LCN November 2017

Lakewood

News

Community

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

Volume 34 Number 11

November 2017

Lakewood Residents CityTV honors veterans with special story on Lakewood sisters Take a Trip of a Lifetime

Sisters featured in first Lakewood CityTV video honoring Lakewood veterans.

Group Photo at The Great Wall of China

Lakewood CityTV’s video “Honoring Lakewood Veterans Brick by Brick: Miller Family” tells the story of one Lakewood family’s four World War II veterans. Their names are inscribed on bricks installed at the Del Valle Park Veterans Memorial Plaza, and their photos and stories are part of the Lakewood Veterans History Project website.

Lakewood resident Leslie Miller’s mother Neoma and aunt Millie were trained nurses, eager to enter patriotic service during World War II. They joined the U.S. Army Nurses Corps in 1944 with the understanding that they would always be stationed together. Neoma and Millie met their husbands-

By Daniel Van Hoosier

to-be while caring for them as patients. The two families eventually purchased homes next door to each other on Schroll Street in the Carson Park section of Lakewood.

Watch the compelling story of the Miller family at lakewoodcity. org/HonoringVeterans. Lakewood CityTV plans to feature more Lakewood veterans in this video series.

In 2015, the expansion of the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Del Valle Park included an installation of inscribed bricks purchased by the public to honor veterans or active duty military service members. The following year, the City launched the Lakewood Veterans History Project website (lake-

woodveterans.org) to tell the stories of those honored by the bricks at the Veterans Memorial.

Bricks may still be purchased to honor veterans and are installed each year just prior to the annual Memorial Day ceremony. Stories of all Lakewood-connected veterans (brick purchase is not required) are welcome to be submitted for posting on the Lakewood Veterans History Project website.

For more information, please visit lakewoodveterans.org, stop by the Public Works counter at Lakewood City Hall, or call 562-8669771, ext. 2140. u

When the trip of a lifetime presents itself, travelers should do their best not to pass it up.

That is exactly what the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce's group of 42 local travelers did when they embarked upon Shanghai, China in early October, followed by stops in Beijing, Hongju and Suzhou.

The nine-day expedition took participants to monuments old and new, giving them the chance to experience the history, dining, shows and sights, like the Great Wall for starters.

“My favorite thing about it was the dramatic differences between

the old and the new. In particular, there’s a place called The Bund, where on the left side there are old (buildings, former Shanghai International settlement), and then you look to the right and it’s all of Shanghai’s new buildings.

The engineering and architecture will blow you away. When I look at New York now, it’s kind of lost its luster. Shanghai delivers architectural feats that don't even seem possible" said one awe-struck traveler.

Citslinc and the Chamber combined to produce a turn-key adventure for folks of all ages with all tours thoroughly planned (Cont’d. on Pg. 9)

'Thank a Servicemember' campaign continues Lakewood named as finalist for For details, visit lakewoodcity.org/ • Palms Community Center Most Business-Friendly Award thankaservicemember.

• Lakewood Center

Since the launch of the City of Lakewood's "Thank a Servicemember" campaign in 2014, more than 20,000 postcards and letters of appreciation have been collected from the greater Lakewood community and forwarded to U.S. servicemen and women deployed overseas.

Holiday greetings and letters of thanks will be collected again this year through early December. At city hall as well as other locations around town, participants can fill out a free Lakewood commemorative postcard or drop off their own letter or card (please, no envelopes or glitter and no cards larger than 8.5" x 11"). The city will send all submissions to servicemembers overseas through the military support group, Operation Gratitude.

“These men and women are our family, friends and neighbors, and we are so lucky for the incredible patriotism and bravery they demonstrate here and abroad,” said Mayor Diane DuBois. “Let us be grateful for those who strengthen our nation and are far away from their loved ones. Take the time to let them know you appreciate the sacrifices and the risks that they endure."

Businesses, service clubs or organization interested in partnering with the project can visit lakewoodcity.org/TASGetInvolved. See all of the partners and drop-off locations at lakewoodcity.org/TASPartners.

Drop off letters or use one of Lakewood's free commemorative postcards available at the following locations: • Lakewood City Hall • The Centre at Sycamore Plaza • Angelo Iacoboni Library • Nye Library • Weingart Senior Center

• Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Don’t know where to start with a note? Here are some tips: • Start your letter with a salutation, such as “Dear Hero” or “Dear Brave One.” • Express your thanks for their selfless service.

