Pulse Beat August 2016 by City of Paramount

pulse Beat pulse Beat

august 2016

Paramount Chamber of Commerce Installs New President

Born in a small farming town in Minnesota, Gary Johnson was always fascinated with photography and the visual arts. His pursuit of a career in com-

mercial photography brought many interesting twists and turns that led to his current role working along-side his wife Kellie Johnson, president of ACE

Clearwater Enterprises. ACE is a 200+ employee, family-owned and operated “build-to-print” manufacturer specializing in “Complex Formed and Welded Assemblies for the Aerospace and Power Generation Industries.” Serving as Vice President of ACE for the past 22 years, Gary has been instrumental in growing the company’s business base through qualifying ACE as a direct-to-Government supplier, proposing and executing the company’s strategic acquisition of Honeywell’s metal forming facility, and bringing in over $50 million of new business.

Prior to joining ACE, Gary served as Creative Director/ Producer for Mattel Toys’ Hot Wheels division – a position that

opened up many opportunities for travel and media promotion.

Before joining Mattel, Gary was Creative Director for a small boutique graphic design company, working primarily on annual reports and promotional media. In the early 80’s, Gary served as Creative Director on a project for the Government of Indonesia – moving there to design, create and produce the Indonesian World’s Fair exhibits in Tsukuba, Japan and Vancouver, Canada. He was responsible for forming and directing a team of inexperienced but highly talented Indonesian artists and craftsmen, working together to promote tourism in their country.

Gary has worked in the creative field of radio, corporate

video, commercials and related media, including three years with KEZY AM/FM radio in Anaheim, California as a reporter and Public Affairs Director. He has also worked as a civilian photographer for the United States Air Force, spending two years at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

Gary is an active member of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), The Manufacturing Institute, the California Metals Coalition, the Precision Metal Forming Industry, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).

Visit the paramount Chamber Facebook page for more photos and video of the event.

For Employees of the AltAir Paramount Refinery Working Safely is More Than Just a Catch Phrase

In July, the refinery celebrated a safety milestone; during a 7 year period refinery employees logged more than 2.7 million work hours without a missed work day injury.

Joining AltAir Paramount employees to celebrate this extraordinary achievement was Congresswoman Lucille RoybalAllard, Steven Napolitano representing Supervisor Don Knabe, Paramount Assistant City Manager Kevin Chun and numerous city commissioners. The AltAir Paramount Refinery leadership received certificates of recognition from the Congresswoman and Supervisor Knabe’s office.

AltAir Paramount has become an innovative manufacturer of renewable fuels using animal fats and vegetable oils in place of

Mohsen

Sr. VP Alon USA Refining

crude oil. The Company was formed when portions of the Paramount Petroleum Refinery were converted to produce renewable “green” fuels. It’s the first renewable fuels facility in the United States to exist in a repurposed crude oil refinery.

Michael Oster, CEO of AltAir Paramount said, “The Paramount Refinery has been a part of this City for a long time and we have watched the community

grow around us. The City of Paramount is a great place to work and live. We value the relationships with our neighbors and our standing in the community. Our safety and environmental record is evidence of our commitment to be a good neighbor and earn the trust of those who live or work near our plant. The development of AltAir Paramount and shift to “green” fuels is another chapter in our mutual story.

Together we are working to fuel a better future and grow an even greater community.”

The Paramount Refinery has been part of the community for more than 70 years and is recognized as a strong supporter of many community programs. Paramount Petroleum was the first Platinum Sponsor of PEP (Paramount Education Partnership) and benefactor of the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning

Center at Spane Park. The Company also sponsored Paramount Petroleum special use facilities at the Los Cerritos YMCA and the Fairfield Family YMCA. More recently the Company has been a leader supporter, with the Red Cross, of the Prepare Paramount Safety Campaign, the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, Paramount High School Student Forum and the Paramount Job Fair.

Newly elected Chamber President Gary Johnson (center), with his wife Kellie Johnson (left), Gary Johnson, and Gen Perez (right).

