The City of Paramount offers all sorts of fun and activities for residents during the summertime. The Community Service and Recreation Department maintains the City’s parks and related facilities and provides a healthy array of sports, classes, and excursions.
If you haven’t done so already, check out the new tot lot at Spane Park and the new picnic areas at Paramount Park. Special thanks are due to the Paramount Lions Club who donated ten new picnic tables at Progress, Paramount, All-American, and Spane parks that have built-in playing boards for chess and checkers.
Here’s a look at what you have to choose from this season.You can nd the complete Recreation summer newsletter on the City’s website at www.paramountcity.com on the homepage, along with a list and map of parks and facilities on the Parks and Recreation page. You can also get information about signing up for swim lessons, pool passes, and day camp on the homepage.
Healthy-Living
The City has created many free tness options for residents. Besides Salud Park, which is totally designed as an “outdoor gym,” tness stations and tness-oriented playground equipment have been installed at parks throughout the City.
Program Offers Kids Free Meals and Activities
The Paramount Unified School District and the City of Paramount’s Parks and Recreation Department are once again providing a free Summer Nutrition and Activity Program called Summer Fun Café.
The federally funded program offers meals and activities for children 18 and younger and is being held at all elementary and middle schools in the District (except for Jackson). It all begins on June 16th and concludes August 8th.
Summer Fun Café is a walk-in program, and no registration is necessary. Children are welcome to participate any time during operating hours.
Monday through Friday, a free nutritious breakfast is served from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
From 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., kids are led by staff members in such activities as sports, arts and crafts, and physical tness.
Then a free lunch is served from 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Summer Fun Café gives the kids of Paramount a great outlet 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.
Get All Wet at the Paramount Park Pool
The resort-style swimming pool at Paramount Park has a great slate of lessons, exercise options, and play time during the summer. For a full schedule of offerings and hours, go to the City’s website at www.paramountcity.com and check out the summer newsletter.
Call (562) 220-2121 for more details.
Summer Day Camp
Our Day Camp program is all-day summer recreation fun. Activities offered include physical tness activities, swim lessons, crafts, trips, movies, games and more. Space is limited and is given on a rst come, rst served basis. You can register at the Recreation Of ce at 15300 or online at the City’s website. If you don’t have an online account, you will need to create one rst at the Recreation Of ce. Just bring proof of residency or PUSD enrollment and proof of age with you.
Participants are ages 5 to 12, camp hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the program runs from June 16th through August 18th. Summer Day Camp takes place at the Paramount Park Gym and the cost is $75 per person per week.There is a free meal program available, but if you do not take part in that a sack lunch and snack must be sent with the child daily. Positions are also available for junior volunteers.
Activities for Seniors
Paramount has numerous opportunities for our seniors to get out and get active, in addition to a nutrition program with meals served at the Community Center as well as delivered to the home.
Senior Water Aerobics at the Paramount Pool is a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. The four-week, daytime sessionsbegin at the end of June. The classes are for ages 50 and above, and free for residents and members of Paramount Elderly Nutrition Program ($5 for non-residents).
This summer there will be trips to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Laughlin, the Orange County Fair, the Getty Villa Museum, Pala Casino and more. You can exercise, play bingo, work on a computer, and dance, all in the comfortable surroundings of the Paramount Park Community Center.
For more information, please call the Senior Center at (562) 220-2090.
Picnics in the Park
Summer, of course, is prime picnic time. When you picnic in a City park, please remember to follow the rules and regulations and help keep our parks safe, clean and fun for everyone.
• Picnic shelter areas are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Barbecue pits are available for your use. Please dispose of hot coals in the appropriate bins.
• No alcoholic beverages or glass containers.
• No inflatable bouncers or generators are allowed without a City permit.
• No loud or amplified music.
• Dogs are prohibited.
• No motor vehicles are allowed on the park.
• Use of fireworks are prohibited at City parks.
• Parks are closed at 8:00 p.m. (30-27.1 PMC).
For more information about recreational opportunities in Paramount, call or stop by the Community Services and Recreation Department at 15300 Downey Ave., (562) 220-2121.
