News
Lakewood Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
www.lakewoodnews.org
Volume 32 Number 10
Lollipop Lane returns to Lakewood with over 100 artisans!
Shoppers get great deals on holiday decorations and crafts. Mayfair Park will come alive with over 100 crafters offering handmade, affordable holiday gifts on Saturday, October 17 from 9am to 3pm. One of the first boutiques of the season in our region, the Lakewood event features a wide range of quality crafters and artists displaying Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items. Jewelry, clothing, quilts,
cards, gourds, gift bags, scarves, purses, wood crafts, paintings, candles, soaps, lotions and many other beautiful handcrafted items will be for sale. Event admission is free, and each merchant will handle their own sales. Refreshments, supporting Lakewood Meals on Wheels, will be available for purchase. Mayfair Park is located at
5720 Clark Avenue, at the corner of South Street. Parking for the event will be available at the park. Additional parking and a free shuttle will service the Lakewood City Hall east parking lot (5050 Clark Avenue). The shuttle will run every 15 minutes until 3:30pm. For more information, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or 562-866-4776 the day of the event.
Anthony Rendon, first Assembly Speaker to reside in the city of Lakewood
Anthony Rendon has been selected to be the Speaker of the California State Assembly, effective in January, 2016. Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
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Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement after being selected to be the next Speaker of the California State Assembly: “I am deeply honored to have the support of my colleagues to become the next Assembly Speaker. Lakewood is an All-American city – our city’s civic culture is unmatched and should serve as an example for towns all around California. It’s great to live in Lakewood and represent the city as Assemblymember and in my new role as Speaker.” Assemblyman Anthony Rendon is a democrat serving in his second term representing the 63rd Assembly District, which includes the cities and communities of Bell, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, North Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, and South Gate. In 2015, Rendon was named Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce, and in that capacity, introduced landmark legislation to combat climate change, including AB 645, which would require all California utilities to procure a minimum of 50% of their power from renewable energy sources by the year 2030.
October 2015
Pick a Lakewood park for your little trick-or-treater’s Halloween fun
Lakewood’s traditional Halloween Carnivals will offer fun and safety for youngsters on the year’s scariest night. Special carnival activities are scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 6pm to 8:30pm, at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar, Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin parks. “Haunted houses” for little ghosts and goblins to venture
inside will be available at Bolivar, Del Valle and San Martin parks. Volunteers are needed to run carnival booths and assist with the haunted houses. For information, call city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408. Use the “Park Finder” at www.lakewoodcity. org/parkfinder to locate which Lakewood neighborhood park is closest to you.
SAVE THE DATE!!! 2015 Fall Business Expo @ the Lakewood Center
Saturday, October 24th - 10am-2pm Call or email the chamber office for more info: 562-531-9733 / info@lakewoodchamber.com (Registration form on Pg. 4)
‘Thank a Soldier’ campaign returns to Lakewood
In the fall of 2014, the City of Lakewood launched its first “Thank a Soldier” campaign, collecting more than 3,000 postcards and letters of appreciation from Lakewood residents that were sent to our nation’s troops deployed overseas. This year, the city hopes
to collect even more holiday greetings and send many on their way even earlier in the holiday season. “You can help,” said Lakewood Mayor Jeff Wood. “If your school, youth group, nonprofit organization or business would like to be a part of this meaningful (Cont’d. on Pg. 8)
LakewoodToday
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Something for everyone this fall
By Mayor Jeff Wood
One of the nice things about the change of seasons is that it’s also the start of a new batch of Lakewood recreation and community service programs. And in Lakewood, we do our best to make sure there’s something interesting for all ages and interests. Our talented recreation staff is always looking for new ideas for classes and programs to offer. Check out the recreation catalog that came to your house around Labor Day. Or look online and sign up for classes at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation. You can also call our city staff for help at 562-866-9771, extension 2408. If you’re looking for a safe, supervised and fun place for your children after school, consider the city’s Activity Zones. They are free, drop-in programs for school-aged children, including pre-teens and teens, offered at eight city parks, many of which are just across the street from a
school. They’re open Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Schedules expand for holidays. They have supervised games, arts and crafts, and time set aside for homework with help. Fall is also a time when we offer a lot of special programs for our older residents. I’m pleased that our city is again presenting our Older Adults Benefits Information Fair. This features representatives from different health and benefit plans and is timed to help older adults with decisions they may want to make during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period. The event will be held on Monday, October 19, from 10am to 12noon, at the Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Ave. For more information, call 562-630-6141. Lakewood is also expanding our new Active Plus program based out of the Burns Community Center. For details call 562-9257512 or go to www.lakewoodcity. org/activeplus. Here’s a taste of the many programs Active Plus has to offer: • A Walking Club that heads out on healthy-paced strolls at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. • Tech Talk, where you can bring your smartphone, iPad, etc. and get free, one-on-one help from experts, usually tech-savvy teens. There’s also Web Wise, a series of free classes that teaches the basics of Internet-related topics. Classes include Internet 101, Email 101 and Google 101.
October 2015
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• A new book club is also beginning at Burns with meetings once per month to discuss new and interesting literary finds. • Pickleball has taken Lakewood by storm and has expanded from one to two days per week (Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 11am) at the Mayfair Park basketball courts. Pickleball is a fun, athletic sport that combines elements of badminton, pingpong and tennis and is played in doubles on a badminton-sized court. It’s a great way to exercise with less impact to your joints! No matter what your age, there are fun and helpful activities available for you this fall in Lakewood. So come on out and try one of the new or traditional ways to stay active and healthy.
