Ethel Hillyard Passes Away
Ethel Hillyard, who was an active, productive, and engaging presence in the Paramount community for many years and was affectionately known as the town’s historian, passed away December 22, 2014 at the age of 94. Hillyard was born in Germany in 1920 and immigrated to the United States at the age of six. She attended high school in Pasadena and studied journalism at Santa Monica Junior College. With her family, she moved into the Paramount Unified School District area in 1948 and soon became heavily involved in the educational community, serving as president of the Major Lynn Mokler School PTA, the Alondra Junior High School PTA, and the Paramount Council of PTAs. This led eventually to her election to the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education in 1966, where she served for 16 years, including four terms as president. Part of her legacy there was bringing the Continuation High School and Adult Education School into the District, and the library at Roosevelt Elementary is named in her honor.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce pulse beat
15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
Hillyard was a 50year member of the Paramount Women’s Club. She was a longtime columnist for the Paramount Journal newspaper. At the suggestion of the librarian of the Paramount branch library, she began work on a history of the City. (Ethel became founding president of the Friends of the Paramount Library in 1978.) The book, first published in 1974 as “Fiestas, Farms, and Freeways,” traced the area back to its Spanish land grant days. It was later revised and expanded into “The Story of Paramount,” which was published in 1988. To this day it is the reference point for the town’s past.
In 2009, Hillyard took on her last public service role as a mem -
ber of the City’s Senior Services Commission, a position she held until
her passing. She will long be remembered for her great contributions and genuine devotion to Paramount over the years.
Ethel Hillyard was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert Hillyard. She is survived by sons, Steven, of La Jolla, California, and Stanley, of Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Contributions in memory of Ethel can be made to the Friends of the Paramount Library or to the Paramount Women’s Club.
The City ended another year with declining crime rates. In 2014, compared to 2013, violent crime in Paramount dropped 11% overall, according to statistics released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The City will present “Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” this summer, a celebration of academic achievers, local artists, and the City’s focus on fitness.
“Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Paramount Park.
There were substantial decreases in property crimes – burglary (-15.8%), auto theft (-23%), and theft (-7.8%). And there was a hefty drop in robberies (-19.7%) while the number of homicides stayed the same at three.
If you are an artist living or going to school in Paramount and would like to show your work at the event, please contact the Paramount Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
Art can be in a variety of media – painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, multi-media, and more. It can simply be exhibited or offered for sale.
We will provide a booth, a table, and chairs. Artists are responsible for arranging and displaying their artwork and need to be present during the length of the event. They are also responsible for the breakdown of the display.
The City’s strong and cohesive law enforcement team works diligently to monitor and contain all criminal activity. These efforts include engaging the community through 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.
Walk With Me at Relay For Life
Save Gas With College Bound Shuttle
The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life offers an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote how individuals can reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end cancer. This year’s Paramount Relay for Life is scheduled for Saturday morning, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Paramount Park and goes for 24 hours.
I will be taking part with the Mayor
Here’s a reminder that the City’s College Bound shuttle bus offers transportation for Paramount residents to Long Beach City College (Liberal Arts Campus) or Cerritos College for the spring semester. The Cerritos route began in January and the LBCC shuttle will start on February 9.
Martinez Marchers. Come out and join us. It only takes an hour and a minimum donation of $10. For more information, please call (562) 743-3555.
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.
Resident Rates and Season Passes for Summer Swimming
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.
Check Out the New Recreation Newsletter
With summer just around the corner, swim season is near for our City pools. Paramount residents and PUSD families can receive special rates for recreational swimming at the Paramount Park pool – $1 per entry for youth (ages 17 and under) and $2 per entry for adults. In order to qualify for these resident rates you will need an identification band, which can be purchased for $1 and is good for the entire summer. Be sure and bring it with you every time you visit the pool this year. (Per-visit rates for non-residents or those without an ID band are $3 for youth and $4 for adults.)
You can buy the ID bands beginning on May 19 at the Community Services and Recreation Office at 15300 Downey Ave. They can also be purchased at Paramount Park Pool beginning June 14. Proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID) are required to obtain an ID band.
The City’s Recreation Department newsletter for spring 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.
Also available to residents and PUSD families this summer are season passes for use at both Paramount Park and Orange pools.