• Avoid politics completely and religion in excess; however, saying you pray for them is wonderful.

• Share a little about yourself.

• Talk about life back home including sports, weather, pets, family, hobbies, music, and movies.

• Adults: include your contact information (mail or email) so the letter recipient may reply.

• Children: FIRST NAMES ONLY and no addresses please.

• Still can’t find the words? Consider drawing or painting a picture instead. (Please, no glitter)!

• No items larger than 8.5" x 11" in size.

• No envelopes (loose cards and letters only). u

Lakewood has been selected again as one of 10 finalists by the prestigious L.A. County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) for its 2017 Most Business-Friendly City award from among the 88 cities in Los Angeles County.

The winner will be announced at the 21st Annual Eddy (as in “economic development”) Awards on November 9. For details on the event, visit laedc.org/eddy-awards.

The awards recognize cities which proactively promote business-friendly programs and services that spur job creation.

Lakewood's strengths, as highlighted by the LAEDC, include welcoming and facilitating business growth through a fast and efficient planning and permitting process.

"Helping businesses succeed in Lakewood is a priority for us on the city council and in city government,” Lakewood Mayor Diane DuBois said. “And it's very gratifying to have our efforts recognized." u

LakewoodToday

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Taking time to give thanks

By Mayor Diane DuBois

We’re starting to enter that wonderful time of the year where we have holidays and events designed to get us together with family and friends, but also to slow us down a bit to give thanks for all the good around us.

I know we all have people and things in our personal lives to be thankful for. But by living in Lakewood, we are also fortunate to share together in many aspects of a good community life for which we should also be appreciative.

I have lived in Lakewood for more than 50 years, and I am very thankful for the warm sense of community that I feel here, year after year. I love living in a community where the vast majority of people respect each other, are neighborly and are helpful to each other.

At Lakewood’s annual Award of Valor luncheon on November 8, we’ll all have a chance to show our thanks to the personnel of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff ’s Department who protect and serve us in Lakewood, as well as the citizen volunteers who help keep our community safe. It’s a special, impactful event, full of stories about people helping people. If you hurry, there is still time to reserve a seat at the luncheon. Call city hall at 562-8669771, ext. 3123.

I’m also grateful for all the Lakewood residents and businesses who help their neighbors in

need through efforts such as Project Shepherd, Meals on Wheels, Pathways Volunteer Hospice and so many others. If you ever want to check out a cause and a group of people to volunteer with, go to lakewoodcity.org/volunteer or call city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for ideas.

This time of year, I’m also thankful for our new Tree Lighting ceremony and festival. It’s happening this year on Thursday, November 30 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Santa Claus will be there talking with children for that whole time, except for a few breaks. There will be gourmet food trucks, free games and even falling snow! For more details, go to lakewoodcity.org/TreeLighting or call 562-866-9771, ext. 3123.

Lakewood Center is a place where most Lakewood residents will spend some time during the holiday season. On October 21, I was honored to join many residents in taking part in a celebration of the 65th anniversary of the opening of Lakewood Center and the Macy’s building, the large and iconic anchor store of the mall.

Lakewood is a community that’s proud of its history, and that includes being the birthplace of the modern American shopping mall.

Lakewood Center was a bold and daring commercial innovation in 1952. Before then, large department stores and shopping centers existed only “downtown” in the center of large cities, not in the suburbs. But Lakewood Center started something new…and it was a huge success. It grew enormously in the 1950s and 1960s. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “world’s largest shopping center” for a number of years.

Lakewood Center has evolved with the times. It developed a successful “Restaurant Row” in the decades after its founding, and became the home of the first-ever, mall-based Costco in 2009. Spread over a huge area, it’s still the sec-

ond-largest shopping complex in Los Angeles County.

Lakewood Center serves shoppers not just from Lakewood but from Long Beach, Bellflower, Paramount and many neighboring communities. The sales tax dollars from all those shoppers pay for a large portion of the city services that Lakewood residents enjoy.

So, this holiday season, one way you can say “Thank You Lakewood” is by shopping at Lakewood Center or at any of the other fine merchants in our community. As our local shopping motto goes: “Shop Lakewood--Stay Lakewood Loyal.”

