Pulse Beat February 2021 by City of Paramount

Happy Valentine’s Day!

PULSE BEAT

Paramount Chamber of Commerce (paramountchamber.com) • Serving the community since 1947 • February 2021

Paramount Chamber of Commerce presents

State City 2021 of the

Presentations by:

Event sponsor:

State of the City 2021 to be held February 10

he Paramont Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the City event—to be held virtually this year because of the ongoing pandemic—on February 10 beginning at 12:30 p.m.

•

This event will be available to everyone on Facebook live.

We invite you to participate and share your words of encouragement for Paramount during this difficult time. We’re very grateful to World Energy Paramount, our event sponsor, for making State of the City 2021 available to the entire community. Please join them with your own sponsorship, for which you will receive special gifts, public recognition at the event—and our sincere thanks. Speakers will be Paramount Chamber of Commerce President Alicia Valadez, Paramount USD Superintendent Dr. Ruth Perez, Mayor Peggy Lemons and City Manager John Moreno.

PULSE BEAT Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, California 90723 Telephone: 562-634-3980 paramountchamber.com

The following sponsorships are available for the event: Individual—Receive VIP access registration and a VIP Swag Box. Submit your greeting to the Paramount community and be recognized at the event. The cost is $65 for Paramount Chamber of Commerce members and $100 for non-members. Company—Receive VIP access registration for up to 10 employees, five VIP Swag Boxes delivered to your office and recognition at the event. The cost is $300 for chamber members and $500 for non-members. Swag Donor—Donate or pay for an item to be included in VIP Swag Boxes and receive recognition at the event. You will receive one VIP access registration and one VIP Swag Box. Items to be donated must be discussed in advance with the Paramount Chamber. To make arrangements, please call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

• •

A L S O

I N

T H I S

I S S U E

From the Mayor’s Desk.....................................................................................................................................................................................3 Local restaurants serving you during the pandemic............................................................................................................................4 Public Safety: Crime rates continue to decline......................................................................................................................................5 PEP Talk: College scholarship applications due February 12...........................................................................................................5 Chamber Member-to-Member Discounts................................................................................................................................................6 Business Card Directory...................................................................................................................................................................................7 Chamber membership renewals..................................................................................................................................................................8 Business Corner: Key ways to promote your business........................................................................................................................9 CityScape: Keep it clean, Paramount!.....................................................................................................................................................13

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

February 2021

Vicky Professional Services, Inc. Accounting & Taxes | Fully Licensed & Bonded Tax Professionals

31 YEARS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1990 Cecilia J. Tascon Certified Public Accountant

Vicky Uisprapassorn EP, ATP, ATA, Enrolled Agent

• Dependable • Accurate • Courteous

Leave all the paperwork to us. We provide personalized services you can count on. Se Habla Español.

ACCOUNTING & INCOME TAX

VickyProfessionalServices.com

• Full accounting and tax services. • Tax returns prepared for individuals, sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations. • Comprehensive financial statements prepared. • Full payroll services. • W2 and 1099 forms prepared. • Full preparation and assistance with tax audits. • Notary Public services.

562-634-1178

15975 Paramount Blvd., Suite A, Paramount

Dr. Rumi Lakha, D.O.

8534 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount, CA 90723 Free, if qualified

(562) 602-8877

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

February 2021

From the

Mayor’s Desk

• For our seniors: delivered meals and pharmaceuticals, sent birthday patrols, made daily wellness-check phone calls and organized restaurant donations of food. • Created a Business Recovery Team that developed recommendations to help local businesses, started Al Fresco outdoor dining program for restaurants and partnered with the SELACO Workforce Board to bring much-improved services to town.

M AY O R P E G G Y L E M O N S

THE YE AR IN REVIEW

lthough 2020 was a difficult year with many challenges and losses, the City was still able to move forward in creative ways. In sharing some of the good that took place in Paramount, we do so in the spirit of hope and positivity. Our thoughts and prayers remain with all of our community members terribly impacted by the pandemic.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response • Purchased and distributed 30,000 masks for residents and distributed another 50,000 donated by Jayone Foods (thank you, Jayone). • Hosted three food distribution events reaching nearly 6,000 families. • Developed rental, mortgage and business grant programs. • Donated $125,000 to an online tutoring program for Paramount USD students. • Suspended water shut-offs for unpaid accounts. • Developed a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 and posted a continual stream of social media messages and e-blast newsletters with important information and resources.

