Pulse Beat April 2013

PULSE BEAT P A R A M O U N T

April 2013

Serving the Community Since 1990

www.paramountchamber.com

Hot Off the Press - 2013 Paramount Poster

T

he 2013 collectible poster of Paramount is hot of the press and ready for pickup. The full color posters contain hand drawn replicas of Paramount businesses, landmarks, and outdoor art pieces. This year’s poster is special because the illustrators are Paramount High graduates Jason Doyle and George Ahumada; who took a great deal of pride in recreating the City they called home.

Doyle and Ahumada joined the Paramount Chamber right out of high school and launched their own business Stolen From Heaven; a company that creates comic books with a positive message for children. The posters are free and can be picked up at the Paramount Chamber office, 15357 Paramount Blvd. Special thanks to the following businesses and organizations whose support made the poster possible.

7-Eleven (Paramount Blvd.)

Ace Clearwater Alert Cleaners Alondra Hot Wings American Construction Apollo Metal Spinning Apple Care Medical Group Bodycoat Thermal Processing Café Corleone Cal Met/P.R.R California Screw Products Casa Adelita Mexican Rest.

Chapel of Change Charles G.Hardy City of Paramount Clinica Medica Hispana DeMaria Electric Motor Domino’s Pizza Duke & Associates Emmanuel Reformed Church Fenico Precision Castings Greg’s Collision Center Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill Heath Machine Herald’s Garage

Continued on Page 3 Paramount Chamber of Commerce

Pulse beaT

15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723

What’s inside Ask The Expert..........................10 Business Card Directory.............12-13 Business Corner.........................11 Cityscape..................................15

Help wanted............................. 9 Mayors Corner.......................... 3 Members Only...........................14 New Members...........................11

On Patrol...................................... 4 PEP.................................................7 Service Clubs.................................13

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April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

CAFÉ CORLEONE “GET SPECIAL DINNER FOR 2”

WOW! 2 Spaghetti Dinners w/Meat or Marinara Sauce, 8 Chix Wings and 2 Garlic Breads.

Only $15.99 (For Both) *Reg. $27.00) *Must present coupon. Dine in Only. Not Valid w/other coupons or offers. Exp. 4-30-13

PLUS!

Buy Any Size Pizza and get a 2nd One for ½ Price

Of equal or lesser value. Valid for To Go or Delivery Only Exp. 4-30-13

15337 Paramount Blvd. * (562) 408-6100 www.CafeCorleoneRestaurant.com Major Credit Cards accepted

April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

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Mayor’s Corner honored by the GFOA. We’re very proud that Paramount, and our Finance Department, has such a good reputation in the financial community.

Maintaining sound fiscal health has to be a top priority for any municipality. It certainly is in Paramount.

Celebrate National Library Week

Mayor, Gene Daniels

Your Mayor For 2013-14

Hello everyone. Last month I began my term as Paramount’s mayor. I thank my colleagues on the City Council for this great honor and opportunity and look forward to serving our community as your mayor over the next year.

The Council also elected Diane J. Martinez as Vice Mayor.

Paramount is a strong, resilient town full of supportive and committed individuals. It’s an inclusive, caring community that we all should be proud to call home.

It will be my pleasure to share our hometown news with you here in this corner of the Pulse Beat throughout my term.

City Wins Financial Award, Again

Our City has always been very conservative and very responsible when it comes to fiscal issues. As a result, we have been able to continue providing great services and programs for our residents even during tough times.

Part of the financial process for every city is creating a budget and writing a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This report is something required by state law and describes the city’s financial condition. It also undergoes a rigorous audit by an independent firm. The Government Finance Officers Association, a national organization, gives awards for high-quality CAFRs. Paramount’s CAFR has consistently been recognized by the Association. Now, the latest fiscal year report has again been

April 14-20 is National Library Week, which is observed by all public, school, academic and special libraries throughout the U.S. and celebrates the role libraries play in our communities. This year’s theme is “Communities matter @ your library.”

Libraries transform our communities, providing easy access to information and knowledge needed to nurture cultural exploration and lifelong learning. They play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in their communities.

