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Everyone who attended the Paramount Chamber’s 2nd Annual Poker Tournament had a great time. The event was sponsored by SC Fuels and offered a little something for all. Players competed for one of three prizes which included; a thrill ride in a P-51 Mustang (donated by, ACE Clearwater), a two night stay at the Bianchi

Vineyard house in Paso Robles (donated by, Bianchi Winery), or a golf foursome donated by Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier.

Some guests opted not to play poker but instead view the excitement from the side lines; in which case they were treated to some great food donated by Alondra Hot Wings

in Paramount, wine courtesy of Bianchi Winery, free neck and shoulder massages by Nicole Romero, a photo booth donated by One Night Stand Photography, or the opportunity to Putt for Poker and a chance to win a 42’ television donated by Paramount Petroleum.

The final table cleared out quickly leaving three players

to battle it out for first place. The tournament winner Matt Neally chose the Bianchi Winery trip, Second place went to Dr. Max Martinez who will be taking a ride in a P-51 Mustang, and third place went to Mike Moorefield who will spend the day at Friendly Hills Country Club with three lucky friends.

Winners of the Paramount Chamber 2nd Annual Poker Tournament sponsored by SC Fuels, from left; Matt Neally 1st place, Dr. Max Martinez 2nd place,

Mike Moorefield 3rd place.

Recognition for Paramount Senior

Congratulations are due to Magdalene Johnson who was honored recently by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and our Supervisor Don Knabe, during the annual Older Americans Recognition Day.

Magdalene was chosen for the award due to the great volunteer work she does here in the City, specifically at the Senior Center in Paramount Park where, for the last five years, she has been hostess, tray server, and a friendly welcoming face. She comes in early every morning to make sure the site has sufficient flatware for the day’s activities and also personally welcomes all new participants at the Center.

In addition, Magdalene also helps out with a local food program.

City staff members have noted that her relaxed personality makes it easy for Magdalene to interact with everyone she comes into contact with, and that she is simply an exceptional person. She says that her attraction to volunteering is rooted in a love of doing things for others who may have a hard time helping themselves.

Congratulations, and thank you, Magdalene Johnson.

Farmers Market in Paramount

Here’s a reminder that the City has an outdoor Farmers Market open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The market is located in the Bianchi Theatre parking lot at 14409 Paramount Boulevard, south of Rosecrans Ave.

Shoppers can browse vendors offering a variety of organic and conventional fresh fruits and vegetables. Other purveyors feature prepared food and pre-packaged goods

such as dried fruits, bakery items, peanuts, and honey.

Come on out and support the vendors and make the market a success!

July 4th Fireworks Activity

Paramount Sheriff’s Station deputies and City Public Safety staff were once again out in force over the July 4th holiday. In addition to the fireworks suppression teams, there were patrol deputies and special assignment units (“party” car, traffic deputies, “no-call” car) on the streets to address concerns related to traffic and large gatherings on the holiday.

The City has a zero-tolerance policy on the use of illegal fireworks, which are not only dangerous but can also be very irritating to residents and pets. The majority of calls for service received during the holiday were fireworks-related complaints. As a result, a total of 61 citations were issued to individuals for using illegal fireworks between July 1st and July 5th. The citation fines range from $250 to $1,000.

Food Truck Friday

You’re got two more weeks left to enjoy al fresco dining in Paramount Park with Food Truck Friday on Aug. 7 and 14. The trucks will be in the park from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Recreation Department staff will provide activities for kids. Musical entertainment is also scheduled.

Not only will you get a chance to sample various types of delicacies during Food Truck Friday, but 10% of all sales will be donated to the Paramount Education Partnership.

SEAACA Renovation Creates $5 Adoptions

SEAACA (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority), which serves Paramount, is in the midst of a renovation project at its Care Center in Downey. The estimated nineweek renovation began June 27.

During this period, which should extend through late August, SEAACA is offering $5.00 adoptions on all approved pets in the shelter. These one-time reduced fees will help animals find new homes and create space in the construction

areas so animals will not have to be housed offsite.

You can visit the shelter for details at 9777 Seaaca St. Downey. Some pets may not qualify for the promotional fee. The promotion will end once the Care Center is back to full working order.

