Pulse Beat July 2016 by City of Paramount

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July 2016

Summertime in the City – Music, Sports, Water, Food

This summer there’s lots to do in Paramount, from the City’s free concerts in the park to making a splash on Orange Ave. to browsing the booths at the weekly Farmer’s Market. Here’s a brief sampler.

Thursday Concerts in the Park + “Paramount’s Got Talent”

July 14: Mariachi Divas All-Women Mariachi.

July 28: Robert Sarzo

A Salute to Santana.

August 11: Los 454’s Latin Big Band.

These are the remaining free concerts in the Thursday series this summer. Hopefully you will have

the chance to visit Paramount Park to enjoy the tunes.

The music goes from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and there is food for purchase starting about an hour before that. Seating is festival style, so bring beach chairs and blankets.

Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd.

Another fun aspect of the concerts is the “Paramount’s Got Talent” competition. Up to four young people (ages 25 and younger) can perform a solo number on stage prior to the start of each concert. A winner is chosen, and at the final concert a “showdown” will result in the summer’s ultimate winner. This performer will be given the chance to sing a holiday number or two at the City’s Tree Lighting event in December.

To learn how to become a part of “Paramount’s Got Talent,” please call (562) 220-2121.

Open Gym

The City Council has added a new option to summertime activities. The gym at Paramount Park will be open for use by the community for pick-up basketball games from July 11 through August 28. Hours will be Monday through

Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Bring your own ball and City staff will help organize teams for full-court play. (Volleyball will also be a possibility.)

Only players that have a valid ID with a Paramount address or a PUSD school ID can participate. Come on out to the gym for some

healthy exercise and enjoyable competition. The park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd. The gym is toward the back, adjacent to the swimming pool.

Mini-Park Upgrades

In addition to the “pocket parks” that you see around town, privately owned vacant lots that the

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Summer concert in Paramount Park featuring the Beatles tribute band A Hard Day’s Night.

Splash Zone.

Recipient of Senator Ricardo Lara 2015 Excellence in Business Award

Mayor’s Award to FENICO Precision Castings

At the Paramount Chamber of Commerce’s Installation and Awards Luncheon last month, it was my great pleasure to present the annual Mayor’s Award for Business of the Year to FENICO Precision Castings, Inc. and its owners Don and Sherry Tomeo.

FENICO has been a very stable member of the Paramount business community and a supplier of quality local jobs for almost three decades. Their superior products are used by a variety of industries in the manufacture of pumps, valves, vehicles, food machinery, and glass containers. They are also shipped all over the world for use in naval vessels and aircraft.

While Don and Sherry’s company represents Paramount proudly on an international scale, they have long known the importance of making their own local community strong, as well.

The couple has been consistent and extremely generous supporters of education in Paramount. Over the last ten years, they have contributed nearly $70,000 to the Paramount Education Partnership’s scholarship fund.

That’s an amazing amount of money and a remarkable legacy. Because of this substantial gift, dozens of our college students have been able to pursue their educational dreams.

In light of all this, I was very happy to name FENICO Precision Castings as this year’s recipient of the Mayor’s Award.

Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations

The City’s second low-cost “Vaccine-A-Thon” this summer for all dogs and cats in the community will be held Wednesday, July 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Paramount Park, 14410 Paramount Blvd.

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. (A list of these services and their costs can be found online at www.vetcarepetclinic.com or on flyers available at City Hall.)

Flea control products Comfortis and Trifexis may be purchased at special prices. You can also have a microchip registration done for identification purposes (if your pet is ever lost) for $30 and nail trimming for $15.

Pet licensing is available on site, and free educational materials and general health care tips for dogs and cats will be distributed. Checks and cash only will be accepted for licensing. Checks, cash, and credit cards will be accepted for the veterinarian services.

Please remember – dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.

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.

Summer Program Offers Kids Free Meals and Activities

Here’s a reminder that the Paramount Unified School District and the City of Paramount are providing a free Summer Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP) for local kids.

The federally funded program offers

meals and activities Monday through Friday for children 18 and younger at all elementary and middle schools in the District (except for Jackson). It runs until August 5.