Resident Recycling Figures
Last year was a good one for Paramount residents and their home recycling efforts. According to figures from CalMet, the City’s contracted waste hauler, singlefamily accounts recycled over 3,000 tons in their greenwaste containers and almost 2,000 tons in their blue recycling bins.
These passes ($20 Youth/$30 Adult) will provide you with admission to the pools all summer without having to pay the entrance fee each time you go. In addition, they will give you priority entry during recreational swim hours. If you buy a pass, you do not need to purchase or wear the aforementioned ID bands. But you do need to show the same proof of residency or PUSD enrollment as mentioned above.
Please call (562) 220-2121 with any questions.
The State of California requires that the maximum amount of trash going to landfills be 6 pounds per person per day. Paramount’s figure is at 4.3 pounds per day per person.
Good job!
Swim Lesson Registration
Registration for summer swim lessons begins on May 19 for residents and PUSD
If you are filling up the blue barrel every week, residential customers are entitled to an additional one free of charge. There is also free e-waste collection for residents, as well as bulky item pickups for things that don’t fit in the black trash
barrel. For these issues, or any other questions about waste collection, please call (562) 259-1239.
families. A special registration event will be held at Progress Plaza East (15500 Downey Ave.) on May 19 only from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free Online Homework Help
Remember to bring proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID), with you, along with proof of age.
The Los Angeles County Library system offers free, live homework help using an internet-based system that connects students with qualified tutors in real time.
All you need is a County of Los Angeles library card (which is free at any County library location) and an internet connection. You can use Live Homework Help from home, school, and even the library for up to 20 minutes a day.
Starting on May 20, you can register in person at the Community Services and Recreation Offi ce (15300 Downey Ave., Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., Monday - Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.).
Live Homework Help is available for three different age groups: K-12. Students can get help in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese in a wide range of subjects including math, science, English, social studies, and essay review.
You can register online (www.paramountcity.com on the Parks & Recreation page) starting May 20. If you don’t have an online account already, you will need to create one at the Recreation Department office at 15300 Downey Ave. Again, bring proof of residency or PUSD enrollment and proof of age.
All registration for non-residents begins June 2.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
Sign Up for Summer Day Camp
College. College students can get help in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese for their college level courses including English, science, math, social studies, and essay review. Tutors are also available to assist with GED preparation and career services such as resume review, job searching, and interview preparation.
Also on May 19, residents can register either online or at the Recreation Office (15300 Downey Ave.) for the City’s Summer Day Camp.
Children ages 5 to 12 are eligible to participate in the camp, which runs from
Adult Learners. Adults can get help in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Tutors are available for career help, including resume review, job searching, and interview preparation. Tutors can also help with GED, citizenship preparation, and essay
June 16 through August 8. The cost is $75 per week, per child, and the program operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for July 4.
review. Additionally tutors can help adult learners with back to school needs.
The hours for English and Spanish are from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. every day. Call (562) 940-8523 for more information or questions.
In addition to being a safe and fun place to spend the summer, the camp also provides a healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as swim lessons.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
The Paramount Branch Library is located 16254 Colorado Ave., phone (562) 630-3171. The Paramount Library’s schedule is the following:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Temporary Parking Permits For RVs
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Also with summer in mind, and the possibility of friends or relatives coming for a visit, here’s a brief review of the City’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking ordinance.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
RVs registered to Paramount addresses cannot be parked on public streets within the City. But the City allows for the temporary on-street parking of RVs that are not registered to a Paramount address.
People can use local libraries for a variety of resources – job searches, homework help, computer literacy classes, online learning tools, early childhood literacy programs, teen services, and other programs.
The permit must be obtained by a resident and the vehicle must be parked in front of their address.
More Outdoor Gyms
For out of town visitors, permits may be issued for a maximum of 31 days per household per calendar year. Permits will be issued for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per permit with a 72-hour timeframe between permits.
The vehicle will be moved for street sweeping.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
The City is continuing its efforts at building a healthy community with the latest installation of outdoor gym equipment for residents to use in free workout routines. A total of 12 new fitness stations are now available at All-American Park. There are two separate exercise pods in the park consisting of six exercise pieces each. So get out and work up a sweat at Paramount’s latest free outdoor gym!
