State of the City Address 2017
Paramount Chamber President Gary Johnson began the 2017 State of the City Address by thanking the event sponsor AltAir Paramount. He congratulated the City of Paramount on their 60th anniversary, and reminded everyone in attendance that the Paramount Chamber was celebrating their 70th anniversary.
Johnson went on to say, “the Chambers mission is to promote the City of Paramount and facilitate programs and services that promote economic growth in the City.” He pointed to the Chamber website and Facebook page as great sources of information for events and community promotion. President Johnson spoke about monthly business workshops that take place at the Paramount Chamber Business Resource center, and free one-on-one business counseling for new or existing businesses.
Next to speak was Paramount Unified Superintendent, Dr. Ruth Perez. Dr. Perez shared the districts focus for the coming years will be getting students college and career ready, providing high quality teaching, fostering parent and community partnerships, and creating a positive school climate conducive to learning.
Perez said, last year the district paid for more than 4,000 students to take PSAT and SAT tests, and that graduation rates for the district continue to climb.
She spoke with great pride about the 2016 Gold Ribbon schools which were recognized at the State and National level for having test scores higher than the state average, they included; Hollydale, Collins, and Mokler. Additionally, Alondra Middle School, Jackson School, and Zamboni Middle School were all re-designated as schools to watch.
Closing the program were Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer and City Manager John Moreno. Moreno said, “from a financial
aspect, our house is definitely in order. We had another balanced budget in 2016 with a surplus of $285,000 which pushed the general fund reserve over the $12 million mark for the first time.”
In 2016, in addition to the City’s standard annual audits, were audited by the State for specific grant money received for the STAR after school program. The grant is close to $2 million each year, and the City passed the audit with flying colors.
Mr. Moreno spoke about the following improvements to City facilities: public Wi-Fi at three facilities; a new roof and air conditioning units at Progress Park Plaza; a new roof, lobby flooring, and restrooms at the Community Center; new ADAapproved automatic doors at Spane Park; and new field lights at All-American Park. There were also the traditional infrastructure improvements like fixing sidewalks and paving and slurry sealing streets.
The premier project for 2016 was the Downtown Urban Renovation, a $5 million project funded mostly by former redevelopment bond money. To further help with the downtown transformation, the City Council approved changes to the municipal code to attract more modern uses like brew pubs, art galleries, and cookware shops and outlaw uses not compatible like adult novelty and check cashing.
The City broke ground on
the Clearwater Crossing restaurant project at Alondra and Paramount, and IHOP will soon be coming to town.
The rapidly-growing Grocery Outlet chain has just opened a store at Alondra and Downey Ave., and the City now has a third Starbucks at Rosecrans and Downey. Pizza Hut relocated to a larger restaurant at Downey and Alondra. Ono Hawaiian Grill signed a lease and will be locating next to Pizza Hut.
In 2016 the City also saw the incredible success of small businesses like Horchaterria Rio Luna on Alondra, who will soon be moving to a larger location in the new downtown. Unemployment in 2015 was at 6.8%. This year it has dipped further to 5.7%. At the height of the recession local unemployment was over 18%. Median property values in Paramount increased from $345,000 in 2015 to $400,000 in 2016. This trend spurred activity as a new 30-unit housing development got underway near the Home Depot and an 8-unit housing project at the corner of Indiana and Somerset.
The City Council has always made public safety its number one priority. Last year, the City created a new Park Patrol deputy assigned to patrol the parks, meet with little leagues and others…all in an effort to better the quality of life for residents and park goers.
Paramount is one of five cit-
ies serviced by the Lakewood Regional Sheriff’s Station. To ensure Paramount’s voice is being heard at the regional level, the City holds monthly meetings with the Station Captain Allen Castellano and the Paramount team.
There was a 5% uptick in the crime rate. However, overall crime in Paramount continues to be at historical lows. And the uptick was lower than the Lakewood regional area increase of 10% and the overall County increase of 7%.
Certain crime categories saw a decrease: aggravated assault dipped 7%, burglary dropped 8%, and grand theft auto fell a whopping 20%.
The Public Safety team is forever vigilant and pledges to keep a lid on crime this year. But they need the help of the public and definitely got it in 2016. The Neighborhood Watch program held 17 meetings with 403 participants. The City worked with Kingdom Causes, a nonprofit that provides services to the homeless. We all know, homelessness is definitely a countywide, if not a statewide, epidemic.