The Paramount Traditional Artists Guild held its 16th annual contest for Paramount’s kindergarten through high school students this year. The winners were honored, and received their cash prizes from the Guild, at the City Council meeting on June 3.
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.
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.
There were a huge 1,296 entries from 11 Paramount K-8 schools, four middle schools, Paramount High, Paramount High West Campus, Buena Vista High, the Alternative Education Center, the Community Day School and Our Lady of the Rosary.
Congratulations are due to all of the following:
First-Place Winners
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.
• Kindergarten– Lesly Guevara (Los Cerritos)
• 1st Grade– Eros Alvarez (Gaines)
• 2nd Grade– Eva Jimenez (Jefferson)
• 3rd Grade– Stephen Salas (Hollydale)
• 5th Grade– Yulissa Galrez (Keppel)
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.
• 6th Grade– Jasmine Velasco (Alondra)
Walk With Me at Relay For Life
• 7th Grade– Crystal Gutierrez (Zamboni)
• 8th Grade– Andrea Torres (Zamboni)
• 9th Grade– Jacqueline Giron (Paramount High West)
• 10th Grade– Miya Daniel (Community Day School)
• 11th Grade– Ly Dapine Sony (Paramount High)
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.
• 12th Grade– Brianna Ramos (Paramount High)
I will be taking part with the Mayor
Special Award Winners
Best Use of Color – Marisela Payares (8th grade – Paramount Park)
Best Composition – Joel Sanchez (11th grade – Community Day School) Chamber of Commerce Award – Gyssella Rosales (9th grade – Paramount High West)
Superintendent’s Award – Carlos Hernandez (9th grade – Paramount High West)
Chairman’s Award – Geovanna Galvan (11th grade – Community Day School)
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.
Commissioner’s Award – Chanel Calderon (12th grade – Paramount High)
Mayor’s Award – Pablo Castillo (12th grade – Paramount High)
Resident Rates and Season Passes for Summer Swimming
Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations
The City is providing its annual lowcost vaccinations for all dogs and cats in the community at two special “VaccineA-Thons” this summer. The rst will be Wednesday, June 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the second will be held Wednesday, July 9, also from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. They will take place at Paramount Park, 14410 Paramount Blvd.
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.)
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.
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 nd a list of all these services, and their costs, online at www.mobilepetcare.com or a flyer at City Hall.)
Also available to residents and PUSD families this summer are season passes for use at both Paramount Park and Orange pools.
Flea control products Comfortis and NexGuard may be purchased at special prices. You can also have a microchip registration done for identi cation purposes (if your pet is ever lost) for $45 and nail trimming for $12-$15.
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.
Pet licensing can be done 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 call (562) 220-2121 with any questions.
Please remember – dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.
Swim Lesson Registration
Registration for summer swim lessons begins on May 19 for residents and PUSD
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.
County Recognition Goes to Senior Center Volunteer
Each year, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe honors senior residents
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
Invites you to attend a Open House / Ribbon Cutting El Comalon Mexican Food
Thursday, June 12th
15000 Paramount Blvd., Paramount
Beginning at 11:30 am
Lunch Served
RSVP: (562) 634-3980
in the communities of his district during Older Americans Recognition Day. This year, Maria Bazafkan of Paramount was thusly acknowledged, and we
our own hearty congratulations.
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.
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.
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.
Maria has been an active volunteer at our Senior Center at Paramount Park, helping as hostess, meal-server, and advisor,and is well-known for her special daily greetings. She arrives early every morning, bringing bright hellos and warm hugs that make everybody feel appreciated and welcome. Her personality and charm are a beloved addition to the Senior Center.
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.).
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
The Older Americans Recognition Day lunch given by the County happened to conflict with the City’s Mother’s Day celebration. Maria, illustrating her devotion to the Senior Center, didn’t want to miss the Paramount event. Consequently, Supervisor Knabe’s certi cate of recognition will be presented to her at the City’s Senior Commission meeting in July.
Temporary Parking Permits For RVs
Library Showing International Children’s Art Exhibition
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.