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
“Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”
– Bill Gates
– Carl Bard
Talking or Texting on Cell Phones
Strengthen Your Community With Neighborhood Watch
While Driving – Not Worth It
In Paramount, there are many active Neighborhood Watch teams operating to provide extra eyes and ears for the Sheriff’s Department.
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.
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.
• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
It’s beneficial, too – on average, areas with active Neighborhood Watch participation have much less crime than those without it.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
At NW gatherings, residents interact with City and Sheriff’s Department personnel, expressing ideas and concerns about issues in their neighborhood.
Meetings have been held in small tracts of homes and entire multi-block areas. Topics can be wide-ranging, and have covered such things as reckless driving and speeding on local streets, illegal parking and other parking issues, unruly juvenile behavior, residential burglaries, and more. Anything and everything that affects the quality of life for residents in Paramount.
• 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.
One meeting even gave voice to concerns over a bug infestation coming from a SCE right-of-way.
Residents are encouraged to place calls for service. In addition, enforcement efforts are coordinated between Sheriff’s and City personnel for the issues discussed.
• 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.
At the meetings, residents are also informed of the many services and programs available to them, such as 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.
Keep in mind, also, that 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.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
The Sheriff’s Department appreciates everyone’s help in protecting our community, because a deputy cannot be present everywhere, at all times. Since neighbors know better than anybody what happens on their street, this is a good way to do your part for public safety.
Neighborhood Watch groups can 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 Neighborhood Watch program, please call the Public Safety Department at (562) 220-2002 and ask for Carlos Mendoza.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
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.
Get Your Free Car Anti-Theft Device
• Never text and drive.
Speaking of PAT – this program offers to help deter auto theft for residents who own certain models.
• 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.
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.
PAT provides free anti-theft, steering wheel lock devices for owners of specific cars. Based on the latest analysis of regional auto theft trends, these are: 1990 to 2000 Honda Civics, Honda Accords, and Nissan Sentras; 1998 to 2012 Ford Econoline Vans; and 2000 to 2007 Chevy Tahoes.
• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
• No eating or drinking while driving.
Residents will receive one device per vehicle. They must provide a photo ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and proof of vehicle ownership.
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
To participate, stop by the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at 15001 Paramount Blvd. or call (562) 220-2002 for more information.
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
Follow these additional safety tips to prevent auto theft and auto burglaries:
• No grooming.
• The best way to protect your car is to park it in the garage.
• No reading.
• Make sure all doors are locked.
• No watching videos.
• Try not to get too involved with passengers.
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.
• If parked outside, make sure it is in a well-lit area.
• Have an auto security system installed.
Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.
Members in the News
Giving Hearts for Helping Hands
Simple Strategies for Better Event Marketing
Friday, May 16, 2014 - 10am to 12pm
There is no limit to what we can give to those in need of help. It is with that same mind set that Casa Gamino and Johnny Rebs’ Southern Roadhouse are opening their doors for Pathways’ “Have A Heart,” fundraising campaign beginning this February.
Attend this presentation and learn how to use the power of event marketing to get potential and existing customers to take four key actions:
Rebs’ patrons will have a chance to give back by shelling out their loose change into donation buckets placed at each table.
• 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
Casa Gamino customers making a small donation at the checkout counter to “Have a Heart,” will sign a paper heart and post it on the restaurant’s wall. These hearts will adorn the walls, shelves and doors of the restaurant as a gesture of displaying love and compassion to children and families living with illness and loss. Johnny
(Make checks payable to LBCC SBDC) For Reservations: 562-938-5051 SBDC Or jgrass@lbcc.edu
As long time supporters and as a way of giving back to the community, these restaurants welcome the Pathways “Have a Heart” campaign.
Casa Gamino is located at 8330 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723.
Johnny Rebs’ of Bellflower,16639 Bellflower Blvd. CA 90706.
Workshops will be held at: Paramount Chamber of Commerce
For more information on Pathways programs and services, please visit www.pathwayshospice.org or call 562531-3031.
15357 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723
*Free Business Counseling Also Available
*$25.00 refundable deposit required Call the Chamber for more information
Dr. Martinez just had four new letters added to the end of his name - (FACD) which stands for Fellowship in the American College of Dentists; this is one of the highest honors in dentistry
The American College of Dentists is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists. Its members have a history of leadership, excellence, honors/ awards, and meritorious achievement in dentistry or public service; these ideals make them an inspiration and a role model of the profession. Dr Martinez has joined a truly elite group with less than 32% of dentists in North America having been granted Fellowship in the American College of Dentists.
