A Look Back at 2017
As we enter 2018, it’s nice to pause and glance back on the year just completed. Here are some of the things that happened in Paramount in 2017.
The Rejuvenation of Downtown
The City began the year with the culmination of an ambitious project that redesigned Downtown Paramount aesthetically.
The dramatic rebuilding of the main business district – running between Jackson St. and Alondra Blvd. – created a fresh identity, a “Boulevard of Gardens” using drought-tolerant plants and other new landscaping designs, wider sidewalks, and modern, stylish signage and light pole banners that unifies the Civic Center with the downtown thematically.
The work helped pump new commercial life into the downtown as national and regional businesses such as IHOP, WSS Shoes, Jamba Juice, Yogurtland, and AutoZone located there. Speaking of dining options …
Restaurants Galore
The Clearwater Crossing restaurant development at Paramount Blvd. and Alondra Blvd, the northern end of downtown opened with
Paramount Chamber of Commerce pulse beat 15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
The Habit, Waba Grill, and Chipotle bringing their delectables to Paramount.
Later in the year, as mentioned above, the iconic IHOP started serving their pancakes in Town Center East. As the year ended, La Diosa de los Moles was close to opening, operated by “foodie” scene favorite Rocio Camacho on Rosecrans across from the Paramount High School football stadium.
Also, before the end of 2017, contracts were signed to bring The Pizza Press, along with Cajunthemed sit-down restaurant The Stinkin’ Crawfish, to Clearwater Crossing where they will join The Habit, Waba Grill, and Chipotle.
Happy Birthday, Paramount!
Last year marked the 60th anniversary of Paramount’s incorporation as a city, and various celebrations were held throughout 2017.
To kick off the celebration, a historical display was unveiled at the January 24 City Council meeting along with a birthday cake. The vintage-photo-oriented display remained in Progress Park Plaza through February.
On March 11, there was a free, exuberant Community Sock Hop at the Paramount Park Gym with live 1950s rock and roll. Then in June the City produced the 60th Anniversary
Heritage Festival at Paramount Park. This large-scale festival featured a variety of musical performances, a huge Kids Fun Zone, a Teen Challenge Zone, a Heritage Village with farm and dairy animals from Paramount’s past, and a reprise of the historical display. Food, game, and drink booths were sponsored by a number of local service clubs.
Futsal Courts Open at Paramount Park
In June, the City held a “kick off” for its newest recreational resource for the community, two futsal courts at Paramount Park. Futsal is similar to soccer but played on a smaller space than a regular soccer field.
The courts have been available for youth and adult leagues, day camp, and open use during various hours, and have become one of the most popular features of the park.
Promoting Good Health in Paramount
September saw the start of a new, year-long initiative called “Healthy Paramount” that features special events, health screenings, and programs designed to encourage healthy behaviors among residents.
It began with a “fitness fair” kick off that introduced the Healthy
Paramount Passport which includes health tips, goal-setting ideas, and a list of local participating doctors and clinics who provide free health screenings through the year.
Besides AppleCare, the program is sponsored by the City of Paramount, the Paramount Chamber of Commerce, the Los Cerritos YMCA, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Lifegate Church, HealthCare Career College, NRG Fitness, Northgate Markets, Paramount Youth Soccer Organization, and MUSA (PEP Moms).
Another fitness resource developed by the City last year (besides the aforementioned futsal courts) was done in another collaboration with the Paramount Unified School District. The Jackson School Walking Track, located on Jackson St. west of Garfield, was created for residents in the neighborhoods around the school.
Also, as part of National Public Health Week 2017, the City brought in the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which hosted free Community Health Fair at the Paramount Park Community Center. Attendees learned about ways to prevent disease and live longer and healthier lives. The fair had
free health screenings, information about community resources, and fun family events.
Paramount Pitched In!
It was another robust year for volunteer work in town during the quarterly Pitch-In Paramount events where folks painted over graffiti, cleaned up parks and other public spaces, and performed exterior home repairs for residents in need.