• Experienced a 24% reduction in violent crimes, led by a 19% decline in assaults, 32% decrease in robberies and 75% reduction in homicides (see more on this subject in “Public Safety” on page 5). • Issued $10,000 in rebates to residents for the purchase of home security systems. • Established a citywide parking committee to involve the community in finding solutions to parking-related issues. • Created new street sweeping schedules for neighborhoods impacted by parking. • Created a street racing task force that led to the adoption of an ordinance to increase penalties..

Enhancing Infrastructure • Started construction of the City’s fourth water well to ensure drinking water supply and safety for years. • Repaved 2.7 miles of local roads and replaced 18,674 square feet of sidewalk, 3,925 feet of curb and gutter and 4,194 square feet of driveway aprons.

Community Services • Started construction on a grant-funded mini-pitch soccer court at Dills Park. • Provided in-need families with gift cards for Thanksgiving and toys for Christmas. • Revamped all City holiday events to maximize participation while safely following strict COVID-19 guidelines. • Hosted two drive-thru pet vaccination clinics, vaccinating 643 animals. • Initiated Paramount Youth Hall of Fame to recognize PHS athletes. • Worked with residents to develop recreational programming for special-needs children.

Environmental Sustainability • Received Beacon Awards for effective climate action practices for the third straight year: Platinum Level for sustainability best practices (the highest possible) and Gold Level for an 18% reduction in greenhouse gases.

World Energy Paramount PIONEERING THE TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE FUELS

Generating green jobs in the heart of Paramount Investing in our community First sustainable aviation fuel facility in the U.S. Providing California & the world simple clean energy solutions

• Intensified litter abatement efforts with an ordinance that requires parking lot owners to keep their properties free of litter. • Received Tree City USA status for the second year in a row.

Homelessness Efforts • Continued effective initiatives that led to a 25% decrease in homelessness in Paramount. Found shelter for 12 homeless individuals, offered services to 68 and safely stored belongings of 22.

Public Outreach • Recognized and honored over 400 residents, businesses and community leaders at City Council meetings. • Reestablished the Unity in the Community committee to facilitate discussions on police and social equity issues.

A proud member of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce 14700 Downey Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723 (562) 531-2060 | worldenergy.net

Fiscal Responsibility • Finished the fiscal year strong with a balanced budget and a surplus of nearly $600,000. • Won the Government Finance Officers Association’s award for financial reporting for the 33rd straight year. • Experienced a 6.6% increase in assessed property values throughout the City.

Dariusz Sankowski (Pixabay)

Public Safety Highlights

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

February 2021

LOCAL RE STAUR ANTS Still serving you during the pandemic. . .

Aji Verde Peruvian Restaurant • 310-554-4493 • Takeout, DoorDash, Postmates Alondra’s Restaurant • 562-531-4200 • Takeout, local delivery Antojitos Mexican Restaurant • 562-712-5992 • Takeout, DoorDash, Postmates Café Arte (Cerritos) • 562-866-2824 • DoorDash, GrubHub, Seamless Café Corleone Italian • 562-408-6100 • Takeout, local delivery, DoorDash, GrubHub, UberEats Casa Adelita Mexican Restaurant • 562-408-2360 • Drive-thru, takeout, DoorDash, UberEats Casa Gamino Mexican Restaurant • 562-634-6225 • Takeout, DoorDash, Postmates Delfin Seafood Market & Restaurant • 562-630-1928 • Takeout Domino’s Pizza • 562-408-1531 • Takeout, local delivery Doublz • 562-531-0222 • Drive-thru, takeout, DoorDash, Postmates El Compa Mexican Restaurant • 562-630-1068 • Takeout El Peri Sushi • 562-408-0459 • Takeout, DoorDash El Sinaloense Restaurant • 562-297-4461 • Takeout, DoorDash, UberEats Fu Plus Chinese Kitchen • 562-297-4461 • Takeout, Local delivery, GrubHub, Postmates Gus’s Deli, BBQ, Grill & Meat Market • 562-630-2802 • Takeout Horchateria Rio Luna • 562-663-9043 • Takeout, DoorDash IHOP • 310-933-8513 • Takeout, DoorDash, Postmates, UberEats La Espiga • 562-349-4521 • Takeout, Local delivery Mariscos Alas Restaurant • 562-633-1348 • Takeout, GrubHub Mariscos El Perihuete • 562-408-1661 • Takeout, DoorDash Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa • 562-5531-4282 • Takeout McDonald’s • 562-630-1444 • Drive-thru, takeout, DoorDash, Postmates, UberEats Rosewood Family Restaurant • 562-925-6120 • Takeout Parrain’s Soul Food • 562-634-6050 • Takeout, GrubHub, Postmates, UberEats Shakey’s Pizza Parlor • 562-630-6090 • Takeout, local delivery Stinkin Crawfish • 562-297-4018 • Takeout Subway • 562-531-4947 • Takeout, DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates, UberEats Tam’s Burgers #22 • 562-630-8267 • Drive-thru The Hummus Factory (Downey) • 562-322-2300 • Takeout, DoorDash, GrubHub, Seamless Tropical Paradise • 562-531-1846 • Takeout

