Summer Went Swimmingly
In Paramount Parks
Summer was as busy as ever when it came to recreational activities in our town. The City’s two swimming pools – at Paramount Park and on Orange Ave. – were teeming with kids and adults taking advantage of the cool waters for swim lessons, exercise and pure enjoyment. Get a load of these numbers:
People who took swim lessons this summer: 1,370.
Total admissions for recreation swim: 16,841.
As the season winds down, there are still a few more weeks to enjoy the waters in Paramount. Most programs – like senior aerobics, Tiny Tots and other swim lessons – will be over by August 17. And while Orange Avenue Pool closes for the year on August 18, recreation swimming will be available after that date at Paramount Park Pool on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Labor Day.
Stay Active All Year Long
As summer ends, keep in mind that Paramount is a community full of outdoor and indoor sports and amusements for its kids, teens, adults and seniors all year long. The Community Service and Recreation Department maintains the City’s parks and related facilities and provides a healthy array of fun and exciting pastimes.
For instance, five Paramount parks have trails tailor-made for a leisurely stroll or a bracing power walk. All American and Spane feature quarter-mile routes, Paramount and Progress each have a
half-mile path, and Dills has its beautiful half-mile nature trail, together with exercise stations throughout the park and a .2-mile track at the south end.
Want to join or create a walking group at your nearest park? Call the Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121 and they will try and match you up.
Don’t forget, also, that the City will be breaking ground soon on the new Paramount Fitness Park.
Thanks to a $4.5-million state grant, the park will be a truly free “outdoor gym” located on ten acres of Edison right-of-way property along Texaco St. across from the Post Office.
It will feature pathways and a 440-yard, rubberized track for walkers and joggers. There will be a synthetic turf area for sports, exercise equipment, a “plaza” for instructional classes like aerobics, yoga or pilates, and a sand volleyball court.
Youth Sports Ongoing
The City’s youth sports programs provide the kids of Paramount with a great chance to get physical, learn the basics of games such as basketball, flag football, track or volleyball, and be exposed to an atmosphere of teamwork. Oh, and have a heck of a lot of fun, too.
To find out what sports are playing when, visit the City website at www.paramountcity.com and go to the Recreation brochure on the Parks & Recreation page. Or call (562) 220-2121.
THE PARKS OF
� All American Park: 13330 Orizaba Ave.
� Ralph C. Dills Park: 6500 San Juan St.
PARAMOUNT
� Garfield Park: 14755 Garfield Ave.
� Meadows Park: NW Corner of Alondra and Gundry
� Orange Pool: 14618 Orange Ave. (562) 220-2099
� Paramount Park: 14400 Paramount Blvd
- Community Center (562) 220-2090
- Gymnasium (562) 220-2071
- Paramount Pool (562) 220-2069
� Pequeño Park: 13931 Downey Ave.
� Progress Park: 15500 Downey Ave.
- Progress Plaza (562) 220-2160
- Progress Plaza East (562) 220-2191
- Progress Preschool (562) 220-2174
� Recreation Department: 15300 Downey Ave. (562) 220-2121
� Spane Park: 14400 Gundry Ave
- Paramount Petroleum Learning Resource Center (562) 220-2145
- Spane Preschool (562) 220-2143
� Village Skate Park: 7718 Somerset Blvd.
Remember, too, that parents and community members can become volunteer coaches for a youth sports team. Not only is it a fine way to encourage our kids in healthy behaviors, but if you have children in a league, volunteering will make you eligible for discounted league fees.
To become a volunteer, you must be at least 18 years old, a Paramount resident or have an eligible child in the program, and pass a background check, including fingerprinting.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
Fun For Seniors
At the other end of the age spectrum, the City provides a variety of classes, informational resources and excursions – plus a nutrition program with meals served at the Community Center as well as delivered to the home – for our senior population.
To check out everything offered, refer to the same brochure on the Parks & Recreation page or call (562) 220-2090. And keep in mind these upcoming outings: August 10, the summer luau event, and September 26, a trip to the Los Angeles County Fair.
Senior Aerobics classes packed the pool this summer in Paramount Park.
Take a brisk or relaxing walk in one of Paramountʼs many parks.
