Lakewood Community News July 2015

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 32 Number 7

Don’t be insane...fireworks are a privilege!

The only fireworks that are legal in Lakewood are those that are rated “Safe and Sane.”

Safe and Sane fireworks can be purchased from any authorized firework stand including those in Lakewood. Be sure to look for the fireworks sale permit and State of California Fire Marshal’s seal that all stands are required to display. Fireworks bought in other states, over the Internet, or from any other source are illegal.

Legal fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 between 10am and 11pm.

The Lakewood Sheriff’s Station reminds residents to celebrate the Fourth of July safely by not using illegal fireworks and not tolerating those who do.

Lakewood will continue to target violators this year by deploying extra deputies on July 4. The “zero tolerance” policy means everyone they

catch violating the law will be cited. Most violations carry a fine of $1,000. As a reminder, homeowners or tenants can and will be held responsible for what occurs on their property.

To support the Sheriff’s efforts in suppressing the use of illegal fireworks, you can report problem locations now. If you know of a person/residence with a history of unruly/unsafe celebrations that are not in compliance with the law, please report it by calling the July 4th Tip Hotline at 562-866-9771, extension SAFE (7233). Please provide as much information as possible about the person, location and violation. You can also email the information to service1@Lakewoodcity.org.

Your information will remain confidential and the sooner you report this information, the better!

If you observe the sale or use of illegal fireworks, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500 immediately.

Lakewood is named one of the host towns for Special Olympics World Games The cities of Lakewood and Cerritos have been named host towns for the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 that will be held July 25 – August 2. From July 21 – July 24, athletes will be treated to cultural and civic events before the games begin. This will give the athletes an opportunity to become acclimated to the Los Angeles area and give them the opportunity for sightseeing and experiencing local community life.

The Cerritos Stake of The

Active Duty Military, Sheriff & Fire Officers: Bring in this coupon for an add’l 5% off!

Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints has organized the host town committee for Lakewood

and Cerritos. Mayor Jeff Wood of Lakewood and Mayor Carol (Cont’d on Pg. 3)

July 2015

Lakewood Community News receives Award for Publication Excellence The Lakewood Community News has been recognized with the APEX Award for Publication Excellence.

The Apex Awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence.

The newspaper, published

by The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, (30,000 monthly distribution to all Lakewood homes, and bulk drops to area businesses) entered the category for Magazines, Journals & Tabloids – 1-2 person produced. The Lakewood Community News proudly won the award.

“Jodee Kilroy, and I are

very honored to provide the community with a no cost, quality newspaper dedicated to the City of Lakewood.

Throughout the pages are articles of interest, relevance, and creativity for our readers.

Articles cover news-worthy (Cont’d on Pg. 8)

New drought rules in Lakewood As Lakewood and California enter a fourth year of drought, the need to cut back on the use of water in homes and yards has taken on stepped-up importance.

Lakewood’s community conservation target is a reduction of water use by 20% by 2013 levels. If Lakewood doesn’t reach that target, then a steeper reduction with stricter rules may be implemented in a few months.

For customers of the Lakewood city water system, new rules mailed to customers in late June and designed to reach the 20% target limit the watering of yards to just two specific days a week. The two specific days are a household’s trash day and then three days later. For instance, if your trash day is Monday then your second watering day is

FIREWORKS!

Thursday.

Watering on those days is limited to 10 minutes for each area of your yard, and only before 8am or after 8pm to limit evaporation.

“Water-wise” customers who hand water using a hose with a shut-off nozzle or who have installed water-wise sprinklers or drip-irrigation can water any day and time without restrictions.

But for everyone, there’s no watering down sidewalks or driveways, and no allowing water to run off into the gutter.

Water-wise tips and (Cont’d on Pg. 5)

10am to 10pm

Bring in this Coupon and

WE PAY THE SALES TAX!

Will honor other coupons up to 10%

(Valid July 1st - 4th Only!)

Coupon is ONLY redeemable at the Fireworks Booth located at:

2770 Carson St, Lakewood, 90712 (WalMart Parking Lot - Paramount/Carson)

Stop by and register at our booth for your chance to win a fireworks package valued at $100!

(Must purchase fireworks in order to be eligible.)

LakewoodToday

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How to get “playful” this summer C i t y Spotlight in Lakewood!

By Mayor Jeff Wood

Lakewood has just been named “Playful City USA” again, and it’s no wonder. We have lots of great ways for residents of all ages to play, have fun and meet new friends. And summer is one of the best times to enjoy it all. Here are a few ideas, but for more details go to www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation or call your city recreation staff at 562-8669771, extension 2408.

• Visit your neighborhood park or sign up for a class. Use the longer daylight hours of summer to take a walk or jog through the trees and grass in Lakewood’s beautiful parks.

Get some fresh air and exercise. Or consider one of the 500 recreation classes the city offers for all ages.