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

February 2021

Public Safety

City of Paramount • Paramount USD • Paramount Chamber of Commerce

Paramount Education Partnership

P E P TA L K

Annual crime rate in Paramount continued to decline in 2020

he number of violent and property crimes dropped 1% last year compared to 2019, continuing a trend in which the number of crimes in Paramount is similar to levels experienced in the early 1970s, when the population was roughly 35,000 residents, compared to nearly 56,000 today. In 2020, the largest declines occurred specifically in violent crimes, totaling a 24% decrease. Please refer to charts below for more information.

Image: Rawpixel

This trending decrease has resulted from the strong partnership among the Paramount City Council, the Public Safety Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department over many years. It can also be traced to the innovative law enforcement approaches that started as far back as the 1980s and 1990s, when numbers of crimes peaked. Some of those programs included:

Scholarship applications • Maintaining a regular core of officers serving the City, where due February 12, 2021 previously there were hundreds of rotating deputies. • Being the first “contract” city to place its logo on Sheriff ’s vehicles to create a sense of community identity for deputies and residents alike.

hanks to the generosity of local businesses, nearly $1.3 million has been awarded to Paramount students through the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) college scholarships program. A total of 420 scholarships have been given out since the program began. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is quickly approaching. Finished applications need to be turned into Paramount City Hall (16400 Colorado Ave., Paramount, CA 90723) by 5 p.m. on February 12.

PEP scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to students attending a community college and $3,000 to students attending an accredited four-year state university within the United States, including vocational, trade and technical schools. Scholarship amounts increase to $4,000 if one is attending a University of California campus or a private four-year university in the U.S. These scholarship funds may only be used to pay tuition, fees, books, and supplies for the 2020-2021 school year. Here are requirements for applying for scholarships: • Applicant must be a City of Paramount resident or Paramount Unified School District student. • Applicant must have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate at the time awarded.

• Creating a small storefront Sheriff ’s substation, which over the years moved to bigger locations and in 2002 was upgraded to full station status. • The first city served by the Sheriff ’s Department to institute a Community Service Officer Program of non-sworn employees who respond to certain calls, thus relieving sworn officers from many routine duties and allowing them to focus on more serious crimes. • Instituting the Beat System in which the city is divided into four quadrants or beats, each with specific officers assigned there so they can learn more about quality-of-life issues affecting residents. • Launching a prevention-oriented effort called the Good Neighbor Program to educate landlords and managers about tenant screening and how to identify criminal activity. UCR Part I Crime Violent Crime

2019

2020

Actual Change

Percent Change

Homicide

-3

-75%

Rape

Assault

176

141

-35

-20%

Robbery

151

103

-48

-32%

TOTAL

347

262

-85

-24%

Actual Change

Percent Change

• Applicant must possess a total weighted GPA of at least 2.0. Students who have a lower GPA are encouraged to apply for the Community College Scholarship if they can demonstrate academic improvement for two consecutive years.

UCR Part I Crime Property Crime

• If selected, the applicant must will be required to submit proof of college enrollment.

Burglary

187

172

-15

-8%

Theft

775

745

-30

-4%

Auto Theft

284

392

108

38%

Arson

133%

• Scholarships are intended for students working on an initial Associate of Arts degree or an initial Bachelor’s degree.

TOTAL

1252

1323

Copies of the application can be downloaded on the City of Paramount’s website at paramountcity.com/community/pep.

UCR Part I Crime

Actual Change

Percent Change

-14

-1%

• Include a full copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Student Aid Report (SAR).

For more information, or questions, please call 562-220-2121.

TOTAL

2019

2020

2019 1599

2020 1585

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

February 2021

Paramount Chamber of Commerce

member-to-member discounts As a Paramount Chamber of Commerce member, these discounts are extended to you by your fellow members. Visit the following businesses to receive the discounts listed below. But remember, these offers are available only to Paramount Chamber members! The R.M. Cool Company (562-630-6000): Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.

Attorney & Legal Services

Funeral Services

Lerma Law Office (562-272-4353): 15% discount on initial retainer fee or flat-rate service.

Palacios Funeral Home (562-972-5429): 5% off services.