Steven Napolitano Aide to Supervisor Don Knabe, Jimmy Crosby Sr. VP, Mohsen Ahmadi Plant Manager, Michael Oster Sr. VP.

Michael Oster CEO, AltAir Paramount, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard,

Ahmadi, Plant Manager and Jimmy Crosby

Recipient of Senator Ricardo Lara 2015 Excellence in Business Award

City Participating in Sidewalk Maintenance Program

The City of Paramount performs repairs to address damaged sidewalks on a regular basis. To do this more cost-effectively, we have joined a pilot program run by the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA), which is a type of insurance company catering to municipal governments that focuses on proactive ways of dealing with risk management.

Not only has Paramount been selected to join the Sidewalk Inspection and Maintenance Pilot Program, but we have also been awarded $30,516 by CJPIA to use toward the project, money added to our annual budget for sidewalk repairs. Another attractive part of this initiative

is that CJPIA has an agreement with a concrete-cutting firm to provide a variety of related services at reduced group rates.

The program gives us added resources to identify and fix sidewalk defects. Then, by using an innovative process called horizontal concrete cutting, we can perform repairs without having to remove and completely replace a sidewalk panel. This costs $1.08-$4.35 per square foot compared to $6.15 per square foot for the total replacement.

In this way, the City can move more quickly on sidewalk hazards.

A comprehensive survey covering all sidewalks in town is also part of the program. This provides us with a more detailed look at ongoing repair needs. The assessment report demonstrates our commitment to identifying potential hazards and getting rid of those hazards in a timely manner, which shows a commitment to safety, which, in turn, keeps our costs lower related to risk management.

So far, 75% of the repairs identified in the survey have been made in town.

Download “Paramount Works” to Report Upkeep Items

If you haven’t done so already, download the free app “Paramount

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communications with others.”

– Tony Robbins

Works” onto your smart phone to alert City staff about maintenance issues around town so they can be dealt with in a timely manner.

If you see graffiti, potholes, stray shopping carts, burnt-out street lights, furniture or debris in a street or alley, or similar items, Paramount Works is a quick and easy way to report them. The app is available for free downloading from the App Store or Google Play.

By the way, the City also has a graffiti hotline. Call (562) 220-2233 to report the vandalism so City crews can wipe it clean. Reporting can be done anonymously. Our graffiti removal team is out on a regular basis patrolling parks, alleys, large walls, and other areas that attract taggers. Our goal is to remove any graffiti within 48 hours (and it usually gets done quicker than that).

Seniors Have a Place to Beat the Heat

It’s been a hot summer, and it’s not over yet. If the heat gets to be too much at home for our seniors who live in Paramount, the Community Center at Paramount Park is open as a cooling center Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There’s room to relax, a noontime meal, a billiard room, and more. The park is at 14400 Paramount Blvd. Call (562) 220-2173 for questions.

Picnicking in a Park in Paramount

Speaking of summer and “uncool” temperatures, picnic season is still ongoing in town. When you picnic in a City park, please remember these following rules and regulations and help keep our open spaces safe, clean, and fun for everyone.

• Picnic shelters at Paramount, Meadows and Garfield parks can be reserved by residents on weekends. Reservations do not apply to picnic tables. For details, please call (562) 220-2121. (If any shelters are not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis to any park user.)

• Barbecue pits are available for your use. Please dispose of hot coals in the appropriate bins.

• No alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed in our public parks.

• No inflatable bouncers or generators are allowed without a City permit.

• No loud or amplified music.

• Dogs are prohibited.

• Motor vehicles are allowed only in designated parking lots.

• Use of fireworks is prohibited.

• Parks are closed at 8:00 p.m. (30-27.1 PMC).

Check Out the New Recreation Newsletter

The City’s Recreation Department newsletter for fall is included with this issue of the Pulse Beat as an insert. You can also access it for viewing online at the City’s homepage, www.paramountcity.com.

The newsletter provides information about upcoming special events in town, youth and adult instructional classes, sports leagues, offerings for seniors, and more.

Pay Your Water Bill Online

Here’s a reminder that you can pay your City of Paramount water bill online with a credit or debit card.