• Try one of Lakewood’s new parks

and play areas. Over the past year, our city has built or renovated several park areas. Kids love playing on the renovated “Pumpkin Playground” at San Martin Park. Even if you don’t have young children, a visit may bring a smile to your face as you see kids having fun on the castle, horses and pumpkin, and you see families enjoying picnics on blankets near the playground. Our new “Home Run Dog Park” at the north end of Rynerson Park is a great place to take your favorite canine. Even if you don’t have a four-legged friend, stop by to see all the happy animals and wagging tails. Or take a walk or jog among native plants, trees, wildflowers and birds on the new section of the Lakewood Nature Trail running from Boyar Park north to Candlewood Street.

• Senior fun. Lakewood has lots of activities in the summer just for seniors, including a “PreIndependence Day Party” on July 2 at the Weingart Senior Center with food, trivia contest and raffle for prizes. And a “Passport to Europe” series at Burns Community Center starting July 15 will feature food, photos, music and fun from a different European country each time.

• Concerts in the Park. This is a nice way to see neighbors, meet new

friends, and relax while listening to good music under the trees at Del Valle Park. Concerts are every Thursday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. from June 18 to August 6.

Details at www.lakewoodcity.org/ concerts.

• Water conservation. Not exactly a “playful” topic…but very important.

I just want to remind every resident to please follow our new watering rules. As a community we have to conserve more, or we risk having the state government apply even harsher rules or fines on us. At the city level, we’re cutting back on watering our street medians. We’re also investing more in water-wise irrigation and landscaping, and the use of recycled water, which is wastewater that has been treated to levels safe to use for irrigation. Please do your part in your home and yard to conserve. For tips and Lakewood’s new watering rules, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/water or call 562866-9771, extension 2140. If we all follow the new rules, we can meet our community conservation goal and get through this…and still have plenty of fun this summer.

For more ideas on being playful in Lakewood, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation or call your city recreation staff at 562-8669771, extension 2408.

Hollywood Bowl trip The Hollywood Bowl is one of L.A.’s most beloved traditions and a great way to start celebrating Independence Day, on Thursday, July 2, with conductor Sarah Hicks and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy preconcert dinner in one of the many picnic areas or purchase dinner at one of the Bowl’s concessions offering anything you want from hot dogs and hamburgers to gourmet sandwiches and sushi.

Please arrive at 5pm; the bus leaves promptly from Burns Community Center at 5:30pm.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The cost of the trip is $55 and you can register at www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation using class #39261. You must register in advance. May sell out early. For further information, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/travelprograms or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Lakewood’s Summer Fair A free children’s fair (ages 8-13) featuring carnival games, inflatable attractions and face painting will be offered at San Martin Park on Friday, July 10 from 11am to 2pm. There will also be pizza, juice and snow cones for participants, while supplies last. There is no need to sign up, just come to the park and get ready to have some fun!

Keep cool at the pool Mayfair Pool and McCormick Pool are now fully open, with instruction programs for all ages and daily public swim sessions.

Online swim registration is easy using eCatalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation and the daily swim schedule is at www.lakewoodcity.org/aquatics.

Online registration begins Tuesday, July 11 at 7pm for session 3 (lesson dates are July 20 to July 31), or sign up online on Tuesday, July 25 at 7pm for session 4 (lesson dates are August 3 to 14).

For more information, call

July 2015 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Family fun headlines summer events Lakewood’s long-standing commitment to family fun continues through July. “Finally It’s Friday” and “FUN-Tastic Family Night” events offer four free or affordably-priced evenings from July 10 through July 31.

Additional programs happen in August.

Registration is required for most events. Sign up at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Air conditioned facilities provide heat relief for seniors High humidity and tripledigit temperatures typically blanket Southern California each summer. Older residents can feel more distress from heat and humidity and often have fewer options for beating the heat. The City of Lakewood wants to remind seniors that the air-conditioned Weingart Senior Center is a comfortable oasis, especially during the hottest time of the day--from noon to 4pm.

Lakewood seniors can use the free DASH Transit service as transportation to Weingart if they can’t drive or don’t have a ride.

For more information on DASH, call 562-924-0149.

Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue and can be reached at 562630-6141. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday, 9am to 1pm. The facility is closed on Sundays.

Additional information and a list of other air conditioned centers are available at www. lakewoodcity.org/cooling.

Lollipop Lane application available in July Craft vendors interested in selling at the 23rd annual Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique on October 17 can print an application and instructions from the city’s website at www.lakewoodcity. org/LollipopLane starting in July.

For more information or to have an application mailed to you, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

July 2015

“Special Olympics” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

Chen of Cerritos are serving as honorary chairpersons for the committee. Nearly two hundred athletes from Guyana, Slovenia, Turkey and Uruguay will visit the two cities. The events planned by the committee include a lunch and carnival hosted by the City of Lakewood, a welcoming event and a concert in the City of Cerritos, time to shop at the Lakewood and Cerritos Malls and a luau hosted by the Church.

