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• The only community newspaper serving the city of Artesia, delivered to 3,000 homes per month • www.loscerritosnews.net • November 2010 • Vol.1, No. 1
Artesia Chamber President's message
Artesia Council continues appeal on California Diaries Wastewater Plant
By James Kang
H
ave you noticed recently that the Artesia Chamber of Commerce is back? Indeed the old chamber was dormant and inactive over the last several years. However, with the dedication of the board and its current members, we are striving to bring back this vital organization to Artesia once again. What can this NEW Artesia Chamber do for you? Here James Kang, Presi- are some of the things that we dent, Artesia Chamdo for the busiber of Commerce. ness community: •Educational resource/business development --- we provide you with many valuable tools and resources to help strengthen your business through workshops, seminars, access to local business resources such as the SBA, SBDC, etc. •Networking --- we provide a forum for valuable networking opportunities with not just civic and business members from Artesia but other local chambers as well. •Advertising opportunities with our upcoming monthly newsletters, website and our local partner, the Los Cerritos Community News, publishers of this newsletter •Advocacy --- keep you informed of the latest legislative bills/acts that impact business in Artesia. Hopefully, you were able to attend some of our events in the last several months which have included speakers from the Small Business Development Center (on the role of the SBDC in supporting small businesses), LA Sheriffs (on how to prevent crime through environmental design), and US Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (on what Congress is doing to help small businesses). In times like these when the economy is down, it is more than critical for businesses to leverage the benefits and resources of the chamber. We are the primary source for all local business and community information. Our goal is to create a vibrant and thriving busi[See WELCOME Page 3]
Artesia Mayor Speaker at Local Club By Larry Caballero
Artesia Council Presents Intern Certificate of Recognition: Artesia Mayor Tony Lima and City Council members Sally Flowers, John Lyons and Mayor Pro Tem Victor Manalo presented Razilee Veda Tadeo a Certificate of Recognition at the Oct. 11 council meeting for her one year of volunteer intern work with the City Planning Department. Looking on are Redevelopment and Planning Director Okiina Dor, his assistant Jose Hernanez and Tadeo’s sister. By Jerry Bernstein The Artesia City Council voted to continue an appeal to its Nov.8 meeting by California Dairies, Inc. [CDI] who is appealing a planning commission decision requiring a specific plan in connection with the construction of a wastewater pretreatment facility at the plant located on Artesia Boulevard
west of Pioneer Boulevard. The site is zoned Commercial Transition (CT) and Heaving Manufacturing and Industrial (M-2). In other business the council voted in a 3-1 vote to over-ride a Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation reserving use of the Artesia Park ball [See COUNCIL Page 3]
Ribbon cutting marks opening of new business in Artesia
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Sept. 25 for the grand opening of Dreams Collections LLC, 18625 Pioneer Blvd. in Artesia. Cutting the ribbon are [l-r] Councilman Victor Manalo, Councilmember Sally Flowers, co-owner Anup Dosaj, Mayor Tony Lima, co-owner Sakshi Dosaj, and Chamber President James Kang. Dr3ams Collections LLC sell exotic fabric, clothing, jewelry (bracelets, earings, etc) and can customize wedding dresses and outfits.
When Artesia Mayor Tony Lima was asked to be the keynote speaker for the Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club’s Oct. meeting, he decided to share with the members what he does as a city official. “No one ever told me what my job requires me to do,” said Lima. He soon learned it included attending many functions of his city and of neighboring cities as well. He has given numerous speeches at
Welcoming guests to the Oct. 18 Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club Meeting at Coco’s Cerritos were (l-r) La Palma Mayor Pro-Tem Ralph Rodriguez, HHDC President Gary Chomiak and Artesia Mayor Tony Lima.
various ceremonies and events involving a multitude of ethnic groups and has learned a few introductory words in the process. Lima said the worst time to be Mayor of any city is during rough economic times when there need to be budget cuts that require laying off workers and cutting back on salaries. “Recently, I had my resignation ready to turn in so I could move to a nearby city with higher salaries for city councilmembers, but once the councilmembers were arrested, I decided against it,” Lima said jokingly. Artesia is home to more than 17,000 people who speak 48 languages and live in the “Heart of Cerritos” on only 1.6 square miles of property. Lima is never totally prepared for what may happen at any public event. He has been surprised when asked to speak in front of large audiences when he thought he was there to only be a guest. “Mark Twain once said that it took him about two weeks to make a [See LUNCHEON Page 3]
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2 ARTESIA COMMUNITY NEWS/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • NOVEMBER 2010
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Crime prevention main topic at Artesia Chamber Meeting By Larry Caballero
lots and never keep more than $20 in the register. “Design to deter should be your motto,” said Rose.
