City History Enshrined in Art Piece at Paramount Pond
The City’s Outdoor Art Museum has gained its latest addition, a wall mural at the Paramount Pond featuring historical images on tile. Included is a vintage shot of the corner of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd. from the 1930s as well as a number of photos of Iceland, the venerable skating rink in town.
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. This has taken many forms, from farm animal cut-outs to a series of flowing water fountains, from murals painted on utility boxes to dozens of sculptures all over town.
These items are paid for out of the public art fund, which is financed by a small fee assessed on larger development projects in the City.
Probably the most concentrated area of art is in the public plaza known as the Paramount Pond. The theme of the sculpture garden there is “Perfect Ice,” a
nod to the City’s long connection to ice skating as home of the landmark Iceland and the famous Zamboni ice-resurfacing machine.
The eight-foot-by-eight-foot mural, which has the photos etched in by laser, has a lifetime non-fade guarantee. Its addition to the Pond is the crowning touch on the recent refurbishment of the 13-year-old public space.
The Pond, of course, is also home to the City’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This month the event will take place on Wednesday, November
2013 PARAMOUNT POSTER
28th, at 6:00 p.m. Like last year, the seating arrangement will be spread across Paramount Blvd. and up Jackson St. toward the library. The layout received a lot of positive comments last year, creating increased capacity and bringing more viewers closer to the stage.
When you come out to enjoy the holiday lights and entertainment on the 28th – or if you happen to stroll the Pond anytime before then – check out the mural, this latest piece in Paramount’s ever-increasing public art collection.
Put your business on the “2013 Paramount Poster.” This colorful collectible poster is a favorite with businesses and residents alike. You can have a hand drawn replica of your business or company vehicle. You can choose to advertise on a billboard, lamp post banner or select a logo spotlight. Best of all you can have your own “Super Hero or Character” designed specifically for your business. 7,000 copies will be printed and distributed throughout the City. For more information about putting your business on the poster call the Paramount Chamber of Commerce and ask for Maria MacLean
What’s inside
Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner on the 15th
Coming up on Thursday, November 15th, the City will once again celebrate our senior citizens during the 32nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, a day of entertainment, dancing, raffle prizes and a fine meal with all the trimmings. The doors to the Paramount Park gym will open at 10 a.m., the meal will be served at noon, with the event scheduled to wrap up at 1 p.m.
In order to attend you need to purchase a ticket. Tickets are available at the Paramount Park Community Center, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. until November 8th. For Paramount residents the cost is $2 per ticket. You must be 60 years of age or older and present proof of Paramount residency or a Senior Nutrition Program membership card.
Non-residents can buy tickets beginning November 5th at a cost of $5 each.
Business leaders from the Paramount Rotary Club and students from Paramount High School’s Corsairs will be serving the food. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Little Big Band.
For more information about tickets, please call (562) 220-2090.
Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd.
Thanksgiving Trash Pickup
Thanksgiving, itself, this year will produce a slightly altered garbage collection schedule. The City’s vendor, CalMet Services, will have no trash pickup on Thursday, November 22. If that’s your normal trash day, service will be the next day that week, on Friday, November 23.
If you have any questions, please call (562) 634-5420.
14th Annual Tree Lighting
After all of your Thanksgiving leftovers have been devoured, come on out and join friends and neighbors at the City’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Pond. This year’s 14th seasonal kick-off will take place on Wednesday, November 28th. Entertainment begins at 5:00 pm. with the main event at 6:00 p.m.
The Pond is located at the intersection of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd.
Featured entertainment will include local dance companies, church choirs and the marching band and choir from Paramount High School.
Plenty of refreshments will be available, not to mention a fun time for all. For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
Christmas Train To Begin Its Run December 3rd
Santa will visit every neighborhood in town again this year on The Santa Express Christmas Train from Monday, December 3rd through Thursday, December 6th. The journey begins each day at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Claus and his team of elves will spread holiday cheer, and the crowds at each stop will receive apples, candy canes and the chance to visit with the Man in Red.
The schedule of stops can be found in this issue’s CityScape, which is located on the inside back page. For more information, call (562) 220-2121.