In order to create an account, visit www.paramountcity.com. On the left side of the homepage click on “Services.” On the drop-down menu go to “Utilities” and scroll down to “Water.” There will be a link to paying your bill online.

Once your account is activated you can pay with a card, check your account information, and view both transaction and consumption histories. You can also set up an “auto-pay” feature using your credit card or debit card.

The credit or debit card option is only available online, and cannot be utilized if paying by mail or at the City Hall customer service counter.

All regular terms and conditions of payment apply. For more information, please call (562) 220-2010.

Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer

National Night Out in Paramount

National Night Out (NNO) – a crime/ drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch – was again celebrated in Paramount this year on Monday, August 1. The City held a special dinner acknowledging the commitment and dedication of our Neighborhood Watch participants and Volunteers on Patrol.

number of issues can be raised by residents including traffic (speeding, running stop signs, etc.), parking problems, loitering, bad street lighting, abandoned vehicles, etc.

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:

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

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

Those in attendance included City Council members, Public Safety Commissioners, Public Safety staff, Sheriff’s personnel, and L.A. County firefighters from Station 31 in town.

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

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

• 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.

Get Involved With Neighborhood Watch

• 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.

Speaking of Neighborhood Watch … areas in a city that have active program teams generally have less crime than those without them.

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.

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.

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

Paramount has many active Neighborhood Watch groups. The meetings 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).

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

They can be held in small tracts of homes or cover entire multi-block areas. Any

• Never text and drive.

• 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.

• 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 pas sengers.

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

Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders

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.

Residents can discuss whatever might be affecting their quality of life in the City. In addition, they are encouraged by those leading the meetings to place calls for service to the Sheriff’s Department whenever needed. They are also informed of the many services and programs available to them: GRIP (anti-gang), STAR (after school), PEP (educational help), PAT (Prevent Auto Theft), CERT (emergency training), SASSFA (employment help), CPR/1st Aid, and more. Staff also notifies any City departments or outside entities about the concerns raised by the residents.

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.

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 or by calling the Sheriff’s Department can remain totally anonymous if they choose.

Neighborhood Watch groups also help folks prepare for natural disasters.

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

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

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

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.

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

ber that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule

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

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. In this practical and engaging seminar, you will learn how to ﬁnd, convert, and keep new and existing customers through effective event marketing. You will also learn best practices related to the who, when, where, and what that makes an event a memorable experience. Learn how events can engage customers. Take your events to the next level using e-mail, social, traditional, and internet marketing tools. Fee: $20

(Make checks payable to LBCC SBDC)

I on & a wards

Weber MetalS, Inc., otto FuchS aeroSpace Group

Bronze Sponsors: City National Bank (Cheryl Gage), and Transcom Telecommunications (Ben Berg).

Gold Sponsors: AppleCare Medical Group (Brenda Olmos), Northgate Gonzalez Market (Alicia Valadez), CalMet Services (raul ruelas), and SC Fuels (Daniel Griffith).

From left; Chris Rich (Wavefront Technology), Joel Petersen (Wavefront Technology), Gary Johnson (ACE Clearwater), Dr. Max Martinez, Darren Kukowski (Bianchi Theatres).

Silver Sponsor: Alondra Hot Wings (Garo kazarian).

AltAir Paramount table from left; Ed Becker, Bill Winters, Kathy Gleeson, Corinne Ruiz, Jaime Abrego, Annina Brown, and Dr. Damon Dragos.

Northgate Gonzalez Market table from left; Assistant City Manager Kevin Chun, City Manager John Moreno, Paola Gonzalez (Northgate), Alicia Valadez (Northgate), Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Genesis Coronado (Office of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard).

Programs and Classes Resume at Learning Center August 17

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 17 after the summer break. The Center can be reached at (562) 220-2250

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. Computer stations are also available for research, reports, and additional computerbased instruction.

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. Seating is limited. Homework Help is a drop-in program

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 whose second language is English and need to improve their grammar, writing, speaking, and reading. The class will be a small group so all 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, or gang involvement. Contact the Center at (562) 2202250 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

The Paramount Petroleum Learning Center at Spane Park is always searching for dedicated individuals to volunteer as tutors to provide assistance in math and reading to students who are performing below grade level in the Homework Help program as detailed above.