Automotive

Embassy Suites Hotel (562-861-1900): 15% off best available room rate (subject to availability). Ask for “Chamber rate.”

Herald’s Garage (562-633-2136): 15% discount on labor and a free engine light reset. Beauty Family Cutz (562-408-2733): $3 off regular haircut, 10% off color service. Marali Beauty Salon (562-964-1126): Free haircut & treatment with purchase of any chemicals. Communications Transcom Telecommunications (562-630-1200, ext. 221): 10% off equipment (business phone services). Contractors H1 Floor Covering (424/785-5551): 15% off first visit. Jones Scaffold Co. (800-266-3864): 10% off net rental of scaffold equipment. Data Base Services NEXTSTEP (877-305-6932): Free needs analysis and special Chamber member discount rate. Dental Paramount Dental Care (800-266-3864): Free whitening. Free exam. Free cancer screening. Financial Services SG Tax Services (562-630-4004): $25 off tax preparation for Chamber members and their employees. Vicky Professional Services (562-634-1178): 20% off bookkeeping and accounting service. Flowers Diana’s Flowers (562-529-5045): Free local delivery and free balloons. Case de las Flores (562-469-8776): 25% off any arrangement.

Hotels & Motels

Insurance

Restaurants Café Corleone (562-408-6100): 10% discount on all food purchases. Casa Adelita (562-408-2360): 10% off (may not be combined with other specials).

2000 Insurance Service (562-602-0001): 25% off new business.

Casa Gamino (562-634-6225): 10% discount on food purchases.

Medical

Delfin Seafood & Market (562-630-1928): 10% off any order.

Clínica Médica Hispana (562-630-1991): 25% discount. Lakha Medical Clinic (562-602-8877): Alena Skin Care–Free consultation. Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center (562-865-9600)–10% off any laser or cosmetic surgery procedure. Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center (562-865-9600): 10% off any laser or cosmetic surgery procedure. Plumbing & Heating Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (562-861-1234): 10% off HydroJet service and/or 10% off material. Production (Events) YSL Production (323-490-6315): 20% any event services: Sound, lighting, stage, LED video, wall & truss equipment. Printers Source Graphics, Inc. (562-408-2734): 10% discount on all printing. Century 21 Allstars–Mark Sourial (562-745-8171): Free market evaluation of your property. GM Properties (562-696-0200): 5% of gross commissions on closed deals will be sent to the charity of our choice in your name. Ask for Matt. Penta Pacific Properties (562-699-1922): Free market value opinions on commercial and industrial properties. Real Estate Homes & Investments (562-200-1164): 20% discount. Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce has decided to suspend hard-copy printing and distribution of the Paramount Pulse Beat until further notice. However, the full text of each new Pulse Beat will be available online each month on the Paramount Chamber of Commerce website at paramountchamber.com. If you would like to have a printed copy of the Pulse Beat, contact us and we can mail it to you, or you can pick it up at the Chamber office. If you have questions, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 562-634-3980. We at the Chamber thank you for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times for our community, and we will keep you informed about our future plans for the publication.

Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill (562-630-2802): 10% off all food purchases. Mariscos Alas (562-633-1348): 10% Chamber member discount. 15% discount for law enforcement & City employees. Mariscos El Perihuete (562-408-1661): 10% off on food purchases over $10. Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa #1 (562-529-5110): 10% discount on all food purchases. Pika Tortas Ahogadas (562-529-5787): 10% discount on all regular-priced food items (excludes combo deals). The Hummus Factory, Downey (562-622-2300): 20% off any order. El Sinaloense Restaurant (562-363-3011): 10% off on food purchases.

Real Estate

Pulse Beat available only online until further notice

El Compa Restaurant (562-630-1068): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Wellness & Health Spiritual Quest (877-535-2267): 50% off salt lamps only. Enagic (562-833-3823): Free ionized alkaline water. Wholesalers & Distributors Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% off fixtures and ballast orders (commercial distributor of lighting and fixtures). To add your business, call the Chamber for information: 562-634-3980.

