A Statement from the City of Lakewood

Over the last month, the Federal Government’s enforcement of Immigration laws has been front page news across the Los Angeles Metropolitan area (and the Nation).

The events that have transpired have generated scenes of chaos and disruption, aggravating our already deeply polarized society. The issues at play are complicated and blend political, legal and emotional issues. Lakewood is a very diverse community made up of people with many shades of opinion on these matters, which makes it difficult to express a common message. Nonetheless, these events and issues are ones that are so impactful on our community that they warrant a statement despite the differing and legitimate perspectives amongst the members of our community. The intention is not to further the divide in the community, but to reflect the complexity of the issues and hopefully find common ground in our shared values of compassion, safety, peaceful dialogue and respect for the law and for individuals as humans.

Like all of you, we have watched over the past weeks as federal immigration enforcement efforts have ramped up throughout Southern California. Many communities have been touched by these enforcement operations, including our own City of Lakewood just a few days ago.  We understand how polarizing this issue has become locally and nationally and, to be very clear, we vigorously support and defend everyone’s right to lawfully and peacefully express their views on this or any other political issue. But we will never condone violent attacks against law enforcement officers--local, state or federal--who are lawfully performing their duties even when disagreements exist about the policy decisions that are directing their efforts. And we will support any person expressing their first amendment rights in a peaceful and lawful manner. The first amendment is not a partisan issue. This is what is demanded by our Constitution and our federal and state laws.

Our Core Values in Lakewood include placing a priority on public safety and creating a community where everyone feels welcome and safe. This has never been predicated on one’s immigration status.This includes our approach to utilizing the spirit of the law to deter, apprehend and hold accountable those who intend to do us harm; one’s immigration status is not a factor as to who is held accountable and who receives support.

While the City of Lakewood and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have no advanced knowledge of or involvement in these immigration enforcement operations, we have witnessed how chaotic some of them have become and how they have instilled fear among many American citizens and undocumented residents who have no criminal history.

The enforcement of federal immigration laws is not within the city’s purview, but the safety and physical and mental well-being of our community and its residents are fundamental concerns for this city council. To the extent that the current federal enforcement operations have gone beyond targeting dangerous and criminal individuals, the effect has been a sense of distress and disruption to segments of our business community and to the families and individuals directly affected.

Again, there will always be a range of views on immigration policy within the Lakewood community, but we are united in concern for Lakewood residents as well as in our commitment to public safety and peaceful dialogue. We stand firmly for the dignity and well-being of every member of our community. We urge compassion, peaceful dialogue and respect in response to these events.

If the current level of enforcement is going to continue, we encourage our federal policy makers to re-focus immigration enforcement on those who have a history of victimizing our communities. We also believe that all future law enforcement actions, regardless of the focus, should be consistent with legal due process, the spirit of the law and with the appropriate amount of transparency and compassion for all involved. 

Residents with questions or concerns should contact City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140 to be connected with resources that inform individuals of their rights.

Lakewood's "Hometown Heroes" honored by American Red Cross

Recently, the Los Angeles Region of the American Red Cross celebrated the 20th Annual Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. The luncheon was a heartfelt celebration of courage, compassion and selflessness recognizing remarkable individuals who went above and beyond to help others in times of need, including one City of Lakewood employee and two Lakewood residents.

City of Lakewood employee Annie Fernandez saved her colleague from choking by performing the Heimlich maneuver. Annie’s quick thinking and decisive action in a life-threatening moment demonstrated her bravery and selflessness (see video clip above). 

Lakewood residents Michael Johnson and Gabriel Suarez were part of a team of employees who took quick action when they found one of their colleagues unresponsive at his workstation. Michael and Gabriel both helped administer CPR and first-aid efforts before emergency personnel arrived to save their co-worker’s life. Watch the video clip of the story.

Congratulations to Annie Fernandez, Michael Johnson and Gabriel Suarez for being honored as American Red Cross Hometown Heroes. They had the crucial training to save the lives of their respective colleagues and are part of the everyday heroes who walk among us – ready to step up when it matters most. 

You can learn how to save a life too, at a Community CPR Class offered by the City of Lakewood. Check the current catalog for the next class.

Keep pets safe on July 4

Independence Day means lots of unusual noise and resulting agitation and fear for many animals, often causing them to escape their home or yard.

This can make July 5 the busiest day of the year for animal control professionals dealing with lost pets.

To help, remember to be sure pets are wearing a properly fitted collar with identification and:

• Keep pets at home in a safe, calm environment. DO NOT take them to a firework show or even a neighborhood gathering. 
• Protect pets from the heat -- in the shade with plenty of water. If the asphalt is too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your pet's paws.  
• Never leave pets in an unattended parked car, especially on a warm day. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient airflow and put your pet at risk of being stolen. 
• Never leave animals tethered or chained outside. In their fright and distress, they can injure themselves. Cats should be indoors. 
• Be careful with decorations. Keep them out of reach to avoid being chewed on or entangling pets. 
• Keep pets hydrated with fresh cool water, and no table or grill scraps. Some human food may be toxic or dangerous if ingested and cause stomach upset. 