Interested candidates must have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, and the ability to work with K-12th grade students. They may work as many hours a week as desired at the Center, but reliability and consistency are a must.

Training is provided and a background check is required.

Some of the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer include:

• 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.

There were a total of 44 volunteers who met at Paramount Park at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 23 to take part in the latest “Pitch In, Paramount” clean-up event. Those helping out were from Chapel of Change and Emmanuel Reformed Church. The projects included clearing out overgrown vegetation and trash items from the home of a resident-in-need and collecting trash and painting over graffiti at the railroad rightof-way between Rosecrans Ave. and Paramount Blvd. (the group members shown in photo). The City schedules “Pitch In, Paramount” days every couple of months to provide a chance to “give back” to the community. City Public Works staff help coordinate the efforts and the City’s contracted trash hauler, CalMet Services, provides the bins for debris removal.

Grand Opening – Farmers Insurance, Agent Patty Avila

Farmers Insurance Agent Patty Avila receives certificates of congratulations at her grand opening. Pictured from left; Danny Elizarraras (City of Paramount), Kimberlee Tachiki-Chin (representing Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard), Joseph Nunez (representing Senator Ricardo Lara), Peggy Lemons (Paramount Vice Mayor/Paramount Chamber Executive Director).

Paramount Chamber Welcomes New Ambassador Luis A. Baez

Name: Luis A. Baez - V.P. Sales and Field Manager

Company: Palacios Funeral Home

Company Address: 5150 Candlewood St. Suite #18G, Lakewood, CA. 90712 Office Phone: (562) 972-5429

major product or service? Funeral Services, Cremation, Memorial Service, Funeral Tribute. Specialize in Shipping to Mexico.

how long in Business? More than 30 years of experience in funeral industry and two 2 years of service at current location in Lakewood.

Why Did You Join the Chamber? To serve our growing community with dignity and respect with the highest ethics and standards, changing lives with care.

Where Were You Born? Mexico City, Mexico.

education/training? B.A in Business Administration and other credentials including Notary Public, Insurance Agent, and Public Relations. Academic achievements took place in Mexico.

Civic affiliations? Volunteer with local city parks and recreation as a sports coach. Previously volunteered for Lakewood Sheriff Station. What is Your Favorite saying? “We only have once to make a good impression so people know we are for real.”

Latest Accomplishment: Becoming a Paramount Chamber Ambassador. Philosophy: It’s not about what you have or what you drive, it’s about how you make others feel and how you help them change their lives for the better.

If You Were Granted 3 Wishes What Would they Be? Help communities that are in need in other countries. Help undocumented people. Feed the poor and grant them shelter.

Farmers Insurance Agent Patty Avila, is joined by chamber members and elected officials for the grand opening of her new office found at 9339 Alondra Blvd., #3, in the City of Bellflower.

nstallat I on & a wards l un C heon

Weber MetalS, Inc., otto FuchS aeroSpace Group

Leonard Crespo (outgoing president) with Paramount City Manager John Moreno (board liaison).

SC Fuels table from left; Colleen Kirtley, Mike Negri, Daniel Griffith, Kymbal Smith, Justin Pasco, Trinh Tuong, and Cindy Greinke.

New elected officers and directors take the oath of office.

Platinum Sponsors: ACE Clearwater (Gary Johnson), AltAir Paramount (Bill Winters), Carlton Forge, Modern Development (Darren Kurkowski), and Weber Metals, Inc., Otto Fuchs Aerospace Group (Paul Dennis).

Carlton Forge Works table seated left to right; Randy Graves and Kaz Nishikawa. Standing left to right; Juan Gonzales, Armando Bautista, Victor Cinco, Tony Estrada and Austin Ramirez.

Pastor Ken Korver accepts special recognition award for Emmanuel Reformed Church’s participation in the Welcome to Paramount Program. From left; outgoing president Leonard Crespo (Total-Western, Inc.), Pastor Ken Korver, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Julia Juarez (representing Senator Ricardo Lara), and Veronica Ledesma (representing Assemblyman Anthony Rendon).

