Pulse Beat July 2014 by City of Paramount

Paramount pulse Beat pulse Beat

July 2014

Paramount Chamber of Commerce Installs New President

The new 2014 -15 President for the Paramount Chamber of Commerce is Jon Tanklage; Jon is the President of Marukan Vinegar USA which has been making rice vinegar in Paramount for 40 years.

Jon was born in Burbank and grew up in the La Habra-Whittier area. He now lives in Whittier with his wife Kristi and three children. Jon loves all types of cycling and occasionally rides his bike to work, but he is especially passionate about mountain biking. As a competitor in 2004, he earned a national championship in cross-country mountain bike racing, and he holds two California state championships. He has been coaching cyclists since 2005 and helped start the phenomenal, So Cal High School Cycling League, where he has served as President since 2009. Jon is most proud that his high school team from Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead won their division this year, and that the league has grown to nearly 500 racers who compete for their high school teams. Outside of cycling, Jon enjoys golf and is an avid snow skier.

Jon has been working in the food industry since he was 16 years old, starting out bagging groceries at Hughes Markets. Throughout his school years, he worked for his family’s business, La Victoria Foods.

He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from USC and went straight back to work at La Victoria. He worked in many positions for the Rosemead salsa factory, including fresh produce purchasing, Quality Control, and Production Manager, before moving to the sales office in City of Industry. Jon continued to work at La Victoria as the Vice President of Sales

through several mergers, an IPO, and eventual change of ownership as the company became known as Authentic Specialty Foods.

Jon left ASF and continued in grocery sales at Advantage Sales and Marketing, the nation’s largest food brokerage at that time. He managed various brands of Unilever’s grocery business including Ragu, Wishbone, Best Foods, Lipton, Lawry’s, Skippy

and Mazola. During this time, Jon expanded his network of key industry contacts as he developed business with every grocery store chain and independent grocer in Southern California.

Jon left the brokerage to become a partner in an upstart beer business for 3 years before joining Marukan in November 2007 as National Sales Manager of the American sales division.

Jon became the Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2011, then became the General Manager in July 2013. He was recently named President of Marukan Vinegar USA this March as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary in Paramount and 365th anniversary in Japan. Jon is active in Paramount, having served as a director of the Paramount Chamber since 2010.

He also sits on the board of the Paramount Education Partnership, our locally funded scholarship program to which Marukan Vinegar has proudly donated more than $160,000 in the last 7 years. Jon also serves on the Citizen’s Oversight Committee to help ensure over $100 Million in bond revenue has been well invested in improving Paramount Unified Schools.

President Jon Tanklage presents Outgoing President Brenda Olmos with an award from the Paramount Chamber of Commerce for her year-long as service President.

10th Grade

Martinez Marchers. Come out and join us. It only takes an hour and a minimum donation of $10. For more information, please call (562) 743-3555.

Guadalupe Quirarte

Daniel Lopez

Maria Martinez

Elizabeth Solorzano

Elideth Salazar

Resident Rates and Season Passes for Summer Swimming

Carlos Brito

Avery DeLaCruz

Ana Andrade

Carlos Robielos

Onneka Taitano

11th Grade

Gisel Lopez

Jorge Cardenas

Judith Santano

June Highlighted as Education Month

Dhamar Lopez

Jesus Cervantes

Xandria Ortiz

Angie Gomez

June 16 through August 8. The cost is $75 per week, per child, and the program operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for July 4.

The City will present “Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” this summer, a celebration of academic achievers, local artists, and the City’s focus on ﬁtness.

“Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Paramount Park.

cation Month celebration to June this year. Paramount Unified students and teachers were recognized at the June 3rd City Council meeting by the Council, members of the Board of Education, the superintendent, and members of the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) board of directors. (Look for photos on page 5 in this issue of the Pulse Beat.)

If you are an artist living or going to school in Paramount and would like to show your work at the event, please contact the Paramount Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.

Those acknowledged at the meeting included the latest recipients of thePEP college scholarships, as well as the PUSD classrooms that contributed the most money during the Pennies For PEP fundraiser.

Art can be in a variety of media – painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, multi-media, and more. It can simply be exhibited or offered for sale.