There were 376 volunteers, many of whom came from local churches and high school clubs like the Junior ROTC.
Air Quality and the SCAQMD
The City actively partnered with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and other regulatory agencies over the last year to aggressively address issues related to hexavalent chromium levels in the industrial part of town.
For the City, these discoveries were shocking, upsetting … and motivating. The past year has seen everyone coming to grips with a new landscape in the face of an unprecedented situation, revealing how environmental management works and who holds what kind of regulatory power.
Here are some of the major
The redesigned Downtown Paramount project was completed early in the year.
Happy New Year, Paramount!
As another year passes, all of my fellow City Council members and I, as well as our Paramount city employees, wish everyone in town a Happy New Year and a wonderful 2018.
With the beginning of the new year, it’s a good time to note the positive energy and sense of dedication that so many of our community members bring to Paramount. We’re a small town, really, with the values and decency so often attributed to bedrock America. Your city officials truly appreciate our residents, businesses, churches, service clubs, educators, and more. Thank you all for making Paramount a great place to live, work, and play.
Be Clutter-Free, Paramount!
The City of Paramount will hold its first Community-wide Cleanup event on Saturday, January 20 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Paramount Park.
Clear out your post-holiday clutter. Bring the following things for free disposal:
Large Bulky Items (furniture, appliances, anything that won’t fit in a regular trash container).
E-Waste (computers, printers, TVs, cell phones, telephones, microwaves, stereos, etc.).
Green Waste (grass, leaves, small branches, shrubs, plants, weeds; no ivy, tree stumps, logs, lumber, palm fronds, cacti, yucca plants, ice plant; nothing in plastic bags).
Documents for Shredding (maximum of three banker-size boxes per residence).
Please do not bring paint, hazardous waste, light bulbs, liquids, or auto parts.
This event is for Paramount residents only. You must present a valid ID with a Paramount/90723 address.
Special thanks to CalMet Services for providing containers, drop-off/pickup, and disposal at no cost.
Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd. For more information, please call (562) 221-2002.
Recycling Your Christmas Tree
After the holidays, residents of Paramount who have Christmas trees can place them at curbside for pickup. The trees will then be recycled into mulch.
CalMet, the City’s refuse hauler, will pick up trees at no charge after Christmas from December 26, 2017 through January 12, 2018 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.)
After January 12, 2018, 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. during the stated
dates 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 verification.
Also, commercial customers need to call CalMet before placing a tree out for collection so a green waste truck can visit their location.
If you have any questions, please call CalMet (562) 259-1239.
Taking Down Your Holiday Lights
Here’s a friendly reminder that the City has an ordinance related 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 in response to concerns voiced by residents about keeping our neighborhoods attractive. The City appreciates everyone’s cooperation.
Sign Up to Receive Important Messages
The City has a new mass communication notification system called Nixle. This sends emergency and other notifications to the Paramount community via cell phone, landline, email, text, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube).
To receive these important alerts – which can be related to public safety/emergency/
disaster issues, special events in Paramount, community announcements, and other topics – go to paramountcity.com, find the Nixle tab on the left side of the homepage, and click there.
You can choose how these messages are delivered to you. You cancel the service and delete your information at any time. Also, your information will never be shared with any businesses or outside agencies.
Again, please click on the Nixle tab at paramountcity.com to keep informed about essential items from the City of Paramount.
January “Doc Talk” for “Healthy Paramount”
On Wednesday, January 17, a “Doc Talk,” the latest free event in the “Healthy Paramount” program, will take place at the Paramount Park Community Center at 6:00 p.m. Come on out and ask any health-related questions you may have.
“Healthy Paramount” is a year-long initiative of special events, health screenings, and programs designed to encourage healthy behaviors among residents.
Part of this involves signing up for the “Healthy Paramount Passport” that contains health tips, helps individuals set goals for the upcoming year, and lists local doctors and clinics that provide free health screenings for participants (no appointments needed, walk-ins welcome.) Passports can be found at the Community Center, Paramount City Hall, Paramount Chamber of Commerce and at the monthly events.