Total-Western, Inc. table from left; Leonard Crespo, Mike Setting, Anthony Rocha, Greg Deleon, Diana Morell, and Ted Crawford.

Paramount Chamber Ambassadors from left; Dr. linda Timmons (Advocates for Family unity), luis Baez (Funeraria Palacios, inc.), and Erika Estudillo De Ponce (Wavefront Technology).

Weber Metals, Inc., Otto Fuchs Aerospace Group table. Pictured from left; Al McCormack, Woody Till, Harold Cavallaro, Weston Gillfillan, Justin Owen, and Douglas McIntyre.

Award of Excellence winner Dr. Eugene Allen (Dusk to Dawn urgent Care). From left; outgoing president leonard Crespo (Total-Western inc.) Dr. Eugene Allen (Dusk to Dawn urgent Care), Congresswoman lucille roybal-Allard, Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Julia Juarez (representing Senator ricardo lara), and Veronica ledesma (representing Assemblyman Anthony rendon).

Paramount Chamber newly elected executive committee from left; Past President, leonard Crespo (Total-Western, inc.), President Gary Johnson (ACE Clearwater, inc.), Vice President, Brenda Olmos (AppleCare Medical Group), Treasurer Dr. Max Martinez, and Senior Vice President, Jon Tanklage (Maurkan Vinegar).

Ambassador of the year, Matt Wagner GM Properties. From left; outgoing president leonard Crespo (Total-Western inc.) Matt Wagner (GM Properties), Congresswoman lucille roybal-Allard, Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Julia Juarez (representing Senator ricardo lara), and Veronica ledesma (representing Assemblyman Anthony rendon).

Winner of the Presidents Award, ACE Clearwater, inc., from left: outgoing president l eonard Crespo (Total-Western i nc.) incoming president Gary Johnson (ACE Clearwater, inc.), Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Congresswoman lucille roybal-Allard, Julia Juarez (representing Senator ricardo lara), and Veronica ledesma (representing Assemblyman Anthony rendon).

Stater Bros. Charities Donates Over 400,000 POUNDS of Fresh and Healthy Food to Local Food Banks This Summer

During summer months, food banks experience decreases in food reserves just as the school year comes to a close and many children lose access to the regular meals at school that supply key nutrients for healthy diets. As part of the “Harvesting Hope in the Summer” campaign, Stater Bros. is bolstering food reserves to local food banks by donating over 400,000 pounds of healthy and nutritious food items.

The “Harvesting Hope in the Summer” campaign is an extension of Stater Bros. ongoing efforts to give back to the valued communities Stater Bros. is privileged to serve.

For over 80 years, during the months of November and December, our “valued” customers participated in the “Bag of Hope” customer participation program. Customers purchased virtual “Bag of Hope” donation cards at checkout stands. Each virtual “Bag of Hope” represented a bag filled with nutrient packed items including: tuna, green beans, instant oatmeal, potatoes, apples, carrots and corn for distribution to local food banks during the summer months when food bank donations typically decrease.

“At Stater Bros. we don’t just do business in the community, we are part of the community,” stated Stater Bros. Executive Chairman Jack H. Brown. “The ‘Harvesting Hope in the Summer’ campaign helps to give our local food pantries and the valued communities they serve some extra help when it’s needed the most,” Brown added.

The following food banks will be receiving food from Stater Bros. Charities through the “Harvesting Hope” in the Summer Campaign:

In addition, Stater Bros. Markets annually donates over 3 million pounds of unsold items that are fit for consumption to local food banks on an ongoing basis.

New Dean of Student Learning Hired for El Camino College Compton Center

Camino College Compton Center is pleased to announce that Abiodun Osanyinpeju was hired as the new dean of student learning, effective May 18, 2016. Under the direction of the vice president of ECC Compton Center, Osanyinpeju will plan, organize, and direct the operations of one of three major instructional divisions at the institution. The dean of student learning provides leadership to deliver an integrated instructional program that includes basic skills, academic and occupational education, and transfer courses and meets the diverse needs of the students and community; administer, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned academic and support personnel; and evaluate educational programs, courses and services that are related student success.