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Buy Your Tickets for Breakfast With Santa
Here’s a reminder to mark your calendars for Saturday, December 8th when Paramount Park will once again become a winter wonderland as Santa Claus returns to town for a breakfast and snow day from 8 a.m. till noon.
Breakfast with Santa will feature a pancake and scrambled egg meal, pictures with ’Ol St. Nick, holiday craftmaking, giveaways and entertainment. There will also be plenty of snow for sledding.
You can take your own photos with Santa, and a professional photographer will also have packages available for purchase.
The event itself is free, but you need to buy a ticket for the meal. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase. Visit a STAR After School site between November 5th and November 30th (Mondays through Fridays only) to purchase a presale breakfast ticket for $4 per person. (The price of a ticket is $5 per person at the door the day of the event.)
For your convenience, STAR After School sites will be open between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day. Tickets are also available those dates at the Community Center in Paramount Park and at the City Yard, 15300 Downey Ave. By purchasing breakfast tickets early, you’ll also take advantage of the fast pass lane. Please note that breakfast will not be served after 11:00 a.m. so get there early.
For information on pricing and prepurchase locations, or any other questions, please call (562) 220-2121.
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes
The Asian tiger mosquito has been identified within the boundaries of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. This aggressive, day-biting mosquito is approximately 1⁄4-inch-long with distinctive black and white banding and can transmit certain diseases.
If you have seen this mosquito or have been bit by a mosquito during the day, GLACVCD asks that you report the situation to help eliminate this threat by calling (562) 944-9656.
The Asian tiger mosquito survives well near humans and lays eggs in water-filled containers. Follow these tips to help prevent this mosquito from taking up residence around your home:
• Dump out standing water from containers and clean them out using a towel and bleach to remove any remaining eggs.
• Dispose of, or remove, unused containers and potential breeding sources such as old tires, cans and buckets.
• Check for and eliminate standing water in natural sources such as tree holes, lucky bamboo and other flowering plants.
• Eliminate all standing water around your property; this mosquito will lay eggs next to even the smallest amount of standing water.
Mayor, Peggy Lemons
Watch Out For Scam Fire Inspections
The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is alerting all local businesses to beware of phony fire inspectors coming to your location. These are scam artists who wear official-looking uniforms and perform fake inspections.
These individuals say that they need to inspect your alarms, fire sprinklers, hood systems, and fire extinguishers. Later, the business owners often receive an invoice for these fraudulent services.
The Fire Department wants you to know that it inspects businesses annually and does not charge for these inspections.
Business owners may also have agreements with fire protection companies for inspections. These inspectors should be able to present a copy of their current County or City business license when they visit your business.
You can always refuse service when anyone shows up claiming to inspect your fire safety systems.
Contact the County of Los Angeles Fire Department for guidance. The Department will advise you of any required service schedules for your fire protection systems and help you verify that a company you may want to hire is qualified and legitimate.
For more information, please call (323) 881-2411.
Safe Shopping Tips For the Season
As the holiday season approaches and people begin their shopping excursions, here are a few easy, safety-related tips to keep in mind.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• If possible, try to shop in pairs. Robbers often focus on, and target, solo shoppers.
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Always park in a well-lighted area.
• Never leave packages, bags, cell phones, purses or other valuable items in plain sight in your vehicle. Place these items in your trunk, where they cannot be seen from outside your car.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Carry small amounts of cash. Your front pocket is ideal for carrying cash.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, and on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Never leave children in the car unattended.
• Never buy items from someone who approaches you in a parking lot. These items are often stolen goods.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Vacation Home Checks
If you are a Paramount resident and have plans to be out of town during Thanksgiving or any part of the upcoming holidays, you can contact the Sheriff’s Station for a vacation home check. The City’s Volunteers on Patrol will periodically take a look around your home or property while you’re gone. (This service is available throughout the year, not just during the holidays.)
Call (562) 220-2002 for more information.
