Lakewood
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Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce | 30,000 Circulation - Delivered to every home in Lakewood
Volume 34 Number 9
www.lakewoodchamber.com
September 2017
WIN-LA set to provide jobs, opportunities By Daniel Van Hoosier - Contributing Editor
SELACO Policy Board Chair Jeff Wood signing the WIN-LA initiative alongside Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
A new program developed by Metro is set to create numerous career opportunities within the transportation industry. The Workforce Initiative NowLos Angeles (WIN-LA) program, just signed-off on and getting underway this summer, will offer a wide array of job options and,
according to metro.net, “create career pathways in construction, non-construction opportunities in operations/maintenance, administration and professional services. WIN-LA will also increase the resources needed for training and placement of ‘hard to fill’ positions in our transportation industry.”
The program includes training, as well as education opportunities and life skills/skill enhancement resources. These endeavors will be aided by Metro’s Project Labor Agreement as well as the Construction Careers Policy with “a collaborative model of trainers, service providers and partners to
Patriot Day in Lakewood is a time to reflect and give thanks
Lakewood has commemorated Patriot Day every year since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. City residents stop to remember and honor those lost in the terrorist attacks on our nation, as well as public safety officers and military personnel who are still on the front lines in the struggle against terrorism. This year’s Patriot Day event will take place on Monday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the concert grove at Del Valle Park (Woodruff Avenue at Arbor
Road). Patriotic music will be performed by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band and the Golden Sands Chorus, Lakewood’s awardwinning women’s chorus. The annual “Thank a Servicemember” letter-writing program will officially begin, with free postcards and materials available for residents to participate. Information about Lakewood's Veterans History Project will be available as well. Parking will be at a premium
around Del Valle Park. Those who live near the park are encouraged to leave their car at home and walk to the event. • Bring a blanket or low-rise lawn chair for seating. • Super Mex and Mr. B’s Kettle Corn will provide concessions throughout the program. • Dogs and alcohol are prohibited at all city parks. For more information, call Lakewood city staff at 562-8669771, extension 2408. u
identify, assess, train and employ WIN-LA participants.” WIN-LA will have a broad reach and ripple effect, not only in Los Angeles, but in Lakewood, Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens and Norwalk. “WIN-LA will create career pathways opportunities for Lake-
wood residents as well as residents of our neighboring cities,” SELACO (Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board) Policy Board Chair and Lakewood City Council Member Jeff Wood said. “Those looking to start new jobs and careers in a variety of construction and construction-related fields will now have an opportunity to do so.” Wood recently took part in WIN-LA’s launch event and was proud to represent not only Lakewood, but the neighboring areas as well. “It was an honor, as chair of the SELACO policy board, to represent our seven cities by participating in the launch of the WIN-LA initiative and ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding along with the mayor of Los Angeles, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, CEO of Metro and the other workforce development boards,” he said. “It is always a great feeling when we take action to create job opportunities. “Creating career pathways is more than just finding somebody a job - it's giving them the skills and training necessary to compete in the workforce and take advantage of the opportunities being offered in the transportation industry,” Wood added.