We’re proud of the great service the Paramount Library brings to our residents.

If you haven’t already, I encourage everyone to visit, and take advantage of the wonderful resources.

To mark National Library Week, there will be a special program, A Historical Journey Through America’s Music, on Saturday, April 13 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Kids of all ages and their families are welcome to attend. No reservation is necessary.

The library also offers the following programs throughout the year: Baby/Toddler Storytime, Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.; School-Age Storytime, Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.; Teen Program, Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.; Hooked on Yarn Crochet Program, that meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 12 p.m.

The Paramount Library is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can check out the most up-to-date information at www.colapublib.org/libs/paramount/index.php

Proper Disposal of Medical Needles Used at Home

It is illegal to throw “sharps” into your household trash or recycling bin or to flush

What defines us is how well we rise after falling.

– Unknown

Hot Off the Press - 2013 Paramount Poster From Page 1 Hoffman Plastics Jordan Refrigeration Corp.

Kimberly’s Dance Studio La Amapola Lerma Law Office Logos II Luis Acosta/State Farm M.B. Herzog Electric, Inc. Madame Pompador Mariscos El Perihuete Mattco Forge Max Martinez, DDS Nextstep Our Lady of Rosary (School) P.U.S.D Para Latino Medical Paramount Dance Co. Paramount Elk’s Lodge Paramount Petroleum

Paris Laser Printer Penta Pacific Properties Popular Community Bank Press Forge R & S Processing Raise the Bar Productions Rooter Hero Rosewood Royal Image S.T. & I, Inc. SASSFA Source Graphics State Farm/Galli Agency Taqueria 2 Amigos Total Western, Inc. US Bank Vicky Professional Services Villa Dental Ward Properties Weber Metals Zamboni/Paramount Iceland

them down the drain. “Sharps” are defined as items used in a home with a sharp tip such as disposable hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, syringes or any similar device that penetrates the skin for blood tests or self injections.

To dispose of sharps, you can put them in a special, State-approved sharps container, which you can get at any Goodwill store (or ask your pharmacist or doctor about other availability).

Another alternative is to place your sharps in a rigid, puncture-proof container that does not leak or break. It must be taped, sealed and labeled “SHARPS.” Loose sharps are not accepted.

Put the sharps into the container point first. Keep the containers out of reach of children and pets. When the container is

about half-full, seal it securely and drop it off at either a collection center or a county household hazardous waste collection event.

In the City of Paramount, you can dispose of them for free at Medical Waste Services at 7231 Quimby St., Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This service is offered in conjunction with CalMet, the City’s contracted trash hauler. Just bring in a copy of your latest trash bill when you drop them off.

For a list of other collection centers or for a schedule and location of collection events, you can call 1-888-CLEANLA or visit www.888CleanLA.com. You can also get more information about sharps and their disposal at dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/hhw/ sharps.cfm.

Mexican Restaurant

Happy Easter, From our Family to Yours Music Duet – Friday & Saturday Nights 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm 8330 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount

562-630-9100 562-634-6225

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Fri. - Sat. 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

ACCOUNTING &

Fully Licensed & Bonded Tax Cecilia J. Tascon, CPA Vicky Uisprapassorn, EA, ATP, ATA

Certified Public Accountant Enrolled Agent Personalized Service You Can Count On Dependable • Accurate • Courteous

Get The Refund You Deserve ✓ Tax Returns for Individuals ✓ Sole Proprietor, Partnership, & Corporations ✓ Financial Statements ✓ Rapid Refunds ✓ E-Filing

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FREE CONSULTATION “Leave the Paperwork To Us” Se Habla Español

Vicky Professional Services, Inc. 15975 Paramount Blvd. Suite A, Paramount 562-634-1178

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April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

On Patrol

Learn Valuable Tips at Free Rental Property Workshop

The next Good Neighbor Program – a free seminar for Paramount rental property owners and managers – will be held Saturday, April 13. The workshop will take place at the Clearwater Building in the Civic Center from 10:00 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Attendees need to make a reservation by calling (562) 220-2002.

Those taking part will receive the program’s certification and seal of approval that can help attract quality tenants.