On behalf of my fellow Lakewood City Council Members, I wish you and your family a very happy and meaningful Thanksgiving and a wonderful…and thankful…holiday season ahead. u

C i t y Spotlight LYS Basketball Registration now available online Sign-ups for Lakewood Youth Sports Basketball will take place November 25-December 2, and offer a new option: registration is now available online! Visit lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and click on the “Sports” tab at the top of the page. Participants can still choose to visit their local park to register, as they have done in the past.

The co-ed Smurf Division for ages 6 and 7 emphasizes instruction using a smaller ball and modified rules to promote fun and minimize competition. The Competitive Division is for ages 8 to 17. There is no registration fee for Lakewood residents.

Non-resident registration is $20 and can be paid online any time. Players will be instructed to present a birth certificate to

November 2017 verify age classifications prior to first practices.Teams practice weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, beginning December 11. League play begins January 6 and concludes March 3. For more information, call Lakewood’s Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.

Lakewood Youth Sports volunteer coaches needed Volunteer coaches are needed for basketball teams for the upcoming season at Lakewood parks. Although parents of players make great coaches, it’s not required to have a child playing to be a volunteer. Volunteering to coach is a rewarding experience, and anyone who wants to be involved is welcome.

No coaching experience is necessary. City staff will provide the appropriate training.

Inquire at any Lakewood park for complete details or call 562866-9771, ext. 2408.

Teen centers offer after-school options, fun and involvement Lakewood’s two teen centers offer safe, fun and positive ways for teens to spend their free time after school. At both the Lakewood Youth Center and the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, they can socialize with friends, do homework and play video games while in the company of outgoing and responsible recreation staff.

Each center offers different Friday or Saturday night social events for teens, such as movie nights, flag football tournaments, gaming tournaments and excursions. On Friday, November 24 from 2 to 6 p.m., the Lakewood Youth Center will host a pizza party and Turkey Day video gaming tournament.

Call 562-429-7472 for more information.

Teen centers offer educational opportunities, too. The Teen Resource Center has weekday programs including Job Assistance, Homework Assistance

and Teen Tech Talk. Call Bloomfield Park at 562-865-1717 for each program's days and hours.

Teens interested in volunteering can get an application and project information at either teen center. Teens must be at least 12 years of age, willing to follow through on a volunteer commitment and interested in helping the community. Teen volunteers work through the city's Recreation and Community Services department.

The Lakewood Youth Center, located at Del Valle Park, is open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. The Teen Resource Center, located at Bloomfield Park, is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., and from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. u

Go climb a tree!

Feeling overwhelmed? Can’t see beyond the clutter of your challenging life situations? You’re not alone.

It may feel as though you’re lost in the forest called your life—unable to see beyond the giant trees before you; beyond the few hundred feet that will get you out of the forest.

You can’t see that if you go right instead of left, or left instead of right, you’ll be free from whatever is causing you pain.

Don’t despair. When you are too close, and too involved in what’s happening in your life, clarity disappears. If you were in an actual forest and were able to climb a tree, you’d be able to see the whole picture.

You’d be able to see where and how to get out and access freedom.

You don’t need to climb an actual tree to see how you can get out of your mess. You can, however, reach out and find the resources available to you. There are always people and organizations available and ready to offer assistance. You are not alone.

There is a tree to climb. Look around you with an open mind. Soon the answer will be given to you.

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT, author of The Healing Alphabet, 26 Empowering Ways to Enrich Your Life. 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. u

November 5th

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Minding www.lakewoodchamber.com

November 2017

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Stormwater projects coming to Bolivar and Mayfair parks

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Stormwater reservoir being constructed beneath Bolivar Park.

The work to build an environmentally-friendly stormwater capture project is continuing at Bolivar Park and is scheduled to be completed by April 2018. Also in the works, a similar project will begin in Mayfair Park, starting right after the Pan Am Fiesta in midMay 2018.

When completed, Bolivar’s irrigation system will transition from using potable (drinking) water to using non-potable stormwater that is treated and pumped from a nearby flood control channel and then stored in the new reservoir under the park.

Lakewood won special state funding to fully pay for the innovative system. When completed, Bolivar Park will also receive new picnic shelters, an updated irrigation system and new turf that will completely hide the reservoir underground—all paid with the state funding.

During construction, most of Bolivar Park remains open, including the ballfields and the two new playgrounds (including the 75-foot zipline).

Lakewood also won special state funding to fully pay for a stormwater capture system to be installed at Mayfair Park.

Construction is expected to run from May 2018 to the fall of 2019.