A few years ago Martinez was honored to add the letters (FAGD) Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry to his name; being the recipient of both Fellowships places Dr. Martinez among a rare and unique group of dentist.
Dr. Martinez said, “It just goes to show you Paramount passion continues to persevere; Go Pirates!”
SponSored by: AppleCAre MediCAl Group
Winner of the Table Top Display and a $25 cash prize courtesy of AppleCare Medical Group - Paramount Tepic Sister Cities.
Ambassador Deborah Jameson (lifegate Foursquare Church) won Ambassador of the Quarter. From left: Ambassador Chair Grace Padilla (Marukan Vinegar uSA) and Deborah Jameson, and Chamber President Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar uSA).
Enjoy a Beer and Some BBQ on PEP
Come out to the PEP Scholarship Business Social on Thursday, Feb. 26th from 4:00 –6:00 p.m. at Gus’s Deli BBQ & Grill. Spend some time after work socializing with friends and finding out how becoming a sponsor in the scholarship program can help your business along with the community. Plus, get some free samples of beer and wine and exotic meats like ostrich, alligator, venison, and elk, in addition to more traditional BBQ.
Also, mark March 24th on your calendars for the “Dine at Gus’s Deli for Pennies for PEP” fundraiser. A full 40% of what you spend from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (with the exclusion of alcohol and deli meats) will be donated to PEP and go toward funding college scholarships for local students.
Gus’s is located at 8320 Alondra Blvd., Paramount.
Promote Your Business While Supporting Education
Remember to support education in Paramount this year while promoting your business by sponsoring or making a donation to the Paramount Education Partnership’s 12th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser. It will be held on Friday, April 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue.
All donations are made to the PEP 501c3 non-profit entity, and are tax deductible.
The generosity of the Paramount business community has helped make dreams of going to college become a reality for many local students. Over the years, more than 200 scholarships worth nearly $600,000 have gone to Paramount kids attending a university, community college, or trade school to help cover their costs.
For some of these students, it has made the difference in whether or not they could continue their education. For all recipients, it has been important assistance.
This April will provide a fresh opportunity to boost another group of individuals who are working to improve their education and forge a bright future. Donor businesses will receive publicity in a variety of venues for taking part. The fundraiser features great food and fun casino-type games, all for a very good cause. Your donation is an important investment in our community.
If interested in sponsorships or other contributions, please contact Suleyma Rosales at (562) 220-2121 or srosales@paramountcity.com.
Apply for a PEP College Scholarship
You can get an application for the PEP college scholarship in the following places: Hard copies are at Paramount City Hall, the Paramount City Yard/Recreation Office, the Chamber of Commerce, the Paramount Library, and the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Center at Spane Park. Copies can also be downloaded on the City of Paramount website (www.paramountcity.com) and on the Paramount Unified School District website (www.paramount.k12.ca.us).
(These applications are for current college students and non-PUSD applicants. Graduating seniors at Paramount High School will complete the Common Scholarship Application that allows them to apply to seven other local scholarships, in addition to PEP, with just the one application. These are available through their academic counselors.)
Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to students attending a community college and $3,000 to students attending an accredited four-year institution within the U.S, including vocational/ trade/ technical schools.
Finished applications need to be turned into Paramount City Hall by the end of the day on March 27, 2015.
Stater Bros. Raises Over $1.7 Million to Fight Hunger In “Harvesting Hope” Holiday Campaign
Throughout the months of November and December 2014, Stater Bros.’ 6th Annual “Harvesting Hope in our Community” campaign raised over $1.7 million to assist with hunger relief efforts in the communities that Stater Bros. serves.
• During November and December, food barrels were located inside each Stater Bros. Supermarket, and as a result over 240,000 pounds of food, valued at more than $410,000, was donated to local food banks. Stater Bros. operates supermarkets in six counties including San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego and Kern Counties.
• Over $150,000 was generously donated by customers and employees at Stater Bros. check stands during November and December. These funds will be allocated to food banks in the summer of 2015 when food reserves are traditionally low.