During a visit to the Orange County Fair, the athletes will be recognized at a reception given in their honor. For more information regarding these activities, please contact David Montgomery, host town committee chairperson, at 562-412-7759.

Seven thousand athletes from 177 countries will be participating in the Special Olympics World Games. The opening ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 25.

More than 80,000 spectators are expected at the ceremony.

The games include twenty-five sporting events. Some of the competitions will be held in Long Beach including the triathlon, half-marathon, sailing, kayaking, cycling, beach volleyball and open water swimming. All events are free except for the opening ceremonies. Many of the events will be broadcast on ESPN. More than 30,000 volunteers will be helping with the games.

Volunteers are still needed for the “Fans in the Stands” program.

These are teams of ten led by captains who are fourteen years of age or older. They attend the events and provide encouragement for the athletes. Register for the “Fans in the Stands” program online at la2015.org/volunteer.

The Special Olympics movement was started by Eunice Shriver in 1968 as a way for young people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports.

Today the program reaches more than four million athletes around the world. There are approximately 80,000 events and competitions held annually.

To learn more about Special Olympics, visit specialolympics. org. To donate to the Special Olympics go to la2015.org/ donate.

Your

Minding

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Money management for the “boomerang” household

By Jason Alderman

Due to recent economic realities, multi-generational living has been on the rise for many families.

A 2014 Pew Research Center analysis showed that a record 57 million Americans, equal to a little over 18 percent of the U.S. population, lived in multigenerational family households in 2012 – double the number in 1980. The major driver was young adults aged 25-34. According to Pew, nearly 24 percent of these older millennials lived in multi-generational households, increased from nearly 19 percent in 2007 and 11 percent in 1980.

It’s possible the “boomerang” family trend will remain in place for some time to come. For homeowner parents who may also be juggling the “sandwich” responsibilities of caring for older relatives, paying attention to the financial and behavioral details of taking in family is critical. Here are some suggestions to consider: Your finances come first.

Operating a full house means higher utility and food costs and additional wear and tear on the property. Taking in family also shouldn’t derail a parent’s career goals or retirement planning, nor should it diminish other necessary financial objectives like maximizing savings or eliminating debt. That’s why dual- or single-parent households

might begin with a complete financial assessment before welcoming kids or elders back home.

Make a real agreement. A home is stability and therefore something of significant value.

That is why it is appropriate to consider rent or request in-kind services in exchange for room and board. Young adults – particularly those who were fully under parental support in college – need to learn this important lesson even if they are moving home to save money to pay off loans, to buy a car or put a down payment on a home. Legal paperwork may be required, but there also may be rental expenses you can deduct.

Start with a family meeting.

Before moving trucks arrive, family members should meet for a discussion about the impending move. Start by letting your child or family member talk through why they want to move in, whether they have financial goals tied to the living arrangement and how long they plan to stay.

Share the structure you envision, including the payment details you would consider. No matter how agreement is struck, it should begin with a full discussion of needs, preferences, financial terms, and most of all, ways to make the arrangement successful and smooth. Once the move happens, regular conversations should continue about the living arrangement. After all, boomerang families have unique, ongoing financial issues that will

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require discussion.

Bottom line: Opening your home to returning family members is a real financial commitment. Think through money, tax and household issues before you say yes.

“Welcome to Lakewood” FLYERS DUE JULY 15th

Want to know a great way to reach “new” Lakewood residents? You supply 275 flyers/ coupons for your business & we do the rest! (Cost is $100) Call 562-531-9733 for more info

&

Business Financial Page 4

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Helping our kids: the Lakewood Education Foundation

Lakewood Education Foundation grant recipients in 2014 with Council Members and LEF-founders, Todd Rogers (left) and Steve Croft (right).

Thanks to generous donations from Lakewood residents and businesses, the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) has been able to give grants for hundreds of classroom improvement projects in Lakewood schools since 2003.

This shows the importance that Lakewood residents and businesses place on our local schools…and the trust they place in LEF to select worthy projects.

In 2014, 106 Lakewood school projects received grants totaling $42,325. The grants went to classroom projects in each of the public school districts in Lakewood as well as St. Pancratius School and Bethany Lutheran School.

LEF would like to fund more

July 2015 Lakewood classroom improvement requests in 2015…and with your help, they can.

LEF is a non-profit agency run by Lakewood residents. An annual fireworks stand, Columbus Day golf tournament, and dozens of individual donations raise the annual support funding. The group is operated solely by volunteers and, therefore, has very low overhead costs. After very modest expenses, 100% of donations reach kids in Lakewood classrooms.

In 2014, many grants were for tablets that allow teachers to control slide presentations while they walk around their classrooms and interact with students.

