If you’re an employer or business, an adult job seeker, or a youth job seeker 17-21 years of age in the City of Paramount, you really should know the answer to those questions.
WHO THEY ARE!
The Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA) first opened its doors in Paramount with Federal funding and the assistance of the City in January of 2005 to help our citizens and businesses. SASSFA has been providing services for nearby cities since 1978 and employment services since 1985. Employment and Training Services are provided under a local and national delivery model known as WorkSource Centers, of which the Paramount SASSFA Center is a Satellite Center.
WHAT THEY DO!
Universal WorkSource Services
Job Seekers are encouraged to come in and use SASSFA/Paramount WorkSource Center. The Facility has a fully equipped business office and other resources designed to help unemployed people conduct their own self-directed job search, with minimal assistance from SASSFA’s friendly Customer Services Representatives. You’re welcome to use the Internet-equipped computer lab to create or polish up your resume, conduct internet job search, use the phones to make appointments for interviews, fax machines and printers. The objective of this facility is that you make it your own office to conduct your own job search. All services are available at no cost to you.
Intensive Services
If you have not been successful in your own job search then you are invited to apply for intensive W.I.A. services. If you are found eligible for intensive service, you will first be assigned a case manager who will meet with and come up with a strategy for your job search. The case manager will get to know you, your strengths and weaknesses, your work experience and background so that your job search strategy is customized to your specific situation. If there are any barriers to employment they will be taken in to consideration and if possible, they will help you to remove them. If some sort of vocational training is needed as part of that strategy, SASSFA may pay all or part of vocational or on the job training. Training that may be available includes Medical Assisting and Class “A” Truck Driving. Direct
job leads will also be provided to interested persons.
Business Services
SASSFA’s WorkSource Centers also offer services to employers, business services include but are not limited to employee recruitment and advertising, subsidized youth and adult employment referrals, financial reimbursement for training someone that is unemployed, on the job, lay-off prevention and lay-off assistance for businesses having economic problems. What does all that mean? Let’s break it down just a little.
· Employer Recruitment and Advertising – If a business needs just one employee or 120 employees, SASSFA can help with referrals of qualified applicants or assistance in conducting mass applicant recruitments. SASSFA organizes and assists with electronic advertising throughout LA County and city wide phone calls to alert Paramount citizens of the opportunities available. One recent example being the recruitment for the new Home Goods store being opened nearby. During a two day recruitment over 400 people showed up to apply and interview for 75 positions, with 30 applicants hired from the City of Paramount.
· OJT and Customized Training – These are designed to help businesses offset the cost of training new hires that have a significant skill gap that needs to be addressed before the new employee can be effective
on their own. OJT training agreements are an effective tool when an employer is willing to take time to train an individual on a specific skill or set of skills, in exchange SASSFA will reimburse the employer for training costs.
We could go forever, but SASSFA can also assist with adult and youth paid internships called work experience contracts, access to public and private economic development agencies, business consultants, Work Opportunity Tax Credits and even direction on access to capital.
WHERE THEY ARE!
WorkSource California at Paramount is located at 15538 Colorado Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. The Center hours of operation are 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
Youth and adult job seekers are encouraged to attend orientation on Mondays at 10:00am and Wednesdays at 2:00pm, get all the information you need to participate and get assistance from SASSFA and other agencies interested in helping job seekers. Businesses and employers are encouraged to call and ask for our Business Services Supervisor at 562-633-9511, ext 239, or by email at amonreal@sassfa.org, or learn more about SASSFA by visiting www.sassfa.org
15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
Paramount SASSFA WorkSource Center located at 15538 Colorado Avenue in Paramount.
Job seekers take advantage of Paramount SASSFA resources.
Crime Continues Its Steady Decline In Paramount
In 2012, compared to 2011, violent crime in Paramount dropped 5.4% overall, according to statistics released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
There were substantial decreases in assaults, theft, auto theft and arson, with little-to-no change in the number of robberies and burglaries. There were two homicides, up from one in 2011. One was gang-related and the other was the result of a family argument.
The number of property crimes in Paramount is the lowest since the late 1970s and overall violent crimes have dropped to levels not seen since the late 1960s.
