PULSE BEAT PARAMOUNT
Inspiring the next generation of
TACE President Kellie Johnson leads her student visitors into the company's ‘CNC row’ of computerized machining centers.
wo companies with major manufacturing facilities in Paramount, ACE Clearwater Enterprises and Weber Metals, an Otto Fuchs Company, took part in Manufacturing Day—MFG Day for short—on Oct. 5 by opening their doors to local students who could well become part of this country’s next generation of manufacturers. They joined more than 2,700 other participating companies throughout the USA that put the MFG Day slogan, “Open Doors, Open Minds,” into practice each year by conducting plant tours on the first Friday in October to help educate students about the many rewarding career opportunities in manufacturing.
ACE, which makes custom aerospace parts, has taken part in MFG Day in the past. This year, the company conducted tours not only at its Paramount plant, but also at its facilities in Torrance and Compton, busing students from campus to campus so that they could get a thorough overview of everything the company does.
ACE President Kellie Johnson not only acted as tour guide (see large photo above), she shared her own unique, personal perspective about a career in manufacturing.
ACE Vice President Gary Johnson took a hands-on approach, briefing students about every step in the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished parts and all the fascinating work in between—including shearing, die-making, drop-hammering, fitting, trimming, deburring, precision laser cutting, hydraulic press operation, hydroforming, reverse engineering, 3D
modeling and printing, computer numerical control (CNC) milling, water-jet cutting, various types of welding, quality engineering and final inspection. Students even got to operate a 10-ton drop hammer!
The ACE leaders all said that they were particularly interested to hear students’ questions and that they were pleased by the interest and enthusiasm they sensed from their young visitors.
This was the first year that Weber Metals, an aerospace aluminum and titanium forging company, has participated in MFG Day, and they were glad to welcome more than 30 Paramount High School students, faculty and staff members to their facility.
The forging process is an early step in the overall creation of an airplane, and Weber’s forgings can be found on many commercial and military aircraft. Manufacturing Day provided an opportunity for students to see how manufacturing plays a crucial part in the making of aircraft that transport people around the world.
(Please see Manufacturing Day on page 10.)
PULSE BE AT
Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard
Paramount, California 90723
Telephone: 562-634-3980
paramountchamber.com
Put on your safety glasses!
Ace manufacturing career advice.
Making the perfect part.
Drop hammer practice.
Weber Metals plant tour.
Recycled oil reduces carbon footprint.
Mayor’s Desk
MAYOR DIANE J. MARTINEZ
Paramount holidays are around the corner!
From Thanksgiving through Breakfast with Santa/Snow Day, the holiday activities in Paramount are an exciting time every year for the community to come out and celebrate. This year is especially noteworthy as 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of our unique Santa Train! Another milestone is the 20th anniversary of the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Here’s the line-up:
Santa Train dates: Dec. 3-6
Dates for the Santa Train will be Monday, Dec. 3 through Thursday, Dec. 6. For more information and a full schedule of stops, please see CityScape on the inside back page of this Pulse Beat, and look for the Around Town newsletter later in the month that will be delivered by mail to your home. You will also be able to find it at paramountcity.com.
Got your Seniors Thanksgiving tickets?
This year’s Seniors Thanksgiving event will be on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Paramount Park gym, 14400 Paramount Blvd. The doors open at 10 a.m., the meal will be served at noon, with everything scheduled to wrap up by 1 p.m.
While the day is free for Paramount residents, diners still need a ticket to attend. You must be 60 years of age or older and present proof of Paramount residency or a Senior Nutrition Program membership card (your registration form for the program needs to be current).
Tickets are available at the Paramount Park Community Center, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Non-residents can buy tickets at the same location for $3.25. For more information or questions, please call 562-220-2090.
Become a Thanksgiving Sponsor—Remember, businesses have a way of honoring Paramount’s seniors by becoming a sponsor at the Thanksgiving gathering. If you would like to be a part of this tradition, please call 562-220-2090.
Thanksgiving trash/street sweeping
Thanksgiving will alter the garbage collection schedule slightly this year. There will be no pick-up on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 22. If that is your normal collection day, your trash will be picked up on Friday, Nov. 23, along with Friday’s normal service. (If your Friday trash does not get picked up, it will be collected on Saturday.) If you have any questions, please call CalMet Services at 562-634-5420.
With street sweeping, there will be no service on Thursday, Nov. 22 or Friday, Nov. 23, and no make-up.
