Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez cuts the ribbon to officially open the Tot Lot at Spane Park.
The new playground installation, designed for children under the age of five, was funded by a grant from First 5 LA and built by the non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps.
On Saturday, December 7, a new playground installation designed for children under the age of five was unveiled at Spane Park.
Thanks to a grant from First 5 LA, the non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps spearheaded the construction of the project after an extensive community outreach and design process.
“On behalf of the entire community of Paramount, I would like to thank First 5 LA and the LA Conservation Corps for creating a great recreational resource for our kids,” said Paramount Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez at the ribbon cutting. “We’re always looking to enhance our parks and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this a reality.”
The Tot Lot at Spane Park is the second to be built in Paramount. Last spring, the City celebrated the opening of Paramount Park’s Tot Lot.
The Los Angeles Conservation Corps teamed up with Rails to Trails and The Better World Group to create and implement the innovative Tot Parks program that will significantly improve existing parks and better serve the needs of young children and their families. The program is creating innovative, safe, and vibrant play spaces by installing new playground equipment and stroller trails for 0 to 5 year olds to make local parks (that are often designed only for older children’s needs) more attractive and usable by young children and their caregivers.
Local Highlights From the Year Gone By
As we enter 2014, it’s nice to pause and glance back on the past year. And when we do, we find it was another stable and progressive period in Paramount. Here are some of the bright spots from 2013.
Salud Park – To Your Health!
The grand opening of “To Your Health!” Salud Park – at the corner of Texaco St. and Somerset Blvd. – was held in April.
A $4.5 million state grant covered construction of this first-class facility on Southern California Edison right-ofway property that is serving thousands of residents.
Paramount was given the John Sanford Todd Memorial Award for the Economical Use of Public Resources for the park, which honors excellence, creativity, and innovation in the economical and efficient use of public resources.
The inter-agency cooperation with SCE that created Salud Park provides the residents of Paramount with a free “gym membership,” available for use seven days a week, a long-term public benefit.
Salud Park has been welcomed enthusiastically by residents in the area.
Healthy-Living Initiative
Besides Salud Park, the City moved ahead in creating other free fitness options for residents last year as part of the “healthy-living initiative.”
The new biking/walking pathway opened along the Metropolitan Transit Authority right-of-way from Lakewood Blvd. to Somerset Blvd. This formerly weed-strewn stretch was landscaped and lit up and turned into an attractive, safe, and clean resource that connects with paths that run all the way to the ocean at Seal Beach.
Outdoor gyms and new fitness-oriented playground equipment were installed at Progress, Paramount, and Spane parks, including a special Tot Lot at Spane that provides a fun and healthy outlet for kids five years and younger.
A Finalist as Most Business-Friendly City
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) named Paramount as a finalist for its 2013 Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County Award in the population-50,000-and-over category.
The City was recognized for its promotion of programs and services that encourage businesses to locate or expand in Paramount and its commitment to economic development as a top priority.
Some of those programs and services included low licensing and permit fees relative to neighboring cities, a streamlined permit process, a “Business Services” page at www.paramountcity.com with numerous special features, the existence of the Paramount Education Partnership and the “Purchase It In Paramount” programs, and the City’s improvement of its water system.
Another Balanced Budget
Paramount has always been very responsible and conservative when it comes to fiscal and financial matters. During these years of economic distress, with various impacts on the City’s revenue streams, hard work has been done to keep
a steady watch on expenditures, and making sure that any necessary cuts have little affect on public services.
For the fiscal year 2013-2014, the City once more achieved a balanced budget, with a small general fund surplus. Improvement projects performed included more utility box public art murals around town, upgrades to the municipal water system, and further street and sidewalk renovations, such as the continued resurfacing of Alondra Blvd., one of the most heavily traveled arterials in town.
Paramount’s Latest Gates Scholars
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation presents its celebrated Millennium Scholarships to 1,000 students in the United States every year out of tens of thousands of applicants.
Paramount High School has developed quite a record with this prestigious program. The Class of 2013 produced five more Gates Scholars, bringing the total number over the last few years to a remarkable 17 Paramount High students recognized by the Foundation. The recipients – who study in the fields of health, science, or education – have their tuition, books, and living expenses paid for completely at any school of their choice, all the way through graduate school.
