LCN March 2017

Lakewood

News

Community

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce | 30,000 Circulation - Delivered to every home in Lakewood

Volume 34 Number 3

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Candidates for March 7 election, make your voice heard

Council Member Steve Croft

March 2017

On your mark, get set, go!

Council Member Diane DuBois

Runners and walkers of all ages are part of the Lakewood Run.

Justin Rodriguez

Council Member Todd Rogers

Connor Russell Gafford

Gregory Slaughter

Lakewood registered voters will choose three members for the city council on Tuesday, March 7th. Six candidates are on the ballot.

The Lakewood City Council consists of five members elected to serve a four-year term. City Council elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of odd-numbered years. These elections are staggered so that either two or three council seats are open in alternate election years.

Each year in March, the City Council reorganizes, selecting one council member to serve as mayor and another as vice mayor.

For assistance with voter registration, please call (800) 815-2666. u

Local Boy Scouts show they care for their community

The Boy Scouts worked hard last year and are excited to share their positive results from 2016: Over 3,600 local Scouts ages 5-21 performed more than 39,000 hours of service back to the community.

They also collected 27,330 pounds of food. Half of the total collected was given to Project Shepherd, roughly 13,000 pounds.

The Lakewood community appreciates the Boy Scouts efforts and looks forward to partnering for an even stronger 2017. u

The Lakewood Run returns the morning of Saturday, March 4, 2017 when Sheriff’s deputies, recreational runners, families and kids will gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to run the event’s 5K/10K course for time, or do the 1K “Fun Run” or a 5K walk.

Lakewood’s tree-lined residential streets provide the backdrop. The flat, “runner friendly” course is “fast” for practiced runners and comfortable for fitness fans and family members. Professional timing will be used.

Early registration closed February 24. Registration is $40 through race day. On the day of

the event, registration begins at 6:30am. The 5K and 10K runs start at 8am. The Fun Run begins at 9:30am.

Register online at www. lakewoodrun.com/registration or download the PDF sign-up form at www.lakewoodrun.com/ registrationform for paying with a check or to sign up a team.

Participants directly support Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach and Lakewood Sheriff’s Station charity efforts in this familyfriendly event, including the Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network, Pathways Volunteer Hospice,

(Cont’d on Pg. 9)

Pan Am now accepting scholarship applications

The Lakewood Pan American Association’s annual scholarship program is now accepting applications. Current high school seniors who live in Lakewood are eligible, regardless of where they go to school. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,500 and are provided to help pay future college or trade school costs. About 12 scholarships are provided each year. (Photo: 2016 Pan Am Association Scholarship Winners.)

Students who have overcome adversity, made significant contributions to their schools and/or community and excelled academically are encouraged to apply.

Applications are also available at www.lakewoodpanam.org and Lakewood City Hall.

Completed applications must be postmarked by Monday, March 13 if mailed, or delivered to Lakewood City Hall, Recreation and Community Services Department by close of business on Friday, March 17. For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. u

LakewoodToday

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My year as Mayor

By Mayor Ron Piazza

It’s been my honor to serve ou as mayor for the past year.

As is the tradition in Lakewood and most cities our size, mayoral duties will now rotate to someone else on our city council for a year of service, and I will continue to be a member of the council.

This was my first time as mayor, and it was busy, impressive and eye-opening in many ways.

As a long-time resident, it was remarkable seeing just how much work our city carries out in a year.

For example, our city completed attractive and fun additions to three of our parks this past year.

Rynerson Park got an innovative, side-by-side adultchild exercise area. Del Valle Park was improved with a wonderful new Airplane Playground. And Bolivar Park got a new tot-lot and bigger-kids playground that includes a 75-foot zip line.

The city also purchased new furniture for the Weingart Senior Center. And a major renovation is about to start on the Burns Community Center, where many senior programs are based.

Lakewood continued to maintain its infrastructure well this past year, too. Projects moved ahead to modernize our water system. Lakewood received the Tree City USA designation for the 31st year in recognition of our work on parkways and trees. And the city continued to maintain its roads in top-notch condition.

Very importantly to all of us as residents, our city provided these services while maintaining a well-deserved reputation for fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets. As mayor, and as a council member now for four years, I appreciate seeing up close the care and attention paid

by Lakewood staff and my fellow residents on the council to the tax funds that our residents entrust to us.

Lakewood is not without its challenges. Our city has a wonderful, small-town feel, but we are still part of a large urban area, and that includes seeing some of the crime issues that impact our broader region spill over here to some degree. That’s not helped by recent state laws releasing so-called “low-level” criminals early from prison and jail.

The Lakewood City Council has devoted a lot of resources to

www.lakewoodchamber.com crime prevention over the past few years, in keeping with our community tradition. And that’s a big reason that Lakewood remains a very safe city.

Our city council made the wise investment in the license-plate reading system called ASAP a few years ago. Just this past year, ASAP led to the arrest of over 50 wanted suspects who were traveling into or through Lakewood.

In 2015 and 2016, our city council invested in two new Sky Knight helicopters with added crime-fighting features that make them an even more-valuable “eye in the sky” protecting Lakewood residents.

And, the city supports one of the largest Neighborhood Watch programs in our region…with 400 block captains. We could always use more, so I encourage every resident to join or create a network on their block. Contact city hall to ask how at 562866-9771 or crimeprevention@ lakewoodcity.org I started off my year as mayor with the goal of shining a light on the residents and business community members in Lakewood who “make a difference” in our city. I think that’s an important role of governmental leaders… to highlight the good things that people do.

I decided to give out a special Lakewood lapel pin that says “I Made A Difference.” The pins may be just a small gift, but they always come with a big thank-you from my city council colleagues and me.

We’ve given out almost 2,000 pins now. We’ve given them to youth groups, volunteer groups, business community people giving back to our city, and lots of individuals nominated by their family or friends. It’s not too late to nominate someone. We’ll do our final presentation of “I Made A Difference” pins on March 28.

Just go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ IMadeADifference or call city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 3123 and give us the details on

March 2017 the person you know who makes a difference in Lakewood.

As you can tell, I think Lakewood is a great place to live.

But I’d love to know what you think. If you have compliments… or questions or concerns…I’d love to hear them. You can email me at citycouncil@lakewoodcity. org, write me at Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712, or call me at 562-8669771, extension 2103.

It’s been a privilege to serve you as mayor for this past year.

I look forward to continuing to work for you as a council member, and to working with our next mayor to keep our city a great place to live. Thank you very much Lakewood! u

C i t y Spotlight Mother/Son Mayhem Are you the next American Ninja Warrior? Ninjas ages 5 years and older: invite your mothers, grandmothers, aunts or other special ladies who are ready to compete in a team-oriented American Ninja Warrior themed event at Monte Verde Park, 4626 N. Shadeway Rd., on Saturday, April 1 from 5pm to 8pm. The event will feature a delicious dinner, plenty of fun and cool prizes.

A ninja and junior ninja will be crowned and all guests will receive a keepsake Mother/Son photo. Registration is $15 per person. But registration will not be taken at the door. Visit www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation to register in advance using class #6520.

Daddy/Daughter Date Night The annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night is Friday, March 24 from 6pm to 9pm at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Avenue. This year’s theme is “Roaring 20’s.” Dads and daughters age five and above will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by dancing to a popular D.J. There will be exciting

contests throughout the evening, including the crowning of the king and princess. All guests will receive a keepsake daddy/ daughter photo. Registration is $25 per person and it fills quickly. For more information or to sign up, contact 562-8669771, extension 2408 or www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation using class #6521.

FUN-Tastic Family Night Featuring Rudy’s Radical Science Join Mr. Chemistry at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave., on Friday, March 31 from 6:30pm to 8pm.

This informative, educational and entertaining program will demonstrate how everyday kitchen chemicals can create magical chemical reactions and teach participants how science is all around us! The cost of the show is $8 per person, $5 for children age one to three years old (children under one are free) and includes a meal of penne pasta, meatballs, breadsticks, lemonade and a dessert. Doors open at 5:45pm and seating is on a first-come basis. Go to www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation to register and use class #5890.

The last day to register is March 28 or until filled. Call 562-8669771, extension 2408 for more information.

Ramona Pageant Trip On Saturday, May 6, travel to the longest-running outdoor play in the United States, The Ramona Pageant. This spectacular show is an annual event and a must-see at least once. The famed Ramona Pageant has been presented each year in the Ramona Bowl, a gorgeous amphitheater in the rugged hills of San Jacinto.

It is a romantic, poignant love story of Ramona and her Indian hero and paramour, Alessandro, performed by a cast of more than 300 actors, singers, dancers and horsemen made up of local residents and amateur and professional actors. Bring a picnic lunch or dine at one of the available concession stands (on your own). Bring a seat cushion and a jacket for cooler evening weather.

Arrive at Burns Community Center at 5510 Clark Ave., Lakewood for check-in at 12:15pm. The bus will leave promptly at 12:30pm and will return at 9pm. An adult must accompany children 5 years of age and older (this event is not suitable for children under the age of 5). The cost is $45 per person. Visit www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation to register using e-catalog, class #6236. Last day to register is Monday, April 24 or until filled. u

Your

Minding March 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Business Page 3

&Financial

Business

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Honor your veteran with a brick at Veterans Memorial Plaza

Lakewood residents and others who order a commemorative brick in honor of military service members by March 31 will have

it installed at the Del Valle Park Veterans Memorial Plaza in time for this year’s Memorial Day ceremony.

“This is a unique opportunity to be part of a lasting legacy in our community,” said Mayor Ron Piazza. “Lakewood has so many residents who are grateful for our nation’s veterans and for our community.” To date, almost 1,800 commemorative veterans’ bricks have been installed, and there is still room for more.

Bricks engraved with the name of a military veteran or active duty service member can be purchased and placed along the sides of the memorial’s aircraft carrier runway. The bricks cost $100 each, which covers the bricks’ purchase, engraving and installation and assists with the long-term maintenance of the

March 2017 memorial. A replica copy of the brick to take home may also be ordered at the same time at a cost of $75.

The deadline for ordering bricks is March 31, 2017 at 5pm in order to be installed by Memorial Day. Bricks may be purchased after March 31 but may be installed at a later date. Bricks can be purchased by Lakewood residents or anyone wishing to honor veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Bricks can be purchased online through a link at www. lakewoodcity.org/memorialbricks or at Lakewood City Hall. There is also an order form on that page that can be printed out for those wishing to pay by check. With questions or to request an order form by mail, please contact Lakewood city staff at service1@ lakewoodcity.org or 562-8669771, extension 2140.

The city has also set up a website, www.lakewoodveterans. org, where families may complete

a form and submit a photo of their veteran with a Lakewood connection (brick purchase not required). A web page is created from the information submitted to share the stories of these veterans for years to come. u

Women in Business Council

March Meeting

“The Importance of a Will and Trust” March 8th 11:30am to 1:00pm Frantone’s Restaurant 10808 Alondra Blvd, Cerritos, 90706 $20 Cash @ the Door (for lunch & speaker) RSVP by calling:

(562) 531-9733

March 2017

Giving used Lakewood play equipment “a second life”

A previous used Lakewood playground installed at an orphanage in Uganda.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood are teaming up on an effort to refurbish, transport and install the old city playground equipment recently removed from Bolivar Park into a new home in an impoverished community of Matapalo, Costa Rica.

The effort will cost about $20,000 in volunteer donations.

Fundraising will take place over the next few months, with the installation hopefully taking place this summer in Costa Rica.

The older play equipment was removed from Bolivar Park in 2016 when the city installed two new playgrounds at the park.

There’s no market in the U.S. for used playground equipment.

Some parts can be recycled, others are just treated as trash and sent to a landfill. That’s a shame when the playground equipment may be old but is still very useable.

Well, there’s a non-profit group called Kids Around The World that refurbishes old American playground equipment, and then transports and installs it in impoverished communities around the world. This gives kids in those poorer communities the chance to play and expand their imaginations on colorful and still useable play equipment…usually the first playground they’ve ever experienced.

The Rotary Club is taking the lead in Lakewood in this worthwhile endeavor to bring smiles, laughter and creative play to the kids of an economically disadvantaged community in another part of the world. The City of Lakewood has donated the used Bolivar play equipment to the cause and is providing other support.

Much of the effort will be carried out by volunteers, but the Rotary Club and Kids Around The World need to raise $20,000 to pay for the professional refurbishment, transportation and installation of the Bolivar play equipment.

Please consider any help you can provide. You can make a tax-deductible donation online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ DonateRotary or by mailing a check made out to “Rotary Club of Lakewood” to:

News

Community

Rotary Club c/o Lakewood City Hall 5050 Clark Ave. Lakewood, CA 90712 Feel free to call Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2402 with any questions. u

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Wherever you are...be there!

Have you ever been working out, in the middle of jumping jacks, thinking about lunch?

Maybe you’ve been in the office typing up quotes, or processing invoices, but thinking about Ryan Gosling’s hands gliding across the keyboard?

What’s going on? The answer: You’d rather be somewhere else doing the—Fun Stuff!

Here’s the thing, though, Life isn’t just made up of the “fun stuff.” No, it’s the fun stuff, plus everything in-between, including all the horrible, nasty, and inconvenient things that happen to us.

We have to be where we are!

All of us—at work, with our kids, our parents, our workouts, etc., dealing with whatever is before us. If we’re not, then we risk missing a lot of life. Let’s face it, not all of life is fun. Some parts are downright unpleasant.

We must maintain our focus on the spot in which we’re standing.

Not looking ahead to the more

desirable stuff. Our minds will probably wander; that’s okay.

But let’s bring them back to the task at hand, because in reality, the task at hand is all we really have until the next task comes along. 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.

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Chamber News Page 6

Scam Alert!

While it may seem like a fun idea to take one of the

many Facebook quizzes that pop up on your timeline, be warned, it may be a scam. To take the quiz, you enter your information, including your cell phone number. The surprise isn’t the quiz results; it’s the recurring fee on your cell phone bill you unwittingly signed up for. Just say no to Facebook quizzes! u

“We Serve You In Your Car!" Press Telegram Readers choice award We have the best Pizza/Pastrami/

for Best Lunch Specials in L.B. is almost in Lakewood at 4855 Bellflower Blvd., L.B. (562) 421-7666

Tri-Tip/Spaghetti & Salads in the area!

2 Gallons Milk $5.49/56 oz. • Thrifty Ice Cream $3.99

Pepperoni Pizza Slices only 1.49¢ cents +tax

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Expires 3/31/17

Not Valid With Daily Specials. One Coupon Per Customer.

www.lakewoodchamber.com

March 2017

Learning to take care of the earth is as easy as a walk in the park!

Lakewood’s free Earth Walk event is back with an interactive experience for kids and adults on Saturday, March 11, from 10am to 1pm. The event will be held at rustic Monte Verde Park, the trailhead to over three miles of landscaped walking trails and the San Gabriel River Parkway.

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

Participants will pick up a “Passport to Planet Earth” and get their passport stamped at stations along the trail while learning what they can do to help keep the earth beautiful and protected.

Adults and children are invited to take a nature walk, plant seeds, create nature-themed crafts, make s’mores and learn about recycling. “Woody the Tree”-Lakewood’s “Tree City, U.S.A.” mascot--will be in attendance.

He will help teach visitors about Lakewood’s “urban forest.”

With a completed passport, participants will receive a special Earth Walk gift. This free event is fun and educational for family members of all ages. Activities will move into the park’s S. Mark Taper Lodge or under canopies if there’s rain.

For more information on Earth Walk, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. u

Volunteer Day seeking project sites Lakewood’s Volunteer Day program is looking for project homes for the Saturday, April 22 communitywide cleanup and fix-up event.

You can help over 500 volunteers throughout the city by suggesting Lakewood locations that can use their assistance.

Recipients of Volunteer Day aid can be seniors or persons of any age who, because of a disability or limited means, need some neighborly help to make their Lakewood yard or home exterior a little nicer. Work can include gardening, yard cleanup or minor painting.

The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. If you or someone you know can benefit from a Volunteer Day cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, please submit an application online at www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteerdaysite or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512. u

Earth Walk offers interactive fun and learning for all ages.

Green www.lakewoodchamber.com

March 2017

Living

The ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of Lakewood council member recycling in Lakewood heads up mosquito agency West Nile virus and the dreaded Zika virus are two of the big issues that keep long-time Lakewood resident and council member Steve Croft focused and concerned as the newly appointed president of the board of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.

The vector control district treats and removes mosquito breeding sources and monitors the region for mosquito diseases.

Lakewood and 35 other communities that comprise the district each have one representative on the agency’s board. As a Lakewood City Council Member, Croft has served as Lakewood’s representative since 2012. Croft says he was honored to be elected by his board colleagues to serve as president for 2017—a role he will serve along with being a Lakewood Council Member.

Here are the latest recycling guidelines for what may go in your blue EDCO cart in Lakewood: Items you CAN recycle – but be sure all containers are empty and free of food and liquids: • Milk, soda, juice, soy and other beverage and food cartons. This includes coffee to-go cups (but no straws or plastic drink tops).

• Antifreeze, oil, plant food and herbicide containers.

• Cleaning product and detergent containers, including those that held bleach, soap and drain cleaners.

• All glass bottles and steel cans.

• Any plastic marked with the recycling symbol and the number 1 through 7 or labeled “CA Redemption Value.”

• Mixed paper, including glossy magazines, junk mail and newspapers.

• Flattened cardboard boxes.

• Styrofoam packaging. No packing peanuts. Food service foam needs to be wiped or rinsed clean or it cannot be recycled.

Items you CANNOT recycle: • Plastic grocery bags (including newspaper delivery bags) and plastic stretch film (like Saran Wrap) cannot be recycled.

• Batteries, ceramics, light bulbs, window glass, mirrors, clothing, shoes, PVC pipe and vinyl siding cannot be recycled.

• Food-soiled paper, plates or cups, straws, plastic drink tops, soiled paper towels, tissue, chip/ snack bags and wax paper cannot be recycled.

For more tips on Lakewood’s trash and recycling, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/trash or call 562-866-9771, ext. 2140. u

March 12th

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“The public health aspects of this work are very important,” said Croft, “and I feel a strong responsibility to help our region stay on the cutting-edge in terms of science and protection for our residents.”

“Public education is key,” said Croft. “Mosquitoes only need a week of standing water to breed. So when we have lots of rain like this winter, we all need to be vigilant about emptying outdoor containers that can hold water. As we say at the vector control district, ‘After rain, dump and drain!’”

“I’m very pleased that our vector control district is nationally recognized for its best practices, and that we’re one of the leaders in

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Lakewood Council Member Steve Croft is now the president of the regional mosquito control district.

taking action to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. It’s vital that we stay on top of that.”

For tips on how you can protect yourself and your home from mosquitoes, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/mosquitoes and for more in-depth information, go to www.glacvcd.org. Or call Lakewood city staff at 562-8669771, extension 2140. u

ShopLakewood Page 8

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Shop Lakewood...

Lakewood’s got your back...good time to shred unneeded documents

The City of Lakewood and EDCO Waste Services are teaming up again to help battle identity theft.

On Saturday, April 29 from 9am to noon, “Lakewood Shreds!” returns with free, professional shredding to help deal with the proliferation of sensitive documents that comes with

tax season.

Residents are invited to the Lakewood Civic Center to safely dispose of documents containing personal information like old bank statements and tax records. The free shredding event also has “green” features like a mulch giveaway and e-waste drop off.