PULSE BEAT A monthly publication of the

Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, CA 90273 562-634-3980 • paramountchamber.com

Executive Director: Barbara Crowson Executive Assistant: Dora Sanchez Distributed and read by more than 20,000 residents and business owners in Paramount. Layout & design: Danmark Associates Printing: Reed Printing Delivery: Great Western Distributors Copyright2020 2021by byParamount ParamountChamber ChamberofofCommerce. Commerce.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.Reproduction Reproductionininwhole wholeororininpart partwithout withoutpermission permissionisisprohibited. prohibited.Pulse Pulse Beat Paramount Copyright Beat andand Paramount Chamber that may bebe advertised. ChamberofofCommerce Commerceare arenot notresponsible responsibleororliable liableforforany anyclaims claimsororofferings offeringsmade madeherein hereinororresponsible responsibleforforproduct productavailability availability that may advertised.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

Run your card for as little as $31 per month. Call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

February 2021

B U S I N E S S

C A R D

DIRECTORY

ERALD’S GARAGE

General Dentistry General Dentistry R

Hablamos Español Hablamos Español

Max B. Martinez, DDS, FAGD, FACD Max B.un Martinez Chia-l tsao, DDS

Vilma Flores REALTOR®

DDS, FAGD, FACD

562-260-6899 mobile

GET YOUR FREE HOME VALUE REPORT 15740 Paramount Blvd, Ste. A, Paramount, CA 90723 DRE License #01312934 • 562-251-0217 Office

29 Smog Check

For the maximum touch of care

Chia-Lun Tsao

vflores@calhomesrealty.com Se habla español

Complete Automotive Repair Collision Center & Body Shop 95 Plus Certificate & ETF

16299 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723Foreign & Domestic • Autos & Trucks • Complete Engine DDS Check Engine Light • A/C • Electronic • Transmission Rebuilding Phone: 562-531-4740 • drmaxmartinez.com

16299 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

562-531-4740 • drmaxmartinez.com

cmh

Suspension • Brake Service • Specializing in Fleet Service

Fernando Kim: likeautobody@gmail.com 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

562-633-2136

CA Lic. #731172

City directory - Proof Form Paramount Chamber of Commerce City directory - Proof Form Paramount Chamber of Commerce

Joseph Keays Vice President

Clínica Médica Hispana 866-204-4068 • 562-861-1234 11829 Downey Ave., Downey, Ca 90241 • joe@downeyplumbing.com

FENICO

WARD PROPERTIES

Cell: 714-932-9656

562-634-5000 • 800-634-5000

Fax: 562-691-9113

fenicocastings.com • stran@fenicoinc.com

Rose C. Towe

skotob@farmersagent.com • 562-691-9100

7805 Madison St., Paramount, CA 90723-4220

Sammy T Kotob Insurance Agency 147 S Beach Blvd La Habra, CA 90631

PRECISION CASTINGS

CA License 0L68077

Sanchez Professional Services

Income Tax, Real Estate & Immigration Services

Peticiones Familiares • Residencia Cuidadania • Permisos de Trabajo Veronica Sanchez

7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 201A Paramount, California 90723 562-372-1382 • 562-633-6588

16311 Garfield Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

562.633.2300 • Fax: 562.633.2345 wardprop.com • Rose@wardprop.com

Madame 57 Years In57Business Years In Business

Pompador

13516 13516Paramount ParamountBlvd. Blvd.

We Llve Animals We Llve Animals

Dog CatCatGrooming • Dog&and Grooming •

(CornerofofParamount ParamountBlvd. Blvd.&& 105 105 Freeway) (Corner Freeway) 13516 Paramount Blvd. Local Pick-Up and Delivery • Dog and Cat Grooming • www.madamepompador.com Local Pick-up & Delivery madamepompador.com (Corner of Paramount Blvd. & 105 Freeway)

All Breeds and SizesPick-Up and Trusted Local Delivery janitorial services (562) 408-6145 All Breeds and Sizes All Breeds & Sizes (562) 408-6145 (562) 408-6145 for nearly 60 years www.madamepompador.com

• Complete janitorial services • Post-construction cleanup • Safe, effective disinfecting services

Join a service organization!

CLEANTIME

Building Maintenance Co.

Paramount American Legion

Serving the community since 1946, the Paramount Lions have been actively participating in and providing donations to sup3450 E. Spring St., Ste.101 • Long Beach, CA 90806 port local programs such as PEP (Paramount Education Partnership), Relay for Life, City of cleantimejanitorialservices.com Post #134 Hope, youthcarefully, sports, food banks, eye fax care to 562-634-0891 Please check off the below listed items signandand for families in need. O Serving our veterans since 1923 O