You can follow the program on social media on Twitter – @healthy90723 – and Instagram – @healthyparamount.
Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd. For more information, call 1-800-460-5051.
Mayor, Peggy Lemons
Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
Talking or Texting on Cell Phones
Take these steps to protect yourself from identity theft:
• Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards to prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.
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:
• Install firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
• Secure your Social Security number (SSN). Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your number on your checks. Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary.
• Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess easily. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases
• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
• Review your credit report once a year to be certain that it doesn’t include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from Annualcreditreport.com.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
• Don’t respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or bank account number) by phone, mail, or online.
• 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.
• Contact the three credit reporting agencies to request a freeze of your credit reports.
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.
• Collect mail promptly. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days.
• Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.
• 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.
• Enable the security features on mobile devices, especially if you have contacts, banking websites and applications saved.
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.
• Never leave Social Security cards, passports, birth certificates, vehicle pink slips, income tax records, checkbooks, or payroll stubs in your unattended car, even in the glove compartment. Thieves breaking into vehicles are often looking for these types of documents. Keep them at home in a safe location.
City Shredding Event
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.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
The City of Paramount will hold its first Community-wide Cleanup event on Saturday, January 20 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Paramount Park. This will include document shredding (a maximum of three banker-size boxes per residence).
A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
• Update sharing and firewall settings when you’re on a public Wi-Fi network. Consider using a virtual private network, which can give you the privacy of secured private network.
• Review your credit card and bank account statements. Promptly compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
• Never text and drive.
• Store personal information in a safe place at home and at work.
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.
• Don’t text or call someone when you know
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.
This event is for Paramount residents only. You must present a valid ID with a Paramount/90723 address.
Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd. For more information, please call (562) 221-2002 or to see more read this issue’s Mayor’s Corner and check out CityScape on the inside back cover.
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.
The Holidays in Paramount
It was another whirlwind of activity in Paramount during the month of December with the City’s annual holiday events – tree lighting, Santa Train, and Breakfast with Santa/Snow Day. The City thanks everyone who came out to celebrate the season with our community, and wishes one and all a happy, safe, and enjoyable 2018.
Stater Bros. Charities Celebrates Holiday Season with $75,000 Donation to United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program
Since 2005, Stater Bros. has proudly partnered with the United States Marine Corps. (U.S.M.C.) Toys for Tots program to bring joy to families in need during the holiday season. On December 6, representatives from Stater Bros. gathered to present a $75,000 check to local Toys for Tots Program ambassadors. Funds from this donation are used to purchase new toys for disadvantaged children in the communities Stater Bros. serves.
“Stater Bros. is committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” said Pete Van Helden, Chief Executive Officer of Stater Bros. Markets. “We are very proud of our continued partnership and support for the Toys for Tots Program which allows us to bring joy
and brighten the holidays for children in need during holiday season,” Van Helden concluded.
This generous donation was made possible through a partnership between Stater Bros. Charities, Stater Bros. Markets, manufacturers of Stater Bros. brand products, and national brand manufacturers which included Birds Eye®, Chobani®, the Clorox Company, the Coca-Cola Company, ConAgra Foods®, Lenny & Larry’s The Compete Cookie® and Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Dog Food. Stater Bros.’ customers supported the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program every time they purchased select Stater Bros. brand or national brand products.
American Legion Drawing Winner
Members of the Paramount Women’s Club collected and delivered toys to the Ronald McDonald house in Long Beach.
Pictured is one of the families who took part in a drawing held by the American Legion. Three lucky families received gift cards from Northgate Gonzales Market and WalMart.
Paramount Women’s Club
PEP Moms Come Through Again!
For a number of years now, a large group of residents known informally as the “PEP Moms” have been totally engaged in the Paramount community.
Based at the Learning Center at Spane Park where they take exercise classes and help with PEP programs, they also are great volunteers at a variety of City activities and raise funds for PEP scholarships at different events by selling tamales and drinks.