It’s a walk-in program with no registration. Children can participate any time during operating hours.

Breakfast is served from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Staff members lead sports, arts and crafts, and physical fitness activities from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Then lunch is served from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SNAP gives the kids of Paramount a place to have fun and some delicious meals during the summer break, all at no cost to them or their families.

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

Be Mosquito Aware

It’s mosquito season and the Los Angeles County vector control districts are calling on all residents to do their part to fight against infestations by following these steps:

• Report any sightings of small, black-and-white mosquitoes, or if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day. Residents can contact GLACVCD at (562) 944-9656 or online at www.ReportMosquitoes.org.

• Dump and drain all water around your home. Eliminate plant saucers and other unnecessary containers and thoroughly scrub outdoor pet water dishes weekly to remove eggs.

• Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water. Do not keep outdoor buckets full of water.

• Use insect repellent containing CDC-approved active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to avoid bites.

For more information please visit www.glacvcd.org.

“I believe the world is one big family, and we need to help each other.”

Paramount Chamber Welcomes a New Ambassador

Name: Erika Estudillo De Ponce – Accounting & Human Resources Manager.

Company: Wavefront Technology, Inc.

Company Address: 7350 Somerset Blvd., Paramount.

Office phone: (562) 634-0434

Major product or Service? Holography and Nanostructures Manufacturing.

How Long in Business? 30 Years.

Why Did You Join the Chamber? Networking and City Support.

Where Were You Born? Mexico City, Mexico.

Education/training? BS in Business Management.

Civic Affiliations? Girl Scouts of America and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish.

What is Your Favorite Saying? “True character is revealed the moment after you don’t get your way.”

Latest Accomplishment: Successfully exporting all data to new accounting software. philosophy: Live a conscious life.

If You Were Granted 3 Wishes What Would they Be? Remove extreme poverty, suffering, and abuse from our world. Be able to gather as much knowledge as I can. A healthy life for everyone.

Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer

Talking

Texting

No Street Racing

Cell Phones

Including the driver.

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.

Don’t take part in street racing, in Paramount or elsewhere.

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

Prohibidas las Carreras de Calle

Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders

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

Un automóvil es un arma letal.

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

El Departamento de Seguridad Pública de la ciudad de Paramount quiere recordar a todos que las carreras de calle son ilegales y peligrosas.

Si siente la urgencia de correr a alta velocidad ó de correr contra otros vehículos en nuestras calles públicas, piénselo dos veces. Si conoce personas a las que les gusta correr a alta velocidad ó participar en las carreras de calle, díganles que dejen de hacerlo.

• 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.

Puede causar la muerte de personas. Incluso la del chofer del auto.

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.

No participe en las carreras de calle, ni en Paramount ni en ningún otro lugar.

Dogs in Parks … Or Not

• 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.

Evening walks with your dog are a nice way to enjoy the cooling off of a summer day. Here’s a reminder, though, for all dog owners in town – according to the Paramount Municipal Code, your pooch is not allowed in City parks, even if they’re on a leash. And especially if they are not on a leash. Please keep this in mind for the courtesy of the many humans that use our open space.

Close to town, however, there is an off-leash dog park in Hollydale Regional Park on Century Blvd. west of Garfield Ave. This facility features separate spaces for large and small canines.

Summer Vacation Home Checks

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Rep. Roybal-Allard Congratulates Paramount High Students at Awards Night

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

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

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

• 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.

• No grooming.

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

• No reading.

• No watching videos.

• Try not to get too involved with passengers.

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard presented Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition to the top twenty graduating Pirates (pictured).

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) gave congratulatory remarks to Paramount High School students at the school’s annual Awards Night. During the ceremony, she also presented Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition to

the top twenty graduating seniors.

“You are an inspiration to me and all who know you,” Congresswoman RoybalAllard said in her speech to the students.

“I know the future of our country is bright because you are in it.”

The following winners of the Women’s Club,

3rd place; Jennifer Larios and Andy Romeo, Special Award; Emilio Garcia. Also pictured; m s. Pat BrentSanco (Principal), Club Chair; Linda Garcia, Club Officers; Elisa Trasoras, Dolores Tripp, Gerda Trutzl, and Jean Williams.