The drive-through drop-off location will be behind the Iacoboni Library. (Enter from Civic Center Way from off Del Amo Boulevard or Candlewood Street. The exit for the event will be the driveway to Clark Avenue.)

Lakewood residents can dispose of up to three “bankers”-style boxes of documents, which will be safely

and securely shredded on-site by a professional shredding company. No CDs, DVDs, diskettes or other media can be accepted for shredding.

A number of “green” freebies will be distributed, including an oil recycling kit, and each vehicle that brings material to shred will, in turn, get a free, sturdy Shop Lakewood…

Stay Lakewood Loyal bag, while supplies last.

Household batteries and electronic waste, such as TVs, computers, keyboards, printers and cell phones, will be collected for disposal.

However, hazardous waste will not be accepted.

Residents interested in free mulch can bring their own bags or containers to get up to two 30lb. bags, while supplies last. As a courtesy, Lakewood employees will shovel the mulch.

This event is for Lakewood residents only. Be prepared to show proof of Lakewood residency, either with a driver’s license or utility bill. For more information, please call EDCO at 562-531-3054 or Lakewood City Hall at 562-8669771, ext. 2140.u

March 2017

Shop Lakewood and save at the pump!

California has the 7th highest gas and levies, at $.5659, against a national average of $.4886 (American Petroleum Institute). In order to combat this, local Lakewood Albertsons shoppers can save not only in stores but also at the pump as Albertsons launches a new Gas Rewards program with Chevron and Texaco.

Under the Gas Rewards program, for every 100 Reward Points earned by shopping at Southern California Albertsons and Vons stores, customers receive a 10 centper-gallon Gas Reward redeemable

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

at participating Chevron and Texaco stations. Customers earn Reward Points every time they use their registered phone number while shopping at local Vons and Albertsons stores. See the Reward Points Program Terms and Conditions at Albertsons.com or in stores for complete details. u

March 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

ShopLakewood

Shop Lakewood...

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Tokyo Hibachi is now open and Take advantage of free serving up some tasty cuisine! tax help in Lakewood

Trained volunteers are available at the Weingart Senior Center and other sites in the Lakewood area to assist people of all ages in preparing basic tax returns.

At Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center, appointments are for Mondays and Thursdays through April 17. Reservations are required. Call 562-630-6141 to make an appointment. Volunteers are from the AARP Foundation. The Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue.

Saturday tax assistance is available at sites throughout southeast Los Angeles County through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program is coordinated with state Board of Equalization Chairman Jerome Horton, who represents Lakewood and other communities in the region.

To find a location and register, go to www.boe.ca.gov/members/horton/vita.

Both the AARP and VITA programs are open to anyone, and include help in determining whether a taxpayer can qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Every year, over $2 billion goes unclaimed by taxpayers who are eligible but don’t file for the EITC. When registering at either event, you will learn what schedules and forms you can be helped with. In general, it is basic tax returns. u

Council members Steve Croft and Diane DuBois do a ceremonial first “shrimp toss” to diners on opening day.

One of Lakewood’s longtime favorite restaurants—Tokyo Hibachi—held a grand re-opening on February 8 at its new location, at 5503 Woodruff Avenue, on the west side of Woodruff just south of South Street.

The Japanese teppan grill and sushi bar that was the scene of many a Lakewood birthday and festive gathering has a new modern, open-air look with lots of windows. There’s also an outdoor patio that will open up in warmer weather.

Tokyo Hibachi is open from 11:30am to 2pm for lunch on Tuesday through Friday; 5pm to 9:30pm for dinner on Tuesday through Thursday; 5pm to 10pm for dinner on Friday and Saturday; and 4:30pm to 9:30pm

for dinner on Sunday. They are closed Mondays. To reach the restaurant, call (562) 920-0404.

For more information on

businesses in Lakewood that you can support…and get discounts from…go to www.

ShopLakewood.org. u

Lakewood Fun Run (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

and uncovered expenses for the families of wounded or deceased deputies.