They have even formed a non-profit called MUSA – Mujers Unidas Sirviendo Activamente or Women United Serving Actively.
Maybe their biggest source of help to the City comes every December when they fill 25,000 bags with apples and candy canes for Santa Claus and his elves to pass out on the Christmas Train. (This year’s group is shown in the adjacent photo.)
For their generosity of spirit, dedication of time, and devotion to the Paramount community, the City offers its appreciation and thanks. (The City Council honored the members at it December 12 meeting.)
Be “College Bound” with City Shuttle for the New Semester
The City of Paramount’s College Bound shuttle bus offers transportation for Paramount residents to Long Beach City College (Liberal Arts Campus) or Cerritos College. The service for the spring semester begins on Jan. 8 for Cerritos and Feb. 5 for LBCC.
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then again from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
There are four pick-up and drop-off spots located throughout town – Orange and Somerset, Cortland and Orange, Paramount Park and Progress Park. Each roundtrip – from individual bus stop, to the campus, and back again – takes about an hour.
The bus stop location at Long Beach City College is on Clark Ave., just north of Carson St. The bus stop at Cerritos College is on Studebaker Rd., about a block south of Alondra Blvd.
Each trip costs $1, but you can purchase a semester pass for $25. For more information, or to purchase a pass, please call the Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
At its December 12 meeting, the Paramount City Council recognized some of the volunteers who helped make the annual Halloween Carnival another big success. They included Paramount High School JROTC (who set up game booths and operated some of them), Paramount High Cheer Club (who performed in the Haunted House and gave out candy to youngsters at the Carnival’s candy maze), and Paramount High Drama Club (who also performed at the Haunted House). The Council expressed its appreciation for the community spirit of these great young residents of Paramount.
Like every city in California, Paramount and its Finance Department produces a yearly Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. For over three decades, these reports have been given an award by the Government Finance Officers Association for their high quality, clarity, and professionalism. This year, the City was recognized once again. At the December 12 City Council meeting, GFOA representative Kinnaly Soukhaseum, an audit partner in the accounting firm of Vavrinek, Trine, Day and Company, presented the award. From left: Senior Accountant Jaime de Guzman, Finance Director Karina Liu, Soukhaseum, Mayor Peggy Lemons, and Assistant Finance Director Clyde Alexander.
Pitch In, Paramount is a neighborhood clean-up program that started in 2010 and involves community volunteers improving the properties of residents-in-need and sprucing up larger public spaces. At its December 12 meeting, the City Council recognized representatives from local churches who consistently bring out individuals to these events and the Paramount High School JROTC for also working throughout the year as volunteers. From left: JROTC advisor Colonel Robert Guild, Pastor Brian
and
PEP Moms
The “PEP Moms,” who volunteer at a variety of City activities, raise funds for PEP scholarships, and perform other community work under their non-profit called MUSA – Mujers Unidas Sirviendo Activamente or Women United Serving Actively, were recognized at the December 12 City Council meeting, specifically for their annual efforts at filling 25,000 bags with apples and candy canes for Santa Claus and his elves to pass out on the Christmas Train.
Warth of Chapel of Change, Mike McKown of Emmanuel Reformed Church,
Pastor Larry Jameson of Lifegate Church.
The following businesses renewed their membership in the Paramount Chamber of Commerce last month, they are celebrating another
year as members. Chamber and Business Resource Center services are made possible by their support.
Rep. Roybal-Allard Takes Part in Paramount’s Breakfast with Santa
Congresswoman Lucille RoybalAllard offered her holiday greetings to 40th District families during Breakfast with Santa at Paramount Park.
The event included photos with Santa, holiday craftmaking, giveaways, entertainment, and even snow so that kids could experience sledding. City of Paramount councilmembers and staff were integral to making the event a success, as were Matt and Paul Tulaphorn, who own the McDonald’s franchise that provided breakfast for the event.
Left to right: Paramount Vice Mayor Diane Martinez, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Santa Claus, Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons, and Paramount City Councilmember Tom Hansen.
