LCN July 2016

Lakewood

News

Community

30,000 delivered to every home in Lakewood - and portions of Long Beach Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

Volume 33 Number 7

www.lakewoodnews.org / www.lakewoodchamber.com

July 2016

Lakewood wins “Playful City USA” Meet your new president! award for 7th year!

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

Lakewood residents having a playful time on opening day of the new airplane playground at Del Valle Park.

A new airplane-themed playground at Del Valle Park, an innovative parent-child fitness playground at Rynerson Park, and a continued emphasis on family and youth play has helped Lakewood garner its seventh straight Playful City USA award

from the national recreation organization, KaBOOM! Lakewood was one of only 30 cities in California and 257 cities nationwide to receive the national designation on May 18 by the nonprofit organization KaBOOM!.

The awards promote children’s

recreation and the development of more places for children to play.

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

(Cont’d. on Pg. 4)

Lakewood Community News receives prestigious award for Publication Excellence The Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) 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 community newspaper, published by The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, has a 30,000 monthly distribution to all Lakewood homes, and bulk drops to area businesses. The LCN to is excited to have once again won the award.

“Jodee Kilroy, and I are honored to provide the community with a no

cost, quality newspaper dedicated to the community of Lakewood.

Throughout the pages are articles

of interest, relevance, and creativity for our readers. The LCN would (Cont’d. on Pg. 3)

Greetings, Lakewood Family! It is with great pride and excitement that I formally introduce myself as the new President and CEO of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

I officially joined the team a few months ago, and am grateful for this moment to acquaint myself with the community.

Paramount to my inspiration in accepting this position is my passion to turn Lakewood into a beacon for the entrepreneurial spirit. Whether it is a home-based, small-sized, or huge factory that you have in mind...

I want this Chamber to help you get started on the launch of your American dream, right here in Lakewood.

Not only do I live and raise my family in Lakewood, but I own a successful business here, too. I am a graduate of CSUDH with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Design, with an emphasis in Marketing. I have worked in design, marketing, and publishing for over a decade.

The role of your chamber is to provide a healthy business environment for this great city. We will continue

Joshua Castellanos, President and CEO, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

to offer growth and bonding opportunities, such as events like our annual Summer Stampede car show and business expos inside the Lakewood Center Mall. These provide unique occasions to expose local businesses to their neighbors and biggest potential supporters.

My goals are to improve our social media presence, offer more online news through the website and email, and to strengthen businessto-business collaboration in order to more fully cultivate and empower our community. Please email me with any questions at: Joshua@LakewoodChamber.com. u

Lakewood salutes veterans with new history website At the city’s Memorial Day ceremony on May 30 at Veterans Memorial Plaza at Del Valle Park, Mayor Ron Piazza announced a new Lakewood project to honor veterans by sharing their stories digitally for generations to come.

Last year, when the city renovated and expanded Veterans Memorial Plaza, commemorative bricks were laid around the memorial so that veterans with a connection to Lakewood could be honored and remembered.

Now, to accompany the bricks and the memorial, the city is initiating an online Veterans History Project website at www. lakewoodveterans.org for veterans and active-duty military service members whose names appear on the commemorative bricks or

who otherwise have a Lakewood connection.

“This Veterans History Project-just like the memorial and commemorative bricks—will help Lakewood maintain our community value of remembering and honoring all those who have put their lives on the line in service to our country,” said Piazza.

“On our Lakewood veterans website, which you can access from a computer or even from a smartphone while you’re at the memorial, the stories of our veterans will be told for generations to come,” said Piazza.

There is also a page on the site dedicated to “The Boys of Del Valle Park,” including the poem, a video, and the photos and personal (Cont’d. on Pg. 6)

LakewoodToday

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www.lakewoodnews.org

Lakewood residents who make a difference

By Mayor Ron Piazza

Recently I asked Lakewood residents to let me know about their fellow residents and business community members who “make a difference” in our community, either through volunteer efforts, professional work, or just by bringing a smile to lots of faces in Lakewood.

My city council colleagues and I want to recognize the efforts that people make to enhance our community, and we have a special “I Made A Difference” lapel pin with the Lakewood logo on it to present to people who get nominated.

I’ve been pleased that lots of residents have answered the call and have let us know about people who are making a difference.

Here are a few examples.

Darrell Henry lives near Gompers Elementary School.

Darrell lost his dad at an early age in life, and decided that as an adult he would devote a lot of his spare time to mentoring youth and providing a positive role model.

