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Lakewood Community
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce | 30,000 Circulation - Delivered to every home in Lakewood
Volume 33 Number 10
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Come on over to Lakewood Center for a chance to win a trip to Disneyland! Lakewood Center is hosting a “Community Appreciation Day” on Saturday, October 22 from 11am to 2pm with free food, fun games and attractions, and a big drawing for a four-pack of twoday Disneyland park-hopper passes combined with a $500 Visa mall gift card. The special day is sponsored by Lakewood Center in conjunction with the City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station. To enter in the 1:50pm drawing for the Disneyland prize pack, pick up a Lakewood Center Passport on October 22 starting at 11am. Passports will be available at the welcome tables in Center Court or at the outdoor event area near the Security & Sheriff Safety Center. To enter the drawing, get your passport stamped at each stop in the mall. All stops along the way are FREE and include game areas, small-bites food stations and a behind-the-scenes look at the Lakewood Center Security & Safety Center. You will be able to see the high-tech array of video cameras and resources used by Lakewood Center Security and the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station. The L.A. County Fire
Department will have a fire engine for children to visit, and kids can go inside a “Shakey Quakey” portable classroom to experience what an earthquake would feel like. There will also be a stop at the “Thank A Servicemember” station where military service branches will have representatives and where residents can fill out a special Lakewood holiday greeting card
to send to American military personnel stationed overseas. “This special day of fun is Lakewood Center’s way of saying thanks to the community,” said Deena Henry, Senior Property Manager of Lakewood Center. “Lakewood Center has been extremely important to the economic health of our community since it opened as
October 2016
America’s largest regional mall in the 1950s,” said Lakewood Mayor Ron Piazza. “I hope residents from Lakewood and throughout our region will come to this fun celebration…and have a chance to win those awesome Disneyland and Lakewood Center prizes!” For more information, call the Lakewood Center mall at 562-633-0437. u
What’s in a name: Lakewood’s parks Crafts and goodies galore at Lakewood’s Lollipop Lane! honor city’s diverse heritage By Don Waldie ~ Lakewood Historian Emeritus
Lakewood remembers its heroes and honors its founding generation in the distinctive names given to the city’s parks and recreation facilities. Some Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
names recall civic leaders who helped incorporate Lakewood in 1954. Other names celebrate the city’s unique connection to the people and history of Latin PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
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America. And some names celebrate Lakewood’s sports champions. This article is the first of several in the months to come that will detail the people for whom Lakewood’s parks and facilities are named. • Biscailuz Park. Eugene Biscailuz, a native of Los Angeles, rose through the ranks of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to win election in 1932 as the sheriff. Sheriff Biscailuz held the record for longest service in the department, having become a deputy in 1907 and serving 51 years until his retirement in 1958. Biscailuz was sheriff when Lakewood incorporated in 1954. He was instrumental to the city’s incorporation through his support of the “contract city plan” for sheriff’s law enforcement. The 4-acre park, located at Candlewood Street and Paramount Boulevard, was dedicated in 1959. • Bloomfield Park. Originally, this was a Los Angeles County facility in the unincorporated neighborhood east of the San Gabriel River. When Lakewood (Cont’d. on Pg. 7)
Shoppers get great deals on holiday decorations and crafts. Mayfair Park will come alive own sales. Refreshments will be with over 115 crafters offering available for purchase to benefit handmade, affordable holiday Lakewood Meals on Wheels. gifts on Saturday, October 15 Mayfair Park is located at from 9am to 3pm. 5720 Clark Avenue, at the corner One of the first boutiques of of South Street. Parking for the the season in our region, the event will be available at the Lakewood event features a wide park. range of quality crafters and Additional parking and a artists displaying Halloween, free shuttle will service the Thanksgiving and Christmas Lakewood City Hall east parking items. Jewelry, clothing, quilts, lot (5050 Clark Avenue). The cards, gourds, gift bags, scarves, shuttle will run every 15 minutes purses, wood crafts, paintings, from 9am until 3:30pm. For candles, soaps, lotions and many more information, please call other beautiful handcrafted items 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or 562-866-4776 the day of the will be for sale. Event admission is free, and event. u each merchant will handle their
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What’s happening this fall in Lakewood? By Mayor Ron Piazza
Autumn is in the air in Lakewood. Schools have come alive again. Trees will soon start to turn colors. Halloween and, yes, the holiday season are just around the corner. Autumn is also a time when lots of Lakewood’s favorite traditional activities take place, and I encourage you to consider taking part in some. A fresh batch of recreation classes and programs are starting up. I always enjoy hearing what’s new. This season’s new additions include: Improv 101 for our Active+ population age 50 and above; American Ninja Warrior for Kids tumbling class; and Hidden Nature photography class.
