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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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Column One
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Lakewood comes to roller derby!
CityTV Reporter Darcy "The Destroyer" gives a first-person look at what it takes for a "regular gal" to get into roller derby. This Community Digest segment also profiles a skater Deborah Harry.
Deborah grew up in Lakewood, where skating was a family affair. She now participates in roller derby with the OC Roller Girls. Click for video
[FULL STORY]
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Safely back to school
It depends on everyone
Getting 15,000 students back to school safely each fall is a big job that the city has assisted since Lakewood’s founding in the 1950’s. The back-to-school effort has three elements: classroom instruction, the city’s Suggested Route to School maps, and Sheriff ’s traffic enforcement.
The city-sponsored program is oriented to elementary school students and covers safe walking and bike riding guided by the Suggested Route map for each school. Click for listing of Lakewood schools
[FULL STORY]
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'Cooling centers' set to beat the heat
Preparing to beat the heat is an important concern. High humidity and triple-digit temperatures typically blanket Southern California each summer and Lakewood city officials want to remind residents that the air-conditioned Weingart Senior Center is a comfortable oasis, especially during the hottest time of the day--from noon to 4:00 p.m.
During exceptionally hot weather, Lakewood seniors can use the Weingart Senior Center as a break from the heat and humidity. Older residents can feel more distress from these conditions and often have fewer options for beating the heat. The Weingart Senior Center offers a cool, safe, friendly place to get away during high temperature episodes.
[FULL STORY]
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Tough times, but the city able to maintain full services
 Many cities in California are facing difficult budget situations leading to cuts in services, such as the closing of parks and fewer public safety personnel on city streets.
Lakewood is not immune from the tough economic times. But Lakewood has prepared itself through a long tradition of careful fiscal management.
When the economy was good and revenues increased, the city did not lock in high expenditure levels that were unsustainable when the economy turned sour. Lakewood stayed cautious. The city used temporary surpluses for capital improvements and for building up rainy day funds.
That approach is paying off now.
On June 22, the Lakewood City Council adopted a balanced budget for the fiscal year that began on July 1. City revenues will continue to be lower than four and five years ago, but revenues are expected to rebound modestly from last year as the economy slowly improves. City expenditures will be contained.
At the city council’s request, city contractors and city employees are refraining from cost of living increases. Lakewood also led a successful multi-city effort to reduce the insurance rates paid for law enforcement liability costs.
What does this mean for Lakewood residents? You won’t see cuts in city services. There will be no employee furloughs or layoffs. Lakewood will maintain the services, programs and level of sheriff’s law enforcement that make for a good quality of life. Here are a couple of highlights from the new budget:
 Law enforcement. Lakewood will continue the special law enforcement programs that enhance public safety. Lakewood will continue to fund its team of Special Assignment Officers, a vigorous Neighborhood Watch program, and a Lakewood-specific detective and fingerprint technician. These extra efforts pay off in crime reduction and criminal apprehension.
 Recreation. Lakewood’s award-winning recreation programs will be fully funded, and the city council has approved funds to purchase new play equipment, fencing and water fountains for tot lots and parks.
Water. The city council has approved funds to replace over two miles of aging water mains with larger diameter mains to increase water flow and improve firefighting capabilities.
 Traffic signals. The city will use a variety of local, county, state and federal funds to upgrade the traffic signals at 16 intersections to improve traffic mobility and safety for drivers and pedestrians. This project will receive $475,000 in federal funding thanks to a grant secured by U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sánchez.
 Street repaving. Lakewood has repaved over 92 percent of its residential streets since 2000, and the percentage of streets repaved will grow this year. Several major thoroughfares will also get repaved, with Centralia Street, between Bloomfield Avenue and Studebaker Road, being one of the first projects this fiscal year.