With summer just around the corner, swim season is near for our City pools. Paramount residents and PUSD families can receive special rates for recreational swimming at the Paramount Park pool – $1 per entry for youth (ages 17 and under) and $2 per entry for adults. In order to qualify for these resident rates you will need an identification band, which can be purchased for $1 and is good for the entire summer. Be sure and bring it with you every time you visit the pool this year. (Per-visit rates for non-residents or those without an ID band are $3 for youth and $4 for adults.)

Edgar Lopez

Oliver Mendez

Karen Gonzalez

12th Grade

Kenneth Teeples

Darlene Spicer

Leonardo Silva

You can buy the ID bands beginning on May 19 at the Community Services and Recreation Ofﬁce at 15300 Downey Ave. They can also be purchased at Paramount Park Pool beginning June 14. Proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID) are required to obtain an ID band.

Mareeya Tongkul

Maria Valles

Yesenia Gonzalez

Samantha Bejarano

Nicole Torres

Maria Rivera

Emmanuel Andrade

Walk With Me at Relay For Life

In addition, Paramount High’s Class of 2014 Valedictorian Kenneth Teeples and Salutatorian Darlene Spicer were honored along with Paramount High’s latest Gates Millennium Scholarship winner. Emmanuel Andrade – who will be attending UC, Davis – will have his tuition, books, and living expenses paid for all the way through graduate school by the Gates Foundation. There have been 18 Paramount High Pirates who have received this prestigious scholarship.

We will provide a booth, a table, and chairs. Artists are responsible for arranging and displaying their artwork and need to be present during the length of the event. They are also responsible for the breakdown of the display.

The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life offers an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote how individuals can reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end cancer. This year’s Paramount Relay for Life is scheduled for Saturday morning, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Paramount Park and goes for 24 hours.

Also available to residents and PUSD families this summer are season passes for use at both Paramount Park and Orange pools.

Congratulations to everyone in Paramount who takes education seriously and works hard to attain their scholastic goals.

Last Chance for Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations

These passes ($20 Youth/$30 Adult) will provide you with admission to the pools all summer without having to pay the entrance fee each time you go. In addition, they will give you priority entry during recreational swim hours. If you buy a pass, you do not need to purchase or wear the aforementioned ID bands. But you do need to show the same proof of residency or PUSD enrollment as mentioned above.

families. A special registration event will be held at Progress Plaza East (15500 Downey Ave.) on May 19 only from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Remember to bring proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID), with you, along with proof of age.

I will be taking part with the Mayor

On June 7th, at the Smarts, Arts and Healthy Hearts Fair in Paramount Park, the students with the highest GPAs last school year district-wide in the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12thgrades were recognized by the City Council, School Board and PUSD officials. Here is a list of those accomplished young people. (For photos look on the PEP page in this issue.)

Please call (562) 220-2121 with any questions.

The City will be holding its second low-cost vaccination clinic for all dogs and cats in the community this summer on Wednesday, July 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will take place at Paramount Park, 14410 Paramount Blvd.

Swim Lesson Registration

Registration for summer swim lessons begins on May 19 for residents and PUSD

Rabies vaccinations (required for all dogs under California law) will be priced at $5 each (plus a $2 medical waste disposal fee). This is a $10-$15 savings over traditional prices. A complete selection of other pet vaccinations will be available at discounted prices, with special combination “packs” to allow pet owners even greater savings when they purchase multiple vaccinations. You can also get general health exams and services for discounted prices. (You can find a list of all these services, and their costs, online at www.mobilepetcare.com or a flyer at

Flea control products Comfortis and NexGuard may be purchased at special prices. You can also have a microchip registration done for identification purposes (if your pet is ever lost) for $45 and nail

All services are provided by licensed veterinarians from Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. in conjunction with South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). For more information, please call (562) 220-2018.

In addition to being a safe and fun place to spend the summer, the camp also provides a healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as swim lessons.

Reminder About Free Meals and Activities for Paramount Kids

For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.

The Summer Nutrition and Activity Program called Summer Fun Café, hosted by the City and the Paramount Unified School District, is in full swing.