Take a look at the recreation catalog that was mailed to Lakewood homes around Labor Day. Or look online and sign up for classes at www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation. You can also call city staff for help at 562-8669771, extension 2408. Popular and classic Lakewood community events in the fall include the Lollipop Lane craft boutique (great for early holiday shopping) at Mayfair Park on October 15 from 9am to 3pm. Halloween Carnivals at Lakewood’s parks are on October 31, from 6pm to 8:30pm. See details in related stories in this Lakewood Community News. Health care for seniors also takes a spotlight in the fall. The city organizes an Older Adults Benefits Information Fair featuring representatives from different health and benefit plans. The event is timed to help with decisions you may want to make during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period. The fair is October 17 from 10am to 12noon at the Weingart Senior Center. Call 562-630-6141 for details. The city teams up with Lakewood Regional Medical Center to offer a Head-to-Toe Health Screening Event at Mayfair Park. The free program is October 20 from 9am to noon.
October 2016
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The event is designed to help attendees improve their long-term health. To RSVP, call 562-6021563, extension 277. Screenings are free for anyone age 55 or older. Many people use the change in seasons to jump-start their physical activity or exercise programs. One benefit of Lakewood’s many parks is the nice setting they provide for walking or running close to home. You can chart the distance around each park by going to www. lakewoodcity.org/trailfinder. One of the special highlights of this fall will be the grand reopening of Bolivar Park’s two playgrounds, which are receiving a full makeover and all-new equipment. The public is invited to the ribbon cutting on October 15 from 10am to 12noon. Lakewood Center is holding a “Community Appreciation Day” on Saturday, October 22 from 11am to 2pm. There will be free food, fun games and a drawing for a four-person Disneyland park-hopper trip combined with a $500 Visa mall gift card. Another fall tradition is the Lakewood Education Foundation’s golf tournament on October 10 to raise funds for Lakewood classroom improvement projects. See
the article elsewhere in this paper for details or go to www. lakewoodeducation.org. Whether you golf or not, please consider a donation to LEF. The organization was founded by my city council colleagues Steve Croft and Todd Rogers, and I’ve seen how donations to LEF--large and small--go right to work making schools in Lakewood better. Whatever your passion, I hope that you will search out and find something fun and interesting to do this fall in Lakewood. Enjoy the season ahead! u
C i t y Spotlight Super Saturday at the TRC Teen Scary Movie Night It’s Halloween season and the City of Lakewood is serving up scary movies at the Teen Resource Center activity room. The movies and popcorn are free! This scary event is happening Saturday, October 8 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 15-16 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. An $8 per person supply fee is due to the instructor at camp. Register at 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or through eCatalog using class #44204 at www.lakewoodcity. org/ecatalog. Saturday Night Lights Teen Flag Football Tournament On Saturday, October 22, Bloomfield Park, at 21420
Pioneer Blvd., will host the annual Saturday Night Lights Flag Football Tournament from 5pm to 9pm. This fun, athletic event is offered to middle and high school teenagers. Teams of four can sign up for the event prior to the tournament, or on the night of the event. Individual players are also encouraged to attend and will be placed on teams. Teens may participate in one of three divisions, including a Middle School Division, High School Division and Girls Powder Puff Division. Lakewood Youth Sports referees will officiate the timed games. Snacks will be served, and prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. Call 562-865-1717 for more information. College Fair is October 4 at Mayfair Park Lakewood’s annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 4, from 6pm to 8pm at Mayfair Park (corner of Clark and South). Participants (ages 15-22) 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 www.lakewoodcity. org/collegefairvideo. For more information, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472. Fun-tastic Family Night featuring juggler Experience one of America’s top jugglers, Jeffrey Daymont, at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave. on Friday, October 28, 6:30pm to 8pm. See for yourself why he’s a family favorite and get ready for a fun, live juggling experience! Teriyaki chicken skewers, steamed rice, 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 log in to e-catalog to register for this class using course #44206, or call 562-8669771, extension 2408. How to register for Project Shepherd assistance 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 Shepherd runs from November 7 to November 20 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. Added information is at: www.lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherdRegistration. For more information, call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512 or Palms Park Community Center at 562-8656414. u
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October 2016
ABC Honor Roll Schools and Assembly Speaker Rendon Honor Roll District seminar on applying for
state boards
At their recent ABC Unified School District’s Board of Education Meeting, 15 schools were recognized for being selected for the California Honor Roll by the Educational Results Partnership and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE). The Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle and high schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement gaps. For high schools, Honor Roll recognition includes high college readiness in students. The STAR Schools were schools that had 33% or more students who were socioeconomically disadvantaged: Bragg ES; Burbank ES; Carver ES; Elliott ES; Kennedy ES; Niemes ES; Nixon ES; Palms ES; and Tetzlaff MS. The Scholar Schools were schools with fewer than 33% of students who were socioeconomically disadvantaged: Carmenita MS; Cerritos ES; Leal ES; Gonsalves ES; Wittmann ES; and Whitney HS. ABC Unified School District was also selected for the first time as one of 13 school districts in California for the HONOR ROLL SCHOOL DISTRICT AWARD. The Educational Results Partnership and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence indicated that after an extensive analysis of student data for every public school and school district in California, ABC Unified School District stood above the rest in
getting our students to grade level and beyond. Our District includes one of the largest percentages of Honor Roll Schools---particularly those with high percentages of socioeconomically disadvantaged students. u
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, who represents Lakewood in Sacramento, is encouraging residents from Lakewood and throughout his assembly district to apply for seats on state boards and commissions and is offering a free seminar to help them with the process. On Thursday, October 19 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Rendon will give attendees the knowledge and understanding of the application process to best prepare them for the opportunity to receive a Speaker Appointment. This free seminar will be held at the Progress Park Plaza Auditorium, 15500 Downey Avenue, Paramount.