Golf tournament to help aid families of fallen, injured officers By Daniel Van Hoosier - Contributing Editor The Lakewood Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have put together a day of fun for a cause and are inviting interested participants to the Friends of Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Golf Tournament. Those interested in participating or contributing in any way can take part on Monday, Oct. 9, with a shotgun start set for 11:30 a.m. at the 18-hole Westridge Golf Club in La Habra (1400 S. La Habra Hills Drive, La Habra, Calif. 90613). A portion of the proceeds will go to the family of Deputy Michael Haak, who was recently killed in an auto accident. Proceeds from last year’s event provided $5000 each to families of two injured officers. Registration comes with a fee of $150 per player and includes all green fees, golf cart rental, balls, a gift bag, food and beverages while on the course and later a buffet dinner. The cost for dinner by itself is $25 per person. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. Contests will include longest drive, closest to pin and hole-in-one. “It’s a family,” Sergeant Steven Moses said of the department. “The deputies who are not hurt feel helpless. What’s most important is the feel-
ing that they (participants) are helping part of our family that’s in dire straights. Not only do the deputies that are hurt get affected, but their families as well. There are no stipulations to the money we give them.” There is also an array of sponsorship opportunities for individuals or groups of players, ranging from $200 to $2000. For more information, contact Sgt. Moses (562-623-3518, SJmoses@lasd. org) or Det. Roger McNichols (562623-3704, rrmcnich@lasd.org). Registration forms are available at the front desk of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Department. Applications and payments can also be submitted over the phone (562-623-3500). Please make checks payable to: “Friends of Lakewood Station Fund” Attn: golf tournament directors. Lakewood Sheriff’s Station. 5130 N. Clark Ave. Lakewood, Calif. 90712. “It means a lot to the department to have the people they work for and protect to be involved,” Moses said. “We all have to work together as a society to make it a better place.” u
LakewoodToday
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Fall brings a new focus to Lakewood
By Mayor Diane DuBois
Fall is right around the corner. Schools are coming alive again with children full of energy and creativity. I love living right behind Mayfair High School, where I get to hear the marching band practice outside every school morning. It’s a marvelous way to start my day. The start of the school year is a good time for all of us drivers to remember to be careful, especially around Lakewood’s many schools. Slow down. Stay alert. Don’t get distracted by cell phones or anything else in the car. For parents, this is a good time to remind children about safety related to bike riding and crossing streets. The City of Lakewood provides safety tips for students and families, including maps of suggested routes to schools at lakewoodcity.org/backtoschool. Fall is also the time when the community comes together to support our local schools through
the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF). LEF is a non-profit founded by Lakewood residents which raises money locally to provide small but meaningful enhancements to classrooms in Lakewood. Last year, LEF provided more than 100 grants averaging nearly $500 for improvements like new books, science equipment, educational field trips and classroom technology. Donations of any size are welcomed by LEF. See the article on page 3 in this Lakewood Community News for how you can help. Fall is also the start of a new Lakewood recreation season. The new recreation catalog will be arriving at Lakewood homes over the Labor Day weekend. There will be more than 600 classes and courses offered. Many are longtime favorites, but I also enjoy seeing what new programs our city recreation staff has created or discovered. New offerings for adults include Beginning Journeys in Watercolor Painting, Yin Yoga class, and a Holiday Jewelry Workshop. New for youth are Special Needs Hip Hop, Mat Pilates, Stretch & Conditioning and Yoga-nastics. And new for seniors is Beginning Spanish with Gerald Lunderville. There are also Travel Trips for everyone to Farmers Market in Los Angeles, L.A. Zoo Lights and Julefest Celebration in Solvang.
For questions, call city recreation staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or go to lakewoodcity.org/recreation. You can still enjoy Lakewood community pools in September. Mayfair Pool is open for recreational swimming every weekend through September 24 and for mid-week classes such as Aqua Zumba. McCormick Pool in Bolivar Park is open on Labor Day weekend for its final days of the swim season. For hours and questions on both pools, call 562866-9771 extension 2408 or go to lakewoodcity.org/aquatics. This time of year also means that September 11 is right around the corner. Please consider joining my city council colleagues and I, along with hundreds of residents at Lakewood’s Patriot Day Commemoration and Concert at Del Valle Park starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 11. If you’re not able to come, please take a little time out of your day to remember and honor those lost in the attacks on September 11, 2001 and those first responders and Armed Forces servicemembers who have protected us every day since. As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for fun and meaningful activities in Lakewood during the fall months ahead. Stay safe and have a great time in whatever the season brings you. u
September 2017
C i t y Spotlight Fall Craft Festival Attention shoppers! Lakewood’s 36th Annual Senior Fall Craft Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Weingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Ave. A variety of handmade items will be on sale at very reasonable prices. This is a great place to get a jump on holiday shopping. Refreshments will be on sale. For more information, call 562-630-6141. FUN-Tastic Family Night “Collaboration- A Musical!” Singing, dancing and fun for the whole family! Join us at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave., for a fun musical experience on Friday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. The phrase “the show must go on” is put to the test when a group of performers runs into trouble during their show. With help from the audience, everyone learns the importance of teamwork. A light meal of bean and cheese burritos, Spanish rice, lemonade
and dessert will be served prior to the show. Seating is on a first-come basis and doors open at 6 p.m. This event costs $8 per person, $5 for children 3 and under. Children under 1 are free. Register at lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog using class #7562 or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for more information. Free College Fair -October 10 Lakewood’s annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., at a new location, The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave. Participants (ages 15-22) will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from more than 50 different colleges and universities from around the nation and get information on admissions, testing, transcripts, transfers, enrollment registration, fees and deadlines. For more information, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472. u
"Live" Outdoor Turtle & Tortoise Show Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 10am - 3pm.