Temporary Parking Permits For RVs

The federally funded program offers free meals and activities for children 18 and younger and is at all elementary and middle schools in the District (except for Jackson) through August 8th.

Starting on May 20, you can register in person at the Community Services and Recreation Ofﬁ ce (15300 Downey Ave., Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., Monday - Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.).

Monday through Friday, a free breakfast is served from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. -12 p.m., kids are led by staff members in sports, arts and crafts, and physical fitness. A free lunch finishes the day from 12 p.m. -1 p.m.

Also with summer in mind, and the possibility of friends or relatives coming for a visit, here’s a brief review of the City’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking ordinance.

Summer Fun Café is a walk-in program; no registration is necessary. Children are welcome to participate any time during operating hours.

For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.

This Year’s Mayor’s Award Recipient

You can register online (www.paramountcity.com on the Parks & Recreation page) starting May 20. If you don’t have an online account already, you will need to create one at the Recreation Department ofﬁce at 15300 Downey Ave. Again, bring proof of residency or PUSD enrollment and proof of age.

RVs registered to Paramount addresses cannot be parked on public streets within the City. But the City allows for the temporary on-street parking of RVs that are not registered to a Paramount address.

All registration for non-residents begins June 2.

For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.

The permit must be obtained by a resident and the vehicle must be parked in front of their address.

It was my great pleasure to present this year’s Mayor’s Award at the Chamber’s Installation and Awards Luncheon to Bill “BK” Kalpakoff of CalMet Services.

As our contracted waste hauler, CalMet performs a vital function that makes it possible for our community to function. But they are also very engaged in giving back, providing services over and above the call of duty.

Sign Up for Summer Day Camp

Also on May 19, residents can register either online or at the Recreation Ofﬁce (15300 Downey Ave.) for the City’s Summer Day Camp.

For out of town visitors, permits may be issued for a maximum of 31 days per household per calendar year. Permits will be issued for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per permit with a 72-hour timeframe between permits.

The vehicle will be moved for street sweeping.

Bill Kalpakoff has taken the lead in these community efforts. He has, for instance, been an active member of the Paramount Lions Club for almost 20 years, and is the current Club President. The Lions, of course, are big supporters of our youth in many ways. They buy tickets for kids to see Angels games every year. They recently donated some wonderful picnic tables for our parks. And they give generously to the PEP Scholarships, which help local kids go to college.

Children ages 5 to 12 are eligible to participate in the camp, which runs from

For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.

Speaking of the scholarships, CalMet has been a consistent donor to those efforts for years. They help the City by providing free trash collection bins for youth sports leagues and at all City special events. They also bring out bins for the Pitch in Paramount neighborhood clean-up days.

CalMet sponsors the annual Earth Day Art Contest for children in our STAR program. Their assistance is crucial, as well, with our large-item pick up program, removing these articles that have been illegally dumped in town quickly and efficiently.

“Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”

Bill is the company’s liaison to the City who makes all this happen seamlessly. He is also a Chamber of Commerce boardmember,

So congratulations are due to Bill Kalpakoff as recipient of the Mayor’s Award for 2014.

– Bill Gates

Talking or Texting on Cell Phones

Water-Safety Tips For Summertime Swimming

While Driving – Not Worth

Now that it’s summer, here are some ideas supplied by the Los Angeles County Fire Department for being safe in the water.

There are plenty of facts, figures, and details about distracted driving, but the California Office of Traffic Safety wants you to know the plain and simple ones:

• If something falls to the ﬂoor, pull over before trying to reach it.

• Never take your eyes off a child when he or she is in or near a body of water, even for a second.

• Don’t rely solely on barriers, such as fences or walls, near a pool or spa. There is no substitute for constant supervision.

• Keep toys, tricycles, and other children’s playthings out of the water and away from the pool or spa.

• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.

Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders

• Don’t consider your children to be “drown-proof” because you enrolled them in swimming or “water-proofing” classes.

• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.

• Don’t rely on inflatable devices to keep your child afloat. These are not substitutes for adult supervision.

• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.

• Make sure your pool or spa has a fence, wall, or safety cover that guards against unsupervised access, particularly by young children.