Tree Lighting & free Mariachi Divas concert
It’s the 20th birthday for the City’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will kick off the season at the Paramount Pond on Wednesday, November 28, starting at 6 p.m. This year will feature a special highlight—a concert by Mariachi Divas from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. after the tree is lit.
Entertainment leading up to the lighting will be provided by the Latinas Art Foundation, Kimberly’s Dance Studio, and the Paramount High School Choir. There will also be Santa’s special visit and plenty of cookies and hot chocolate available for the crowd.
The Pond is located at the intersection of Jackson St. and Paramount Blvd. For more information, please call 562-220-2121.
Affordable photos with Santa at Paramount Park
The City is once again providing a place to have professional photos taken with Santa at a reasonable cost. On Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can have your holiday shots taken at the Paramount Park Community Center in a room decorated like St. Nick’s cozy cabin.
For $10, you will get one 5x7 photo and four wallet photos. Additional photos can be purchased there or from the photographer’s website. (You will not be able to take photos with your own camera.)
All purchases support the Paramount Education Partnership’s college scholarship fund. For more information, please call 562-220-2121.
Buy tickets for 46th Annual Breakfast with Santa
Santa Claus will make his final appearance in town this year on Saturday, Dec. 8 when Paramount Park becomes a winter wonderland filled with snow, and you can get a tasty breakfast at a sensible price served in the Gym.
There will be holiday craft-making, giveaways, and entertainment. Kids eight and younger can romp in the snowfield, and there will be a ramp for sledding and a kiddie train running in the park. The entire occasion goes from 8 a.m. till noon, though breakfast will not be served after 11 a.m.
In the Community Center from 8 to 10 a.m., you will have another chance to get professional photos taken with Santa in his cabin— $10 for one 5x7 photo and four wallet photos or two 5x7s. (No personal cameras in here. Only 20 of these will be available, so arrive early to receive a number—first come, first served.) Then from 10:30 a.m. to noon, there will be a “selfie station” with Santa outside in the park—no charge for these, and you can use your own camera.
The overall event is free to attend, but you need to buy a ticket for the food. A limited number of pre-sale tickets are available until Dec. 7 (Mondays through Fridays only). Pre-sale breakfast tickets are $5 per person, which also gives you access to the fast-pass lane. (The price of a ticket at the door on the day of the event is $6 per person, first come, first served, with no fast-pass access.) Again, breakfast will not be served after 11 a.m., so get there in plenty of time.
You can buy tickets at STAR Afterschool sites (between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day); the Recreation office (15300 Downey Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.); and the Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., Mon.-Thurs., 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.). For more information, please call 562-220-2121.
Free transportation to Harvest Festival in Pomona
Check off your holiday shopping list at the Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show in Pomona, where shopping and entertainment combine for a winter wonderland for the entire family.
The City of Paramount will take residents to and from the festival on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Limited spaces are available.
Public Safety
It’s
important to know what procedures to follow when a law enforcement officer pulls you over.
Educating students about police encounters
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, along with personnel from the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, the Paramount Sheriff’s Station and Paramount Unified School District, held a press conference in September regarding the Pull-Over-Protocol (POP) program.
POP is the strategic collaboration between proactive civilians and local, regional and national law-enforcement agencies designed to educate the general public about practical police pull-over procedures.
POP will educate students from the Paramount Unified School District on the proper protocol and procedure when being contacted by law enforcement officers while driving a vehicle. The program promotes the concept of “SAFE” during traffic stops: S – Show your hands.
A
– Ask for permission.
F
– Follow instructions.
E – Exchange respect.
Recommended actions include cooperation with the peace officer, asking permission as a courtesy when making movements inside a vehicle during a traffic stop and taking steps necessary to ensure a safe and courteous experience with law-enforcement personnel.
For more information, visit popprotocol.org
Safe shopping tips for the holiday season
With the holiday season here and people doing their shopping, keep these safety-related tips in mind when you’re out and about:
• Never leave packages, bags, cellphones, 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.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Stay off the cellphone and don’t text while walking.
• 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.
• 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.
Don’t text & walk! It endangers you and all those who are around you!
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse; these are prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, at bus stops, and on buses and other rapid transit.
• Never leave children in a car unattended.
• Never buy items from someone who approaches you in a parking lot. These are often stolen goods or, in the case of food products, not up to Health Code standards.
• 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.