The City will continue to reap the
benefits of having a strong and cohesive law enforcement team that works diligently to monitor and contain this type of activity. These efforts include engaging the community through both Neighborhood Watch and other open channels of communication. More residents have become knowledgeable and involved in law enforcement matters over the years, and they have been a contributing factor in keeping our neighborhoods safe.
These proactive policies and strong partnerships will continue to keep things going in the right direction through 2013.
Free Curbside E-Waste Pick Up
One of your new year’s resolutions might have been to clean out the clutter from your home or garage. If so, keep in mind that CalMet Services, the City’s trash hauler, will pick up large items and electronic waste from your curb.
All unwanted electronic waste, for instance, must be recycled by law. This is stuff like computers, televisions, microwaves, cell phones, telephones, stereos, typewriters, fax machines, PDAs and more.
The e-waste collection is a free service and available to homes, apartments and mobile home parks in Paramount. To schedule a pick-up, 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.
Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
TAG ART SHOW PROGRESS PARK WEST
Saturday, March 9, 2013
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Students from Paramount (PUSD & Our Lady of the Rosary) and Artist of Southern California
And Large-Item Pick-Ups
CalMet also picks up large, oversized items like furniture or appliances that won’t fit 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 fined.)
Remember that items such as lumber, concrete, auto parts, and hazardous waste such as paint, used motor oil, batteries and pesticides cannot be hauled away through this service
Call (562) 259-1239, extension 244, to schedule a pick up at least one day before your regular trash day. The cost is free for residents in single-family to four unit properties (with a limit of four items per pick up). It is $16.76 per item for commercial accounts.
Household Hazardous Waste Roundups
The County of Los Angeles also holds monthly household hazardous waste (and e-waste) collection events.
These roundups accept brake fluid, paint, paint thinner, cleaners with acid or lye, pesticides or herbicides, household batteries and car batteries, pool chemicals, motor oil, oil filters, expired pharmaceuticals, anti-freeze, fluorescent light bulbs, computer monitors, televisions, computer CPUs, keyboards, printers, cellular phones and more.
There is one coming up on Saturday, March 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at
the Southern California Gas Company at 8101 Rosemead Blvd. in Pico Rivera.
For a complete listing of what you can and cannot bring, or information on upcoming events throughout the year, call 1-888-CLEANLA or visit www.888CleanLA.com on the internet.
College Bound Bus for New Semester
With classes having started for the spring semester at our local community colleges, here’s a reminder that the City’s College Bound bus offers transportation for Paramount residents who are attending Long Beach City College (Liberal Arts Campus) or Cerritos College.
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then again from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
There are four pick-up and drop-off spots located throughout town – Orange and Somerset, Century and Orange, Paramount Park and Progress Park. Each roundtrip – from individual bus stop, to the campus, and back again – takes about an hour.
The bus stop location at Long Beach City College is on Clark Ave., just north of Carson St. The bus stop at Cerritos College is on Studebaker Rd., about a block south of Alondra Blvd.
Each trip costs $1, but you can purchase a semester pass for $25.
For more information, or to purchase a pass, please call the Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
Mayor, Peggy Lemons
Always Report Suspicious or Criminal Activities to the Sheriff’s Department
There have been reports recently that private property owners or managers that use security companies for patrol services have been reporting suspicious activities on their properties only to these companies and not to the Sheriff’s Department.
It is important that any nuisance, suspicious and/or criminal activity taking place at a condo or apartment complex or commercial property, whether that property is being patrolled by private security companies or not, should be reported to the Sheriff’s Department at (562) 623-3500 or (562) 220-2002.
Likewise, any citations issued for violations of the Paramount Municipal Code or California Vehicle Code are only valid if issued by the City of Paramount or law enforcement personnel.
If you have received such a citation, and have any questions regarding its validity, please call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Burglary Prevention Tips
The release of 2012’s crime statistics for Paramount has shown that there was basically no change in the number of burglaries here compared to the previous year. In fact, property crimes are at their lowest levels in Paramount since the late 1970s.
It is always a good idea, though, to be proactive in protecting yourself against the possibility of a home breakin. According to law enforcement sources, nine out of ten burglaries are preventable.
Keep in mind that there’s a greater chance of thieves breaking into a home during the day when many people are at work. Also, around 40 percent of annual household burglaries in the United States are not forced entries, meaning someone was able to walk, climb or crawl inside almost as easily as if the owners left a key in the door. (Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics.)