• Make sure doors leading to the pool or spa area are self-closing and self-latching, or are equipped with exit alarms and are never propped open.

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.

• Always drain standing (surface) water from the pool cover. Remember that even a few inches of water can be hazardous, especially to young children.

• Install a phone, or keep a cordless phone, in the pool or spa area.

• 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.

If A Child Or Adult Is In Trouble In A Pool …

• Don’t panic; yell for help.

• Get the child/adult out of the pool immediately.

• Call 911 immediately for emergency medical services.

• If you’re trained, begin CPR if necessary.

• The act of talking on a cell phone, even hands free, can give you “inattention blindness,” where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you. You aren’t even aware that you are driving impaired. If you think you can handle both driving and talking on a cell phone or texting, you are kidding yourself and putting us all at risk.

Tatman has been visiting a class of 36 students at Jefferson School as part of Project LEAD. The program, which goes into the classroom once a week for 20 weeks during the school year, uses volunteers like Tatman from the D.A.’s Ofﬁce to teach ﬁfth-graders about the law and help them recognize the social and legal consequences of criminal behavior.

• If you’re not trained in CPR, follow telephone instructions from the Fire Department until they arrive to assist you.

Get Your Free Car Anti-Theft Device

Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel – especially texting and cell phone use, whether hands-free or handheld. Who’s doing it? Most of us. It has been estimated that, at any one time, more than 10 percent of drivers are using a mobile device.

Sadly, too many young people ﬁrst become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.

The City of Paramount’s Public Safety team and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have a program that offers to help deter auto theft for residents who own certain models of automobile. It’s called Prevent Auto Theft (PAT).

A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.

PAT provides free anti-theft, steering wheel lock devices for owners of those specific cars. Based on the latest analysis of regional auto theft trends, these are: 1990 to 2000 Honda Civics, Honda Accords, and Nissan Sentras; 1998 to 2012 Ford Econoline Vans; and 2000 to 2007 Chevy Tahoes.

What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:

The class from Jefferson recently went on a ﬁeld trip to the Museum of Tolerance. (They will also go to a local courthouse). In addition, Project LEAD’s curriculum includes speakers connected to the criminal justice system and a mock trial involving either drug selling or gun possession on campus. Students are assigned roles and argue a criminal case to a jury consisting of other students. Teachers and parents attend, too.

Residents will receive one device per vehicle. They must provide a photo ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and proof of vehicle ownership.

To participate in either program, stop by the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at 15001 Paramount Blvd. or call (562) 220-2002 for more information.

• Never text and drive.

Follow these additional safety tips to prevent auto theft and auto burglaries:

• The best way to protect your car is to park it in the garage.

• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.

• Make sure all doors are locked.

• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.

At the end of the program, the kids will participate in a graduation ceremony and receive a certiﬁcate of completion from the D.A.’s Ofﬁce at a meeting of the Paramount Public Safety Commission.

• If parked outside, make sure it is in a well-lit area.

• Have an auto security system installed.

• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.

Summer Vacation Home Checks

• No eating or drinking while driving.

• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.

• Pull over and stop to read maps.

With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.

If you are planning to go out of town this summer, remember that Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property while you’re gone.

Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.

• No grooming.

Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property

June was celebrated as Education Month at the June 3rd City Council meeting. Joining the Council in honoring a variety of students, teachers, and schools were members of the Paramount Unified Board of Education and the Superintendent, as well as the Paramount Education Partnership’s Board of Directors.

TAG Student Art Winners

The winners of the 16th annual Paramount Traditional Artists Guild contest for Paramount students in kindergarten through high school were recognized.

Earth Day Poster Winners

Student winners of the City’s 6th annual Earth Day art contest were presented and received their cash prize from contest sponsor CalMet Services.

Paramount Pride

Five properties in the City were honored in this year’s Paramount Pride program for attractive, well-maintained homes. Winners rosario and Vidal Mejiaattended the meeting. From left: Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, the Mejias, Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian/Gates

Paramount High School Class of 2014 Valedictorian kenneth Teeples (red shirt) and Salutatorian Darlene Spicer (blue dress), along with Paramount High’s latest winner of the Gates Millennium Scholarship Emmanuel Andrade (white shirt), were acknowledgedat the meeting. Besides Education Month, the City Council also made presentations to other special community members.