Flu vaccinations at Weingart Center
A free walk-in flu shot clinic will be held on Tuesday, November 3 from 1pm to 3pm at the Weingart Senior Center. The clinic is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Health Department and the City of Lakewood. For more information, call 562630-6141 after Monday, October 12. The senior center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue in Lakewood.
C i t y Spotlight Fun-tastic Family Night Featuring Bubble Extravaganza Experience an awe-inspiring show packed with bubble tricks and sculptures at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave. on Friday, October 2, 6:30pm to 8pm. Witness the 8-foot-long rainbow bubble or learn how to make a square bubble. Volunteers will be chosen from the audience to assist with experiments. One lucky guest will even get the chance to be placed inside a bubble! Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, lemonade and a dessert will be served. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Cost is $8 per person/$5 for children 3 and under. Go to www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation and login to e-catalog to register for this class using course #40833, or call 562866-9771, extension 2408. Super Saturday at Teen Scary Movie Night It’s Halloween season and the City of Lakewood is serving up scary movies projected in the Teen Resource Center activity room. The movies and popcorn will be provided for free! This scary event is happening Saturday, October 10 from 5pm to 9pm at the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd. For information, call 562-865-1717.
Family overnight camp in Lakewood Bring your children, ages 3 to 11, and have a fun overnight campout “under the stars” October 17-18 at Monte Verde Park. Participate in games, crafts, nature walks, roasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire. All meals and snacks are prepared so parents can sit back, relax and enjoy nature. A “what to bring” list will be mailed before camp. Only $17 per couple, $8 per additional person. A $16 per couple ($8 per additional person) supply fee is due to the instructor at camp. Register at 562-8669771, extension 2408, or through the eCatalog using class #40718 at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation. Fall/winter recreation classes begin The City of Lakewood’s fall/ winter recreation classes begin soon. If you have not received your copy of the catalog in the mail, look online at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation. Or, stop by city hall or any Lakewood park, community center or library to pick one up. Call 562-8669771, extension 2408, to request a catalog by mail. The new catalog lists over 625 classes and activities offered for area residents.
Minding
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October 2015
Advertiser “Quick Reference” Guide Name:
Page#:
Ayanna Cares
12
Bloomfield Animal Hospital
8
BookOff
14
Candlewood Smiles
9
Lollipop Lane (City)
2
Coast Healthcare
5
Coldwell Banker
12
College Park Realty
7
DB Plumbing
15
Debbie Cuadros
4
Downey Plumbing & Heating
12
EDCO Waste & Recycling
7
Edward Jones Investments
12
Essex Mortgage
4
Fantastic Sam’s
10
First City Credit Union
10
G&A Heating & Air Conditioning
7
Good Earth Recycling
7
Hap’s Auto Parts
15
Hear USA
11
Hire-Me Plumbing
3
Insurance Solutions
15
K.E.Y. Design
14
Kathy Apples-Berkshire Hathaway Home Properties
7
L&J’s Company (Painting)
3
Lakewood Regional Medical Center
13
Life Center Church
5
Magic Hands Lice Removal Massage Envy Spa
5 5
Me & Ed’s Pizza
14
Melinda McCoy’s Flowers
5
Milk Barn
10
Mom & Dad’s House
5
Nguyen Dental
8
NuVision Federal Credit Union
15
Pete’s Plumbing
14
Piazza McDonald’s
16
Prime Lending Corp.
14
Reed Family Dentistry
12
Saylor Insurance Agency
Insert
Scott Howard Termite Control & Construction
3
SeaHawk Cocktails
8
Seth Shimono, D.D.S.
11
Strong Builders
12
Suttons Barber Shop
6
The UPS Store
7
Van Wig & Assoc.
3
Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA
16
Windsong Enterprises
15
Whining and temper fits..playground behavior hits the workplace You might have thought that once you left the confines of the playground, you wouldn’t witness anymore childish behaviors. Think again! A recent survey conducted by Career Builder finds that three out of four workers have witnessed some type of childish behavior at work. Tantrum Three out of four workers see childish behaviors from their colleagues. Workers reported witnessing the following child-like behavior from their colleagues: • Whine: 55 percent • Pout over something that didn’t go his/her way: 46 percent • Tattle on another co-worker: 44 percent • Play a prank on another coworker: 36 percent • Make a face behind someone’s back: 35 percent • Form a clique: 32 percent • Start a rumor about a co-worker: 30 percent • Storm out of the room: 29 percent • Throw a tantrum: 27 percent • Refuse to share resources with others: 23 percent Maybe it’s time for a nap or a snack, because employers also reported some interesting childish or adolescent behaviors: • Company owner threw tantrums, yelled and slammed
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Actions like spreading rumors, ‘tattling,’ and forming cliques to exclude others can be perceived as mean-spirited, bullying and even harassment.” California employers should always be mindful that these types of behaviors might lead to eventual harassment or discrimination claims. Employers need to stop harassing behaviors before they rise to the level of an actionable claim.
doors when he didn’t get his way. • Employee hid to get away from duties and work responsibility. • Employee intentionally set up a co-worker to get him/her in trouble. • Employee blocked parking spots to prevent other employees from parking closer to the front door. • Employee gossiped about all of his direct reports, then pretended to be their advocate. • Employee constantly pulled up inappropriate content on her cell phone and showed it to her “clique.” Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer of CareerBuilder, noted “There’s a fine line between innocent fun and inappropriate behavior.