Paramount High’s latest Gates Millennium Scholars are Faviola Zuniga, Crystal Estrada, Thalia Hernandez, Xavier Aldana, and Lucio Lopez. They are fine representatives of our community, and the entire City is proud of them and their accomplishment.
Volunteers Giving Back to the Community
Pitch In, Paramount – which offers volunteers the chance to spruce up the homes of residents-in-need, as well as perform other clean up tasks in town – had a bumper crop year, with hundreds of individuals taking part from Paramount High School and local churches to give back to our community.
One interesting project helped keep the costs down with the biking/walking path mentioned above. All of the landscaping along the corridor was planted by Pitch-In Paramount volunteers. This saved the City $100,000, money that will be used for other programs and services for residents. It was a great year in Paramount. Here’s to a fine 2014, and all the good things we have to look forward to in the City.
The spirit of volunteerism was alive and well in 2013 with Pitch In, Paramount, a program that helped residents-inneed and spruced up City parks.
More Photos on Page 3
Happy New Year, Paramount!
On behalf of my fellow City Council members and all of our Paramount City employees, I hope 2013 was a good year for local residents and businesses, alike. Here’s a salute to the past and a toast to a fantastic 2014.
Good planning and sound financial management have allowed Paramount to maintain our high level of programs and services for residents. The new year will continue this fine tradition. Our progress and positive outlook are enhanced and supported by the many components of this great community that pull together and create a sense of teamwork and commitment. All these factors combine to make Paramount an exceptional place, indeed.
From Page 1
Taking Down Your Holiday Lights
Here’s a friendly reminder that the City has an ordinance relating to the display of exterior winter holiday lights for residential properties. The law states that such lights must be removed by January 15.
“Holiday lights” are defined as a string of lights commonly associated with the holiday season that contains multiple- or single-colored or clear light bulbs that are attached to a structure. Only residential properties are affected.
The ordinance was passed a few years ago in response to concerns voiced by residents about keeping our neighborhoods attractive. The City appreciates everyone’s cooperation.
Remember to Recycle Your Christmas Tree
If you still have your Christmas tree, remember to place it out for pickup by CalMet, the City’s refuse hauler. The tree will then be recycled into mulch.
CalMet will pick up trees at no charge through January 16th for single-family residential accounts. Be sure to remove the stand and all the decorations, lights and tinsel, and do not wrap the tree or enclose it in a plastic bag. If the tree is four-feet-tall or less, you can put it in your green waste recycling barrel. For anything larger, set it curbside on your normal garbage collection day by 6:00 a.m. (Flocked trees will also be picked up.)
Local Highlights From the Year Gone By
Paramount was named one of the five finalists for 2013’s Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County Award in the population-50,000-and-over category by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. The City added numerous free fitness resources at various parks for residents last year, part of Paramount’s “HealthyLiving Initiative.”
After January 16th your tree can still be taken away by scheduling a bulky item pickup.
For apartments or condominiums, trees on the curb by 6:00 a.m. until the 16th will be taken away for free on regular pickup days. If it’s necessary to drive onto the property there will be a $5.00 charge per tree. In these latter cases, the service must be ordered 24 hours before the regular pickup day by the manager or owner who must have the account number for verifi cation.
Also, commercial customers must call CalMet before placing a tree out for collection so a greenwaste truck can visit their location.
If you have any questions, please call (562) 259-1239.
Water Conservation
Southern California is in its third straight year of drought. The Paramount Water Department suggests that it’s always a good idea to be mindful of saving water when you can.
Here are a few tips:
• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1,000 gallons a month.
• Time your shower to keep it under five min-
utes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.
• When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save four gallons a minute. That’s 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
• Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 100 gallons a week.
• Install low-volume toilets.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time.
• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
• Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it’s time to water.
• Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food.
• Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water.
“You must do the think you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Mayor, Gene Daniels
The spirit of volunteerism was alive and well in 2013 with Pitch In, Paramount, a program that helped residents-in-need and spruced up City parks.
The ribbon-cutting at the grand opening for “To Your Health!” Salud Park. From left: Councilmember Tom Hansen, City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal, Ben Harvey of Southern California Edison, Mayor Gene Daniels, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.