The classes are offered in conjunction with the Apartment Association of Southern Cities, the Sheriff’s Department and attorneys specializing in landlord/tenant law. Topics cover such areas as tenant screening, evicting problem tenants, developing effective rental agreements, and recognizing criminal activity, all in an effort to keep a property crime free.

The GNP aims to enhance the quality of life for residents, create higher tenant satisfaction rates, and remove unlawful tenants. The effort also increases a property’s long-term profitability for the owner, lowers maintenance costs, and establishes close contact between the owner/manager, the City and the Sheriff’s Department.

It’s an award-winning program, recognized by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), that the City of Paramount has offered for many years and has been utilized by hundreds of property owners in town.

Property owners who successfully complete the program may receive a one-year free membership in the Apartment Association of Southern Cities and a one-year waiver of their City business license fees.

Again, to RSVP, please call (562) 220-2002.

OPEN

Mon-Fri Saturday Sunday

PRR 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

6 a.m. - 4 p.m.

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

All Types Of Non-Hazardous Waste Materials Accepted CLEAN-FLAT-QUICK EXITS

7230 Petterson Lane Paramount

562-602-6505

P.R.R.

N

7230 Petterson Ln

Rosecrans Ave Somerset Blvd.

Artesia Freeway (91)

➢

Paramount Resource Recycling

Century Freeway I-105

Garfield Ave

In this day and age of many households having multiple vehicles, parking issues can sometimes be ongoing. So it is in various Paramount neighborhoods.

Still, it’s important to maintain streets and clean debris on a regular basis via street sweeping. To help clear residential streets during the hours scheduled for street sweeping, and also make it more convenient for residents, the City of Paramount allows the parking of vehicles on front lawns on these days.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though.

Vehicles should only be parked on your own lawn directly in front of your property and they should never block the sidewalk or any pedestrian walkway.

Vehicles should only be parked on the lawn or parkway during posted street sweeping hours and then returned to legal parking in the street or on private property within a reasonable amount of time after street sweeping.

For more information on this topic, please contact the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.

DISPOSAL SITE IN PARAMOUNT

L.B. Frwy-710

Parking on Lawns During Street Sweeping Hours

CALL FOR HOLIDAY HOURS

Community News

A Fond Farewell to Dr. Janice Laine

Workshops That Help Businesses Grow Available at theParamount Chamber

www.paramountchamber.com (click on events/calendar)

“3” TIME AWARD WINNING PUBLICATION From left: Jeannie Baker, Board President Tania Whiteleather, Dr. Janice Laine, and Miguel Garcia , Manager of the Transitional Shelter.

Su Casa’s former Executive Director, Dr. Janice E. Laine passed away on March 7, 2013. Dr. Laine was Executive Director from 2004 to 2007 and spearheaded efforts to pay off the mortgage on Su Casa’s Transitional Shelter. She boosted ther agency’s efforts to provide survivors of domestic

violence with long-term affordable living by arranging for the purchase and remodel of a third shelter. Dr. Laine’s ideas came to fruition the organization raised more than $40,000 and celebrated by hosting a community picnic where they (symbolically) burned mortgage papers.

Lions Club Present PEP Check

The Paramount Lions Club made a donation to the Paramount Education Partnership’s scholarship fund in the amount of $5,000. The money was specifically earmarked for students enrolled in vocational training programs. Club members presented the check to members of the PEP board of directors.

THE PULSE OF PARAMOUNT

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Distributed and read by more than 20,000 residents and business owners in Paramount 15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723 562-634-3980 • Fax: 562-634-0891 • www.paramountchamber.org Copyright 1990 - 2013 by Paramount Pulse Beat. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Paramount Pulse Beat is not responsible nor liable for any claims or offerings, nor responsible for product availability that may be advertised.

April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

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April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

Members in the News

Dr. Keith Curry Appointed Permanent Chief Executive Officer for Compton Community College District Compton Community College District (CCCD) Special Trustee Thomas Henry, in consultation with El Camino College Superintendent/President Thomas Fallo, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Keith Curry as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Compton Community College District. Curry will begin his permanent post on July 1, 2013.