Lions Club

The Paramount lions

for $12,800 to the

for the

PEP Scholarship Recipients

The recipients of the 11th annual Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) Scholarships were honored. More than $70,000 was awarded to 24 Paramount students to help with their college costs this year. nearly $600,000 has been distributed since the scholarships began.

Teachers of the Year

Pennies for PEP

The top two PuSD campuses in the Pennies for PEP fundraiser were lincoln and roosevelt elementary schools, each contributing more than $1,000. representatives from both schools received the Piggy Bank Award for their generosity.

Supervisor Don Knabe

Erin Stibal, los Angeles County Supervisor Don knabe’s field deputy, presented a check at the meeting for $25,000 from the Supervisor’s office to the Paramount Education Partnership Scholarship Fund.

Club presented

check

City

purchase

ten picnic tables installed at Progress, Paramount, All-American and Spane parks. The tables have built-in playing boards for chess and checkers. Members of the club joined the City Council.

Paramount unified School District’s Teachers of the year were recognized. (you can find the full list of the honorees in this issue’s Mayor’s Corner.)

M

Sponsored by: Weber Metals An Otto Fuchs Company

Accepting presentations for the Award of Excellence is Ace Clearwater Vice President Gary Johnson. From left; Outgoing President Brenda Olmos (AppleCare Medical Group), Gary Johnson (Ace Clearwater), Mayor Diane Martinez, kimberlee Tachiki-Chin (Office of Congresswoman lucille roybal-Allard), Erin Stibal (Office of Supervisor Don knabe), and Julia Juarez (Office of Senator ricardo lara).

Accepting the Mayor’s Award is Bill kalpakoff (Cal-Met Services) from left; Mayor Diane Martinez, kimberlee Tachiki-Chin (Office of Congresswoman lucille roybalAllard), Bill kalpakoff) Erin Stibal (Office of Supervisor Don knabe), and Julia Juarez (Office of Senator ricardo lara).

Accepting the President’s Award is Gloria Gamino (Casa Gamino restaurant) from left; Outgoing President Brenda Olmos (AppleCare Medical Group), Mayor Martinez, Gloria Gamino, kimberlee Tachiki-Chin (Office of Congresswoman l ucille roybal-Allard), Erin Stibal (Office of Supervisor Don knabe), and Julia Juarez (Office of Senator ricardo lara).

Taking the oath of office from left; President Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar uSA), Vice President Gary Johnson (Ace Clearwater), Senior Vice President Dr. Max Martinez, Past President Brenda Olmos (AppleCare Medical Group), Director Paul Dennis (Weber Metals), Director Darren kurkowski (Bianchi Theatres), Director Bill Winters (Paramount Petroleum), Director Garo kazarian (Alondra Hot Wings), Director Ben Berg (Transcom Telecommunications), Director Tom latham (SC Fuels), and Director Bill kalpakoff (Cal-Met Services).

Councilmember Gene Daniels and Director Darren kurkowski.

2014 i nstallation & a wards l unch E on

Avery De La Cruz Wins Student Speaker Region Level Competition

Alondra Hot Wings Named U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year

Avery James De La Cruz - 10th grade student at Paramount High School recently came away with ﬁrst place honors and a $150 prize for his speech at the Lions Club International Student Speaker contest.

Mean and Why Does It Matter?” was this year’s topic and Avery’s thorough research into presenting his convincing speech, as well as his solid presentation, helped him to defeat his three strong opponents.

Club is very proud of Avery and appreciate how hard he worked to prepare and present his speech. His level of commitment was inspiring to us all and especially admirable for being the youngest competitor. He is a very gifted young man with incredible potential and a bright future ahead of him.”

Congratulations to Alondra Hot Wings on being named one of the U.S. Chambers Small Businesses of the Year. This year’s winners were chosen from a record number of applicants who distinguished themselves through their professional

Congratulations, Avery, on a job well done!