562-421-2010

Please check off the below listed items carefully, sign and fax to 562-634-0891 ❏ Company Name ❏ Phone ❏ Approved Business meeting every ❏ second Tuesday our dedicated A special note about service Company Name Come ❏ join Phone ❏ members Approved of the month at 6 p.m. ❏ Approved with Changes and ❏ Logo ❏as Faxwe build friendships organization lunch programs ❏ Approved with Changes ❏ Logo ❏ Fax ❏ aSecond Proof Required partnerships with common goal with Changes ❏ Second Proof Required with Changes and other public activities of❏giving the community. ❏ Address Spelling back toSignature Required __________________________ ❏ Address ❏ Spelling Signature Required __________________________ egularly scheduled service club JoinLiSted us for lunch: & 4th Thursdays By CheCkiNg the ABove itemS, 2nd heLPS uS to eNSuRe No eRRoRS ARe mAde. By CheCkiNg the ABove LiSted heLPS uS to eNSuRe No eRRoRSand AReother mAde. luncheons organizational 12:30itemS, -1:30 p.m. 7550 Somerset Blvd., Paramount, CA “Canteena” open daily at 1 p.m. Hall for rent—call for a quote at:

562 -788 -7352

Clearwater Building 16401 Paramount Blvd. Paramount Lions Club LionsParamount@gmail.com

activities (especially those conducted indoors) are contingent upon current Los Angeles County restrictions related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please consult organizations for updates.

Picjumbo (Pixabay)

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

Membership RENEWALS We’re very grateful that the businesses below have renewed their Paramount Chamber of Commerce memberships, making our valuable services possible.

Paramount Swap Meet...............................................53 years 7900 All America City Way, Paramount, CA 90723

RGS/Richard Griffin Sales..........................................31 years 8519 Chester St., Paramount, CA 90723

Garfield Pacific/Bendetti Co..........................................26 years

February 2021

Music & Lights Every Friday & Saturday night: 7- 9 pm $11 admission * $4 skate rental Every Tuesday night: 7- 8:30 pm $10 admission * Free skate rental * Live music

Iceland

8041 Jackson Street Paramount, CA 90723 www.paramounticeland.com

4 Executive Circle, Suite 190., Irvine, CA 92614

Options in Design......................................................25 years 15138 Downey Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Merlin-Alltec Mold Making, Inc................................22 years 15543 Minnesota Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Paramount Furniture................................................21 years 16450 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning........21 years 11829 S. Downey Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Herald’s Garage.........................................................21 years 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Cerritos Community College......................................21 years 11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650

Marukan Vinegar USA...............................................13 years 16203 Vermont Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Amapola Deli & Market................................................12 years 10020 Norwalk Blvd., Sante Fe Springs, CA 90670

Colors Printing..........................................................11 years 6838 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Firefox Insurance Services...........................................8 years 9410 Alondra Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706

West Coast Arborists, Inc............................................8 years 2200 E. Via Burton., Anaheim, CA 92806

Paramount Hope Dialysis............................................3 years 8319 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Community Medicine Inc............................................2 years 8540 Alondra Blvd. Ste. B-2., Paramount, CA 90723

DigiCal Inc..................................................................2 years 12263 La Mirada Blvd Ste 225., La Mirada, CA 90638

Pettit Insurance...........................................................2 years Call for appointment: 562-219-6266

Enagic.........................................................................2 years 18540 Belshire Ave., Artesia, CA. 90701

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PHARMACY TECHNICIAN—Full-time. Experience helpful, but willing to consider an excellent new graduate who can learn quickly. Call Martha at Fobi Pharmacy: 562-630-5700. BARTENDER—Part-time, including evenings and weekends. Call Leroy: 562-634-9001. SKILLED LABOR OPPORTUNITIES—SkillsetGroup currently has these positions available for first, second and third shifts: Machine operator, sanitation, loading & unloading, forklift drivers, production line, and order pulling. Come in and apply today! SkillsetGroup actualmente tiene aperturas para puestos disponibles para Primer, Segundo y Tercer turno. ¡Ven y aplica hoy! Call us at 866-375-3094 or use Instagram (@ skillsetgroup) or Facebook for weekly updates. 7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 202, Paramount, California 90723. STATE FARM AGENT—State Farm Agents help their customers protect what’s important to them, all the while making time to give back to their neighborhoods. Improve your career! Call David Maciel: 562-305-2111. FULL-TIME SEAMSTRESS—5-Star Interior Services, Inc., needs a full-time seamstress with drapery-making experience. Contact Leroy at 818-845-4518. CREW WORKER—Specialty construction. Will train. Installation of epoxy coatings, including preparation of concrete floors and other structures using various equipment. Long-term, 30+ hours, including some weekends. Report in person to TECHCOAT, 15720 Garfield Ave., Paramount, California 90723; M-Th 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Paramount Care Foundation........................................1 year 8303 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

CLEANING SERVICE JOB (Persona para limpiesa)— A&R Cleaning Multiservices. Please contact Yolanda Monday-Friday at 562-500-2284.