The Paramount Library is one of 19 Los Angeles County branches hosting the 43rd Annual International Children’s Art Exhibit.
Young artists from many different cultures and backgrounds participated in the competition by submitting over 200,000 pieces of outstanding artwork. Art students from the United States submitted over 1,500 entries.
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.
Selected artwork from this exhibit can be seen at the Paramount Library, 16254 Colorado Ave., through June 29. Call (562) 630-3171 for more information.
Prepare for Summer Mosquito Season
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.
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) says that we can potentially see more West Nile virus activity in 2014. Despite the drought, the warm weather and neglected water sources such as swimming pools and flowerpot saucers have provided perfect conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.
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.
Last year, West Nile virus affected nearly 400 people in California – more than a third of those were Los Angeles County residents. The State Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention anticipate West Nile virus will pose a similar public health threat again this year.
The vehicle will be moved for street sweeping.
GLACVCD urges residents to take the following safety precautions to protect against mosquito-borne diseases:
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
• Eliminate or manage all sources of standing water to discourage mosquito breeding every week.
Children ages 5 to 12 are eligible to participate in the camp, which runs from
• If you are outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and use an insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD).
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
“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.”
• Call 562-944-9656 or visit glacvcd.org if there is a significant problem or potential mosquito breeding source where you live or work.
– Bill Gates
Talking or Te ting on Cell Phones
Window Bars: Illegal and Unsafe
The Paramount Public Safety Department wants to remind residents that security bars on exterior windows are not only unsightly and dangerous, but also illegal in the City.
hanging banners as a tool to help businesses with advertising.
While Driving ot Worth t
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:
• 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.
Police and re of cials have long opposed these devices as a short-term solution to security that can have potentially fatal results. Many of these security measures being used to keep criminals out are trapping residents in during emergencies. The wrought iron bars hamper emergency situations where lives and property can be at stake – people get trapped by the bars in res and they die.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
• 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.
While the window bars are banned in Paramount, the City notes that there are more effective and safer options available. These include: Safety Film: Clear, tinted or reflective polyester laminated to the exterior window surface. This will hold glass together if it is broken and makes entry by burglars very dif cult. Other bene ts include fade reduction on furnishings, a decrease of heat and glare, lower heating and cooling bills, and less ultraviolet light let in.
• 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.
Alarm Systems: These have become more economical as improved technology has lowered installation costs. Industry gures suggest that homes without electronic security systems are three times more likely to be broken into than homes with them.
Enhanced Exterior Lighting: Outdoor lighting (combined with infrared motion detectors, automatic timers, and remote controls) guards against break-ins, eliminates hiding places, and increases safety by preventing falls.
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.
For more information on this topic, please call the City of Paramount at (562) 220-2002.
A ticket for 159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
Rules for Business Banners in Paramount
What can you do Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
Each year, On Patrol provides a review of the City’s ordinance that allows the use of
• Never text and drive.
• 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.
• No reading.
• No watching videos.
• Try not to get too involved with passengers.
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
Each business is permitted one banner, except for businesses located in corner suites (which can have two banners) and businesses occupying single-unit buildings (which can use four banners). One banner is permitted per building side.
Pro e t L AD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
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.
All banners must be professionally manufactured, and they need to be installed flat against the wall or facade and anchored at all four corners – they can’t hang in midair, be suspended only by the top edge, or be strung between buildings or trees. Businesses utilizing banners need to get a no-fee permit from the City, and renew it on a yearly basis. (It’s a simple, one-page form.)
This type of marketing can be of great bene t. There can, though, be a downside – if not maintained, banners will wear out and create a bad visual image. Paramount and its businesses have focused on creating an attractive cityscape, something a tattered, untended banner can compromise.
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 banner ordinance in Paramount is meant to provide an effective advertising tool for local merchants. If these signs become damaged, or if they hang badly, it’s in everyone’s best interests to set them straight and make repairs.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
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.
Now that summer is here, if you are taking a vacation 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.
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.
Summer Va ation ome Che ks
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
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.
