011, according to U.S. Labor Department statistics. The director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management was so concerned he issued a statement to federal agencies reminding them that there is “zero tolerance” for USERRA violations.

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Community Page 14

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Forgetful? It could be time to take a mini-vacation

By Mark Underwood

Have you ever wished you could remember things better?

Maybe you are experiencing CRS or Can’t Remember Stuff. The good news is you can resolve to have a healthier brain this year and stop CRS. One way you can do that is by

taking more breaks from your daily grind with short minivacations.

Have you noticed many people rarely stop working long hours at the office or at home? Science tells us we have a limited reservoir of attention that we can devote to

a single thing for long periods of time without taking a break.

And the longer the break, the better we’ll feel when we return to our daily routine. We tend to be more productive if we take deliberate breaks not only during the day from work-related tasks, but also from everyday life.

If you are worried about losing your mental capacity as you age, don’t let that hold you back.

You can improve your memory and stop experiencing CRS or that nagging feeling of not remembering stuff.

One of the ways to boost your cognitive skills is by taking a walking, driving or flying breakaway. Here’s how minivacations can help improve memory and brain power.

• Stress relievers. Vacations long and short give you an opportunity to let yourself surrender to the moment. Take in the scenery, stop and smell the roses. When you’re on vacation, you’re on your time.

• Replenish your mind and body. Breaks from routine give you opportunities to use different parts of your brain simultaneously while you’re venturing out and learning something new.

• Connect with new people and places. Vacations give you countless opportunities to meet new people, explore and learn about cultural differences, language, food and traditions.

• Push your cognitive skills. You don’t have to travel far, but if you

use a map, you’ll be giving your visual-spatial skills and memory a work-out.

• Keep you sharp. Vacationing means you’ll make quick decisions about many things like directions, lodging, meals and excursions. All of these variables require sharp processing of information and storing it in your memory bank Frequent or long vacations can put a hole in many people’s budgets.

But mini-vacations can still give you the break you deserve.

As you’re reading this you may feel you’re ready for a vacation right now. But maybe you can’t go far or for very long. The solution is to take a mini-getaway. Here are easy, affordable ideas to help you to relax, stress less and have a healthier brain.

Explore new places in your own area. Plan a long weekend by taking a road trip to destinations you’ve never been to or have not seen in a long time.

• Connect with nature. Look for off-season mid-winter lodging deals, then get outdoors and enjoy the freedom of being away from your daily routine.

• Go to a day spa. Recharge your mind and body with a day or weekend at a spa where you can pamper yourself.

• Switch homes with a friend.

It’s an easy way to learn what it’s like to try a different lifestyle while breaking your routine.

February 2013

Get back to the basics of love

As the holiday of love quickly approaches, many people may want to pick out just the right gift this year. Whatever you decide to give to that special person in your life this Valentine’s Day, be it as simple as spending an evening together in each other’s arms, or as adventurous as a cruise, or as beautiful as a piece of diamond jewelry, it’s important to take the time to get back to the basics of love.

There are so many different types of relationships, below are some gift ideas for just about anyone looking for that special something to give: • If you’re in a new relationship spending time together and discovering new interests is what’s so exciting. Consider cooking a special meal for the two of you to enjoy together, or make a favorite food item for your sweetheart, like brownies or a cake.

• Flowers work for any relationship. If you aren’t ready to go the red roses route, consider an arrangement of her favorite type of flower, or roses in her favorite color.

• Jewelry gifts provide a beautiful way to show how much you care. Diamonds are a traditional favorite for expressing a long-lasting message of love, but other gemstones may be a better fit for the current phase of your relationship.

• Cologne and perfume also make excellent Valentine’s Day gifts. You can refresh your loved one’s supply easily; just makes sure you purchase her/his perfect scent.

• Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for established couples to reconnect and giving your loved one a gift that inspires a memory from happy times in your relationship works well.

For example, consider finding a bottle of the wine or champagne you drank on your first date, or at your wedding.

If all else fails, just an acknowledgement of the day and a big hug will go along way.

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February 2013

Page 15

Lakewood Community Run returns in 2013 With natural supplements, know what you’re buying!

Over 1,000 runners and walkers attended last year’s run.