The selection process included a committee of representatives from the CCCD, ECC Compton Center and El Camino College who reviewed all applications submitted and selected a number of individuals for an interview with the committee. From that group, three finalists were forwarded by the committee to Special Trustee Henry and Superintendent/President Fallo for final interviews. Prior to the final interviews, each of the candidates participated in an open forum at the Compton Center. Employees and students of the Compton Center, as well as community members attended the open forum, which provided an opportunity for the finalists to answer questions and provide information relative to their qualifications for the CEO position.

Curry has served as the interim CEO of the Compton Community College District since March 2011. He previously served as the El Camino College Compton Center dean of student services begin-

ning in 2006. Under his leadership, many existing student support programs at ECC Compton Center have expanded and others were created, most notably the First Year Experience (FYE) program. Established at ECC Compton Center in 2009, FYE offers a supportive educational environment that encourages student success through shared learning communities. Other positive outcomes during the past two years include increased student enrollment and transfers; new full-time faculty members hired; new state-funded construction projects; and a balanced budget with a reserve.

Prior to joining the CCCD, Curry worked at the University of California, Irvine as director of the Early Academic Outreach Program.

While at UC Irvine, he was instrumental in re-establishing a partnership between local school districts, including Compton Unified School District (CUSD) and UCI. He co-authored the CUSD Gear-Up proposal during his tenure at UC Irvine.

“I am extremely pleased to have been selected as the CEO for the Compton Community College District. I have wanted this job since I was twelve years old,” said Curry.

“I look forward to continuing to build on the successes we have established at the District and the ECC Compton Center in the coming years. Thank you to everyone for their support and words of encouragement.”

Paramount Pioneers

A group of residents who have lived in their same, close-knit neighborhood since the City was incorporated in 1957 were recognized as “Paramount Pioneers” at the March city council meeting.

Paramount Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

Friendly Hills Country Club – April 15, 2013

April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

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PEP

Donors Supporting Scholarships in Paramount Even in these tough economic times, a variety of local donors were very generous toward education in Paramount during the PEP Scholarship Fundraiser to be held on April 27.

At press time just before the event, they included: • Marukan Vinegar (USA), Inc., $10,000 • Paramount Petroleum Corporation, Inc., $10,000 • Weber Metals, Inc., $10,000 • FENICO Precision Castings, $5,000 • Lions Club of Paramount, $5,000 • Willdan Foundation, $3,000 • Daryl & Barbara Hofmeyer, $1,000 • Zamboni Company, $1,000 • Kenny’s Auto Body – Towing, $500 • Pac Trust Bank, $500 • Royal Truck Body, $500 • Ward Properties, $500 • Norwalk Hardware, $100 • And the generous support of Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe Watch next month’s Pulse Beat for a complete wrap-up of the fundraiser and a list of everyone who gave funds and prizes.

Promote Your Business at PEP Fundraiser This Month

There’s still time to support education in Paramount while promoting your business by being a sponsor or making a donation at PEP’s 10th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser.

It will be held on April 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue.

The generosity of the Paramount business community has made a difference in the lives of local students by helping them go to college.

All donations will be made to the PEP 501c3 non-profit entity, and will be tax deductible. Sponsors and donors will be noted at the fundraiser and will be recognized in the Pulse Beat and on the City of Paramount’s website homepage.

The fundraiser features great food and lots of fun casino-type games, all for a very good cause.

If interested in sponsorships or other contributions, please contact Suleyma Rosales at (562) 220-2121 or srosales@paramountcity.com.

Countless Thanks to the PEP Mom Counters

They’re at it again! The “PEP Moms,” who provided invaluable help for last December’s Santa Train by filling thousands of apple and candy cane bags, again volunteered their time this March by keeping a tally of this year’s “Pennies for PEP.” The Paramount residents, who are adult-aerobics-class regulars at the Paramount Petroleum Learning Center at Spane Park, stacked and counted thousands of coins each week as the money came in from all PUSD schools. (That was $5,000 halfway through the month! A final number, and the biggest classroom donors, will be announced in May.) The City hugely appreciates the time and effort put in by these generous folks.