• If your credit card is lost, stolen or misused, notify the credit card issuer immediately.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. Vacation home checks available from Sheriff If you’re 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 free vacation home check. Call 562-220-2002
Chamber shares Poker Tournament proceeds with Bayfront Youth & Family Services
The Paramount Chamber of Commerce, as part of their “Chamber Cares” program, presented a check for $500 dollars to Bayfront Youth & Family Services. Chamber Board President Jon Tanklage and Chamber Executive Director Kyle Miller were on hand to deliver the check and thank the Paramount-based nonprofit organization for their service to the community. The “Chamber Cares” program sets aside a portion of proceeds from all Chamber signature events the annual Poker Tournament in this case and makes donations on behalf of the business community to Paramount nonprofit organizations that are helping make a difference in the City of Paramount.
Bayfront Youth & Family Services (bayfrontyfs.org) is a high-quality provider of behavioral and mental health treatment services for children and adolescents and their caregivers. For more information, call Bayfront at 562-788-7252
From left: Jon Tanklage, Marukan Vinegar USA President and Paramount Chamber of Commerce President; Bayfront Youth & Family Services staff: Roland Grant, Wraparound Coordinator; Cynthia Sarmiento, Chief Operating Officer; Melissa Martire, Chief Financial Officer; Domoninque Rood, Director of Outpatient Services; Krystal Mallory, Clinical Director; and Brenda Ibarra, Project Manager; and Kyle Miller, Paramount Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
City Council
2018-19 Youth Commissioners introduced
The members of the newest Paramount Youth Commission were introduced at the Paramount City Council’s October 2 meeting. There are 16 members, all of them unpaid volunteers in the 9th through 12th grades and enrolled at either Paramount High or a nonPUSD private school. The current Commission has 15 students from Paramount High and one from St. John Bosco. The Commission was designed to let City officials hear the thoughts and concerns of local high school students. They were thanked for their service, time, and thoughtfulness. The 2018-19 youth leaders are (in alphabetical order, not in order of the photograph): Crystal Anguiano, Kiana Ceballos, Allan Garcia, Joseph Garcia, Stephanie Garcia, Erika Jimenez, Jaqueline Lopez, Jimena Mercado, Brandon Pastelin, Jocelyn Pena, Ethan Persi, Jaleen Perez, Raul Plascencia, Jocelyn Ramirez, Angie Vasquez, and Gustavo Vasquez.
Paramount’s Young Senators saluted
The seven Paramount students who took part this year in State Senator Ricardo Lara’s Young Senators Program were recognized at the October 2 Paramount City Council meeting. The Program provides high schoolers with insights about potential career and educational paths as they explore the industries, professions, and social innovations that are critical to California’s economy, meeting leaders of the state’s public and private sectors along the way. The Young Senators shared their experiences about the program with the Council. From left, back row: Brianna Fierro, Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer, and Raul Plascencia. From left, front row: Marc Hansen from the Senator’s office, Nicole Reyes, Josue Parra, Jaleen Perez, Luisa Gonzalez, and Jocelyn Munoz.
Sergeant Pasquale “Dino” Aiello recognized
Detective David Van Dyke commended
At its October 2 meeting, the Paramount City Council honored Detective David Van Dyke for his fine investigative work regarding a gunshot victim who said he had been
in the City at Progress Park. But as discovered by the detective, using superb interviewing skills and a strong sense of intuition, the person had actually shot himself in the leg in Long Beach. Detective Van Dyke’s perseverance and talent helped reveal the truth about a crime that allegedly took place in Paramount. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Diane J.
Dyke, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
SCAQMD gives Paramount clean air award
The City of Paramount was named winner of the Model Community Achievement Award at the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) 30th Annual Clean Air Awards on Oct. 5 at the L.A. Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The Clean Air Awards program recognizes companies, organizations and individuals who have made outstanding clean air contributions to the health of our communities and economy. Paramount was honored for its work over the last two years related to air quality issues discovered by SCAQMD.
In late 2016, elevated levels of hexavalent chromium were found in a Paramount industrial neighborhood. Since then, the City has dedicated an unprecedented amount of time, energy and resources to meet the issue head-on. These efforts involved a wide range of participants: local, county and state agencies; residents; businesses; clergy; and more. Partnerships were formed, and communication and transparency were crucial. “This award is a great show of support that our approach to protecting our residents was clear-headed, positive and appropriate,” said Paramount Mayor Diane J. Martinez. “It means a lot that our main partner in dealing with this, SCAQMD, saw our actions as worthy of this honor.”
