Paramount’s Carlos Navarro Guides Soap Box Coupe in Dashing Derby
The All American Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program that dates back to 1934 and is designed to teach youngsters some of the basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project once it has begun. Kids throughout the U.S. compete annually in regional races with the goal of reaching the finals in Akron, OH.
This year’s Los Angeles regional, held on June 7, featured a first-time speed racer from Paramount, Carlos Navarro. Our own mini-Mario Andretti is a 5th grader at Jackson School who became aware of the Derby through the City/School District STAR Afterschool Program.
The cars in the Derby, all of which are evenly weighted and have no engines, are placed on a quarter-mile, downhill track. Drivers control pace and direction by shifting their bodies and using other types of physical maneuvers. Speeds can reach 20-25 miles per hour.
The local rally, sponsored for the 12th year in a row by the L. A. County Sheriff’s Department, featured 40 racers. “I couldn’t wait!” Carlos enthused about his time on the track. “When we raced it was fun, especially when I drove down the hill.”
The young speedster gave it his all. “I won the first race. The second one I lost because one of the wheels fell off, but I didn’t get hurt. In the last race I got disqualified, though I don’t even know why? But I would’ve won!”
“Carlos represented Paramount very well,” noted Lt. Rod Armalin of the Paramount Station. “He was competitive and enthusiastic, and we know he’ll do his best again next year.”
Carlos’ family was there to cheer him on, and Deputy Al Esqueda, a Special Assignment Officer in Paramount, was on hand to serve as pit man. “I liked it a lot and I want to do it again!” Carlos exclaimed.
So stay tuned, race fans, for next year’s checkered flag!
Drought Persists - Save Water!
As California’s drought conditions continue, the City of Paramount encourages everyone in town to watch how much water they use and take steps to avoid any wasting of this precious resource. Here are some simple tips and ideas that can help you conserve.
Only water your lawn and plants between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Don’t hose down driveways and sidewalks – sweep, instead.
Repair any leaks. (Call 562-220-2010 if you need help detecting leaks.)
Install water-saving toilets and showerheads.
Shorten your showers by one or two minutes.
Wash cars with a bucket and sponge, or a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
(Or go to a car wash, since most recycle their water.)
Shut down decorative fountains that do not re-circulate water.
Turn off the water when you brush your teeth.
Only wash full loads of laundry.
There are also rebates available to Paramount residents through the Central Basin Municipal Water District for the purchase of certain watersaving appliances. Please visit www.centralbasin.org or www.bewaterwise.com to learn about them and for more ways to conserve.