If you want to adopt SEAACA’s pets, visit during Animal Viewing Hours, TuesdayFriday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Stop by and find your “fur-ever friend.” An inventory of animals can also be found at www.seaaca.org or www. Petfinder.com.

Water Conservation Figures Looking Good

The State of California has required that all cities reduce their water usage by various amounts, as measured against 2013 usage, due to the ongoing drought. For Paramount, that figure is 12%. If this reduction is not met, Sacramento can start imposing fines of up to $10,000 a day.

In May, Paramount water customers began doing their part, bringing down consumption by 10%, an admirable move toward the 12% goal.

In June, the City instituted its newest water conservation rules and began increased community outreach efforts.

The residents and businesses of Paramount have taken the message further to heart. The City’s water use for June was down a dramatic 30% over the same period in 2013. We are meeting the State’s mandate, and then some.

The key here is to not slide back, to keep the numbers consistent. The City appreciates and thanks everyone in town making this big adjustment. Let’s all keep up the good work!

“Don’t go through life; grow through life.”

Mayor, Tom Hansen

Talking or Texting on Cell Phones While

hold a special dinner acknowledging the commitment and dedication of our Neighborhood Watch participants and Volunteers on Patrol.

There are plenty of facts, figures, and details about distracted driving, but the California Office of Traffic Safety wants you to know the plain and simple ones:

• If something falls to the ﬂoor, pull over before trying to reach it.

NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness by supporting local anti-crime programs and strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Communities from all 50 states participate.

• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.

Speaking of Neighborhood Watch …

• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.

Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders

On Tuesday night, August 4th, residents can show their support for NNO by leaving their porch lights on until morning.

Areas that have active Neighborhood Watch teams generally have much less crime than those without them.

• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.

Neighborhood Watch is a partnership in crime prevention. Residents come to know their neighbors, look out for each other’s welfare and property, and report suspicious activities.

• Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of ﬁve seconds, long enough to travel the length of a football ﬁeld at 55 mph. Most crashes happen with less than three seconds reaction time.

Paramount has its own dedicated District Attorney – Kelly Tatman – who works out of the Sheriff’s Station. Her duties include making sure that criminal investigations and prosecutions in town receive full attention and don’t fall through the cracks at the larger County D.A.’s Ofﬁce.

The gatherings are hosted by the City’s Neighborhood Preservation Officer, the neighborhood’s beat deputy from the Sheriff’s Department, and a City community service officer (CSO).

Meetings have been held in small tracts of homes and entire multi-block areas. Recent meetings, for instance, have been at Meadows Park (44 residents attended) and on Indiana Avenue (a turnout of 23 residents). A variety of issues were raised including overgrown trees, abandoned vehicles, speeding, and poor street lighting. Staff replied to each – notifying the Code Enforcement Department to investigate potential violations, scheduling speeding suppression operations by traffic deputies, and contacting Southern California Edison.

• The act of talking on a cell phone, even hands free, can give you “inattention blindness,” where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you. You aren’t even aware that you are driving impaired. If you think you can handle both driving and talking on a cell phone or texting, you are kidding yourself and putting us all at risk.

Tatman has been visiting a class of 36 students at Jefferson School as part of Project LEAD. The program, which goes into the classroom once a week for 20 weeks during the school year, uses volunteers like Tatman from the D.A.’s Ofﬁce to teach ﬁfth-graders about the law and help them recognize the social and legal consequences of criminal behavior.

Resident can discuss anything and everything that affects their quality of life in the City. In addition, they are encouraged to place calls for service to the Sheriff’s Department and informed of the many services and programs available to them: GRIP (anti-gang), STAR (after school opportunities), PEP (educational help), PAT (Prevent Auto Theft), CERT (emergency training), SASSFA (employment help), CPR/1st Aid, and more.

Sadly, too many young people ﬁrst become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.

Since neighbors know better than anybody what happens on their street, this is a good way to contribute to local public safety. And any resident who reports criminal activity through Neighborhood Watch can remain totally anonymous if they so choose.

Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel – especially texting and cell phone use, whether hands-free or handheld. Who’s doing it? Most of us. It has been estimated that, at any one time, more than 10 percent of drivers are using a mobile device.

Neighborhood Watch groups also help residents prepare for natural disasters and set up plans for checking on folks after disasters hit.

A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.

To become a part of Paramount’s program, please call the Public Safety Department at (562) 220-2002 and ask for Carlos Mendoza.

Volunteers on Patrol Conduct Home Checks

What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:

• Never text and drive.

The class from Jefferson recently went on a ﬁeld trip to the Museum of Tolerance. (They will also go to a local courthouse). In addition, Project LEAD’s curriculum includes speakers connected to the criminal justice system and a mock trial involving either drug selling or gun possession on campus. Students are assigned roles and argue a criminal case to a jury consisting of other students. Teachers and parents attend, too.

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 while you are gone. Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.

• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.

• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP

• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.

• No eating or drinking while driving.

• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.

• Pull over and stop to read maps.

• No grooming.

• No reading.

• No watching videos.

• Try not to get too involved with passengers.

At the end of the program, the kids will participate in a graduation ceremony and receive a certiﬁcate of completion from the D.A.’s Ofﬁce at a meeting of the Paramount Public Safety Commission.

Summer Vacation Home Checks

With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.

Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property while you’re gone.

Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.

Simple Strategies for Better Event Marketing

Friday, May 16, 2014 - 10am to 12pm

Attend this presentation and learn how to use the power of event marketing to get potential and existing customers to take four key actions:

• Sign up • Speak up • Show up • Follow up Good marketing is about eliciting a physical and measurable response.

seminar, you will learn how to

event marketing. You will also learn best practices related to the

that makes an event a memorable experience. Learn how events can engage customers. Take your events to the next level using e-mail, social,

$20 (Make

Learning Center Classes Resume August 16

In conjunction with PEP, the City of Paramount operates the Paramount Petroleum Learning Resource Center at Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave. The Center offers the following programs and classes for residents, which will start up again August 16 after the summer break.

Homework Help

Homework Help 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, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact the Center at (562) 220-2250 for information about registration and about volunteering.

Adult Programming

Occupational Preparation and Basic Skills

This class is designed to build essential job competencies, evaluate potential vocational abilities, and provide job-readiness skills for students to obtain employment in today’s competitive job market. It takes place Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You must register through Adult Education and Diversity Programs at Cerritos Community College.

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. The class will be a small group so all the students are guaranteed individual time and the instructor can better meet their needs. The use of educational software, workbooks, and educational websites allows students hands-on instructional practice. Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Parenting Classes

These provide proven strategies for parents dealing with children who have behavioral problems, truancy, failing grades, drug/alcohol use, and gang involvement. Contact the Center at (562) 220-2250 for details.

Parent Workshops

The purpose of these workshops is to educate parents on issues such as selfesteem, eating habits, child obesity, drug and substance abuse, communication techniques, women’s health, domestic violence, and child abuse. Contact the Center at (562) 220-2250 for details.

Homework Help Volunteers

Volunteers are needed for the Homework Help program detailed above. Individuals must be willing to put in 2-12 hours a week as tutors at the Paramount Petroleum Learning Center at Spane Park.

Training is provided and a background check is required.

Attendance at the Center is growing as more students take advantage of this great opportunity. Consequently, PEP is searching for dedicated individuals to volunteer as homework tutors in math and reading.

Interested candidates must have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm and the ability to work with youngsters.

Some of the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer will involve:

• Helping students understand and complete homework assignments and projects.

• Talking and listening to students.

• Modeling a positive attitude toward learning.

• Supervising students, handling behavior issues, and ensuring that students are safe when they are in the Center.

For more information, please call (562) 220-2132 or e-mail Suleyma Rosales at srosales@paramountcity.com. Or you can stop by the Community Services and Recreation Department at 15300 Downey Ave. to pick up an application.

Lions Take Kids Out To The Ballgame

Divas Delight in Paramount Park

The Paramount lions Club, which has a long history of supporting the young people in our community, provided a great outing for kids from the City’s Summer Day Camp recently with a trip to an Angels baseball game. Thanks to the lions for hitting a fun home run!