Paramount Sheriff’s Station
Variety of Services
The Paramount Public Safety Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have a strong partnership that brings the finest law enforcement services to the residents of Paramount. The Paramount Sheriff’s Station, located at 15001 Paramount Blvd., is a prime example of this relationship.
The facility offers a number of services for the public. Among those are: filing crime reports; reporting suspicious activities and talking to deputies; paying parking violations and vehicle impound release fees; and responding to, or reporting, code enforcement complaints. Deputies are also available at the Station to interview victims and criminal suspects.
The Paramount Sheriff’s Station hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on holidays.
The phone number for the Station is (562) 220-2002.
Watch Out For Scam Fire Inspections
The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is alerting all local businesses to beware of phony fire inspectors coming to your location. These are scam artists who wear officiallooking uniforms and perform fake inspections.
These individuals say that they need to inspect your alarms, fire sprinklers, hood systems, and fire extinguishers. Later, the business owners often receive an invoice for these fraudulent services.
You can always refuse service when anyone shows up claiming to inspect your fire safety systems.
The Fire Department wants you to know that it inspects businesses annually and does not charge for these inspections.
Business owners may have agreements with fire protection companies for inspections. These inspectors should be able to present a copy of their current County or City business license when they visit your location.
Contact the County of Los Angeles Fire Department for guidance. The Department will advise you of any required service schedules for your fire protection systems and help you verify that a company you may want to hire is qualified and legitimate.
For more information, please call (323) 881-2411.
P ARAMOUNT C HAMBER
H OLIDAY M IXER
Sponsored by: Southern California Edison Refreshments donated by: Alondra Hot Wings, Café Corleone, Casa Adelita Mexican Restaurant, Casa Gamino, Cocina de Catalina, Domino’s Pizza, El Compa Restaurant, Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant, Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill, Mariscos El Perihuete, Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa, Miss. B’s Rumballs, Mc Donald’s, Pika Torta Ahogada’s, Rosewood Restaurant, Subway (Rosecrans), Taqueria 2 Amigos
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.
ZLS Beauty Salon, hiring LICENSE COSMETOLOGIST & A HAIR STYLIST must have 2 years of experience, flexible schedule & great customer service skills if interested call. Ruby 323 377 5508 .
BILINGUAL SECRETARY in English & Spanish with computer skills in word and excel, also for WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE with inventory control experience Spanish speaking. for information please call 562-633-8044 and ask for Maribel.
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.
Chamber of Commerce
Promoting Your Business is Our Business
There was some really great food at the Paramount Chamber Holiday Mixer thanks to generous donations from Chamber members.
Chamber Ambassador take advantage of the photo booth donated by One Night Stand Photography.
Music and karaoke were provided by Biviano Favela owner of Paramount Pro Audio Services. “Chamber’s Got Talent” anyone?
Membership Services Director Maria MacLean helps Chamber President Brenda Olmos with door prize drawings.
Apply for a College Scholarship Today
Hard copy applications for this year’s PEP college scholarship are now available at Paramount City Hall, the Paramount City Yard and locations throughout the School District. In addition, copies can be downloaded on the City of Paramount website at www.paramountcity.com and on the Paramount Unified School District website at www.paramount.k12.ca.us/.
Finished applications must be submitted in person or by mail by March 28. There is a certain amount of work needed to complete the form and some associated documents that must be included. So get started now to give yourself plenty of time.
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. Scholarship monies may only be used to pay tuition, fees, books and supplies for the 2014-2015 school year.
An average of 24 scholarships are given to local students each year.
Applicants will be reviewed based on their completed application, academic record, financial need, extracurricular activities, work or volunteer experience, and future goals. Plagiarism or false information will permanently disqualify an applicant. Please be aware that first-time applicants
will receive priority over past recipients. The following are the mandatory requirements:
You must be a City of Paramount resident or Paramount Unified School District student.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Be enrolled in an accredited program to obtain an Associates of Arts or Bachelor’s degree and/or vocational certification. (Students must be able to provide proof of enrollment in an institution to be eligible.)
Provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor (who cannot be a relative).
Possess a cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 or better.
Submit forms that demonstrate financial need as determined by FAFSA (and include a copy of a Student Aid Report).
The completed applications need to be returned to:
For information regarding the PEP Scholarship Program, please contact Suleyma Rosales at (562) 220-2132.
