Lakewood, California
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Holiday activities from December 19 to 31
Activity Zone

Holiday activities at Lakewood parks will be featured throughout the two weeks of school vacation from Saturday, December 19, through Thursday, December 31. Click here for the special activity flyer. Santa will make an early appearance on Saturday, December 19 at each of the parks, followed by a candy cane hunt.  
'Santa HQ' through December 24
High tech holiday photos for the whole family
Santa and friends
Lakewood Center's 'Santa HQ' turns getting a photo with Santa into a creative activity where families can take "ELFIE selfies," star in their own holiday videos and explore Santa's Observatory using "ELF-RAY vision."
(Even the family pet can get in on the fun on December 7 and 14 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) More 
New captain has lots of local experience
Captain Allen Castellano  
Lakewood is welcoming a new commander to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Station on Clark Avenue. This fall, Captain Allen M. Castellano assumed command of the 314 sworn and civilian personnel who protect Lakewood and the four other cities served by the station. More  
Monday, January 25 at noon
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Lakewood residents are invited to save the date for this year's State of the City Luncheon to hear what city leaders are saying about the community's 2016 opportunities and challenges.

The luncheon is Monday, January 25, at noon, at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza located at 5000 Clark Avenue in Lakewood. 
Flurries in Civic Center Plaza for tree lighting
Santa with boy
Lakewood's tree lighting tradition continues this year with a special, expanded evening program outside The Centre at Sycamore Plaza beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4.

The Civic Center Plaza along Clark Avenue at Hardwick Street will sparkle with new features including snow, sing-a-longs, and food trucks. Face painting, balloon artistry and free carnival games will be sponsored in part by Lakewood Center. Corner Bakery will offer free dessert bites and hot coffee to attendees, and the Lakewood Lions Club will serve free hot chocolate, while supplies last. City Council Members will welcome the crowd at 6:30 p.m. and join in the official lighting of the decorated tree.

No reservations are required. Parking will be available in the rear Centre-City Hall parking lots. The parking lot in front of city hall will be closed as it will be used for the event. More   
Fulfill the Christmas wish of a child in need while shopping local
Teddy Bear wish
A Teddy Bear Tree will be at the Rotary Club booth in the Center Court at Lakewood Center on the weekend of December 5-6. Shoppers can select a bear ornament for a child in need and then shop for the child's wish, which is a reasonably priced toy or clothing. The gift can be returned to the Rotary Club volunteers at the booth. Gifts can also be dropped off at most City of Lakewood facilities during business hours prior to Monday, December 7.

The unwrapped presents go to children registered through Project Shepherd, which is Lakewood's homegrown charity to assist local families in need.

Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood. For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ProjectShepherd.  More  
Let the recipient choose the perfect pet
Boy with dog
Holiday surprises can be wonderful! Lakewood's pet experts say the best way to bring a furry companion into the family is through a pet adoption that involves the recipient in the process. Helping someone pick a pet that's the perfect fit is the best way to start a relationship that lasts for years--and it gives a good home to an animal in need.

"Instead of surprising someone with a 'sentient being,' surprise him or her with the 'idea' of adopting an animal companion," said Executive Director Sally Hazzard of the South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). "Do it by giving the person an item that their new pet will need and a card about your intentions. Then, bring them to SEAACA and let THEM make their personal pick." More 
Lakewood Online
Planet Lakewood
Businesses That Give Back
Prepare for El Niño
Watch out for West Nile
Coyotes in urban environments

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