Darrell has devoted countless hours to coaching basketball through Lakewood Youth Sports and other organizations. He also encourages reading and learning, and has even written several children’s books. If that weren’t enough, he’s also active in a church ministry and an organization he founded named Trinity Basketball and Education, which further emphasizes the importance of youth learning discipline, teamwork and a work ethic at an early age.

I’ve heard from Lakewood parents how much of a positive difference Darrell has made in our community, and our city is proud to present Darrell Henry with an I Made A Difference pin.

Mentoring our youth and teaching them the importance of good sportsmanship, teamwork and self-discipline has been a Lakewood value since our community’s founding in the 1950s. The Lakewood Youth Sports program is a key way in which that community value continues to be emphasized today, and so our city is also presenting an I Made A Difference pin to the several hundred Lakewood residents who serve as coaches in LYS. Each one of these LYS coaches gives of their own time to help our youth, help our community and make a difference here in Lakewood.

Lakewood has one of the most active Neighborhood Watch programs in our region. Nearly 400 residents serve as block captains, and they are often the

first people to welcome new residents to the neighborhood and to be there in a pinch when someone needs help or has questions.

Lakewood resident Michelle Fortune brought to our attention block captain Lucy Kallas of Pearce Avenue, who not only welcomed the Fortunes to the block, but brought them a gift of a welcome mat with a little dog on it because she noticed the Fortunes have dogs. Lucy holds regular Neighborhood Watch meetings and also sends out crime prevention information by email.

She is also just a very familiar face on the block who always has a friendly hello to say to neighbors passing by. According to Michelle, “Lucy makes a great difference on our block and really unites us!”

I know there are many Neighborhood Watch block captains just like Lucy who also brighten the corner where they live and make a big collective difference in Lakewood. And so, the city is pleased to be sending an I Made A Difference pin to Lucy Kallas and every Neighborhood Watch block captain in Lakewood.

We’ve received many other great stories of Lakewood residents who make a difference in our community, and you can read about them at www.lakewoodcity. org/IMadeADifference. There, you can also nominate someone you know. If you don’t have Internet access, just call city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 3123

July 2016 and we’ll send you a short form to tell us all about the person you know who makes a difference in Lakewood. Thank you to all our nominators and to all of our honorees! u

C i t y Spotlight 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 8 from 10am to 1pm. There will be pizza, juice and sno-cones for participants, while supplies last. There is no need to sign up, just come to the park and have fun!

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

Online lesson 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 9 at 7pm for session 3 (lesson dates are July 18-29), or Tuesday, July 23 at 7pm for session 4 (lesson dates are August 1-12).

For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Lollipop Lane applications available Craft vendors interested in selling at the 24th annual Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique at Mayfair Park on October 15 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.

Super Saturday at TRC Super Saturday Night will be held on July 16 at The Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Boulevard from 7pm-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. The evening will feature a hot dog barbeque, as the teens compete against each other in their favorite Play Station Four electronic games.

There will be prizes for the winners at the end of the night for this no-cost event. u

“Welcome to Lakewood” Flyers due July 18th

Want to know a great way you can reach “new” Lakewood residents? Supply us with 250 flyers/coupons, and we include it in our “Welcome to Lakewood” packet. (Cost is $100)

Call 562-531-9733 for more information

(Cont’d. on Pg. 14)

Your

Minding

www.lakewoodnews.org

July 2016

If you’ve got the gas, we’ve got the grass!

Cruise on over to Mayfair Park for Lakewood’s Summer Stampede!

“Apex Award” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

like to express their gratitude to the people that helped make this award possible...

Our advertisers - area businesses make the LCN successful. They advertise in the newspaper to inform residents about a product or service the community may need. So please use their coupons or services, as they are here to serve you.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite the community back to Mayfair Park for their 19th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show!

Mayfair Park, with its lush green grass and beautiful shade trees, is the perfect venue to spend a warm summer afternoon taking a stroll around some gorgeous classic cars.

The Chamber’s 19th Annual

Summer Stampede Car Show is being held on Sunday, August 14th from 9am to 2pm, at Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Ave in Lakewood. The show will have a little something for everyone so bring the whole family!

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.

LBS Financial Credit Union awards 34 student scholarships

Pictured from left to right: Jeffrey Napper, President & CEO, LBS FCU; Brandon Cruz, scholarship winner; Heather Summers, Sr. Vice President of Marketing, LBS FCU.