Congresswoman Sánchez To Hold Senior Fair in Cerritos
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez will be hosting her 10th Annual Senior Fair on Tuesday, August 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The City of Paramount will be providing free transportation for local seniors to the Fair.
The event is designed to help seniors access free and helpful services in the community. Vendors will provide free health screenings, as well as information on health education, food assistance programs, veterans’ assistance, consumer protection education, housing assistance, job training programs, utility assistance programs, elder law/rights information and more. A complimentary lunch will also be provided.
The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is located at 12700 Center Court Dr. in Cerritos. For information about the City’s transportation, please call (562) 220-2121.
For more information about the event itself, please contact Congresswoman Sánchez’ district office at (562) 860-5050.
Paramount’s Latest Gates Scholars
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation presents its celebrated Millennium Scholarships to 1,000 students in the United States every year. In 2012, more than 24,000 applied.
Paramount High School has developed quite a record with the Gates Scholarships. Over the last few years, a remarkable nine students from Paramount have been recognized by the Foundation. The recipients – who study in the fields of health, science or education – have their tuition, books and living expenses paid for completely at any school of their choice, all the way through graduate school.
Now, the Class of 2012 has produced three more Gates Scholars, truly an amazing achievement. Jesus Villegas, Maria Jimenez-Aguilar and Paola Ruiz were honored at the June 5 City Council meeting, and were featured in a photo in last month’s Pulse Beat. But I thought you might want to know a bit more about them.
Jesus, who performed over 200 hours of community service in high school and was the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership representative for Paramount, will be going to UC, Irvine as an undeclared major.
Maria was accepted for enrollment at four different colleges. She has chosen UC, Davis, will major in physics, and plans to get her doctorate and become a Rhodes Scholar.
Paola, who was the Class of 2012 covaledictorian, was accepted by Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, Cal Tech, UCLA and UC Berkeley, among others. She has selected MIT, will major in chemistry, and plans on getting a medical degree with hopes of one day curing cancer.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein
Paramount Dance Company
These three young adults are fantastic representatives of our community. We wish them all the best in their studies.
Curbing Mosquitoes
The Asian tiger mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter. This blackand-white striped mosquito, only onequarter-inch long, breeds in containers around the home.
According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD), mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. During mosquito season, if you are active during these hours consider wearing protective clothing such as a long-sleeve shirt and pants to help prevent bites. Also apply insect repellent. Properly-fitted screens, free from tears, on every window and door around the home will help to keep mosquitoes out.
In addition, you can take these steps to keep mosquitoes from breeding:
• Eliminate standing water in anything that holds water for more than a week to break the mosquito life cycle. It is important to think of all inconspicuous places where mosquitoes can breed: water dishes of plant pots, discarded wrappers that have collected water, inside old tires, and so forth. Just a thimble full of water can lead to the development of hundreds of mosquitoes.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained.
• Change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly.
• Request free mosquito fish from
GLACVCD for placement in out-oforder swimming pools and spas, and in decorative ponds.
• Report any mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes and abandoned swimming pools in your neighborhood.
Call GLACVCD at (562) 944-9656, or submit a service request online at www.glacvcd.org, if you see possible Asian tiger mosquitoes around your home or if you experience mosquito bites during the day.
E-Waste and Large-Item Pick-Ups
CalMet Services, the City’s trash hauler, provides free curbside pick-up service for all unwanted electronic waste that, by law, must be recycled (computers, televisions, microwaves, cell phones, telephones, radios, fax machines, PDAs and more).
This service is available to homes, apartments and mobile home parks. To schedule a pick-up or ask about the program, call CalMet at (562) 259-1239 at least one day before your normal trash day. Then place the E-waste at your curbside on trash day to be taken away.
CalMet also picks up large, oversized items like furniture or appliances that won’t fi t in a regular trash container. (Dumping these things in alleys, streets, sidewalks or any public right-of-way is illegal, and property owners adjacent to where the dumping occurs could be fi ned.)
Call (562) 259-1239, extension 244, to schedule a pick up. Cost: free for residences; $15 for commercial accounts.
Mayor, Peggy Lemons
Members in the News
Paramount Dance Company recently returned from Tampa Florida where they took home first place in the Folk Region. Pictured are Miss Danaly, Miss Daileen and the PDC traveling team at the Straz Center Theatre in Florida.