Cerritos College Prepares for the Worst During Active Shooter Training Drill

As part of its ongoing commitment to campus safety, Cerritos College recently conducted a large-scale active shooter response training. The Cerritos College Campus Police Department, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Norwalk Station, L.A. County Fire Department, and local first-responder agencies collaborated for months to put together the safety exercise that included two simulated active shooter scenarios staged on campus. The exercise also involved student volunteer “victims” and a surveillance helicopter. Although the drill was organized months ago, having the exercise just two days after the murder-suicide shooting occurred at UCLA made the experience more real -

Clubs & Organizations

istic for the participants. “The drill was an intense experience, especially after seeing the incident at UCLA,” said student volunteer Erica Davis. “Having this kind of training exercise on campus reassures us that our officers are well-training and prepared for emergency situations.”

“This exercise helps prepare the law enforcement and first responder agencies in the event of a large-scale emergency on the Cerritos College campus. The College will be participating in additional emergency response activities, drills, and training to ensure that the campus community is fully aware of our emergency procedures,” said the Cerritos College Chief of Police Tom Gallivan.

Dealing with Loneliness helps Seniors Stay Independent and at Home

Benina Sanchez had to learn how to live on her own after her husband passed away a couple of years ago. She has leaned many new skills, but the hardest part of this new normal was dealing with the loneliness.

Recent studies show that isolation/ loneliness among adults 50+ and older, is a growing epidemic and puts them 59% more likely to experience a decline in their ability to perform their daily activities. (National Institute on Aging Health & Retirement Study in the Archives of Internal Medicine).

Pathways Volunteer Coordinator, Meg Fisch, was contacted by a concerned family member and went out to meet with Benina. She observed that Benina was very upset, cried a lot and felt very isolated. She had a scooter to help her get around but didn’t have a ramp that allowed access for the scooter. Meg was able to call in a trusted volunteer to install a new ramp for her. This enabled Benina to gain access in and out of her house with complete freedom.

Benina was also provided a volunteer

who meets weekly with her to chat, run errands and occasionally take her out for a bite to eat. Benina say “My volunteers are my angels! I just don’t know what I would do without them!”

When Benina’s volunteer brought her to a recent Pathways event, the change in her was remarkable. She was dressed up, smiling and engaged in conversation…a complete contrast to how she was observed just a few short months ago. As we celebrate our nations Independence, Pathways also celebrates the Independence of Seniors who are helped through their programs and services.

Pathway’s is a local non-profit organization committed to providing compassionate care to those living with illness and loss. If you would like more information on their services or on how to become a volunteer, please go to their website at www.pathwayshospice.org or you can contact them directly at 562/531-3031.

Top-Performing Students Recognized at Live Well Fair

At this year’s Live Well Paramount Fair in Paramount Park – which focused on fitness, the arts, and education – the Paramount High students who had the top ten GPAs this past school year in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades were recognized by the City Council, School Board and PUSD officials. Here is a list of those accomplished young people.

10th Grade

Fernanda Corona

Maricarmen Ayala

Angel Macias

Chloe Phanuekthong

Edward mendoza

Karla Navarro

Alexis Torres

Jocelyn Meraz

Bryanna Paz

Evelyn Figueroa

11th Grade

Nayeli Vallecillo

Gabriel Garcia

Catherine Zaragoza

Judith Murillo

Jesus Salazar

Nicole Garcia

Zoe Dorothy Pamonag

Christopher Ruiz

Ezequiel Novoa

Arlene Aleman

12th Grade

Guadalupe Quirarte

Hector Galarza

Daniel Lopez

Avery De La Cruz

Maria Martinez

Carlos Brito

Carlos Loera

Diana Martinez

Jonalina Xavanna

Onneka Taitano

Congratulations are due to all for their outstanding work, with best wishes for continued success in the future.