In response to officer-involved shootings across the country the City was approached by Pastor Grady Jones to help host a Unity in the Community educational forum at his New Commandment Baptist Church. This was an opportunity for law en-
forcement and members of the community to come together to discuss ways to form a better understanding of one another. A similar event was also held at Emmanuel Reformed Church and was equally successful.
The City did a lot of outreach through social media and followers are growing dramatically. There is also a video series with some of the City’s talented young Recreation kids who film themselves visiting City events and advertising City programs.
The Council also began the Mobile City Council program. Each quarter, they jump on a bus and visit a quadrant of the City along with the executive staff. They end up at a specific location, usually one of the parks, and have a meet and greet with residents.
The City also started a program to honor the men and women from Paramount who currently serve in our armed services. The program recognizes local heroes with a street banner that has their name and branch of the military. So far 35 banners have been hung on Paramount Blvd. between Somerset and Rosecrans. The families of these brave men and women truly appreciate the recognition.
In 2016 to engage the youth of Paramount the City formed its first Youth Commission comprised of 15 high school
Paramount Chamber President Gary Johnson Superintendent Dr. Ruth Perez
Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer
City Manager John Moreno
Recipient of Senator Ricardo Lara 2015 Excellence in Business Award
Ending My Year as Your Mayor
My year-long term as mayor comes to a close this month, and I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to our residents and my fellow councilmembers for giving me the opportunity and the honor to serve.
I’ve lived in Paramount for 60 years and I know this is a fantastic community. We’ve been through a lot over the decades, we’ve faced challenges as a community. We have always come out on top, have always worked together with a positive attitude to get things done. And that spirit remains today.
So thank you, again, to everyone who makes Paramount such a great place to live, work, and play.
Sock Hop Reminder
Remember to come out on Saturday, March 11 for the 60th Anniversary Community Sock Hop from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Paramount Park Gym.
The event will feature the 1950s-flavored musical stylings of Lil’ Mo and the Dynaflos. There’s no cost to get in but there is only room for the first 350 guests.
There will be a dance floor, photo booth, ’50s dance demonstrations, decorations to invoke the era, and food for purchase.
Then on Saturday, June 10, we’ll have the 60th Anniversary Heritage Festival at Paramount Park from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. This will also feature musical performances: a 1950s-era group from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and La Sonora Dinamita from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Free Income Tax Help and Other Filing Information
According to Rep. Lucille RoyballAllard’s website, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to taxpayers who have an income generally of $53,000 and below and who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.
The VITA sites near Paramount include:
The Weingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Ave., Lakewood, 90712; (562) 630-6141.
People’s Community Center, 9121 Long Beach Blvd., South Gate, 90280; (323) 537-2760.
Saint Helen Church, 9314 Madison Ave., South Gate, 90280; (323) 563-3522.
AAB - Bell Gardens, 6423 Florence Pl., Bell Gardens, 90201; (562) 806-5400.
The Barbara J. Riley Com. Sr. Ctr., 7810 Quill Dr., Downey, 90242; (562) 904-7223 (for seniors only).
You will need to bring:
• Valid photo ID – driver’s license, California photo ID, or passport.
• Date of birth, Social Security numbers for taxpayer, their spouse, and dependents if applicable.
• Income tax documentation including W-2, W-2G, 1099-R from all employers.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks and other financial institutions (Form 1099).
• Total amount paid for day care per child. Bring day care provider’s address, phone number, and tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security number or business employer identification number).
• Current tax year’s package if you have received one.
• A blank voided check for bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of refund.
• Copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available.
In addition to the VITA program, the IRS offers a Free File option for everyone, regardless of income. You can visit the IRS Free File website at www.irs.gov/uac/FreeFile:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free to learn about the different options and how to take advantage of this program when filing your federal taxes.
Also, you may be interested to learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit, also known as the EITC. The EITC is a credit for people who earn low-to-moderate incomes (individuals with earned income less than $46,997 and married couples filing jointly with income less than $52,427). Visit www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earnedincome-tax-credit/do-i-qualify-for-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc.
And, finally, the IRS also has a resource for small businesses. Go to www.irs.gov/ businesses/small-businesses-self-employed to find information, forms, and publications that small business owners and entrepreneurs need to have.