At the close of the 2016 school year, LBS Financial Credit Union awarded scholarships to 34 students in Long Beach, Lakewood, Cerritos and surrounding communities.

Each year, LBS Financial encourages local area high schools, adult schools and community colleges to participate in their scholarship program by selecting a deserving student to receive an award. This year, 29 high school, 2 college and 2 adult school students were awarded scholarships for up to $500. The credit union works directly with each school to select the recipient and present a plaque with the check to the student.

“There continues to be a great need for financial assistance for college and LBS Financial is pleased to help these students reach their educational goals,” said LBS Financial’s President and CEO Jeffrey Napper.

“These students bring pride to their families, schools and neighborhoods, including us at LBS Financial.” u

Sponsorships and vendor booths are still available, and we are also accepting raffle prizes or goodie bag donations.

For more information, call the Lakewood Chamber office at (562) 531-9733, or email info@ lakewoodchamber.com. u

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

As the LCN anticipates celebrating their 30th year in print on October 1, 2016, the loyalty of our readers has made this journey possible. With social media edging out printed newspapers, Lakewood’s motto “Times Change...Values Don’t,” is still relevant today.

Jodee Kilroy, Publication 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, press release or on-the-spot news, please email to news@ lakewoodchamber.com. u

&

Business Financial Page 4

www.lakewoodnews.org

July 2016

Lakewood native debuts first fashion collection

Duston Jasso, Lakewood resident, and son of David and Shonda Jasso, recently presented his first fashion collection at the FIDM Debut show in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Jasso is a graduating student in Advanced Fashion Design at FIDM/ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles.

It is a great honor to be chosen for the Advanced Fashion Design program since it requires design talent and scholarship. After receiving an Associate of Arts degree, only 10-12 students each year are chosen to participate in this 3rd year program of intense study. Participants are chosen based on overall grade point average, references, portfolio review, talent, skill level and formal interviews with Department Chairs from FIDM…selection is made from

hundreds of candidates.

Southern California native, Duston Jasso was born and raised in Lakewood. His FIDM DEBUT collection, called “Aquatic Flux” tells the story of a liquid transforming to a solid. He found his main source of inspiration in deep oceans, mermaids and the continuous movement of waves. The sophisticated, rich collection, transitions from flowing, draped charmeuse pieces, to more “solid” structured garments. The theme is also depicted by a strategic use of pearls, which become more prominent and plentiful as the collection progresses. Jasso plans to continue his education and receive a Bachelor’s degree from FIDM. Once his education is completed, he plans to work with various fashion houses in New York, in hopes to run his

own fashion house in the future.

FIDM is the home of “Project Runway Junior”, the competition series for teenage fashion designers on Lifetime Television.

Previously airing shows to call FIDM home include “Project Runway” and “Project Runway: Under the Gunn”, starring Tim Gunn, as well as “Design School” an original series on HGTV featuring FIDM Interior Design students. FIDM was featured on MTV’s “The Hills,” starring FIDM student, Lauren Conrad.

FIDM Museum & Galleries has one of the nation’s finest costume collections dating from the 18th century and yearly presents major exhibitions, including Art of Motion Picture Costume Design, featuring Oscar nominated costumes. u

Lakewood resident Dustin Jasso presents his first fashion debut.

“Most playful city” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

• Daily safety inspections that Lakewood staff perform at every park playground.

• 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.

• The 60th anniversary of the Lakewood Youth Sports program this year. LYS is organized by the city and uses volunteer coaches to provide play opportunities to thousands of youth.

“It’s great to be named Playful City USA again,” said Mayor Ron Piazza.

“Lakewood is a wonderful 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 18 playgrounds. Since the city’s founding 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.”

“We are thrilled to recognize Lakewood and the other Playful City USA communities that have invested their time and efforts to put kids first,” said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal.

“Balanced and active play is crucial to the well-being of kids and the communities that they thrive in. By integrating play into cities, the leaders of Playful Cities USA are working to attract and retain the thousands of families that want homes in close proximity to safe places to play.”

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 562866-9771, extension 2408. u

July 2016

Fireworks are scary for your furry friends

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. The Lakewood area’s animal control agency, SEAACA, offers low-cost micro-chipping 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.

• 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.

News

Community

• 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 562803-3301 for assistance and to report any loose dogs. Any acts of animal cruelty should also be reported to SEAACA immediately. u

www.lakewoodnews.org

Oh, I’m telling on you!