Community News

Paramount High Student Daylon Flewelen Goes for the Gold

Daylon Joshua Flewelen is a 15 year old 10th grader at Paramount High School. He is a two-time gold medalist representing the ACT-SO Team in Long Beach. It was Daylon’s unique musical style and dynamic drum solo that earned him a Gold Medal in the category of Performing Arts/Contemporary Instrumental Music and a Silver m edal in the Humanities/Original Essay category for his captivating essay.

ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) is an enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among high school students. Each year students in local communities throughout the nation share their academic and/or artist achievements through this program. Awards are granted in an Olympic format with bronze, silver and gold medals presented to the highest achievers. Local gold medal winners advance to the National competition, where thousands of high school students from all over the country vie for National medals and more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Last year Daylon competed in the 2015 National Competition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although he did not place, Daylon said the experience made him a winner and gave him the drive to compete again in 2016.

Because of his performance in the competition, he was invited as a guest participant in the prestigious all-star ACT-SO Jazz Ensemble that performed for and during the Competition Awards Ceremony.

This year Daylon performed again for the Long Beach ACT-SO Team, and again Daylon’s blinder drum performance won him the Gold Medal. He has advanced to the finals and will be travelling with the Long Beach Team to Cincinnati, Ohio to compete in the ACT-SO National Competition to be held in July 2016.

Daylon made his music debut when he was just 3 years old. He quickly realized that music was his passion and as his talent and style developed, he performed for local churches and other venues that showcased the talents of young people; including participation as a member of the Paramount High School Marching Band. Although music is his first love, he also enjoys playing basketball and drawing.

Daylon Flewelen aspires to receive a full scholarship and attend a fouryear college where he will continue to develop his talent and pursue his goal to become a professional drummer. His ultimate goal is to open a music school that caters to kids who have a love and passion for music. He believes his drive and determination to achieve this dream will one day make it a reality.

10th Graders.

11th Graders.

12th Graders.

‘Voices of Compton’ Literary and Arts Journal Highlights Creative Talents of El Camino College Compton Center Students

Art and English students at El Camino College Compton Center were asked to explore themes of leadership for their participation in the 8th annual edition of Voices of Compton, a fine arts journal and competition that occurs each spring. More than 35 students were selected to have their literary compositions and artistic works published in the journal. The ECC Compton Center Humanities Division, Academic Affairs and Office of Student Life recognized the students’ exceptional academic and creative work with prizes in six categories.

Student-artist, Laura Blackwell, had two of her prize-winning paintings published in the journal, and both subjects are recognizable leaders with roots in the City of Compton. Blackwell’s second prize painting features a portrait of California State Senator Isadore Hall, III and her painting of Abel B. Sykes, Jr. received honorable mention. The oil painting of Sykes was featured in the “Educational Leaders” section of the journal; Sykes became the first AfricanAmerican president of the former Compton Community College in 1970.

For Blackwell, who began painting in 2012, art is her true passion. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and is now reinventing herself after retiring from Northrup Grumman in 2009. She plans to continue taking art classes at ECC Compton Center and transfer to California State University, Long Beach to pursue a master’s degree in fine arts.

“Having come from a family of artists, I have always been artistically inclined but was never formally trained,” said Blackwell. “While living in Italy for a year, I was inspired by my surroundings and decided to take an art class at a private school in Florence. That experience made me who I am today.”

Blackwell credits her first art instructor at ECC Compton Center, Cleveland Palmer, for helping her improve on her basic art skills. “The techniques I learned in the Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting classes really set a very strong foundation and prepared me for other art classes I would take,” she said. “The art instructors here generously share technique and motivate students to run with their creativity.”

Complete list of the winners of the 2015-16 Voices of Compton competition by Awards Category:

Essays: Keith Smith—1st Prize for “Benjamin Banneker: A Man of Science”

Audrey Casas—2nd Prize for “Selling a Dream”

Kwame Wutoh—3rd Prize for “Skyler: A Narrative about Fatherhood”

Joel De Leon—3rd Prize for “Alberto Calderon: Mathematician”

Zoie Thomas—3rd Prize for “Arkansas: Transformation of a Land”

Kevin Ikou—Honorable Mention for “Human Life”

Education Essays: Jose Castillo—1st Prize for “African American Mathematicians: An Uneven Equation”