To RSVP online, go to http://asmdc.org/speaker/ appointments/events. For more information, call Rendon’s District Director Veronica Zendejas at 562-529-3250 or email Veronica.Zendejas@asm. ca.gov. Submission of an application does not guarantee an appointment with the speaker. u
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October 2016
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Cheers and welcome to Lakewood BevMo! Don’t eat all your dollars
up in one shopping trip!
BevMo’s Lakewood store opens up with help from Lakewood Community leaders and BevMo! employees. Congrats and welcome to the neighborhood! u
Food shopping can quickly take over your budget despite your best intentions. Perhaps it’s due to impulse purchases, unplanned shopping trips, food going bad or a combination of all three. If you’re looking for ways to save money while enjoying nutritious and delicious meals, consider these money-saving
tactics. Stick to your budget to save time and money. Look at your food budget before making a trip to the store. If you don’t have one yet, figure out your overall budget including food costs with a simple budget worksheet. Knowing how much you want to spend and actually spent can help you make informed decisions. Plan out the week’s meals with your budget in mind. If you make dishes that rely on the same staples, you can save money by using leftovers to create a new dish. But mix things up to avoid boredom. Make your trip to the grocery store even easier with a shopping list. Sticking to a list can help limit food waste and make it easy to get in and out of the grocery store. If you share food shopping duties with a spouse or partner, you can avoid double purchases by using grocery apps that let you create and sync shopping lists. Stack different discounts and deals to rack up savings. Once you enter the grocery store, it’s time to put your plan into action. Plan for the occasional indulgence and let yourself make impulse purchases occasionally, but try to stick to the list. You can also often save money at grocery stores by joining the store’s loyalty program. Members get exclusive discounts, and some programs offer additional savings at partner stores. Check your membership account online or with the app before checking out, as some programs have electronic coupons that you need to “clip” to get the savings. The store you choose can also significantly impact how much you’ll spend. Strategically plan your shopping route. Planning your grocery shopping after reviewing your local stores’ weekly sales and coupons can help you determine what to buy where. Also take the time to explore your neighborhood stores, as one grocer may frequently have highquality yet inexpensive produce while another might have a great butcher. Sticking to your list, refraining from walking through an aisle unless you need to and remembering that the eye-level products aren’t necessarily the best bang for your buck can help you avoid these traps. u
October 2016
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October 2016
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Community October 2016
“What’s in a Park?” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
annexed the surrounding neighborhoods in the early 1960s, the park became part of the city’s recreational heritage. Lakewood’s Teen Resource Center joined other community facilities in the park in 2008. The 15-acre park, located on Pioneer Boulevard (between Carson Street and Centralia Avenue), was probably named for its location not far from Bloomfield Elementary School established by the Bloomfield Elementary School District in the mid-1880s. • Bolivar Park. Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) was one of South America’s greatest generals. His victories over Spanish forces helped to win independence for Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. He is called El Liberator (The Liberator) and the “George Washington of South America.”