Grants also covered science and lab equipment, such as microscopes; books of all kinds and reading levels; art and physical education supplies; a new theatre stage for Mayfair Middle School; and educational field trips. One such trip was for Lakewood HS ROTC students to travel to San

Diego for Navy damage control training.

Donating is easy. Just go to www. lakewoodcity.or/LEF to download donation form.

See a video and learn more about LEF at www.lakewoodcity.org/ LEFvideo.

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

Email your ideas to news@ lakewoodchamber.com or send it by mail to:

P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714

July 2015

Get signed up for the Eco Gardner classes

Converting yards into droughtresistant landscapes is one of the most effective steps homeowners can take to save water. The Water Replenishment District, based in Lakewood, is offering free waterwise “eco gardener” classes to help residents save water and improve their gardens.

Topics include irrigation, best horticultural practices, design tips, and drought tolerant and native plants. The classroomstyle programs include PowerPoint presentations and some demonstration. Attendees will receive instructive handouts free of charge.

Classes are designed to be taken as a series, but can be attended individually.

Pre-registration and RSVPs are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more about the program at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecogardening and www.ecogardener.org or contact Monica Serrano at mserrano@wrd.org or 562-2754234.

To RSVP for a class call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or register online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog and use the course #’s below.

Summer 2015 class dates are below. Classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Saturday; July 11 - Eco

“New Drought Rules” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

information The city’s website at www. lakewoodcity.org/water and staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140 have more details on the conservation rules and water-saving tips including: • Smart gardening • Sub-surface irrigation • “300-gallons: Your water budget” story and video • Composting and grasscycling Each week the city’s email newsletter also features a watersaving tip. Subscribe at www. lakewoodcity.org/eMagazine. Recent topics have included practical tips on watering trees during drought and a six-week series of waterwise gardening classes coming to Lakewood.

“Whether people take one class or all six, we’re hoping they’ll put what they learn about waterwise landscaping to use and take advantage of city and regional water rebates. Up to $2,900 for waterwise irrigation and turf removal for home projects,” said Jim Glancy Water Resources Director. “We’re also hoping Lakewood residents show their great community spirit and pull together so we can reach our community conservation goal.”

Residents of Lakewood who live east of the San Gabriel River are served by the Golden State Water Co., which also limits watering now to two days a week, but it uses an oddeven address system to determine the two days. Go to gswater.com or call 800-999-4033 for details.

News

Community

Gardening Concepts; Burns Community Center • Saturday; July 18 - Edible Gardening for Beginners;

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Weingart Senior Center • Saturday; July 25 - Garden Design Features; Burns Community Center • Saturday; Aug 1 - Drought Tolerant Plants; Burns Community Center • Saturday; Aug 8 - Drip & Sprinkler Care; Burns Community Center • Saturday; Aug 15 - Eco Garden Care; Weingart Senior Center The Burns Community Center is at 5510 Clark Avenue, 562925-7512. The Weingart Senior Center is at 5220 Oliva Avenue, 562-630-6141.

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ChamberNews Page 6

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July 2015

Slow your roll and get ready to cruise on over to Lakewood Center!

Summer has arrived, and with it, Lakewood Chamber’s Annual Summer Stampede Car Show.

If you’ve decided to enter your car into a show, the Chamber is looking forward to the new vibe of Lakewood Center for our car aficionados.

The Chamber’s 18th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show is being held on Sunday, August 16th from 9am to 2pm, at Lakewood

Center in Lakewood. It’s sure to be a show jam packed with gorgeous eye candy for classic car enthusiasts, Touch-a-Truck for the kids, Budweiser girls, two dragsters, classic music, delicious food, and new to this year’s event will be a beer and wine garden. As if that’s not enough to fill your day, the theme of the show is “Back to the Future, A Salute to First Responders.” We will be honoring

some Legends of Lakewood and some Youth Hall of Famers.

There will be a wide variety of vendor booths, raffle prizes and award- winning opportunities to all custom, street rods and restored classic car entries.

Sponsorship opportunities and vendor booths are still available, along with raffle or goodie bag donations. For more information call (562) 531-9733.

Seahawk Cocktail Lounge Happy Hour Weekdays

4-7:00PM $2 Domestic Bottles and $2 Well Drinks!

Full Bar Pool & Darts Internet Juke Free Wi-Fi

OPEN DAILY 8AM - 2AM 4103 Candlewood St. Lakewood, 90712

facebook.com/seahawkcocktails

Green

July 2015

Don’t let precious water go down the drain!

Certain home appliances and features have a reputation for being energy and money wasters; everyone knows the air conditioner draws more electricity and old, leaky windows boost utility bills. But are you aware of the room in your home that uses - and wastes - the most water?

People use more water in the bathroom than any other room of the house. The average family of four uses about 400 gallons per day, and most of it goes down the drain in showers, toilets and sinks.