Precious Lockhart—2nd Prize for “Positive Effects of Computers in the Classroom”

Adam Gordon—3rd Prize for “A Good Education Shouldn’t be Hard to Find”

Paintings:

Miriam Adams—Cover Artwork Prize for “Kendrick Lamar”

Tia Ellis—1st Prize for “Self-Reliance” and “Wealth vs. Poverty,” and Honorable Mention for “Music”

Laura Blackwell—2nd Prize for “Isadore Hall, III” and Honorable Mention for “Dr. Abel Sykes”

Sergio Cisneros—2nd Prize for “Xutapose”

Stephanie Lomeli—3rd Prize for “Stilletophone”

Anabel Arias—Honorable Mention for “Juan Reynoso”

Samuel Isidoro—Honorable Mention for “Jundge Kelvin P. Filer”

Spoken Word Art: Anthony Chuy—1st Prize for “Demented Ted”

Poetry: Patrick Erlandson—1st Prize for “before There Was Blood”

Bertha Navarro—2nd Prize for “Our Stormy Feud” and 3rd Prize for “My Truth”

Photography: Camille Lovely—1st Prize for “L.A. Love” and 2nd Prize for “Good Morning Sunshine”

The 2015-16 edition of Voices of Compton may be read in its entirety at: http://www.compton.edu/academics/div3/ humanities/docs/VOC_2016.pdf

www.You t ube.com

t hen go to the p aramount Chamber of Commerce channel to view chamber events and member videos

Yogurtland Has Arrived to Satisfy Paramount’s Sweet Tooth

Red Velvet Cupcake Batter. Alphonso Mango Tart. Macha Green Tea. Rocket Pop Sorbet.

No, these are not the names of the latest hit musical groups. They are, in fact, a small representation of the diverse and delightful flavor profiles available in Paramount’s latest outlet for sweet sensations … Yogurtland.

The new location of the largest and most popular frozen yogurt chain in Southern California has been open in Town Center West for a few months, and for many folks it couldn’t have come soon enough.

When Town Center West owner Northgate Markets recently redesigned and refurbished the shopping center, one of their goals was to bring in more food options for the City. They approached Dr. Abraham Kobi, a franchisee who has been involved with Yogurtland for seven years (the business started up a decade ago).

“Paramount is the kind of community we like to become part of,” he said. “We look for places with lots of families and nearby schools. In fact, we get involved with things like school fundraisers and setting up field trips for grade school and kindergarten kids to tour the back of our store so they can see how our operation works.”

That Northgate had made such improvements to the property and the City was undertaking a multi-million-dollar upgrade of Paramount Boulevard was also appealing. “In the shopping center, the outdoor patio was very attractive to us,” Dr. Kobi said. “And the changes going on throughout the downtown district are exciting and will help turn this area into an even more active retail corridor.”

Yogurtland provides a unique experience for downtown Paramount, and is a business known for its emphasis on qual-

ity. “We don’t just get a powder base and mix in milk, we do our manufacturing with real ingredients,” Dr. Kobi said. “The brand prides itself on not using anything artificial.” Only fresh, pure California milk is used that has no antibiotics or added hormones. (The manufacturing plant for Yogurtland, actually, is located in Paramount.)

At any one time there are 16 yogurt flavors available in the store, although there are more than 200 flavors in Yogurtland’s rotation. There are also dairy- and glutenfree options.

Throw in the multiple toppings and the sauce tower with a variety of premium sauces and real fruit purees, and you have “froyo” heaven. Creamy and cold and indelibly delicious, you won’t forget the taste and you will find yourself returning time and again.

Dr. Kobi, a Southern California native and USC and UCLA grad, said that during his short time in town he has come to appreciate many things about Paramount.

“We were very welcomed by the Chamber

of Commerce, they were supportive all the way through the opening process, as was the City,” he said. “Our experience in other cities has not always been the same. I really love the small town feel of Paramount and already feel close to the community.”

Yogurtland is located at 16289-E Para-

mount Blvd. and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Call (424) 381-4088 and ask for the manager to find out about fundraising and other events. Catering is also available with “Party to Go.”