Avery advances to the District Level competition where the

scholarship.

a fun family atmosphere. The Kazarian brothers have built a solid reputation for leadership and community involvement. They have received awards from their local chambers, and were recognized by the State of California as the best small

tions, Paramount, Montebello, Alhambra, and Long Beach. They hire from within their communities and recently reached a milestone by creating jobs for more than

food for families with great service and

Alondra Hot Wings received praise from My Fox LA, and Urban Spoon for having the best Hot Wings, Pizza, and Sandwiches in the Los Angeles area. The prises Inc. are always looking for new locations in hopes of creating a broad faction in taste and atmosphere; making Alondra Hot Wings the preferred choice when dinning out.

Pathways Celebrates 20 Years of Golfing

Pathways will host its 20th annual fundraising golf tournament Monday, August 18th to raise money for the much needed bereavement, caregiving and hospice services that Pathways provides. What better way to start off the week than with a fantastic game of golf with friends and family, all for a great cause.

The event will be held at Recreation Park Golf Course in Long Beach. It will include a lunch, raffle prizes and silent auction items, and an awards ceremony. Registration begins at 11 a.m., and tee-off is at 12:30 p.m.

Organized by the Pathways Board, staff and volunteers, the golf tournament is part of the annual campaign to raise funds to promote and support all programs; to provide the best in compassionate care.

Already sponsoring this event are: Outback Steakhouse, Stone Brewery, Yougurtland, and The Crooked Duck, CH2M Hill, Inc., L.A. Fire Fighters Local 1014, and Optimal Hospice, to name a few.

Last year’s tournament raised nearly $43,000. Volunteers, donors, and Pathways staff works hard each year to raise funds from businesses and individuals who recognize the importance of Pathways’ services to the local community. For 29 years, Pathways has strived to meet the needs of families and individuals in need of care by providing free bereavement support, caregiving and hospice services.

For more information on the golf tournament or for more information about Pathways’ services call the main office at 562-531-3031 or visit pathwayshospice.org.

Help Wanted

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.

Wanted: DRIVING SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR,

and/or UPS experience. Please call 562-408-1984 and ask for Ivette or send an email to mimi.kim@ptminconline.com for Mimi.

Help A Paramount Student By Tutoring Math And Reading

The programs at the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Center at Spane Park are on a break for the summer. But when they start up again in September, you can become involved in this great community resourceby volunteering as a homework help tutor.

The Center is looking for volunteers who are willing to put in between 2-12 hours a week working with students in kindergarten through 12th grade, specifically in math and reading. The Homework Help program is offered Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It’s designed to assist students with their academic skills through on-site assistance and computer-based enrichment.

Training for tutors is provided and a background check is required.

Interested candidates must have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm, and

the ability to work with youngsters in the stated age groups.

Some of the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer will involve:

• Helping students understand and complete homework assignments and projects.

• Talking and listening to students.

• Modeling a positive attitude toward learning.

• Supervising students, handling behavior issues, and ensuring that students are safe when they are in the Center.

For more information on becoming a Homework Help volunteer, please call the City of Paramount’s Community Services and Recreation Department at (562) 2202121 or e-mail Suleyma Rosales at srosales@paramountcity.com.

You can also stop by the Community Services and Recreation Department at 15300 Downey Ave. to pick up an application.

“Like” PEP on Facebook

The Paramount Education Partnership is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Paramount PEP. Take a look at the postings, photos, and other information about

this important collaboration between the City, Paramount Unified, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Go “like” PEP on Facebook!

Congrats To The Top GPAs in Paramount

On June 7th, at the Smarts, Arts and Healthy Hearts Fair in Paramount Park, members of the Paramount City Council, Paramount unified Board of Education, and other PuSD officials introducedthe students with last year’shighest GPAs, district-wide, in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

Members in the News

El Camino College Compton Center Debate TeamWins Six Awards at First Tournament

The newly formed Tartar Debate Team at El Camino College Compton Center recently took home six awards in its first competition at the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensics Association (PSCFA) Cool-Off Tournament on April 26. Fourteen students from ECC Compton Center’s Communications 4 – Argumentation and Debate class participated in the rookie category competing with students from 23 community colleges.