El Dorado Nature Center 7550 E. Spring Street Long Beach, 90815
Admission: $7 per carload
Your
Minding September 2017
LEF charity golf helps Lakewood kids
Sign-ups for this year’s Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) charity golf tournament are underway. Proceeds directly support classroom improvement projects at Lakewood schools. Thanks to generous donations from Lakewood residents and businesses, LEF has funded hundreds of improvements in Lakewood schools since 2003 through grants of up to $500. However, 31 grant applications last year could not be funded because there weren’t enough donations to fulfill them and support would be very welcome this year. For information about the LEF golf tournament, to be held on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 9 at the Lakewood Country Club, including sponsorship opportunities, call LEF at 562496-3559 or 562-866-9771, extension 2408. The tournament brochure is online at lakewoodeducation.org. Golfing is not required to help LEF. Donations can be made directly, with checks made payabe 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. It's also easy to donate online at lakewoodcity.org/DonateLEF. In 2016, 111 Lakewood school projects received grants totaling $51,830. They went to classroom projects in schools across Lakewood. The top request last year was for extra books, proving that some teaching tools never go out of fashion. Following close behind were requests for science and lab equipment, educational field trips and classroom
technology such as Apple TVs and iPads. LEF is a non-profit agency run by Lakewood residents. An annual fireworks stand, the golf tournament and dozens of individual donations raise the annual funding. The group is operated solely by volunteers and therefore has very low overhead costs. You can watch a video to learn more about LEF at lakewoodcity.org/LEFvideo. u
After-School Activity Zone opens Lakewood’s After-School Activity Zone is a free drop-in program for school-age children and preteens. City parks offer the supervised after-school activities Monday to Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning Monday, August 28. Kids are provided with playground games, arts and crafts, and homework help. Parents can be assured that their children are properly supervised in a safe and creative environment. Each Lakewood park has its own schedule of programs and activities. Teens have the option of using the Lakewood Youth Center at Del Valle Park or the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park as their afternoon hangout. Both centers have computers, filtered Internet access for homework, game tables and video game systems. Program schedules can be picked up at Lakewood City Hall, at all Lakewood parks and at www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation. For more information, call city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 u.
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&Financial
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September 2017
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McCormack selected as new City Manager
While meeting at city hall. Thaddeus McCormack, (at right) receives a mug from Howard Chambers saying, "Keep Calm: You Live In Lakewood."
The Lakewood City Council has chosen Thaddeus McCormack, currently the city manager of Santa Fe Springs, to be the new city manager for Lakewood. McCormack, 50, is a veteran of city government, having risen through the ranks over 19 years at the City of Santa Fe Springs, from an intern to management analyst, assistant city manager and, since 2011, city manager. “It was a daunting task trying to find a replacement for Howard Chambers, our amazing city manager for 41 years, but we have achieved success,” Mayor Diane DuBois said. “The City Council held interviews with a number of top candidates, and Thaddeus McCormack impressed us greatly. We believe he will be a good fit for Lakewood and for continuing our tradition of top-quality service for our residents.” “I’m honored and excited to come to work for Lakewood,” McCormack said. “Lakewood has a great reputation for having a well-run city government and for being a family-friendly community with supportive residents who love living here. I’m looking forward to contributing in every way I can to keep Lakewood a great place to live and work.”
Office Space for Lease
McCormack is expected to start with Lakewood on September 5. Long-time Lakewood City Man-
ager Howard Chambers retired on July 31. Assistant City Manager Carol Flynn-Jacoby will serve as
acting city manager during the interim period. “Thaddeus spent some time with me at City Hall in late July,” Chambers said, “getting a briefing on the city and meeting with staff. He’s smart, has a good sense of humor (always a plus) and has an excellent grasp of the issues facing cities like Lakewood. I got a very good feeling from him, and I think he will fit in well here. I look forward to continuing to be a resource for him to help with a smooth transition.” McCormack is the son of Irish immigrants and grew up in the Whittier area. He earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach and a master's degree in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton. Prior to his career in local government, McCormack worked in the private
sector for a number of years with Xerox Corp. in the customer relations field. McCormack has played a leadership role in the Gateway region, serving as the chair of the City Managers Committee of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, and as a member and treasurer of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments City Managers Steering Committee. He has been married to his wife, Eva, for 17 years and is the father of three boys. u
Community Health Talks Tired of putting up with debilitating joint pain due to arthritis? Join board certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ramy Elias as he discusses the surgical as well as not surgical treatment options for joint pain.