Elected Officials, Paramount Chamber members, and residents join owners Dr. Abraham Kobi and his father Moshe Kobi for the grand opening of their Yogurtland on Paramount Blvd.

Paramount Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer presents a certificate of welcome to Yogurtland owners Dr. Abraham and Moshe Kobi.

Dr. Abraham Kobi and Paramount Chamber President Leonard Crespo (TotalWestern, Inc.).

Veronica Ledesma, representing Speaker to the Assembly, Anthony Rendonpresents a certificate to Yogurtland owners Dr. Abraham and Moshe Kobi.

Genesis Coronado representing Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, makes presentation to Yogurtland owners Dr. Abraham Kobi and Moshe Kobi.

Yogurtland owners receive Senate Certificate from Joseph Nuñez, office of Senator Ricardo Lara.

Stater Bros. Charities Sends 1,000 Care Packages to Deployed Local Service Members

Over 200 members of the Stater Bros. “Family” of Employees, friends, suppliers and representatives from Operation Community Cares (a local organization that supports our troops) gathered to prepare 1,000 care packages for local military members currently serving overseas in celebration of Armed Forces Day.

“We at OCC are so excited to have worked with Stater Bros Charities to continue the mission to boost morale for our men and women overseas. The feedback we continue to get has been overwhelming as to how much a care package can do,” said Ryan Orr, Vice President of Operation Community Cares. “To think some simple items sent with love, can lift spirits and make them smile! We are told it saves lives! God Bless Stater Bros. and all they do for our community,” Orr further added.

“Stater Bros. has a rich legacy of service to this great nation and a longstanding commitment to the support of our country’s veterans and service members,” stated Jack H. b rown, Executive

Chairman of Stater Bros. Markets and a Navy Veteran. “I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Armed Forces Day than by preparing care packages from the Heartland for our local military members to let them know we’re thinking of them and praying that they come home safe . . . and come home soon,” Brown continued.

About Operation Community Cares: Operation Community Cares is an organization that proactively supports the health and welfare of our American Servicemen and Women across the globe. Far too often, the commitment of our service people is forgotten and OCC specializes in programs that help service people to communicate and connect with family, friends and loved ones through the unique web-based environment. They have various programs that aim to support the troops’ personal needs. Best of all, OCC carries its commitment to service people that are at home as well. For some, returning home can be a very trying and stressful experience. Our troops deserve the very best.

Summertime in the City –Music, Sports, Water, Food

City spruces up with landscaping and benches, Paramount has a few actual mini-parks. They may be small, but they are important, meaningful spaces for their neighborhoods.

In the southwest part of town, at the corner of Caro St. and Ansmith St., there is a little park called Carosmith that recently underwent a big facelift. The turf surfaces were replaced with a new concrete pad that serves as a mini Futsal court that includes a goal. The park backs up to a business, and the owner of that property graciously allowed the City to paint a whimsical mural on the wall of a crowd seated in bleachers watching the games.

In addition to new lighting and droughttolerant landscaping, a multi-use piece of outdoor fitness equipment was added to the park. What was once a forlorn little place that didn’t get much use is now a sparkling recreational resource for residents in the surrounding area.

In another neighborhood, on the east side of town, there is tiny Pequeno Park at13931 Downey Ave. This little oasis for the kids in the neighborhood got a brand-new playground set just in time for summer vacation.

Splish Splash on Orange Ave.

The cool way to cool off on the west side of Paramount this summer is to join the wet set at the Orange Ave. Splash Zone.

This is the second year of operation for the zero-depth, interactive water park for Paramount’s kids. Since there is no standing water, it’s a safe environment for the little ones, full of colorful water toys, shade shelters, and other features for the delight of all.

The awesome aquatic sensation is open seven days a week from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Splash Zone is at 14618 Orange Ave.

Fresh Produce Fridays at Progress Park

Every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the Paramount Farmers Market is filling Progress Park with good things to eat. Summer fruits sweeten the atmosphere. Prepared foods make for a great outdoor lunch. Other delectable delights include baked goods, drinks, free-range eggs, and more. Vendors accept EbT. There’s plenty of free parking and the Easy Rider shuttle stops in the park.