With continued warm California weather, conserving water is imperative. Take steps now to reduce the amount of water your family uses in the bathroom. These lifestyle changes will help: • Check existing fixtures for leaks, which are significant bathroom water wasters.

Repair leaky faucets, dripping showerheads and toilets that run constantly.

• Make a bath an occasional treat, rather than a weekly or even daily cleansing ritual. A bath uses far more water than a five- to eight-minute shower.

• Take shorter showers. Five minutes should be enough time to get the job done for most people, and trimming your shower time by just three minutes could save 7.5 gallons of water per shower.

• If you aren’t able to replace your older toilet with a highefficiency model, try placing a brick in the tank to displace water. The tank will fill with less water and you’ll use less per flush.

• If you can’t replace an older faucet, see if your model can be fitted with a new aerator that will reduce water flow.

• When brushing your teeth, turn the faucet off after you’ve dampened your toothbrush, and keep it off while you’re brushing. Fill a glass with water and use that to rinse your mouth, rather than taking water directly from the faucet.

Conserving water is no longer an option; with a long dry summer ahead we must all do our part to ration water use, the bathroom is a good place to start.

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Living

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Corner

Cuddly Page 8

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Bow Wow and Meow Day adds on-site spay/neuter

Bow Wow and Meow Days return on Sunday, July 12 with new on-site spay and neutering services. It will be held at Rynerson Park from 11am to 2pm and is co-sponsored by the city and Lakewood’s animal control and care contractor, the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA).

The event offers expanded pet fair-styled features and hosts the Lucy Pet Foundation, which will perform low-cost on-site veterinary surgeries by appointment. Book your pet’s low cost spay/neuter appointment by calling 855-499-5829 or emailing info@lucypetfoundation.org.

The event includes special pet adoption opportunities, education and activities for children along with traditional Bow Wow and Meow Day staples of convenient pet licensing, vaccinations at a discount and microchipping.

This convenient one-stop program is intended to help pet owners with pet licensing and care needs. Flea control products will be on hand with information on additional low-cost spaying/ neutering options and health care

July 2015 opportunities for dogs and cats.

Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for vaccination services and products — cash and check only for dog licensing.

Dogs must be on leashes and cats in secure carriers. The event is a convenient opportunity to receive maximum health care protection for animal companions at affordable prices. Pet owners

get savings on required rabies vaccinations, priced at $6 each, plus a disposal fee. (Additional vaccinations are available for a fee.)

Dog owners who have current licenses may purchase a new license at the clinic. Click www. lakewoodcity.org/pets for more information about pet services and pet adoption.

Keep pets safe on July 4th

Independence Day means lots of unusual noise and resulting agitation and fear for many animals. This can make July 5 the busiest day of the year for animal control professionals.

Place identification on pets. Micro-chipping is a good idea for those pets that seem to always escape from their collars. SEAACA offers low-cost microchipping for your pet! Your pet’s information will be registered in a national database so no matter where you travel, your pet can be identified.

Keep your pet indoors with a radio or television playing in the background. This can serve as a distraction and offer a sense of comfort for your pet.

Additionally, sedatives can be prescribed by your veterinarian for those highly excitable pets likely to suffer extreme anxiety from the fireworks.

DO NOT take your pet to a firework show or even a neighborhood gathering.

They are safer at home.

Parents should supervise children. They are not likely to understand the adverse effects that fireworks have on pets and may accidentally let the family pet out.

If a pet turns up missing, visit SEAACA the very next day. If you don’t see your pet there, keep looking. They may have strayed quite far trying to escape the fireworks.

Additionally, increased staff will be on duty at SEAACA immediately following the holiday to help rescue any lost pets. Call SEAACA at 562-803-3301 for assistance and to report any loose dogs. Any acts of animal cruelty should also be reported to SEAACA immediately.

Lakewood & Norwalk Chamber’s

“Golf in July” with Women in Business Council

Wed, July 8th / 5:30-7PM

Norwalk Golf Course 13714 Shoemaker in Norwalk

Join other women in business for networking, encouragement & support.

$20 includes Golf & Box Lunch RSVP TO: info@norwalkchamber.com “APEX Awards” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

people within Lakewood, upcoming events, beneficial information on healthy lifestyles, community business updates, Shop Lakewood happenings, and much more,” says Robin Vanderwerff, News Editor.

The Lakewood Community News would like to express their gratitude to the people that helped make this award possible…

Our advertisers - area businesses that make the Lakewood Community News successful. They are here to supply residents with any product or service they need. So please use their coupons or services, as they are here to help you.

Our readers – It is you, our readers, who are the heart of our success.

Jodee Kilroy, Production Manager/ Graphics Designer and Robin Vanderwerff, News Editor, will continue to strive to produce a newspaper that the community can be proud of.

If you have a story or content idea, please email them to news@ lakewoodchamber.com.

Press releases and on-the-spot news are posted to www.lakewoodnews.org.