www.lakewoodchamber.com Several of Lakewood’s park facilities are named after LatinAmerican statesmen, thanks to the Lakewood Pan American Festival, which was formed in 1945 to celebrate the friendship between the United States and the peoples of Latin America. (Similarly, in foreign countries you will sometimes see parks or boulevards named after American heroes in honor of the friendship between those counties and ours.) The 9.5-acre park, located on Del Amo Boulevard (between Downey Avenue and Paramount Boulevard), was dedicated in 1957 on a single busy day in Lakewood that also saw Del Valle and San Martin parks dedicated. More about those parks later. Pat McCormick Pool in Bolivar Park is named after Pat McCormick, a former resident of Lakewood who was the first woman to win an Olympic “double-double” – two gold medals in two consecutive
Olympic Games (1952 and 1956). McCormick’s medals were in the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform diving events. The pool was dedicated in 1958. • Mae Boyar Park. Mae Boyar was the wife of Louis Boyar, one of the original developers of Lakewood (along with S. Mark Taper and Ben Weingart). The 9-acre park, located on both sides of Del Amo Boulevard east of Palo Verde Avenue, was dedicated in 1964 following her death. Some residents may remember that the 25-foot-tall Giganta play structure once loomed over Boyar Park; offering thrills for youngsters who climbed into the giant robot’s head or sailed down one of its tubular arms. u Next month in What’s in a name: Burns Community Center, Del Valle and Mayfair parks and more.
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Prepare for upcoming weekend closures of the 710 freeway
Closures will continue for each weekend through December 16-19, except for:
October 7 - 10 October 28 - 31 November 11 - 14 November 25 - 28 Caltrans will close all lanes of the northbound 710 between the 5 and 60 freeways for nine weekends, which started the weekend of September 23 to 26. The work is part of a pavement replacement project, and will close all northbound lanes from 10pm on Fridays through 4am on Mondays. Detours will be posted. The northbound 710 connector to the northbound 5 will remain open.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and encouraged to use the 110 or 605 as alternates. As part of a $120 million pavement replacement project on the 710 from the 105 to the 10 freeway, this project is installing precast concrete panels as well as concrete slabs in various traffic lanes and locations, upgrading the median barrier and constructing maintenance pullouts along the route to enhance safety for maintenance crews. u
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Take a swing at helping Lakewood schools You can help students attending Lakewood schools by supporting the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) Golf Tournament on Monday, October 10. 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 $40,000 last year in grants of up to $500 to dozens of local teachers for classroom improvement projects such as electronic tablets, microscopes and other science equipment; art and physical education supplies; books of all kinds and reading levels; and a variety of classroom technology such as Apple TV and microphones. But many worthy grant requests couldn’t be supported last year 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 10 tournament, starting at 1pm at the Lakewood Country Club. The entry fee of $125 includes greens fees, golf cart, awards banquet, goodie bag and on-course small bites and cold beverages. See the tournament brochure at www. lakewoodeducation.org.
• Buy a “Tee Sign” with your name/ message for $100. • Donate a raffle prize of merchandise or a gift card worth $25 or more. • Donate directly to LEF by mail or online. 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 562866-9771, 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. You can also donate online at www. lakewoodcity.org/DonateLEF. Donations are tax deductible. u
October 2016
Get ready for a ghostly good time at Lakewood Parks
Lakewood’s traditional Halloween Carnivals will offer fun and safety for youngsters on the year’s scariest night. Special carnival activities are scheduled for Monday, 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, Palms and San Martin parks. Volunteers are needed to run carnival booths and assist with the haunted houses. For information, call the park nearest you or 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. u
Lakewood Sheriff’s Station becomes ‘Haunted Jail’
On Friday, October 28 from 4pm to 10pm, the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station will be transformed into “The Haunted Jail” with food, fun and games. 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.