Registration is underway at www.lakewoodrun.com for the Lakewood Sheriff’s 5K/10K Community Run returning on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Sheriff’s deputies, competitive runners, recreational runners, families and kids will gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to run the event’s 5K/10K course for time, or do the 1-mile “Fun Run” or a 5K walk.

Chip timing and registration will be provided by RaceWire.com.

Go to www.lakewoodrun.com/ registration to sign up.

Lakewood’s tree-lined residential streets provide the backdrop. The flat, “runner friendly” course is “fast” for practiced runners and comfortable for fitness fans and family members. The course is wheelchair accessible. For participants and spectators, the day includes a fitness expo and displays of public safety equipment and programs. There is also live entertainment and special giveaways from Lakewood-area businesses.

All participants will be supporting Soroptimist

International of Lakewood/Long Beach and Lakewood Sheriff’s Station charity efforts while they pursue their personal best in the 5K/10K for time, or run or walk for fun in this family-friendly event.

To discuss group entries and group rates, please e-mail info@ lakewoodrun.com.

Packet pick-up and late registration will happen on Friday, March 8, from 5pm to 8pm. Race day registration begins at 6:30am.

The 5K and 10K runs start at 8am, with the “Fun Run” beginning at 9am.

Of the 15 toys recalled so far this year because of the dangers they pose to children, 10 were manufactured in China.

In recent years, U.S. dogs and cats died from eating Chinese pet food made with melamine, and the FDA warned consumers to throw away toothpastes made in China because of the risk they included an antifreeze ingredient.

It’s important that people are aware when purchasing allnatural nutritional supplements not to buy the cheapest products available. If the ingredients in them are not subject to regulatory oversight, they can be dangerous to your health.

The active ingredients in many natural supplements are botanicals – extracts from herbs and other medicinal plants.

Some of the dangerous potential problems that can occur without rigorous quality control include: • Contamination by pesticides and other heavy metals.

Exposure to these contaminants can be hazardous to humans and can be present if growing conditions and plant materials are not carefully monitored.

Manufacturers who aren’t held to government standards may not even check for contamination.

• Radiation exposure. The ground the plants are grown in may have radiation, which is absorbed by the plants. This

is another contaminant for which regulated manufacturers carefully test.

• Species misidentification.

Slightly different varieties of a plant may have vastly different properties. Black cohosh, for example, is a member of the buttercup family and is used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes. Some varieties of the genus Actaea may look similar to Actaea racemosa, but they do not have the same effect and, in fact, can be harmful.

While price can be a red flag for people, surprisingly, one sign that a product meets high quality standards is if it comes from a company that incorporates environmental sustainability practices.

A reliable sign that a company is serious about “green” issues is if it has earned International Standardization Organization (ISO) 14001 certification.

Its criteria can be applied and measured consistently in countries around the world.

Another way to safeguard yourself is to buy products from major brands, such as GNC, Sprouts and Whole Foods.

The big companies are less likely to take chances by obtaining their ingredients from unregulated sources. They would not want their products blamed for a public health crisis.

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Take a bite out of 2013 with “Shop Lakewood” If 2013 is biting into your lunch budget, bite back with Shop Lakewood discounts! Many Shop Lakewood coupons are ideal for grabbing a bite in town.

After two years, the www.

ShopLakewood.org site has grown to over 160 local businesses, with a push ongoing to reach 200.

Meal deals are among the most popular items at the site. They’re

February 2013

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just part of the many great shopping opportunities for goods and personal services here in Lakewood. 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 and services in the city.

Without leaving Lakewood you can: • Buy a car from the Cherry Avenue Auto Row • Shop for designer items at local department stores • Find great quality products from discount stores and home improvement stores • Purchase party, hobby and craft supplies

• Obtain quality computers, cell phones and other technology • Fuel up your car at one of many Lakewood gas stations • Explore a new restaurant Many people believe that property taxes fund local government, but the fact is that many “No or Low” property tax cities like Lakewood get very little back from property tax dollars. It is sales taxes that fund the largest portion of city services.

Spending your dollars in your hometown supports those services that are important to your local quality of life.

Another one of the great advantages of shopping in Lakewood is being able to see, touch and try on what you purchase. This, along with the insight and personal service of a lwive salesperson, is often very helpful to shoppers.

Developing relationships with local merchants can give you insights into new products and deals on “last year’s models.” And, don’t overlook return policies and exchanges that can be much more convenient than having to mail back an online purchase.