• Stater Bros. Charities, the company’s charitable arm, presented over $455,000 in cash donations to over 100 Southern California food banks and self-help organizations.
• Stater Bros. contributed over $36,000 to qualified nonprofit organizations for the
Clubs & Organizations
Pathways Presents…Murder On the Nile
Join Pathways for a night of fun at the Long Beach Playhouse on February 12th as they present “Murder on the Nile,” written by Agatha Christie. Anyone can be pulled into a compelling love story…but not every love story has a happy ending. Take a trip along the Nile and find that there’s more to it than meets the eye!
Enjoy a private performance of the play adaptation of this unique story. Enjoy complimentary beverages before the show and during intermission. Pathways board members and volunteers will be on hand to serve complimentary coffee, wine and dessert. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. and curtain call is 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale now for $25 each.
Proceeds from the event will support Pathways’ caregiving, hospice and bereavement programs. For nearly three decades Pathways has provided compassionate care to families living with illness and loss. With support of 120+ dedicated volunteers, Pathways provides care and comfort to the terminally ill, bereavement counseling to children and families in grief and caregiving services to the frail-elderly and chronically ill.
For more information about tickets, reservations and/or Pathways services, please call (562) 531-3031 or visit www.pathwayshospice.org. Event Location: LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE 5021 E. Anaheim Street, Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 494-1014.
purchase of turkeys to feed the hungry for Thanksgiving.
• The traditional Salvation Army Red Kettles in front of Stater Bros. Supermarkets collected $643,000 this Holiday Season to provide much needed assistance to the local poor and homeless.
• Stater Bros. partnered with KTLA-TV for a special one-day donation/food collection event on Tuesday, November 25th at three Stater Bros. Supermarkets located in Chino, Placentia and Santa Clarita. This food drive collected over 14,000 pounds of food and over $43,000 in funds to go back into the local community.
“Together we can make a difference,” stated Jack H. Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stater Bros. Markets.
“The ‘Harvesting Hope in our Community’ campaign encourages everyone … employees and customers … to take part in the fight against hunger in their communities. At Stater Bros., we just don’t do business in a community … we are part of the community. Helping our neighbors in need … is being part of the community,” Brown further added.
Paramount’s “Essential Services and Public Safety Protection Measure” on the March Ballot
At its December 2nd meeting, the Paramount City Council voted to place the “Essential Services and Public Safety Protection Measure”, (Measure P) on the March 2015 ballot.
Since 1993, Paramount has had a Utility Users Tax (UUT) on certain utility bills. (UUT does not apply to water or cable television.) Measure P updates the ordinance and rate for the City’s outdated UUT to require equal treatment of taxpayers regardless of technology used.
Revenues from the Measure will be used for:
• Youth after-school education programs.
• Sheriff patrols at Paramount’s local schools/parks/ neighborhoods.
• 9-1-1 police response services.
• Street and pothole repairs.
• Programs for local seniors such as meals-on-wheels and senior support services.
The Measure includes fiscal oversight and accountability safeguards such as mandatory annual independent financial audits and the posting of expenditures on the City’s website for public review.
None of the funding can be taken by Sacramento, and the tax rate cannot be increased without voter approval. Visit the City’s website at www.paramountcity. com for more information.
Rep. Roybal-Allard Hosts Mayors in Nation’s
Capitol
L.A. Mayor Garcetti Visits Paramount
Congresswoman lucille roybal-Allard (center) welcomed Paramount Mayor Diane J. Martinez (left) and Walnut Mayor Nancy renne Tragarz (right) to her Capitol Hill office on January 20 during the u.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. The Congresswoman and the Mayors discussed many issues of importance to the 40th District and the greater los Angeles area.
los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, in his role as Chair of the los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, attended a meeting of the Gateway Cities/ Council of Governments at the Clearwater Building in Paramount’s Civic Center on January 7 to discuss transportation issues. Prior to the meeting, the City of Paramount hosted a reception in the Council Chambers at City Hall for political, business, and community leaders in the region to meet with the Mayor. From left: Glenn Clausen of Paramount Petroleum, Paramount Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Dr. Max Martinez, DDS, FAGD, Ben Berg of Transcom, Mayor Garcetti, Paula Cooney of Zamboni Co., Paramount Councilmember Peggy lemons, Paul Dennis of Weber Metals, J. rick Creed of Weber Metals, Paramount City Manager linda Benedetti-leal.