Check Out Paramountenvironment.org
If you haven’t heard already, the City has launched a community resource website that provides the latest news and monitoring information about environmental issues in town. Paramountenvironment.org is a centralized source of updates, articles, and links to primary data sources designed to help supply answers on a range of questions for residents and businesses.
Examples of recent postings include answers to public questions asked at the second City Council Air Quality Sub Committee meeting, monthly water testing results, and an article on the actual number of metal-related businesses in Paramount.
The goal of the website is to provide a single source of transparent information customized to the residents of Paramount. Integrated Google Translate is available on the site for conversion of the content into Spanish.
For anyone who does not have access to a computer or smart phone, computers are available for free use at the Paramount Library (562.630.3171) and the Community Learning Center at Spane Park (562.220.2250). For times that they’re open, please call the listed numbers.
Download “Paramount Works” to Report Maintenance Items
If you haven’t done so already, download the free app “Paramount Works” onto your smart phone to alert City staff about maintenance issues around town so they can be dealt with in a timely manner.
If you see graffiti, potholes, stray shopping carts, burnt-out street lights, furniture or debris in a street or alley, or similar items, Paramount Works is a quick and easy way to report them.
The app is available for free downloading from the App Store or Google Play.
By the way, the City also has a graffiti hotline. Call (562) 220-2233 to report the vandalism so City crews can wipe it clean. Reporting can be done anonymously.
Our graffiti removal team is out on a regular basis patrolling parks, alleys, large walls, and other areas that attract taggers. Our goal is to remove any graffiti within 48 hours (and it usually gets done quicker than that).
“Integrity is everything. With it, you can weather all storms. Without it, even little things will derail you Hold true to your commitments because relationships are either built or undone by them.”
Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer
– Michael Stevenson
Watch for Tax Season Scams
people have lost millions of
Talking or Texting on Cell Phones While Driving – Not
and their
scams and fake IRS communication. For a full look at different scams, visit www.irs. gov/uac/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.
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.
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
Scammers make unsolicited calls claiming to be IRS officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill. They con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may also leave “urgent” callback requests through phone “robo-calls,” or via a “phishing” email, a phony email that looks like it’s from the IRS and asks the reader to send personal and bank account information. The IRS will never email you to ask for your personal information.
• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
Scammers have even begun politely asking taxpayers to verify their identity over the phone. But many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may even threaten to arrest, deport, or revoke the license of their victim if they don’t get the money.
• 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.
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.
Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address, and other personal information to make the call sound official.
New Tactics
• 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.
Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, but now the IRS is receiving new reports of scammers calling under the guise of verifying tax return information over the phone.
Scam artists call saying they have your tax return, and they just need to verify a few details to process your return. The scam tries to get you to give up personal information such as a Social Security number or personal financial information, such as bank numbers or credit cards.
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.
Here are some things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam.
The IRS will never:
• Call to demand immediate payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you several bills.
A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
• Call or email you to verify your identity by asking for personal and financial information.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
The class from Jefferson recently went on a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance. (They will also go to a local courthouse). In addition, Project LEAD’s curriculum includes speakers connected to the criminal justice system and a mock trial involving either drug selling or gun possession on campus. Students are assigned roles and argue a criminal case to a jury consisting of other students. Teachers and parents attend, too.
• Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
• Never text and drive.
• Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone or e-mail.
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.
At the end of the program, the kids will participate in a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion from the D.A.’s Office at a meeting of the Paramount Public Safety Commission.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.
Tax Preparer Fraud
• No eating or drinking while driving.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
A good tax preparer will ask you plenty of questions and use your receipts to see if you qualify for deductions.
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
• No grooming.
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
• No reading.
• No watching videos.
Here are some tips from the IRS when choosing a tax preparer:
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.
Some tax preparers will make big promises, even if that means illegally giving false information on your returns. Remember, even if someone else prepares your taxes, you are responsible for what you file and will face the penalties if something is inaccurate.
• Try not to get too involved with passengers.
Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.
• Be cautious of tax preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than anyone else.
• Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the amount of the refund.
• Use a reputable tax professional who signs your tax return and provides you with a copy for your records.
Simple Strategies for Better Event Marketing
• Make sure they have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. Only attorneys, certified public accountants, and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS.
Friday, May 16, 2014 - 10am to 12pm
• Never agree to have any portion of your refund deposited into your tax preparer’s bank account. Your refund should be sent to you or deposited into your bank account.