Paramount Promotes National Night Out
The 29th Annual National Night Out (NNO), a crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), will be celebrated in Paramount on August 6. That evening, the City will hold a special dinner acknowledging the commitment and dedication of our Neighborhood Watch participants.
NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness. It generates support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs and strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. The event sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Millions of people in communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participate.
Paramount residents who want to show their support for the National Night Out are encouraged to leave their porch lights on throughout the night of August 7.
For information about becoming a part of Neighborhood Watch, please call (562) 220-2002.
Rules for Business Banners in Paramount
Each year, On Patrol provides a review of the City’s ordinance that allows the use of hanging banners as a tool to help businesses with advertising.
Each business is permitted one banner, except for businesses located in corner suites (which can have two banners) and businesses occupying single-unit buildings (which can use four banners). One banner is permitted per building side.
All banners must be professionally manufactured, and they need to be installed flat against the wall or facade and anchored at all four corners – they can’t hang in midair, be suspended only by the top edge, or be strung between buildings or trees. Businesses utilizing banners need to get a no-fee permit from the City, and renew it on a yearly basis. (It’s a simple, one-page form.)
This type of marketing can be of great benefit. There can, though, be a downside – if not maintained, banners will wear out and create a bad visual image. Paramount and its businesses have focused on creating an attractive cityscape, something a tattered, untended banner can compromise.
The banner ordinance in Paramount is meant to provide an effective advertising tool for local merchants. If these signs become damaged, or if they hang badly, it’s in everyone’s best interests to set them straight and make repairs.
July 4th Violations
Paramount Sheriff’s Station deputies and CSOs were very busy over the 4th of July holiday. They covered the City, implementing Paramount’s zero-tolerance policy on dangerous illegal fireworks. In addition to the patrol cars that normally answer routine calls for service, a dedicated fireworks suppression team was on the streets from July 1st through July 4th.
As a result, a total of 58 citations were issued to individuals for using illegal fireworks in town, with 44 given out on the 4th alone. The citation fines range from $250 to $1,000. Even though it was busy, there were, thankfully, no injuries or fires as a result of fireworks.
Vacation Home Checks
For those of you taking a late-summer vacation, remember that Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property. Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks if you’re planning to go out of town.
Learn the following:
• Importance of having a centralized database for your customers.
• How you can enter notes, schedule activities, attach proposals, documents, pictures, and files to contact records.
• How to quickly create mailing labels, mail merge documents and send blast emails.
• Salespeople can manage their customers and prospects more effectively, and management can track progress with activity reports.
• Databases are used in all industries; real estate, financial services, manufacturing, and retail. Every company should track customers and prospects it’s the foundation of business.
Attendees Receive: Free
(no obligation) for all members.
and IT
BRENDA OLMOS & VINCE TORRES C0-CHAIR PATHWAYS 18TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Vince Torres, Director Community Services and Recreation, City of Paramount, Erin Stibal, Deputy, Los Angeles Supervisor Don Knabe, Jorge Badel and Sgt. Carl Hinchman
The 18 the Annual Pathways Volunteer Hospice Charity Golf Tournament will be held on August 20, 2012 at the Recreation Park Golf Course in Long Beach. At the helm this year are tournament co-chairs Brenda Olmos and Vince Torres from AppleCare and the City of Paramount Community Services and Recreation department. Vince is a long-time supporter of Pathways and currently serves on the board of directors. Brenda is new to the Pathways board and brings with her a fresh enthusiasm and expertise in community involvement. “Brenda has a tremendous heart for hospice and has always been a great community advocate. Pathway’s is thrilled Brenda agreed to join Vince in chairing this year’s tournament” said Cindy Skovgard, Executive Director for Pathways. The Recreation Park Golf Course is a new venue for Pathways. Brenda and Vince, along with the Pathways board, look forward to a successful event in their new location.