City staff interacted extensively with SCAQMD in areas such as placing air-quality monitors around town, investigating metal-related businesses, weekly conference calls and free use of City facilities. City communication pipelines also spread the word about SCAQMD public meetings and investigation results.
Other actions included a moratorium on the opening or expanding of metal-related businesses for two years to let the City study and amend its zoning codes. Paramount purchased its own air samplers for long-term monitoring. There was constant communication with legislative representatives. To provide further public information, the City created an environmental website for information, updates and links to help consolidate answers on a wide range of questions and activities.
“It was a great challenge that we faced,” Mayor Martinez said, “but Paramount has a history of creating partnerships to overcome challenges. It’s always been about working together to find solutions and devise innovative responses.”
The award recognized that, in many ways, new ground was charted during this time when it came to inter-agency action in the midst of environmental tribulation.
“Our experience suggests that this kind of alliance in these situations might be an example for other cities to follow,” Mayor Martinez said, “and while the work here is not finished, many goals have been met and we are in a very good place.”
In its June 2018 “Updated Air Monitoring Plan for Paramount” that detailed the removal of most of the air samplers in town, SCAQMD noted: “It is evident that ambient Cr6+ concentrations at all locations have declined substantially over time. . . Cr6+ levels in the City of Paramount have been declining steadily and are now within the typical levels.”
shot
Martinez, Detective Van
Sergeant Pasquale “Dino” Aiello, who leads the Special Assignment team at the Paramount Sheriff’s Station, was recognized at the October 2 City Council meeting for his excellent work at maximizing public safety in Paramount, especially in the sense of including residents in the ongoing efforts. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Sergeant Aiello, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Accepting the Model Community Achievement Award at the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s 30th Annual Clean Air Awards on Oct. 5 are (from left) Paramount Councilmembers Daryl Hofmeyer, Laurie Guillen and Peggy Lemons, with SCAQMD Boardmember Dr. Joseph K. Lyou.
Paramount Education Partnership
PEP Talk
The College Board: great resource for students, families
CollegeBoard
The College Board is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education.
Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. Its website, collegeboard.org, is a treasure trove of information and resources.
You can, for instance, look for college scholarships, other financial aid, and internships from more than 2,200 programs totaling nearly $6 billion. Scholarship information is based on the College Board’s Annual Survey of Financial Aid Programs. It also has a portal to fill out the FAFSA, which every college student needs to do to qualify for financial aid (see below).
FAFSA is the ticket to federal money for college
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the ticket to federal money for college and many other types of scholarships.
The FAFSA is the form that families fill out to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study funds for college students. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Education, which provides more than $150 billion in student aid each year.
Your eligibility for federal grants (which don’t have to be repaid) and federal loans (which do have to be repaid) will generally be based on your financial need, as determined by the information you supply on your FAFSA.
Most colleges, state scholarship agencies, and foundations use the FAFSA in deciding who gets scholarship money, as well as how much each student will receive. Also, filing a FAFSA automatically qualifies you for low-cost federal student loans of at least $5,500 a year.
You can find out more about the FAFSA, including the deadlines for completing it, at studentaid.ed.gov/sa
Contribute to PEP Scholarship Program
• PEP provides 36 college scholarships each year to Paramount High School students or to Paramount residents already attending college.
• PEP provides funds for universities, community colleges and trade schools.
• 100% of your donations go to scholarships.
• All donations are tax-deductible.
• Donate $50 or more and receive a free PEP tote bag as a thank you.*
• To donate online, please go to: gofundme.com/PepScholarships
Please make sure you contribute to the right GoFundMe account! Look for the Certified Charity checkmark! Paramount Education Partnership EIN:800281241
For more information about PEP, please call the City of Paramount at 562-220-2121 or visit us at paramountcity.com/pep *While supplies last. To redeem, bring your donation receipt to the City’s Recreation Office at 15300 Downey Avenue.
Paramount High senior wins first prize in Marukan Cup
Osvaldo Galaz, Paramount High School’s Career & Technical Education Pathway senior, won the firstplace prize of $1,000 on Oct. 19 in the 5th Annual Marukan Cup of Excellence Cooking Competition at Cerritos College.
Chef Michael Pierini, Director of Culinary Arts at Cerritos College, hosted the well-attended event, which featured three categories of contestant entries: Cerritos College alumni, current Cerritos College students, and high school students.
For the event, Osvaldo prepared fried panko chicken cutlet with tomato chipotle sauce, coleslaw with dressing, and roasted sweet potatoes with an avocado cilantro dipping sauce. His dedicated culinary teacher, Juliette Bell, worked with him after school in the days leading up to the competition to perfect this award-winning dish.