The city’s budget for FY 2010-11 will total $67.7 million, which includes the operation of the city’s water utility. The number one revenue source for Lakewood is sales taxes, which is expected to account for 26 percent of general fund income. Over 3,000 businesses (including home-based firms) are located in Lakewood, generating a projected $11 million for the city in 2010-2011. The second largest source of funds for the city is property taxes, which is expected to account for 9 percent of general fund revenues, or $3.7 million, in the coming year.
[FULL STORY]
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Labor Day holiday service alert
Monday, September 6, 2010
Lakewood City Hall will be closed on the Labor Day holiday, Monday, September 6, 2010. Some city services will be impacted. Trash pickup will not be interrupted. There will be no street sweeping or Dash Transit service on the holiday.
Call Lakewood customer service at 562-866-9771, extension 2140 or e-mail service1@lakewoodcity.org with any questions prior to Labor Day. Non-emergency service requests can still be made on the holiday by calling 562-925-4357 (then press 100 on your touchtone phone) or by clicking to the online service request form on Lakewood Online.
[FULL STORY]
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Book sale to benefit Lakewood libraries
Saturday, October 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Low-priced used books will be available at the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries (FoLL) sale on Saturday, October 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library in the Lakewood Civic Center. A discount “bag sale” follows the main sale from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
"Members only" sales are scheduled for Thursday, September 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday, October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. These are open to FoLL members and disabled patrons. Memberships may be purchased at the door for $10.00 for individuals, $15.00 for families and $5.00 for seniors.
[FULL STORY]
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Calendar of events . . .
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Recreation season starts soon
Saturday, September 4: Fall/Winter registration begins
Watch for the new Lakewood Fall/Winter recreation catalog to arrive in the mail in early September. The new “Parks Make Life Better!” slogan will be in evidence as the catalog is packed full of recreation programs for all ages. Online registration begins Saturday, September 4 on eCatalog, the city’s online registration program.
Registration for fall classes begins as soon as the new catalog “hits the streets.” Look through the catalog for activities and programs and get them scheduled on your calendar so you don’t miss out. There are over 500 classes being offered this season with many old favorites and lots of new classes.
[FULL STORY]
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After-school programs: Fun starts at 3:00 p.m.
Programs begin Tuesday, September 7
Lakewood’s After-School Activity ZONE is a free drop-in program for school-age children, teens and preteens. The program is offered at city parks, Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Schedules flex to accommodate school holidays and vacation periods.
After-school activities include playground games, arts and crafts, homework help and organized sports leagues through the Lakewood Youth Sports Program. Most programs are free and do not require pre-registration. Some specialized activities may require a minimal materials cost.
[FULL STORY]
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Dispose of hazardous and e-waste easily
Saturday, September 18 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Five hazardous waste/e-waste collection events are coming up where Lakewood where residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste and e-waste. The entire drop-off process only takes a few minutes. Often, participants don't even have to leave their car.
The next event near Lakewood is in Carson on September 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is in the parking lot of the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant.
[FULL STORY]
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'Smart gardeners' learn to save water
Programs are ongoing through mid-November
Numerous free “Smart Gardening” workshops are open to Lakewood residents between now and mid-November. Classes cover ways to get a great looking yard while using less water and energy and wasting fewer resources.
The county’s "Smart Gardener" workshops offer basic and advanced programs covering topics like composting, landscape design, landscaping with native friendly plants, installing a water-efficient irrigation system, and organic gardening. Click for a list of workshops Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase home composting units for an affordable price of approximately $40. Click for more information
[FULL STORY]
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'Tot Lot' registration ongoing
Tot Lot registration is ongoing at Lakewood parks. This parent cooperative program is for 2-to 5-year olds and provides a safe, developmental environment for children, and a meeting place for parents. Click for the Park Finder to find park locations
Tot Lot registration is accepted throughout the year (as space permits). Sessions are active during the school year. For more information, contact a city park where Tot Lot is scheduled or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.