He used 7-11 stores as an example to show how crime was reduced when they began to implement some of
Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff John Rose was the guest speaker at the second Artesia Chamber of Commerce meeting Sept. 23 at the Bombay Gardens Restaurant in Artesia where he addressed the questions of business owners on crime prevention. “There are things you can do [l-r] Artesia Chamber President James Kang and Don to deter the ratioBrown, Pioneer RV Storage. nal criminal who is planning to rob your business,” said Rose, “and there probably is not a lot you can do if the criminal is being irrational.” Nevertheless, Rose recommended that business owners be more proactive and not make it easier for a criminal to select their property by cutting back shrubbery in front of their building, have plenty of lighting, plan for wider [l-r] Congresswoman Linda Sanchez field rep Jesse aisles in their stores, Cheng, Pete Ochoa, Artesia Transmissions, and State expand their parking Assemblymember Tony Mendoza field rep Vivy Chao.
these suggestions in the 1990’s. Artesia Chamber President James Kang thanked
Rose and all of the guests in attendance and said that the Chamber’s role was to improve the sales volume of local businesses. “What takes place when the economy is poor?” asked Kang. “The crime ratio will go up, and Artesia is no exception.” He listed two major burglary incidents in the last few months where expensive clothes and computer equipment were taken. “We need a crime prevention plan to protect our assets from [l-r] Councilwoman Sally Flowers and Miriam Brad- burglary and other ley, East West Ice Palace. crimes,” said Kang. “I want to invite all small business people, retailers, companies, professionals and civic members in Artesia to join the Chamber, and I want to establish a strong business coalition amongst Chamber members so that all of us can exchange business information with each other.” Its third Chamber meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 28 at noon. For further information, contact Execu[l-r] Felix Lopez, Sgt Greg Knapp, President tive Director Sug Kitahara James Kang, Manu Patel, and Dinesh Gandhi at 562-882-7734.
Veterans Day 2010
Artesia Chamber President James Kang and Pioneer RV Storage owner Don Brown at the Sept. 23 Luncheon.
“Always Ready, Always There” Special Tribute to the National Guard
November 6 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Artesia Park
18750 Clarkdale Avenue Call (562) 865-6262 for more information.
When the Levees Broke - Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall on August 29, 2005, was not the strongest storm to
ever hit American shores. Yet it caused over 1,600 deaths and rendered the most property damage in U.S. history after flood walls in New Orleans gave way and left 80% of the Crescent City and many of the surrounding parishes under water. More than 11,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were involved in rescue operations on August 31. Pictured above, one of 146 Army National Guard helicopter rescue stranded civilians in New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward, as depicted by artist David Russell. Courtesy of www.ng.mil
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ARTESIA COMMUNITY NEWS/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • NOVEMBER 2010
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ARTESIA CHAMBER BUSINESS PROFILE boutique also has plans to expand its perfect for either weddings or sia Chamber of Commerce; and Pat Dreams Collections attire, operations to include a custom-made cultural programs. Owned by Anup Patnaik, vice chair of the Economic and Sakshi Dosaj, Dreams Collections relocated from a large shopping center in Chino Hills. For the Dosajs, the move to Artesia placed the store much closer to its customers. “We found the need to cater more efficiently to our clientele and move to a bigger showroom as we are introducing new line of home furnishings,” Sakshi Dosaj said. Dosaj, Welcome to Artesia: [l-r] Sug Kitahara (Artesia Chamber executive who has been director), Parimal Shah (board member), Anup Dosaj (owner), Sakshi in the clothDosaj (owner), James Kang (president), Mayor Tony Lima, Manu Patel ing business (board member), Dinesh Gandhi (board member). for nearly 25 years, said the boutique specializes in such bridal wear as bridal shararas and lehengas and in digital printing. Dreams Collections offers a wide selection of formal men’s clothing line as well Mayor Tony Lima with the Dosaj family. as custom tailoring. The
home furnishings line. The Dosajs take an active role in the design process. As part of their oversight, the couple has established working relations with top designers and also own workshops and manufacturing units in New Delhi. Sakshi Dosaj said she takes extra steps to make sure each of her items are as unique as the customers she serves. “We have specially designed digitally printed sarees, kurtis and shawls inlaid with crystals and other precious stones. Each outfit is unique and is not duplicated,” she asserts. “I travel regularly to meet with its artisans and designers in Kolkata, Mumbai, Aurangabad and other far places within India to select materials for its exclusive outfits, which are finally designed and stitched” in Delhi. Other dignitaries in attendance at the Sept. 25 ribboncutting ceremony included James Kang and Manu Patel, president and vice president, respectively, of the Arte-
Development Commission. Several officials presented certificates of commendation to the Dosajs as part of the grand opening, several members of the Miss Artesia and Miss Teen Artesia courts, including Alexis Lucero, Kristinicole Elms, Anastasia Guanio and Dominique Torres, were also present at the event. Dreams Collections is located at 18625 Pioneer Boulevard and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those wishing more information should call (562) 865-1777 or 562) 865-3701.