Oftentimes, residential burglaries occur when residents leave just one small window open. Home owners may mistakenly think that a small bathroom window, for example, is too tiny for anyone to gain entry. However, suspects can travel with a small-boned juvenile who can squeeze through bathroom windows and then open a door or window for larger suspects to gain entry. Never leave even just one window open or ajar, on the first or second floor.
The risk of being burglarized can be greatly reduced by taking simple steps to make your home more difficult to enter and less enticing to would-be burglars. The greatest weapons in the fight to prevent burglaries are light, time and noise.
Light
Make sure that exterior lights are mounted out of reach, so that burglars can’t easily unscrew bulbs.
Consider buying motion-sensitive
lights, which are now available at relatively low prices.
Use a variable light timer to activate lights inside your home.
Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows so burglars can’t hide in the shadows
Time
Make it time-consuming for a burglar to break into your home by:
Installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
Installing double-key locks in doors that contain glass. This will keep a burglar from being able to open the door simply by breaking the glass and reaching through. (Note: So that everyone in the house can get out in the event of a fire, be sure to keep the key in a designated place).
Placing additional locks on all windows and patio doors.
Noise
Get a dog. You don’t need a large attack dog; even a small dog creates a disturbance that burglars would prefer to avoid. Remember to license and vaccinate it.
Consider having someone care for your dogs in your home while you’re away, instead of boarding them.
If you can afford it, install an alarm system that will alert neighbors of a burglar’s presence. Most systems can even summon local police directly. Don’t forget to check the Alarm Code.
Other Tips
Close and lock all doors and windows before leaving your home. If you have a sliding glass door, consider putting a long wooden pole (an old broomstick with the head cut off can work well) in the tracks to avoid any would-be burglars from picking the lock and then sliding the door open. And if you have deadbolt locks or security screen doors, use them. Locks only work if people use them.
Think like a burglar. “Case” your home the way a burglar would and look for easy ways to enter your home.
Be sure valuables such as guns, electronic devices and artwork are not visible from the street.
Be sure to lock up ladders and tools which could be used to break into your home.
While on vacation, have someone pick up your newspapers and mail, so that they do not accumulate and alert burglars of your absence.
Display your house number conspicuously and have it well illuminated. This will help police and emergency personnel find your home quickly.
Work together with your neighbors. Organize a Neighborhood Watch and let your neighbors know when you will be away for an extended period. In Paramount, Volunteers on Patrol will conduct “vacation checks” of your home when you are gone. For information on those, and on Neighborhood Watch, please call (562) 220-2002.
Esther Hernandez Celebrates
Her 86th Birthday
More than 100 family members and friends celebrated Mrs. Esther Hernandez’s 86th birthday at the Clearwater building in Paramount. Esther was born and raised in Paramount, then known as Hynes-Clearwater. The house she grew up in is the only one still standing on Rosales Alley.
Attending the celebration were her brothers Leo and Joe Espitia, Sisters Josie Frias and Cecilia Hernandez, her children, eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, representing four generations. Her extraordinary life was celebrated with music, food, and great memories.
From left; Estherʼs daughter Linda Garcia, Esther Hernandez, daughter Cecelia Machado, and her son Manuel Hernandez.
Give Your Grand Children the Gift of Life
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
When you are trying to choose just the right gift for your grandchildren, you can have a tough time sifting through the newest trends and fads. Last week it was this pop star, next week it may be a new cartoon character. On top of that, you don’t want to get something that won’t last 10 minutes out of the package.
One gift that will last for many years is a life insurance policy. There are many reasons why it can be an excellent gift for your grandchild.
• Affordability – The younger the child’s age, the lower the premiums.
• Protection – Illness or injury may affect a child’s ability to purchase life insurance coverage later in life. Coverage purchased now will continue to provide protection, even if a child’s
health changes, provided premiums are paid as required by the policy.