State of the City Address 2017
Continued from Front Page
students, a combined effort between the City and the five service clubs in town. They meet monthly and have given lots of helpful ideas. They are also going to be very helpful with City events and service club functions. They are a group of bright young women and young men who could someday be our leaders.
The City got sobering news from the AQMD in late-October 2016 when they detected high levels of the toxin hexavalent chromium coming from two businesses in the industrial sector. This caused a flurry of activity among the media and the regulatory agencies to investigate what some referred to as “just the next pollution episode to hit southeast Los Angeles County.”
However, knowing Paramount being labeled as “the next pollution episode to hit southeast LA County” will NOT stand for a community and a City Council that expects more. For a community that has faced challenges, and we’re talking grave challenges, in the past and has always come out on top, this latest challenge was a rallying cry.
When AQMD came to the City Council in the summer of 2016 to discuss expanded monitoring in the industrial area, the City bent over backwards to get monitoring devices installed as quickly as possible.
When AQMD discovered the spike in late-October, the City immediately went to work offering whatever resources the AQMD would accept to find the source. This included city code enforcement officers who put their caseloads aside and exclusive use of City facilities for inspection team briefings and the administrative staff to give public presentations.
The City Council Air Quality Sub Committee was formed to develop policy ideas within the City’s authority, and the City Council authorized $50,000 to purchase air monitors that AQMD will maintain for the long term. The Council passed a moratorium on new metal businesses in town and the expansion of existing ones. The City hired consultants specializing in environmental issues to empower the City to be an active partner with the regulating agencies and to keep residents informed.
There was outreach to federal, state, and county elected representatives. The City attended, addressed, and testified at board meetings and hearings to express the City’s constant and profound concerns, and launched an online community information portal on issues related to air quality in town.
This is just the short list. The City will continue to work proactively every way they can with AQMD, other agencies, and the community at large until these concerns are resolved. From the looks of the latest air monitor readings, AQMD may be getting close to resolving this.
It is Paramount’s persistent attitude that keeps things going, even through the most difficult times…times like these will show that our community,
once again, can and WILL overcome great challenges that we are faced with.
During 2016, education was still a priority as the City continued their close relationship with the Paramount Unified School District. The STAR after-school program at 15 campuses continues at capacity with kids getting homework help closely tied to the school district’s curriculum. The kids also are required to actively participate in physical fitness… no couch potato, video-gaming allowed.
In regards to the PEP scholarship program, the City raised $135,435, with the majority of this coming from generous businesses. Of this amount, the schools themselves raised over $20,000 and Jackson School, in particular, raised a phenomenal $10,000 during the Pennies for PEP drive. All of this helped the City give out 24 scholarships to Paramount college students. Over the life of the program, $728,000 has been raised and 250 scholarships awarded.
In 2016, the City worked with the Tepic Sister Cities to establish the City’s first Dia Del Los Niños at Paramount Park. The quarterly Pitch-In Paramount had 376 volunteers help clean up parts of the City, haul away trash, paint out graffiti, and do exterior home repairs for those in need. Many of these volunteers came from our churches and high school clubs like the Junior ROTC.
Chamber members helped the Red Cross during four events to install close to 1,300 smoke alarms in homes throughout town. Hundreds of Paramount families can sleep peacefully knowing that they have a working smoke detector.
A Concert in the Park Series was started during the summer that featured a food truck row and a wide range of music to the community at no charge. The City will build on that success and hope for even larger crowds next year.
The Farmers Market was revamped and relocated to Progress Park. The Market now has enhanced offerings, is much larger, and has better attendance than the previous market. There are anywhere between 12-14 vendors. It is open every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A second look was taken at some long-standing City events and a little something was added. At the Halloween Carnival, a Haunted House. At Breakfast with Santa, the City built a Santa Cabin for photos to offer the community a less-expensive photo alternative to the shopping mall.
And preparations began to mark the City’s 60th anniversary. The celebration kicked off with a birthday cake and historical display at a January City Council meeting. There was a contest in the graphic design program at Paramount High School for the official 60th Anniversary logo. The winner was Ms. Jazmine Solorzano. Everyone is very excited for the two community events coming up celebrating Paramount’s 60 years of incorporation, the 1950s sock hop in March and the Heritage Festival in June.
Deadline Approaching for Scholarship Submissions
Current college students and non-Paramount Unified School District applicants have until the end of the day on Friday, March 17, to turn in their finished PEP college scholarship applications to Paramount City Hall or the Recreation Department.