Left to right: Ronald McDonald, Matt Tulaphorn, Congresswoman Lucille RoybalAllard (sitting), Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons, and Paul Tulaphorn. The Tulaphorns own the McDonald’s franchise that provided the food for Breakfast with Santa.
Left to right: Paramount Unified School District Board Member Alicia Anderson, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Paramount Unified School District Board Member Tony Peña.
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard speaks to the crowd at the event.
SPECIAL THANkS TO ALL THE HOLIDAY MIxER FOOD DONORS
Alondra Hot Wings • Antojitos Mexicanos Restaurant • Café Camelia • Café Corleone
Casa Adelita Mexican Restaurant • Casa Gamino Restaurant • Chipotle • Domino’s Pizza • DoublZ Burgers
El Compa Restaurant • Enrique’s Mexican Restautant • Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill • IHOP
Mariscos El Perihuete/El Peri Sushi • Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa • McDonald’s Restaurant • Papa John’s Pizza Rosewood Restaurant • Subway (Rosecrans & Garfield) • Yogurtland
Adriana Lopez (City of Paramount Public Safety) and Margaret Alarcon Garcia (PUSD Teacher and Paramount Chamber Ambassador).
From left: Russel Walker (American Legion), Joe Valdez, Gene Daniels (former Mayor of Paramount), Frank Rodruck (In Motion Designs) and George Franzen (Hunt Industrial Properties).
Friends and family enjoy the mixer.
Karaoke with Eddie Marquez from AltAir Paramount.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Board member Eddie Marquez (AltAir Paramount) and his wife Sonia.
Biviano Favela, Paramount Pro Audio Services provided music and karaoke for the Chamber’s annual Holiday Mixer.
Raffle Prizes donated by Paramount Chamber Ambassadors and Board Members.
Chamber members sample food from member restaurants who generously donated to the event.
Why Your Business Needs A Content Marketing Strategy in 2018
By Jennifer lobb
About the author: Jennifer is an alum of the University of Denver. While in the graduate program there, she enjoyed spending time identifying ways in which non-profits and small businesses could develop into strong and profitable
Ask The Expert
organizations while promoting strong community growth. She also enjoys finding unique ways for freelancers and start-up businesses to reach and expand their goals.
When it comes to marketing advice, it’s easy to get lost in all the shoulds,
Apply for Tax Credits in California
Vladimir Jefferson Jefferson management Consultants, llC (213) 283-8495
How would you like to get free money to expand your business or to help hire additional employees and buy equipment? No loans to payback. Sounds good doesn’t it? Well the Governor’s Office of Business Economic Development (GO-Biz) has such a program. Its call the “California Competes Tax Credit Program”. This is a tax credit-funding program in which businesses get to keep the money they would ordinarily have to pay for State income taxes, and use the tax savings to expand their business and meet State contractural hiring and investment or equipment objectives. I heard about the “California Compete Tax Credit Program” on Dec. 7, 2017 from the Presentation by GO-Biz at the City of Paramount Council Chambers. Business owners received a most informative presentation about the program and how to qualify from a Specialist with the “California Competes Tax Credit Program”.
Between the years of 2017 and 2018, California has available $230.4 million in Tax Credits. Twenty-five percent (25%) of this available money will be set aside for small businesses. California’s definition of small business is a business with gross receipts from 0 to less than $2 million during the applicant’s prior tax year. No more than twenty percent (20%) per year of the tax credits can be awarded to a single applicant.