Halibut Window Film...................................................1 year

To place an ad, call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

13801 Paramount Blvd., Suite 2-109., Paramount, CA 90723

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

February 2021

BUSINESS CORNER

Key ways to promote your business

By David Mitroff, Ph.D, Business Advisor and Marketing Expert at Long Beach Small Business Development Center (longbeachsbdc.org)

avid Mitroff, Ph.D., is a Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor and marketing expert who helps hundreds of small businesses with their marketing strategies and tactics. Below are combined excerpts from two articles David has written in recent months: “5 Ways To Promote Your Business” and “Internet Strategies & Marketing Tips.” To set up free sessions with David Mitroff to help you with your small business marketing efforts, please contact us at the Long Beach SBDC at 562-938-5100 or at longbeachsbdc.org/callme.

1. GENERATE A GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE—Creating a Google business profile is vital, especially if you want to be found and noticed. This is because Google also functions as a small business directory, providing information about the location and services of various companies. Setting up a profile is free at google. com/business, and it means that you will not only show up on Google maps, but also in local search results. Another bonus of Google Business is that customers can leave ratings about your services, which will help promote your business even more. 2. USE CALL-TO-ACTION IN YOUR EMAIL SIGNATURE—Many people underestimate the power of the email signature. If you are in contact with customers and clients on a regular basis, you can promote your brand and make it memorable by using call-to-action buttons in your signature. This can take the form of social media buttons or a button on your company banner that asks the viewer to download something. Whatever it is you want to draw attention to, email signatures are a powerful way of introducing and promoting your products and services. If you need help setting up a professional signature, using email signature software like Rocketseed (rocketseed.com/ email-signatures/) can help you design and implement the right one for your business. 3. LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA—Having a presence for your business on a variety of social media channels will not only help you get noticed, it will also generate engagement. Social media allows you to directly connect with your customers so that you can find out more about what they want and need. If you’re new to these platforms and their focus, it’s worth conducting some research since they all serve different purposes. 4. START A BLOG—If your business has a website (and it should), it’s also a good idea to add a blog page. Not only does this allow you to demonstrate your authority on subjects relevant to your business, but regular high-quality content will also boost your search engine optimization (SEO). Blogging is a great way to build community and generate more engagement with your customers, especially if you open your blog to guest writers. By hosting different writers, you expand your expertise and your potential network. 5. RUN ADS—One of the biggest issues that businesses run into when they first start promoting is getting lost in the digital world. Perhaps you’ve set up your website and you’ve been actively promoting, but you haven’t developed much of a following yet. This is possible if you haven’t optimized your SEO and developed keyword strategies that enable your business to be found when customers do a search. In this case, it can be a good idea to incorporate ads into your promotion strategy. Google ads, for example, will enable you to send targeted ads toward specific demographics of people. These ads will show up at the top of search engine pages and will direct users to your website. Ads can be complicated to set up at first and may require some trial and error, but there are tutorials that can help. 6. USE METRICS TO IMPROVE INTERNET MARKETING— Here are some useful metrics that you can use to analyze your internet marketing, help attract more visitors, create a better online reputation and bring you more sales revenue:

If you want to be found and noticed, a Google business profile is a vital promotional tool. • Cost per click (CPC)—For a sponsored search, consider incorporating CPC into your search engine marketing (SEM). Use CPC on a sponsored search link or banner advertisement. The cost of CPC on Google can range from $1 to $5. • Word of mouth (WOM)—Word of mouth is an important metric, especially for those who are focusing on social media marketing. It can help you increase your clicks and visitors. You can measure this metric by asking: “Would you recommend this to a friend?” You can also measure WOM by using this calculation: Take the number of direct clicks + the number of clicks from recommendations and then divide that total by the number of direct clicks. Direct clicks are links that have directly clicked to your marketing channels, e.g., your website, blog post, promotional landing page, etc. The number of clicks from recommendations includes customers who come from referral links with a unique identifier or promotional code. • Bounce rate—Bounce rate is the percentage of customers who leave your website after spending less than five seconds on your site. This is an essential metric to understand how good your website is. It enables you to see how well the content on your website keeps customer attention and also which marketing channels are working well on your website. By knowing the bounce rate, you can analyze why a certain marketing channel has a better bounce rate. Depending on results, you might want to design a different website or campaign.