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). You can

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also report problem locations in Lakewood, including homes where illegal fireworks are being stored, by going to www. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o r g / s a f e 4 t h .

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. u

News

Community Page 6

www.lakewoodnews.org

July 2016

“Lakewood Salutes Veterans with new history website” (Cont.d from Pg. 1)

history of the young people of early Lakewood who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. Visitors may also order a commemorative brick for a Lakewood-connected veteran, and view the brick locator map of the current installation.

The public is invited to complete a short online form with details about their veteran’s service and submit a picture. A website page will then be created for each veteran’s story so visitors to the memorial can learn about the veterans honored there.

If you would like to tell the story of a Lakewood-connected veteran or active-duty service member close to you, visit the Veterans History Project website at www.lakewoodveterans. org and click on the “Submit a Story” tab. You can review the information needed to complete the online form and upload a photo of the veteran there.

You can also download a flyer and worksheet at that page for details on the information you need to prepare and guidelines for selecting and scanning a

photo of your veteran. Flyers and worksheets are also available at the Public Information Department in city hall.

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

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

To find out about appointment dates and times or with other questions about the Veterans History Project, please call Joanne Teran in Lakewood’s Community Relations Office at 562-8669771, extension 3123 or email her at jteran@lakewoodcity.org. u

Green

July 2016

Helping our kids: Lakewood Education Foundation

Lakewood Education Foundation grant recipients from Willow Elementary School with Council Members and LEF-Founders Steve Croft (left) and Todd Rogers (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 Lakewood classroom improvement requests in 2015… and with your help, they can.

LEF is a non-profit agency

www.lakewoodnews.org

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 make out a separate check to the Lakewood Education Foundation and enclose it with the completed form below.

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

Free emergencyprep workshop

Lakewood’s free “Survive for 7” workshop returns with a one-evening “jump start” for emergency preparedness efforts. The workshop educates residents about actions they can take to protect their family and teaches skills needed to survive in the first week following a catastrophe. Learn more at www. lakewoodcity.org/7days.

The free program is scheduled for Wednesday, July 20 from 6pm to 7pm at the Burns Community Center adjacent to Mayfair Park, 5510 Clark Avenue.

Register at www.lakewoodcity. org/eCatalog. The program is course #42401, “Survive for 7 Disaster Planning Program.”

Call the Recreation Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information. u

Living

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New smoking laws are now in effect

California generally bans smoking in the workplace, and new rules extending that ban were effective on, June 9, 2016.

Governor Brown recently signed a package of bills that expanded already-existing smokefree workplace protections. In part, the new legislation: • Treats the use of e-cigarettes and other nicotine-delivery devices, such as vaporizers, as “smoking” — thus extending existing smoking bans to cover such products.

• Expands smoke-free workplace protections by getting rid of most of the existing exemptions that permitted smoking in certain work environments, such as bars, hotel lobbies and warehouse facilities.

• Eliminates the ability to have employer-designated smoking break rooms.

• Expands the workplace smoking ban to include owner-operated businesses and to eliminate any small business exception for employers with five or fewer employees.

• Raises the legal smoking age from 18 to 21, except for active military personnel.

Employers will want to review existing workplace smoking policies and practices to ensure compliance with the new law.

Exercise caution if you think an exemption to the ban might apply to your place of work — the exceptions are limited. u

News

Community Page 8

Celebrate the declaration of you!

As the Fourth of July draws near everyone gets excited about the block parties, the yummy food, and the getting together with family

and friends. That’s all well and good. Allow me, however, to add something else to celebrate. You! “Me!” you ask? Yes, you!

www.lakewoodnews.org Many of you might not consider yourselves as anything special or extraordinary. Maybe growing up you heard some bad stuff. That was then. This is now. Carrying old, negative stuff from your past to the present and beyond is like carrying around a plate of food that has gotten old and moldy. What’s the point?

You would never put anything like that into your system. You’d be smart enough to know how toxic that would be in your body. The only solution, then, would be to throw the leftovers away. And that includes throwing away the hurtful things that were put into you by hateful or ignorant people who didn’t teach you that you were amazing.

Today declare yourself an amazing person. Declare yourself independent from the negative stuff you may have been fed growing up.

It’s old; don’t keep it in your system any longer.

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

July 2016

Mark your calendar for concerts on Thursdays and bring the kids too!

Lakewood’s Concerts in the Park series continues every Thursday evening in July and through August 11 at Del Valle Park from 6:30 to 8pm.