MAKO System
The Mako System’s robotic robotic--arm assisted technology helps surgeons provide patients with a personalized surgical experience. Attend one of our orthopedic seminars to learn more.
Dr. Elias will also share outcomes from cases performed using the Mako System, an evolving technology that utilizes a robotic-arm to assist with orthopedic procedures.
Speaker: Ramy Elias M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon
Wed. Aug. 16
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Cerritos Senior Center
N/A
Wed. Sep. 13
6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Dinner will be served. Please RSVP
Wed. Oct. 4
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Cerritos Senior Center
N/A
Wed. Nov 8
6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Lakewood Regional Medical center
Dinner will be served . Please RSVP
Wed. Dec 6
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Cerritos Senior Center
N/A
in "The Del Amo Center"
(Del Amo/Bellflower)
5530 Del Amo Blvd. Suite C Lakewood, 90713 • 850 sq. ft. • Kitchen & Bathroom • New carpet & paint
$1,000/mo. If interested, call Linda Quarto at (562) 715-9291
Please RSVP (877) 346 346--1851 or
www.LakewoodOrtho.com
www.LakewoodOrtho.com 3700 E. South Street Lakewood ● CA ● 90712 www.LakewoodRegional.com
Space is limited. Please call (877) 346-1851 to reserve your seat.
News
Community
www.lakewoodchamber.com
September 2017
Page 5
Another big success for Lakewood Chamber's 20th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show
Busy time for Lakewood Sheriffs on July 4th
The City of Lakewood takes serious action every year to reduce the use of illegal fireworks, which are dangerous to people, pets and homes. The city hires extra Sheriff’s deputies on July 4th specifically to patrol and find the users of illegal fireworks, seize the fireworks and write citations of up to $1,000 for their use. This July 4th, Sheriff’s deputies responded to 120 complaints of illegal fireworks in Lakewood. Deputies wrote 89 citations, including 70 for
$1,000 each for the use of aerial fireworks (all of which are illegal in Lakewood). Eight citations for $500 each were issued for the use of firecrackers (any exploding firework is illegal in Lakewood). The City of Lakewood wants residents to have a fun time on July 4th. The city facilitates neighborhood block parties which are a Lakewood tradition. But the city also wants people, pets and homes to be safe on July 4th. Please do your part to help. If illegal fireworks were used at a Lakewood residence this year or you suspect they may be used in the future, please let the city know by calling 562-866-9771, extension SAFE (7233) or leave a confidential note at lakewoodcity.org/safe4th. u
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September 2017
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Chamber News
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Greater Lakewood CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Thank you to our CAR SHOW SPONSORS
GEORGE CHEVROLET LET GEORGE DO IT, WE KNOW HOW!
Travis “Action” Jackson
Lakewood Garden Club Meeting
The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on September 28th at 11:00am in the Youth Center at Del Valle Park. The club has interesting programs on all growing plants. We meet on the 4th Thursday, so please join us! Guests are welcome. Call Gwen Travis for more information: 562-867-0516. u
Green September 2017
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Costa Rican residents thankful for re-use of Lakewood playground
Children in Costa Rica enjoying Lakewood's donated used playground.
“How did we get so lucky?” and “Thank you for choosing our town!” were the two phrases that Rotary Club of Lakewood member Valarie Frost kept hearing in the town of Matapalo, Costa Rica when she traveled there in June to help install the old Bolivar Park play equipment that was donated to the small community. “This is the first playground that most of the kids there have ever played on, and they are
loving it,” Frost said. “They swarmed over it on opening day and I have seen photos of them continuing to enjoy it in large numbers ever since.” The 1990s-era play equipment was removed from Bolivar Park in 2016 to make way for two new playgrounds which opened at the park last year. There’s no market in the U.S. for used playground equipment, so large parts of the used Bolivar equipment would have simply been disposed of in a landfill.
Hospital co-founder, pioneer, celebrates milestone birthday
Dr. Harold Seifer with his wife of 60 years, Gerda.