B & B Carpets – Fast, Flexible, and Cost-Effective
B& B Carpets has no stunning showroom to display its wares. It deals in the very basics of flooring – carpet, vinyl, and laminate. The retailer doesn’t go after the typical market that most companies in the same business go after. And that’s just ne with Bob Bernard, since business is booming.
The roots of that business go back to a company called Bauhs Carpets that opened in 1973 in Wilmington. Bernard – who began his floor covering career in Upstate New York and came west in the early 1980s – purchased Bauhs in 1990. He eventually took over Boulevard Carpets, forming B & B in 2004 at its current Long Beach location on Artesia Blvd.
“The original owner worked with realtors who wanted to sell properties with new carpet and make them look as spiffy as possible for as little money as possible,” Bernard said. “I expanded that concept into property management companies. So our target market is doing repeat business with property management companies that handle multi-family units.”
As such, B & B is not your average retail flooring store. “A lot of other companies have the beautiful showrooms or prime locations,” Bernard related. “They often rely on people coming in off the street, and we don’t. Those retail stores can’t compete with us because they don’t do what we do.”
What B & B does is specialize in flexibility, speed, and price. A rental vacancy opens up, the property manager evaluates the maintenance needs. “It’s like clockwork,” Bernard said. “This needs to be done, that needs to be done, then the carpet needs to go in. It’s not unusual for us to get a phone call on Monday and install the flooring on Tuesday.”
Their larger focus may be on property management companies, but B & B Carpets still provides the same excellent quality and service to individual homeowners and commercial property owners for their floor covering needs. “We do any job, homes, businesses, and so forth,” Bernard said. “We just did a 30,000-square-foot building for Memorial Care in Fountain Val -
ley. But all of our customers get the product and work at property management prices.”
While the pricing is economical, the wide variety of products are from industry leaders such as Beaulieau, Mohawk, and Royalty (carpeting), Armstrong and Mannington (vinyl floors), and Quickstep (American-made laminate). Estimates are always free and their crews of professional installers show up on time and are careful and conscientious.
A longtime Paramount Chamber of Commerce member, B & B Carpets specializes in serving the local market but operates throughout L.A. and Orange counties. In fact, they will go wherever their clients have properties, doing work for one customer, for instance, in the Bay Area.
B & B Carpets is located at 1117 E. Artesia Blvd. in Long Beach. They can be reached at (800) 750-0228, (562) 428-7589, or bbcarpets@hotmail.com.
Paramount High School senior Pablo Castillawon third place for his drawing Mis Raices/My Roots in the 21st Annual Lucille Roybal-Allard Student Art Competition. He received a $500 scholarship and $150 for art supplies. In addition, Paramount High received a gift card to purchase supplies for its art program.The 131 entries submitted for the competition were judged on originality, technical skill, artistic presentation, and use of color and contrast. The winning artwork is on display in the congresswoman’s District Of ce in Commerce. From left: Paramount High School Principal Dr. Greg Buckner, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, Castilla, and Organizing Chair Teresa Palacios.
FREE BUSINESS COUNSELING
Special Thanks to Scholarship Selection Committee
The Paramount Education Partnership, Inc. announced the recipients of its 11th annual college scholarships at the recent Paramount High School Awards Ceremony. You can find the list – along with the donors from this year’s fundraiser – in this issue’s CityScape on the inside back cover. They can also be found on the City of Paramount’s website at www.paramountcity.com.
A dedicated committee of local volunteers spent many hours reviewing the 97 applications submitted to PEP this year.
Applicants were graded in a number of categories, including academic achievement, an essay, academic recommendations,
extracurricular activities, and nancial need.
A total of 24 Paramount students attending a university, community college, or trade school received scholarships this year.
Given the number of worthy applicants, the PEP Scholarship Committee had quite a job selecting the nal honorees. Our deepest thanks go out to the members of that Committee for all their hard work:
• Paula Coony of Paramount Iceland/Zamboni Merchandising Co.
• Paramount resident Mandy Stevens
• Flo Haynes of Weber Metals
• Lourdes Talamantes, School Counselor with Paramount Uni ed.