Visiting gourmet food trucks

offer different foodie fun each evening including grilled cheese, specialty tacos, hot dogs, sandwiches, spicy Cajun, lobster rolls, gourmet burgers, BBQ and sweet desserts. 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.

Bring your picnic blanket and low-back chairs and dine with your friends and neighbors while listening to great sounds.

Please remember that dogs, alcohol and barbeques are not allowed at Lakewood parks.

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

Platinum sponsors are Glory Days Sports Grill, Kenny’s Auto Body-Towing, Marisa Perez— Cerritos College Trustee, Pan American Association and VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital.

Gold sponsors are Rotary Club of Lakewood and The Rinks Lakewood ICE. Silver sponsors are Allen Tire Company, EDCO, Mr. B’s Kettle Corn and Piazza Family McDonald’s Restaurants.

Bronze sponsors are In Memory of Mrs. Linda G. Plooster and TGIS Catering.

For more information and to find a list of the tasty food trucks and food concessionaires for each concert, call 562866-977, extension 2408 or go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ concerts2016. u

SCHEDULE FOR CONCERTS IN THE PARK DATE:

BAND / TRIBUTE

June 23

The Answer (Classic Rock Tribute)

June 30

Stone Soul (Motown Tribute)

July 7

Hot August Night (Neil Diamond Tribute)

July 14

Escape (Journey Tribute)

July 21

Hollywood U2 (U2 Tribute)

July 28

Wanted (Bon Jovi Tribute)

August 4

Knyght Ryder (80’s Tribute)

August 11 Hard Day’s Night (Beatles Tribute

July 2016

Save a life - be a ‘water watcher’

Swimming is the most popular summer activity, but unsupervised water play can lead to tragedy. A child can drown in a matter of seconds without making a sound.

Whether at a public pool or at home, here are some tips to keep children safe: • Learn to swim! Both you and your child should register for swim classes if you don’t know how.

• Teach children what to do in a water emergency, such as yell for help, throw life-saving equipment in the pool, call 9-1-1, etc.

• Weak or non-swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket.

• Never leave a child unsupervised around water. Assign a “water watcher” to maintain constant line of sight and supervision around any water environment, including a pool, tub, toilet or even a bucket of water.

Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ watersafety for more tips and resources.

Get more tips at the free ‘Save a Life’ event on Saturday, July 16 from 9am to 11am at Mayfair Pool. Features include: - Free swimming lessons for kids - Water safety/CPR demonstrations - Lifejacket fittings - Activity stations - Free ‘water watcher’ card and whistle The ‘water watcher’ card is a great tool to remind a designated adult (the ‘Water Watcher’) of their responsibility to watch kids in or near the pool. The Water Watcher wears the tag and is only relieved of duty by another adult Water Watcher.

For more information on the ‘Save a Life’ event, call 562-8669771, extension 2408. u

News

Community

www.lakewoodnews.org

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Lakewood resident uses education to advance nursing practices Mira Castaneda is one of only nine nursing doctoral candidates that were hooded during Cal State LA’s recent Commencement ceremony. She is determined to use her education and experience to be a driving force for advancing nursing practices.

Growing up in the province of Antique in the Philippines, Castaneda knew from a young age that she wanted to be a nurse.

Other family members worked in the nursing field. She saw the contributions they were able to make and wanted to be a part of that.

“Nurses can make a difference in people’s lives,” says Castaneda, a Lakewood resident.

The 46-year-old Castaneda is a student in the Southern California CSU Doctor of Nursing Practice Consortium, a program that allows students to earn their doctoral

degree in nursing practice at Cal State LA and two other CSU schools. She is a recipient of a prestigious Jonas Nurse Scholar award, which recognizes students who are committed to improving the care of veterans.

She completed her bachelor’s degree at Iloilo Doctors College in the Philippines before coming to the United States. She began working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2006, earning her master’s degree in nursing from University of Phoenix in 2009.

Currently working at a VA facility in Long Beach, Castaneda serves as the chief of Patient Care Services, a position she was promoted to in 2014.

Castaneda says it is fulfilling to help improve the quality of life for patients who have sacrificed for their country.

“It’s so heartwarming and

meaningful when you’re working with people who have contributed to the freedom of this country,” she says.

She says the Doctor of Nursing Program has had the biggest impact on her career so far. Her doctoral project focuses on her work to prevent patients from falling.