Since April 2015, Osanyinpeju has served as interim dean of student learning for academic Division I, which includes Health, Natural Sciences and Human Services. He previously served as the faculty chair of Division 1 since July 2013 and was responsible for the daily operational activities of the division. Since 2003, he has also served the Compton Community College District (CCCD) and ECC Compton Center as a professor teaching various life science courses. Before being employed by the CCCD, he worked as a biology teacher at Inglewood High School in California,

and as an instructor at the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria. In addition to his responsibilities overseeing academic Division I, Osanyinpeju contributes in many other ways to the campus community. He currently serves on the El Camino College Natural Science Curriculum committee, and was a member of the following committees at ECC Compton Center: Academic Senate, Student Equity committee, and a Accreditation Standards subcommittee. Osanyinpeju earned both a doctorate in philosophy with emphasis in genetics and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria. He earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Ibadan in Ibadan, Nigeria. He also received a California Professional Clear Teaching Credential in biology from California State University, Los Angeles.

Using an LLC for a Self-Directed IRA

Gm properties, Inc.

matt Wagner (562)

696-0200

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a savings program offered by the US government designed to defer taxes on deposits and all income and profits until withdrawals are made. To clarify, an IRA is like an investment account, where the account is a conduit for the money, savings and investment, but not the actual investment itself. IRA’s need to be managed. Eventually the money will be withdrawn from the account and at that time would the money be taxed. All monies withdrawn from an IRA account are taxed as personal income and will be subject to that individuals’ income tax rate and not capital gains or dividend rates.

Funds held in an IRA may be used to acquire and own multiple types of investment vehicles, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, precious metals, real estate and other viable investment options. Historically, income producing property has offered higher annual yields and better price returns than has stocks and bonds over long term periods. These returns have drawn the attention to prudent IRA investors who become interested in shifting their IRA money from stocks and bonds to purchasing income producing real estate.

A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) can be a beneficial method for investing IRA funds in order for investors to control and purchase real estate. This method

Clubs & Organizations

is used to accumulate wealth through tax planning activities. Not only can fee simple real estate be purchased with these SDIRA funds, but property tax liens and trust deeds can also be purchased using these same investment funds. Savvy SDIRA investors will place title to their real estate in the name of a limited liability company (LLC) in order to shield themselves from remote uncontrollable liabilities.

Owning real estate within an SDIRA effectively avoids the individual income tax reporting that would be typical in standard investment ownership operations. In this example, the owner of the investment funds, or investor, does not own the property that was purchased through the SDIRA. The vested owner is the SDIRA. Therefore, the investor cannot report or claim rents collected, operating expenses, interest deductions and depreciation within their personal tax accounting purposes. Again, the owners long term benefit of an SDIRA investment in real estate is the deferral of income taxes on all annual income and profits earned from the properties invested in the SDIRA. As discussed earlier, the taxes for this type investment are only paid when the owner withdraws money from his or her IRA account for their personal use.

If you have interest in this type investment vehicle, please contact a local real estate accountant and/or broker to initiate the conversation regarding the IRA and using a SDIRA to invest in income producing property. Good Luck!

Golf For A Cause That Counts

“I had no idea what Pathways was or that it existed until we had the unexpected death of a student at my school”, said Jeff Green, principal of Cerritos High School at the time. The incident was a car accident returning from a summer camp in Mammoth Mountain. One student was fatally injured another was in critical condition. A passenger in the other car was fatally injured as well.

“After just one call Pathways immediately sent highly capable staff to our campus on a Sunday afternoon to meet with school administrators, counselors and school psychologists. They then divided students and parents into groups and began the process to address the shock and grief we all felt. I will always be beholden to Pathways for their support in this trying time in my life and in the lives of our families.”

“As the school year started, and everyone involved began to work through the grief process (as well as the legal process involved with a driving accident fatality), Pathways remained a constant in the lives of many. School Administrators don’t take courses that specifically address such heartbreaking events.”