Top Pennies Providers Get Free Pepperoni and Cheese Lunch
Congratulations – and a special pizza party – were in order for the two classrooms in Paramount Uni ed who gave the most money during the annual Pennies For PEP fundraiser in April.
Each classroom in the School District, and the District of ce, had containers for kids and staff to drop coins into. A very generous $8,120 was raised for PEP college scholarships.
The top two campuses overall were Lincoln and Roosevelt elementary schools, each raising more than $1,000.Then,Ms. Mireles’ 8th grade at Paramount Park (above TOP) gave a generous $121.10 and Ms. Orozco’s 3rd grade classat Lincoln (above BOTTOM) donated a hefty $628.81. Those two classes were given the pizza parties, both attended by Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Superintendent Herman Mendez, and other school of cials.
Congratulations to the champion donors, and thank you to all who dropped their coins in the containers for the advancement of education in Paramount!
Avery De La Cru Wins Student Speaker Region Level Competition
Avery De La Cru Wins Student Speaker Region Level Competition
Teacher Appreciation Day Honors by Stonewood Center
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.
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.
Teacher Appreciation Day on the campus of St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy was a little extra special this year, when Stonewood Center in Downey, contacted the school with exiting news about 11th grade teacher Ms. Barriga being honored by Stonewood Center, Teacher Appreciation Week Award winner.
“Community Service-What Does It 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.
“Community Service-What Does It 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.
Students from St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy nominated Ms. Barriga without her knowing, for this award.
A total of 1,639 nomination forms were submitted by K-12 students to Stonewood Center, praising the qualities and attributes of these and many other dedicated individuals. Each day, a different teacher will be featured, and the mall will be sending that teacher a $25 gift card.
Club President Bill Kalpakoff said, “Our 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.”
Club President Bill Kalpakoff said, “Our 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, Avery, on a job well done
Congratulations, Avery, on a job well done
“I am very surprised by this recognition and would really like to thank the students for their nominations. I am so grateful to have students who make teaching a joy because of their open hearts and minds. It is already an honor for me to be able to do what I love which is teach Theology. This recognition really reveals the appreciative nature of our students at St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy”.
Congratulations to Ms. Sarah Barriga for being selected by Stonewood Center to be honored during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Ms. Sarah Barriga
Relay For Life in Paramount
On Saturday morning, May 3rd, Paramount residents and friends came out to Paramount Park for the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life, which honors cancer survivors, promotes the reduction of cancer risks, and raises money to help end cancer.Numerous teams came out to walk the track over a period of 24 hours and took part in other special ceremonies. The event raised $22,000.
HELP WANTED
THAT ARE
INFORMATION (310) 909-9019.
Now hiring, AUTO MECHANIC, BODY AND PAINT TECH., AND OUTSIDE SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER. Email Heraldsgarage@gmail.com or visit Herald’s Garage 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount.
Wanted: DRIVING SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR, must be over 25 years or older, a high school diploma and a clean driving record. Please call (562) 425-7665
BILINGUAL SALES in English & Spanish with basic computer skills. Also looking for WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE with inventory, order-picking, and/or UPS experience. Please call 562-408-1984 and ask for Ivette or send an email to mimi.kim@ptminconline.com for Mimi.
What to do after an accident?
Albert Henriquez MapfreInsurnace
(562) 215-5624
Immediately after an accident take the following steps
1. TURN OFF THE IGNITION OF YOUR VEHICLE and, if necessary, MOVE IT to a safe position OUT OF HARM’S WAY. The law requires that you stop at the accident scene.
2. Check all involved parties for injuries. If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.
3. Contact the police. By reporting the accident to the police and ling a report, you will help protect yourself from potential liability claims and legal action.
A POLICE REPORT IS REQUIRED IF THE ACCIDENT INVOLVES A HIT AND RUN VEHICLE, AND RECOMMENDED IF ANYONE WAS INJURIED or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed. WHEN POLICE ARE PRESENT AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE OBTAIN the police of cer’s name, phone number, and the police report number.
4. If your vehicle is not drivable, call a towing company to move your vehicle. OBTAIN the name, address, and phone number of the towing company.