Red Cross Awareness Month

HOURS

March was noted as American Red Cross Awareness Month, as well. The Council urged everyone to give their support to the Greater Long Beach Area Chapter.

At the meeting was Red Cross volunteer Phil Wendel. From left, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Gene Daniels, Wendel, Councilmember Tom Hansen, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.

Red Cross Awareness Month

Mon. - Fri. 6:30am - 5:00pm Sat. 7:00am - 4:00pm Delivery Available 5 Days

15101 Paramount Blvd.

Paramount, CA 90723

562-633-1143

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April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

Members in the News

Weekly Help and Hope for 300 in Paramount California Outreach Organization helps about 300 people in Paramount each week.

Every Monday people line up at the Organization’s headquarters on Garfield Avenue waiting for volunteers to help them with food and daily necessities.

Local volunteers and donors are the organizations lifeblood. Contributions to California Outreach, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 are tax deductible – cash donations or “in kind” donations of food or other items are used to help the needy in Paramount as well as in North Orange County and greater Los Angeles, where the Organization is also active.

The California Outreach Organization came to life four years ago in partnership with Los Angeles’ oldest Club, the Los Angeles Turners, who were founded in 1871 when Los Angeles had a population of mere 6,000. The LA Turners, also a 501 (c) 3 non-profit Organization teamed with the California Outreach to provide help to those in need of food. From those humble beginnings California Outreach grew to serve locations in Orange County and greater Los Angeles. While the cooperative effort with the LA Turners is still part of the organizations operation, the organizations focus has shifted to helping the needy of Paramount and surrounding communities.

California Outreach’s President Harald

California Outreach Organization feeds the needy in Paramount every Monday at 5 pm. Visiting the Operation is Los Angeles Turners President Carole Kulzer Brennan, with California Outreach Organization’s President Harald Niehenke.

Niehenke is hopeful the Organization will grow in Paramount; “We have met many people who welcome our efforts and are willing to help us ease the hunger by keeping our Monday feeding lines going. I hope to find even broader support for our cause in the near future.”

More information: www.CaliforniaOutreach.ORG California Outreach Organization, Inc. 501 (c) 3, 15929 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723 - Phone: (714) 927-7258

Community News

Paramount Chamber of Commerce Invites you to attend a Open House / Ribbon Cutting

Fix Auto

Thursday, April 11th 7771 E. Alondra Blvd.

Beginning at 11:30 am Lunch Served

Longtime Resident Celebrates Century Mark

RSVP: (562) 634-3980

Frances Mies Turns 100

Like Us On Facebook

In 1913, the sleepy farming hamlet of Hynes-Clearwater was slowly finding its way toward becoming the major dairy center of Los Angeles County. The first local bank had recently opened and telephone service was a fairly new phenomenon.

That same year, on March 30, Frances Lucille Dickens was born in the state of Colorado. She would head west with her family to Long Beach four years later, and eventually settle in HynesClearwater with her husband, John Mies. Together, over the following decades, they would be a constant presence in the community and leave a lasting mark on Paramount (as the town became known in 1948).

Frances and John met as members of the Bonaventure Club, a Catholic social club in Los Angeles. They married in 1942, but soon thereafter the young groom was shipped overseas during World War II. John, who was a licensed mortician, returned to Los Angeles in 1945, and the couple was able to purchase a small mortuary on Alondra Blvd. the next year. Frances’ first visit to the area, however, was not completely enchanting.

“Well, my husband drove me down Paramount Blvd., and the only door you saw open on any business, with any light coming Frances Mies in her out, was the saloon,” she recalled. “I thought, my gosh, what am I getting into here?” early Paramount days.

The Mies’ moved in upstairs over their new business (which they expanded over time to include three local mortuaries) and began a family (having seven kids in all). Rest assured, after the children started coming, the family left their second-story living quarters for a nice home in town. By then, the civic engagement was in full swing.

“John was very active in everything,” Frances said. “Because he was new in town, he had to establish himself.”