Paramount

Chamber of Commerce Presents

Live Music • Thrill Rides • Food • Booths • Beer Garden

Performances By:

FRIDAy: Henry Carbajal * San Pedro Slim

SATURDAy: Spare Button * The Jazz Angels * Pat Morvan Jazz Trio

SUNDAy: Mariachi Los Pasajeros * Grupo Oriental 4 * Annabelle Orozco

September 18, 19 & 20

paramount entertainment Center Corner of All America City Way & Paramount Blvd.

Online Property Auctions Becoming More Popular

By: Matt Wagner – GM Properties (562) 696-0200

If you’re in the market for just about any item other than a house or commercial building, eBay is definitely the “go to” place. But there are plenty of sites online where you can bid on commercial property similar to the way you do on eBay. One is www.auction.com, which was founded in 1990 and has distinguished itself as the world leader in online real estate sales.

According to its website, Auction.com recently opened its online commercial real estate auctions to brokers and property owners looking to sell their properties to eager buyers. A typical commercial auction on Auction.com attracts more than 50,000 unique visitors, and more than 600 registered bidders. Auction.com says its main benefit is allowing sellers to offer listings to a global market of bidders and quickly sell REO and Notes to motivated buyers. Buyers benefit from a transparent bidding process, large selection, due diligence documentation that is viewable online in the company’s secure data vault and auction prices.

The process for bidding begins with registering for an account and selecting the properties you wish to bid on. Once your properties are selected, the site will automatically total the amount required for a deposit, as well as the total proof of funds you are required to show.

Next, Auction.com asks bidders to begin arranging their financing through their own lender or direct, third-party lending sources. The company also requires investors to do their due diligence by researching the title of the property, as well as any recent inspection reports.

After a financing source is established and due diligence has been completed, buyers must make a Bidder Deposit for all the properties they intend to bid on. Minimum deposits are based on the amount of each property and are subject to change. The winning bidder’s deposit will be applied toward the earnest money deposit. All non-winners’ deposits will be refunded at the auction’s conclusion.

Investors also will be asked to fill out a Bidder Qualification Form and provide a recent bank statement (less than 60 days old) to prove they have the funds available. Proof of Funds will be set at a minimum of the starting bid and are required for each asset, according to Auction.com’s website.

Once all of the above is in place, investors may begin bidding. The length of each auction is determined by how many properties are for auction that day.

For estimated times on any given day, one can refer to Auction. com’s line listing. At the conclusion of the auction, the company contacts the winning bidder by email to go over the details of the sale, as well as all the documentation involved in the purchase.

All sales are final and there is no “cooling off” period. Properties are sold “as is.” Closings are projected to occur within 30 days of each auction.responsibility during your lease term. Good Luck!

10 Q & A’s About California’s Paid Sick Leave Law

California’s paid sick leave law; called the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (AB1522) took effect July 1, 2015. The new law is meant to promote a healthy workforce, help employers reduce turnover, and increase productivity. Check out the Q&A below for more information about the law.

1- WHAT IS THE HEALTHY WORKPLACE, HEALTHY FAMILIES ACT OF 2014? “The new law provides that any employee who, on or after July 1, 2015, works in California for 30 or more days within a year from the beginning of employment, is entitled to paid sick leave. Employees, including part-time and temporary employees, will earn at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Accrual begins on the first day of employment or July 1, 2015, whichever is later.” Quoted from Small Business Majority.com more>

2- WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE COVERED? The act applies to private and public employers regardless of size. “Any employee who has worked in California for 30 or more days within a year from the beginning of employment will be entitled to paid sick days under the Act. Part-time and full-time employees are covered, as well as exempt and nonexempt employees. For information on the groups of employees not covered by the law visit: Cal Chamber’s Guide.