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October 2016
Watch your child’s expression at the opening of the Bolivar Park playground
New parent-child “expression swing” coming to Bolivar Park. The Lakewood community is invited to the grand opening celebration of the two playgrounds at Bolivar Park on Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 12noon. There will be a variety of kidfriendly activities, including face painting and a commemorative
photo booth. Both of Bolivar’s playgrounds are receiving all new equipment and total makeovers. “The playground for schoolaged children (located on the south side of the park) will include a 75foot zip line---the longest of its
kind at any Lakewood park,” said Mayor Ron Piazza. “I think our Lakewood kids are going to love that!” “The new ‘tot lot’ for children under five (located on the north side of the park) will feature 10 swings, including an ‘expression
swing’ that allows a parent and child to swing face-to-face,” said Piazza. “That new style of swing should bring a lot of smiles to parents and young children.” Artist’s renderings and videos of the zip line and expression swing are at www.lakewoodcity.org/ bolivarplayground. “Keeping Lakewood’s parks updated and contemporary is a priority for our city council,” said Piazza. Funding for the new playgrounds was helped by a Los Angeles County parks grant secured by
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L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe. “All of us in Lakewood owe a thank-you to Supervisor Don Knabe for his help with this and other projects,” said Piazza. “Supervisor Knabe will be retiring in a few months, but his legacy will live on in our community with this and many, many other good works.” For information on the playground re-opening, call the Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2408. u
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October 2016
Chemo 101 - Intro to Chemotherapy By Mary Welch, RN, MSN, FNP-C, AOC, Nurse Navigator MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, Long Beach Memorial
Chemotherapy (chemo) can be one of the most intimidating medical treatments, causing fear and anxiety for many patients. It can be difficult transitioning into a life with chemo because of the unexpected. Chemotherapy is the use of strong medicines to treat cancer and serious blood disorders. Before treatment you will take a blood test
so your physician can determine the type, frequency and duration of chemo you will have. Lab tests are done and checked prior to each session to make sure it’s safe to treat you. Chemo is given in cycles, which will allow you to rest and recover between treatments. Cycles can range from days to weeks. For example, one patient can take
medicine every 21 days for six cycles. Another patient can take medicine weekly for 6 weeks. Your cycle will depend on your blood test results and type of cancer. Preparing for Chemo On the day of chemo doctors recommend you: • Eat a good breakfast or lunch prior to treatment. • Dress comfortably as if you were going on a long-distance flight. • Bring someone for the first treatment to gauge if you need someone for treatments. Changes in the Body During chemo several changes happen in the body. The following are tips to maintain health and comfort during treatment: • Practice good hand washing. Immunity is decreased during chemo treatments and the risk of infection is higher. Good hand washing is key to maintaining health during this time. Having hand sanitizer handy and avoiding large crowds and sick people
Stoppages
are important to avoid getting an infection. • Talk to your doctor if you have a temperature above 100 degrees, chills, cough or burning with urination. • Be gentle with your mouth. Mouth dryness and sensitivity are heightened with chemo. Obtain a soft toothbrush and avoid harsh mouthwash. • Keep your skin moisturized. Some treatments may cause dryness to the skin. Use ample lotion, moisturizers and lip balm to prevent dryness. • Wear sunscreen. Skin may be
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more sensitive to the sun during chemo. Be sure to apply sunscreen prior to going outside, wear long sleeves and hats and try to stay in the shade. Chemo affects any cells that divide rapidly. This includes taste buds. Because of this food may seem bland or taste differently. This is only temporary and taste buds will bounce back to normal once treatment is complete. It is common to have the following symptoms during treatment. These include: - Hair Loss - Constipation - Vaginal Dryness - Diarrhea
- Nausea - Pain - Neuropathy - Fatigue
If the symptoms are persistent or are causing extreme discomfort, you may want to bring it to the attention of your treating physician. For more information, call (562) 933-0900 to attend Chemotherapy 101, a seminar held at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial dedicated to educating patients about chemotherapy. u
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Red light, green light...it’s time to go outside and play!
The fall school season is well underway, and the time for playing outside seems like a distant memory, at least until next summer rolls around. As your telling the kids to hit the books and get their homework done, you may want to think again. Playtime is critical to healthy child development. Through play, kids build physical skills, improve cognitive abilities, learn communication and social skills, process and express emotions, and increase creativity. Research shows that play is essential for kids to reach developmental milestones and learn. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children spend 60 minutes daily engaged in open-ended, unstructured play. Parents should keep this in mind when trying to sit the kids down to study immediately after a long day at school. Look for opportunities to make chores or
activities you already do with your kids more playful. For example, grocery shopping can be a great chance to play “I Spy,” or you can make flash card drawings of items you want your child to help you find. When you’re doing the laundry, have your child roll the socks and make it a basketball challenge.