A panel of four professional chefs scored the high school contestants on criteria such as cooking method, knife skills, presentation, sanitation, safety and timing.
Osvaldo, who is in his third year of the Food Service and Hospitality Pathway at Paramount High, first became interested in culinary arts because of his mom and thought it was a great opportunity to learn more about cooking.
In addition to his love for cooking, Osvaldo likes to spend time tutoring at his church. He is also involved with the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC), and he plans to join the military and become a chef in the United States Army.
In discussing his key takeaways from the event, Osvaldo commented: “I was so glad and honored to be the student to go and represent Paramount High School. The competition itself was a learning experience. I did have a rough start, but through it, I learned to keep going— because at the end of the day, it’s going to be worth it.”
Osvaldo Galaz (in chef’s hat) holds a giant check after winning first place in the Marukan Cup. To the right is Jon Tanklage , President of Marukan Vinegar USA, who presented the prize. Jon is also President of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce.
Membership RENEWALS
We’re pleased and grateful to report that the businesses listed below renewed their Paramount Chamber of Commerce memberships last month. Their support makes the valuable services of our Chamber and Business Resource Center possible.
BARTENDER
Part-time position. Must have evenings and weekends available. Contact Leroy at 562-634-9001.
SKILLED LABOR OPPORTUNITIES
SkillsetGroup currently has positions available for first, second and third shifts. Come in and apply today! SkillsetGroup actualmente tiene aperturas para puestos disponibles para Primer, Segundo y Tercer turno. ¡Ven y aplica hoy!
Machine operator Sanitation Loading/unloading
Forklift driver Production line Order pulling Call us at 866-375-3094 or use Instagram (@skillsetgroup) or Facebook for weekly updates. 7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 202, Paramount, CA 90723.
STATE FARM AGENT
Take control and keep perspective. State Farm Agents grow a business designed to help customers protect what’s important to them while making time to give back to their neighborhood. Make a decision you can be proud of and take your career to a better state. Contact David Maciel at 562-305-2111.
Nov. 3 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Veterans
Celebration
Join us in saluting our Veterans, beginning with a Pancake Breakfast provided by IHOP at 9 a.m. at the Community Center. The presentation of Colors flag ceremony will be conducted by the 40th Infantry Division Color Guard and the Paramount Boy Scouts. Performances by The Satin Dolls, Rock the Vets, Lake Arrowhead Mountain Fife & Drums and Paramount Dance Studio. Special appearance by Elinor Otto, the last original “Rosie the Riveter.” Come honor our local vets and thank them for their service to our country. Location: Paramount Park, 14400 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723.
Nov. 8 • 10 a.m. - noon
Landlord Workshop
Fair Housing Foundation will be on hand to answer questions and explain fair housing laws. Learn your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. RSVP at 1-800-446-FAIR or fhfca.org. Location: Paramount Park Gym, 15500 Downey Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723.
Nov. 8 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Xtreme Business Expo
All businesses welcome. Gather resources and information about Employee Assistance Programs, Customized Training, Recruiting Services and Business Advisement from the Collaborative Community Network (please visit selacowdb.com/business-resource-connection-events/). Location: Simms Park, 16614 Clark Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706. RSVP at 562-402-9336.
Nov. 8 • 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: Alpha Fitness & Nutrition
Join us for the Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for Alpha Fitness & Nutrition, which specializes in fitness classes and overall health training in a small-class environment with a personal touch for each client. Lunch will be served. RSVP at 562-634-3980. Location: 14918 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723 (behind LizPro Nails).
Nov. 10 • 10 a.m. - noon
First-time Home Buyer Seminar
Ready to buy your first home but don’t know how to begin? Maybe you have some questions—or maybe you don’t realize that you have some questions. What steps do you need to take? How do you get pre-approved? Why FHA vs. a conventional loan? What is a FICO score, and how do you make it better? Location: Paramount Chamber of Commerce, 15357 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723.
Nov. 15 • 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner
Annual social event with food, dancing and music for our beloved Paramount seniors. Tickets will be available starting October 15 at the Paramount Community Center. For information and sponsorship opportunities, call 562220-2090. Location: Paramount Park Gym, 14400 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723. Please see the story on page 3.
Nov. 17 • 9 a.m.