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Complete computer services Clker-Free-Vector-Images

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February 2021

TONY’S TOWING AAA ROADSIDE ASSITANCE Batteries Tire service Lockout Towing It’s our goal to make you totally satisfied

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• Digital marketing • Websites • Business signage • Text messaging • Digital coupons • Digital directories • Digital business cards • Printing

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S oCal SANITIZING • Restaurants • Homes • Autos • Offices Sanitizing one pandemic at a time

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John Johnson • 562-447-7103

uring this pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts and emails to sell things that don’t work, charge money for things that are free and steal personal information. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available in Los Angeles County, vaccine-related schemes are showing up. If someone offers to sell you a chance to get vaccinated before it’s your turn, it’s a scam. • Vaccine is only being offered to certain groups at any particular time. • Children under 16 years of age will not be offered vaccine in the near future. The vaccines are not allowed to be given to this age group. • As more vaccine becomes available, it will be offered to everyone. But it may not be offered to the general public until spring/summer 2021. • For more information, go to publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine.

Gerd Altmann (Pixabay)

Watch out for vaccine scams

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February 2021

While you’re waiting to get your COVID-19 vaccination, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated the flu, too! Key Talking Points –against Flu and COVID-19

A quick resource to help answer your questions. Why getting the flu immunization is important:

• Getting immunized for flu is an essential part of protecting your health and is now more important than ever. • This year flu and COVID-19 will be circulating at the same time in communities throughout LA County, and both can cause serious illness. • Every year, flu sickens millions of people in the U.S, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. • Catching both flu and COVID-19 infections is possible and could result in increased illness, hospitalizations and death. • Increased illness during flu season could potentially overwhelm the health care system. • Both COVID-19 and flu can spread easily to other people, and share many of the same symptoms, which can make it more difficult to diagnose. • Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever. • If fewer people get sick with flu this season, health care will be more available for those who are sick with COVID-19.

Benefits of the flu immunization:

• Flu immunizations can protect you from the flu. • If you are infected with flu, flu immunizations can shorten the duration of symptoms and decrease the risk of severe illness such as hospitalization, respiratory distress, and death. • Flu immunizations not only protect you, but they also protect your loved ones and your community. • Flu immunizations taken during pregnancy can protect your newborn infant for their first 6 months of life against flu.

People at increased risk:

• Pregnant women, children and older adults, persons with long lasting conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease, and a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe complications and illness from flu. • People of color, including Latinos, African Americans, and Native Hawaiians experience high case, hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19. • People providing essential services, including healthcare workers, have higher exposure to both flu and COVID-19. • What can you do if you are at increased risk: - Everyone 6 months and older should get immunized, including healthy people. - Wear a face covering, keep 6-feet of distance, and wash your hands frequently. To find a low cost or free immunization, contact your doctor or pharmacy, call 2-1-1, or go to PreventFluLA.com

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February 2021

Paramount Library now providing loaned laptops and free hotspots

o you know anyone without internet or a computer at home who would benefit from borrowing them to apply for jobs, to access homeschooling resources or simply to stay connected to information? The Paramount Library, through its Sidewalk Service, is checking out laptops and hotspot kits that include a Chromebook laptop and a wireless hotspot for internet connectivity. You can borrow them for three weeks, with the option to renew, if available. Borrowers must have a full-access library card, and the cardholder must be an adult. To place a hold on a kit and to learn more about what Sidewalk Service offers, call 562-630-3171 Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Paramount Library also has free WiFi available in its parking lot at lacountylibrary.org/wi-fi. This does not require a library card.

Sidewalk Service at Paramount Library

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Open to City of Paramount Residents https://bit.ly/3hPnNQF

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February 2021

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February 2021

Families grow healthy with WIC! Familias crecen sanas con WIC! WIC is a nutrition program for women, infants and children. WIC es un programa de nutricion para mujeres, bebes y niños. South Los Angeles Health Projects WIC Program

You may qualify if you:

WIC provides:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby • Have a child under age 5 • Have a low to medium income* • Receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (Food Stamps) benefits • Live in California

• Nutrition education and health information • Breastfeeding support • Food benefits • Referrals to medical providers and community services

Usted puede calificar si:

• Educación sobre nutrición e información de salud • Apoyo con la lactancia • Beneficios de comida • Referencias a proveedores de servicios medicos y servicios

• Está embarazada, está dando pecho o acaba de tener un bebe • Tiene un niño menor de 5 años • Tiene un ingreso bajo a mediano • Recibe beneficios de Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) o CalFresh (Estampillas de Comida) • Vive en California

WIC proporciona:

*Income levels change annually. Niveles de ingreso cambian anualmente. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Está institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

310-661-3080

Call WIC today to see if you qualify. Llama a WIC hoy para ver si calificas.

@WICSouthLosAngeles • wicforyou.org