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July 2015

Lakewood wins “Playful City USA” award for 6th year!

A new “pumpkin playground,” nature trail extension, and continued emphasis on family and youth sports and play helped Lakewood garner its 6th straight award as a Playful City USA. Lakewood was one of only 28 cities in California to receive the national designation on June 17 by the Humana Foundation and the non-profit organization KaBOOM!. The awards promote children’s recreation and the creation of more places for children to play.

Lakewood’s Playful City USA strengths included: • The city’s commitment to maintaining and improving its parks.

• The installation of a new

News

Community

Children pour into San Martin Park’s new pumpkin playground on opening day. pumpkin and castle-themed playground for children 5 -12 years old at San Martin Park.

• The expansion of the Nature Trail with access from Boyar Park.

• “Going beyond the playground” for play opportunities with between 75 and 125 youth classes offered seasonally.

• Free After-School Activity Zones operated year-round at Lakewood parks, where children can play, do homework and take part in sports leagues, all in a supervised setting.

• Lakewood Youth Sports program, in operation since 1957, is organized by the city and uses volunteer coaches to provide play

opportunities to thousands of youth.

• Family Play Day, held every year in August at four Lakewood parks, with activities to get family members playing together outdoors. This year’s event is August 8.

• Currently in the design phase, a new airplane-themed playground

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at Lakewood’s Del Valle Park that is expected to open this fall.

“We love being named Playful City USA again,” said Mayor Jeff Wood. “Lakewood is a great place to live and work and be playful. At the heart of our city are safe places for children to play, including 12 parks and 19 playgrounds. Since (Cont’d on Pg. 14)

ShopLakewood Page 10

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July 2015

Shop Lakewood...

Call or email us to place an ad on our new “SHOP LAKEWOOD” pages!

(562) 531-9733 / advertise@ lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood Center has grown by two new businesses that recently opened their doors.

They would like to welcome Burger King and Freesia Woman’s Clothing Store to the Mall. Be sure to stop by and support the new ventures.

FUMA Nail Bar located at 11134 Del Amo Blvd (just west of the 605) has recently opened for business. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Shop Lakewood for back-toschool needs

Lakewood has some of the nation’s most popular and value-oriented back-to-school retailers…including Costco, Target, Office Max, Walmart, Marshalls, Kohl’s, Forever 21, JC Penney, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, Big 5 and Sports Authority.

Did you know that as a Lakewood resident you benefit each time you make a purchase at a Lakewood store, restaurant or gas station? A portion of your sales tax dollar stays right here in Lakewood. That pays for parks, roads, law enforcement and all the features that make for a good quality of life here in our community.

This back-to-school season, keep your hometown in mind, and Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal. And check out Shop Lakewood’s new home on Facebook for coupons and updates at www.shoplakewood. org. (You don’t have to be signed up on Facebook to use the site).

Visit the Shop Lakewood page for more great deals & coupons: www. shoplakewood.org

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

July 2015

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ShopLakewood

Shop Lakewood...

Let Allison Tutoring help your child return to school a step ahead!

School may be over but the learning never stops at Allison Tutoring. Check out samples of their great summer programs (including dual immersion) that will prepare students for the next academic year, or even some fun boot camps as well. Give them a call at (562) 822-6488 to learn more.

Lakewood eatery is ready to take your order!

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Shop Lakewood news: OSH construction underway The transformation of the partially vacant 7.5-acre shopping center at 6510 South Street (at Palo Verde Avenue) is ongoing.

Demolition and rebuilding of much of the existing facilities is underway to accommodate a new 30,630 square-foot Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) home improvement center. It is expected to open in the fall.

The plaza buildings on the northwestern edge of the property along Palo Verde Avenue that were once home to a Yoshinoya restaurant and other small storefronts have been razed for a new 12,000-square-foot OSH nursery. Work is ongoing to level the prior movie theater’s sloping floors and pour new concrete footings and load-bearing walls.

NEW PATIENT SPECIALS

• Cleaning, x-rays and exam $75 (reg. $203, over 60% off) • Teeth Whitening $25 (reg. $195) with Cleaning, X-Rays & Exam • Now using Digital X-Rays!

Sam’s World Famous Steak Sandwiches was established in 1957 in the city of Bellflower. A new location was opened in Lakewood in 2011, and the restaurant has been there ever since.

Along with their world famous steak sandwiches, they also offer a variety of other tasty items including pastrami sandwiches, burgers, chili cheese fries, hot dogs, and even Mexican food! Their address is 3205 Carson Street in Lakewood.

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

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The most important lesson your teen must learn this summer

With summer underway, kids of all ages are enjoying a break from school by spending more free time with their friends. As kids enter their teenage years, summer camp and swim lessons are traded for hanging out with friends, often without adult supervision.

While many parents want to foster independence, the lack of organized activities and adult supervision during these months present teens with more opportunities to experiment with substances. In fact, the highest rates of teen substance use are

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July 2015

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seen in the summer, and, if a teen is already using, their use significantly spikes during this time of year.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, first-time use of most substances peaks during June and July. On an average day during these months: • More than 4,800 youths use marijuana for the first time • More than 5,000 youths smoke cigarettes for the first time • More than 11,000 youths use alcohol for the first time Parents should remind teenagers of the danger that comes with even occasional substance use, as there is no safe level of substance use for teens, whose brains are still developing. Research shows teens become addicted faster than adults and that the earlier they begin using substances, the more likely

they are to become dependent.

Another contributing factor to substance experimentation among teens is peer pressure. As children grow, parents have less influence on their kids. By their teen years, peers are the most influential group in a child’s life and pressure to fit in may cause some teens to experiment with substances.

Parents also need to recognize that teens may become skilled at hiding such activities.

Teens have been known to replace bottled water with clear alcohol, sneak unused prescriptions out of the bathroom cabinets and hide drug paraphernalia outside the home. It’s important that parents are vigilant and proactive during the summer months by checking in with their teens regularly, encouraging them to participate in productive, structured activities and, most importantly, talking openly with their teens about drugs and alcohol.

Community Hospital of Long Beach

As the only emergency department in East Long Beach, Community Hospital Long Beach (CHLB) provides emergency care to more than 25,000 people each year. The CHLB emergency department has 25 board-certified emergency physicians affiliated with the MemorialCare Health System, along with highly skilled team members who have served the community for more than a decade. Patients have round-theclock access to specialists in a variety of fields including cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, ENT, urology and more.

Community Hospital Long Beach is continuing to re-invest in its community with a $1.25 million renovation of its emergency department, which will help improve patient care and safety, decrease wait times and increase the number of patients that can be served.

Renovated areas include the 21 treatment bays, lobby, nurse’s and physician’s workstations, as well as the addition of new examination and diagnostic equipment in the emergency department.

For more information, call (562) 498-1000 or visit MemorialCare. org/CHLB.

July 2015

Hungry kids can get a healthy lunch

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson recently announced that lowincome families can find a place to take their hungry children for free meals this summer. The nearest location to Lakewood is: City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation located at, 5157 E. Centralia St. Long Beach, 90808.

Thousands of organizations in California have signed up to become Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) meal sites. These sites open after the school year ends or when year-round schools are off track for more than 15 consecutive school days. The sites are located in areas where at least half the student population comes from low-income families. There are no questions asked and no income verification is needed. Some sites also offer fun activities for children.

However, if you are a Lakewood resident, and find yourself going through difficult times this summer, feel free to register for

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Project Shepherd to receive help.

For more information call the Burns Community Center at (562) 925-7512.

If you need further information regarding the California Department of Education’s updated 2015 Summer Meal Service Sites call 1-800-952-5609, option 3.

Torlakson started his Summer Matters initiative to keep kids healthy and engaged in learning during the summer. During summer, kids can often lack access to nutritious meals they usually get during the school year, which may contribute to “summer learning loss” and cause them to lag behind their peers when school resumes.

Sheriff’s Department recruitment underway

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has begun their 2015 hiring campaign. LASD is the largest sheriff’s department in the country and offers opportunities in patrol, custody, court services, transit policing, investigations, cybercrimes, SWAT, search and rescue, mounted enforcement, marine enforcement, and many other unique and specialized assignments.

The many

career opportunities available coupled with the Department’s large jurisdictional area and responsibilities, truly makes the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department unique in the law enforcement industry.

To apply to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

Stoppages

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• 19 ½ years old • U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship • High school diploma or G.E.D. The hiring process can take between eight months and one year and includes a written examination, a physical fitness test, a comprehensive 15-year history with references (or history from age 15), credit report, transcripts, and insurance documents.

For more information visit http://shq.lasdnews.net/pages/ tgen1.aspx?id=PER.

License #: 971888

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Page 14 “City Spotlight”(Cont’d. from Pg. 2) Disaster prep: Get prepared to ‘Survive for 7’ Lakewood’s “Survive for 7” program returns with a one-evening “jump start” for emergency preparedness efforts. Learn more at www.lakewoodcity.org/7days.

The free program is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 from 6 to 7pm at Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., Lakewood.

Register at www.lakewoodcity.org/recreation. The program is course #39567, “Survive for 7 Disaster Planning Program.” Call the Recreation Department at 562866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information.

Super Saturday at TRC Super Saturday Night will be held on July 18 at The Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd., from 7-10pm. This fun event will be an “LYC versus TRC Blowout,” where teens from the Lakewood Youth Center head over to the Teen Resource Center for an evening of food and games.

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July 2015

Observations on growing older

• Your kids are becoming you… and you don’t like them…but your grandchildren are perfect!

• Going out is good… coming home is better!

• You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything… especially golf.

• The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don’t care to do them anymore.

• You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It’s called “pre-sleep.”

• You tend to use more four- letter words … “what?”…”when?”

• Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere.

• You notice everything they sell

in stores is “sleeveless!”

• What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

• Everybody Whispers.

• You have three sizes of clothes in your closet… two of which you will never wear.

But old is good in some things: old songs, old movies, and best of all, old friends!

Pick up your pencil and lets play...Sudoku!

Thanks to our J U N E Sudoku Sponsors!

Congratulations to Warren Roche and Loren Paolino! They are the lucky winners of the June Sudoku contest.

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, cut the finished puzzle from the newspaper and tape onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160,

SKIPTHE ER WAITING ROOM GO to LakewoodER.com select a designated time

Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to See’s Candies). The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Thursday, July 23, 2015. The winners will be drawn on Friday, July 24th, and the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the August issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

Complete online forms Arrive at the ER at your designated time.

Be seen by a Triage Nurse within 15 minutes of your projected treatment time**

D WNLOAD OUR FREE APP Go to

www.LakewoodER.com To Hold Your Place in Line

For a Medical Emergency Dial 911

SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR SMART PHONE BARCODE READER

(562) 531-2550 3700 E South Street, Lakewood Located on the corner of South Street and Downey Avenue in the city of Lakewood ** If conditions allow - meaning there are not emergent or critical patients requiring care first.

“Playful City”

(Cont’d. from Pg. 9)

the city’s incorporation in 1954, Lakewood hasn’t wavered from its commitment to recreation.

Elementary schools and city parks are located within residential areas, encouraging short walks for education and play. And the parks in Lakewood bond residents to their neighborhood and create a true sense of community.”

Playful City USA this year recognized 241 localities nationwide and 28 in California.

“Playability is crucial to the success of our future communities, and we are proud of the work these cities and their leaders are doing to provide a better quality of life for all residents, and especially families,” says KaBOOM! President James Siegal. “Play provides a competitive advantage for cities looking to attract and retain residents. With these esteemed leaders, and our friends and partners across the country, we continue to prioritize play for all kids.”

Go to http://kaboom.org/ playability/playful_city_usa/ celebrate for more information on the Playful City USA program.

For ideas on taking advantage of the opportunities for play in Lakewood, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation or call Lakewood recreation staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

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Community July 2015

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Sing, dance, and eat at Lakewood’s Concerts in the Park Lakewood’s Concerts in the Park series continues every Thursday evening in July and through August 6 at Del Valle Park. Bands in July feature a rockin’ Neil Diamond tribute, Journey-era tribute, and country and oldies rock and roll.

Visiting gourmet food trucks offer different foodie fun each evening including grilled cheese, specialty tacos and BBQ. Mr. B’s Kettle Corn will also be on site selling kettle corn and shaved ice. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit local community groups.

The concerts offer residents a

Concert in the Park’s remaining schedule: July 2 – Hot August Night (Neil Diamond Tribute) July 9 – Line of Fire (Tribute Band) July 16 – Southern Caliber (Country) July 23 – Smokin’ Cobras (Oldies) July 30 – The Skinny Little Twits (Classic Rock) August 6 – Knyght Rider (80’s)

Time to turn the page!

I love to read. Especially at night before I go to sleep. But I have a problem, you see. By the time night time comes, I’m really tired, and try as I might, I can only read for a few minutes, my eyes getting heavier and heavier until I fall asleep holding the book in my hands.

Sometimes I’m only a sentence or two from turning the page to the next chapter. I think I can make it, but no! The next morning I don’t remember a thing I read because my mind was too foggy with sleep.

That’s often how it is in life.

We’re walking around “asleep,” doing the same things, at the same times, not realizing we’re stuck on the same page of our lives; not turning to the next one because we’re too tired, have no energy.

But turning the page in your Life Book is the only way you can truly move forward and discover the possibilities that await you.

Wake up. Your Life Book is waiting to be read and lived!

Turn the page and see what happens next!

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @askjoshsmom, Askjoshsmom.com, and https://www. facebook.com/askjoshsmom. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. Ask about An Afternoon with Josh’s Mom!

relaxing evening of family fun in the grove of Del Valle Park trees at the intersection of Woodruff Avenue and Arbor Road. Each concert starts on a Thursday evening at 6:30pm.

Attendees may bring their own picnic basket. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Pets, barbeques or alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

For a schedule and details, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/concerts or call 562866-9771, extension 2408.

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Concerts in the Park are solely supported by generous area businesses and concert patrons.

Platinum level sponsors are: Glory Days Sports Grill; Kenny’s Auto Body-Towing; Lakewood Pan American Association; Piazza Family McDonald’s Restaurants; VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital.

Gold level sponsors are: California Mentor; Mr. B’s Kettle Corn; Rotary Club of Lakewood; The Rinks Lakewood ICE.

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July 2015