Turkey Bowling Tournament
Four players per co-ed team with a 16-team limit for the tournament. Fee: $20 per team. Registration open to the Paramount Community (Paramount residents and employees in the City of Paramount). For more information, contact the Recreation Office at 562-220-2121 or visit ParamountCity.com
Location: Paramount Park Futsal Courts, 14400 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723. Please see the ad on page 8.
Dec. 7 • 5 - 7 p.m.
Paramount Chamber Holiday Business Mixer
Annual social event with networking, food, music, karaoke and fun for all. Food is donated by local member restaurants. Adults only, please! Location: Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. See the ad on page 14
WEBER METALS , Inc., a division of Otto Fuchs KG of Germany, unveiled a new, $180 million, 60,000-ton press, the world’s largest private investment in aerospace metal forging, at its new 2.5-acre facility here in Paramount on Oct. 23.
As a result, Weber will double its local employment to 800 jobs, which is expected to have the economic impact of creating more than 2,000 jobs in the surrounding community.
The state of California contributed $20 million in tax credits to the project.
“This innovative technology will literally forge the future for parts made for aircraft and spacecraft,” said Dr. Hinrich Mählmann, Managing Partner of Otto Fuchs KG. “This, the world’s largest pulldown forging press, will shape some of the world’s largest monolithic parts from both aluminum and titanium. For Otto Fuchs, this is the third time we have developed the world’s largest forging press and the second time it has been on Weber’s property,” he added. Speaking for Weber Metals, Doug McIntyre, Weber Metals President and CEO, said that the new press addresses the demands and expectations from the company’s customers for larger, more sophisticated monolithic titanium and aluminum parts that reduce both weight and complexity. This helps aircraft and aerospace companies improve their environmental efforts, which is a priority for Otto Fuchs and Weber Metals.
“Environmental sustainability is a priority for both companies,” said Dr. Klaus Welschof, Head of the Otto Fuchs Aerospace Division. “Green product design reflects the efforts by both of our companies to help reduce carbon footprints for commercial aircraft. It also connects with another of our commitments: improving the mobility of people everywhere through better aircraft design.”
Groundbreaking for the new facility was in April 2014, and construction started in January of 2017 when the first press piece arrived on site. The machine is nearly 10 stories tall, and only one-third of it is visible—the other two-thirds are below ground level. Weber Metals’ first production part will be for Boeing’s main landing gear beam on the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
The new press represents the continuing success and growth of Weber Metals in Southern California, contributing to a strong local economy with engineering and manufacturing jobs. Weber Metals started in 1946 with Edmund L. Weber and a handful of employees. Otto Fuchs acquired Weber Metals in 1978 when there were 30 employees.
Paramount-Tepic Sister Cities Día de los Muertos Festival
Beautiful face painting and costumes are an important part of the Día de los Muertos aesthetic tradition.
Paramount-Tepic celebrated Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Oct. 21 at Paramount Park. MUSA, a local women’s service organization, decorated the stage with banners and bright flowers and put together a wonderful display of ofrendas (altars) to honor loved ones who have passed on.
Master of ceremonies was Guillermo Parga, a long-time Paramount resident and community supporter. Mayor Diane Martinez welcomed everyone and said that she was “so proud of Paramount, for our community coming together to celebrate our culture.”
Latina Art Foundation opened the event with powerful dance performances choreographed by Daileen and Danaly Perez. They were followed by the Mariachi Divas singing lovely ballads reflecting life and honoring ancestors. Mokler Florklorico then took the stage, and the children wowed the crowd with their beautiful, traditional regalia.
Friends of the Library President Sal Gonzalo and School Board Member Linda Garcia organized a showing of the hit Disney movie “Coco,” complete with popcorn, snacks and fruit drinks.
At dusk, the candlelight novenario was led by Aztec dancers, an ancient pre-columbian tradition. “La Catrina” led a procession that visited each altar build that day to honor deceased loved ones.
Frank Barraza, President of Paramount-Tepic Sister Cities, offered special thanks to Event Chairperson Marcie Garcia-Bridges and her committee for putting together such a wonderful festival. He also thanked the Latinas Art Foundation, Horchateria, Candy 4 Less, El Pueblo Tacos and Cindy’s Jumpers for their generosity in co-sponsoring and supporting sister cities programs, including this festival.
For more information about Paramount-Tepic Sister Cities and upcoming events, please contact Frank Barraza at 562-884-8377.
Many ofrendas (altars) were on display.