• Financial Security – Life insurance can be the foundation for a strong financial plan. The child may be able to borrow against the accumulated cash value (with interest charged) to pay for future expenses. While loans decrease death benefits and cash surrender values, the proceeds can be used for important expenses such as a college education or the purchase of a home
Giving a gift of life insurance to your grandchild can be one of the most significant things you do during your lifetime. He or she may not understand at the time how important the gift is, but should grow to appreciate it in the future. Take the guesswork out of your gift shopping. Life insurance is a gift that will last a lifetime, talk to your local insurance agent for more information.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
Promoting Your Business is Our Business
Recipe of the Month
Ritz Carlton Lemon Pound Cake
Ingredients
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup shortening, room temperature
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 6 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 lemon, zested
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Spray or butter and flour 2 loaf pans or one large Bundt pan.
3. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into medium bowl. Set aside.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream together butter, shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating until well blended after each one.
5. Add dry ingredients in three additions to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Mix in lemon juice and zest.
6. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto racks and cool completely.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic
Tournament Sponsor Carlton Forge Works
Major Raffle Prize: Complete Set of Golf Clubs, Bag & Covers
Sponsored by: Fenico Precision Castings
Awards: Team Scramble
Scholarship Donors Celebrated at Special Lunch
Attending the PEP Donors Luncheon were, from left, PUSD School Boardmember Tony Pena, 2012 scholarship recipient Cesar Castaneda (CSULB), 2009 recipient Leo Cazares (CSULB), 2009 recipient Guillermo Parga (CSULB), Boardmember Alicia Anderson, 2012 recipient Sharnelle A. Young (Cerritos College), Board President Vivian Hansen and 2010 recipient Rosario Carmona (Long Beach City College).
The Paramount Education Partnership recently hosted an appreciation luncheon for major donors to the scholarship program at Progress Park.
The scholarships help local students who are attending a university, community college or vocational school. A number of the previous recipients were on hand to share how important the financial assistance has been to their continued educational goals.
Also attending were PEP Board Chairman Matt Knabe and Boardmember Dr. Max Martinez, Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Gene Daniels, all members of the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education and District Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo.
Evidence shows that if you attain a college degree you have more economic success in life. PEP’s goal is to
create avenues for everyone in Paramount to increase their education and, consequently, raise their economic potential and quality of life.
“Our business community has been incredibly supportive of our fundraising efforts for the scholarships,” Mayor Lemons told the crowd. “That speaks volumes about your commitment to our City and to our future. I sincerely hope your participation has been a rewarding experience.
“On behalf of the PEP Board of Directors, the Paramount Unified School District, the Chamber of Commerce and the City Council,” the Mayor continued, “I offer heartfelt thanks for your generosity and for helping us create a ‘culture of education.’”
This year’s fundraising event will be held April 26 at Progress Park Plaza.
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Paramount Places!
training facility 8041 Jackson St. Paramount Pond
A decorative, restful public plaza, featuring a bronze sculpture garden with nearby coffee house and eateries Corner of Paramount Blvd. & Jackson St.
Paramount’s Outdoor Art Museum
9 By 9 By 9 .................................................................................................Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave.
Boxes ...............................................................................................Corner of Downey Ave. & Jefferson St.
Upholding .................................................................................................. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
Vestige ..................................................Garfield Park, Northwest corner of Garfield Avenue and Petrol St.
Zamboni Machine Replica ......................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
CHAMBER
75th Annual Silver Skates Championship Races at Paramount Iceland
Saturday, February 9, 2013 - 5:00 PM
De Morra Silver Skates Ice Speed Skating Races at Paramount Iceland, this is the Last competition of the season.
Rusty Smith, three times Olympian Silver Medalist and nine times World Team Member will start the races. Rusty is Southern California’s newest USSpeed
Skating Hall of Fame inductee.
The Paramount Musical Jazz Band and a figure skater will perform during intermission.
The event is open to everyone and admission is FREE.
For more information contact: Bob Nelson @ 626-235-2008 or Jim Wilkins @ 652-803-4555
Workshops That Help Businesses Grow
FREE BUSINESS COUNSELING
HELP WANTED
INSURANCE SALES – Growing company seeking dynamic selfstarters, 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.
GRATIS* Clasesdelamaze
10 Tips for a More Successful Business in 2013
By Rieva Lesonsky
Do you want your small business to enjoy a higher profile, greater success, more engaged employees and increased profitability in 2013? For a better business in the New Year, begin by making resolutions to improve in the 10 areas below.