To apply for business expansion tax credits through the program, businesses must complete the online application. Make sure you know the areas in the state that are eligible to receive credits. Eligible areas are determined by set criteria that you can find on the “California Competes Tax Credit Program” web page. http:// www.business.ca.gov/Programs/ CaliforniaCompetesTaxCredit Application Deadlines
“California Competes Tax Credit Program” accepts applications during the following periods:
• January 2 - January 18, 2018 -$100 million available
• March 5 – March 26, 2018 -- $55 million available
Officials will evaluate applications based on 11 factors
• Number of jobs created or retained
• Compensation paid to employee(s)
• Investment in California
• Economic census data in job creation areas
• Incentives available from California
• Incentives available from other states
• Duration of proposed projects
• Economic Impact
• Industry and related local economic factors
• Opportunity for future growth
• Cost benefit of investment to tax credit
Businesses need to enter in the online application a compelling narrative about their business and expansion projects. Here is what was suggested at the December 7th presentation:
• Write a narrative thoroughly explaining your business location, product line, customer segments: customers within and outside of California and particularly overseas – be specific
• Narrative should be one to two paragraphs
• Narrative should have good justification why the State should grant the tax credits – explain how the tax credits will benefit your business and the area where your business is located: growth, expansion, creation of additional jobs, retention of jobs, support of other businesses and industries
Specialists at the presentation highly encouraged applicants to thoroughly review the “California Competes Tax Credit Program” helps section for completing the online application. Pay close attention to and understand application terminology. Doing so will improve your chances of qualifying. Also, feel free to contact a California Competes Tax Credit Program Specialist if you have any questions by phone (916) 322-4051 or email to calcompetes@gov.ca.gov. For more information about the program and completing the online application, go to the Website and press the Resource button. You can also get information on future presentations and Webinars through the Workshop button.
shouldn’ts, musts and must nots. Professionals the world over can debate the most effective marketing methods, but in 2018, those seeking the sage advice of others would have a difficult time avoiding a healthy endorsement for content marketing. In fact, 86% of B2Cs and 88% of B2Bs employ some content marketing strategy, according to the Content Marketing Institute.
Not only are businesses utilizing content as part of their overarching strategy, but they’re seeing results. In fact, when asked to rate the success of their content marketing efforts (from extremely effective to not effective), 97% of both B2Cs and B2Bs reported some level of success. Do you have a solid content marketing strategy in place? Looking to really increase brand awareness in the New Year? Here are three reasons why you should include content in your 2018 efforts.
Your Brand Becomes a Resource
In case you haven’t noticed, the internet is a cramped locale. If you can think it, you can search for, and find, it. Beyond that, businesses that want to survive in today’s overwhelmingly competitive landscape need to be online, only adding to the flooded nature of the internet as we know it. But how does one business stand out? How do you convince customers to buy in?
When it comes to making a purchase or an investment, many customers are driven by price points, but your pricing structure can only take you so far. Instead, companies that want to remain relevant today must prove that they are knowledgeable about their products, their customer’s needs, and the industry to which they belong.
When done right (quality, not quantity), content – be it tutorials, webinars, blogs, infographics, etc. – makes your brand synonymous with knowledge.
Connect
Throughout the Purchase funnel
Engaging with potential customers right before they are about to make a purchase or sign a contract is great, and content marketing can help you do that. But the real value starts far earlier, at the very first level of the purchasing funnel – awareness.
By developing and circulating quality content, companies can insert their brand into the minds of potential customers far before they ever dream
of completing a purchase. Take for example Restaurant Stuff, a fictitious company that specializes in restaurant supplies and equipment. One of their primary goals is to increase sales through content marketing. In order to do this, they start publishing service industry articles and videos that can help new and existing restaurateurs do everything from improving back-of-thehouse efficiency to creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Enter Joe, a restaurant owner who is searching for ways to improve his restaurant. He starts googling things like “improve speed of service” and “create a better restaurant environment,” and lo and behold, our aforementioned supplier’s blog shows up in his search results. In the words of Emeril, “BAM!” Now Joe’s following Restaurant Stuff and regularly checking out their website, blog and social media accounts.
A few months down the road, Joe needs to replace some equipment and find a new paper product vendor. Who do you think he’ll check with first? Restaurant Stuff, of course – the company that used its knowledge to reach Joe far before he needed to make a purchase. That’s the value of a quality content marketing strategy.