Famously known as “the best kept secret in town” Pathways Volunteer Hospice is a non-profit volunteer organization that supports 17 different communities and 8 school districts in

Cosmetology Now Offered at El Camino College Compton Center

Grand Opening and Open House to be Held August 16

Beginning this fall, El Camino College Compton Center will offer a Cosmetology program for students interested in the beauty and wellness industry to earn a two-year degree and various certificates. Students may enroll now for the fall 2016 semester with cosmetology classes being offered in both daytime and evening sessions. Space is limited in the cosmetology program, so students are encouraged to enroll immediately. To apply and register, please visit www.compton.edu/apply.

Those who enroll in the new program will receive training in cosmetology to become a hairstylist and provide beauty services such as shampooing, cutting, coloring and styling hair. In two years or less, students can earn a certificate, or an associate degree, which prepares them to take the California State Board of Cosmetology Licensing Examination. To earn an associate degree in cosmetology, students must complete a minimum of 1,600 hours equal to 35 units.

In addition to tuition and fees, students enrolling in the program for the first time must purchase a cosmetology school kit for approximately $1,450 to $1,600, which may be covered through Financial Aid for eligible students.

Licensed cosmetologists have opportunities for employment as salon technicians, independent consultants, and future opportunities as specialists or in management. It can be a rewarding career for creative individuals who enjoy working with people.

“El Camino College Compton Center is excited to launch the new cosme-

tology program, to continue meeting the needs of our community,” said Dr. Keith Curry, provost for El Camino College Compton Center. “Cosmetology is a viable industry that offers consumers a desirable service. Licensed cosmetologists also have the opportunity to become independent contractors who run their own businesses.”

Employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Demand for hair coloring, hair straightening, and other advanced hair treatments has risen in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue over the coming decade.

“Students who complete this program can become gainfully employed in an industry with lots of growth potential and areas of specialization,” said Dr. Rodney Murray, dean of student learning at ECC Compton Center. “Cosmetology can tie in with other disciplines such as fashion and the arts, leading to a variety of opportunities to promote students’ creativity.”

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the launch of the Cosmetology program will be held on August 16 at 3:00 p.m. The event will include an open house and tours of the cosmetology facility on campus.

For more information about the Cosmetology program at ECC Compton Center, please contact the Career and Technical Education department at 310-900-1600, Ext. 2137 or via email at cvaldez@elcamino.edu.

Southern California. The small staff is dedicated to providing services to the terminally ill, the frail-elderly and crisis management/bereavement services to local schools and families in large part through the use of an extensive cadre of volunteers. Each year over 120 well trained volunteers along with 2 full-time and 6 part-time staff, touch the lives of over 800 people in distress who are your friends and neighbors.

Jeff was so taken by Pathways that he became a board member in 2012 and is currently the Chairman of the Board. He also chairs the annual golf tournament which raises thousands of dollars for Pathways to carry on their mission of support and caregiving. The 22nd annual event will be held at Recreation Park Golf Course in Long Beach on August 15. Past sponsors have included: Toyota, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Paramount Unified School District, CARE Ambulance, Fenico and CH2M Hill has signed on as well as on-course food sponsors Outback Steakhouse, The Crooked Duck, Fireman’s Brew, Ten Mile Brewing Co, Long Beach Mortgage Corp, Applecare and La Strada Italiano. Visit www.pathwayshospice.org to learn more and sign up to do your part to help Pathways continue to their work while you enjoy a day on the links.

The following businesses renewed their membership in the Paramount Chamber of Commerce last month, they are celebrating another year

THE SWITCH TO EMV FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

According to data from the Nilson Report and used in a graphic by First Data Corp., credit card losses due to fraud in the United States are expected to reach more than $10 billion in 2015. According to another study on EMV Preparedness by American Express conducted in October 2014, 2% of small merchants surveyed then reported, “that they feel they are at higher risk for payment card fraud than larger businesses, with nearly half of those small merchants citing a lack of money to invest in fraud prevention or a lack of access to experts who can assist them as the biggest reasons why.” Another important finding from the American Express survey showed that of the 500 small merchants surveyed, 57% cited the cost of terminals as the main reason. Although cost is top of mind for smaller merchants, review the following additional points when switching to EMV.