Several sponsors joining in support of the Pathways tournament to date are: Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Paramount Unified School District, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Care Ambulance, The Zamboni Company, Fenico Precision Castings, Weber Metals, Watson Land Company, Coast Healthcare Manage-
ment, LLC, Bob and Marianne Hughlett, Simmzy’s, Outback Steakhouse, Mike Valenti (Mc Donald’s) and Taco Luv, to name a few. “We are so pleased to welcome the Browning Automotive Group as a new hole-in-one sponsor,” adds Pathways Board Chair, Mayor Jim Edwards of Cerritos, We appreciate their generosity and the generosity of all our sponsors ... especially in these very trying economic times.”
The Pathways tournament is still one of the best values in town. For only $150 per golfer, or $600 per foursome, participants receive a complimentary bar-b-que lunch, food and beverages on the course and a banquet buffet dinner in addition to their round of golf with a cart. Opportunities to win some of Pathways ever-famous raffle prize baskets and auction items top off the day.
Starting in 1994, the Pathways annual charity golf tournament has grown to be the largest fundraising event for the Pathways organization. Proceeds from this event provide much needed services for Pathways’ Hospice, Elder Care and Bereavement programs for adults, children and families.
The tournament begins with a 12:30 p.m. shot gun start. For reservations or more information please contact Pathways at (562) 531-3031 or visit our website at www.pathwayshospice.org
Friday: 5pm - 11pm • Saturday: 3pm - 11pm • Sunday: 3pm - 10pm (hours subject to change without notice) Unlimited ride passes not sold after 8:30pm. Passes expire at 10:00pm.
Saturday, September 22, Only no passes sold after 8:30pm (One Discount Per Person • Pass expires at 10:00 pm)
Paramount Softball Wins State Championship
Paramount Girls Softball High School Division played in the Lancaster ASA State Tournament in July. The championship game was played against Temple City ending in a score of 20 to 1. The girls played like pros all weekend and went undefeated in the tournament. Their Lancaster success qualified them for the National Championship Finals in Turlock, California. Mayor Peggy Lemons said, “Paramount is behind the team and wants to congratulate them on their State Championship.” Pictured are team members: Ashley Jenkins, Stephanie Acevedo, Jasmine Vasquez, Alexa Olmos, Kaleah Mantanona, Natalie Samoa, Melissa Perez, Priscilla Gonzalez, Stacy Espinoza, Daisy Cervantes, Verenice Cornejo, Michelle Saavedra. Coaches: Jaime Acevedo and Andy Cornejo. Team Manager: Brenda Olmos.
Compton Community College District Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony For First Phase of Infrastructure Upgrade Project
The Compton Community College District (CCCD) infrastructure phase 1 groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Special Trustee for the Compton Community College District Thomas Henry, CCCD Interim CEO Keith Curry and members of the CCCD Board of Trustees.
The Compton Community College District recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for phase 1 of the infrastructure replacement project on the District grounds at 1111 E. Artesia Boulevard in Compton.
The infrastructure replacement phase 1 project is supported by Measure CC facilities bond and state funds. The utility infrastructure replacement project involves improvements at the southern half of the campus and the central plant. Upgrades will include new security (code blue) and fire alarm systems; data and communica-
tions technology; campus lighting for parking lots, pedestrian walkways, open spaces and the stadium; sewer and storm drainage; as well as natural gas, electrical and fire and potable water distribution. All exterior lighting will be LED fixtures with individual controllers. This project also includes new wiring and terminal control devices required for communication of the lighting system with a new Energy Management Control System (EMCS). Phase 1 also includes a new 2,000 ton energy efficient central plant.
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Invites you to attend a Open House / Ribbon Cutting Cocina de Catalina
Thursday, August 23rd 8335 Rosecrans Ave. Beginning at 11:30 am Lunch Served
PEP Classes Resume After Summer Break
In addition to providing college scholarships through the generous donations of Paramount businesses, PEP also operates the Paramount Petroleum Computer Learning Resource Center at Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave. The Center offers a number of programs and classes for Paramount residents including the following.
Homework Help
Homework Help, which starts up again on August 22, is a tutorial-based program that supports a student’s classroom activities and assignments. Staff members help students approach their assignments in an organized and informed manner.
The goal is to make it possible for students to perform at grade level. The program is offered throughout the school year.
Homework Help is for K-12th-grade students and takes place Monday- Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact the Center at (562) 220-2250 for information about registration.