Let your child invite a friend over for a playdate. Whether it’s playing with friends or family, at home or at the park, playdates are an important part of childhood-a time when your children can learn to resolve problems and hone their social skills. Here are three amazing facts about play: • Play enhances the progress of early development from 33 percent to 67 percent by improving language and reducing social and emotional problems. • Children with access to a variety of toys were found to reach higher levels of intellectual achievement, regardless of the children’s sex, race or social class. • Research points to a direct correlation between play and stress reduction. Bottom line: Give the kids the green light to head outside for some ole’ fashioned playtime! u
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Local park will be renamed after Supervisor Don Knabe
Cerritos Regional Park will be renamed Don Knabe Regional Park following a recent unanimous vote by his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Michael Antonovich recommended the move to honor Knabe, who along with Antonovich, will be termed out of his longstanding seat on the board at the end of this year. Knabe “has worked tirelessly to ensure that the far-reaching programs and services the county administers improve the quality of life for not only the constituents he represents, but for all of the residents of Los Angeles County,” Antonovich
said in his motion. Since 1996, Knabe has represented the Fourth District, which includes the coastal cities of the South Bay and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and stretches north and east to include Lakewood, Norwalk, Whittier, Diamond Bar and adjacent communities. Parks preservation and development has been one of Knabe’s passions, Antonovich said, citing millions of dollars in investment. The 50-plus-acre Cerritos Regional Park includes a fiveacre fishing lake, a 50-meter swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts and a sports complex run by the city. u
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Steer clear of distractions to protect teens behind the wheel
Today’s teens face more distractions than any generation before. Many don’t recall a time when they were not continuously
connected to their friends. Cell phones - which might have been provided as a safety precaution in case Mom or Dad was running late picking them up from school
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- are now the source of constant messaging, sharing and media consumption. Teens send texts instead of passing notes in class. They share
moments with their peers and the world in the form of photos and short videos. Music, food and transportation can arrive on demand, all with the swipe of a finger. Being away from their phones, even for a short period of time, can even cause a form of separation anxiety expressed in the acronym FOMO (fear of missing out). So it should come as no surprise that cell phone use is the offense most commonly associated with distracted driving. However, it’s not the only type of distraction. “A lot of people think they’re better drivers than they actually are, which is why they take unnecessary risks when they’re behind the wheel,” said Randy Petro, chief claims officer for Mercury Insurance. “We see a lot of claims related to distracted driving, including parents turning to scold arguing children, adjusting the infotainment system, and even taking photos while driving. Your first priority once you start piloting any vehicle should be to focus on
the task at hand - driving.” Ten percent of all drivers ages 15 to 19 who were involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA also reports that 660,000 people drive distracted every day. Teens aren’t the only ones who feel the need to be connected adults are guilty of it, too. Many of the teens who are glued to their smartphones have witnessed their parents answering emails at the dinner table or have seen them shoot a “quick text” while driving. Teens have grown up learning that this type of behavior is acceptable and maybe even expected. However, there’s a right time and a right place for everything. Parents should set a powerful example by committing not to drive distracted if they want their children to do the same. There isn’t an Instagram post, bite of a burger or playlist selection that’s worth someone’s life! u
Lakewood seniors, it’s time to put your health first
Seniors and their family members are encouraged to take advantage of two free programs running this month. Seniors can get help demystifying the maze of Medicare/senior benefits choices and take advantage of free medical screenings. The Weingart Senior Center will host its 8th Annual Older Adults Benefits Fair on Monday, October 17 from 10am to 12noon. At this event, seniors can pick up health insurance and benefitrelated materials and speak with company representatives to help them compare the plans. For more information please contact the Weingart Senior Center at 562-630-6141. Lakewood has teamed up with Lakewood Regional Medical Center to offer a Head-to-Toe Health Screening Event at Mayfair Park. The free program is Thursday, October 20 from 9am to12noon. The event’s goal is to help attendees improve their long-term health. For more information or to RSVP for the screening event, please call 562-602-1563, extension 277. Screenings are free for anyone 55 years of age and over.
Lakewood Women’s Club Lakewood Women’s Club will meet on October 18, 2016 at the Centre at Sycamore Plaza. Meeting will start at 11am, with lunch at 12noon, followed by musical entertainment. For reservations call Arlene Roos at (562) 863-4933. u
News
Community October 2016
www.lakewoodchamber.com
Thank a Servicemember campaign returns and you can help
This year’s Lakewood holiday greeting card to U.S. troops. In the first two years of the City of Lakewood’s “Thank a Servicemember” campaign, more than 14,000 postcards and letters of appreciation were collected
with the help of residents, schools, businesses and organizations and forwarded to U.S. troops deployed overseas. This year’s campaign kicked
off on September 11th at the city’s Patriot Day Commemoration. Holiday greetings and letters of thanks will be collected through mid-November at city hall and other locations around town. Free Lakewood commemorative postcards are now available to fill out, or people may drop off their own cards or letters (please, no envelopes). The city will then send all submissions to U.S. servicemembers overseas through the military support group, Operation Gratitude. “You can help,” said Lakewood Mayor Ron Piazza. “If your school, youth group, nonprofit organization or business would like to be a part of this meaningful project, please visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ ThankAServicemember. Or call 562-866-9771, extension 3123. We’ll get you all the details.” “We may not know their faces or their names, but we should take every opportunity to thank our military personnel for all they do for us,” said Piazza. “As the holidays approach, it’s time to remember that there are those who are away from their families working hard to protect us and our freedoms. Let them know you appreciate the sacrifices and the risks that they endure.” u
Red Cross urges blood donations
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The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and platelets this fall to help restock the shelves following a significant summer shortage to ensure an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Donors of all blood types are needed as blood products continue to be distributed to hospitals almost as quickly as donations come in. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upcoming local blood donation opportunity: 10/6/2016: 10am – 4pm, Long Beach City College, 4901 E. Carson Street. u
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Community Page 14
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October 2016
Coyotes in urban environments Like possums and raccoons, coyotes have adapted over the years to suburban life throughout California and the nation. Coyotes in the wild are by nature fearful of humans. However, they are highly adaptive and can lose their fear of humans when we provide them with food, shelter or water sources. While Lakewood doesn’t have the level of coyote problems of many communities near foothills or large open spaces, coyotes can venture into residential areas in our city and become problematic, especially if people are feeding them (intentionally or unintentionally) by leaving pet food out overnight, tree fruit on the ground, or trash unsecured.