1. Review EMV: EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa – the chips are a global credit card standard that improve the security of in-person card transactions. EMV technology allows cardholder data to be stored in a chip which during every transaction, generates a new code for that transaction, rather than storing that static data on a magnetic stripe that can be used again and again. When using the new technology, the new chip card is inserted or “dipped” into an EMV ready terminal much like an ATM. Note that EMV is not a mandate, it is a decision for merchants to freely make based on risk. More here on an EMV101 webinar from EMV migration forum.

SHOP PARAMOUNT!

2. Review where the Liability Lies:

On October 1st the U.S. began its shift away from magnetic stripe cards to microchipenabled credit cards, which still allow customers to sign for payments. In addition to the microchip change, came a “shift of liability.” As noted in a Wall Street Journal ‘s interview with Mastercard’s EMV expert, Carolyn Balfany, “Whenever card fraud happens, we need to determine who is liable for the costs. What…change[s] is that if there is an incidence of card fraud, whichever party has the lesser technology will bear the liability. So, if a merchant is still using the old system, they can still run a transaction with a swipe and a signature. But they will be liable for any fraudulent transactions if the customer has a chip card. And the same goes the other way – if the merchant has a new terminal, but the bank hasn’t issued a chip and PIN card to the customer, the bank would be liable.”

3. Your Market: Cost, coordination or management aside here are a few questions to ask when considering making the switch to EMV: Do you accept electronic payments from international shoppers? Do you sell luxury or high priced items that are “desirable” or easily exposed to fraudulent activity? Could this be an opportunity to create a perception of more secure transactions among your customers? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, click here for an EMV readiness guide from Bank of America for why it may be the right time to switch.

4. Costs and Planning: Speak with your merchant services provider about

what you may need to upgrade, including any equipment requirements, software upgrades or recommended testing efforts. Consider the other areas of your business this may affect including IT, marketing, finance, or your operations personnel. Include the appropriate personnel in your planning process, review the costs of upgrading, check incentive programs offered by different merchants, and create a budget for the roll out as well as a timeline to switch to the new payment processing system. Check out the VISA EMV Chip Acceptance Readiness Guide.

5. Future Plans: As you evaluate your current service providers and software, also consider whether the time is right to make other adjustments that could add value to your business including: switching to a different merchant services provider, using contactless terminals, creating a loyalty program or adding risk management solutions.

6. Merchant Incentives and Resources:

a. American Express – Merchant Education, $100 Reward Card and more.

b. Visa – Training, Toolkits, and more.

c. MasterCard – Resources and Training.

See each merchant for details. Some restrictions may apply.

7. Training: Keep employees informed of card handling changes, potential customer questions including pins vs. signatures and any applicable changes to your policies. Review changes to the chargeback, returns, and cancellation

processes. Consider assigning one of your employees as a go-to person for managing questions from employees or customers or even creating instructions for unattended terminals to help your shoppers through the transaction.

8. Testing: When integrating the new technology consider: whether new equipment works as intended, if transactions processed correctly, if training was effective for your employees, if customer experiences or perceptions changed and if overall store performance changed. If you have multiple locations, consider one site for piloting the new roll out. Then, make modifications to your process as necessary and communicate appropriate changes to employees.

9. Increasing Security for Online Transactions: Since the new EMV chipcards aim to limit fraudulent credit card activity in-stores, another consideration to keep in mind is the security of online transactions for your customers. As the liability for online transactions still largely lies with the retailer, consider requiring additional authentication for credit cards online, enforcing fraud detection and/or using scoring services.

10. Leverage SBDC Expertise: Our SBDC advisors are here to help your business plan for your migration to EMV. We can help you define your objectives, estimate costs, consider the implications for your business, connect you with the appropriate resources, and more. Click here for the location nearest you or contact us at 1-866-588-SBDC.