The Pan Am Fiesta will be held at the park both years, although its configuration and location at the park may be adjusted somewhat just for 2019.

Construction will be centered near the Mayfair tennis courts. The existing courts will be demolished during construction, but new courts will be built when the project is completed and paid for by the state as part of the project.

When completed at Mayfair Park, the stormwater reservoir will be fully hidden under-

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ground and new turf, landscaping and irrigation will be installed on top.

Lakewood currently purchases recycled water to irrigate Mayfair Park, but by using captured stormwater, the city will be able to reduce its purchase of that water.

Both projects will help Lakewood meet growing state and federal clean water mandates that require that stormwater in flood control channels be captured and reused or cleaned to safe levels prior to discharge in the ocean. In the future, cities will have to use their own funds to pay for such projects, but Lakewood was fortunate to secure special state funding to pay for these two projects, totaling $26 million in cost, which include new park infrastructure when existing infrastructure is disturbed during construction. u

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Tree lighting in Lakewood will have falling snow Lakewood residents are cordially invited to join in the city’s 4th annual tree lighting ceremony and community gathering on Thursday, Nov. 30 outside The Centre at Sycamore Plaza at 5000 Clark Ave., next to city hall.

New this year: To make the event more convenient to families who prefer to come early, carnival games and food trucks will

be on the scene starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be ready to hear your children’s holiday wishes and take photos (with your own device) from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

The official tree lighting program starts at 6:30 p.m. and festivities wrap up at p.m.

Fun features include: • Lots of falling snow • Dickens carolers

• More food trucks this year… and they will be located in the parking lot behind city hall where there’s more room to spread out and relax!

• Wonderful and free family holiday photo opportunities. Costumed characters will help with several holiday photo scenes, including one with Santa and two large sleighs.

No reservations are required.

Just come on down. Parking will be available behind The Centre and in the large, gravel parking lot at the corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Clark Avenue.

The parking lots immediately in front of and behind city hall will be closed for use in the event.

There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy good cheer around the Lakewood tree if you can’t make the tree lighting on November 30. From December 1 through December 31, the tree will be on display in the plaza, providing an animated light show that changes colors to music continuously from 5 to 10 p.m. each night. Stop by and enjoy the splendor of the winter holidays!

If it is raining the afternoon of November 30, the event will be cancelled, but the tree will still be lit for the first time at 6:30 p.m. that evening. If the rain stops by 1 p.m., the event will go on, although some activities may be limited. For more information, including weather-related updates on November 30, visit lakewoodcity.org/treelighting or call city staff at 562-866-9771, ext.

2140. u

November 2017

November 2017

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Chamber News Page 6

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Improvements coming to City of Lakewood's utility billing system Lakewood was founded in 1954 as the first “contract city” and became famous over time for its flexibility in finding a good balance between the use of contractors, city staff and other government agencies to deliver the best possible services to residents. Lakewood does that with trash service, street sweeping, law enforcement and other city services.

The City of Lakewood is now starting to issue utility bills for water and trash service with the assistance of Fathom, the city's new billing contractor. The city previously used another contractor to assist with water and trash bills.

The change is designed to improve service to Lakewood customers. Fathom has a U.S.-based call center with more staff to answer calls more quickly than Lakewood's current call center.

And, for city water customers, Fathom has an advanced “smart” metering and data system that will provide more information to

customers to assist with managing their water usage.

A letter dated September 25 was sent to every city water and trash customer explaining the new billing process.

If you pay your bills in person at city hall or through the mail, you won’t need to make any changes— just write your new account number on your check and continue to pay as you always have. Your new account number will come with your new bill.

If you pay online using your checking account and the ACH system, you won’t need to make any changes either. All your account information will be transferred automatically to the new Fathom system. But if you use other online payment systems, such as paying with a credit card, you will need to re-enroll your card in the new system. Instructions for doing so will come with your next bill and can be found on the Fathom-Lakewood website at https://

lakewood.u2you.gwfathom.com.

Actual trash service will continue to be provided by EDCO Waste Disposal. So questions regarding new trash carts, trash skips or other trash service questions should continue to go to EDCO at 562531-3054. But trash bills will be sent out and processed by Fathom.

Fathom’s customer service phone number will be included in your next bill.

Starting in November and continuing through April 2018, Fathom will install new advanced water meters throughout the city water system. The new smart meters will give customers data on their hour-by-hour water use which can help identify costly leaks and make water use more efficient. Fathom will send letters to customers several weeks in advance of their new meter installation.