PEP is a collaborative effort between the City of Paramount, Paramount Unified School District, and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce.
PEP Moms Pitch In For Santa
This past December, as Santa Claus traveled through the neighborhoods of Paramount, he and his helpers gave over 30,000 bags filled with apples and candy canes. But it couldn’t have happened without the generous assistance of more than 60 moms from the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Center at Spane Park. They packed all those bags, and the City of Paramount appreciates their time, energy, and dedication very much.
Retirees Honored P ARAMOUNT C ITY C OUNCIL
At its December 3, 2013 meeting, the Paramount City Council honored three retiring City employees who represented a combined 76 years of experience. From left, back row: Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Tom Hansen, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer. From left, front row: Art Romero (Public Works Dept., 34 years), Dennis Padias (Public Works, 23 years), and Jack Caron (Community Development, 19 years).
The Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) recently received a $5,000 Community Grant from Southern California Edison, and SCE representative David A. Ford presented the check to the Paramount City Council at its December 3 meeting. From left: Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Vice Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Ford, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Tom Hansen, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
9:00 am – 2:00 pm Students from Paramount (PSUD & Our
and
of Southern California Student art submitted through their school on February 26, 2014
C HAMBER T OY AND F OOD D RIVE B ENEFITS THE C ALIFORNIA O UTREACH O RGANIZATION
The Paramount Chamber and California Outreach would like to thank everyone who made donations.
Members of the Paramount Women’s Club came to the Chamber office to drop off their donations for California Outreach Organization food drive.
Thank you J. Valentine, Inc. for your donation to the California Outreach Organization holiday collection. From left; Matthew Valentine, Eral Leon, Judy Valentine, and Brian Vasquez.
Arthur Wong Facilities Director for Ace Clearwater Enterprises surprised the Chamber staff by bringing in case after case of canned foods for California Outreach.
Jerry Bridges from One Night Stand Photography dropped off toys for the California Outreach Organization holiday collection donated by his mother-in-law school board member Linda Garcia.
Paula Coony from Zamboni brought in her second donation for the California Outreach Organization; including one of her favorite condiments peanut oil.
Alyssa Pacaut from Ameco Solar drops off a donation for the California Outreach Organization.
Write a Will
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620
You’ve worked hard to accumulate valuable assets over the years. How do you plan to distribute this property after your death?
It’s important to have a will, regardless of the value of your possessions. This written document instructs how you want assets that pass via your will (money, property and other assets) to be distributed after your death. If you die without a will, your probate assets will be divided according to state law.
Here are some tips for preparing a will:
• Have an attorney draft your will. If you draft your own will, make sure it complies with state law or it could be invalid.
• Name an executor, whose role is to
handle all administrative aspects of the will, including collecting assets, paying all debts and taxes and distributing your estate, according to your wishes.
• List personal property such as artwork, collectibles, jewelry and other personal property that you want to go to specific individuals. Be clear about how you want your assets distributed.
• Do not include funeral preferences in your will because it may not be read until several weeks after your death.
• Review your will every few years and have your attorney make changes as appropriate.
With a little advance preparation, your local insurance or financial service professional will help ensure that your final wishes are handled the way you planned them to be.
Renters Have Much to Gain by Pursuing Home Ownership
Rene Ramos International City Mortgage, Inc
310-386-1693
Rene.Ramos@icitymortgage.com
It’s a New Year and many people have many resolutions, why not make home ownership your New Year’s Resolution! If there is a time to buy it is NOW!
Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration, as most mortgage consultants will agree. But the rewards of home ownership are great. For many years, purchasing real estate has been considered an extremely profitable investment. It is an achievement that offers a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages.
Yes, there are certain responsibilities associated with owning a home. Landlords will often argue the benefits of renting, and for obvious reason. If you are renting, you’re helping them make their mortgage payment.
The numbers are staggering if you look at it this way. If you are paying $1,000 per month for an apartment, and you know your rent will increase 5% every year, then over the next five years you will pay your landlord $66,309. If you are currently renting a house, you may be paying much more than that each month. Either way, you gain no equity by shelling out this monthly housing expense and you certainly won’t benefit when the property value goes up!