Build Relationships
Back in the “good ol’ days,” relationships were forged through one-on-one engagements, be they in-store, over-thephone, or during sales engagements. Today, while sales professionals still play a vital role in taking that potential relationship to the next level, the relationship starts much sooner than that.
For many businesses, their website or social media profiles take on the onus of “the first encounter,” and often times that experience can make or break the relationship before it really has the opportunity to gain human interaction.
Your website, specifically the content displayed, is your first line of sales. Visitors will develop positive or negative opinions of it fairly quickly – seconds, to be exact. In other words, good content can close a deal. Bad or non-existent content can close the door. Content isn’t a passing phase in the long history of marketing tactics. It’s here to stay. Businesses that want to set themselves apart from their competition need to make content a focal point of their short- and long-term marketing strategies.
Compton Community College District Signs Memorandum with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
The Compton Community College District and Charles R. Drew University have entered into a multifaceted partnership designed to benefit Compton College students and faculty. The exciting new partnership includes a transfer pathway program for students interested in preparing for careers in biomedical science fields. In addition to helping students transfer more easily, the partnership will provide expanded opportunities in the areas of academic collaboration, teaching, faculty advancement and professional development, institutional management and research.
The two institutions of higher learning made the partnership official at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on Nov. 29 at Charles R. Drew University in Los Angeles.
“As the 114th California Community College, we are proud of quality academic and student resource programs we provide to the community,” said Keith Curry, president of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District. “It’s all about leveraging relationships for a greater good and this partnership with Charles R. Drew University marks a significant milestone for Compton College. It will help us leverage the talents and resources of both institutions as a way to help transform the economic, cultural and social environments of the communities we serve.”
To increase access to quality medical education for traditionally underserved populations in the greater Los Angeles area, this partnership is being established to:
· Create a transfer pathway for Compton College students to complete their undergraduate education at Charles R. Drew University.
· Provide a framework for student exchange, and collaboration among faculty and staff of both Charles R. Drew University and Compton College.
· Share resources and exchange information related to developments in teaching, student success, institutional management, and research activities.
· Establish a platform for the exploration and promotion of other intellectual and academic activities and ventures of mutual interest to both institutions.
“We’re very excited to enter into this partnership with the Compton Community College District,” said CDU President and CEO David M. Carlisle. “We share the same values and the same community roots, so it’s a great fit. Our formal relationships with many of the local school districts and community colleges that serve South Los Angeles enable us to fulfill our mission to increase access to high-quality health professions education to students from underserved and under-resourced communities.”
This partnership comes at a perfect time
From left: Dr. Steve O. Michael, CDU Executive VP for Academic Affairs and Provost; Dr. David M. Carlisle, CDU President and CEO; Compton Community College District Board of Trustees members: Sonia Lopez, Deborah LeBlanc, Vice President, and Nicole Jones, clerk; and Compton College President/CEO Dr. Keith Curry.
to help replenish the supply of qualified health care providers needed in the workforce. According to the Institute of Medicine, by 2020 nearly half of all registered nurses will reach traditional retirement age. By 2030, the United States will need an extra 3.5 million formal health care providers just to maintain the existing ratio of providers to the total population.
“Compton College has a strong nursing and biomedical science program and a new state-of-the-art Allied Health Building complete with a hospital simulation lab that opened in January 2016,” says Curry. “We hope this partnership will inspire a new generation of leaders in nursing and other medical professions, as well as increase enrollment at our institutions.”
Serving the community for over fifty years Major Sponsor of Dictionaries for 3rd graders PUSD
at noon every Tuesday at Progress Plaza Park (15500 Downey Ave.) for fellowship, lunch and an informational program. Do the Club’s activities sound like fun to you? If so, please be our guest for lunch. For more information call President John Boogaard at (562) 881-0334 or Secretary Dean Mouren-Laurens at (562) 633-3224. Please visit our website at ClubRunner.ca/Paramount . We hope to see you soon!
A Look Back at 2017
Continued From Page 1
initiatives that were introduced.