In fact, John was connected, one way or another, to almost every major public project in Paramount for a long, long time. As president of the Chamber of Commerce, he was a leader in the drive to install curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and traffic signals throughout town, and helped break ground on the school at Our Lady of the Rosary Mrs. Mies, longtime Church. As chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission he Paramount resident, was instrumental in building the community center at Paramount at 100.

Park and a proponent of planting trees citywide.

He was elected to the City Council in 1968, serving until 1979 and then again from 1982-1985. During his tenure he was a force in bringing the hospital to Paramount, building Progress Park Plaza, and starting the Santa Train, to name just a few accomplishments.

Along with fellow councilmembers like Ted Mosier (whom he had campaigned with, asking residents to vote for “the M & M’s”), John worked hard to establish the Redevelopment Agency, which drastically remade and improved Paramount for the next 40 years. “All of Paramount Blvd. was really becoming rundown,” Frances related. “So I know that they were able to get Redevelopment going, and little by little they started rebuilding, and it did make a big difference.”

In 1979, John was named the first “Mr. Paramount” by the Chamber of Commerce.

All along the way, Frances was by his side, providing support and encouragement, an important booster dedicated to improving the city. She also gave her time to the Women’s Club, Friends of the Library, and volunteering at the hospital, among other service activities.

It’s been a good, long life of giving back to the community and watching that community blossom. “We always tried to help wherever we could,” Frances said. “I think Paramount is a thriving city and I’ve always enjoyed living here.”

Happy 100th birthday, Frances Mies.

www.facebook.com/paramountchamber

from 9 - 12 at Heartwell Park corner of Carson and Clark.

April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

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Clubs & Organizations

Paramount Rotary News

HELP WANTED CALIFORNIA OUTREACH ORGANIZATION ALEXANDER HAST (310) 926-7699, 15929 GARFIELD AVE, PARAMOUNT WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US WITH HANDLING AND GIVING OUT THE FOOD & FOR DONORS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP US WITH FOOD OR MONEY CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION Now hiring, AUTO MECHANIC, BODY AND PAINT TECH., AND OUTSIDE SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER. Email Heraldsgarage@gmail.com or visit Herald’s Garage 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount.

Maria MacLean introduced Harald Niehenke, President of California Outreach The organization is a group of dedicated volunteers’ whose goal is to fight hunger.

The organization came to Paramount in September of last year; every Monday they provide food for about 300 people from their facility located at 15929 Garfield Avenue.

Everyone takes what they need with no questions asked. They group also provides

food for people living at the Americana Motel where the residents work at staying sober. California Outreach volunteers donate not only their time, but also pay their own expenses for vehicles and fuel to transport the food. “We have a responsibility to take care of the poor. “Getting food is difficult, but somehow it has always materialized, said Harald.” For more information go to www.CaliforniaOutreach.org.

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ESTAMOS FRENTE A LA IGLESIA NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL ROSARIO

(562) 630-1991

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14906 Paramount Blvd.

Paramount

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April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

Ask The Expert

Teen Drivers

By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620

So, your teenage son or daughter wants to drive! Suddenly, driving has become one of the most important things in your child’s life. Scary, isn’t it?

Naturally, you may dread the increase in your auto insurance premiums. However, there is a lot more at stake than higher premiums. As parents, we all share the fear of our children becoming involved in an automobile accident. These concerns are all too often confirmed by the reality of teen crash statistics.

Although premiums are derived from the monetary cost of auto accidents, lives are priceless. No amount of premium can ever bring back a life or reverse disabilities.

Let’s look at how to reduce accidents: * Drive defensively. Watch out for the other person. * Obey the speed limit. Speed increases the likelihood of an accident. And adjust your speed according to the road conditions. Drive more slowly on wet or icy pavement.

* As important as your driving skill, or aptitude, is your attitude. Always act responsibly behind the wheel.

There’s no doubt your age has a lot to do with your chance of being in an accident. A study by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for example, found that although teen-agers drive only half as many miles as adults, their accident rate per mile is four times the adult rate.

We’d all like to pay less for auto insurance. Here are a couple ways that your child can help: 1. Many insurance companies offer lower rates to young, single drivers who are better-than-average students in high school or college. They do that because statistics show good students have considerably fewer accidents than students whose grades are average or below average.

2. Obey all traffic laws. You can’t always avoid an accident, but you can avoid traffic tickets, which can cause your insurance premiums to go up.

Contact your local insurance agent for more information on how to protect your teen driver and save at the time with great personalized coverage.

Mark Your Calendar Paramount Chamber

Job Fair

Paramount Chamber of Commerce Invites you to attend a Open House / Ribbon Cutting

Infinity Insurance

Saturday May 4, 2013

Paramount Park - 14400 Paramount Blvd.

Thursday, April 18th 15741 Downey Ave. Beginning at 11:30 am

9 a.m. to 12 noon

Lunch Served

Sponsored by: Paramount Petroleum

RSVP: (562) 634-3980

April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

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Business Corner

10 Tips to Cut Costs in Your Business

Whether or not the economy is about to turn around, chances are you could still use some ideas for cutting costs in your business.

Here are 10 smart tips to try: 1. Go over your expenses. First step: Assess everything—from your Internet and phone services to your insurance policy and office supplies. Is there anything you can eliminate? Perhaps you can give up some magazine subscriptions and get the same information online; cut back on your office cleaning service; or have the utility company audit your usage. Cutting a bit here and there can quickly add up to real savings.

2. Try barter. Could you barter your products or services with another business instead of paying cash? Bartering, or trading, can conserve your cash for other purposes. For example, if you own an IT company, you could barter with a local restaurant to cater your holiday party, giving them the equivalent value in IT services. You can either set up your own barter terms with the other company, or join a barter exchange (go online to find them) that offers more formal arrangements. An added benefit of using barter is that it can introduce you to new contacts—and lead to more (paying) business.

3. Let your staff work at home. If your business is open 5 days a week, having your team work from home just one day each week shaves 20 percent off your monthly utility costs. You can use e-mail, conference calls, instant messaging and other technology tools to help everyone work together. In addition to saving money, telecommuting is a great “perk” for your employees.

4. Lease instead of buying. Now is a great time to get deals on business equipment. If you’re planning to upgrade, consider leasing instead of purchasing. You’ll conserve your cash, get the latest bells and whistles, and have the option of buying the equipment when the lease is up—or trading up to a newer model. Make sure you clarify all the terms of the lease before you seal the deal.

5. Join forces. Partner up with other small businesses in your area to create a buying co-op. If you get enough businesses to participate, you can most likely get better deals from suppliers than you could on your own.

As a bonus, a co-op helps you forge relationships with other entrepreneurs.

6. Rethink business travel. Business travel costs are increasing, but there’s some good news: Thanks to technology, you may not need to travel. Whether it’s virtual trade shows or videoconferencing, there’s a way to do just about everything without leaving your office. Before you travel to meet with prospects or clients, look into all your other alternatives. You’ll save time as well as money, boosting your productivity.

7. Go paperless whenever possible. Email documents instead of mailing them. E-

billing is a great way to save on printing and postage costs—plus, since your invoices get to clients faster, you get paid faster. Go online to search for companies that can set you up for e-billing. Use the collaborative editing features in your word processing program to share and edit documents among groups without having to print. Finally, investigate online storage solutions, which enable storing infinite amounts of information on the Internet—not in your office. In addition to saving money, you’ll save trees.

8. Ask for staff suggestions. You have to cut your expenses, but how to do it without laying anyone off? Ask your employees for their ideas. Your staff is on the front lines, so they may know better than you what processes could be streamlined, what projects aren’t profitable or what equipment is less than essential. Brainstorm ideas with your team, and you could easily generate enough money-saving concepts to save a salary. Plus, showing your employees you care enough to ask their opinions pays off in loyalty.

9. Consider alternatives to employees.

You need to hire more help, but you can’t afford a full salary and benefits. How about using part-timers or interns? Depending on the labor laws in your state, interns may be able to work unpaid in return for school credits. Of course, you’ll pay your part-timers, but you’ll avoid the added expense of benefits. (Always ask your attorney to make sure you’re following your state’s labor regulations.) Best of all, an intern or part-timer is a great way to “test” an employee you may later want to hire full time.