Hard copies are available at Paramount City Hall, the City Yard/Recreation Office, and the Chamber of Commerce. Copies can also be downloaded on the City’s website (www. paramountcity.com).
Graduating seniors attending Paramount High School will not use the applications mentioned here. They will complete the Common Scholarship Application that allows them to apply to seven other local scholarships, in addition to PEP, with just the one application. These are available through their academic counselors, and will be submitted through them.
PEP scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to students attending a community college and $3,000 to students attending an accredited four-year institution within the U.S, including vocational/trade/technical schools. This jumps to $4,000 if attending a University of California campus.
Paramount City Hall is located at 16400 Colorado Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. The Paramount Recreation Department is located at 15300 Downey Ave., Paramount, CA 90723. The applications can be delivered either in person or by mail.
Learning Center Offers Variety of Adult Classes
In conjunction with PEP, the City of Paramount operates the Paramount Petroleum Learning Resource Center at Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave. In addition to various programs for students, the Center offers the following programs and classes for adult residents.
Occupational Preparation and Basic Skills
This class is designed to build essential job competencies, evaluate potential vocational abilities, and provide job-readiness skills to obtain employment in today’s competitive job market. It takes place Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You must register through Adult Education and Diversity Programs at Cerritos Community College.
Adult Aerobics Class
A healthy lifestyle tends to produce a healthy mind. PEP seeks to provide opportunities aimed at promoting this kind of activity. If you are looking to improve your cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination, and percentage of body fat, this fitness class can help. Classes are offered Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Adult Basic Skills Learning
This class is designed for adults who have basic English language skills and need reinforcement in grammar, writing, speaking, and reading. The class is a small group so all students are guaranteed individual time and the instructor can better meet their needs. The use of educational software, workbooks, and educational websites allows students hands-on instructional practice. Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Parenting Classes
These provide proven strategies for parents dealing with children who have behavioral problems, truancy, failing grades, drug/alcohol use, and gang involvement. For dates and times, please call (562) 220-2250.
Parent Workshops
The purpose of these workshops is to educate parents on issues such as self-esteem, eating habits, child obesity, drug and substance abuse, communication techniques, women’s health, domestic violence, and child abuse. For dates and times, please call (562) 220-2250.
Adult Computer Class
Cerritos College holds a free basic computer training class for adults who have no experience with computers on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information on any of these offerings, please call (562) 220-2250.
Community News
American Pickers Coming to California
The American Pickers are heading to California early this SPRING and they’re looking for large private collections for the guys to dig through all day long.
They are looking for collections with:
• A variety of items (motorcycles, advertising, toys, gas/auto memorabilia, circus or folk collections).
• Antiques ranging from the 1960s or earlier.
• Antiques that are in original state (non-restored items).
• Collectors who have an interesting story or history.
• Collections pertaining to the state or town.
• Collections that are private (no stores or museums).
• Collection that are not organized – the boys love to dig and discover things!
• Please keep in mind, they are looking for different, unusual, and uniqueitems too – something we’ve never seen before and with an interesting story! For more information call 1-855-OLD-RUST (653-7878), or email AmericanPickers@cineflix.com.
Also, please note that Mike and Frank only pick private collections so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public.
Policy Decisions Demand Good Data
By paramount mayor Daryl hofmeyer
(The following was written in reply to an opinion piece that ran in the Press Telegram newspaper.)
Over the last few months, the City of Paramount has been deeply focused on air quality issues in our industrial sector that were discovered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Many voices have been involved in wide-ranging discussions on this subject, all of them driven by a concern for the health of community members.
As part of that conversation, a guest commentary entitled “We’re ill-served by state pollution regulators” appeared recently in the Press Telegram. The City feels a responsibility to clarify some key facts that were made in the piece.
Paramount is not home to “more than a hundred metal companies,” a number seemingly meant to suggest that metal pollutants are saturating our city of less than five square miles. The actual number of metal-related companies here is 85, although that figure does not tell the whole story.
Of the 85 metal-related businesses there are 17 that perform heat treating, grinding, plating, or forging of metal (the types of manufacturing that can produce air quality issues). The remaining 68 companies produce little or no metal emissions. (Think trophy etching, metal screw sales, or aluminum wholesalers.) In fact, after exhaustive inspections by SCAQMD, the Air District determined that these 68 businesses do not require permits for metal-emitting equipment. A list of 17 known emitters is much more manageable to monitor.