These coyote attractants create a threat to pets, as coyotes coming into neighborhoods see them as potential prey. Coyotes will kill cats and small dogs who are left unattended or who stray off your property. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has jurisdiction over urban wildlife in our state, provides helpful tips for communities and asks for our cooperation. The City of Lakewood recommends that residents follow these guidelines to prevent attracting coyotes into our community. Tips to safeguard your pets • Feed pets inside. Don’t feed feral cats, ducks or pigeons. They attract coyotes to your
neighborhood, putting pets at risk. • Never feed coyotes! (When humans have been bitten by coyotes it is often because someone nearby is feeding them and it breaks down their natural fear of humans.) • Pick up fallen fruit (another food source for coyotes and for animals and rodents that attract coyotes). • Keep trash lids securely closed. Don’t overfill trash cans so they can’t close fully. Coyotes can reach in and get food. This teaches them to come to your home. • If you compost, use enclosed bins. Do not compost meat, dairy or egg products. • The safest place for cats and small dogs is inside. Coyotes can jump over fences 6-10 feet high. While coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, they have been sighted at all hours of the day. • While walking dogs, keep them on a leash 6’ or shorter. If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog, remain calm, take control of your dog by picking it up if possible and back away slowly, keeping your eyes on the coyote. Look for another pedestrian to assist you. • Use negative reinforcement (”hazing”) to train coyotes to stay away. If you see a coyote, let it
know it’s not welcome in your neighborhood by making loud noises to frighten it away. You’re helping the coyote by keeping it wild…and you’re helping protect your neighborhood. • Don’t ignore or run away from a coyote. You need to scare it away, but don’t injure it or it could become unpredictable. Trapping coyotes is not a longterm solution. State law prevents the relocation of trapped coyotes because doing so upsets the wildlife ecosystem where the coyote is transported. Routine trapping and euthanizing of coyotes, even when pets have been attacked, is also not a viable
option because if food and water sources remain, new coyotes will simply move in and continue the cycle. Government agencies generally limit the trapping and euthanizing of coyotes to certain narrow situations, such as when coyotes have attacked people. The best way to prevent problems in the first place is to remove coyote attractants, haze and train any coyotes you see to stay away from humans, and safeguard your pets. For more information and further guidelines, or to report a coyote sighting, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/coyotes or call 562-866-9771, extension 2140. u
Join the Women in Business Council
“ Women in Leadership Excellence ” Wednesday, October 12th 11:30am - 1:00pm
FRANTONE’S 10808 Alondra Blvd., Cerritos (across from Cerritos College)
$20 @ the Door (Cash Only)
Includes Lunch/Tip/Tax, Networking & Speaker
RSVP to Jodee or Vivian at:
Jodee - info@lakewoodchamber.com Vivian - ceo@norwalkchamber.com
News
Community October 2016
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 5 from 6 to 7pm at the Burns Community Center. The workshop teaches the basics of preparing for emergency situations, including the skills families may need to survive in the first week following a catastrophe. Sign up at 562-866-
9771, extension 2408 or www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog. Use course number 43459. The statewide “Great California ShakeOut!” exercise follows on Thursday, October 20 at 10:20am. 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. u
www.lakewoodchamber.com
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ShopLakewood Page 16
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October 2016
Shop Lakewood...
Is it possible to stay connected to your teen? from 9am to 3pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 5730 South St. in Lakewood. There will be a variety of vendors, and will be a great way to start your holiday shopping. You’ll also be helping others at the same time, as all proceeds Come enjoy the We-U Craft will be donated to Project ShepFair on Saturday October 8th herd and Su Casa. u
H&M opens their doors in style!
H&M fashion store at Lakewood Center has opened, with the help from Lakewood residents and H&M staff. Congratulations and welcome to Lakewood! u
Advertise
in the AWARDWINNING Lakewood Community News. Call/ email us at (562) 531-9733/ advertise@lakewoodchamber.com. Ask about our current Autumn specials for first-time advertisers!
A big salute to our hometown heroes!