5. As soon as possible, contact your insurance agent to report the accident.
Important Information That You Need To Know
1. Exchange the following information with involved parties:
• CONTACT INFORMATION (name, addresses AND PHONE NUMBERS)
• Year, make, model, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number for all vehicles involved.
2. Identify any witnesses to the accident and obtain their contact information
3. Do not admit fault. Give details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions.
4. If you have a camera in your possession, take photos of the damage to the vehicle, accident scene, and people involved.
Give Your Grand Children the Gift of Life
By Maria F. G alli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620
When you are trying to choose just the right gift for your grandchildren, you can have a tough time sifting through the newest trends and fads. Last week it was this pop star, next week it may be a new cartoon character. On top of that, you don’t want to get something that won’t last 10 minutes out of the package.
One gift that will last for many years is a life insurance policy. There are many reasons why it can be an excellent gift for your grandchild.
• Affordability – The younger the child’s age, the lower the premiums.
• Protection – Illness or injury may affect a child’s ability to purchase life insurance coverage later in life. Coverage purchased now will continue to provide protection, even if a child’s
health changes, provided premiums are paid as required by the policy.
• Financial Security – Life insurance can be the foundation for a strong nancial plan. The child may be able to borrow against the accumulated cash value (with interest charged) to pay for future expenses. While loans decrease death bene ts and cash surrender values, the proceeds can be used for important expenses such as a college education or the purchase of a home
Giving a gift of life insurance to your grandchild can be one of the most signi cant things you do during your lifetime. He or she may not understand at the time how important the gift is, but should grow to appreciate it in the future. Take the guesswork out of your gift shopping. Life insurance is a gift that will last a lifetime, talk to your local insurance agent for more information.
President Brenda Olmos (AppleCare Medical Group) presents Ambassador of the Quarter certificate of recognition to Pastor Deborah Jameson (Lifegate Foursquare Church).
Chamber President Brenda Olmos (Apple Care Medical Group) with Holly Noble (Mary Kay Cosmetics) winner of the business card drawing.
NE W MEMBE R
NEW M EMBER
10 Inventive Financing Methods and Resources for Your Small Business
Starting a new venture or ready to grow your existing business, what about nancing? A traditional bank will likely require evidence of cash flow, collateral and credit upfront. Maybe you would like to consider more options though, check out these ten inventive methods, a few pros and cons as well as resources for nancing your small business.
Did you know the SBDC can help you not only package your loan, but also help you shop for the best nancing option for your business? Contact us at 1-866-588-SBDC.
1. Friends and Family: Borrow-
ing from friends or relatives is a practical nancing option, especially for startups and could include low or no interest rates and often a much less rigorous contract. (+) Undoubtedly, the best form of financing is a gift from friends or family. If not, issuing a percentage of equity in the business is also an option or drafting a formal promissory note to evidence the debt (later convertible into equity if desired.) (-) Personal relationships could be damaged, but keeping an open and frequent line of communication with friends or family is advisable.
2. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI): Traditional banks might refer you to a CDFI, lending smaller amounts typically $50,000 or less for different purposes like working capital, equipment, or supplies. (+) Often these loans can have less stringent requirements and for established businesses, it can be a generally simple application process with flexible pricing. (-) These loans can have higher upfront fees or interest rates as they may be riskier. Resources: VEDC, PCR, EDC-VC or see
your local SBA Of ce for a list of Micro Lenders.
3. City and County Loan Programs: (+) Cities and counties both want to build attraction to their area(s) and create jobs, thus they may offer businesses lower interest loans to relocate or modernize, for special projects, or even for environmental purposes. Some cities also offer grants for beauti cation or salary subsidies. (-) Not all cities or counties offer incentives or even have loan programs. Resources: Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIB), City of Long Beach, City of Los Angeles, Ventura County (EDC-VC).
4. Nonpro t Agencies: A nonpro t agency such as the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) can offer a developing business an interest-free loan up to $15,000 for ve years to promote positive influence in the community and economic development. The JFLA requires two co-signers, a business plan and cash flow projections, and the applicant must demonstrate need and ability to repay the loan. More on requirements click here.