Finisher medals will be awarded to all participants for the 5k/10k. Performance tech shirts, a new highlight of the race, will be given to all runners. Ronald McDonald will entertain children and count down the start of the Fun Run. There will also be a fitness expo, displays of public safety equipment and programs, and special giveaways from local businesses.

To inquire about group rate entries or get more event information, email info@ lakewoodrun.com. u

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

News

Community Page 10

Visit China

Join the Lakewood Chamber for an adventure of a lifetime! October 11-19, 2017 • 9-day Package Rate for only $2,199* • Call for info: 562-531-9733

(Double Occupancy Rate - Single Occupancy add’l. $500)

www.lakewoodchamber.com

March 2017

Put the brakes on car crime... don’t be a victim!

No community, including Lakewood, is immune to crimes of opportunity such as vehicle burglaries.

Eliminating the opportunity is the best defense against these types of crimes.

Here are some tips you can use to protect yourself, courtesy of Lakewood’s crime prevention office.

• Don’t leave valuables in your car! Drivers/passengers leave items of value in plain view every day. If you leave valuable items visible in your car, your car is automatically a target.

• Record serial numbers of property you may leave inside your vehicle. If stolen, it makes it more likely the suspect, if he/she pawns the item, will be identified.

• Once home, unload your valuables immediately.

Do not store valuables in your car any longer than necessary and certainly never overnight.

• Do not store wallets in the center console.

• Etch all detachable parts of your vehicle with the vehicle identification number.

• Remember that backpacks, laptop bags, and gift-wrapped packages are inviting to thieves.

• While out, park in busy, welllighted areas. While at home, park in your garage (if you have one).

• Back SUVs into stalls or up against a wall to avoid access to the rear hatch.

• Raise your windows and lock ALL of your vehicle’s doors, even if you plan to be gone for only a brief time. All too frequently, items are stolen from unlocked vehicles where the owner expected to be away for “just a second.” Thieves often target vehicles at gas stations, convenience stores, or parents dropping their children off at daycare centers and schools.

• If you park your vehicle in your locked garage, don’t take any chances by leaving your vehicle

Leaving valuables in plain sight makes your car an easy target. unlocked. Be sure to take all valuables out of your vehicle and lock the doors.

• Set any alarm or anti-theft device.

If you have one, use it! Many people believe that car alarms no longer make a difference, but they can be an effective deterrent to an auto burglar.

• If your vehicle is burglarized, remember the following:

• As soon as you notice your vehicle has been burglarized, do not touch/adjust anything in, on or around the car. As soon as possible, call the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred to report the incident.

• If you see unusual or suspicious activity, report it immediately.

• As always, report a crime in progress by calling 9-1-1. u

Town

Around March 2017

Young kids learn the power of love by visiting the elderly in Lakewood

Mom & Dad’s House in Lakewood celebrates the power of love and compassion throughout the spectrum of life from childhood to old age.

www.lakewoodchamber.com Mom & Dad’s House, a Premium Senior Living home in the Lakewood neighborhood, recently hosted a Valentine’s Day party. Guests included area youngsters and brought together the youngest and oldest in the community on this special day honoring the power of love. Seal Beach Moms Club members accompanied the children on this visit to Mom & Dad’s House.

In sharing time with the elderly, the young people learned the power of love and compassion throughout the spectrum of life from childhood to old age. The mothers and children celebrated Valentine’s Day with the residents and brought with them snacks and hand-made cards. In return, the residents provided crafts and special Valentine’s Day stuffed animals to their young visitors. The visit sparked many conversations, and residents and youngsters shared smiles, kisses, and hugs throughout the event.

For more information about the Mom and Dads House, contact Ivonne Meader at (949) 381-1792. u

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Pick up your pencil and play Sudoku!

Congratulations to Linda Woofter, the lucky winner of the February Sudoku contest!

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, cut the finished puzzle from the newspaper and tape onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 4111 E. South Street, Unit E in Lakewood. The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, March 21st, 2017. The winners will be drawn on Wednesday, March 22nd, 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 April issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u

THANK YOU to our

Sudoku Sponsor!

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www.lakewoodchamber.com

March 2017