Moratorium
The City adopted a moratorium on new or expanding metal-related businesses that lasts until November, 2018 and has allowed staff time to devise ways to address the issues raised by the SCAQMD’s investigations.
Sub Committee
A City Council Air Quality Sub Committee was formed – made up of Councilmembers, City Commissioners, and members of the public – to convey the latest news to residents and explore ways to address the situation. Ultimately, suggestions were made to use the City’s zoning code to control sources of this pollution in the future.
City-Owned Monitors Installed
The City, aided by the expertise of SCAQMD, purchased and deployed five air quality monitors in town. The devices supplement SCAQMD’s network of monitors and ensure ongoing testing. Samples are taken by SCAQMD every three days and lab testing is done by SCAQMD staff.
Soil Testing
The City hired the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and a private environmental consulting firm to test soil and dust at Village Park, located in an industrial neighborhood. No hazardous levels were found of hexavalent chromium and 17 other metals commonly used in industry. The resulting report further stated that none of the
levels of metals found in the sampling were considered a significant contributor to human health risk.
The City also partnered with Los Angeles County to test soil in parkways at ten locations near industrial “hot spots” and indoor air sampling at three homes in the same area. All results came back with “no health concerns” discovered.
Water Testing
The City decided to proactively test its water supply monthly for the presence of hexavalent chromium, taking on a schedule that far exceeds most federal and state requirements.
Over the last year, each month’s results have confirmed that Paramount’s water meets the drinking water standard for hexavalent chromium (only trace elements have been found) and the water is clean and safe for residents to drink, as it always has been.
Paramountenvironment.org
The City launched a community resource website that provides the latest news and other information about local environmental issues.
Paramountenvironment.org is a centralized source of updates, articles, and links to primary data sources designed to help supply answers on a range of questions for residents and businesses.
The goal of the website is to provide a single source of transparent information customized to the residents of Paramount.
Business Licensing Partnership
The City developed a first-of-its-kind business licensing pilot program that involves a review by SCAQMD to enhance compli-
ance with air quality rules and strengthen the agency’s oversight in the City.
Specified categories of business license renewal applications are delivered to SCAQMD digitally. District officials then provide guidance to business owners on any required air quality permits.
SCAQMD gains first-hand information about whether or not these specific businesses need permits. At the same time, the procedure helps businesses comply with the rules while increasing environmental protections.
Dedicated Code Enforcement Officers
City CEOs members helped SCAQMD staff with thorough sweeps of industrial areas to note metal-related businesses.
Public Meetings
The City conducted several town hallstyle meetings throughout the year to keep the public informed.
After a year of these and other endeavors, the air quality in Paramount has improved. In its “Summary of Efforts in Paramount” released in December, SCAQMD notes “significant efforts and progress made since October 2016 in reducing levels of hexavalent chromium detected in outdoor air in Paramount. … readings from air samples over the last year show large reductions in emission levels.”
The City will continue to partner in every way it can with all regulatory agencies that have the legal authority and expertise on air quality and public health matters to ensure further swift and effective action.
Did you know …?
Here are some statistics on various services performed by the City during 2017
Bulky/Large items Picked up Through December: 1.32 million pounds (661 tons)
Graffiti removed Through October, incidents Tracked: 8,986
Staff Time Spent: $75,100
Supplies used: $70,000
Low-Cost Senior Meals Served 700 a week (36,400 a year)
Students Assisted After School 1,700 a year at 15 STAr sites
Paramount youngsters Attending Summer Day Camp 827
residents involved with recreation Classes, Aquatics, Excursions, Special Events, and Sports 11,661
Trees Trimmed: 2,650
Building Permits issued: 1,308
Building and Safety inspections Performed: 11,763
Hundreds of volunteers ventured out through the year to give back to their community.
The “Healthy Paramount” initiative started a year-long celebration of fitness and good health in September.
Historical display.
newly opened Clearwater Crossing brought national “fast casual” chain restaurants to town.
The opening of two futsal courts in Paramount Park brought more recreational options to residents young and old.