5. Product Presales: You might consider instituting a policy of collecting 50% of the cost of the good as a deposit and collect the remaining 50% once the good is shipped, allowing you the flexibility to pay for inventory, materials, labor, manufacturing costs as well as other operating expenses, as appropriate. (+) Presales represent an interest free source of nancing for inventory and/ or manufacturing costs as well as other operating costs once goods are delivered. (-) Many times, supporting such a purchasing policy may not be feasible for established businesses.
6. Factoring: Through factoring businesses can access nancing through borrowing against their accounts receivables. (+)Helpful for businesses in a period of growth whereas it may seem risky for a traditional bank to lend, for businesses with limited credit history, businesses in volatile industries (e.g. garments), or businesses with few but quality clients (e.g. large retailers). (-)A business owner concedes control over their accounts receivables; obligated to pay
factor advances rst upon collection of A/Rs, any service fees and interest relating to the factor advances.
7. Crowd funding: Crowd funding can come in different forms including: issuing “lenders” equity, debt or a “reward.” (+) You can prefund your product, create a customer base and face easier investor relations with a potentially larger pool of funds. Sometimes, other organizations can help manage your crowd funding campaign. (+/-)Often geared toward speci c projects, industries, or causerelated activities, but not always. (-) If the transaction is debt related you could face a higher interest rate, if equity related you also risk losing a piece of your business and an element of transparency with regard to your business plan. Note: It is highly advisable to have any intellectual property well protected before engaging in any crowd fundingactivities. Resources: (reward) Kickstarter, Indiegogo, PeerBackers (Debt) SoMoLend, Funding Circle, (Equity), Grow VC, MicroVentures.
8. Credit Cards: The purpose of your loan should always dictate nancing; short-term need and shortterm nancing vs. long-term need and long-term debt. (+) For short term seasonal needs, a credit card offers fast cash, convenience, and a nancial cushion. (-) Credit cards will generally have higher interest rates than bank loans or lines of credit, making it more expensive to borrow. Note: Assure that your business source of income is used to pay the credit card down as soon as possible. Resources: Business credit card reviews and comparisons, NerdWallet, SBA determining your nancing needs.
9. Online Lenders: Some companies are creating online marketplaces to connect small businesses with lenders offering loans from $5,000 to $150,000 in some cases. (+) Some of these lenders may have different scoring models than banks, focusing on cash flow rather than the credit score of the business owner, and have quicker processing times. (-) Typically, these loans are more expensive and may have very speci c or shorter pay back periods. Resources: Smartbizloans.com, OnDeck, Biz2Credit.
10. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): (+) If considering a loan against your home’s equity, it is highly advisable to apply for a direct business loan, supported by your equity versus directly borrowing against the equity in your home. It may be relatively easier to access capital using this method versus a traditional loan. (-) Most banks may suggest a home equity line rst before a business loan because it is backed by your home’s equity. You are personally guaranteeing your home for this capital, so a bank can foreclose if the loan is not repaid.
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-onone consulting in business planning, nance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment to help with your marketing for 2014 or just for a business tune-up call: (562) 938-5100 or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu
HOW TO KILL A BUSINESS IN TEN EASY STEPS
EL PODER DEL PERDON
DK Counseling (323) 251-7511
David y Klaudette
Hola, que tal queridos amigos lectores de PULSE, aquí saludándolos nuevamente con otro importante tema que nos ayudara a mejor nuestra vida y nuestras relaciones, se trata de la maravillosa palabra que alivia muchas desgracias, el PERDON. Pero antes de entrar a este tema repasemos un poco de lo que hablamos la edición pasada, hablamos de una estrategia para controlar el enojo llamada: El modelo REPIENSA que consiste en siete pasos:
Primer Paso: RECONOZCA cuando está enojado.
Segundo Paso: EMPAT I CE con los sentimientos de la otra persona.
Tercer Paso: PIENSE sobre la situación de una manera diferente.
Cuarto Paso: INTEGRE el respeto y el amor en el momento de expresar el enojo y hable en primera persona.