The article also stated that the City “refused” the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) access to parks for soil testing. In actuality, the DTSC requested that testing be done in Village Park in 2013. The City asked if they could test the soil in a landscaped area across the street to avoid disruption of the park’s use. If those samples came back with troubling results, we would gladly allow testing in the park. The soil sampling was conducted and results showed that metals did not exceed residential health-based levels or naturally occurring background levels. Subsequently, DTSC never came back to the City to ask for samples in the park for that 2013 study.
The commentary charges the City with irresponsible zoning that puts industry next to schools, parks, and homes. While challenges exist in our industrial areas, many of the metal-related businesses in town, including those cited by SCAQMD, operate in zones created by Los Angeles County prior to Paramount becoming a city. When we began writing our own zoning rules, the City stopped growth of the industrial area, and actually eliminated some industrial uses. Regardless, making sure that “pollution controls are in place and that polluters are licensed and permitted,” as was suggested in the article, is what SCAQMD was created to do. At the same time, the City Council has enacted a moratorium on new or expanded metal-related businesses while our business licensing procedures and land use plans are revisited to identify long-term solutions.
There are some personal observances about cancer rates in the community. This, of course, is a tragic and painful subject. But it needs to be said that, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times on February 15, 2014, the L.A. County Department of Public Health “found no evidence of a cancer cluster in Paramount.” However, we welcome evaluation of the health of our community by the County Department of Public Health or any qualified scientific organization.
I breathe the same air and walk in the same parks as every other resident of our great city. We all deserve a safe and healthy environment. Does Paramount have “some of the worst air in Los Angeles,” as was stated in the opinion piece? Paramount’s air is reflective of being in southeast Los Angeles County. SCAQMD was formed in 1976 – everyone agrees that today’s air quality has significantly improved since 40 years ago. In that context, our region has been well-served by the adoption of regional air quality standards. Still, the City of Paramount will continue to aggressively respond to environmental matters, counting on the experts from regulatory agencies across the state. But we must do so with an understanding of the facts that will make our policy decisions effective.
Citing Progress Toward Goal of Restoring Compton College, State Officials Announce Transfer of Governing Authority Back to Locally Elected Board
California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley today announced that governance of the Compton Community College District will be returned to the district’s elected board of trustees, saying the move signals impressive achievement toward creating an independent, accredited college within the Compton Community College District (CCCD).
“This is a sign of remarkable progress and we congratulate faculty, staff, administrators, students and the community on the hard work that has led to this,” Oakley said. “It is an important step toward the ultimate goal of seeing that Compton College once again operate as an accredited institution under the sole control of Compton Community College District.”
Through Assembly Bill 318, a special trustee was appointed by the state to oversee the district 10 years ago after administrative failure and fraud led to Compton College’s accreditation being revoked. Thanks to a partnership with El Camino Community College District, the Compton Center, operated by El Camino College serves students within the Compton Community College District.
“Returning control of Compton Community College District to the elected board of trustees has been a top priority of ours,” said Cecilia V. Estolano, president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. “We will do everything in our power to help Compton achieve that next milestone of accreditation and full independence.”
Assembly Bill 318 provided that the CCCD governing board authority would be returned when the governor, the director of the state Department of Finance and the state chancellor agreed that the district has for two consecutive years met a comprehensive set of requirements detailed in its recovery plan. The CCCD board of trustees authority is returned with the assistance of a special trustee who will have significantly reduced
responsibilities, in the form of stay and rescind authority.
“The Compton Community College District Board of Trustees is very pleased to receive concurrence from the special trustee, state chancellor, Governor’s Office, and the Department of Finance regarding the return of our local authority. Our commitment to represent the interests of the communities we serve will continue to be a priority as we continue moving forward,” said Andres Ramos, president of the Compton Community College District Board of Trustees.
“The El Camino Community College District is fully committed to continuing its partnership with the Compton Community College District, to ensure that accredited programs and services are available to the residents of the Compton District,” said Kenneth Brown, president of the El Camino Community College District board of trustees. “The return of local authority is an important milestone in the path to accreditation of an independent college in the Compton Community College District.”