the city, Lima said the only alternative is to go up. “We also need to make better use of existing buildings to incorporate commercial, office professionals and residential components.” During the past three years, Lima has worked diligently to bring back the Artesia Chamber of Commerce that had been out of business for nearly five years. A new Chamber is now up and running and in its beginning stages with lots of enthusiasm. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez has agreed to be its keynote speaker at its Oct. 28 monthly luncheon to discuss the state of the nation’s economy and how the Congress is trying to support small businesses. The location is the Great Seafood Harbor Restaurant at 18329 Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia from noon to 1:30. The luncheon is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. To RSVP call 562-882-7734 or artesiacommerce@gmail.com.
be able to schedule events a year in advance. “We’re asking the council for the weekend of June 25-26 that we have traditionally had”. He said the Punishers have lost the State Tournament and the Hall of Fame Tournament because it could not give them a date five or six months in advance. Councilmember Sally Flowers asked what kind of tournament was planned for June 25-26. Medena described it as a “kickoff” tournament two weeks before they go to a national tournament. Councilmember John Lyons asked if it was an “exposure tournament.” He said all the tournaments prior to playing in a national tournament are considered exposure tournaments. When we come back from a national tournament they revert back to exposure tournaments. A spokesman for APVG told the council they have given up 15 Saturdays and 30 Sundays to the Punishers. We don’t feel the one weekend is going to hurt them. Flowers asked what type of tournament APVG was going to hold. She was told the tournament was open to Artesia youth and if there weren’t enough players open to the community at large. However the majority on the council felt the Punishers has historically had the weekend of June 25-26 for their tournaments and should continue to have it. Mayor pro tem Victor Manalo asked how many tournaments the APVG has. He was told normally they have two tournaments a year but that has been increased to five. Manalo agreed going from two to five tournaments represents a lot but also noted the APVG does not have any bylaws to date. He also scolded the members of the Advisory Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission who he said were appointed by the council to resolve these
issues. They should not have to come continually before the council to resolve because they could not work out a schedule. He said in the future he would be in favor of just leaving that weekend out of the schedule if they could not come to an agreement. Voting to let the Punishers have the use of the weekend was Council members Sally Flowers, John Lyons and Mayor Pro Tem Victor Manalo. Mayor Tony Lima voted in favor of the APVG. Councilmember Michele Diaz was absent from the meeting. The council also gave tentative approval for a conditional use permit to add a beer and wine bar and a dance floor to an existing restaurant located at 1873818743 Pioneer Blvd. in the Commercial General (C-G) zone subject to adequate lighting in the parking lot along with a security guard, and the hiring of a sound engineer to make sure the sound from DJ speakers inside the restaurant would not be a nuisance to nearby homeowners. It also stipulated the license for the bar and dance floor could be terminated if the owner violated the terms of approval. Artesia resident Veronica Bloomfield told the council that although the request for the conditional use permit is within the Commercial General Zone, in reality the restaurant is surrounded by a residential neighborhood. She said a bar and dance floor could negatively impact the residents, especially on Park Avenue, Arline Avenue and Clarkdale Avenue. Bloomfield specifically asked about noise pollution and the hours of operation. She also wanted to know if the owner, Venkatesh Koka, would maintain a security staff to insure the safety and well being of patrons as they leave, making sure there was no loitering in the parking lot. The council continued the matter to its Oct. 1 meeting..
Dreams Collections LLC is a new business right in the heart of downtown Artesia. Featured at the boutique are the latest Indian fashions in formal
WELCOME
Continued from page 1 ness community here in Artesia. Please join us in helping to grow the NEW Artesia Chamber of Commerce. We are very excited to have you on board as we seek to improve not just the business climate for Artesia but also the quality of life for our residents. James Kang
LUNCHEON
Continued from page 1 good impromptu speech, so you can imagine how I made mine in 30 seconds.” Once he presented an award to a foreign spiritual leader only to be awakened the next day with countless phone calls and emails from angry people all over the country. Apparently the foreign dignitary had been accused on the Internet of being an insurgent and terrorist and charged with demolishing a mosque. “After that experience, I have instructed my staff to do a careful Internet search on anyone who is to receive any awards from the city.” Lima has tried to run the city like a business in order to make Artesia more efficient, but he is not in favor of cutting important public services such as law enforcement, parks and recreation, and street maintenance. “We are in the process of renovating downtown Artesia, to build a parking structure to service businesses and to purchase land to accommodate the housing requirements set by the state of California.” Since there is no vacant land left in
COUNCIL
Continued from page 1 field on June 25-26 to the Artesia Parent Volunteer Group [APVG]. In her report to the council, Parks & Recreation Superintendent Melissa Gobas said the Commission took into consideration the Punishers (Fastpitch Softball Team) schedule that included 44 scheduled tournaments plus a weekend tournament scheduled in June. Gobas said the Commission felt the APVG had priority as a resident youth organization per facility use regulations and would best benefit the city. Responding to the commission recommendation, Punisher President Bob Medena told the council this was the first time in two years his organization will
4 ARTESIA COMMUNITY NEWS/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • NOVEMBER 2010
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