Four ECC Compton Center students were honored with Eloquent Speaker awards among a total of 10 such awards granted during the tournament. Brittany Carranza received first place in the Eloquent Speaker competition, which is a cumulative ranking of the students’ debate skills during the entire tournament. Other Eloquent Speaker honorees from Compton Center include JamilahBazille (3rd), Christian Heard (4th), and Matthew Morris (7th).

“I thought I might have a chance to win an award, but I did not think I would win first place,” said Carranza who is a resident of Lynnwood. “In the first round, I was so nervous and I felt my voice was cracking,” said Carranza. “I tried to use that to my benefit by injecting passion to bring my speech alive and become more convincing in my argument. After that, I was not nervous and it was smooth sailing.”

In the Team Debate finals, ECC Compton Center took the top two spots. Christian Heard and JamilahBazille won gold in Team Debate, while Brittany Carranza and Emanuel Cabrera won silver in the fifth and final debate elimination round. Other Tartar Debate Team

members who participated in the tournament include: Aryona Conway, Brandon Gardner, Samantha Perez, Sherry Rogers, PorchiaShallowhorn, AlyshiaStribling, Amanda Tisdale, Chambray Williams, and Jasmine Zambrano.

The team is coached by Argumentation and Debate class instructor Liza Rios, who worked with ECC Compton Center’s Associated Student Body to obtain sponsorship for the students’ participation in this tournament. Rios is working with ECC Compton Center’s dean of student success to establish an official forensics program. The next step would be to form a debate club, and then at some point add a forensics course under Communication Studies where students would earn credits for participation in debate tournaments.

“These students absolutely exceeded my expectations,” said Rios. “Our team’s winning combination was the strength in their debate structure and eloquent speaking style. My class curriculum is designed so each student has about ten debates under his or her belt before the end of the semester. That coupled with their experience analyzing and judging debates by their peers helped increase the students’ critical thinking skills.”

All 14 members of the Tartar Debate Team are first-year-students at ECC Compton Center. Rios plans to have the same team compete next year, possibly with the addition of new students from the Argumentation and Debate class next fall. When a future debate club is established, all students are invited to participate to hone their public speaking and critical thinking skills.

10 Strategies for Improving Your Cash Flow

In a healthy business, as the cash flow cycle begins with cash used to acquire resources and ends in collection of payments,a little cash should be reinvested into the business or new resources. The effects of cash flow can significantly impact your business decisions and if not carefully monitored, could be regularly unrelenting. What can you do to monitor, safeguard, and employyour cash to work for you? Start with these 10 strategies to help improve your business’ cash flow.

1. Plan: A 12-month cash flow

forecast is highly recommended, especially for businesses in a growth stage. As orders increase and overhead with them, your forecast will convey where you can expect increases in expenses, any payments that might be due at the same time, cash receipts, loans and any other cash inflows. Plan week by week, as it will convey upcoming short term cash demands. Download this handy 12 month cash flow statement template for a jump start.

2. Organize: Catalog your suppliers and customers. For

suppliers – divide them by your “regulars” and those you seldom use. Try negotiating better terms with your “regular” suppliers and consolidate vendors that may offer the same items; ask for a discount based on increased order volume. Investigate your “best customers” – identify if they’re truly profitable and their repayment habits, then adjust your payment follow up process or invoicing methods as needed.

3. Negotiate Terms: First, confirm that your credit terms with your current customers and

suppliers are in writing. For new suppliers, establish terms upfront, an agreed upon payment method, and an acceptable repayment period. Some suppliers will allow for payment 15, 30 or 60 days after delivery or discounts for early payment. If you setup different pay periods for different suppliers it gives you some leeway for repayment while you collect your receivables. Last, assure your A/P department is paying its bills on time to maintain a positive rapport. Review your supplier terms every year and assure you are receiving a fair price for your supplies. If not, consider renegotiating prices or switching suppliers.

4. Pay Short Term Expenses with a Credit Card: For shorter term expenses e.g. a utility bill, consider paying with a credit card. Since most credit cards have a 30 day repayment period, paying by credit card is a tool to free up cash during the month. The key is to pay the balance on the credit card before interest accrues; avoid paying minimum payments if possible. Credit card comparisons here.