Progress Park is located at 15500 Downey Ave. Come out every Friday and stock up for the weekend. The market operators are also looking for local entertainers to perform, local chefs to do cooking demos or use items for their menus, and Paramount businesses for mutual opportunities. Call (619) 379-8560 to learn more.

Real Estate Investment Syndication Risk

real Estate Syndication GM Properties, Inc.

Matt Wagner (562) 696-0200

Continuing from last month’s article, I wanted to expand a little from the overall picture that was painted regarding Commercial Real Estate Syndication and the risk that is involved with this type of Real Estate Investment.

Commonly understood market risks of ownership include: The purchase price, down payment, mortgage financing, costs of ownership, location, occupancy and rents, maintenance and recovery of cash on sale. The most prudent investors begin their risk of loss analysis by first judging the capabilities and competence of the actual Syndicator that would be organizing the Investment. Usually, capital risk is directly associated with the Syndicators experience, talents and commitment to the Investment. Three personality traits that successful Syndicators should have are: determination and focus, a known consistency of behavior and having an evident sense of purpose. As we learned before, the Syndicator is basically the manager of the Investment, which is why having these traits are key to helping with the success of the Investment. Another key for successful investment is to have a manager or Syndicator who has gone through at least one full real estate cycle, from boom to bust and back. Timing of this nature is best understood by individuals who have seen and understand the difference between concept of historical pricing and the

Community News

With hotter temperatures quickly approaching, the Energy Providers of Southern California – a joint coalition of Southern California natural gas and electric utilities, in partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission, California Independent System Operator, and local city governments – today announced Conserve Energy SoCal, an initiative to bring Southern California residents together to conserve energy, save money and reduce the risk of natural gas and electricity shortages this year.

In addition to existing conservation programs and financial incentives from local utilities,the Energy Providers of Southern California are expanding the effort by teaming up toeducate and encourage consumers to conserve electricity and natural gas through theConserve Energy SoCal initiative. The Energy Providers of Southern California willencourage conservation efforts, enact Flex Alerts during peak usage periods andprovide resources for the greater Southern California community. Through publiceducation and programming, as well as the collective efforts of all residents, businesses and agencies, the

reality of the price movements in their local market.

Usually investors agree to have all of the equity financing provided to the Syndicator that would be required to acquire the property. Investors agree to this “watered down” share agreement for property value increases in order to secure their claim to the priority distributions of spendable income and net proceeds of a refinance or sale before the Syndicator has claim to these proceeds. Unless the Syndicator is participating in the Investment with his/her own personal funds, the Syndicator’s claim to the properties’ income and profits should be subordinated. Investors dilute the earning power of their cash by sharing in future growth with a non cash investor, or Syndicator. Furthermore, as part of the dilution of the Investors earning power by sharing with the Syndicator, on a resale of the property, the Syndicator will receive the first profits, limited to the dollar value given to the Syndicators Class B interest.

In no instance should any of the Investors funds be used to compensate the Syndicator, the funds, also called equity financing, should be used solely to fund the acquisition of the property. The Syndicator will receive an ownership participation in the funded LLC for these pre acquisition efforts. Investors do not like to lose money. Real Estate Syndication Investing is not for everyone but it can be a very good passive investment for some people who perform the best due diligence practices on the actual Syndicator and his/her experience and abilities. Good Luck.

The following businesses renewed their membership in the Paramount Chamber of Commerce last month, they are celebrating another year

Energy Providers of Southern California aim to make 2016 a record year for conservation.

With the limited availability of natural gas from the Aliso Canyon storage facility, there isless natural gas locally to produce electricity, particularly during high-usage periods,which could lead to power outages. So it will be more important than ever to worktogether to conserve energy.

The Conserve Energy SoCal initiative will use interactive and educational programs toencourage the entire Southern California community to come together to reduce naturalgas and electricity consumption. To kick things off, the campaign will educate residentsand businesses about the role natural gas plays in electricity generation. Content willinclude comprehensive conservation tips, particularly during peak times when naturalgas shortages are more likely to impact the electric grid, perhaps even leading to poweroutages. Information on the benefits of using less energy, such as lower gas and electricbills for residents and businesses, will also be provided.