JOSE DONLUCAS
National Crime Prevention Month
October was National Crime Prevention Month and the Paramount City Council issued a proclamation at its October 2 meeting. The Council noted that – thanks to a strong partnership between the City, the Sheriffʼs Department and residents – overall crime rates have been cut in half during the last 20 years in Paramount and violent crime levels are at their lowest since the mid-1970s. On hand to mark the occasion was Sergeant Phil Marquez of the Paramount Sheriffʼs Station. From left: Vice Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Sgt. Marquez, Mayor Peggy Lemons, Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer and Councilmember Tom Hansen.
Mayor’s 40th Anniversary
The Paramount City Council presented Mayor Peggy Lemons with a special proclamation of congratulations from Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe marking the Mayorʼs 40th wedding anniversary. From left: Vice Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Lemons, Councilmember Tom Hansen and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
REMEMBERING THOSE YOU LOVE
BY ALLISON BRAMMER
The holiday season can be a particularly difficult time of year for many families when they’ve lost a loved one. Paramount has a wonderful way to remember someone who is missing from your life through a local program and ceremony called “Light up a Life” offered by the local non-profit, Pathways Volunteer Hospice organization. “Light Up a Life” is a signature program traditionally promoted by hospices across the U.S. A donation of $20 provides a light on the “Light Up a Life” holiday tree. Additionally, the name of the person being honored or memorialized is listed on the “Light up a Life” scrolls displayed by the trees during the month of December at libraries in Paramount, Lakewood, Cerritos, and Long Beach. On Monday, December 3 from 7 – 8 p.m. a meaningful tree lighting ceremony will take place at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. This touching ceremony provides an opportunity to honor and remember those we love and those who have passed on. It’s open to anyone who
would like to attend, free of charge and no reservation is required.
This year one of the lights I will be purchasing will be for my colleague of 17 years, Debra Humphrey, who passed away this past September, too early in her young life. With one phone call and an hour’s notice, Pathways grief counselors arrived at our workplace and provided a listening ear and comfort to many of the employees who were in shock at her sudden death.
Grief can often throw us into deep despair and many of us are caught off guard and we don’t know how to handle it. We don’t know if how we are feeling is “normal” or we wonder how long it will last, or if we will we ever be the same again. One of the many services that Pathways Volunteer Hospice provides is passionate support to grieving families and individuals. All of their services are free. For more information on their services, or how you can participate in the “Light Up a Life” program, call 562-531-3031 or contact Vickie at Vickie@pathwayshospice.org or visit the website at www.pathwayshospice.org
Homework Help
The Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) is a collaboration between the City, the Paramount Unified School District and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. One of its resources for the residents of our town is the Paramount Petroleum Learning Center at Spane Park, which offers a variety of classes and activities.
Homework Help is one such program, designed to help students with their academic skills through on-site assistance and computer-based enrichment. It provides homework aide and support Monday through Thursday at the Center from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Attendance at the Center is growing as more students take advantage of this great opportunity. Consequently, PEP is searching for dedicated individuals to volunteer as homework tutors, providing assistance in math and reading.
Interested candidates must have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm and the ability to work with youngsters in the stated age groups.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer will involve:
• Helping students understand and complete homework assignments and projects.
• Talking and listening to students.
• Modeling a positive attitude toward learning.
• Supervising students, handling behavior issues and ensuring that students are safe when they are in the Center.
For more information on becoming a Homework Help volunteer, please call the City of Paramount’s Community Services and Recreation Department, (562) 220-2121. Or you can stop by the office at 15300 Downey Avenue, Paramount, to pick up an application.
In the words of Harriet Naylor, the former national director of the Office of Volunteer Development: “Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.”
Members in the News
Embassy Suites Hosts Multi-Chamber Mixer
Kimberlyʼs Dance Studio walked away victorious from the KAR National Dance Competition for the second year in a row. Under the direction of Kimberly Gonzalez, this group of young talented dancers was once again crowned as the National Top Studio. Kimberlyʼs Dance Studio also won the title of National Grand Champion with the Sparkle Stars who performed their tap routine to “Gotta Boogie.” The Sparkle Stars are: Aidaly Ledezma, Alyson Gutierrez, Andrea Perez, Ariel Raygoza, Emily Licea, Giselle Ruiz, Leslie Quintana, and Lina Garcia.