Adult Programming
Adult Aerobics Class
A healthy lifestyle tends to produce a healthy mind. PEP seeks to provide opportunities aimed at promoting this kind of activity. If you are looking to improve your cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination and percentage of body fat, this fitness class can help. Classes are offered Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Adult Basic Skills Learning
This class is designed for adults who have basic English language skills and need reinforcement in grammar, writing, speaking and reading. Contact the Center for details.
Parenting Classes
These provide proven strategies for parents dealing with behavioral problems, truancy, failing grades, drug/alcohol use and gang involvement. Contact the Center for details.
Parent Workshops
The purpose of these workshops is to educate parents on issues such as self-esteem, eating habits, child obesity, drug and substance abuse, communication techniques, women’s health, domestic violence and child abuse. Contact the Center for details.
For more information on these classes and programs, please call (562) 220-2121 or (562) 220-2250.
Tips For the First Week of College
With summer coming to an end and the fall semester right around the corner, it’s high time for new college students to start thinking about (and preparing for) their first week of school.
These tips, from www.universitylanguage.com, will help to ensure a successful, stressfree first week of college.
Meet People
The first week of college is when you’re likely to make the friends that will stick around for your entire college career (and hopefully long after that).
Find a Study Spot
As you’ll realize even more in college, being comfortable is an important study tip. College campuses have countless places that you can escape to for some uninterrupted study time. Whether that’s a nook in the stacks, a shady patch on the quad or a local cafe, it’s up to you to find it — and now is the perfect time, so you’ll be prepared when that first test rolls around.
Go to Class (and be Prepared)
Though this may seem like an obvious one, you’d be surprised how many students choose to skip the first few classes of college, thinking that the real lessons won’t begin until later. They couldn’t be more wrong! On the first day of college, your professors will probably review the syllabus and talk about the plan for the semester. They’re also likely to list their office hours and contact information. Be sure to bring a notebook and pen with you so you can jot down this important information. Some professors also start lecturing on the first day, so it’s critical to come prepared.
Buy Your Books
As soon as you know what textbooks you need, go out and buy them during the first week of college so you can start on your reading assignments right away. Falling behind and not knowing what’s going on in class is not a great way to begin college. College is a lot more fast-paced than high school. Assigned reading begins right away, and professors will not be sympathetic to your excuses. By the second class, you should have your textbook purchased and your assignments completed. Also, books can sell out, so whether you’re planning on purchasing them in the campus bookstore or ordering them online, it’s best to do so as soon as possible.
City Updates Commercial Sign Policies
The Paramount Municipal Code has recently been updated and amended regarding sign regulations in commercial zones. The goal was to create creative and contemporary options to help Paramount businesses while maintaining the City’s commitment to a high-quality visual environment.
Regardless of the type of sign used by a business, all signs must be approved by the City’s Community Development Department with the proper permit.
“Feather Flags”
Many businesses are now using “feather flags.” These temporary advertising signs are generally installed along the street.
To address their possible excessive use, the code allows feather flags to be displayed 50 days a year. These can be consecutive dates or spread out over single-day periods, all to be determined by the business owner. A no-fee permit is needed.
One feather flag is allowed per business, though a second flag is allowed for businesses located in a corner suite or a stand-alone building. The feather flags must be maintained in good condition.
Projecting/Bracket Signs
Projecting or bracket signs, which extend out from a building, can offer additional marketing visibility to a commercial business. The code includes design standards to minimize sign copy and ensure that quality materials are used.
These signs cannot be taller than a second-floor window sill in two-story buildings and the projection can be no more than 52 inches from a building surface. Projections must also be at least eight feet above the ground. Placement over a public sidewalk requires an encroachment permit from the City’s Public Works Department.
Portable Signs
Portable signs, such as A-frames placed on the ground, can be used on a more permanent basis, subject to a no-fee review and no-fee permit.
The design standards require wellcrafted, weather-resistant materials and limit the height to four feet. The area of a portable sign itself is limited to 10 square feet per side. Flags, streamers, balloons and the like cannot be used as portable signs.
Display is allowed only during business hours, and there must be a minimum fourfoot access width along all walkways.
Creative Signs
Unique and imaginative signs that do not fit the typical categories can now be approved by the City’s Development Review Board. Examples include signs that literally pop out from a building, painted signs, sculptural signs, neon signs and larger signs that are still scaled to fit a particular site.