Dr. Harold Seifer, a founding member of Lakewood Regional Medical Center and a true pioneer of internal medicine, is celebrating a major milestone this summer: his 90th birthday. A model for any patient or physician who hopes to be physically and mentally fit at any age, the 90-yearold Boston native remains as active as ever — continuing to practice medicine and see generations of clients visit his office at Lakewood Regional Medical Center. Looking back on nine decades of life experience, Seifer reflected that he has watched the world of medicine significantly evolve since Lakewood Regional was born in 1972, an era when he said physicians were working more rigorous schedules with less technology and fewer resources. “Hospitals are better today, and the level of medicine is higher and more scientific, and people are living longer,” he said. “There’s a satisfaction in improving public health, and that hasn’t changed. The new technology and medicine available today means better treatments. “Lakewood is the only hospital in the area, and it’s a real asset to
this community,” Seifer added. Chief of Staff Dr. Ronald Fischman said he is proud of the service that Lakewood Regional has provided for the past 45 years, and said Seifer’s role in that success cannot be overemphasized. “We owe our founders, such as Dr. Seifer, a great debt of gratitude,” Fischman said. “They are the keepers of our history and the heart of this institution, and we are so honored to have Dr. Seifer remain on our staff, practicing medicine here as he celebrates his 90th birthday and many more to come.” u
“There had to be a way to repurpose the Bolivar equipment since it was still very usable,” Frost said. “So the Rotary Club of Lakewood decided to partner with the non-profit group Kids Around The World, which specializes in refurbishing and transporting used American play equipment to orphanages and impoverished communities around the world. “We’ve seen in Lakewood how playgrounds are great for children, building creative minds and healthy bodies,” Frost added. “I definitely saw that in action as the children of Matapalo frolicked on their new playground.” “None of that would have been possible without lots of Lakewood residents and businesses who supported the effort. Thank you all.” Frost and fellow Lakewood Rotarians Tania Whiteleather and Richard Michaels, along with Kevin Bright of the Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Department paid their own way to travel to Costa Rica to help install the playground. They also installed a sign saying that the playground was “proudly donated by the community of Lakewood, California, U.S.A.” “Practically the whole town of 500 people in Matapalo came out for the opening day celebration,” Frost said. “It was a huge deal for them, and they were very appreciative of the gift they’d been given by the people of Lakewood and all the other partners in this project.” A video about the installation and playground opening can be seen at lakewoodcity.org/CostaRica. u
Living
Page 7
L.A. Farmers Market Food and History Tour
Lakewood's affordable travel program is heading to L.A.’s Original Farmers Market on Saturday, October 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There’s so much to discover and, more importantly, to taste, at this famed Los Angeles location!
Please arrive at Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., Lakewood, at 8:15 a.m. for check-in. The bus will leave promptly at 8:30 a.m. and is scheduled to return to Burns Community Center at 3:00 p.m. The cost of this trip is $65 per person. An adult must accompany children of all ages. Last day to register is Monday, September 25 or until filled. Advanced registration is required, through eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog using class #8480. u
ShopLakewood Page 8
September 2017
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Shop Lakewood...
Shop Lakewood.org has deals for Lakewood shoppers
CHRONIC TACOS welcomes LAKEWOOD PAN AMERICAN ASSOC. Come feast on food and help raise funds for this great organization: Sept. 12-13, 2017 / ALL DAY 12-9PM at Chronic Tacos in Lakewood: 4212 Woodruff Ave (next to Vons) Store phone number - (562) 425-7040 $4.00 off X-Large $3.00 off Large $2.00 off Medium $1.00 off Small
COUPON
FREE DELIVERY(LIMITED AREA)
Not good with any other offer Limit (1) w/coupon
TUESDAY AFTER 4:00 PM
KIDS EAT FREE MINIMUM ORDER of MEDIUM PIZZA ALLOWS KIDS TO EAT FREE Dine In Only Expires 9/30/17
PIZZA
• Thin or Thick Crust • Salads & Sandwiches • Live Music - Bluegrass every Sat & Big Al on the piano every Fri. • Free Banquet Room (20-100 people)
Me -n - Ed’s Pizza Parlor
4115 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood
Phone: 562-421-8908
"Pennies for Pines"
Lakewood Women's Club ("LWC") has partnered with Buffalo Wild Wings to raise money for reforestation of California burned areas. This event will kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Buffalo Wild Wings in Lakewood from 5-9 p.m. (In the Lakewood Center, next to Target - 4678 Daneland Street, Lakewood, 90712) Help us put your pennies back in circulation and plant new trees. For more info and to help collect pennies, call Cathy at (520) 488-1588. LWC Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month. This month, luncheon meeting will be on September 19th, at 11 a.m., Mayfair Park Activity Room (Clark & South St.) For Reservations call Arlene Roos, 562-863-4933. u