However, if you were to purchase your own home or condominium, you would be on your way toward building equity. By choosing a fixed-rate loan program, you can have the comfort of knowing that your monthly mortgage payment will never go up. In fact, you would have the option of refinancing to a lower interest rate at some point in the future should interest rates drop lower than the rate you’d currently
be locked in at, and this would cause your monthly mortgage commitment to go down.
And not only would your own home give you added space, your own back yard and overall privacy—home ownership would also give you some tax advantages. Depending on your tax bracket, owning a home is often less expensive than renting after taxes. Interest payments on a mortgage below $1 million are tax-deductible, and your mortgage consultant should help you evaluate the tax advantages of various loan scenarios, and share this information with your tax consultant to glean feedback on your behalf.
To find the loan program that is right for you, your mortgage consultant will need to evaluate your monthly household income, current assets and savings, as well as any monthly obligations you may have for credit card payments, car payments, child support, etc. These prequalification factors, along with the report of your credit score, will determine how much house you can afford and what interest rate you will pay for financing. It is also important to let your mortgage consultant know what your future goals are, because this will help narrow down which loan option is the best fit for your long-term needs.
There are many different types of loan programs available, including “low” down payment mortgage programs. The most common and beneficial loan for people buying their first home is the FHA loan, which only requires a 3.5% down payment. In addition, FHA allows a seller to cover up to 6% of a buyer’s closing costs which really helps decrease the amount of money it takes to buy a home. Many people also don’t know that FHA allows the lowest credit scores of any loan available today, only needing a 620 score in most cases.
Pregunte al Experto
COMO IDENTIFICAR SI TU HIJO/A ESTA CONSUMIENDO DROGAS PLAN
DE ACCION DE SEIS
DK Counseling (323) 251-7511
David y Klaudette
Hola que tal amigos lectores, aquí de nuevo saludándolos, esperamos que hayan tenido una hermosa Navidad con familia y amigos, y despidiendo el 2013 con agradecimiento, amor y paz. Empecemos recordando un poquito nuestro Paso #5 que fue la edición pasada, hablamos de la Consistencia/ Seguimiento. Comentamos que ser Consistente es una de las claves para el éxito en la educación y desarrollo de nuestros hijos. Si nosotros como padres no somos firmes en establecer reglas claras y razonables, ellos verán la falta de nuestra firmeza y todo el proceso llevado se vendrá abajo. Y acerca del Seguimiento, comentamos que cuando los padres fijan reglas y no llevan un seguimiento firme, les están enseñando a sus hijos la irresponsabilidad y la falta de compromiso. Ahora, pasemos al Paso #6
¿QUE MAS PODEMOS HACER PARA ASEGURAR EL ÉXITO DE QUE
NUESTROS HIJOS NO CAIGAN EN LAS GARRAS DE LAS DROGAS, EL ALCOHOL, EL SEXO Y LAS AUSENCIAS ESCOLARES?
Como hemos dicho en todo lo escrito anteriormente, para todas estas conductas destructivas debemos tener una actitud de tolerancia cero.
A) No facilitemos sus malas conductas proveyéndoles todo, sin hacerlos responsables de sus actos.
B) Seamos un modelo en conducta, siendo el mejor ejemplo en valores y principios morales.
C) Retire todo el alcohol, cigarrillos y cualquier medicamento y producto de riesgo para ellos.
D) Exprese y manifieste amor y respeto por sus hijos a diario sin olvidarse de los límites, consecuencias y reglas claras razonables.
E) Acompañe y exija a su hijo asistir a un programa de autoayuda como: Alcohólicos/ Narcóticos Anónimos, consulte a un consejero profesional en esta materia.
F) Aplauda sus éxitos y logros en todo lo que realice, anímelo a continuar hasta el final. No permita que su adolescente ponga su futuro en riesgo porque la falta motivación o estructura. Ayúdele a cambiar, brindándole lo que necesita. Los hijos necesitan saber que estamos allí para ayudarlos.