3- WHAT ARE EMPLOYEE ELIGIBILITY REQ u IREMENTS FOR u SING PAID SICK LEAVE? “Employees may use accrued paid sick leave beginning on the 90th day of employment, may request paid sick leave in writing or verbally, and an employee cannot be required to find a replacement as a condition of using paid sick leave. In addition, an employee can take paid leave for the employee’s own or a family member’s diagnosis, care or treatment of an existing health condition or preventive care or for specified purposes for an employee who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.” SmallBusienssMajority.com more>

4- HOW M u CH SICK LEAVE WILL AN EMPLOYEE RECEIVE? An employer has several approaches to choose from including: 1) Statutory Accrual Method 2) Optional Accrual Method that provides no less than 24 hours by the 120th day 3) Alternative Accrual for New Hires 4) Pre-Existing Employer Policy 5) LumpSum Method. For information on each click here.

5- WHAT IF YO u ALREADY HAVE A SICK LEAVE OR PAID TIME OFF POLICY? “As long as an employer has a paid leave policy or paid time off

policy (PTO) that meets the law’s leave time requirements, and allows that time to be used for the same purposes, the employer is not required to provide any additional leave. The new law establishes a minimum requirement, but an employer can provide sick leave through its own plan or establish different plans for different categories of workers. However, each plan must satisfy the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. If an employer provides a policy that exceeds the law’s minimum requirements, including providing a specific cap, the policy must be clear as to the additional terms that apply to that business’s employees. An employer is in compliance with the paid sick leave law as long as the business provides at least 24 hours per year of paid leave that can be used for healthcare and meets other requirements in the law.” Quoted from SmallBusinessMajority.org – California Paid Sick Leave Law.

6- WHAT ABO u T LOCAL ORDINANCES? Employers are to comply with both the local and California laws. The employer will need to provide the more generous provision or benefit to an employee where the laws differ between local and state. e.g. in the City of San Francisco separate ordinances exist requiring paid sick leave. If the local ordinance for example requires more accrued sick leave, that provision would take precedence, since it’s a more generous. See here for more from the National Partnership for Women and Families; California noted on page 3.

7- WHAT ARE THE CONSEQuENCES OF NONCOMPLIANCE? According to CalChamber’s site if employees do not comply with the new law, they can face Labor Commissioner enforcement measures including giving back pay, damages, and penalties ranging from $50 to $4000. The law also states that employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who take sick leave.”

More examples >

8- SI x STEPS TO S u CCESSF u L COMPLIANCE – 1) Display poster on sick leave, document policy and share with your staff. Click here for the poster. 2) Provide written notice to individual employee at the time of hire with paid sick leave information. Click here for the notice. 3) Provide for accrual of one hour of sick leave for 30 hours of work for each eligible employee to use. 4) Allow eligible employees to use accrued paid sick leave upon request or notification. 5) Show how many hours of sick leave an employee has available; must be on a pay stub or document issued the

same day as a paycheck. 6) Keep records showing how many hours have been earned and used for three years. Department of Industrial Relations – Paid Sick Leave Facts and Resources _slide 8.

9- WHAT DOES AB 304 COVER?

AB 304 passed July 13, 2015 as urgent legislation to provide more clarity and address employer areas of concern about the paid sick leave law. The amendments clarify who is a covered worker, exempt retired annuitants, address unlimited sick leave policies, provide alternative methods for paying employees who use sick leave and more. For a complete list of what the amendments cover and explanations from CalChamber click here.

10- WHERE CAN I FIND MORE RESO u RCES? California Department of Industrial Relations, CalChamber, Labor Commissioner. Don’t forget to check your payroll provider and legal counsel

for extra resources. This article is for informational purposes only and is not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Please consult your labor and employment counsel for any specific questions that apply to your business. For the latest information please visit the FAQs and other resources on the California Department of Industrial Relations site at: http://smallbizla. org/2015/10-q-as-about-californias-paidsick-leave-law/#sthash.QiJTn5g5.dpuf

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

Networking Breakfast speaker Sé reed, SBDC Web & Technology Business Advisor spoke about the do’s and don’ts of social media.

State Farm won a $25 cash prize for Best Table Top Display donated by event sponsor AppleCare Medical Group. From left; Elizabeth rodarte (State Farm, Galli Agency, Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar uSA) Patricia Gallegos (State Farm, Galli Agency).

Ana Hernandez (Banc of California) won Networking Bingo and took home $25 donated by event sponsor AppleCare Medical Group.