The annual Halloween themed Multi-Chamber Mixer hosted by Embassy Suites in Downey was a huge success with more than 340 attending. Left to Right: Michael Zeledon from SCE Federal Credit Union, Maria Mac Lean Paramount Chamber, Jean Robinson from Embassy Suites, Raul Martinez from American Equipment Service Co., Patricia Rodriguez from American Recovery & Recycling and Grace Padilla from Marukan Vinegar USA, Inc.
Paramount Dance Company Has Pirate Pride!
Paramount Dance Company recently performed at half time for Paramount High football. Members of the dance company excel not only in the art of dance but in academics and extracurricular activities. Examples are Irma Gonzalez who is a member of ASB and Krystal Rivera who belongs to the PHS tennis team. Alumnus Angel Garcia also performed and like Irma and Krystal believes “Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate.”
Mexican Restaurant
Since 1970 when the first Casa Gamiño was opened, founder Cipriano Gamiño strived to give his customers good Mexican food and excellent service at a good price at all Casa Gamino locations. No gimmicks, just delicious food.
11:00 am - 11:00 pm Music Duet – Friday & Saturday Nights 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
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11:00 am - 10:00 pm
HELP WANTED
INSURANCE SALES – Growing company seeking dynamic selfstarters, hardworking, energetic, bilingual (Spanish/English), and sales oriented individuals with a strong interest in educating the community about Insurance and Financial Products. A positive attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service are required. Insurance experience is a bonus but not a necessity. More importantly, we are looking for ambitious quick learners who are excited about determining their own salary and want to be an integral part of a growing company. Email resume to maria@galliagency.com or fax resume to 562-817-5621.
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.
When 4 + 1
Doesn’t Add Up
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
Early on, we learn 4 + 1 = 5. But, with teens, when does it not add up? The Answer: When risky driving is involved. In a recent National Young Driver Survey conducted by a major insurance company and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 5,665 students shared their views of teen driving. The evidence from this survey shows four risk factors cause 84% of teen crashes.
Inexperience
About two-thirds of fatal teen crashes involve driver error – making mistakes due to inexperience and distractions. Give your friends time and space to learn to drive before pressuring them for rides, and never encourage risky driving.
Distractions
A teen driver’s fatal crash risk increases by three to five times if there are two or more passengers in the car. A driver who talks on a mobile phone is four times more likely to be involved in a serious crash, regardless of whether the driver uses a hands-free cell phone. Be aware of the changing road environment by keeping your eyes and mind on the road.
Speed
The faster you drive, the longer it takes you to stop. Speed is involved in approximately 38% of fatal crashes involving male drivers ages 15 – 20. Speed limits on the road were set for perfect driving conditions.
Fatigue
The effects of driving while tired are similar to the effects of drinking and driving. Three-fourths of teens report having seen other teens driving noticeably tired. Drivers younger than 25 years cause the majority of drowsy driving-related crashes. Rest up when you are tired from studying or extracurricular activities.
These four factors often cause crashes. One other factor can lead to a crash, even fatal injury.
Lack of seat belt use
Teens who do not wear seat belts in all seating positions are more likely to wind up in the crash statistics. Wear a seat belt every time you ride in a car.
Learn more about teen driver safety! Driving can add up to success when you are safe behind the wheel. Talk with your local insurance professional about safety programs that can help your teen become a safer driver, and help save some money, too!
Seniors MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Senior Thanksgiving
November 15, 2012
Doors open @ 9:00 a.m.
Lunch served @ 12 noon
Resident Price: $2.00
Registration: October 22, 2012
Non-Resident registration: November 5, 2012
Non-Resident price: $5.00
Citadel Outlets
Tuesday November 27,2012, 10am-3:30pm
Price: Residents:$2 per person
Residents: October 15,2012
Non-residents:$4 per person
Non-resident: October 29, 2012
Deadline: November 13, 2012
Holiday Boutique:
We will be having our Senior Holiday Boutique on Wednesday, November 28, 2012.