World Energy to invest $350 million to complete conversion of Paramount petroleum refinery to renewable fuels
WORLD ENERGY , a global leader in lowcarbon transportation fuels production, announced Oct. 23 that it would invest $350 million over the next two years to complete the conversion of its Paramount, California, facility into one of the cleanest fuel refineries in the world.
The project will enable World Energy Paramount to process 306 million gallons annually. The conversion to renewable jet, diesel, gasoline and propane will reduce both refinery and fuel emissions while supporting more than 100 advanced, green-economy jobs.
Gene Gebolys, Chief Executive Officer of Bostonbased World Energy Paramount, said: “Today, we are making significant investments in California that will allow us to create more local construction and full-time jobs. This facility is a direct and tangible result of environmental policies passed by the California State Legislature.”
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, State Senator Henry Stern, California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols, former State Senator Fran Pavley, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Paramount’s Mayor and City Council members, and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce were among the elected officials, policymakers, climate and community leaders in attendance.
“The environmental state policies we have written are working and have paved the way for these significant investments in our communities,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. “World Energy is demonstrating the economic potential of renewable fuels for California.”
“This project will transform the Paramount facility into California’s most important hub for the production and blending of advanced renewable fuels,” said Bryan Sherbacow, Chief Commercial
Energy held a public meeting at its
included (from
on Oct. 23 to announce its
Air Resources Board; John Risley, Executive Director, World Energy Board; State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; Bryan Sherbacow, World Energy CCO; Paramount Mayor Diane Martinez; Tim Olson, California Energy Commission; and former State Senator Fran Pavley, author of California Assembly Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act) and California Senate Bill 32, which expanded upon AB-32 to mandate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Today, we are making significant investments in California that will allow us
to create more local construction and full-time jobs.” - Gene Gebolys
Officer of World Energy. “This investment will better enable us to deliver much-needed lowcarbon solutions to our customers. Importantly, with 150 million gallons of annual renewable jet production capacity, World Energy will be able to help the commercial aviation industry combat its greenhouse gas emissions.”
World Energy (worldenergy.net) is one of the largest and longest-serving advanced biofuel suppliers in North America. Founded in 1998, the company operates biodiesel manufacturing plants in Houston, Texas; Natchez, Miss.; Rome, Ga.; Harrisburg, Pa; and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; a renewable diesel refinery in Paramount, Calif.; and distribution hubs throughout the United States and Canada.
Manufacturing Day: Two Paramount companies open doors to students
The day at Weber Metals started with an introduction to the forging process and its important role in the aerospace world. A key characteristic of forging is the grain flow of the metal. Students were able to look at the forged part’s grain flow from both a micro and macro viewpoint. Students then witnessed the operation of an open-die press that has a maximum capability of 3,300 tons of force, as well as quality inspections of tools at a 3D scanning station.
Weber Metals engineers demonstrated the black light inspection process of a part as it brightly glowed with green penetrant oil. Using mini-presses and Play-Doh, students were able to simulate how a structural component of an airplane is formed within a closed-die press. Students toured the new 60,000-ton press facility, which houses the largest privately invested forging press in the world (see the related story on page 8).
(continued from page 1)
Paramount High School give us the opportunity to share our team members’ knowledge and talents with our community,” said Doug McIntyre, President and CEO. “We’re passionate about what we create, so seeing that same passion spark inside students is a great moment for our team.”
In addition to learning about how Weber makes its products, students got hands-on practice on one of the many ways Weber keeps environmental responsibility at the forefront of its operations. Hydraulic oil keeps forging presses in motion. Students were able to experience how used oil is captured, recycled and reused. “Our choice to recycle and reuse spent hydraulic oil in our forging presses allows us to reduce our overall carbon footprint by minimizing waste and conserving natural resources,” said Queen Uchekwe, an environmental engineer at Weber.
To commemorate the day, Weber hosted a T-shirt design contest with the high school’s Career Technical Education Media Pathway. Lorenzo Luna, a junior at PHS and a second-year graphic design student, created the winning design that was used to make shirts for the day.
Weber’s commitment to introducing students to the world of forging extends beyond this Manufacturing Day event. The company has hosted internships for Paramount High School students, participated in the CTE Engineering Pathway Senior Presentations and PHS Student Forums, and sits on the CTE Advisory Committee. “Manufacturing Day and other events with
“We were excited to open our doors for Manufacturing Day for the first time,” said Dawn Kazoleas, Vice President of Human Resources and Safety. “By being able to educate students on the manufacturing industry’s multiple, diverse and important career paths, we are hopefully capturing students’ interest and inspiring future manufacturers.”