Rotary International Youth Exchange
Warren Bobrow, District 5280 Youth Exchange Director and Youth Protection Officer, recently made a presentation regarding the Youth Exchange Program to the Paramount Rotary .
The Youth Exchange program is open to high school students who wish to spend their junior or senior year in one of the 20 countries that participate in the program with Rotary Clubs in So. Cal, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Utah. The purpose is to bring cultures together, promote peace and understanding, build better world citizens and provide personal growth.
The program started in 1923, and this year will serve 8000 students, 2,500 from the United States the rest from 80 different countries. This year, 55 to 60 students from the five districts in So. Cal. will participate.
Rotary recruits students with average grades who receive high school credits while away. According to Mr. Borrow, “ hosting an exchange student is very re-
Warren Bobrow, District 5280 youth Exchange Director
warding. Most students spend time with two to three families during their year.”
There is also a short term exchange for three weeks in the summer that is funded by the hosting family.
Interested candidates can learn more by logging onto www.SCANEX.org
Paramount Tepic Sister Cities Association Elects Frank Barraza as New President
Paramount-Tepic Sister Cities was formed on October 3, 1962 by the late Mayor Gladys Iliff. A local group of community members banded together and adopted President Eisenhower ideal’s to promote his “People to People” program, developing peace and friendship between Americans and peoples of other nations. Tepic, a coastal city in the state of Nayarit, Mexico was selected. The City of Paramount has established a long lasting friendship, welcomes visitors every year and named a local city street “Tepic Drive”. In Tepic, they assist an Orphanage, blind center and elderly home and locally, Christmas food baskets, high school scholarships and community events.
Frank Barraza has deep roots that can be traced back to historical times. His grandfather of six generations past, Feliciano Rios, was born in Tepic, he was a leather coat soldier, who accompanied Father Junipero Serra, in his journey to Alto California/New World settling in San Diego and San Juan Capistrano. They were part of shaping early California history by establishing the Catholic Mission system.
Frank continues the family tradition as he journey’s back to Tepic representing Paramount. Frank has served the past seven years as 2nd Vice President, welcoming delegations each year to Paramount. Mayors of Tepic, Congress-
man, news reporters, businessmen and schoolchildren have all visited their sister city, Paramount. Frank, a lifelong resident, is grateful to City of Paramount for supporting such a worthwhile organization and for his opportunity to serve as President.
Paramount-Tepic Sister Cities Association meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Paramount Park Community Center, 7 p.m. The association will host an Open House on February 17th with guest speakers, food, and raffles.
Submitted By: Paramount Tepic Sister Cities Association Secretary humberto siordia
CALIFORNIA OUTREACH ORGANIzATION ALEXANDER HAST (310) 926-7699, 15929 GARFIELD AVE, PARAMOUNT WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US WITH HANDLING AND GIVING OUT THE FOOD & FOR DONORS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP US WITH FOOD OR MONEY CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION (310) 909-9019.
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.
BILINGUAL SALES in English & Spanish with basic computer skills. Also looking for WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE with inventory, order-picking, and/or UPS experience. Please call 562-408-1984 and ask for Ivette or send an email to mimi.kim@ptminconline.com for Mimi.
Frank Barraza, President
The Trojan Women Coming to Cerritos College Theatre
The Cerritos College Theatre Department is pleased to present The Trojan Women, a tragedy by the Greek playwright Euripides portrays the fate of the women of Troy following their city’s ruin.
Tickets are for sale online and at the box office one hour prior to each performance.
SHOW TIMES:
Friday, February 27, 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 28, 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 5, 8 p.m.
Friday, March 6, 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Burnight Theatre Cerritos College 11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650
Campus map: www.cerritos.edu/guide and www.cerritos.edu/google-map
COST: Pre-sale: General $15 seniors, middle and high school students (all w/ ID) $14, Child (5-12) $12, ASCC discount (online only) $10 *no children under five permitted.