“Welcome to Lakewood” Mailing Don’t Miss This Opportunity To Reach NEW Residents!

Include your business flyer in the next “Welcome to Lakewood” packet mailed to all new Lakewood residents! It’s a great opportunity to offer a ‘new neighbor’ your special or coupon to encourage them to familiarize themselves with your business.

CALL or EMAIL for more info: (562) 531-9733 / info@lakewoodchamber.com DUE DATE FOR FLYERS:

Wednesday, March 6th

Want to feel more full while eating less?

By Dr. Larry Omo, D.C.

Do you want to feel full while eating less?

Everyone does because it allows you to lose weight without being hungry.

Well, researchers have just discovered that eating a meal with a low GI (glycaemic index) increases gut hormone production which leads to suppression of appetite and the feeling of fullness.

Many people already know that low GI meals make you feel fuller, but now researchers have discovered WHY. The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those that are rapidly digested and absorbed, and result in marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health.

In a new study, author Dr. Reza Noroury concluded, “Our results show for the first time the direct effect of a single GI meal on gut hormone levels. We already know that the hormone GLP-1 and a low GI meal independently lead to suppression of appetite.

Our results suggest that low GI meals lead to a feeling of fullness because of increased levels of GLP-1 in the bloodstream. This is an exciting result [that] provides further clues about how our appetite is regulated, and offers an insight into how a low GI diet produces satiety.”

Dr. Larry Omo, D.C. is a doctor of chiropractic specializing in neck and back pain relief care for 31 years in Lakewood.

His office is located at 5220 Clark Ave., #210, and he can be reached at 562-8670993.

What is a “Welcome to Lakewood” Packet?

It’s a 9x12 envelope that reads “Welcome to Lakewood” with the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce logo on the envelope. All new residents receive the packet which contains a welcome letter, a chamber directory, a copy of the Lakewood Community News, along with YOUR information flyer.

How much does it cost?

The cost is only $100 (for one flyer) and consists of approx. 300 pieces.

Payment is due when your flyers are dropped off to be assembled in the packets.

“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

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February 2013

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Lakewood bank brings financial education to students

Eat healthier while saving money

Employees of Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M) recently presented to 140 students at Mayfair High School on the importance of being smart with their money, or “Money Smarts.”

The presentation was designed to give students an understanding of some banking issues they may face as adults, such as: how to write a check, monitoring their bank accounts, the pros and cons of using ATM/Debit cards, the consequences of bouncing a check and the importance of saving money.

The presentation showed students how to read a paycheck stub and explained what credit is by giving real life examples.

Students showed their interest by asking thoughtful questions, including “How do you get credit?” and “What is a FICO

score?” The presenters described a FICO score as being similar to students’ grades in school; the better you are at paying your bills the better score you get.

High School students today are faced with many uncertainties about their futures. How to pay for continued education, what the job market will look like after finishing school, and if it will be possible to save for large purchases such as a house, are just some of the questions high school students have.

F&M finds value in working with parents to teach students the importance of developing smart money practices early on.

Losing weight, exercising more frequently, and eating more healthfully are common goals.

What if you could do all of the above and save a few dollars at the same time? Consider the following strategies from TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, to create flavorful, nutritious meals that won’t hurt your wallet.

Eat In More and Out Less While they require more planning, home-cooked meals are an excellent way to minimize your grocery bill, and they are typically healthier than the options you may find when dining out.

Make a list A meal planning chart or simple shopping list for the week are great tools for the budget-minded, health-conscious consumer.

Knowing what you already have in the pantry and what you intend to make ahead of time reduces impulse spending, saves time, and improves the nutritional value of your meal.

Some other suggestions include: • Only shop once a week.

This makes it easier to avoid unnecessary purchases and

encourages you buy only what you need for the weekly menu.

• Have a snack before you visit the grocery store. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buying.

• “Shop the perimeter” of the store, remembering that the least healthy and most overpriced packaged foods are concentrated in the middle aisles.

• Avoid purchasing “convenience” foods, like singleserving snacks, pre-cut fruits and vegetables, and instant rice. Buy a larger-sized container and portion out your own snacks, cut your own produce, and spend a few minutes cooking the rice. These efforts may take a bit of extra time up front but will ultimately save you dollars.

• Have a snack before you visit the grocery store. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to ‘impulse’ buying.

