Lakewood Community News

News

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodnews.org

Volume 28 Number 6

It’s Block Party time again!

Lakewood Civic Center Block Party is Saturday, June 30th.

Family fun, a rockin’ good time and a professional fireworks show return to Clark Avenue and the Lakewood Civic Center on Saturday, June 30. The Lakewood Civic Center Block Party begins at 4pm, and includes fun for kids and families.

The Family Fun Zone will feature activities for kids and families including amusements such as a mechanical bull, giant slide, adrenaline obstacle course, bouncers, joust war game, rock climbing wall, pirate ship, mechanical cars and trackless

train. The Family Fun Zone will be in the parking lot south of the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library.

It will open at 4pm and close at 9pm. No tickets for the Family Fun Zone will be sold after 8pm.

The culinary delights of the “Taste of Lakewood” will again support Lakewood’s two libraries.

A broad collection of local restaurants will offer signature dinner entrees, refreshments, and snacks, with proceeds supporting the libraries. Taste of Lakewood ticket sales begin at city hall and the Lakewood libraries on Monday, June 11.

Presale tickets for the Taste of Lakewood are available in packs of four for $5 or ten for $10.

Single tickets are not available for presale. Payment can be made with cash or checks made payable to the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries. Sorry, credit cards are not accepted. On the day of the event, the same multi-ticket packs as well as single tickets for $1.50 each will be available for sale from 4pm to 8pm. No tickets will be sold after 8pm at the event, and

The Lakewood community’s very popular summer concert series runs for eight Thursday evenings at 6:30pm from June 21 to August 9. The concerts feature a variety of music styles. All provide residents a relaxing evening of family fun under the trees at Del Valle Park at the intersection of Woodruff Avenue and Arbor Road.

Dinner and refreshments will be sold at each concert, or attendees may bring their own picnic basket. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.

Please refrain from bringing pets, barbeques or alcoholic beverages.

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

Please support the volunteer organizations by purchasing from them.

Change Service Requested

Lakewood Center and local restaurants keep the Block Party boomin’

(Cont’d. on Page 12)

Enjoy the music at Del Valle Park this summer

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

June 2012

Fireworks over Lakewood Center.

This is the ninth year of the Lakewood Civic Center Block Party, including the always popular “Taste of Lakewood.”

The Saturday, June 30 Block Party began as a celebration of the city’s 50th anniversary and has continued to be one of the community’s premiere events.

It couldn’t happen without the

help and participation of local businesses.

“The support of Lakewood Center is invaluable in providing a magnificent display of fireworks.

Lakewood Center staff assists with the fireworks area and also provides a great deal of overall logistical support that keeps this (Cont’d. on Page 10)

Car enthusiasts - get ready for some eye candy!

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29

See page 5 for concert schedule

Chances are if you’re reading this article, you live, work and thrive in the beautiful City of Lakewood, and the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to Mayfair Park on Sunday, August 19th, 2012 from 9am to 2pm, to attend the 15th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show.

This car enthusiast, commerce-

producing, family-oriented event is free to the public and offers live music, food trucks, business promoting vendor booths and raffle prizes. This year’s car show theme is A Salute to our Military and Veterans… Show your Colors. In honor of our veterans, there will be a fly-over of two Navy F-18’s over the park.

(Cont’d. on Page 4)

LakewoodToday

Page 2

Lakewood Today Thank you Lakewood volunteers!

by Mayor Diane DuBois

One of Lakewood’s wonderful qualities is the tradition of residents volunteering to help their neighbors and help their community.

This tradition dates back to when our city was founded in the 1950s. At that time, recreational opportunities were needed quickly for the thousands of young children whose families had just moved to our new community. The Lakewood Youth Sports program was started, and it relied on lots and lots of volunteer coaches.

Generations of Lakewood’s children have benefitted from this worthwhile program over the years.

More volunteer efforts have come to life since our founding, and many of Lakewood’s newest volunteers come from a tradition of volunteering that they have learned

and seen modeled from their parents. Examples include: • Over 100 volunteers a year who keep Lakewood Meals on Wheels rolling.

• Over 60 volunteers who work at the Weingart Senior Center and Burns Community Center providing programs and services.

• Teens in Lakewood Care (TLC) and other teen volunteer efforts that contribute over 4,000 hours of service a year.

• The Junior Lifeguard volunteer program that has over 60 teens helping at Lakewood’s two pools each summer.

• Project Shepherd, whose 243 volunteers in 2011 delivered meal and gift packages to over 2,000 Lakewood residents in need.

Every April, the City of Lakewood organizes activities to thank our community volunteers.

Recognition events include the Older Adult Volunteer Recognition luncheon and Lakewood Youth Sports Coaches Barbeque.

The city’s efforts culminate on Volunteer Day, which was April 21 this year. It’s a day when hundreds of Lakewood volunteers fan out across the city to do exterior repairs and cleanup projects at sites such as the homes of elderly, disabled or low-income residents who aren’t able to do the work themselves.

This year, 636 Lakewood residents took part in Volunteer Day--a record number!

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

Participants ranged from 1st graders to seniors. They were from businesses, churches, civic organizations, schools and youth groups (a total of 34 volunteer groups)—and included many individuals joining in on their own.

They improved 17 homes, 4 schools and 4 city sites. They filled 18 dumpsters with trash and debris, and applied 51 gallons of paint with 82 paint brushes and 32 paint rollers.

The demonstration of kindness, fun and community spirit that I saw on Volunteer Day mirrors in large scale what I see day-in and day-out among the hundreds of volunteers working on many causes throughout Lakewood.

If you worked on Volunteer Day or if you volunteer on any of the worthwhile programs in Lakewood, I want to send out a very big thank you!

Your time and your effort do so much to maintain the caring fabric of our city. You’re a key part of what makes Lakewood a strong, caring community and a great place to live.

If you would like to learn more about opportunities to volunteer in Lakewood, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteer or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512.

C i t y Spotlight New summer recreation catalog is now available “Stay Active this Summer” is the theme of Lakewood’s new summer recreation catalog. The 40-page magazine has answers for finding summer fun. The cover features Professor Fun walking at the park and encourages the reader to keep active.

On the cover, walking alongside iconic summer mascot is a “Bottle Buddy,” character. The “Bottle Buddy” is a little plastic device that you can slip around a water bottle and clip on for hydration while you exercise. Recreation staff will be passing them out to participants while supplies last.

Also, throughout the catalog, readers can find tips for staying active at many Lakewood facilities. Catalogs are available at Lakewood parks, Lakewood City Hall, Lakewood’s two libraries, and online at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation.

(You can also call 562-8669771, extension 2408 to have a copy mailed to you.)

Many summer programs begin the week of June 25.

Swim lessons are available now at Mayfair Pool.

Don’t delay registering for this summer of fun. Many popular courses fill early. Phone-in and walk-in registration begins Monday, June 11.

Don’t stand in line, go online for recreation signgups!

Register online for Session 1 swim lessons (June 25 – July 6) by going online to the eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation now through June 18.