“If I had a chance to do it again I would have the same decision,” she says. “Because of what I have learned at Cal State LA I can now connect all the dots of my skills and knowledge and translate it to my practice.”

Castaneda is nationally certified as a nurse executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In addition, she is a member of the Nurse Executive Council and Executive Leadership Board. u

ShopLakewood Page 10

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July 2016

Shop Lakewood...

Picture perfect Ribbon Cutting for new Lakewood business Treasured Prints, located at 5247 Paramount Boulveard in Lakewood recently celebrated their Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

“Capture the moment, before the moment is over!” is their motto. Learn more about their business by calling (714) 251-6299.

Welcome To The Neighborhood!

Togo’s celebrates 45th anniversary Togo’s Eateries, LLC., a “West Coast Original” since 1971, is celebrating 45 years of BIG, FRESH and MEATY sandwiches with the all new Chicken Caprese Sandwich Wrap.

Recently

launched and available for eight weeks only, the Chicken Caprese Sandwich Wrap packs the fresh, summer tastes of the Italian sun into a portable, handheld sandwich wrap. In addition,

Togo’s (pronounced Toe-Goes) is offering retro, anniversary commemorative cups free to all customers who order a 32 oz. fountain drink, while supplies last.

Guests will receive $1 refills of the commemorative cup all summer long, until September 20, 2016.

And finally, Togo’s is rounding off its anniversary with the debut of new, oven-roasted turkey, served on the iconic #24 and all other turkey sandwiches.

Visit www.togos.com to place an order and skip the lunch lines, or contact your local Togo’s located at 4629 Candlewood Street, or phone (562) 602-0597 to cater meetings and parties of any size with sandwich platters, box lunches, wraps and large salads.

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

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

July 2016

www.lakewoodnews.org

ShopLakewood Page 11

Shop Lakewood...

New Lakewood business opens with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Polaris Performing Arts Academy, located at 5531 Del Amo Boulevard in Lakewood, recently celebrated their Grand Opening Ceremony. Lakewood Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Joshua Castellanos, (Pictured center) was there to welcome owner, Kymberli Boynton, to the neighborhood. Stop by or give them a call at (562) 316-5451, and welcome them to the Lakewood family! u

Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss Lakewood’s upcoming show The Lakewood Artist Guild will hold their 2016 Art Show and Sale for adults and children (ages 5 18) on Sunday, July 24, at Mayfair Park. Registration is Friday, July 22, 5pm to 7pm, and Saturday, July 23, 9am to 11am. Reception of artists and sales on Sunday, July 24, from 1pm to 3pm, with awards presented at 3pm. Prizes up to $200 to be awarded in all categories of fine art including photography, arts and crafts, professional to beginner.

Special prizes courtesy of the office of Mayor Ron Piazza, Lakewood/ Long Beach Soroptimists, and Supervisor Don Knabe’s office.

A door prize table available with merchandise and gift cards from

local retailers and arts venues that all attendees can purchase tickets to win.

For more information

call (562)270-5737 or email lkwdguild@gmail.com or www. lakewoodartistguild.org. u

A snippet of what’s happening in Lakewood: Tokyo Hibachi returning; H&M progressing

A longtime Lakewood favorite restaurant—Tokyo Hibachi—is proceeding with plans to re-open late this summer at a new location at 5503 Woodruff Avenue, just south of South Street.

The Japanese teppan grill that was a scene of many a Lakewood birthday and festive gathering is undertaking a major remodel of the 3,600 square foot building on Woodruff. Stay tuned for details on a precise re-opening date!

The old Tokyo Hibachi location on Candlewood Street is being remodeled into a BevMo!

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

wine, spirits and beer store that is expected to open later this year.

Popular clothing retailer H&M is progressing with its $800,000 renovation of a large 20,000 square foot space in Lakewood Center mall. The Swedishbased company with over 3,000 stores worldwide caters to men, women and children and is expected to open in time for the holidays in November, and will provide another great opportunity to Shop Lakewood, Stay Lakewood Loyal. u

News

Community Page 12

Air conditioned facilities provide heat relief for seniors

High humidity and triple-digit temperatures typically blanket Southern California each summer and into the fall. Older residents can feel more distress from heat and humidity and often have fewer options for beating the heat. The City of Lakewood reminds seniors that the air-conditioned Weingart Senior Center is a comfortable oasis,

Stoppages

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 562924-0149.

Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue and can be reached at 562-630-6141. 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. u

License #: 971888

Water Heaters

Garbage Disposal

Sewers & Drains

Slab Leaks

Wall Furnace

Copper Re-pipes

Floor Furnace

Gas Lines

Remodels

15 Years Serving Lakewood

Video Inspections www.DBplumber.com

Free Estimates

(562) 881-5557

www.lakewoodnews.org

July 2016

Sharing isn’t just for kids...bikes and cars need to share the road!

decal. The renewal decal tells you how long you have before the license needs to be renewed, which in most cases is three years.

To obtain a bicycle license application and directions on how to submit completed applications, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ bikesafety or call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Community Safety Center at 562-623-3583. u

Bicyclists and motorists each have safety rules to follow.

Bicycles are a “green” way to travel, but it’s important to remember that bicyclists and motorists have the rights and responsibilities on the road, and both need to look out for each other for the safety of all.

Motorists must: • allow at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist • only drive in the bike lane when preparing to make a turn within 200 feet from an intersection • look carefully for bicyclists before opening doors next to moving traffic.

Bicyclists must: • ride in the same direction as traffic • stop at stop signs and signals • have reflectors and lighting equipment if used at night and be visible at all times • wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or skates (it’s the law for children under 18).

Just as a vehicle is required to have valid registration, bicycles are also required to have a

license. Having a license helps reduce bicycle thefts and aids in identifying and recovering bicycles that are lost or stolen.

The license issued by the city is a State of California bicycle license and is valid throughout the entire state. It costs $3 and includes two decals: the license number decal and the renewal

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

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!

Golf in July

with Women in Business Council

Wednesday, July 13, 2016 5:30-8:00PM Lakewood Country Club 3101 Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90712

Lakewood Country Club has a Bar & Grill where we will meet for some lunch and networking!

$15 for lesson & a few holes

Questions & RSVP to:

Vivian Hansen at ceo@norwalkchamber.com or Jodee Kilroy at advertise@lakewoodchamber.com

News

Community www.lakewoodnews.org

July 2016

Page 13

Speaker Rendon honors Lakewood videos honored for excellence Two of Lakewood CityTV’s Lakewood’s Food Finders as documentaries took top honors at a recent California-Nevada video Nonprofit of the Year award ceremony, and another

Photo with Speaker Rendon and Diana Lara, Vice President of Operations for Food Finders.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) today honored Food Finders, a Lakewood based multiregional food bank and food rescue program, as the 2016 Nonprofit of the Year for the 63rd Assembly District.

“We as a society throw away far too much food when there are so many struggling with food insecurity,” Speaker Rendon said.

“Food Finders fills a critical role by helping to feed the needy and impoverished while reducing both food waste and our environmental footprint. It’s a win-win for all.”

Food Finders relies heavily on volunteers who pick up donated food from hundreds of local grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants and produce markets, and distribute it directly to missions, shelters and social service agencies to feed the needy and impoverished. On average, Food Finders helps provide enough food for 12,391 meals a day, reducing the amount of food insecurity and food waste prevalent throughout Southern California.

Local veteran coach to head lacrosse program

Casey Yeazel, Principal of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, recently announced that veteran lacrosse coach Christopher Jewett, 39, will be assuming the position of head lacrosse coach at the school effective July 1. Coach Jewett most recently was the head lacrosse coach at Los Alamitos High School, where he led the Griffins to the 2014 Sunset League Championship, and was named the 2014 Sunset League Coach of the Year.

At the announcement, Coach Jewett talked about his new assignment, saying “I am thrilled to become a part of St. John Bosco High School, and to leading the Bosco Braves’ lacrosse program. I look forward to the challenge of being a part of Bosco, a legendary collegepreparatory school that has turned out so many outstanding students and accomplished athletes. I am excited to get started.” u

Rendon represents the 63rd Assembly District, which includes the cities and communities of Bell, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, North Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, and South Gate. u

earned third place. The STAR Awards recognize excellence in government programming in the two states, and rate entries on content, creativity and technical quality.

‘The Boys of Del Valle Park,’ produced by Jerome Academia, won in the category of Documentary Profile. It tells the story behind the iconic Lakewood poem, written by original Lakewood resident and Vietnam veteran Dennis Lander, which is a permanent part of Lakewood’s Veterans Memorial Plaza.

‘How the Suburbs Happened,’ written by D. J. Waldie and produced

by Steve Polydoros, won in the category of Documentary Social.

This video shows how Southern California’s dense suburban landscape of homes, businesses and industries began as dispersed,

individualized communities along highways, railways and commuter trolley lines.