At Door: General $17, seniors, middle and high school students (all w/ID) $15, child (5-12) $13 *no children under five permitted
Tickets may be purchased online (credit card only) at www.cerritos.edu/theatre or in the box office one hour prior to each performance. For group sales information please contact Renée Bloch, performing arts promotions specialist at (562) 860-2451 ext. 2638.
For more information, please call (562) 467-5058 or visit www.cerritos.edu/ theatre.
Ask The Expert
Quality Claims Service Makes a Difference!
By Maria F. Galli
State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
Headaches, hassles, and unnecessary strain in life can be reduced by researching the quality of claims service a company offers before purchasing an auto insurance policy. There are a few key areas to research when grading the quality of claim service provided by an auto insurer: customer satisfaction ratings, customer choices and professionalism of claim representatives.
Quality claim service means prompt response and payment for what is owed for damage and quality repair work. But after an auto crash, some other intangibles can make the claims process much less stressful. Some questions to ask when shopping for auto insurance include:
• Is the person who sells me the policy, the same person I can trust to report a claim?
• Will there be someone who can answer my questions if I have one?
• Will I have my choice of body shops to repair my vehicle?
Another measure of quality claim service is customer choice. Not only choosing the auto body repair shop, but even the choices you have in communicating with the company. With today’s hectic lifestyles, some companies offer options to report claims in person, on the phone or even online, 24 hours a day. Once the claim has been reported, you want to be kept informed and updated on the claim process. These multiple choice options for communicating can go a long way to making sure the claims process is as quick and easy as possible
Finally, professional claim handling can eliminate the unnecessary stresses related to an auto crash. Professional claim handling requires special skills. Claim adjusters need to empathize with the client’s situation to establish good communication and assist them in making a claim—the professional needs to turn the anxiety of a customer not knowing what to expect into confidence that the claim will be handled fairly and quickly.
A car crash is already a stressful time in anyone’s life. But the quality of claim service can differentiate insurance company A from company B. Knowing that you’ve researched this before buying an auto insurance policy will give you an added confidence when the unexpected happens. Start by asking your local insurance agent about quality claim service.
10 Tips for Starting Your Business
Thinking of starting a business? Whether it’s home-based, retail, technology related, or not, start by reviewing some of the most com
mon steps and resources for starting your business below. Check out the LA SBDC calendar for monthly workshops on a large array of startup topics.
1. Assess the Viability of Your Idea. What is your idea – how can you best describe it? How big is the market? What is the demand? If your idea improves on an existing product or service, what makes your idea different? Research your potential market, understand what your customers want, review the potential competition big and small and assess where your business fits. Are there opportunities abroad? Is there a niche? Know your vision, develop a purpose and use it as your guide. For help with market size check out SizeUp, ask your local SBDC for free market data, or review this great business guide from Peter Jones.
Positively
Paramount Civic Center
2. Project Your Costs and Review Your Financing Options. Although, financial projections may seem daunting, projections help predict the financial health of a potential or existing business through analyzing costs, size of the market, prices, and other conditions. Your projections can assist you greatly with determining if you can move forward with your business; consider using our financial projections template and step-bystep guide. Then, if needed, assess the type, as well as the amount of financing you may need. If financing is needed, assure your projections match your funding requests, and your funding type matches your needs - long or short. Don’t forget to call your local SBDC advisor to walk you through your financial projections, financing options, and assist you with packaging your loan - at no cost. Check out our article on Inventive Financing Methods and Resources for Your Small Business.
3. Develop a Plan. Creating a plan
paramount places!
Paramount’s Civic Center Plaza is a beautiful botanical oasis, a one-acre garden-like public space with walking paths, benches and dynamic fountains. It links City Hall, Suburban Medical Center and the County Library as a cohesive whole while opening up a larger downtown corridor tying the Pond and the Iceland skating rink together. A special feature is a small park area around the historic “Hay Tree,” which dates back to Paramount’s days as the leading dairy producer in the state. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave. Bianchi Paramount Theatres
Eleven state-of-the-art luxury theatres. Featuring stadium seating, digital sound system, and a meeting/ banquet/party room 7770 Rosecrans Avenue at Paramount Blvd.
Paramount Iceland
Home of the world famous zamboni Ice Machine. Featuring one of the largest indoor ice skating arenas in existence. An historical landmark, with a rich tradition as an Olympic 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.