Walk-in registration for Session 1 begins on Saturday, June 23. There may still be some swim spots available in the presummer swim session (June 11 – 22) at Mayfair Pool. Presummer, on-line registration is ongoing and ends on Monday, June 4. Walk-in registration for pre-summer is on Saturday, June 9 from 1pm to 4pm at Mayfair Pool.

Mayfair and McCormick pools instructional programs and public swim sessions. Youth classes include “parent and me” for ages six months to three years, Tiny Tots for ages three to five, Red Cross levels one to six for ages six and older, and adaptive lessons for students with special needs.

The summer schedule begins Monday, June 25, with swim classes scheduled every half hour from 9am to noon and 4:30pm to 6pm.

Other programs include parent/child swim, family night swims, junior lifeguards and the Canned Drive for a Dive Family Day. Adult swim programs offer (Cont’d. on Page 8)

Your

Minding

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

Lakewood yoga teacher brings harmony to new DVD

By Robin Vanderwerff

Barbara Brannerman teaches yoga at Monte Verde Park in Lakewood.

The baby boomer generation isn’t content just sitting still – health is a big priority. No one knows this better than Barbara Bannerman. She has spent the last 4 years as a yoga instructor for Lakewood Parks and Recreation, and she enjoys

Lakewood

News

Community

...Since 1984

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

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

Contents of the Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise, edit, reject or suspend publication of any content germane to any addition without prior notice.

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

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

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

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

EDITORIAL DEADLINES: The 10th of every preceding month.

(There is no guarantee for insertion.)

PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs. © 2012 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced or transmitted - by any means - without the publisher’s written permission

teaching at Monte Verde Park, she says, “It’s a fun place to do yoga.”

Barbara has spent a total of 45 years doing yoga, and she loves it! She says, “Yoga makes me a nicer person.” Her attitude must have been a contributing factor in getting chosen to be a part of Jane Fonda’s latest Yoga for Baby Boomers DVD. One of Barbara’s students found an advertisement on Craigslist for women in their 60’s to interview for a yoga video with Jane Fonda. Barbara took a chance and tried out for the DVD. She was one of the four women picked, out of 200 that showed up. They pointed to her to stay and sent the rest of the group home. She thought, “This feels like getting a rose on

the Bachelorette!”

At 64, Barbara has found that seniors can get brittle, and yoga creates long, lean strong muscles, not “ripped” or “cut” muscles that you get from bodybuilding. It also helps core strength to support the back.

Yoga is a stress reliever, seniors are known to become depressed with aging and, Barbara promotes ‘safe” yoga. Mindfully going into the body, and not suppressing feelings.

Yoga is looked upon today as a cool way to exercise, a path to enlightenment that goes back some 5,000 years in its native India. Many celebrities use it as a way to stretch and alleviate tension. However, yoga wasn’t always thought of favorably.

When Barbara’s two sons were growing up they would tell their friends that their mom teaches P.E., because they were too embarrassed to tell them she was a yoga instructor. Now they are very proud of their mom.

Barbara, a resident of Seal Beach, continues to learn and grow. She says, “Yoga is for like minded people looking for peace and stress relief. It’s important to stay flexible in the body for as long as we can.”

Barbara had a wonderful experience working on the Jane Fonda DVD, and she was so happy she took the chance to interview. “Keep refreshing yourself she says, and don’t get stagnant and stuck in your own trip.”

The Prime Time Yoga DVD will be released in December, Barbara said.

For more information on taking Barbara Bannerman’s yoga class visit: www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog Class # 28596, Yoga for Stress Release, or visit www. yogawithbarbara.net.

Business Page 3

&

Business Financial Page 4

www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2012

Lakewood Bruce DuBois, husband of Soroptimists celebrate Lakewood Mayor, passes away

Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach celebrated the fundraising success of the Lakewood Community Run by giving it all away on Tuesday, May 15 – all $34,385.70 of it! “The Sheriff’s Station is our partner in putting on the Community Run, so half the proceeds of the run go to the Friends of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station,” explained Club President, Carol Burke as she handed Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Captain Merrill Ladenheim a check for $17,192.85 “That leaves $17,192.85 for us to put back into the community and further our mission of improving the lives of women and girls.”

Throughout the year, the club also sponsors city events: the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame, Volunteer Day and the Bike Safety Expo.

Women who are in business, the professions or recently retired are invited to contact Joy Janes for membership information at soroptimist@joyjanes.org.

Longtime Lakewood resident Bruce DuBois passed away from an aneurysm in the early morning hours of May 15 at his and wife Diane DuBois’ home.

Bruce was an active volunteer with Lakewood Meals On Wheels, and in earlier years had been an officer in the Lakewood Junior Chamber of Commerce (or Jaycees) and had helped run several city council campaigns.

“Bruce was a local guy through and through,” said his wife Diane.

“He was born at Seaside Hospital in Long Beach. He and I met at Compton College and were married for 53 years. We’ve lived in Lakewood since 1960. Bruce would always say how much he loved Lakewood. He often spoke of how blessed we were to have our family and kids. Bruce would also say that he felt like the luckiest guy in the world and that

he had been able to live his life the way he wanted to.”

Among the lifelong friends DuBois made in the Jaycees going back to the 1960s was former Lakewood Council Member Joe Esquivel. “Bruce was a very intelligent man; one of the smartest people I’ve ever known.

There wasn’t a conversation he couldn’t get involved in and then be quickly on top of. He was one of my best friends through all the years, and I’m going to miss him a lot.”

Hundreds of Lakewood residents, community leaders and family attended DuBois’ funeral service at Rose Hills Memorial Park on May 24.

“My family and I are thankful for the many wonderful years we all had together,” said Diane DuBois. “I’m very grateful for the outpouring of kindness and

support that I have received from friends in Lakewood and throughout the area. I’ve heard so many nice remembrances of Bruce from friends over these past few days.”

DuBois is survived by wife Diane, daughters Sheri Vandermause and Judy Ingram, sons-in-law Chuck Vandermause and Jim Ingram, grandchildren Matt and Jeremy Vandermause and Brian and Kelly Ingram, and sister Anne Beckett and her family.

Women in Business Council

JUNE MEETING “Man aging Busine s s Fin ance s and Acco un t ing”

Location:

SELACO WIB 10900 E. 183rd Street 3rd Floor Cerritos, 90703

RSVP:

Marjean Clements (562) 402-9336 x1252 “Car Show”

(Cont’d. from Page 1)

The prices for car entries are: Pre-registration (by Aug. 9th) is $25 and includes a dash plaque, $35 (by Aug. 9th) includes a dash plaque and T-shirt, and day of entries are $40 (Includes t-shirt while supplies last.)

There are several ways to participate in this event. To find out more regarding Sponsorships and Vendor Booth Opportunities, please contact the Chamber office at (562) 531-9733.

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

New marquee at Bellflower High School

By Bill Ste. Marie, Alumni Coordinator

When Bellflower High School construction began back in 1950 the community saw the development of a uniquely modern educational facility. Sprawling out over some 56 acres, citizens of Bellflower began to realize this as a point of pride in our community. Today, with its pristinely maintained campus, manicured lawns, foliage and trees, combined with its ever increasing high standards of academic excellence, the campus remains a point of pride in our community.

Alongside the continued increase in academic performance, the campus remains today, in appearance, a modern educational facility. Approximately six years ago, the current principal, Mr. Joe Perry, established a goal to

Date: 6/21 6/28 7/05 7/12 7/19 7/26 8/02 8/09

News

Community

Band:

complement this image by adding a new marquee. Mr. Perry wanted the community and students to have a stronger sense of pride even before they entered the campus. With that in mind, the task of bringing a new marquee to the main entrance to the campus became a goal.

Today that goal has become a reality with the addition of a new and up-to-date electronic, computerized marquee. It is important to note that this endeavor was not only to be unique in its appearance and function, but a frugal fiscal venture as well. In these times of extreme budgetary difficulties where most administrators are looking at what to cut, Mr. Perry had a goal to give us all a new point of pride at Bellflower High School, and accomplish it all through donations

The Answer The Elm Street Band The Rockit Scientists The Doo Wah Riders Neon Nation Electric Mayhem Stone Soul Brian Lynn Jones & Misfit Cowboys

Music Style: Classic Rock Surf Rock Boomer Rock Country 80’s 70’s/Disco R&B Country

to avoid spending a single penny of the district or school’s funds.

As a result, donations from large corporations, local businesses, and most importantly, individual concerned citizens and alumni, have resulted in the funding necessary to completely cover the cost of the new marquee.

This new marquee most assuredly demonstrates what can be done when the setting of goals is combined with the will and determination to achieve them.

Principal Joe Perry stated, “Without a doubt, the generosity of those who made this project possible through their generous donations stands as a shining example of the pride and dedication our community and our alumni have for Bellflower High School.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2012!

Page 5

Pan Am Association awards 11 scholarships

The Lakewood Pan American Association awarded $10,000 in Pan American Ambassador scholarships to 11 local students at its recent El Comienzo Luncheon at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza.

The event is a collaborative effort of the City of Lakewood, the Pan American Association and the members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood. The luncheon celebrates the beginning of Pan American Festival events including a poetry and poster contest and three-day fiesta at Mayfair Park.

Scholarship winners in photo include: Caleb Andrew Gilliam from Petra Christian Academy; Citlalli Gonzalez from Mayfair High School; Alexandro Guerrero and David McQuillin from Lakewood High School; Nicholas Rainier (not shown) and Violet Ranson from Long Beach Poly High School; Margaret Castillo, Taylor Cratty, Sean Gutierrez, Mary McVey and Kaitlin Wood from St. Joseph High School.

Also in photo, from left: Vice Mayor Steve Croft and scholarship chairperson, Mayor Diane DuBois. In photo from right: Council Member Larry Van Nostran and Council Member Todd Rogers. Also pictured are Pan American Association members Joe Arambel, Winnie Heiss, Kathy Clark and Vivian Schultz. (A memorial scholarship is named after her husband, David Schultz.)

ChamberNews Page 6

Chairman’s

Circle

Platinum

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

gold

Gateway Business Bank

silver

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

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

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

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

www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2012

Are you sitting yourself to death?

Member Renewals

Welcome New Members!

57 Years Southern California Edison 27 Years Dr. Goren DDS & Associates 26 Years Coast Water Technologies 25 Years LBS Financial Credit Union 21 Years Good Earth Recycling Center, Inc. 14 Years Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes 12 Years Foggia Italian Market & Deli 9 Years Coast Healthcare Management 8 Years Holiday Inn Long BeachAirport 7 Years Immediate Medical Center Little Caesars 5 Years Citslinc International Conrad A. Cox M.D., Inc. 2 Years George’s Greek Cafe

Insurance Solutions for Healthcare Monica Segura 2725 Candlewood St., Ste. A Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 400-0433 Chase Bank Jose Prieto 5059 Lakewood Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 529-6710

Do you sit all day or during a good portion of your day? How you answer that question may be a matter of life and death….literally! Here is why…

According to cancer.org, a new study from the American Cancer Society researchers found that “it’s not just how much physical activity you get, but how much time you spend sitting that can affect your risk of death.

Researchers say time spent sitting was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of physical activity level. They conclude that public health messages should promote both being physically active and reducing time spent sitting.”

This is important because this study suggests it is not only about the physical activity you do, it is also about the time you spend sitting.

Going to the gym or for a run at night does not seem to make up for sitting all day at work. If the results of this study are accurate, people should not only get the proper amounts of exercise, but they should decrease the hours a day they spend sitting. Try getting up periodically and stretching while breathing deeply. This can help you feel energized and increase your chances of healthy longevity.

Dr. Larry Omo, D.C. is a doctor of chiropractic specializing in neck and back pain relief care for 30 years in Lakewood. His office is located at 5220 Clark Ave. #210 and he can be reached at 562-867-0993.

Lakewood business celebrates their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Lakewood Modern Dentistry located at 5507 Woodruff Avenue in Lakewood, recently celebrated their Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Their staff, friends, and family joined in the festivities. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Advertise in the award winning Lakewood Community News Call Jodee at (562) 5319733 or email: advertise@lakewoodc hamber.com

www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2012

How to say no to stress

Stress affects people in many different ways. It often creeps up when we feel overwhelmed or feel pressured to accomplish something in a short amount of time.

Stress triggers an alarm in the brain, telling our bodies that something is wrong. The fight or flight response calls in the nervous system to respond and hormones to be released, jolting the body into action. Muscles become tense, breathing increases, and pulse quickens.

Heightening the senses during a crisis is essential to survival. This is a natural and important biological response. The body is designed for short bursts of activity in response to stress or danger, but the ongoing nature of daily stress often means that the system is left on to respond.

Recognize that you can learn how to lead a less stressful life. Recognize too, that when you alleviate the stress, it can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Stress signals Stress reactions vary from person to person, and can involve mental,

News

Community

physical or behavioral changes.

Headaches and fatigue are common signals that the body is over-worked.

While you may have a mild headache due to stress, another person’s headache may be so uncomfortable they have difficulty concentrating.

A stress-related headache may also mean you have tight muscles or have difficulty sleeping.

Some people experience a combination of stress signals making it difficult to work and turn off stressful thoughts in their brain while they sleep.

Change the choices you make Did you realize the choices you make could lead to more or less stress? Try to pinpoint what you’re anxious about. Are you feeling stressed because you don’t have time to finish a project before its deadline?

Are you worried that a friend may have misinterpreted something you said? Or maybe everything you think about seems to have a worry attached?

Now is the time to use your brainpower to tackle these types

of stressors. Try adjusting your thinking by asking yourself if your worries are small, medium or big problems. How upset do you want to get over it and for how long?

Look at the possibilities around you, not the restrictions.

Nutrition and exercise also play a big part in reducing stress. Most people are exposed to sweets, particularly when they visit friends.

Eating too many sweets adds to feeling stressed and run down.

Instead, try eating simple foods.

Reprogram your thinking so that you enjoy the people around you instead of the food.

Learn to say no when something becomes too difficult to fit in your schedule or accomplish during a short period of time. Listen to your inner voice. If something feels stressful and it keeps replaying as stress in your head, give yourself permission to say no. If you do this more often, you’ll enjoy a less stressful life.

Mark Underwood is a neuroscience researcher, president and co-founder of Quincy Bioscience, a biotech company located in Madison, Wisconsin.

For more information visit www.

TheGoodNewsAboutAging.com.

Page 7

News

Community Page 8

Sheriffs kick off day and night ‘Click It or Ticket’ enforcement

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind drivers that seat belts are the most effective piece of life saving equipment on their car. The agency is joining

with other state and local law enforcement officers for the 2012 start-of-summer “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement mobilization.

Their goal is to raise awareness and save lives by cracking down on those who don’t buckle up. They’ll be strongly enforcing seat belt laws around the clock. Total costs of a first time ticket are at least $142.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010 nationally, 61 percent of the 10,647 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle traffic

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

crashes overnight were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, compared to 42 percent during the daytime hours. NHTSA statistics show that in 2010 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide.

“Too many drivers and passengers on the road at night are not wearing their seat belts, and it all too often ends in tragedy,” said Shaun J. Mathers, Captain of the Risk Management Bureau’s Traffic Services Detail. “Our goal is to save more lives, so the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be

out enforcing seat belt laws around the clock.”

Yet, too many motorists may need a tough reminder. In 2010, 22,187 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA, and 51 percent of them were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes.

Younger motorists and men are particularly at risk. Data shows that among teen and young adult passenger vehicle occupants in 2010, ages 18-34, who were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes, 62 percent were not buckled up at the time of the crash – the highest percentage of any age group. The number jumps to 66 percent when just men in this age group are included.

Tell us what you would like to read in the

Email your ideas to: news@lakewoodchamber. com, or mail it to: PO Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

“City Spotlight” (Cont’d. Page 2)

10:00 am

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

lessons, lap swimming and water aerobics (shallow- and deep-water styles).

Camps for sports Boys and girls looking for sports activities have several day camp options. Traditional and special topic camps – skate boarding, scooter camp, tennis, volleyball, and basketball – are offered throughout the summer.

Sports Camp for ages 8 through 13 offers 10 weekly sessions Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm beginning Monday, June 25. Each week is highlighted by swim sessions on two camp days and a sports themed excursion.

Sports Camp instructors offer skill building in baseball, basketball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee and flag football at Mayfair Park.

Basketball Camp for youngsters 7 though 13 years of age provides in-depth training from experienced coaches.

Basketball Camp is offered at the Mayfair High School gym. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for dates and details.

Gym nights for adults The gym at Mayfair High School will be busy throughout the summer with a variety of classes and activities.

Adult Indoor Soccer offers fastpaced play when lighted fields are otherwise unavailable. Free indoor soccer nights are Mondays from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Adult Volleyball free play arranges matches at all skill levels on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Teen Night offers volleyball or dodge ball on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Volunteer Day thank you The City of Lakewood would like to thank everyone who worked during Lakewood Volunteer Day in April. Over 600 volunteers weeded, painted, trimmed and spruced up 25 project sites.

Volunteers included community groups and organizations, church members, employees from businesses, scouting groups, school clubs, sports teams, teen groups and individuals.

The volunteers were treated to a barbecue lunch, provided by a variety of sponsors, at the Lakewood Youth Center following a morning of hard work.

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

Shop Lakewood Page 9

Shop Lakewood Page 10

Lakewood’s 3-for-3 as a ‘Playful City USA’

Lakewood wins Playful City USA award for third year in a row.

In recognition of Lakewood’s high quality playgrounds, parks and recreation services, the city has won a prestigious “Playful

City USA” designation for 2012-the third year in a row Lakewood has been honored. The award is provided by KaBoom!, a

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

Washington, D.C.-based non-profit group that promotes children’s recreation and the creation of more places for children to play.

Lakewood’s Playful City USA strengths included: • The city’s 20 parks, play areas and recreation facilities • Family Play Day, to be held Saturday, August 11 at four Lakewood parks, that is filled with activities to get family members playing outdoors • Lakewood’s commitment to maintaining and improving its parks, such as the new “inclusive” playground for children of all physical abilities that opened at Mayfair Park last February and the new tot-lot play area to be installed at Bloomfield Park later this year • After-school programs run by the city at eight parks • 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 • Dedication to safety that includes daily safety inspections of all play equipment

“We’re very proud in Lakewood of our wonderful parks and recreational opportunities,” said Mayor Diane DuBois. “It’s an honor to be recognized by KaBoom! for our city’s efforts to provide top quality play opportunities for children.”

Children today, according to KaBoom!, spend less time playing outside than any previous generation, in part because only 20 percent of kids live within walking distance of a park or playground.

The resulting “play deficit,” is having profound consequences for kids physically, socially and academically. One of the goals of KaBoom! is to reverse the play deficit.

KaBoom! cites findings from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the importance of play to healthy brain development.

Play allows children to use their creativity while simultaneously developing imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength.

For fun ideas on increasing the amount of play for your children and your family, visit www.kaboom.org or Lakewood’s recreation webpage at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation. You can also call Lakewood recreation staff during business hours at 562866-9771, extension 2408.

“Some of the most innovative concepts and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities,” says Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM! and author of The New York Times Best Seller KaBOOM!: How One Man Built a Movement to Save Play. “Cities like Lakewood are key allies in the fight to combat the play deficit and serve as outstanding role models for government and community leaders across the country.”

In this year’s selection, KaBoom! gave Playful City USA designations to 213 cities and towns across the country. Lakewood was one of only 24 California cities to win the honor, and one of only eight winning cities in Los Angeles County.

“Lakewood-Fireworks” (Cont’d. from Page 1)

event so special,” said Lakewood Community Services Manager Valarie Frost, who coordinates the Block Party.

“And we really appreciate the discount card Lakewood Center will offer. It can be picked up at the mall’s guest services office and used at any of the stores and restaurants in Lakewood Center just that day.”

Local restaurants also play a key role. Each year, over a dozen eateries line Clark Avenue and showcase their food. The sales proceeds benefit Lakewood’s two library branches.

“We get involvement from our biggest popular chains to favorite, local mom-andpop eateries,” said Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce president John Kelsall.

“It’s another terrific example of why it matters to ‘Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal.’ Lakewood’s businesses are giving back and proving they are an integral part of our community. The Chamber wants to remind everyone how important it is to Shop Lakewood as much as they can, including at the Block Party!”

Bow Wow and Meow days are back

Convenient pet licensing and care for Lakewood pets returns this year with a pair of Bow Wow and Meow Day events. They’re coming Wednesday, June 20 from 6pm to 8pm and Saturday, July 21, from 2pm to 5pm.

The events will be held on the northeast corner lot at Clark Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard near the Lakewood Civic Center.

These are easy one-stop events for pet licensing, vaccinations at a discount, and micro chipping.

Click www.lakewoodcity.org/ pets for more information. Flea control products and information regarding low-cost spaying/ neutering and health care for dogs and cats will be available.

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 $8 each ($6 rabies vaccination cost and $2 medical waste fee). Dogs that have current licenses may purchase a dog license from License Inspectors at the clinic.

Living

Green www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2012

Dear Earth Talk: I’ve heard that many air fresheners contain toxic chemicals. Are there any green-friendly, non-toxic air fresheners out there, or how can I make my own? -- Jenny Rae though, are dispersants known as

It is true that some air fresheners on the market today make use of harsh chemicals to eliminate or overpower odors.

“Many air fresheners contain nerve-deadening chemicals that coat your nasal passages and temporarily block your sense of smell,” reports National Geographic’s The Green Guide.

Some of the most offensive ingredients—volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde—can cause headaches and nausea and aggravate asthma, and have been linked to neurological damage and cancer.

Perhaps even more worrisome,

phthalates that cause hormonal and reproductive issues, birth defects and developmental disorders. A 2007 review by the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that 12 out of 14 widely available air fresheners contained phthalates. Some of the air fresheners that tested positive for phthalates were labeled as “all-natural” or “unscented.”

Two of the worst offenders analyzed by NRDC were sold at Walgreens stores under that company’s own generic label.

As a result, Walgreens removed the products from its shelves, and the manufacturer that made them reformulated their product line without phthalates.

Given such problems with air fresheners, many of us are looking for non-toxic alternatives. Of course, first and foremost would be opening a window or two, as nothing beats good old fresh air for shooing away offensive odors. But sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate for leaving windows and doors open. The website greenhome.com suggests filling a small spray bottle with a mixture of four teaspoons baking soda and four cups of water and

Save money with lawn mower exchange

Lakewood residents can register to trade in their gas-powered, polluting lawn mower for a new cordless and rechargeable electric mower at a significant price break. An exchange event at nearby Veterans Stadium is set for Saturday, June 23.

The mower swapping program is conducted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).

This is a high-demand program and registration should be done promptly.

Go to the AQMD’s mower program web page at www.aqmd.gov.

The new electric mowers cost in the hundreds of dollars and the trade-in program can save residents approximately three quarters on the retail price. Signups for the AQMD mower exchange program are ongoing and Lakewood residents can register to trade in their polluting, gas-powered lawn mower for a new cordless, rechargeable mower at a significant price break. Once registered, they can RSVP to attend one of several trade-in events to be scheduled this summer.

Upcoming schedule of events are listed below. You must register to attend. Register now at www.aqmd. gov.

then spraying the solution in a fine mist to neutralize odors.

Similarly, The Green Guide suggests mixing a few drops of an organic essential oil (lemon, orange and lavender are popular choices) with distilled or purified water and spraying with a mister.

Another all-natural way to get rid of nasty smells is by wrapping cloves and cinnamon in cheesecloth and boiling them in water. Yet another consists of leaving herbal bouquets standing in open dishes where the fragrance can dissipate throughout a room.

And don’t underestimate the aircleansing power of houseplants, which can improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins out of the air. Mother Nature Network reports that aloe vera plants can filter benzene and formaldehyde out of the air, that spider plants are known for their ability to take xylene and carbon monoxide out of the indoor environment, and that gerber daisies excel at removing the trichloroethylene that may come home with your dry cleaning.

$

Page 11

Call and ask about the ”Summer Ad Savings Deal”

$

(562) 531-9733 or email: advertise@lakewoodchamber.com

News

Community Page 12

“Block Party”

(Cont’d. from Page 1)

no food will be served after 9pm.

For event attendee age 21 and over, beer, wine and specialty drinks will be sold at the Beverage Garden located on the Maple Room patio of The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. An array of finger foods can also be purchased.

From 5pm to 9pm, the Civic Center plaza will rock to the uptempo live performance of The

MVPs. Concert seating will be on Clark Avenue in front of the City Hall driveway. It’s festival seating, so bring a lawn chair or blanket.

The evening comes to a close with a professional fireworks show starting at 9:15pm. This is a safe and legal way to enjoy a spectacular fireworks presentation in Lakewood.

The block party will stretch from the Civic Center parking lot (at Hardwick Street) southbound along Clark Avenue to Del Amo Boulevard. Clark Avenue will be closed from Candlewood to Del Amo Boulevard before the start of the Civic Center Block Party.

To park, use Civic Center Way to access a free lot behind city hall and The Centre at Sycamore Plaza.

Taste of Lakewood restaurant showcase includes:

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org Albertsons Bakkers Cookies Baskin Robbins Black Angus Steakhouse COSTCO Wholesale Mimi’s Café Mr. B’s Kettle Corn FOLL Orchid Moon Events Outback Steakhouse Panera Bread Pick Up Stix The Loft Hawaiian Restaurant Weinerschnitzel Wingstop

Reach NEW Residents of Lakewood by participating in the “Welcome to Lakewood” mailing: Flyers are due to the Chamber office by:

Thursday, June 21st

Call (562) 5319733 for more info.

Lakewood teen proudly displays his photography

Lakewood teen, Michael Mieir, has his photography work on display at a Hermosa Beach coffee house.

Lakewood resident, Michael Mieir, has been an avid and attentive student of photography for over a year.

Being a diligent student and having a natural eye for his work has paid off. Recently

one of his photos was on display at an upscale Hermosa Beach coffee house.

Michael Mieir stated that he really enjoys photography.

He continued by saying, “It’s enjoyable and relaxing, and capturing a photo, something you see in that moment, it is kind of exciting too. Sometimes you see something from your perspective, which you can show to other people, maybe in a way they had not noticed or seen before.”

Michael is continuing to learn how to express different things in his photography techniques.

He says, “This, I feel, isn’t my best work, but I was very honored to have others want to display the photo and I’d like to pursue photography as a career.”

Safety Expo & LYS opening day help kick off summer

Family fun at Mayfair Park is set for Saturday, June 23rd, starting at 10am.

Summer fun and safety are the focus of two free events on Saturday, June 23 at Mayfair Park, located at Clark Avenue and South Street. Opening day ceremonies for

Lakewood Youth Sports and the annual Lakewood Public Safety and Bike Safety Expo will be held together. They include fun activities for the whole family.

LYS opening day ceremonies start at 10am at the Mayfair Park softball field. At 10:30am, players are free to enjoy a range of carnival games and activities including bouncers, a DJ and a rock-climbing wall.

The annual Lakewood Public Safety and Bike Expo also starts at 10:30am with the return of the famous BMX stunt bike team who will demonstrate trick stunt bike moves and high-flying maneuvers with a show at 11:15am and again at 1pm.

Sheriff’s units, the Sky Knight helicopter and units from the Los Angeles County Fire Department will return with displays and handson exhibits.

Parents can talk with representatives from Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention teams to learn about home and auto security, disaster preparedness and volunteer opportunities in crime prevention.

Safety officers and civilian volunteers will show off the city’s resources for disaster preparedness and fire protection.

News

Community

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

Fridays are Health Fair for seniors shouldn’t be missed Senior Health Lunch is available for those • Spinal and scoliosis fantastic this FairLakewood’s will be held Friday, June 60+ and will be provided by screenings 8, from 10am to noon at the Human Services Association • Glucose and blood pressure summer!

Weingart Senior Center at at the usual donation of $2.25. testing 5220 Oliva Avenue (just south of Candlewood Street and west of Lakewood Boulevard).

Health related information and free screenings will be available throughout the morning. The event is free and open to the public. Call the senior center at 562-630-6141 for additional information.

On most Fridays throughout the summer the City of Lakewood will offer a free or extremely affordable program geared towards family fun. Eleven unique programs are planned for families of all sizes and ages between June 22 and August 24.

This is the program’s second year. Events start on June 22, at 7pm with a free Movie Night Under the Stars event at Monte Verde Park, featuring the movie “Despicable Me.” Families looking to save money and have fun can do so right here in Lakewood.

Registration is required for most - but not for all - of the Finally it’s Friday programs. For more information, or to register, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or visit www. lakewoodcity.org/finallyitsfriday.

Schedule: • June 22 at 7pm - Movie Night Under the Stars event at Monte Verde Park - FREE • July 6 at 6pm - Family Game Night at the Lakewood Youth Center - FREE • July 13 at 6:30pm - FUN-Tastic Family Night at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, featuring ventriloquist Joe Gandelman $8 per person; $5 for children 3 and under (cost includes a light dinner) • July 13 at 7pm - Family Swim Night at McCormick Pool - $3 per person (Lakewood residents only) • July 20 at 7pm - Movie Night Under the Stars at Monte Verde Park, featuring “Toy Story 3” FREE • July 27 at 11am - Summer Splash Event at San Martin Park for ages 8 to 13- FREE • July 27 at 7pm - Shakespeare by the Sea performance at Monte Verde Park, featuring “Romeo and Juliet” - FREE • August 3 at 7pm - Family Swim Night at McCormick Pool - $3 per person (Lakewood residents only) • August 10 at 6pm - Parents Night Out, Kids Night In at the Lakewood Youth Center - $5 per person • August 17 at 2pm - Summer Ice Festival at Mae Boyar Park, for ages 8 to 13 - FREE • August 24 at 6:30pm - FUNTastic Family Night at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, featuring pantomimes The Chameleons - $8 per person; $5 children for children 3 and under (cost includes a light dinner.)

Those under the age of 60 are welcome to eat at a cost of $4.50. For a lunch reservation, call 562-630-6210 after June 4.

A variety of health screenings are typically offered: • Hearing tests • Balance Testing

• Cholesterol Screening • Massage therapy • Body fat analysis • Trigger point and muscular health

Page 13

News

Community Page 14

Choose safety over the sun this summer

Once the warm summer sun starts shining, one of the first things on most people’s minds, especially women are, “I need a tan.” Many women think that if they apply sunscreen, they are getting a safe tan. But the truth

is, there is no such thing as a safe tan. Everyone should make staying safe in the sun a priority and incorporate sun protection measures into their daily life.

It’s very sobering that one in five people will develop

June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Skin cancer is a lifestyle disease, affecting young women, older men and everyone in between. But there is good news: because skin cancer is chiefly a lifestyle disease, it is also highly preventable.

Sunscreen is the first line of defense against the sun’s rays.

Use a broad spectrum (UVA/ UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.

Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

In addition to using sunscreen, here are some other tips to protect you and your family from the sun: • Seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun is strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the “shadow rule.” If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s harmful UV radiation is stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense.

• Do not burn. A person’s risk for

melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any point in life.

• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer in humans, and the more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk. Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11 percent, and their risk for the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, by 15 percent.

• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven and bright-or dark-colored fabrics, which offer the best defense.

• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens may be used on babies over the age of six months, but they should also be protected by shade and clothing. Children are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation— just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life.

• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. While self-exams shouldn’t replace the important annual skin exam performed by a physician, they offer the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of skin cancer.

If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately.

• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

There are still some people who will lie out in the sun for hours “trying” to get a tan and harming their skin. For those who want to look like you’ve spent hours in the sun without the harmful rays, there is a wide variety of self tanning lotions on the market today, and no one will know the difference but your skin.

Nominate a Lakewood Beautiful home

The deadline is approaching to nominate a neighbor’s home (or your own) for the Lakewood Beautiful Home Awards Program. The program honors Lakewood homes that reflect a special “pride of ownership” in property upkeep, landscaping and overall general appearance.

Nominations can be made by June 29 by leaving a message 24 hours a day at the Lakewood Community Relations Office message line at 562-866-9771, extension 2160, or online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ beautifulhome. If you don’t know the name of the neighbor, that’s OK. Just provide the address and city staff will take care of the rest.

Everyone in a neighborhood benefits from homeowners who do a great job of enhancing their homes. Award-winning homes come from every area of the city.

News

Community June 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

It’s time to move out...

By Carrie Stein

After writing an article on childhood obesity I thought it would be only natural to discuss the importance of movement in our lives. What I thought would be an article on physical movement changed course and took on a life of it’s own. One still based on movement, or should I say moving out! Yes, that’s right, it’s almost time for your high school seniors to move on to college, and out of your home.

The moment a child is born it is a parents job to teach that child how to survive on its own; How to become an important member of society, how to give back to their community, learn from their mistakes (and there will be many) and know they will always be loved unconditionally.

At first it’s a breeze. Babies look at us with admiration, they are ecstatic to see us and distressed when we are out of sight. They trust us and depend on us. As they become toddlers parents are still perceived as the center of their universe and visa versa. Moms and dads are super humans, smart, funny and the most beautiful or handsome. Toddlers trust their parent’s guidance and relish in their comfort.

As the toddler continues to grow they become self-reliant and are ready to move on to more challenging experiences like kindergarten. But alas, the child still seeks the parent’s approval, praise and encouragement.

Children of this age like to help with chores, and still love to be with their parents more than anything.

At this time parents teach their children the fundamentals about dressing, feeding and washing themselves. Parents begin to teach about diversity, tolerance and respect. And still the two parties involved are each “loved to the moon and back.”

As the child becomes older things slowly shift. By age 10, their friends become the center of their universe; all of the sudden parents are perceived as stupid, (gasp) at least some of the time.

They however, would love to challenge you to a board game to show off their intellectual strategies!

Before you know it the teen years are upon you and you can hardly recognize your child.

They begin to test your rules and authority. They stay in their room with the door closed for hours.

When watching television, they won’t even sit next to you on the couch. But they’ll still allow you to do their laundry, make their meals, their beds, and clean their dishes. They are screaming for independence and you must give it. Encourage them to do their own chores. After all it is your job

as their parent to make sure they can leave the nest.

Some parent’s think they will dread the day when their teen moves out. This may be true at first, but I am here to tell you the feeling doesn’t last long! The last year of high school is filled with pushes and pulls. In minutes you can go from being friends to enemies. Their rooms no longer resemble childhood. Posters of musicians and movie stars hang from their walls, clothes are scattered on the floor, dirty dishes sit on their dresser, and empty water bottles, and soda cans decorate their bookshelves.

When asked about their grades they respond, “I got it.” They take lots of naps especially when they should be doing homework. You can usually find them talking on the phone, texting or on Facebook.

They change their clothes as often as they change their moods and they make it clear that you don’t know anything. What’s happening is they are preparing you for their departure.

In September, after you have them settled in to their college dorms, you will say good-bye. At first you may feel sad and even cry, but don’t worry this will pass. Pat yourself on the back, job well done. Your baby is all grown up, and now you have a new best friend.

Teen Volunteering event offers options

Teen volunteers make a difference at the annual Volunteer Day. The Lakewood Youth Center is hosting a Teen Volunteering workshop on Friday, June 1, from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. In today’s tight employment market, volunteering is a great way for youth to explore career areas and build their resumes, references and connections for future jobs.

“Volunteer work can be as demanding as paid employment, and it gives teens a chance to establish networking contacts, build a responsible career-like work history and develop skills that employers value,” says

Lakewood’s Teen Volunteer Coordinator Chuck Martucci.

“Another plus is that volunteering can open the door to future

Page 15

opportunities and offer training that teens may not be able to get in the fast-paced environment of some paid jobs.”

The Teen Volunteering event will introduce teens to the many different opportunities to volunteer in Lakewood, including park and human service programs, Special Olympics, assisting seniors, community and civic groups, and the award-winning “Teens in Lakewood Care” program, which provides exterior home maintenance help to Lakewood residents who are physically unable to do the work themselves.

For more information, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteer or call the youth center at 562429-7472 or city staff at 562-8669771, extension 2408.

News

Community Page 16

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Veterinarian proposes law recognizing pets’ true value

A veterinarian is asking anyone who will listen – legislators, judges, and fellow pet owners – if the loss of a pet is akin to the loss of furniture, a computer or a car.

Kenneth Newman, a 33-year

veterinarian, has proposed a law that answers his question. Gracie’s Law recognizes the emotional bond between pet and owner by entitling the owner of a pet killed through an act of malice or negligence to

$25,000 in damages.

“It’s time we change the laws to more accurately reflect what pets mean to the average American,” says Newman.

Gracie’s Law would not supersede current laws, he says, which entitle owners to the property value of their pet. And it would not replace criminal prosecution for acts of malice. And owners who decline a recommended veterinarian procedure to save a pet would not be held accountable under the law, he says.

Newman’s dog, Gracie, was killed in April 2008 when a negligent driver backed up 25 yards without looking, crushing Newman and Gracie between two vehicles.

The vet escaped with a broken leg; Gracie saved his life, he says.

In every state, he says, laws view pets as property. Owners are entitled to no more than replacement value;

June 2012 no law takes into consideration the loss of companionship, grief, or pain and suffering.

Newman says that doesn’t jibe with Americans’ attitude toward their pets. According to an American Animal Hospital Association survey, 90 percent of owners consider their animal’s part of the family. Other findings: • 52% of Americans would rather be stranded on a deserted island with their pet than with another person.

• 83% call themselves “Mommy” or “Daddy” in reference to their pet.

• 59% celebrate their pet’s birthday.

Cases involving pet owners’ bonds are increasingly showing up in the courts, Newman points out: • Matrimonial law: Attorneys have experienced a 23% increase in pet cases, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

This includes custody battles over pets, veterinarian bills and visitation rights. Harvard now has a course dedicated to pet law.

• The North Carolina Court of Appeals: While the plaintiff’s

wrongful death lawsuit was denied, animal activists applaud a judge’s willingness to at least hear a case involving a Jack Russell terrier that died while undergoing tube feeding at a state facility.

• Texas justice: On Nov. 3, 2011, Fort Worth’s 2nd Court of Appeals ruled that value can be attached to the love of a dog. That overruled a 120-year-old Texas Supreme Court case, which held that plaintiffs can only recoup the market value of their pets.

• Largest award: In April, a Denver judge awarded Robin Lohre $65,000 for the death of her dog, Ruthie. Lohre had accused Posh Maids cleaning service of negligence for allowing the dog to get outside, where a car hit it.

Newman notes this sets a new precedent for pet value, but that such uncapped awards may threaten affordable veterinary care.

Please feel free to give your feedback regarding this issue, and we will include it in the next issue of the Lakewood Community News.

Local resident rides bikes for awareness

Ben Davidson, a 2010 graduate of Lakewood High School (and Lakewood Hall of Famer for Water Polo), will soon begin a two month journey riding a bicycle from Los Angeles to the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. In June, Ben and another man from the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at CSULB, Cesar Roldan, will ride in Push America’s Journey of Hope. Push America is a nonprofit organization established by Pi Kappa Phi. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the needs of all people with disabilities.

The money raised will be used to support projects that help remove barriers preventing those with disabilities to lead their lives to their fullest. They work along side organizations, such as, Best Buddies, and Ability First.

www.lakewoodchamber.com

June 2012

Show respect when flying the American Flag

Summer isn’t just the season of baseball, barbecues, vacation and fresh produce. It’s also flag season. Three of the country’s most important patriotic holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day - arrive with summer, and across the nation proud Americans will show their patriotism by displaying the American Flag.

The federal law known as the “Flag Code” establishes a guide for handling and displaying the flag. If you’ll be showing your American pride this year by displaying the flag or decorating with bunting, here’s a thumbnail review of the code’s guidelines so you can be confident in all you do: • It’s fine to display the flag ‘round the clock, but you should illuminate it during nighttime hours. If you’re not able to light the flag at night, the code recommends displaying only between sunrise and sunset.

• Hoist it briskly and lower it slowly and ceremoniously.

• Be sure to bring your flag in out of the rain - unless it’s made of an all-weather material, in which case it’s fine to leave it out in inclement weather.

• If you would like to display a flag on your car or truck, affix it to the chassis or clamp it to the right front fender.

• Many people are also proud of their ethnic origins and may choose to display the flag of their heritage along with the American Flag. That’s fine; just be sure that the U.S. flag is displayed higher up, or if the flags are on the same level, the other flag should be placed to the left of the American Flag, never to the right.

• The blue and white stars field - known as “the union” - should always be up: at the top of the flag if it’s on a staff or pole, uppermost and to the observer’s left if the flag is being displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall.

Displaying the flag with the union down is a signal of dire distress and reserved for instances of extreme danger to life or property.

• The flag should be kept from touching the ground, floor, water or anything beneath it.

• When a flag becomes worn and is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for

News

Community

display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. One way to do that is to give the flag to a local VFW for proper disposal.

People love to show their patriotism and pride in a number of ways. In doing so, be sure to display the American Flag in a respectful manner, this is a way people can truly honor their country.

What is a Dad? A dad is someone who wants to catch you before you fall, but instead picks you up, brushes you off, and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes, but instead lets you find your own way... even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you, even when you fail...

Page 17

Response to the story “Lakewood resident gets too close for comfort with a hawk”

Dear Newspaper, While my husband and I were reading your May 2012 issue the other morning over breakfast, I began to read the article titled “Lakewood resident gets to close for comfort with a hawk.” That is when my husband said “why don’t you send in the picture of the hawk we have.”

I know the photo looks like a plastic bird, but it’s not. This was taken on a Sunday morning; my husband was looking out of our kitchen window. He said, “Run, get the camera,” which I did. He was able to get this great picture of this hawk perched right there in front of our garage.

Who knew there were hawks in Lakewood?

Sincerely, Leonard and Michelle Cerulle

Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff www.lakewoodchamber.com

Page 18

Around Town in June Lakewood • Ready to advance your foreign language skills this summer? Portal languagesLakewood is offering Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese classes for 5-12 yearolds, College Prep Spanish for 8 th to 12 th graders. For more information call (562) 8333115 or email Amyberger@ ca.rr.com.

• You are invited and encouraged to visit your local chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), where the first meeting is always free. They are a non-profit weight loss organization and the dues are very affordable.

They meet from 6 – 7:30pm every Thursday at Mae Boyar Park, 6701 Del Amo Blvd., Lakewood. For more information, contact Fayon at (562) 484-8975.

• The Law Offices of Gaylord & Nantais will speak on “Work Related Hearing Loss” to the Long Beach/Lakewood Chapter of

Hearing Loss Association at 7pm on Thursday, June 14, at the Weingart Center, 5220 Oliva Avenue, Lakewood. He will provide full explanations of possible rights to compensation and medical care including hearing aids.

Cerritos • Rose Hills brings together experts for the 1 st Annual Rose Hills Conference for Seniors & Caregivers. Presentations on topics such as senior housing options, Medicare and Medi-Cal, veteran benefits, etc.

Interactive Expo including community resources; health screenings, tai chi classes and healthy cooking demonstrations.

Saturday, June 16, from 8am – 5pm at the Cerritos Sheraton, 12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. For more information, contact Victoria Portugal at (562) 587-9525 / pr@aras-inc.com.

June 2012

Thanks to our MAY

Sudoku Sponsors - Outback Steakhouse - Foggia’s Italian Market & Deli - Souplantation Congratulations to Greg Scott, Dondria Yost, and Betty Barnes!

They are the lucky winners of the May Sudoku. Out of the 107 correct entries, they won a meal.

Greg Scott, will enjoy Outback Steakhouse, Dondria Yost, Foggia Italian Market and Deli and Betty Barnes will enjoy The Souplantation. What are you waiting for? Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work!

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8 ½ x 11) piece of paper, tape the puzzle cut out from the newspaper with all the answer boxes completed onto the paper.

Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to Sees Candies) The winners are drawn by random, so if you’ve been a previous winner, continue to play, you just might win again.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The winners will be drawn Wednesday the 20th; the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the June issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

7

3 9 7

2 6 5

Sudoku 2 4 8

3 8 5

1

6 5 2

5

7

8

8

7 9 2 5

4

9

Farmers & Merchants Bank helps Lakewood residents with the food drive for Project Shepherd

The 2011 drive gathered 106 boxes of goods for the year-round pantry, helping hundreds of Lakewood residents in need.

A special drop-off event supporting Lakewood Project Shepherd is set for Saturday, June 9 from 10am to 2pm at Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M) at 5101 Lakewood Boulevard, at the Hardwick Street intersection across from Lakewood Center.

Donors who contribute a bag of groceries (five items or more) will receive a free reusable tote bag. The first 40 donors will also receive a free order of tacos from Super Mex restaurant, which will

be on hand selling tacos with the proceeds going to benefit Project Shepherd.

This is F&M’s third annual event capping a month-long food and non-perishable goods drive supporting Project Shepherd’s year-round food pantry. The bank encourages residents to come out in support of neighbors in need.

F&M Bank has already collected and delivered over 45 boxes of food to Project Shepherd. The donations help Lakewood residents with emergency food needs throughout the year. Assistant Manager, Larry Kirk says, “The mission of Project Shepherd is what being a community is all about, and we are happy to lend our support in providing much needed assistance to local families.”

Non-perishable food items are needed such as canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruit and soup, cereal and toiletry items such as shampoo, toilet tissue, laundry detergent and dish soap. A complete list can be obtained at the branch.

Project Shepherd chairman, Mike Johnston says, “It’s been a tough year for many families all over the country. California residents have been hit especially hard by the recession. Project Shepherd is organized by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood, but it takes the entire community to make the program successful. And, we are grateful that Farmers & Merchants Bank is holding this food drive again.”

www.lakewoodchamber.com

May 2012

Avoid rude rental car surprises this summer

I’m usually a pretty savvy traveler, but a recent car rental mishap reminded me that even when you take every precaution, things still can go awry.

While planning a family vacation to Panama, I searched online for rental cars. One lower-cost rental car agency I’d never used before offered a significantly lower rate than the others. Ignoring the little voice in my head, I decided to try them.

Long story short: Although our flight was only one hour late, when I arrived bleary-eyed at the counter I was told that my car had already been given away – but I could upgrade to the next level for twice the price. After getting the runaround from the company’s U.S.-based customer service department and learning that everyone else’s rates had climbed equally high, I was basically stuck.

That experience taught me three lessons: A reservation isn’t necessarily a guarantee; when traveling abroad, use trusted vendors – especially if it sounds too good to be true; and do better due diligence by researching travel columnists and message boards for rental tips, possible pitfalls and customer complaints.

Several car rental methods are available: • Book directly from a rental agency (usually cheaper online than by phone).

• Comparison shop at websites like Priceline, Orbitz or Hotwire (although, I’ll now be wary of buying a “blind” rental where you don’t learn the carrier’s name until after you pay).

• As part of a package including airfare and lodging.

I usually open several browser tabs to compare rentals side by side. Rates change constantly, so today’s price may be much lower (or higher) than tomorrow’s.

Other decision-making factors include: • Airport shuttle convenience.

• Fees for exceeding mileage allowances, alternate location return, late returns, or additional drivers.

• Fuel refilling charges – you may do better refilling the car yourself.

Use a website/phone app like GasBuddy to find cheaper gas in the area.

News

Community

• Surcharge for drivers under 25.

• Rental agencies offer their own collision, liability, theft and other insurance coverage. Conventional wisdom says to avoid this route if your own insurance plans – or benefits available from your credit card – provide similar coverage.

However, before automatically rejecting agency coverage, ask your insurance company and credit card issuer whether you are fully covered. Consider factors that may exclude coverage such as: - Certain models are excluded.

- Travel outside specified service areas.

- Whether or not you carry

comprehensive and collision coverage on your own car.

Violating rental agreement terms (reckless driving, unauthorized drivers, etc.).

Before you take possession, thoroughly inspect the car for any pre-existing damage and note it on your contract; otherwise you could receive a hefty bill for someone else’s minor scratches and dents. And, conduct a thorough walkthrough when you return the car.

Bottom line: Don’t gamble your precious vacation on simply finding the cheapest deal.

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Save the Date!

Lakewood Chamber’s

15th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show NAVY JETS FLY-OVER Sunday, August 19th 9am-2pm Mayfair Park

This is a show you won’t want to miss!

Interested Car Owners & Vendors call/ email us at: (562) 531-9733

info@lakewoodchamber.com

Page 19

Relay spirit unites with Olympic spirit to fight cancer

Members of Los Angeles County Fire Station #34 placed special Survivor medallions around the necks of survivors as they finished the first lap of ‘Relay for Life’ of Lakewood.

Page 20

www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2012