Dicho lo anterior, también debemos
PASOS
tomar en cuenta algo muy importante, la mayoría de los adolescentes reaccionara con enojo, desafío, discusiones y manipulación cuando los padres les ponen límites, reglas y consecuencias razonables. No se intimide y acéptelo como algo normal y manténgase firmes pues esto será por un tiempo. No discuta, o amenace a su hijo cuando está claro que no llegaran a ninguna parte. Deténgase e intente lograr una conexión. Esto puede resolver una gran cantidad de problemas. Pero nunca pierda su objetivo. Recuerde que todo requiere esfuerzo y paciencia, nosotros como padres somos clave para ayudar a nuestros hijos para que no caigan en este terrible mundo de las drogas, alcohol y sexo. Pero si su hijo ya es víctima de alguna de ellas, pongamos todo nuestro esfuerzo para ayudarlos a salir de ello. Busquemos recursos, programas, talleres, conferencias, centros de rehabilitación y sobre todo mantengámonos bien informados y evitemos que nuestros hijos sean una estadística más de las drogas y el alcohol. Nuestra participación y acción puede salvarles la vida. Para el adolescente, el entorno lo es todo. Porque vive y respira según lo que suceda con sus amigos, en su hogar y en la escuela. Nosotros los padres somos la mayor esperanza que tienen nuestros adolescentes para convertirse en adultos afectuosos, exitosos y plenos. Así que, amigos, Empecemos este año 2014 con nuevas fuerzas y esperanza de que podemos hacer un gran cambio en nuestra familia, para que sea para ellos, el núcleo de protección, seguridad y confianza. Los adolescentes necesitan amor, autocontrol, principio y valores morales, restricciones y sentido de responsabilidad en sus vidas. Pero no lo logran sin el esfuerzo firme y comprometido de sus padres. La familia es el fundamento de nuestra sociedad, luchemos para mantenerla saludable y unida.
Queridos amigos, aquí terminamos con el Plan de Acción Seis Pasos, esperamos que hayan sido de gran utilidad. En la próxima edición empezaremos con otro importante tema: El Manejo y Control del Enojo.
Muchas gracias por seguir con nosotros. Con cariño: David y Klaudette. Feliz 2014!!!
10 Quick Tips to Get Your 2014 Marketing Started on the Right Foot
2014 is here. And with the New Year comes the opportunity to start fresh, and the chance to revamp your marketing strategy. Following are10 quick tips to help you get your 2014 marketing started on the right foot.
1. Leverage the Tried and True
Email continues to be one of the biggest drivers of conversions for small businesses. While social media and other online marketing tools should play an important part in your 2014 marketing, your email contact list will continue to be one of your most valuable assets. Keep that in mind as you start your planning.
2. Update your Email Lists
Clear out any bounced email addresses, duplicates and otherwise inactive contacts so you can focus on engaging your most interested customers.
3. Create Segmented Lists
While you are updating your contacts, segment the list based on interests and past purchases so that your messages reach those most interested in receiving them.
4. Offer Great Content
Send relevant, valuable content to the people who have opted to receiving communications – content that people will look for. Use an enticing subject line and make sure they recognize who the email is from.
5. Share Content Across Channels
Cross-pollinate your content with teaser links across all media which includes linking to your Facebook, YouTube and other social media pages from your enewsletter, blog and website. Post teasers about the content on Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites that lead back to your content destinations.
6. Engage Via Social Media
It has the power to take any of the feedback you may receive from using a tool like email marketing and supercharge it— letting customers share their thoughts, questions, and ideas quickly and publicly. And it allows you to respond just as fast, without having to pick up the phone or worry the customer isn’t seeing your response.
7. Pay Attention to What People are Saying
Ask The Expert
Reduce Your Odds of Being a Crime Victim; Review These Safety Tips
Damsel in Defense
Lupe Nunez (310) 486-2851
Dress to Kill: Clogs, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run and hard to fight in, scarves and long necklaces are easy to grab. When possible modify your dress, and wear comfortable clothing when walking alone. Think about it; would you have time to kick off your heels or hike your skirt so you can run or kick?
Make Eye Contact: It may be your first instinct to lower your gaze as you walk to your destination, but looking straight into the face of potential attackers is a better option. Eye contact may scare them of because they fear you will be able to identify them
Keep Eyes and Ears Open, Hands Free: It’s important to be alert to who and what is around you. Talking on a cell phone or listening to headphones makes you an easy target. The only reason you should be using your cell phone is notify a friend of your whereabouts or to call for help. Also, limit the number of bundles you have to carry by using a backpack or
bag with a shoulder strap. This will ensure that your hands are free for defense.