The national online surveys were conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder by Harris Poll between May 14 and June 3, 2015, and included a representative sample of more than 3,000 full-time, U.S. workers and more than 2,000 fulltime, U.S. hiring and human resources managers across industries and company sizes.
Call or email us at: (562) 531-9733 advertise@ lakewoodchamber. com
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How the tooth fairy can teach your kids about money By Nathaniel Sillin
When those first baby teeth start wobbling, you and the Tooth Fairy can combine forces to teach your kids about money. Visa’s latest annual Tooth Fairy survey indicates that the average price of a lost tooth is $3.19 in 2015. This is the fourth consecutive year that young kids are finding more than $3 under their pillows from the fabled fairy. That puts a full set of 20 departing baby teeth around $63. The survey also found that the most common monetary gift given by the Tooth Fairy is $1, and that dads report the Tooth Fairy is more generous, giving nearly 27 percent more than what moms report. You might consider giving kids a piggy bank – or a series of piggy banks for specific purposes such as spending or saving – to have ready once that first tooth comes out. Talk with your child about the importance of putting some money
October 2015 away when it comes in for various purposes including charity, so he or she learns about the importance of helping those with less. Here’s how the Tooth Fairy can help you guide your kids through their important, first-time money activities: Learning to handle coins and currency. Kids need a bit of time to get to know coins and bills – what they feel like, what they’re worth and how they’re used. Start by letting them handle a few coins and then start identifying their value – how five pennies makes a nickel and two nickels make a dime, and so on. Before a child can save, spend, or share, they have to understand the value of money that the Tooth Fairy has left under their pillow. Making their first purchases. Tooth Fairy money may be a child’s first source of income. Teaching your kids about the value of money is an important lesson. It’s a chance to balance fun and priorities, wants and needs. Once a certain amount of money is set aside for savings, then head to the store with your kid to look for a
small toy or treat. It’s important to discuss the item first and to encourage comparison-shopping for the best price. But once the item is selected, put the child in charge of the transaction. Dealing with other sources of monetary gifts. The Tooth Fairy often provides that first connection between kids and cash, but other money resources usually arrive soon afterward. Starting school means allowances and children may already be getting birthday and holiday gifts of cash from friends and relatives. With every new source of funds, keep the discussion going on the importance of spending wisely while saving, and giving to those in need. Budgeting. As kids get older and start using money more extensively, introduce them to the concept of budgeting – the practice of tracking, counting and allocating spending. Moving from piggy banks to real banks. Kids can keep a piggy bank around as long it’s effective, but kids need to see how adults handle money. Regular trips to the bank allow children to ask questions about how banks work and why they’re important. Eventually, they’ll be ready for their first savings account. Bottom line: Lost teeth are an educational gold mine for your kid. You and the Tooth Fairy can work together to make each little windfall an important lesson about money.
Get prepped at Lakewood’s College Fair
The annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 13, from 6pm to 9pm, at Mayfair Park (corner of Clark and South). Participants (ages 1522) will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from colleges and universities, and get the information needed on admission, testing, transcripts, transfers, enrollment registration, fees and deadlines. A Lakewood CityTV video gives insight on what’s available at the event at w w w. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o r g / collegefairvideo. For more information, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472.
In the er d Cent o o w e k ) La Macy’s of (front
A one-day expo designed to stimulate the growth of local commerce that serves the Lakewood and surrounding business community.
News
Community
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October 2015
No pool, no problem! Maintain Making someone else look your summer body this fall bad, never looks good!
Now that swimsuit season and sky-high summer temperatures are behind us, you may be tempted to tone down the ambitious fitness and nutrition regimen you’ve followed all summer. After all, you tell yourself, nobody will be able to see what’s underneath your fall and winter layers, right? And you deserve a break after being disciplined for so long. Sure, there are plenty of excuses to choose from—and you’re certainly not the only person who’s considering taking a break from the gym. But just because the shorts, swimsuits, and sundresses may be packed away for the year, doesn’t mean you should stop striving for good health. Some people go through a simulated ‘hibernation mode’ when the leaves begin to fall and the weather gets cooler. But no matter what time of year it is or how many layers you’re wearing, there are always countless benefits to practicing positive wellness habits: more energy during the day, better sleep at night, improved mood, a stronger immune system (perfect for fighting off common cold-weather sicknesses!), and much more. Why slow down just because you won’t be lounging by the poolside for a while? As the weather begins to change, take the seasons cue and change up your workouts and meals.
Becoming bored with working out is often the first step to discarding it altogether. However, variety keeps you interested and motivated, and helps you set and reach new goals. The colder months are a great time to check out your local farmers market. Try some fruits and vegetables that the fall season has to offer and add them to your rotation of healthy meals.
It happens to all of us. We notice a person doing, or saying something of which we don’t approve. Someone else remarks on it, and before we know it, the badmouthing begins. Trying to make someone else look bad, even if we feel we have a valid point, never looks or feels good. And often some of the criticism going out is something we do ourselves. We’re all guilty. Let’s think about how we might look if we were being videoed saying something unfavorable about someone else . . . so arrogant, so high and mighty, so sure of our superiority.
Let’s make a pledge:
- We will not try to make someone else look bad. - We will not speak badly of another person. - If we have nothing good to say, we say nothing. - Commiserating with others might be fun, but if it’s at someone else’s expense, what does that say about
us? - Let’s do the best we can to speak only lovingly about others, or not at all. I already know that’s going to feel splendid, don’t you? Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @askjoshsmom, Askjoshsmom.com, and https://www. facebook.com/askjoshsmom. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. Ask about An Afternoon with Josh’s Mom!