The code requires that such a sign complement and enhance the architectural elements of a building and property. The imagery should reflect the current or historic character of Paramount or provide a highly inventive visual related to the business.
Monument Signs
The code has some new requirements for these signs. The minimum lot size has been eliminated – small monument signs can now be placed on lots with less than 15,000 square feet. While the six-foot maximum height is maintained for most monument signs, there is now a four-foot maximum height for a monument sign on these smaller sites.
The shorter monument signs can advertise a maximum of four tenants. The six-foot signs can advertise a maximum of six tenants.
Awning Signs
Awning signs must be made of woven fabric or architecturally decorative metal – vinyl and plastic awnings are prohibited. Signage is limited to a logo on no more than 30% of the awning shed. Text on the valance can only be eight-inches high and extend to 60% of the length of the valance.
Awnings must be at least eight feet above the ground, and projections above a public sidewalk need an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department.
For more information on commercial signs in Paramount, please call (562) 2202036.
Mexican Restaurant
Since 1970 when the first Casa Gamiño was opened, founder Cipriano Gamiño strived to give his customers good Mexican food and excellent service at a good price at all Casa Gamino locations. No gimmicks, just delicious food.
“Feather Flags.”
sign.
An example of a “Creative” sign.
Scholarships Winners
FREE BUSINESS COUNSELING
HELP WANTED
INSURANCE SALES – Growing company seeking dynamic self-starters, hardworking, energetic, bilingual (Spanish/English), and sales oriented individuals with a strong interest in educating the community about Insurance and Financial Products. A positive attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service are required. Insurance experience is a bonus but not a necessity. More importantly, we are looking for ambitious quick learners who are excited about determining their own salary and want to be an integral part of a growing company. Email resume to maria@galliagency.com or fax resume to 562-817-5621.
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.
SECRETARY- BILINGUAL (Spanish/English) Microsoft Office knowledge a plus. Contact Magaly Hernandez, Wild West Boots 562-630-4613.
Non-Residents August 13, 2012 Deadline: August 27, 2012
Los Angeles Farmers Market Friday, September 21, 2012
Residents: $2
Non-Residents: $4
Sign ups:
Residents August 9, 2012
Non-Residents August 16, 2012
Deadline: September 4, 2012
Residents: $5
Non-Residents: $7
Sign ups: Interest list taking place
Mexican Indendance Day Celebration Thursday, September 13, 2012
Residents: $2
Non-Residents: $3
Sign ups:
Residents August 8, 2012
Non-Residents August 22, 2012
Deadline: September 3, 2012
Four Paramount High School students received scholarships from the Paramount-Tepic Sister Cities club. From left Nallely Cruz, Diana Machado, Olga Virginia Vallejo, and Cristal Gonzalez who was not present for the photo.
Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program
Tom Shea
Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program
californiacitrusthreat.org
tshea@ucdavis.edu
951-683-6491, ext. 224
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) continues to be found in Southern California and treated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Acting quickly to eliminate this pest helps insure that our citrus trees won’t become infected with the deadly Huanglongbing (HLB) disease.
In March 2012 the Huanglongbing citrus disease (infecting one ACP insect and one citrus tree - both eradicated) was found in Hacienda Heights. This is a call to action; inspect your trees and as a good neighbor inspects the citrus trees of friends and relatives when you have the opportunity.
The Paramount Chamber office has bookmarks and flyers with color photographs of the Asian Citrus Psyllid and the Huanglongbing disease available for free. Pick up extras to share with friends, relatives and neighbors to aid in this group effort.
For more information and to get the
latest updates on ACP & HLB in California, go to www.californiacitrusthreat. org where you can download the Save Our Citrus smartphone app to help you identify and report the pest and disease. If you think you have found the Asian citrus psyllid or HLB disease, act now! Call the California Department of Food & Agriculture hotline: 1-800-491-1899. Or contact your local county Agricultural Commissioner.
Homeowners can also speak to their local nursery or home and garden center for help in identifying products to protect their citrus trees against the psyllid. At this time there is no cure for the HLB disease so me must control the disease by stopping the insect that spreads it; the Asian citrus psyllid. Once a citrus tree becomes infected with Huanglongbing (HLB), also known a citrus greening disease, there is no cure and the tree will die, within 3 to 5 years. HLB-infected trees make it far easier for this disease to spread throughout California’s citrus trees, whether they are home owned or commercial trees. Infected trees must be removed to protect citrus for future generations.