Be Lazy, Take the Elevator Not the Stairs: When in the elevator, stand in front of the doors, then if someone you feel uneasy about gets on with you, you can step off immediately.
Fight Your Inner Woman: Experts say that women tend to be sympathetic — don’t be! History has shown that serial killers and other criminals often play on the sympathies of unsuspecting women to lure them into dangerous situations. If someone asks for the time, directions, or help in or around their car, be as courteous as possible but keep moving. You can always assist the stranger by making a phone call to police from a safe location, or by finding others to go back with you and help.
Change It Up: Change your walking routine on a regular basis. Plan a few different routes that you can take and mark out “safe houses” in your mind. In the event of an attack, you can stop at these shops or homes where you know you will be safe. Try to incorporate these houses every time you vary your route.
In addition to review sites like Yelp, consumers are also relying on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest before making a purchase. Pay special attention to what people are saying about your business on all of these social networks. Look for opportunities to engage with your most loyal fans on Facebook, respond to a customer’s question on Twitter, or thank someone for a positive online review whenever you get the chance.
8. Refresh your Online Listings
Consumers rely on search engines like Google or Bing, city guides like Citysearch, and mobile apps like Foursquare to discover new businesses. Identify the places that your target audience is turning to when searching for businesses similar to yours, and make sure information about your business on those sites is accurate and up-to-date.
9. Go Mobile!
More people are using mobile devices to inform their purchase decisions. In the past year alone, smartphone usage in the U.S. increased by 50 percent. If a potential customer can’t easily find and consume the information they’re looking for from their mobile device or if you send an email that doesn’t look good on a smartphone or tablet it could cost you business.
10. Engage In Person
Online tools are key to marketing success, but engaging in person enables you to create a lasting connection in a very powerful way, which leads to customer loyalty and ever-valuable word of mouth. Consider hosting an open house, an education event, or some other type of event to increase awareness about your business, strengthen relationships, and inspire involvement for the coming year.
The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment to help with your marketing for 2014 or just for a business tune-up call: (562) 938-5100 or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu
How’s your
financial strategy coming along?
That old adage, “People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan,” can be especially true when it comes to finances. And, given the current economy, the best time to start taking control of your finances is today. Being financially responsible doesn’t just happen. It’s a conscious decision you make to live within your means. Slowly, U.S. consumers may be catching on. A nationwide survey on the financial state of U.S. households, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, found only 13% of households are currently saving 7% or more of their disposable income, although fully 36% of households expect to save at this level in 5 to 10 years.1 While that trend may be encouraging, there remains ample room for improvement.
It’s Never Too Late to Plan
No matter what stage of life you’re in, you should have a strategy that helps meet your current financial needs while creating a path to help you reach longterm financial goals. Whether you’re just starting out or nearing retirement, a strategy is necessary, and the good news is no matter what your age, it’s never too late to start. A proactive approach now can help avoid heartaches and disappointments later on.
Consider the following scenarios:
• If you’re single and just starting out, it’s never too soon to start a savings plan. By just saving a small amount today, you can make a huge difference later on. What financial goals can you set today to help make your dreams a reality?
• If you’re the head of a new house-
hold, perhaps with a new baby, how do you protect your family’s standard of living in case anything happens to you or your spouse? If you died today, how would your family manage financially?
• If you have young children, it’s never too early to start saving for their college expenses. How can you start a college education fund so they won’t be burdened with student loans and can attend the college of their choice?
• If you’re thinking about retirement, consider what amount of your current income you can allocate into retirement savings vehicles, such as 401(k) plans, IRAs and other investments. With retirement possibly lasting 20 or 30 years, the more resources you have the more likely you’ll be able to enjoy it. Do you want to just get by or be financially comfortable so you can enjoy life with your family and friends?
No matter where you are in life, a financial strategy is a necessity. With a proper strategy, you’ll always be in a better position to help achieve your financial goals, whether it’s buying a home, driving a new car or retiring.
1Viewpoint on U.S. Savings Rate, PwC Financial Services Research Institute, 5/13/2010.
This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Christopher T. Hicks, CA Insurance License 0664003, New York Life Insurance Company. For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Christopher T. Hicks, at 562.989.1232.