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ChamberNews Page 6
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Get ready. Get set. The Chamber Lakewood Y is celebrating endorses Cuadros for their Grand Opening! The long awaited 35,000 for membership signs ups during School Board square foot expansion of the the two hour open house.
The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Debra “Debbie” Cuadros in her re-election bid for the Bellflower Unified School District election in November. “We need smart, capable people on our school boards who are passionate about raising the quality of educational opportunity in this state,” stated Chamber Chairman of the Board, Glen Patrick, in explaining the Board’s decision. “Debbie hits on all cylinders: she is a business executive, an Air Force veteran, has degrees in organizational leadership, and two school-age sons. What I especially like is her impressive track record for her first term in office.” Cuadros was first elected to the BUSD four years ago in a contested election with six candidates running for two seats. Her campaign message is “Promises Made, Promises Kept,” underscoring the improvements she has championed, such as $79 million in funding for technology and infrastructure improvement, class size reduction, new PE teachers and counselors at the elementary schools, and improved graduation rates. Cuadros is especially proud of one of the infrastructure projects in the late planning stages – a STEAM building. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. “I promised we would give students more access to the arts. The addition of this building on the … campus will be a boon for students showing the aptitude and interest in pursuing careers in these fields,” said Cuadros. The Cuadros family, Debbie, husband Jaime, and sons Nathan and Garrett, live north of Candlewood in the portion of Lakewood that is in the Bellflower Unified School District. The BUSD election is Tuesday, November 3. If you are a registered permanent absentee voter, look for voteby-mail ballots to hit your mailbox around October 5. A vote-by-mail application is included with your Sample Ballot, which went out to all registered voters in the District around September 24.
Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA is set to be ready for Grand Opening later this month. The Y has two events scheduled for the community to come and celebrate the opening of the full facility. The first event will be the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday October 30th from 9am to 10am. The second event is a fun filled Community Grand Opening on Saturday October 31st from 10am – 12pm. The Y is inviting the whole community to visit on Saturday for a day of fun filled activities, including face painting, carnival games and more! This open house will be showcasing all the wonderful programs, fitness equipment and family focused areas the NEW Y has to offer. For those in attendance there will be exclusive specials
The new Lakewood YMCA will have two new group exercise studios, new spin studio, new mind/body and yoga studio, renovated gymnasium, renovated locker rooms, pool, sauna and hot tub, new family locker rooms, new teen center and kids club. Membership to the Y includes access to all the areas. In addition, the Y will be offering over 125 classes per week focusing on youth, adult and family fitness all for an affordable low price. Single adult rates are only $42 per month and family membership rates start as low as $57 per month. The Y is a non-profit organization that has been serving the surrounding communities for over 25 years. Come and enjoy your new Y!
October 2015
The Weingart-Lakewood YMCA will soon be celebrating their Grand Opening events.
Green
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October 2015
Fall weather means a change in water rules During the cooler months of October 1 through May 31, Lakewood’s conservation regulations call for city water customers to limit their watering to only one time a week for 10 minutes in each area of their yard. A customer’s watering day is their trash day. (For businesses, the watering day is the trash day for residences in their area.) During October through May, watering is limited to before 9am and after 5pm. No watering is allowed within 48 hours of measurable rain. The rules are designed to help each household and business reduce water use by Lakewood’s assigned target of 20%. If residents and businesses follow the rules, water usage should drop and Lakewood should reach its goal. If you are a Lakewood water customer, you can water any day or time and without time limits IF you irrigate using high-efficiency rotor sprinklers (so-called “mini-rotors”) with an output of no more than 0.6 inches per hour; drip-irrigation emitters producing no more than two gallons per hour; or a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle or water bucket. Learn more about Lakewood’s
watering rules and rebates for water-wise sprinklers, irrigation devices and landscaping at www.lakewoodcity.org/water or by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2140. Lakewood offers over $1,300 in rebates per customer. Learn about rebates for water-wise toilets and washing machines at www.
socalwatersmart.com. If you live in Lakewood east of the San Gabriel River and are a Golden State Water Co. customer, you have similar rules but different watering days and some variances. For details, go to www.gswater.com or call 800-999-4033.
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Identity theft is a continuing problem and the City of Lakewood and EDCO Waste Services are teaming up again to help. Residents are invited to safely dispose of documents containing sensitive information like old bank statements and tax records at “Lakewood Shreds!” on Saturday, October 17. The drive-through drop-off location will be behind the Iacoboni Library from 9am to 12noon. (Enter from Civic Center Way off of Del Amo Blvd. or Candlewood St. The exit for the event will be the driveway to Clark Ave.) You 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. This event is for Lakewood residents only. Be prepared to show proof of residency, either with a driver’s license or utility bill. For more information, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2140.
Corner
Cuddly Page 8
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Make moving day a walk in the park for your pets
Utilities switched, moving truck reserved, new domicile secured, boxes packed - as you work through your moving checklist, are you forgetting something? Have you
Seahawk Cocktail Lounge Happy Hour Weekdays
4-7:00PM $2 Domestic Bottles and $2 Well Drinks!