• “Shop the perimeter” of the store, remembering that the least healthy and most overprised packaged foods are concentrated in the middle aisles.

• If fresh fruits and vegetables are cost-prohibitive, try the frozen or canned versions made with “100% juice” and “low sodium,” respectively. Frozen produce is often flash-frozen at the source, locking in nutrients. Rinse canned vegetables before cooking to further reduce the sodium content.

Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff

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Around Town Lakewood

• The Lakewood Garden Club will be meeting on February 28 at Del Valle Park at 11:30am. There will be a program after a light lunch. There is a plant sale after the program. All are welcome • The National Hearing Loss Association will hold it’s meeting on Thursday, February 14 at the Weingart Senior Center at 6:30pm. The guest speaker will be Juliette Sterkens, Au.D. Dr. Sterkins has given up a year of her practice to speak about looping communities. The meeting room will be “looped.” Don’t miss out!

For more information call (562)

438-0597.

Long Beach • Questing Heirs Genealogical Society is holding its monthly meeting on Sunday, February 17 at Resurrection Lutheran Church Parrish Hall. Beginning Research Class: 4pm – 5pm. For more information call Liz Myers (562) 598-3027.

• The Office of Gift Planning at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is hosting a free community seminar series titled “Easy Strategies…

Estate Planning in an Uncertain World” on three Thursdays:

www.lakewoodchamber.com

February 2013

Thursday, Feb. 7, at 6pm — Estate and Income Tax Update: Life Over the Fiscal Cliff Thursday, Feb. 21, at 6pm — Planning for Retirement: Ways to Not Outlive Your Money Thursday, Feb. 28, at 6pm — Estate Planning 101: All You Need to Know about Wills and Trusts, But Were Afraid to Ask. For additional information or to register, call 562/985-5489.

Play Sudoku and be our next winner!

Congratulations to Brandon Hartman, Carol Cartwright, Judy Stigers, and Stephen Gill. They are the lucky winners of the January Sudoku contest. Out of 140 entries, they won a meal. 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.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, February 19, 2013. The winners will be drawn Wednesday the 20th; 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 March issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE CORNER BAKERY FOGGIA’S ITALIAN MARKET & DELI SOUPLANTATION

Thank you to our JANUARY Sudoku Sponsors

February 2013

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Set your pet on a healthy, happy path mistake many pet owners make is feeding a pet a weight management food and overindulging with treats and table scraps. These need to be eliminated to let the food do its job.

Finding the right food for your pet is often achieved through trial and adjustment; however, avoiding some common pitfalls may set your furry family member on the path toward a long and healthy life.

Below are some examples of potential pet problems to avoid: Dirty Dishes: Would you eat off a dirty plate or drink out of a dirty glass? Feeding and water dishes must be kept clean for the exact same reasons we as humans clean our dishes. If not cleaned, dirty dishes become an excellent place for bacteria to grow.

Toys and Rawhides: Toys and rawhides are often overlooked as potential causes of problems for pets. Partially chewed rawhides usually come into contact with unclean areas and

Corner

Cuddly

are especially wonderful places for bacteria to grow and then introduce themselves to the pet upon reuse. Make sure toys are cleaned regularly and partially chewed rawhides are discarded.

Battle of the Bulge: An overweight pet has an increased chance of such health concerns as diabetes, joint damage, heart disease and more. Many owners think getting a pet to lose weight is as easy as feeding less. Unfortunately, reducing the serving size often just leaves the pet hungry and lethargic. Pet owners should look toward complete dry diets that offer Weight Management or Reduced Activity diets to help deliver proper nutrition while losing weight.

Any diet should be accompanied with plenty of fresh water and exercise. Another common

Advertise your “Petrelated” business services on the new “Cuddly Corner” page in the Lakewood Community News.

Call/email for special pricing: (562) 5319733/advertise@ lakewoodchamber.com.

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Tell us about your pet...

The Lakewood Community News wants to hear your pet stories. As any pet owner will attest, everyday with your furry friend is an adventure. Feel free to share your cute, funny, silly, or just plain outrageous pet stories.

Let us know how you picked your pet, or how did it pick you?

Also email a photo of your pet to news@lakewoodchamber. com and it may appear on the new “Cuddly Corner” page of the newspaper.

“Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make his tail wag!”

February 2013

www.lakewoodchamber.com

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