The community came out to Cassidy’s Corner in Lakewood on September 11th to honor and thank our local heroes. Cassidy’s Corner, located at 11132 Del Amo Blvd. in Lakewood, provided free breakfast to all active and inactive vets, firefighters, police officer, emts, and flight attendants. Lakewood residents came with letters, cards, smiles and hugs to show all their appreciation. u
Seahawk Cocktail Lounge Happy Hour Weekdays
4-7:00PM $2 Domestic Bottles and $2 Well Drinks!
Full Bar Pool & Darts Internet Juke Free Wi-Fi
OPEN DAILY 8AM - 2AM 4103 Candlewood St. Lakewood, 90712
facebook.com/seahawkcocktails
...Stay Lakewood Loyal
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Community Page 17
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Keep kids healthy this school year and beyond At school, kids are exposed to an influx of germs that can cause a number of preventable sicknesses, including cold and flu. The top germiest school-based culprits include water fountains, plastic reusable cafeteria trays, keyboards, toilets and…students’ hands.
To keep your family free from the sniffles all year long, follow these tips to ensure a healthy, happy and absent-free school year. • Teach kids to wash hands the right way. It seems simple enough, but
research shows that only 5 percent of people wash their hands properly. The CDC recommends following five simple steps: wet, lather, scrub (for at least 20 seconds), rinse and dry. Don’t forget backs of hands, between fingers and under the nails. Handwashing is the best defense against germs, but if soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is a good alternative. • Sanitize school supplies. Sanitize school supplies, lunch boxes, bottoms of backpacks, etc., weekly. These items are exposed to a variety of germs lurking in places like gym lockers, on desks and in bathrooms. Use disinfecting wipes on plastic objects, and throw items like
lunch boxes and backpacks in the washing machine. Send kids to school with disposable wipes so they can clean surfaces like desks, cafeteria trays and other surfaces throughout the day. • Set a sleep schedule. A regular bedtime and an alert morning go hand-in-hand. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a calming nighttime routine like reading a book or taking a bath to signal the brain that it’s bedtime, and leave
October 2016 technology like tablets, laptops and cell phones out of the bedroom. If you’re wondering how much sleep your child needs each night, it’s recommended that toddlers receive 11 to 14 hours, preschoolers 10 to 13 hours, school-aged children nine to 11 hours, and teenagers eight to 10 hours. • Keep healthy snacks and meals on hand. A healthy, balanced diet has been proven to keep kids mentally sharp and focused, but fast-paced schedules during the school year can sometimes result in quickfix, and often unhealthy, food choices. Keep nutritious graband-go snacks like trail mix and fruit at the ready. And don’t skip breakfast. It can mean decreased cognitive performance in areas like alertness, attention, memory and problem solving. From hectic schedules to germridden classrooms, the stress and environment of school can take a toll on kids’ health. Keep them healthier with a few simple strategies and you’ll be headed to a perfect attendance record. u
Time to Reboot!
Have you ever been in the middle of a bad day? When everything seemed to be going wrong, and you felt like throwing in the towel? It’s
happened to everyone. I’ve found that if you step away from the bad day, literally, just leave—go get a coffee, go to a bookstore, take a drive; listen to some soothing music—it has a calming effect. It gives you a new perspective and you’re able to see things with a little more clarity. It’s like a reboot. We’ve all had to re-start our computers, or shut them down and turned them back on when the computer has been acting up. Well, when you’re stuck in your bad day, it’s like the world is acting up. You become frustrated; can’t see anything but the bad in what’s happening. Stepping out of it affords you a fresh perspective. It’s like getting a new set of eyes. Your frustrations will more than likely diminish. Next time you’re troubled because things aren’t working out, re-start your personal YOU computer. You’ll see everything in a whole new light! And that bad day won’t seem so bad anymore. u Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @askjoshsmom, Periscope.com, and https://www. facebook.com/askjoshsmom. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements.
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Around
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Don’t get pummeled by identity theft! 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 8. The drive-through dropoff location will be behind the Iacoboni Library from 9am to 12nonn. (Enter from Civic Center Way off of Del Amo Boulevard or Candlewood Street. The exit for the event will be the driveway to Clark Avenue.) 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 562866-9771, extension 2140. u
October 2016
Pick up your pencil and lets play Sudoku! Congratulations to Lisa Morvan, Mark McHugh, and Patty Faustner! 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, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to See’s Candies). The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 21, 2016. The winners will be drawn on Monday, Octobert 24, 2016, and the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the November issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u
THANK YOU
Sudoku Sponsors!
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Community October 2016
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www.877LOSEBIG.com 4117 East South Street, Lakewood, CA 90712 2488 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 2191 Fifth Street, Suite 105, Norco, CA 92860
October 2016
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