Full Bar Pool & Darts Internet Juke Free Wi-Fi
OPEN DAILY 8AM - 2AM 4103 Candlewood St. Lakewood, 90712
facebook.com/seahawkcocktails
taken steps to make the move as easy as possible for the only family member who has no say about your relocation: the family pet? While pets add an element to any move, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one, for you or your pet. Here are some pet-friendly moving tips to make the transition go as smoothly as possible: ID your animals A door gets left open during the actual move, a pet escapes from a carrier or hotel room during a stopover - moving can be chaotic, and even the most well-behaved, homebody pet can get lost and confused during a move. Take steps to help increase the chance that a lost pet can be returned to you. Microchip your cat or dog before you move. While animal shelters and veterinarians are most often equipped to detect and read microchips, the average Good Samaritan is not. So be sure to also have your pet wear a collar with an ID tag that includes his or her name and your mobile phone number. Prepare for health needs If your pet is on medication, don’t pack it away until you are ready to get in the car for the move. Likewise, keep his or her food for the last minute and keep enough of it with you so you don’t have to feed your pet an unfamiliar diet during the move. Strange food can
upset his tummy during an already stressful time. While you’re packing and loading Dogs and cats may both be tempted to chew on boxes and packing material, and they could choke on materials or get sick if they swallow something they shouldn’t. While you’re filling boxes, try to keep pets away from your packing area. If you’re packing in stages over several days, be sure to clean up and store any packing material from day to day so pets don’t have access to it. To minimize the risk of a pet getting hurt, underfoot or lost while you’re packing, confine him to a small room such as a bathroom or closet while your furniture and boxes are being packed on the truck. Leave him with water and some food. Post a note on the door of the room alerting movers that a pet is confined there so they don’t open the door.
October 2015 On the road The day of your move, transport your pet in your own car or in the cab of the rented moving truck you’ll be driving. Never put a pet in the back of any moving truck where they could get hurt, become sick or be exposed to uncomfortable temperatures. Keep plenty of food and water available, and consider starting your pet’s ride with an empty stomach so he or she will be less likely to experience an upset tummy on the drive. When you arrive at your new home, put your pet in a small room while you unload the truck. Once everything is in place, you can let him out to explore. Your new home will look and feel different to your dog or cat, but the familiar scent of your belongings will help him adjust quickly.
‘Thank A Soldier’ (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
project, please visit lakewoodcity. org/ThankASoldier. Or call 562-8669771, extension 3123. We’ll get you all the details.” At several locations around the city, people will be able to fill out a Lakewood commemorative postcard available there or drop off their own letter or card. The city will send all submissions to U.S. troops overseas through the military support group, Operation Gratitude. “We may not know their faces or their names, but we should take every opportunity to thank our troops for all they do for us,” said Mayor Jeff Wood. “As the holidays approach, it’s time to remember that there are those who are away from their families who work hard to protect our lives and our freedoms. Let them know you appreciate the sacrifices and the risks that they endure.”
October 2015
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Lakewood sisters bring Happy camp ‘Super Water Savers’ home the gold!
Janelle and Justine Wilson of Lakewood recently completed a spectacular Track & Field season in dynamic fashion, bringing home more gold medals than they can hold. Justine is also a scholar at her school where she was selected Student of the Month twice in one school year. She studies ballet, piano and enjoys Minecraft. You can hear this young lady quoting Rosa Parks saying, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” Justine won the 100 meter dash at the Long Beach Sprinters Invitational, The Phenom Athletics Track Meet and The Push Invitational. She also won the 200 meter dash at the High Desert Heat Invitational, the Phenom Athletics Track Meet and the PUSH Invitational. The highlights of her season included winning the 100 meter dash at the AAU West Coast Junior Olympics and competing in the 100 and 200 meter dash at the AAU National Junior Olympics. Like her sister, Janelle is a scholar and was also chosen as Student of the Month twice in one academic year. She has been invited to Honors Advanced Chorus at her school and has played the piano for audiences in Newport Beach. She enjoys swimming and Minecraft as well. Janelle’s mantra is “attitude helps determine one’s altitude” which helps, according to Janelle, determine one’s aptitude. Running for the Academy of Speed, Janelle won the 100 meter dash at the Pasadena Running Roses Invitational, the Southern California Association Championship, the USA Track & Field Regional Championship and the AAU West Coast Championship. She also won the 200 meter dash at the PUSH Invitational, the Long Beach Sprinters Invitational, and the AAU West Coast Championship. The highlights of her season included winning the 100 and 200 meter dash at the AAU West Coast Junior Olympics and making the National All-American Team (Top 8 in the country) for the 100 meter dash at the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympics. Congratulations to the Wilson sprinters representing the City of Lakewood and the County of Los Angeles.
This summer, 120 youths took part in an informative water conservation presentation during their summer day camp at Lakewood’s Monte Verde Park. The activity offered tips and crafting fun and demonstrated how anyone can be a “Super Water Saver.” Lakewood’s new water conservation Super Heroes banner was on display that day. The presentation, given by Lakewood Water Resources Manager Toyasha Sebbag, covered topics and tips related to water use and the drought. The youngest campers (6 to 8 years old) participated in interactive activities that explained how water can be saved with their help, especially in the home. Older campers (9 to 12 years old) learned about recycling water and diversifying water sustainability using desalination. The campers had many interesting and thoughtful questions, including: • What happens if we run out of water?
• I heard we used to not be in a drought. Is that true? • Did it only snow once in Lakewood? Then why didn’t we save that water? • How do we transport the water? Is it true that we turn sewer water into drinking water? • How do we collect salt water without harming living organisms? • Does desalination lower sea levels? • Why don’t we take water from areas with more snow? Like New York?
• Why can’t we figure out how to make “new/more” water? Campers were invited to take what they had learned and express it creatively in a poster- making contest. The posters that had the best interpretations of “How I can be a Super Water Saver” and “How I can teach others to be a Super Water Saver” were put on display at city hall. For tips on reducing your water use by 20% or more, see www. lakewoodcity.org/water or call 562866-9771, extension 2140.