Compton Community College District encompasses about 29 square miles, making educational services available to residents of Compton, Lynwood, Paramount and Willowbrook, as well as portions of Athens, Bellflower, Carson, Downey, Dominguez, Lakewood, Long Beach and South Gate. Next steps for the Compton Center and Compton District include a four-step process to achieve accreditation and full independence, which officials say could come as early as 2020.
Chancellor Oakley also praised the support of Gov. Jerry Brown, Finance Director Michael Cohen as well as state legislators representing the two college districts: Senators Ben Allen, Steven Bradford and Ricardo Lara; Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Assembly members Autumn Burke, Cristina Garcia, Mike Gipson, Holly Mitchell, Al Muratsuchi and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas.
The following businesses renewed their membership in the Paramount Chamber of Commerce last month, they are celebrating another year as members. Chamber and Business Resource Center services are made possible by their support.
Newest Additions to Outdoor Art Museum Adorn the City
Two new pieces have been added to the City of Paramount’s Outdoor Art Museum, a compendium of public art located throughout town that now includes 32 sculptures as well as fountains, a variety of murals, and fanciful farm animal cut outs along the major boulevards.
As the City has worked over the years to improve and transform its physical environment for the benefit of residents and local businesses, a special emphasis has been placed on adding public art to the landscape.
On February 23, an unveiling was held at Spane Park. “Touch the Sky” is a 9-foot-tall bronze depicting children playing on and around a tree stump. Since “Touch the Sky” represents the importance childhood discovery, it was considered appropriate to place it in the park, and next to the PEP Community Learning Center where so many young people come all week long.
The artist, Jane DeDecker, also worked on “Stand by Me,” the sculpture of children in front of Progress Park Preschool. Valued at $90,000, “Touch the Sky” was donated to the City through the National Sculptors’ Guild. As a result, the only cost was a commission of $30,900.
All public art in Paramount is paid for by a special fund that is financed with a small fee assessed on larger development projects in the City. Consequently, no taxpayer funds are ever used.
Another bronze sculpture, entitled “Union” by Clay Enoch of the National Sculptors’ Guild, was also installed in February at Clearwater Crossing, the new restaurant development at Alondra Boulevard and Paramount Boulevard.
Comprised of two identical figures each holding rings, it symbolizes “coming together,” a reference to the villages of Hynes and Clearwater that formed Paramount in 1948. The timing of the installation, in addition to celebrating the opening of Clearwater Crossing, honors the City’s 60th anniversary of incorporation.
The figures stand on the edges of an elongated channel continually filled by two waterfalls. The channel is capped with a stone to create a bench for the enjoyment of Clearwater Crossing’s guests.
Placing art pieces in the public square has long been a staple of society to soften the urban landscape and brighten the day of passersby. Paramount boasts more than eight exhibits per square mile. Probably the most concentrated area is the Paramount Pond. The theme of its sculpture garden is “Perfect Ice,” a nod to the City’s long connection to ice skating as home of the landmark Iceland rink and the famous Zamboni ice-resurfacing machine. In addition to the sculptures and a Zamboni replica, the Pond features a wall mural with historical images on tile.
Keep an eye out for all of the art populating Paramount. It’s meant to amuse, enchant, calm, and maybe even inspire. To see a slide show of the sculptures and fountains, visit www.paramountcity. com, go to the City Profile page, and then find the Outdoor Art Museum.
Members of the City Council were joined by students from the Spane Park Community Learning Center at the unveiling of “Touch the Sky” on February 23.
“Union,” the latest City Art Museum sculpture, is installed at the Clearwater Crossing restaurant development.
Bringing The Most Out of Your Sales & Marketing Team
By mike huntley
Before you can get the most out of any type of team, you need to recognize that they are a team and, as such, the different parts of the team perform different tasks that are integral to the overall success of the organization. The contribution of each player is no more valuable than any other player even
though there is only one person that can ultimately score the goal, or with your sales and marketing team, land the big order.
When most businesses provide sales training, it is usually for the Outside Sales team. This type of training focuses exclusively on the outside sales process of making effective sales calls with tasks ranging from asking the right questions of customers, to understanding their true needs and “pain points,” and then showing them how your products or services can eliminate those pain points. The training is valuable but it does nothing to affect the other members of your sales & marketing team: Inside Sales, Advertising, and Marketing.