Conversation ...............................................................................................City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
Come on Dad .............................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Crack the Whip ........................................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Defiance .............................................................Southwest corner of Paramount Blvd. and Rosecrans Ave.
Delineation ................................................................................................. City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
family ..........................................................................Century Place Apartments, 13810 Paramount Blvd.
fluid ............................................................................... Paramount County Library, 16254 Colorado Ave.
Going for the Goal ...................................... Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
hole In one ...............................................................................Lyons Industrial Park, 14528 Garfield Ave.
Kai Koo VII ..............................................................................................Alondra Blvd./West of Hunsaker
Modified Box ........................................................Paramount Community Center, 14400 Paramount Blvd.
Origami Pony ...................................................................................... Progress Park, 15500 Downey Ave.
Passage ........................................................................Trammel Crow Industrial Park, 14350 Garfield Ave.
poetry in motion ..........................................................................................................14429 Downey Ave.
Polished Performance ................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd. save the Whales .......................................................................Paramount Petroleum, 14700 Downey Ave. solar sails .........................................................................................................Alondra Blvd. & L.A. River
sonatina ......................................................................................................City Hall, 16400 Colorado Ave.
Speedskater ................................................. Paramount Pond, corner of Jackson St. and Paramount
Suffer
is an important step to starting a business, some banks require a business plan for financing and it can even be required to lease space. To begin your plan development, consider starting with a free sample plan at sites like Bplans.com and reviewing our Business Plan Guide. Then, tailor the plan to suit your business.
4. Choose a Structure. Review business structure options and decide the best structure - Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC, Corporation, etc. Take your time choosing the right business structure and take into consideration cost, taxes, and potential liability. Contact a few local attorneys that focus on business formation and tax issues. Check out The Franchise Tax Board’s handout on forms of ownership for details about key features, filing guidelines, and tax forms for each ownership structure.
5. Check Your Name. Is your business name already taken? This will largely depend on the type of structure you choose - for LLCs and Corporations, check out the Secretary of State’s Business Name Search - http://kepler.sos.ca.gov for Sole Proprietors and Partnerships, look up your county’s Fictitious Business Name Search website. For Los Angeles County Click Here. Also, check whether a domain related to your business name is available to create a website in the future. Search GoDaddy.com.
6. Setup Your Record-Keeping Systems. Setup your record-keeping systems to help manage your business and its growth. This is great time to review CRM, Accounting, and project management software. Check out this article on leveraging technology to think like the giants. Remember to create a new bank account to keep your personal and business accounts separate.
7. Understand Tax Obligations and Opportunities. Just about every tax agency has online publications and videos, many of which hold inperson workshops so you understand your tax obligations thoroughly. Try to also attend SBDC workshops like “Avoiding Tax Mistakes.” Aside from tax obligations, sometimes there are tax credit opportunities for your business too. California is currently in its second round of issuing “California Competes” tax credits; $75 million in credits is available this round, 25% of the total credits are allocated for small businesses. Click for a step-
by-step guide on completing the application or navigate to upcoming informational workshops on the tax credit.
8. Limit Your Risk and Protect your Investments. Whenever possible, transfer major risks to insurance companies (e.g. insuring against major facility damage or injuries) or other suppliers (e.g. accounting firms, Payroll Services etc.). Review your business insurance options (Commercial Auto; General Liability, Product Liability; Professional Liability; etc.) with your insurance provider and assess the potential liabilities that may exist in your business; most personal policies will not cover business activities. Remember to review your warranties and those you issue, keep accurate records, and keep a close eye on your accounts receivables to manage cash flow effectively.
9. Look Before You Lease. You may need space to start your business, however, before your sign the lease consider reviewing our handout which covers many questions to ask your leasing agent like parking, zoning, permits, signage etc. Check with your local SBDC about special programs like KIMCO KEYS, which offers first-time business owners oneyear free rent in their shopping centers and added benefits (terms apply).
10. Target and Market. You reviewed your potential customers when you began researching, now assess their behaviors and start marketing. Review how to target your marketing and attract customers, then choose the appropriate channels to start marketing to them. Marketing online can be an inexpensive start; consider email marketing through mail chimp or Constant Contact, managing social accounts with HootSuite or Sprout Social, and creating your website with tools like WordPress that are considerably more user-friendly to manage.
The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-onone consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu