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October 2015
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Heritage is the place for New Lakewood restaurant recognizes “super volunteers” at grand opening classic, comfort food
Known for being a classic family-friendly diner that offers large portions of American fare - from soups to sundaes, Heritage Family Pantry has opened a 2nd location in Lakewood. Located at South Street and Lakewood Boulevard (in the formers Coco’s spot), we can now enjoy another tasty option for home-style food off the Heritage menu.
Five local “super volunteers” were the honorary guests at the grand opening of Lakewood’s newest restaurant – Stonefire Grill. The fast casual restaurant, known for its expansive menu of American fare, invited volunteers, donors, humanitarians and other giving individuals in the local community to celebrate its debut with a Spirit of Philanthropy dinner. More than 600 attended the free dinner and 5 outstanding individuals were recognized for their exceptional work: Robert “Grandpa Bob” Bolling- Seal Beach Has spent 12 years and a total of 8,766 hours tending to the emotional needs of children at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. This “gentle giant” cuddles, coddles and comforts youth from infants to teens to ease their emotional and physical pain. Grandpa Bob makes it a point to spend time with each and every child, especially those who
are chronically admitted, and has a special bond with them all. Marilyn North - Long Beach Retired schoolteacher has been an active volunteer at Little Sisters of the Poor for 12 years interacting with the charity’s many residents with the aim of brightening their spirits. For 17 years, she also has volunteered at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos, where she plays games with the youth, helps them
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with their homework and serves as a friend. In addition, she volunteers for the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and St. Joseph Catholic Church Senior Organization. Patricia Williams - Lakewood An animal lover, this “übervolunteer” assists Fix Long Beach in its attempt to spay/ neuter pets owned by low-income families. From sunrise to sunset, this tireless worker will not let a pet suffer so if clients are ill, she will drive the pets to a vet. She’s known to bottle feed kittens and finds families to give them a caring home. She also runs halfmarathons for charitable causes, including the one her special needs son is involved with. Jennifer Kumiyama– Downtown Long Beach Heads the Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation recognizing the achievements of women in wheelchairs and educates and advocates for Californians living with disabilities. Not a beauty pageant, Ms. Wheelchair California evaluates advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation and selects the winner to serve as spokeswoman representing people living with disabilities. Davis Montgomery– Cerritos As chair of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town Committee for Lakewood & Cerritos, he oversaw the housing, food, transportation and social activities for 200 Special Olympians prior to the start of this summer’s World Games. His dedication to volunteering stems from his deep faith in the Mormon Church. Each was presented with $50 gift cards by restaurant representatives, and Montgomery also received a free catered party for 25 offered by Stonefire Grill.
October 2015
Pick up a book and read...it’s fun!
From romance novels to largeformat books, visitors will find low-priced deals on used books at the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries (FOLL) sale on Saturday, October 3 from 9am to 2pm. Sale items include hardback books for $1 and up, textbooks, encyclopedias, computer materials, children’s books, a “Teacher’s Table,” unusual books, cassettes and videos. Proceeds support Lakewood’s two local libraries. FOLL “Members only” sales are scheduled for Thursday, October 1 from 5pm to 6:30pm and Friday, October 2 from 10am to 4:30pm. Those interested in becoming members at the presale can take advantage of the widest selection before the public sale. Memberships start as low as $5 for seniors, $10 for individuals and $15 for a family membership. Dues are tax deductible. “Members only” times are also open to disabled patrons. FOLL memberships may be purchased at the door for non-member shoppers interested in attending. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags to the event at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library at 4990 Clark Avenue in
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Shop Lakewood... the Lakewood Civic Center. Anyone wanting to volunteer to help support the program or be an event volunteer should call Book Sale Chairperson Sharon Roder at 562-531-9641. Book donations are welcome. They should be brought to the Iacoboni Library at least a week prior to the event so that they can be processed for the sale. For questions, call 562866-1777.
Check out Captain Vic’s yummy new creation!
Is it breakfast, snack or dessert? Captain Vic’s new Captain’s Sundae is an anytime treat! Stop by 2700 Carson Street in Lakewood and enjoy!
Aunt Anne’s has the flavors of fall!
Aunt Anne’s Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Nuggets and Pumpkin Spice Smoothies have arrived, bringing with them all the flavors of fall. Stop by #330 Lakewood Center Mall and give them a try!
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Three must-attend special senior events on benefits and health
NEW PATIENT SPECIALS
• Cleaning, x-rays and exam $75 (reg. $203, over 60% off) • Teeth Whitening $25 (reg. $195) with Cleaning, X-Rays & Exam • Now using Digital X-Rays!
www.lakewoodnews.org Seniors and their family members are encouraged to take advantage of three free programs running this month. Two help demystify the maze of Medicare/ senior benefits choices. The third event offers free medical screening. Medicare expert Samuel Schwartz will speak at the Angelo Iacoboni Library on October 19 from 10am to 12noon. His topic is “Medicare 101” and is intended to teach visitors about the four parts of Medicare, how they each work, who is eligible, plus find out about some of the special needs plans that are available. The event is free. Call 562-866-1777 for additional information. The Weingart Senior Center will host its annual Older Adults Benefits Fair on Monday, October 19 from 10am to 12noon. During this 2-hour time frame, seniors can pick up health insurance and benefit related materials and speak with company representatives. For more information please contact the Weingart Senior Center at 562630-6141. Lakewood’s Burns Community Center and the Lakewood Regional Medical Center have teamed up to offer a new Head-to-Toe Health Screening Event. The free program is Tuesday, October 20 from 1pm to 4pm. The event’s goal is to help attendees improve their long-term health. Please RSVP at 562-602-1563, extension 255. Screenings are free for anyone 55 years of age and over.
October 2015
Safety before treats this Halloween
Trick or treating isn’t what it used to be. Oh, wouldn’t it be nice to go to the “happy Halloween” times of years gone by? When we didn’t think twice before unwrapping that Snickers bar before it hit the bottom of the pumpkin bucket in our hand? The reality of Halloween today isn’t quite as free-spirited as it used to be. Parents have to be extra vigilant to check all candy before it’s eaten. Some people would argue checking candy isn’t even necessary, there haven’t been that many razor blade, needles, and candy poisoning scares in recent years. However that’s not necessarily true. A few years back, two children, both from different
cities in Southern California, were dressed up in their costumes happily running from house to house on Halloween reciting the “trick or treat” mantra. Their loot was brought home and their parents inspected the candy, all was deemed well. But shortly after eating some of the ‘smarties,’ they both fell ill and were taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, the candy had been laced with the drug meth. Thankfully, both children survived, but it brings to light the realities of the times we’re living in. It’s certainly not all gloom and doom, but at the same time, we have to be aware of the potential dangers of letting our children accept candy from strangers. When at any other time of the year, to do the same thing, would be taboo. It can’t be stated strongly enough - check your child’s candy, piece by piece, before they consume it. Unless, of course, you know the neighbors where your child is trick or treating. When sorting through the candy, make sure to throw away anything that looks even remotely suspicious. Below are some other suggested precautions to make this a fun and safe Halloween: Plan a route in advance. Trick-or-treating could take you several streets away from your house, which can cause sore legs and a bit of frustration. Avoid long paths by mapping out a route before leaving the house. Wear comfy shoes. Make sure you and your children are in comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Girls in dresses should avoid heels, and all shoelaces should be double-tied to avoid tripping in the dark. Stay well-lit. Apply reflective tape to your child’s costume to ensure drivers on the road see them. Also, carry a flashlight with you to keep your child’s path lit at all times. Make sure all costumes are short. Long costumes that drag on the ground can be dangerous, especially at night. After purchasing your child’s costume, make sure it’s an appropriate length, and hem anything that’s too long to avoid tripping. Avoid masks. Masks can make it difficult for your child to see or breathe. If possible, skip the mask altogether and use non-toxic make-up to complete the costume instead.
October 2015
Prepare for heavy El Niño rains
Weather forecasters are predicting one of the heaviest El Niño rainy seasons in recent memory this winter. The City of Lakewood is preparing plans to clean catch-basins, remove
There’s a new ‘water chief’ in town
Lakewood Director of Water Resources, Jason Wen.
At the Lakewood City Council meeting on September 8, Jason Wen addressed council members for the first time as the city’s new Director of Water Resources, responsible for overseeing the water system that serves the 60,000 Lakewood residents who live west of the San Gabriel River. (The portion of Lakewood located east of the San Gabriel River is served by a private water utility, as it has been since before Lakewood became a city.) Wen has 25 years of professional experience in the drinking water field, most recently as Utilities Superintendent for the City of Downey. His career also includes experience with the State of California Department of Health Services and the Southern California Water Company (a private water utility). Wen holds several advanced degrees including a Master’s Degree from the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) and a Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego. “Lakewood’s water system is in good shape and has been well managed for a long time,” said Wen. “I’m looking forward to working with the city council and our staff to continue maintaining and modernizing our system to meet the challenges of the future. I’m also impressed with the community pride and spirit I see in Lakewood, and I look forward to becoming a part of this wonderful city.” Be sure to give Jason a warm welcome to the Lakewood family when you see him around town and at community events.
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downed tree limbs, and get disrupted traffic signals back in service as quickly as possible during storms. Have you thought about getting your home and yard prepared for the heavy rains? • Make sure your rain gutters are cleared. Fix any roof leaks. • Trim trees and bushes to prevent
www.lakewoodnews.org anything loose from falling on your house. • Move valuables off garage floors. Garages are at ground level and subject to flooding. • If you have water-wise plantings, or a lot of dirt or loose groundcover in your front yard, make sure there are borders around the edges to prevent muddy runoff, which is harmful to the ocean and environment. • If your lawn has died during the hot summer, it could get messy in heavy rain. October is a great month for planting new grass seed and fertilizer. There are options for water-wise grasses. • Aerate lawns. This opens up the soil, improves the health of your lawn, and allows water to be absorbed better. • Check your landscaping for low spots where water could build up. Secure patio furniture and items in yards before a storm. • Buy flood insurance if your home might be at risk of flooding. For more information, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/elnino.
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Why fire hydrants get flushed...even during a drought
Water departments, including Lakewood’s, must occasionally flush fire hydrants to insure water quality or to clean new water mains after construction. The temporary flow of water in such cases is so strong or filled with construction debris that it’s unfeasible to capture and reuse. Lakewood water crews are very careful and the amount of water used in these limited but necessary instances amounts to less than 0.05% of total water use in Lakewood’s service area.
Town
Around
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Around Town in October
Lakewood Sheriff’s Station becomes ‘Haunted Jail’
Lakewood
• The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on Thursday, October 22 at 11am at the Youth Center at Del Valle Park. They are having an annual boutique sale with lots of good prices on many items. A potluck lunch will follow. There’s no program for this month just good bargains. For more information call (562) 867-0516. • This fall the City of Lakewood announces pickleball goes into action twice a week. This includes Wednesdays from 9am to 11am and Fridays from 9am to 11am on the basketball courts at Mayfair Park. Questions are welcome at 562-925-7512.