5. Create a Pricing Strategy:Are you offering your products or services below the market price? Research your competition and the rate for similar products/services. Consider increases in minimum wage beginning July 1, 2014, possible increases in supplier prices and any other increases in overhead. Then, create a pricing strategy that allows you to slowly increase your prices to offset any expected increases in operation costs.If your business renders services for different types of customers e.g. government or other businesses consider charging bigger clients upfront or on a project basis while charging in stages for other clients. This allows you to purchase some of your goods and continue operations without holding the entirety of the receivable.

6. Review Unpaid Accounts: Create a list of all of your A/Rs due and past due, list the accounts first by largest unpaid balance and then by earliest due date. Avoid waiting

more than 60 days past an invoice due date to discontinue credit and disregarding unpaid invoices after 25 or even 50 days, as these could become late. Conduct reminder calls and generate second invoices as needed.

7. Review Your Debt Collection Process: Set up your electronic accounting system to generate invoices to customers with stronger language so they will bring their accounts current. For larger clients, call a few days before the due date and assure accounting has all the documents needed, if a group of customers tends to be late a reminder call a week before could be helpful. If you do have a consistent problem with late payments, consider an in-person visit to reiterate that if a credit limit is defied you will have to withhold goods in the future.It is also important to review how long it is taking you to resolve disputes and resolve unsettled invoices.

8. Accelerate Cash Inflows: Ease your customer’s decision to buy, adjust inefficiencies in how you take orders (e.g. telephone, online, etc.), and if you offer monthly services, consider offering a onemonth discount for paying the entire year upfront. Eliminate any unnecessary monthly or yearly subscriptions. Review your credit approvals and assure you’re checking your client’s credit history and references. When you invoice, do so with a brief, effective and accurate invoice; avoid advertising and convoluted language. Next, if you need to specify shorter repayment periods for some customers, do so as appropriate. Last, review the time it takes for delivery of payment, check clearances etc. and consider direct deposit payment incentives for your customers, if possible.

9. Consider Opening a Line of Credit: A line for credit for emergency situations is especially helpful. Try opening a line of credit during a time when cash flow is steady, so if an emergency arises in your business, the cash is there when you need it. Don’t forget to save during high-income months!

10. Put Your Effective Cash Flow Management to Work: Knowing where your business’ cash is tied up whether in unpaid invoices, inventory or the like allows you to potentially: reduce your dependence on loans and decrease interest payments, identify cash surpluses and potentially earn interest on cash elsewhere, plan ahead strategically in your business, spot cash gaps and act fast to reduce impact on your business.

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

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Quality Claims Service Makes a Difference!

By maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620

Headaches, hassles, and unnecessary strain in life can be reduced by researching the quality of claims service a company offers before purchasing an auto insurance policy. There are a few key areas to research when grading the quality of claim service provided by an auto insurer: customer satisfaction ratings, customer choices and professionalism of claim representatives.

Quality claim service means prompt response and payment for what is owed for damage and quality repair work. But after an auto crash, some other intangibles can make the claims process much less stressful. Some questions to ask when shopping for auto insurance include:

• Is the person who sells me the policy, the same person I can trust to report a claim?

• Will there be someone who can answer my questions if I have one?

• Will I have my choice of body shops to repair my vehicle?

Another measure of quality claim service is customer choice. Not only choosing the auto body repair shop, but even

the choices you have in communicating with the company. With today’s hectic lifestyles, some companies offer options to report claims in person, on the phone or even online, 24 hours a day. Once the claim has been reported, you want to be kept informed and updated on the claim process. These multiple choice options for communicating can go a long way to making sure the claims process is as quick and easy as possible

Finally, professional claim handling can eliminate the unnecessary stresses related to an auto crash. Professional claim handling requires special skills. Claim adjusters need to empathize with the client’s situation to establish good communication and assist them in making a claim—the professional needs to turn the anxiety of a customer not knowing what to expect into confidence that the claim will be handled fairly and quickly.

A car crash is already a stressful time in anyone’s life. But the quality of claim service can differentiate insurance company A from company B. Knowing that you’ve researched this before buying an auto insurance policy will give you an added confidence when the unexpected happens. Start by asking your local insurance agent about quality claim service.