Inside Sales is responsible for taking the orders from customers and ensuring the orders are loaded correctly into the company’s ERP system. Inside sales reps are responsible for getting the necessary
approvals from the Accounting department to be able to offer credit terms, and they’re also responsible for confirming the delivery dates on the order from manufacturing, and then communicating with the customer on a regular basis to answer questions about their order(s).
An Outside Sales professional is defined as a “Hunter” responsible for capturing new business from existing or new customers. These pros chase leads that have come to them from within the company, and they also make cold calls for prospective new customers.
Marketing is responsible for understanding the product, the market, the competition and pricing in order to create strength in branding, sales growth, market share and profitability.
Finally, Advertising is typically provided by an outside agency that specializes in promoting a
company’s products on the most effective platforms to promote the brand. Advertising raises the awareness of the company and its products to the highest possible number of potential customers in the marketplace.
There are many challenges associated with the effective management of a diverse team. The first step is realizing they all perform a vital role in accomplishing the overall goal of growing the revenue and profitability of your company. Once you recognize they’re all vital to your success, you must accept that they each bring a different personality type, along with different objectives in their jobs and desired career paths. This is challenging enough, but when you couple it with the fact that most business owners and senior managers don’t come up through the sales and marketing departments during their careers,
you can find yourself in a situation as the leader of this team where you feel like a “Stranger in a Strange Land”.
To create a high functioning sales and marketing team, everyone must feel that they are contributing to the end goal and that they are being valued for their contribution. You can achieve this by providing training sessions in which each department is able to teach the other departments about their respective roles and responsibilities. This sounds simple, but you’ll be surprised by how little each department knows about what their counterparts actually do.
Another critical step in bringing this group together is to task all 4 departments (Outside Sales, Inside Sales, Advertising and Marketing) to build your annual sales and marketing plan together as a team. There is no group that has more knowledge about your customers, your market, your competitors and your products, so they will provide you with the most accurate version of your sales and marketing plan. By having them build this plan together, it will build the camaraderie that will allow the team to be successful.
Finally, with a sales and marketing plan in place, approved by all 4 departments, you can build in some incentives to ensure that these departments are working together in the areas that need the most emphasis.
As you seek to achieve your desired sales growth, don’t forget to recognize the unique talents of your sales and marketing team, and begin to manage them as one unit that will strive to meet and surpass the business growth you seek to achieve.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
Make A Difference • Join A Service Club
Healthcare Career College Grand Opening
List of Public Art
9 x 9 x 9
artist: H. l. Pastorius
Spane Park, 14400 Gundry ave.
Boxes
artist: H. l. Pastorius
Northeast corner of Jefferson St. & Downey ave
Civic Center Fountain City Hall, 16400 Colorado ave.
Come On, Dad!
artist: Dee Clements
Paramount Pond, Northeast corner of Paramount Blvd. & Jackson St.
Conversation artist: Carol Gold City Hall, 16400 Colorado ave.
Crack the Whip artist: Dee Clements
Paramount Pond, Northeast corner of Paramount Blvd. & Jackson St.
Defiance artist: H. l. Pastorius
Southwest corner of Paramount Blvd. & rosecrans ave.
Delineation artist: H. l. Pastorius City Hall, 16400 Colorado avenue
Fluid artist: H. l. Pastorius
Paramount County library 16254 Colorado ave.
Going for the Goal
artist: Dee Clements
Paramount Pond, Northeast corner of Paramount Blvd. & Jackson St.
Hole in One
artist: arlene Cartozian 14528 Garfield ave.
kai koo Vii
artist: Betty Gold alondra Blvd., west of Hunsaker
Modified Box
artist: H.l. Pastorius
Paramount Park 14400 Paramount Blvd.
Origami Pony artist: kevin Box Progress Park 15500 Downey ave.
Passage artist: Bill Barrett trammel Crow industrial Park 14350 Garfield ave.
Poetry in Motion artist: kathleen Caricof Paramount High School library 14429 Downey ave.
Polished Performance artist: Dee Clements
Paramount Pond, Northeast corner of Paramount Blvd. & Jackson St.
replica of Zamboni Machine
Paramount Pond, Northeast corner of Paramount Blvd. &
The owners of Healthcare Career College located at 8527 Alondra Blvd., Ste., 174, were joined by elected officials, students, and chamber members for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
School Director for Heathcare Career College Amita Garg, is presented with a certificate of congratulations from Tonya Martin and Olina Benson field representatives for Senator Ricardo Lara.