The Campaign will also feature the

www.ConserveEnergySoCal.com website, Twitterand Facebook social media accounts and paid advertising, all with the goal of educatingand engaging the Southern California community about the importance of energyconservation.

Having faced the ongoing statewide drought, Californians have already been successfulin adopting effective conservation habits and have witnessed the positive impact ofworking together. With the knowledge that 61 percent of electricity is generated atnatural gas-burning power plants, Southern Californians will now be asked to adopt thesame mentality in their efforts for energy conservation. Some consumers have alreadymade significant strides to make energy conservation a part of their routine by adjustingtheir thermostats, switching to lower wattage light bulbs and purchasing energy efficientappliances. Now, the Energy Providers of Southern California are calling on everyone toonce again band together in a joint effort to create meaningful change in the utilization of our resources. Doing so may help prevent electricity outages this summer.

Simple, But Effective, Ways to Motivate Your Employees Today

When it comes to motivating employees, some managers have no idea where to begin – especially if you’re a small business owner just trying to keep up with the regular day-to-day tasks. There are probably many business owners out there who don’t even realize how much power they have to motivate employees.

Whether you’re running an ice cream shop or an accounting firm, one fact remains: people want to feel secure, valued and respected. Recognizing these common desires is a great starting point for motivation, according to College of the Canyons SBDC advisor Mike Lester.

Lester explains, “You don’t need to spend money to motivate people. That’s something a lot of business owners believe. What owners need to do is understand what employees value.”

Behavioral economist Dan Ariely who was the author of the TED Talk: “What makes us feel good about our work?” echoes Lester’s statement. Ariely explains that employees are motivated by more than money.

“When we think about labor, we usually think about motivation and payment as the same thing, but the reality is that we should probably add all kinds of things to it: meaning, creation, challenges, ownership, identity, pride, etc.,” Ariely said in a recent TED article.

Lester adds to that list tangible motivators like paid time off, flexible work schedules and public acknowledgment.

“It’s important to make your team feel valued. You don’t want to play favorites, but you also want to reward a job well done. Managers have to assess each person’s goals and talents individually and offer incentives that work for them,” Lester points out.

So what can you do to get the best out of your team? Here are three popular

ways you can start motivating employees immediately.

1. SHOW THE m THAT THEIR WORK IS VALUED

There’s a reason “Employee of the Month” programs are so popular. They’re A) free to implement and B) they acknowledge hard work in a public way.

You can up the ante on this by offering the valued employee time off, a feature in the company newsletter, acknowledging their accomplishments at a company-wide meeting or event, donate to their favorite charity or something simple like giving him or her a week of casual dress days. Whatever you choose, this is a positive way to boost morale and show everyone that hard work is valued and rewarded

2. LEAD bY EXAmPLE

Lester cites being an example to your staff as a crucial aspect of motivating them. “The boss absolutely has to be an example to everyone else. If the manager can do the jobs of the people under him, he’s going to get more respect and people will want to do their best,” Lester said. This might mean helping staff out when work gets busy or working side-by-side with employees to see how processes can be streamlined to run more efficiently.

3. bE OPEN AND POSITIVE

Establishing an open-door policy makes employees feel respected and part of the team, Lester says. By allowing employees to openly discuss ideas and ways to improve processes, managers are sending the message that they value their input, intellect and interest in the company. The opposite of this, Lester notes, is shutting employees out and managing them like a drill sergeant would. Implementing an open-door policy and encouraging your team to

approach management with new ideas is something any manager can do. As simple as it sounds, small changes like this can yield big results.

After all, your average entrepreneur doesn’t have the budget to hire a team of expensive c-level employees with expertise in motivating employees. That job, most likely, is left to the business owner or a senior-level employee who may not have much experience managing.

The good news is motivating em-

ployees can be a relatively simple and inexpensive process that just requires a little bit of planning.

Contributing SBDC Consultant

mICHAEL LETSON

Special thanks to Michael Letson, business consultant at the SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons specializing in supply chain development and performance management.