On Friday, October 30 from 4pm to 10pm, our local Sheriff’s station will be transformed into “The Haunted Jail.” The scary jail is built and hosted by station volunteers, Explorer Scouts and Deputies donating their time. Along with a scary jail for visitors 12 and older, there is also a less scary version for younger children. Enter the Haunted Jail on foot through the rear gate of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station (5130 Clark Avenue) from Civic Center Drive. Parking is best on the south end of Civic Center Drive on or near the vacant lot and Angelo M. Iacoboni Library.
October 2015
Whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on in October! Lakewood’s CityTV television channel 31 looks at the realities of living in “earthquake country.” The video “Shake, Rattle and Survive” complements two October disaster preparedness events. All are intended to help families better understand the risks of a major quake and to be ready to deal with the aftermath. See the video at: www.lakewoodcity. org/ShakeOut. A free, one-evening “Survive for 7” family preparedness workshop is set for Wednesday, October 7 at 6pm. The workshop covers practical family disaster planning topics and needed supplies. Sign up at 562-8669771, extension 2408 or www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog. Use course number 40846. The statewide “Great California ShakeOut!” exercise follows a week later on Thursday, October 15 at 10:15am. The annual drill is intended to raise public awareness about earthquake dangers. Many businesses and schools participate in the drill. At the assigned time, employees and students “Drop, Cover and Hold On” -- like the students in the photo shown sheltering under their desks. Experts encourage families to use the ShakeOut drill as a reminder to check their preparedness plans, kits and supplies. Added info is online at www.ShakeOut.org. Lakewood residents wanting advanced disaster-prep training should join FEMA-certified instructors and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel for three Saturdays this coming February. “CERT” training is an in-depth 21-hour program that’s part of the countywide Community Emergency Response Team effort. Sign up at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or www.lakewoodcity.org/ eCatalog using course number 40923. The next course runs over three days. It begins Friday, February 5, from 5pm to 8pm and finishes on Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7, from 8am to 5pm.
Pick up your pencil and lets play Sudoku! Congratulations to Phil Heiss and Ila Orpilla! They are the lucky winners of the September 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 #24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to See’s Candies). The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Monday, October 26th, 2015. The winners will be drawn on Tuesday, October 27th, 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 November issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.
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Community October 2015
LEF event coming to help Lakewood schools
You can help students attending Lakewood schools by supporting the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) Golf Tournament on October 12. And, you don’t even have to play golf to support the cause! Through the generous donations of Lakewood residents and businesses, LEF was able to donate over $43,000 last year in grants of up to $500 to dozens of local teachers for classroom improvement projects such as science and lab equipment; art and physical education supplies; educational field trips; and electronic tablets. But many worthy grant requests couldn’t be supported because LEF didn’t have enough funds. Here’s how you can help to fund more of those requests this year: • Play golf (or sponsor another golfer, such as a high school student) at the October 12 tournament, starting at 1pm at the Lakewood Country Club. The cost is $100 and includes greens fees, golf cart, awards banquet and goodie bag. • Buy a “Tee Sign” with your name/message for $100. • Donate a raffle prize of merchandise or gift card worth $25 or more. • Donate directly to LEF. The non-profit LEF is run by volunteers in Lakewood and is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for local students. Watch a video about LEF at www. lakewoodcity.org/LEFvideo. For more information or to register or donate, please call 562-8669771, extension 2402. You can donate directly by making out a check to the Lakewood Education Foundation and mailing it to LEF, c/o Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. Donations are tax deductible.
Autumn Leaves Tea Party Friday, Oct. 23rd 4:00pm
Purple Sage
4015 Orange Ave. Cypress, CA 90630 RSVP to: Lakewood Chamber (562) 531-9733 OR Norwalk Chamber: (562) 864-7785
$29.89 at the door
($10 will be donated to WiBC chosen charity. Vote by email to follow.)
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Special Olympics gets support from Stonefire Grill and lots of volunteers
A long-running friendly rivalry continued when Lakewood Special Olympians met Lakewood city employees and the city council on Del Valle Park’s ball diamond and basketball court on the evening of September 19. The annual games are part of a fall fundraising tradition that started in the 1990s. This year’s fun added a bocce ball contest pitting Lakewood council members against the Special Olympics bocce team (pictured) who trounced the council team 13 to 5. Festivities began with dinner at the Lakewood Youth Center where athletes recited the Special Olympics Athletes Oath that includes, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Stoppages
This year Lakewood’s new Stonefire Grill restaurant donated their special brand of lemon garlic chicken and BBQ tri-tip meals to the event. The Lakewood Center eatery fed the more than 160 athletes, family members and city staff who attended. The program capped two weeks of fundraising bake sales and raffles organized by Lakewood city employees. Each year the effort raises over $4,000 that’s applied to the Lakewood Special Olympians’ needs for uniforms, sports equipment, event fees and travel costs.
License #: 971888
Lakewood City Council members take some good-natured ribbing from the Special Olympics’ bocce ball team who trounced them 13-5 at a September fundraiser.
Looking to travel? The Lakewood Chamber can help! Go to www.lakewoodchamber.com, and scroll down to see all of the 10 trips we’re currently offering. You can also call or email us to have a brochure mailed to you: (562) 531-9733 / advertise@lakewoodchamber.com.
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October 2015