Lakewood’s final honored video, produced by Bob Sykes, was ‘Shakespeare’s As You Like It,’ which earned third place in the category of Performing Arts.

The videos can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/ citytvlakewoodca/videos.

Since 1984, Lakewood CityTV

has produced programs about city history, current events, customer service tips and other aspects of Lakewood living. Watch CityTV on channel 31 on Time Warner Cable, Frontier Communications broadband and via live web stream, or view short clips in the video library.

Follow CityTV on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CityTVLakewoodCA. u

Town

Around Page 14

There’s plenty of fun going on this summer in Lakewood!

Lakewood’s long-standing commitment to family fun continues through July. “Finally It’s Friday” and “FUN-Tastic Family Night” and “Family Night Swim” events offer free or affordably-priced evenings from July 1 through July 29. 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.

• July 1- BFF Day at Mayfair and McCormick Pools from 6:30pm to 8pm $3 per person, adult ID and proof of Lakewood residency required.

• July 8- Itty Bitty Beach Party at Mayfair and McCormick Pools from 6:30pm to 8pm $3 per person, adult ID and proof of Lakewood residency required.

• July 8- Lakewood’s Summer Fair at San Martin Park from

10am to 1pm. This free event is recommended for children ages 8-13. No registration required.

• July 15- Dip ‘N’ Dance at Mayfair and McCormick Pools from 6:30pm to 8pm $3 per person, adult ID and proof of Lakewood residency required.

• July 15 - Shakespeare by the Sea featuring “Cymbeline” from 7 to 9pm at Monte Verde Park.

Free. No registration required.

• July 22 - FUN-Tastic Family Night featuring “The Reluctant Dragon” Puppet Show- at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, from

www.lakewoodnews.org 6:30pm to 8pm $8 per person includes dinner and show ($5 for children 3 and under). Advance registration is required.

• July 22- Sundae Fun Day at Mayfair and McCormick Pools from 6:30pm to 8pm $3 per person, adult ID and proof of Lakewood residency required.

• July 29- Family Game Night at the Lakewood Youth Center from 6 to 10pm. Free. Preregistration is required.

• July 29- Float with Friends at Mayfair and McCormick Pools from 6:30pm to 8pm $3 per person, adult ID and proof of Lakewood residency required. u

July 2016

Pick up your pencil and lets play Sudoku!

Congratulations to Eileen Edgerton, Linda Valentovich, and Terry Carlson!

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, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper.

Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall (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 21, 2016. The winners will be drawn on Friday, July 22, 2016, 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. u

Another happy Sudoku winner!

Congratulations to Linda Valentovich for being drawn in the JUNE Sudoku contest.

Enjoy your free meal, and keep on playing!

THANK YOU to our Sudoku sponsors!

News

Community July 2016

www.lakewoodnews.org

Lakewood loves their healthy, happy pets!

discounted vaccination packs • micro-chipping • nail trimming • physical exams • flea control products Information regarding lowcost spaying/neutering and health care for dogs and cats will be available.

Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in secure carriers. Residents may purchase a dog license from License Inspectors at the clinic.

Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ pets for more information about pet services and pet adoption.

Lakewood’s premiere petfriendly summer tradition returns Sunday, July 31 from 9am to noon. It features convenient pet licensing and pet care at its traditional location at the northeast corner lot of Clark Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard near the Lakewood Civic Center.

The one-stop event offers required rabies vaccinations for only $6 each. Other products and services offered include: • dog licensing on site • individual vaccines and

Page 15

CA Writers Club of Long Beach presents:

“Writer Copyrights and Contracts” The speaker will be business attorney Helen Sedwick, author of the Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook.

Hear her talk about copyrights, contracts and more. The event will be held on, Saturday July 9, 2016 from 3 to 5pm (Networking starts at 2:30) at Ruth Bach Neighborhood Library, 4055 Bellflower Boulevard in Long Beach. For more information visit: www. calwriterslongbeach.org; info@calwriterslongbeach. org.

Insurance Solutions for Healthcare

* Family & Individual Health Plans * Medicare Advantage & Supplement Plans Monica Segura * Dental & Vision Plans for all ages CA Lic #0C97294

www.insureyourhealthy.com

No Cost Consultation by Appointment (562) 400-0433 2725 Candlewood Street • Suite A • Lakewood, CA 90712 • (562) 400-0433

Page 16

www.lakewoodnews.org

July 2016