If a pet goes missing, check the SEAACA website the very next day at SEAACA.org. If you don't see your pet there, keep looking. 

More tips from SEAACA if you've lost your pet

Beware of unlicensed solicitors trying to access your house

Solicitors representing themselves as members of the “California Efficiency Group” (falsely claiming to work for the Lakewood Water Resources Department) have been going door-to-door recently, attempting to enter homes by offering to test your water.  

Also, individuals are reportedly posing as city workers claiming to conduct a “smart water survey” on behalf of the Lakewood Water Resources Department. 

Be assured that the City of Lakewood is not testing water nor conducting any survey and will never arrive at your door unannounced or without an appointment and ask to come inside your home. Any official city activity will always involve clearly marked city vehicles and uniformed staff with city identification.

Criminals use tactics like soliciting in order to get you to open your door. Once inside your home, criminals will steal your property while your attention is diverted. If you suspect someone may be posing as a utility worker, solicitor or city employee to try to gain access to your home, please call the Lakewood Sheriff's Station at 562-623-3500.

How to tell if a solicitor is licensed in Lakewood

Lakewood authorized safe-and-sane fireworks stands

Celebrate the Fourth of July in a legal way with “safe and sane” fireworks purchased in Lakewood at booths sponsored by local nonprofit community organizations, including the Lakewood Education Foundation, Lakewood Jaycees, booster clubs from Artesia, Lakewood and Mayfair High Schools and others.

Booths are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from July 1 through July 4.

“Safe and sane” fireworks do not explode, go into the air or have sound that travels far, and they are the only fireworks approved by the CA State Fire Marshal. They can legally be used in Lakewood and only on July 4 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. 

Lakewood families can have plenty of celebratory fun with “safe and sane” fireworks and stay legal and considerate of neighbors at the same time.

Check this map for locations of the authorized fireworks booths in Lakewood. 

What are illegal fireworks in Lakewood and throughout California?

Answer: Skyrockets, mortars, firecrackers and any kind of explosives.

Only “safe and sane” fireworks approved by the CA State Fire Marshal can legally be used in Lakewood and only on July 4 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Safe and sane fireworks provide plenty of fun but do not explode or go up in the air…and their sound does not travel far.

Be safe, be legal, be a good neighbor this Fourth of July.

If you see or hear illegal fireworks currently in use, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500. 

Survive for 7 on July 8

Emergencies and natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Do you have your emergency supplies stocked and ready, just in case?

If not, please join the next free emergency preparedness seminar, Survive for 7, on Tuesday, July 8 at 6 p.m. at the Burns Community Center.

No registration is needed and all ages are welcome. 

You will learn about the types of regional emergencies and disasters that can impact Lakewood, and what you can do to prepare yourself and your family to survive in the seven days following a disaster when help may not be available.  

The session runs about 90 minutes and concludes with a free raffle for all in attendance.

The Burns Community Center is located at 5510 Clark Ave.

Call the Lakewood Public Safety Department at 562-866-9771, ext. 2114 for more information.

One-day delay for trash pickup on July 4

As Lakewood's trash contractor, EDCO, is closed on the Fourth of July, trash pickup for Friday, July 4 will be done on Saturday, July 5.

There will be no street sweeping in residential areas or DASH transit service on July 4.

City Hall will be closed on July 4 because it falls on the regularly scheduled alternating Friday closure. See the calendar for alternating Friday closures..

As a result, City Hall will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 7. However, trash pickup and sweeping on July 7 will continue as usual.

How to get service when City Hall is closed

Movie Night Under the Stars on July 11 at Palms Park

Bring the entire family out to Palms Park for an evening of free family fun and movie entertainment featuring “Captain America: Brave New World” (Rated PG-13) on Friday, July 11.

Event area opens at 7 p.m. with the feature beginning at 8:15 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and blanket! No pre-registration required.

More information can be found at lakewoodca.gov/catalog or by calling 562-866-9771, ext. 2408. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park.

Palms Park is located at 12305 207th St.

Help keep kids safe around the pool

Don't let tragedy happen around the pool this summer. Join us for the free Save a Life event on Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mayfair Pool. 

Parents and children will learn water safety tips, including the importance of the Water Watcher program to keep little ones safe around the pool. Get a free Water Watcher tag along with other safety information prepared by trained experts. All ages are welcome.

Activities include:

• Water Safety/CPR Demonstrations

• Activity Stations with games and prizes

• Life Jacket Fittings

No registration is required for this informative event. 

You can also take a free 30-minute swim lesson designed to emphasize safety around water for kids and parents. Swim lessons are offered at 11 a.m., 

11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. Online preregistration for lessons is recommended at lakewoodca.gov/ecatalog using the keyword "Save a Life." 

Approved swimsuits are required. Swim diapers are required for all children four years old and younger. 

Call Mayfair Pool at 562-804-4256 for more information. Registration may be taken at the event if space permits.

Mayfair Pool is located at 5720 Clark Ave.