10.Pay attention to your profit margins.

Do you know which of your company’s products and services are your most and least profitable? You should. However, as your business grows, it’s easy to slip into the habit of pushing the products that are easiest to sell—not necessarily the ones with the highest margins. Focus on selling your most profitable offerings, and you will not only bring in more money, but also re-energize your staff.

Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu

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April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

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April 2013 Paramount Pulse Beat

13

P A R A M O U N T AW A R D S N I G H T

At its March 5, 2013 meeting, the Paramount City Council held the annual Mayoral Transition. Outgoing Mayor Peggy Lemons was honored by a variety of local, state and federal officials.

Her fellow City Councilmembers presented the outgoing Mayor with a scrapbook commemorating her yearlong term.

Los Angeles County Fire Department officials and the crew from Paramount Fire Station #31.

Julia Juarez, representing Senator Ricardo Lara.

Jose Ugar te, representing Assemblymember Anthony Rendon.

Leonard Crespo, President of Paramount Chamber of Commerce.

Kim Tachiki-Chin, representing Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard.

After Councilmember Gene Daniels was elected as the new Mayor by the Council, some special presentations were made to Paramount community members.

Sgt. Phil Marquez, representing the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Erin Stibal, representing L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe.

March was recognized as Safe Communities Month, when City leaders emphasize that everyone has a role to play in keeping our City safe.

Accepting the proclamation was Sgt. Phil Marquez from the Paramount Sheriff’s Station. From left, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Sgt. Marquez, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Tom Hansen, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.

Longtime resident Frances Mies was honored on the milestone of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Mies settled in what was then called HynesClearwater with her husband, John, in 1946. The two became pillars of the local community. (John served on the City Council and as mayor for many years.) She was joined by numerous family members at the meeting.

Members of the Paramount High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) were commended for all the volunteer work they do at City events like the Safe & Smart Fair, the Halloween Carnival, and Breakfast with Santa.

March was declared National Women’s History Month to highlight the contributions women have made to the United States. The Paramount Women’s Club has been active in our town since 1926, and some of its members were on hand to help mark the occasion.

Make A Difference ✩ Join A Service Club Serving the community since 1946, the Paramount Lions have been actively participating in and providing donations to support local programs such as PEP (Paramount Education Partnership), Relay for Life, City of Hope, youth sports, food banks, and eye care for families in need.

Come join our dedicated members as we build friendships and partnerships with a common goal of giving back to the community.

Join us for lunch: Thursdays --12:30-1:30

Casa Gamino Restaurant 8330 Alondra Blvd.

Google us: Paramount Lions Club Call us: 562.716.5859

PARAMOUNT ELKS LODGE 1804 Serving the community for over fifty years Major Sponsor of Dictionaries for 3rd graders PUSD Monthly/Yearly Scholorships for PHS seniors Donate to Vets in L.B. Vets Hospital

Meetings every Monday night 730pm HALL FOR RENT Weddings * Quinceaneras * Birthdays Max 250 people 8108 E. Alondra Blvd • 562 633-1804 www.paramountelks.org

Paramount Rotary Club has served the Community since 1954 The Rotary Club is an organization of local business and professional people who supply humanitarian assistance to primarily local residents. Among its many services, the Club’s members personally provide: • college/technical school scholarships to graduating Paramount students, • clothing to qualified Paramount children, • holiday season food and gift support to qualified Paramount families and, • books and educational materials to Guatemalan students, reconstructive cleft palate and clubfoot surgery to Mexican children.

The Club raises funds for community services through its annual Paramount Rotary Golf Tournament.

The Club meets at noon every Tuesday at Progress Plaza Park (15500 Downey Ave.) for fellowship, lunch and an informational program.

Do the Club’s activities sound like fun to you? If so, please be our guest for lunch. For more information call President John Berg at 562-630-1200 ext.

219 or Secretary Duane Mahan at 562-634-0234. Please visit our website at ClubRunner.ca/Paramount . We hope to see you soon!

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