1. Have a plan. Too often, small business owners get so caught up in day-to-day operations that they neglect long-range planning. If you have a business plan, update it to reflect your current goals. If you’ve never written a business plan, do so—it will force you to think about what you want to achieve in 2013 and beyond.
2. Take action. Don’t put that business plan in a drawer and forget about it. No matter how busy you are, set aside at least one hour a week to assess your progress toward the goals you’ve set. Together with your partners and key employees, create action steps and set deadlines for accomplishing them.
3.Give your website a makeover. Does your business’s website reflect what you do, or is the information outdated? Does it look current, or is it sporting a design template from 1999? Does it load easily on mobile devices so customers can access your business wherever they are? Make the necessary changes to modernize your website.
4.Take charge of your finances. If you’re not already using accounting software, make 2013 the year you upgrade. A program such as QuickBooks is inexpensive, easy to learn and makes budgeting and forecasting simple.
5. Plan ahead for financing. How will you finance your business growth plans for 2013? If you can’t fund growth from profits, investigate options for outside financing, whether from bank loans, private investors such as angel capital groups, or your friends and family.
6. Start socializing. No matter what your industry, almost any business can benefit from social media. If you aren’t currently using social media, resolve to try at least one social network in 2013. If you are active on social media, step it up a notch by learning more about your favorite social network, posting more often or adding more videos and photos to your mix.
7. Delegate. It’s tough for small business owners to give up control, but delegation is essential for business growth. Give employees more autonomy so you don’t become a bottleneck in your organization. Try to structure operations so you can focus on your strengths and delegate the rest.
8. Assess your HR needs. Do your
employees have the skills your business needs to grow in 2013? Whether you need to provide additional training, hire new employees or outsource to independent contractors, think about how you will fill the gaps.
9. Upgrade your equipment. Whether it’s technology tools like tablets and smartphones or a new pizza oven for your restaurant, small changes can make a big difference to your bottom line. Decide what investment would have the biggest impact on your productivity and profits, and figure out a way to make it happen.
10. Celebrate success. No matter
how busy you are, be sure to celebrate when you, your employees and your business achieve important goals. Taking time out to recognize results will re-energize you and your team for the next challenge. Do you need help achieving any of these goals? Contact your local SBDC, where expert Business Advisors can assist with all of these activities and more.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her
business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.
Make A Difference ✩ Join A Service Club
Serving the community since 1946, the Paramount Lions have been actively participating in and providing donations to support local programs such as PEP (Paramount Education Partnership), Relay for Life, City of Hope, youth sports, food banks, and eye care for families in need.
Come join our dedicated members as we build friendships and partnerships with a common goal of giving back to the community.
Join us for lunch: Thursdays --12:30-1:30 Casa Gamino Restaurant
8330 Alondra Blvd.
Google us: Paramount Lions Club Call us: 562.716.5859
ELKS LODGE 1804
Serving the community for over fifty years
Major Sponsor of Dictionaries for 3rd graders PUSD Monthly/Yearly Scholorships for PHS seniors Donate to Vets in L.B. Vets Hospital
Meetings every Monday night 730pm
HALL FOR RENT
Weddings * Quinceaneras * Birthdays Max 250 people
8108 E. Alondra Blvd • 562 633-1804 www.paramountelks.org
Paramount Rotary Club has served the Community since 1954
The Rotary Club is an organization of local business and professional people who supply humanitarian assistance to primarily local residents. Among its many services, the Club’s members personally provide:
• college/technical school scholarships to graduating Paramount students, • clothing to qualified Paramount children, • holiday season food and gift support to qualified Paramount families and, • books and educational materials to Guatemalan students, reconstructive cleft palate and clubfoot surgery to Mexican children.
The Club raises funds for community services through its annual Paramount Rotary Golf Tournament.
The Club meets at noon every Tuesday at Progress Plaza Park (15500 Downey Ave.) for fellowship, lunch and an informational program. Do the Club’s activities sound like fun to you? If so, please be our guest for lunch. For more information call President John Berg at 562-630-1200 ext. 219 or Secretary Duane Mahan at 562-634-0234. Please visit our website at ClubRunner.ca/Paramount . We hope to see you soon!