The City of Lakewood will continue to fully own and operate the city water system. Fathom will simply be a new contractor for billing and the provision of the new smart meters, and a partner with the city in answering customer service questions related to water and trash.

Customers of Golden State Water Co. will not be affected by the changes in water billing or the new meters.

For any questions about the new billing system and for any future questions that Fathom cannot answer, you can always contact Lakewood city staff at 562-8669771, ext. 2140 or via email at Service1@lakewoodcity.org. u

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November 2017

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Living

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Stormwater projects coming to City service changes for November holiday Bolivar and Mayfair parks

Stormwater reservoir being constructed beneath Bolivar Park.

The work to build an environmentally-friendly stormwater capture project is continuing at Bolivar Park and is scheduled to be completed by April 2018. Also in the works, a similar project will begin in Mayfair Park, starting right after the Pan Am Fiesta in mid-May 2018.

When completed, Bolivar’s irrigation system will transition from using potable (drinking) water to using non-potable stormwater that is treated and pumped from a nearby flood control channel and then stored in the new reservoir under the park.

Lakewood won special state funding to fully pay for the innovative system. When completed,

Bolivar Park will also receive new picnic shelters, an updated irrigation system and new turf that will completely hide the reservoir underground—all paid with the state funding.

During construction, most of Bolivar Park remains open, including the ballfields and the two new playgrounds (including the 75-foot zipline).

Lakewood also won special state funding to fully pay for a stormwater capture system to be installed at Mayfair Park. Construction is expected to run from May 2018 to the fall of 2019.

The Pan Am Fiesta will be held at the park both years, although its configuration and location at

the park may be adjusted somewhat just for 2019.

Construction will be centered near the Mayfair tennis courts.

The existing courts will be demolished during construction, but new courts will be built when the project is completed and paid for by the state as part of the project.

When completed at Mayfair Park, the stormwater reservoir will be fully hidden underground and new turf, landscaping and irrigation will be installed on top.

Lakewood currently purchases recycled water to irrigate Mayfair Park, but by using captured stormwater, the city will be able to reduce its purchase of that water.

Both projects will help Lakewood meet growing state and federal clean water mandates that require that stormwater in flood control channels be captured and reused or cleaned to safe levels prior to discharge in the ocean.

In the future, cities will have to use their own funds to pay for such projects, but Lakewood was fortunate to secure special state funding to pay for these two projects, totaling $26 million in cost, which include new park infrastructure when existing infrastructure is disturbed during construction. u

Garden Club

Thursday November 16 at 11:00, the Lakewood Garden club will be meeting at the Youth Center at Del Valle Park.

The speaker will be Jannys Andrews. The topic will be bees and how bees enhance gardens. There will be bees for sale. Plant sale following. All are welcome.

Gwen Travis (562) 867-0516

City Hall is closed for the November holiday, but service is still available.

Lakewood City Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23 adn 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

No trash pick-up will occur on Thursday, Noc. 23. Trash pickup for Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day. That means pickups normally scheduled for Thursday will happen Friday, and Friday’s normal pickups will occur on Saturday.

There will be no residential street sweeping November 23 and 24 and no makeup sweep. Therefore, there will be no residential street-sweeping parking tickets issued during those two days. Street

sweeping and related parking enforcement will be normal on the Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week.

DASH Transit will be closed on NOvember 23 and 24.

Service when city hall is closed Residents can make a nonemergency service request by calling 562-866-9771 and listening to the recorded instructions, or by going to the online service request form at lakewoodcity.org/service.

Request will be acted upon on the next business day.

If your request is a life-threatening emergency, please phone 9-1-1.

For emergency city service requests, like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, please phone 562-866-9771 and follow the recorded instructions to page a city emergency staff worker.

To obtain an RV/Trailer permit, contact the Lakewood Sheriff 's Safety Center at 562-623-3583.

For questions or requests regarding trash/disposal services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054. u

SH P LAKEWOOD Page 8

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SH P LAKEWOOD

November 2017

Teddy Bear Trees make shopping special How to register for Project Shepherd assistance The unwrapped toy you purchase becomes a gift to a Lakewood child in need.

Thanksgiving holiday sales offer some of the best deals of the year at Lakewood Center. They also provide an affordable way to fulfill the holiday wishes of disadvantaged children living in Lakewood.

Many of the 2,000 residents that Lakewood Project Shepherd serves during the holidays are kids—kids who could really use a toy for the

holidays. Since 1995, children from families enrolled in Project Shepherd have hung their holiday gift wishes in the form of paper bear ornaments on “Teddy Bear Trees” in the hopes of having them filled by an anonymous “Santa.”

Teddy Bear Trees are displayed at city hall as well as all parks and community centers beginning Monday, Nov. 20. Visitors may select an ornament with a child's name, age and wish (for a reasonably priced toy or clothing) and then shop for the gift that will fulfill that wish.

Bear ornaments, along with their accompanying gifts, can then be returned to the Rotary Club booth in the Center Court at Lakewood Center on the weekend of December 2. Ro-

tary volunteers, many of them Lakewood business and civic leaders, will help mall visitors new to the program choose a paper bear from the tree there and accept the affordable gift items returned to the booth.

Gifts can also be dropped off at most City of Lakewood facilities during business hours prior to Monday, December 4.

The unwrapped presents go to children registered through Project Shepherd, which is Lakewood’s homegrown charity to assist local families in need. Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood. For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562925-7512, or visit lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherd. u

The holiday season can be tough for some Lakewood households, including those who have faced unemployment or underemployment for many months.

If you are a Lakewood resident facing tough economic times, your Lakewood neighbors want to help. The registration period to receive help from Project Shep-

herd runs from November 6 to November 19 at the Burns Community Center and Palms Park Community Center. Registered families will be notified in December of the time and place to pick up assistance. Visit lakewoodcity. org/ProjectShepherdRegistration for additional information.

Eligibility requirements: • Lakewood residents only.

• Those who are low-income, unemployed or on public assistance.

To register, bring the following: • A current utility bill and a valid driver’s license or government award letter.

• Identification for each person in the household, including children.

Registration hours at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 8 to 11 a.m. Closed Sunday. Registration will be in the recreation office on the 2nd Floor.

Registration hours at the Palms Park Community Center, 12305 E. 207th St., are Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with extended hours on Tuesday until 8:00 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information, call the Burns Community Center at 562925-7512 or Palms Park Community Center at 562-865-6414.

Project Shepherd would like to thank our sponsors EDCO, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Macy’s, and Farmers and Merchants Bank for their generous support this holiday season! u

Lakewood Women's Club The November evening meeting of the Lakewood Women’s Club is November 6th at 7pm at 5930 Del Amo at the Labwerkz Print Shop. All are welcome. The daytime luncheon meeting is Nov 21st at Sycamore Plaza - social at 10:30 and meeting at 11:00.

Lunch is $18. Please call Arlene Roos for reservations 562-708-3201.

Thank you to Buffalo Wild Wings and the Lakewood Community for wsupporting our Pennies For Pines fundraiser. Almost $700 was raised to plant seedlings in the Angeles National Forest.

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

SH P LAKEWOOD November 2017

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Lakewood Residents Take a Trip of a Lifetime (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

to help maximize your time in ways that you simply could not do on your own. This type of trip is definitely great for people visiting a country for the first time. They hit on all of the major sites, while still allowing for some personal exploration.

Comfort and safety were always a top priority. Instead of worrying about language barriers and asking for directions, guests could simply relax in tour buses and listen to the tour guide's charming "inside scoop" on upcoming sites and answer questions about things spotted while travelling from destination to destination.

In terms of dining, the groups enjoyed having time to connect and share their experiences around a circular table with a lazy susan that leant well to the family style dining. Noodles and rice were the staples at every meal, teamed up with several chicken, seafood, vegetarian, and beef accompaniments. Of course, local hot green tea (and sometimes local beer or alcohol, known affectionately as "fire water"!) was enjoyed among the conversation.

“You really get the most value for your money with this kind of controlled trip. They get discounts on everything. I mean here we are in 4 and 5 star hotels, eating at high-end buffets, seeing uparalleled sights, being treated like royalty... and all for about half the price of what it would cost to travel on our own. It is really a no-brainer, and I simply cannot wait for the next opportunity to travel like this," cooed Allison Castellanos.

Lakewood Chamber President, Joshua Castellanos, also had a

wonderful time and said the experience was eye-opening.

“It just does more for you as a person than you can realize,” he said. “These really are life-changing experiences. China is so much more advanced than I had ever imagined. Their rate of construction and growth is a huge thing.