Tracking the latest bargains for Lakewood shoppers is what ShopLakewood.org is all about. ShopLakewood.org is a fun Facebook page offering money-saving coupons, promotions and first-to-hear news about businesses opening in Lakewood. Recent postings have included Buy One/Get One lunches, grand opening announcements and coupons for Michael's, Macy's, Payless and Kohl's. While ShopLakewood.org is a Facebook page, it's not necessary to join Facebook to view it. Did you know that as a Lakewood resident you benefit each time you make a purchase at a Lakewood store, restaurant or gas station? A portion of your sales tax dollar stays right here in Lakewood. That pays for parks, roads, law enforcement and all the features that make for a good quality of life here in our community. Run by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the City of Lakewood, the Shop Lakewood program highlights both large chains and local momand-pop shops, and professional services. This back-to-school season, keep your hometown in mind, and Shop Lakewood… Stay Lakewood Loyal! Check out Shop Lakewood’s home on Facebook for coupons and updates at www.shoplakewood.org. u
...Stay Lakewood Loyal
September 2017
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ShopLakewood
Shop Lakewood...
Dodgers create a memorable day for Lakewood Special Olympians
Lakewood Special Olympians enjoying a fun-filled day with the Dodgers.
The Lakewood “Dirtbags” Special Olympics softball team has earned a spot representing Southern California in the U.S. Special Olympics games in 2018. To honor their achievement, the Los Angeles Dodgers sent a bus to Lakewood on July 28 to bring the Dirtbags’ 15 athletes and three coaches to Dodger Stadium for a day of fun and excitement. The Special Olympians worked out and took batting practice with centerfielder Joc Pederson and got to meet manager Dave Roberts and players Andre Ethier, Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor and Mayfair High School alum and Dodger third baseman Justin Turner. See photos of the visit to Dodger Stadium at lakewoodcity. org/DodgerVisit. The event culminated with attendance at the evening’s DodgersGiants game. The Lakewood team got a stadium-wide introduction on the big screen and four Lakewood athletes were invited onto
the field while Lakewood team member Paul Lapre threw out
the first pitch. Lakewood is proud of its adaptive recreation services—including Special Olympics—which the city has run for more than 25 years. Hundreds of local residents have learned valuable life-skills through these programs, which have helped them and their families and enriched our community. Lakewood’s Special Olympics athletes have competed successfully at many levels, creating sources of inspiration for themselves and the community as a whole. u
Labor Day city services Lakewood City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day. Trash service will continue without interruption. However, there will be no street sweeping and no makeup sweep. DASH Transit service will also not be available. Although city hall will be closed for the Labor Day holiday, residents may leave a non-emergency message with the customer service department at 562-866-9771, extension 2140. Residents can also make nonemergency service requests online at www.lakewoodcity.org/service or email service1@lakewoodcity.org. Messages will be answered on the next business day. For emergency service requests, like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, please phone 562-866-9771 and follow the recorded instructions to page a 24-hour city emergency staff member. To obtain an RV/Trailer permit, contact the Lakewood Sheriff's Safety Center at 562-623-3583. For questions or requests regarding trash and recycling services, contact EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054. u
...Stay Lakewood Loyal
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News
Community Page 10
Original Lakewood resident shows patriotism through a pen
One original Lakewood resident has proven that age is but a number, and patriotism knows no bounds. Although Alleen Cooper will reach an astounding 99 years in age in early October, she shows no signs of stopping her 70-plus year tradition of writing letters of thanks and support to U.S. troops. So far she’s penned nearly 7,000 letters and they are still coming. Cooper sent her first letters to American troops during World War II. But when her son Bob served in the Vietnam War, Alleen wrote him a letter every single day. She realized that some servicemembers might not have friends or family to send correspondence, so she made it a mission to try and reach out to as many as she could. She only started counting the letters six years ago, and takes the time to write up to four pages for each one, often with a funny story or comic strip. Bob noted that Cooper's Christmas wish list consists of stamps, writing pads and envelopes to keep her sup-