[FULL STORY]
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Patriot Day features 300th Army Band
Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Del Valle Park
The 2010 Patriot Day commemoration in the concert grove at Del Valle Park (Woodruff Avenue at Arbor Road) will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 11. The evening will open with a rousing concert of patriotic tunes by the 300th Army Band. A memorial candle lighting and moment of silence – which have become Patriot Day traditions – will follow.
The annual concert commemorates the tragic events of 9/11/2001 and those lost in the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. It also honors those public safety officers and military personnel who are still on the front lines in the struggle against terrorism.
Parking will be at a premium around the park. Those who live near Del Valle Park are encouraged to leave their car at home and walk to the event.
- Light dinner items and snacks will be sold.
- Bring a blanket or low-rise lawn chair for seating.
- Dogs and alcohol are prohibited at all city parks.
For more information call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.
[FULL STORY]
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Assembly Member Tony Mendoza Patriot Day picnic
Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Assembly Member Tony Mendoza invites residents to join with friends and neighbors for a Patriot Day picnic at Heritage Park in Cerritos from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The event features free food and drinks. There will be activities for children including games and prizes. Visitors are encouraged to bring a good appetite and are welcome to discuss important issues.
RSVPs are requested (but not required) by Friday, September 10. For more information, please call 562-864-5600.
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Special musical event at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library
Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Yukiko Matsuyama brings her unique musical skill to the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library on Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. for a free concert. Matsuyama is known for her work on the “koto” (Japanese harp), blending smooth jazz, new age and world music.
A 13-string zither or harp, the koto is Japan’s national instrument. Matasyama’s compositions combine the sounds of the ancient 7th century instrument with elements of modern styles. Click for a sampling of Matsuyama’s music on the recently released Crème Brulée
[FULL STORY]
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Free lamps in exchange for energy guzzlers
Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lakewood residents can swap up to 10 inefficient, old lamps for free energy-saving models with bulbs at “Operation Lamp Exchange.” The money and energy-saving program will be in the in our area on Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Kmart parking lot in Torrance at 19330 Hawthorne Boulevard.
Old desk lamps, table lamps, Halogen torchieres, and floor lamps are eligible for the exchange. Many of the new replacement lamps use only a third of the energy of old lamps.
[FULL STORY]
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Child safety fair at Los Cerritos Center
Saturday, September 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The California Highway Patrol and Assemblymember Tony Mendoza invite residents to attend a safety learning program designed for parents and their children. The CHP will be offering free fingerprinting and a free child fingerprinting kit.
The event will be held at Los Cerritos Center near California Pizza Kitchen. For more information, please call the 56th Assembly District Office at 562-864-5600, or go to www.asm.ca.gov/mendoza.
[FULL STORY]
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California Coastal Cleanup Day coming in September
Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Lakewood residents are invited to participate in the statewide California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Coastal Cleanup Day is the highlight of the California Coastal Commission's Adopt-A-Beach program.
If you are interested in participating, call 800-COAST-4U or coast4u@coastal.ca.gov. The Long Beach Nature Center is a local contact for this year's event. Call Erin Kellogg at 562-570-4876.
[FULL STORY]
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'Start Smart' driving program for teens
Tuesday, September 28 and Wednesday, October 20
The California Highway Patrol's free Start Smart driver safety program for teen drivers will be held twice at the Sheriff’s Community Safety Center in the mall. Classes will be held on Tuesday, September 28, and again on Wednesday, October 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The driver safety class is designed to help new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15 -19 and their parents/guardians. Enroll by calling the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.
[FULL STORY]
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Free class helps families prep for the ‘big one’
Tuesday, October 5, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Lakewood officials are urging residents to consider recent earthquakes as a “preparedness” wake-up call. And, they’re offering residents a free one-evening class to help them prepare.
A 'Survive for 7' - Emergency Preparedness Workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 5, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and at the Sherriff’s Community Safety Center at Lakewood Center. Registration will begin on September 4 for season at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog.
[FULL STORY]
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City of Lakewood, California
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