Networking Breakfast
Ambassador of the Quarter
What is an Individual(k)
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620
Do you have plans for retirement? Do they include a retirement plan? If you are a small business owner, you may feel you need to continue working during your golden years. Many business owners may not realize there are plans available to build a retirement account.
One such plan is the Individual(k) for business owners who have no employees other than a spouse. While the plan itself may not be very well known, it can be an appropriate way to provide income during retirement.
An Individual(k) is similar to the more popular 401(k), with contributions
limits well above those of Individual Retirement Accounts. Contributions for the 2009 tax year are limited to $16,500 as long as they don’t exceed 100 percent of your compensation. There is even a $5,500 catch-up provision for persons age 50 and older.
The deadline for establishing an Individual(k) is the last day of your company’s tax year. If your company follows the calendar year, the deadline would be December 31 of the current year. If not, the deadline would be the last day of your current fiscal year.
Your retirement plans should always include retiring. Make an appointment with your local qualified insurance and financial professional to discuss whether an Individual(k) is appropriate for your business.
Chamber Happenings
Cindy Skovgard, Executive Director for Pathwayʼs Volunteer Hospice took home a $25 cash prize donated by Networking Breakfast Sponsor, AppleCare Medical Group, for having the best table top display at the networking event.
Vice Chair for the Ambassador Committee Annina Brown, and Chamber President Leonard Crespo, present Laura Warth with a certificate of recognition as Ambassador of the Quarter for her outstanding service to the Chamber.
Negotiating a Commercial Real Estate Lease
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
Are you thinking of moving or expanding your business? Data from commercial real estate listing site LoopNet shows commercial real estate prices in the Los Angeles area are slowly starting to rise. While the economic recovery is still uncertain, market research firm IBISWorld predicts competition for commercial space will grow in the next five years. Follow these 10 tips for negotiating a commercial real estate lease.
1. Do your homework. Know the average cost of the type of commercial space you’re seeking—retail, office or industrial. A commercial real estate broker can show you historical data for the region, and you can research prices on websites such as CIMLS.com, CityFeet. com or LoopNet.com.
2. Determine your needs. Consider space, utilities, infrastructure, parking, storage, accessibility to major highways and more. Create a checklist of your needs and wants, specifying which are “nice to have” and which are essential.
3. Get professional help. Real estate brokers work for landlords and receive commission on the lease’s value, so while they can offer a lot of useful information, it’s also important to consult a lawyer. Get an attorney experienced in commercial real estate who can explain terms, advise you and help you negotiate.
4. Ask what the total cost covers. Cost per square foot is just the beginning. There may also be Common Area Maintenance (CAM) costs, property taxes, insurance, trash collection, repairs and utilities. Depending on lease terms, you may be expected to pay some or all of these costs directly, pay them to the landlord, or have them built into your rent.
5. Know what is permitted. Make sure you understand what uses the property is permitted for and that there are no zoning regulations or laws that could adversely affect your business.
6. Discuss improvements. If you need to remodel the property to suit your business (known as a “build-out”), be sure you understand what improvements can be made, who will pay for them, who will oversee the work and whether you’re expected to restore the space to its original state if you move.
7. Ask about subleasing. Getting the rights to sublease part or all of your space to another tenant protects you from breaking the lease if you must move unexpectedly. It also helps you cover costs if you’re leasing more space than you currently need in anticipation of growth.
8. Consider timing. You can generally negotiate better terms by signing a longer lease, but what if your business grows faster than expected and you need to move before the lease is up? A short
lease with options to renew and a cap on future rent increases may offer the greatest flexibility.
9. Put it in writing. Before viewing properties, make a list of questions to ask the broker and landlord. Never negotiate based on a verbal offer. Get terms in writing and have your attorney review them. Commercial landlords generally expect you to make a written counter-offer, too.
10. Ask for what you want. In today’s economy, tenants still hold the bargaining power—so now is the time to ask for the extras you want. Who knows? You just might get them.
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-onone 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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