Residents Registration October 22, 2012 at $5 per 6 ft table
Non-Resident registration
October 26, 2012 At $7 per 6 ft table
Laughlin Departs Monday, December 3, 2012 at 9am
Returns Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 6:30pm
Price:
Residents: October 23 , 2012
Single occupancy $122.00
Double Occupancy $101.00
Non-resident: November 6, 2012 Single occupancy
Double Occupancy
Deadline: November 23, 2012
Holiday Celebration
December 20, 2012
Doors open @ 9:00 a.m.
Lunch served @ 12 noon
Resident Price: $3.00
Registration: November 19, 2012
Non-Resident registration: December 3, 2012
Non-Resident price: $4.00 Deadline: December 13, 2012
10 Tips for Growing Your Family Business
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
Family businesses bring special rewards, such as inherent trust, the camaraderie of working with loved ones and the joy of building a lasting legacy. However, running a family business also poses some special challenges. Perhaps that’s why, according to the Family Business Institute, fewer than one-third of family businesses last beyond the first generation and just 12 percent survive to the third generation. How can you make sure your family business doesn’t fall victim to those odds? Follow these 10 tips.
1. Run your family business like a business. If most or all of your key employees are family members, it’s easy to get sloppy about things like keeping your corporation in compliance, properly documenting decisions or maintaining accurate financial records. Always treat your business like a business.
2. Create a succession plan. If you want your business to survive, you must develop a plan for what will happen when you retire, die or otherwise exit the company. But a re-
cent PricewaterhouseCoopers survey found that nearly half of family businesses had no succession plan. Enlist your accountant, attorney, key employees and family members in developing a succession plan that details who will take on key roles.
3. Develop leadership among all employees. Hold regular performance reviews for family and non-family employees alike. Provide training in-house, through local community college and adult education programs, or through industry associations to develop employees’ strengths and streamline the succession process.
4. Don’t play favorites. If non-family employees believe they have no chance of moving up in the company, they’ll quickly become resentful and unmotivated. Set a clear path to promotion and advancement for both family and non-family employees.
5. Separate business and family expenses. You might be tempted to make loans from the company to family members, or to let them write off personal expenses (such as the purchase of a car or vacation home) as business expenses. Even if such actions don’t get you in trouble
Paramount Chamber Networking Breakfast
with the IRS, they will foster resentment among non-family employees.
6. Set boundaries. Decide when discussing the business is allowed and when it’s off-limits (such as during dinner, or at holiday gatherings). This helps ensure that family relationships don’t revolve solely around business and aren’t poisoned by business conflicts.
7. Communicate openly. Non-family employees often feel they’re kept in the dark about the inner workings of family businesses. Whenever possible, share information openly with family and non-family employees alike.
8. Don’t guarantee employment. Each family member should have an opportunity to work in the business, but not everyone will be suited to continue doing so. Base hiring decisions on the business’s—not the family member’s—needs. Talk to your attorney about structuring the business so that non-employee family members can still have some ownership.
9. Learn to resolve conflicts. Business conflicts can infect family relationships; family problems can flare up disguised as
business issues. Develop a plan for dealing with business-related disagreements between family members, both those who work in the business and those who do not.
10. Get outside input. Whether you’re dealing with personal conflicts or trying to make business decisions, seeking opinions from trusted outsiders such as your board of directors or an SBDC Business Advisor can give you much-needed perspective.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.
Chamber Hapening
The $25 cash prize winner for the “Best Table Top Display” was Villa Dental. From left: Yecenia Avila, Hung Dang DDS, Ramona Sabbaghian DDS.
More than 60 businesses attended the Paramount Chamber October Networking Breakfast. The quarterly Networking Breakfasts are sponsored by AppleCare Medical Group, and take place at The Paramount Park Plaza on Downey Ave. The next breakfast will be held on January 24, 2013. For more information call the Paramount Chamber 562.634.3980.
Karen Sonnenberg received the Ambassador of the Quarter award for her outstanding service to the Chamber. From left: Ambassador and award presenter Laura Warth, Karen Sonnenberg (Total-Western, Inc.), Chamber President Leonard Crespo.