Quinto Paso: ESC U CHE lo que la otra persona le está diciendo.
Sexto Paso: NOTE cómo reacciona su cuerpo cuando está enojado.
Séptimo Paso: Saber concentrarse en el presente y no en los problemas del ayer.
Si ya implemento esta estrategia en su diario vivir lo felicitamos. No se desanime si todavía no logra dominar alguno de ellos, con el tiempo vera que al practicarlos se harán un habito en su vida y los demás lo notaran.
Ahora entremos en el tema de esta edición: EL PODER DEL PERDON. Que palabra tan maravillosa, dulce y tierna que para muchos les ha sido difícil decirla en el momento másnecesario, y que por no decirla les ha traído graves consecuencias. Tal vez usted ha estado esperando ansiosamente que le pida perdón alguien a quien usted tanto ama, pero no ha llegado esa palabra que repara muchas heridas ondas de su corazón. Perdónes una simple palabra, pero con un poder de restauración grandísimo cuando la expresamos con toda sinceridad. Pero a todo esto, ¿Qué realmente significa la palabra PERDON? Perdón signi ca: Remisión de la pena merecida por la ofensa recibida. Es cancelarle la deuda a nuestro deudor. Perdonar no signi ca olvidar o negar las cosas dolorosas ocurridas. Perdonar es la poderosa a rmación de que las cosas malas no arruinaran nuestro presente, aun cuando hayan arruinado nuestro pasado.Muchos de los padecimientos que aquejan tanto a nuestro cuerpo como a nuestra
Scholorships for PHS seniors Donate to Vets in L.B. Vets Hospital
Meetings every Monday night 730pm HALL FOR RENT Weddings * Quinceaneras * Birthdays Max 250 people 8108 E. Alondra Blvd • 562
mente y espíritu son provocados por resentimientos que llevamos guardados durante mucho tiempo, y por tanto sólo tienen un remedio: PERDONAR. El perdón es la única forma de reconciliarnos con nuestro pasado y construirnos una vida feliz; proviene de la decisión de aceptar a los demás y a nosotros mismos con virtudes y defectos, con fortalezas y debilidades. Hoy en la actualidad muchas familias viven divididas, Padres que no se hablan con los hijos, matrimonios arruinados, amistades de años desbaratadas por la falta del perdón. Esta pequeña palabra que consta de seis letras, pero con un signi cado grandísimo, que al aplicarlo a nuestra vida trae cambios enormes en nuestras relaciones con los demás.
La falta de perdón es como un veneno que tomamos a diario a gotas pero que nalmente nos termina envenenando. Muchas veces pensamos que el perdón es un regalo para el otro, sin darnos cuenta que los únicos beneciados somos nosotros mismos. El perdón es una expresión de amor. El perdón nos libera de ataduras que nos amargan el alma y enferman el cuerpo. No signi ca que estés de acuerdo con lo que paso, ni que lo apruebes. Perdonar no signi ca dejar de darle importancia a lo que sucedió, ni darle la razón a alguien que te lastimo. Simplemente signi ca dejar de lado aquellos pensamientos negativos que nos causaron dolor o enojo.
El perdón se basa en la aceptación de lo que sucedió. La falta de perdón esclaviza a las personas desde el resentimiento, te mantiene encadenado. La falta de perdón es el veneno más destructivo para el espíritu ya que neutraliza los recursos emocionales que tienes... El perdón es una declaración que puedes y debes renovar a diario. Muchas veces la persona más importante a la que tienes que perdonar es a ti mismo por todas las cosas que no fueron hechas de la manera que pensabas. “La declaración del Perdón es la clave para liberarte”. ¿Con que personas estas resentido?, ¿A quiénes no puedes perdonar?, ¿Eres acaso infalible y por eso no puedes perdonar los errores de otros? “Perdona para que puedas ser perdonado” y “Recuerda que con la vara que mides serás medido”. El perdón no es un sentimiento es un mandamiento y una decisión que debemos tomar. Si quieres empezar a restaurar tu vida, tus relaciones con los demás y sentirte libre, es tiempo de hacer el orgullo a un lado y decir PERDONAME…