plies stocked. Cooper has developed a pen-pal type relationship with many and has received American flags and special military certificates in appreciation for her efforts. “It’s just so interesting,” she said. “I’ve written to servicemembers stationed in so many countries.” Cooper has no plans to stop, and the community and American troops are grateful for her dedication in taking so much time to share all the kind words to the men and women in service. If interested in joining Cooper in this effort, the City of Lakewood will be kicking off its 4th annual “Thank a Servicemember” campaign this fall. To learn more, visit Lakewoodcity. org/ThankAServicemember or call (562) 866-9771, ext 2123. To see a Lakewood CityTV video about Alleen go to lakewoodcity.org/ TASwriter. u
www.lakewoodchamber.com
September 2017
Revised article on Howard Chambers' Retirement
Long time City Manager Howard Chambers retires After 41 years as the top staff member in Lakewood city government, City Manager Howard L. Chambers retired on July 31. Chambers, 72, was appointed Lakewood’s chief executive in June 1976. He was the longest serving city manager with any single city in California. “I grew up in Lakewood, I’ve had a great career here, and I continue to love this community,” Chambers said. “But at this point in my life I’m ready to relax and uncouple a bit from the stresses and strains of work life. I had a two-week vacation recently that really drove home that point for me.” “I’ve been blessed,” said Chambers, “with how well Lakewood’s city councils have governed our community with stability for many years. They act in the best interests of the community and stay focused on what’s most important locally. I’m confident that my successor will be equally blessed. I’ll do everything in my power to assist in the mentoring of a new city manager. My goal is a seamless transition. We start from a foundation of being a wellrun city in good financial shape, and I don't anticipate a problem.” “Howard’s impact on Lakewood over four decades has been enormous,” Mayor Diane DuBois
said. “He’s one of Lakewood’s original ‘kids’ who grew up here at the time of our city’s founding in the 1950’s. It’s been comforting to lots of people, including me,” DuBois said, “to have his experienced hand here all these years as a bridge from our city’s past to our present, helping our city continue to be a great place to call home. But after 41 years at the top, and a total of almost 50 years of fulltime work, he definitely deserves some relaxing retirement years. “Fortunately, one of Howard’s best attributes has been putting together a strong team of city staff, including top managers and supervisors. So even though Howard will be leaving us, he’s
leaving behind a team he trained and inspired with a strong ethic of fiscal responsibility and customer service. Those and other positive traits will remain and benefit Lakewood residents for many years to come.” After a recruitment and selection process that ended in July, the city council announced that they have chosen current Santa Fe Springs City Manager Thaddeus McCormack to be the new Lakewood City Manager. See the story about McCormackon page 4. Background on Howard L. Chambers Chambers was born in Lakewood, went to Lakewood schools, and worked in his youth at the local YMCA and in the City of Lakewood’s recreation program. He held the position of executive assistant to the Lakewood City Manager between 1972 and 1976. Between 1969 and 1972, he was the assistant city manager of Rosemead. Among many awards during his career, Chambers was honored earlier this year by the League of California Cities with their Award of Distinction for outstanding career service, leadership, ethics, expertise and innovation as a city manager. Chambers’ commitment to Lakewood includes more than 40 years of volunteer service through the Rotary Club of Lakewood, the Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA, St. Timothy School, the American Heart Association, Su Casa – Ending Domestic Violence, and the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame. u
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Around September 2017
www.lakewoodchamber.com
It's time to put your brain to work!
Congratulations to Steve Turner, he’s the winner of the August 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
Thank you FOGGIA'S!!
Sudoku Sponsor
Facilities providing heat relief for seniors
High humidity and triple-digit temperatures typically blanket Southern California each summer and even into fall. Older residents can feel more distress from heat and humidity and often have fewer options for beating the heat. The City of Lakewood wants to remind seniors that the air-conditioned Weingart Senior Center is a comfortable oasis, especially during the hottest time of the day--from noon to 4 p.m. Eligible Lakewood seniors can use the free DASH Transit service as transportation to Weingart if they can’t drive or don’t have a ride. For more information on DASH, call 562-9240149. Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue and can be reached at 562-630-6141. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays. Additional information and a list of other air conditioned centers are available at lakewoodcity.org/cooling. u
Page 11 the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 4111 South St. in Lakewood). The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Thursday, September 21, 2017. The winners will be
drawn on Friday, September 22, 2017, and the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winner will be published in the June issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u
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www.lakewoodchamber.com
September 2017