I was also blown away by the incredible hospitality the Chinese

people showed us. At one point, a gentleman even opened up his home and cooked us a traditional meal while sharing some of the intimate charms China has to offer from a locals point-of-view."

Did you miss your chance to join the Chamber in China? Help us choose where to go in 2018 by casting your vote at our website, lakewoodchamber.com u

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

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Community Page 10

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2700 Carson St.in Lakewood (Corner of Carson and Paramount)

Come join us to celebrate November 18 11am-1pm

Let's welcome them to There will be a Mariachi Band and the neighborhood!

Buy One Taco, Get Second One Free!'

GET INVOLVED

How Are We Changing Our Community?

The Rotary Club of Lakewood hosted it’s 1St Annual Howard Chambers High School Scholarship Bean Bag Toss Tournament Saturday, October 21, 2017. The Howard Chambers High School Scholarship will honor a graduating high school student from Mayfair High School with a $1,000.00 scholarship. Howard Chambers was the Lakewood City Manager for 41 years and is a Mayfair High Alumni.

Community members played alongside their family members hoping to win a trophy and bragging rights for the next year. The beautiful trophies were made by the students at Somerset High School Makers Fab Lab with help from their instructor, Brian Ahumada and CalAps CEO, Lisa Azevedo.

This event would not have been possible without the many sponsors: Cassidy’s Corner Café, Dunrite Pest Control, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, LA’s Finest Barbershop, Labwerkz print shop, Arreola Family, Harmon Family, Whiteleather Family, Ung Family Dynasty,

November 2017

Ballast Point Beer, and Dark Star Winery. The Rotary Club of Lakewood members donated time, food, and sponsored teams all to make this bean bag toss a success.

“One Community, One Family”, Follow us on Facebook at Lakewood Rotary Club

For more information on VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

www.rotaryoflakewood.org

Town

Around November 2017

Play softball and help Project Shepherd

Residents are being asked to get on base with Project Shepherd by playing in or sponsoring a softball team in the 4th annual “Turkey Tournament,” hosted by the City of Lakewood. The co-ed games will be played Saturday, Nov. 18 at San Martin Park beginning at 9: a.m. and running throughout the day.

Registrations are due by November 15.

Call the city Recreation Department for more information or to inquire about signing up as a team or sponsor at 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.

Teams • Team fee is $350 • 3-game guarantee • ASA Bats

• Custom jerseys will be given to the 1st place team Sponsors • Sponsors get a field sign for $100, highlighting your business in front of 120 ball players and fans.

In its 45th year, Project Shepherd provides food and gifts during the holiday season and throughout the year to Lakewood residents in need. The City of Lakewood and the Rotary Club of Lakewood organize the efforts of volunteers and the donations of food, toys, clothing and cash to make Project Shepherd a success. More than 330 families, including 1,200 youth and adults, were helped in 2016. u

New rap video provides fun way to educate about mosquito prevention

Fun video reminds people how to prevent spread of mosquitoes.

Sometimes, being creative is the best way to get a point across.

That was the thinking at the Greater L.A. County Vector Control District, which recently produced a rap song and video designed to get people smiling but focused on preventing the spread of mosquitoes.

With an infectious beat and chorus of “You gotta dump the water out, drain the water flow….” the short, two-minute video was produced in-house by vector control staff, many of whom star in it. It’s their way of combining science and art to motivate people to improve their health.

Have a smile and watch the video at lakewoodcity.org/MosquitoRap. To learn more about how to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the West Nile and Zika viruses, which continue to be a cause for concern in Southern California, go to the Vector Control District website at www.glacvcd.org/ vector-information/.

Lakewood and 35 other communities that comprise the Vector Control District each have one representative on the agency’s board. Lakewood Vice Mayor Steve Croft has served as Lakewood’s representative since 2012, and was elected by his board colleagues to serve as president for 2017—a role that he serves along with being a Lakewood Council Member.

“The public health aspects of this work are very important,” Croft said. “And I feel a strong responsibility to help our region stay on the cutting-edge in terms of science and protection for our residents. 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 taking action to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. It’s vital that we stay on top of that.” u

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Put your brain to work!

To be eligible to win a free gift card, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper.

Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 4111 South St. in Lakewood. The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Monday, November 20, 2017. The winner will be drawn on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, 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 winner will be published in the August issue of the paper, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u

Sudoku Sponsor

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November 2017