More about the origins of Manufacturing Day
Created in 2012 by Founding Partner Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), MFG Day quickly gained the support of other key organizations: the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute (MI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), including NIST’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).
The result of this collaboration is a growing mass movement that encourages and empowers manufacturers to work together to address collective challenges, including the current skilled labor shortage that many companies are facing, MFG Day has become a rallying point for this coordinated effort.
World
Paramount refinery
significant expansion and investment plans. Participants
left) Gene Gebolys, World Engergy CEO; Sandra Berg, Vice-Chairwoman, California
PHS group that visited Weber Metals on MFG Day 2018.
Business loans: What every entrepreneur needs to know
ABy Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company specializing in small businesses and entrepreneurship
s your business grows, you may need more capital than you can get from your operational cash flow. If you are not funding your growth with equity, small business loans are another option to consider. What do small business owners need to know about getting a business loan? I talked with Max Ordonez, a business advisor with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center (LA SBDC) and an advisor for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, both at Long Beach City College, to find out.
Asking for ‘as much as I can get’ is not what bankers want to hear. . .
Ordonez works with business owners who are ready to take their companies to the next level—and who often need financing to get there. “Typically, they’ve identified a growth opportunity, such as adding a new product or service or entering a new market,” he explains.
The most important factor banks consider when reviewing a loan application is your cash flow, says Ordonez. Banks look at three years of business tax returns and three years of personal tax returns to determine a business owner’s net global cash flow.
“Global cash flow includes both cash flow generated by the business and personal cash flow needs,” says Ordonez. “If your business makes $100K a year but your personal lifestyle requires spending $90K a year, your net global cash flow is not $100K, it’s $10k.” If this figure is insufficient to repay the expected amount of the loan, banks will not lend to you, says Ordonez. Failing to understand the concept of global cash flow—or to understand their business’s financials in general—are frequent mistakes he sees among business owners seeking financing.
Not knowing how much money you need is another common mistake, Ordonez says. “You have to be able to tell a banker exactly how much money you need and how the funds will be used,” he explains. If you’re planning to buy equipment, for instance, don’t guesstimate—get price quotes from vendors. “Asking for ‘as much as I can get’ is not what bankers want to hear,” he says.“You need to do the homework and prepare a
cash flow forecast.” Being able to explain your strategy for growing revenues is also important.
Many small business owners struggle to get loans because they don’t talk to the right people at the bank. “The first bank they go to is where they already have a banking relationship, which is a logical place to start,” Ordonez says. “[But] usually the person they talk to that handles their personal accounts is not the right person to talk to. You need to develop a relationship with the commercial lending person—the person who does business loans—and understand what their requirements are.”
Banks are most likely to lend businesses money for the purchase of tangible assets, such as equipment, machinery or vehicles, Ordonez says. “They want collateral— anything they can attach a lien to,” he explains. For business owners seeking tangible assets, that’s good news, as it means more lenders in the space and more competitive pricing for the business.
For service businesses, however, it’s not so easy. Intangible assets like customer lists and goodwill aren’t enough to collateralize a loan. The good news: Traditional bank loans are not your only option, although they’re the first one most small business owners think of. Nontraditional lenders, SBA Express loans, or small loans from sources such as nonprofit CDFIs (community development financial institutions) can be a better fit for many entrepreneurs. There are also a number of other options depending on your type of business. For example, financing based on receivables may make sense for some businesses.
No matter what type of business you own or what kind of loan you’re seeking, Ordonez offers this advice: “Talk to someone who has been successful getting financing, maybe in the area you’re looking for, or seek a resource, like the SBDC’s Capital Access Team, experts who can walk you through the forest, help you understand the terms, and help you put a good loan package together to be more bankable.”
(This article originally appeared in Small Biz Daily on October 3, 2018. Reprinted with permission.)
member-to-member disc o unts Paramount Chamber of Commerce
As a member, these discounts are extended to you by your fellow members. Visit the following businesses to receive the discounts listed below. But remember, these offers are available only to members of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce!
Advertising & Marketing
Advertise Smart, Not Hard (323-247-0938): Five-night Cancún accommodation for subscribing to any of our products.
Attorney & Legal Services
Lerma Law Office (562-272-4353): 15% discount on initial retainer fee or flat-rate service.
Automotive
Herald’s Garage (562-633-2136): 15% discount on labor and free engine light reset.
Cleaners
Alert Cleaners (562-634-4602): 10% discount on any dry cleaning.
Communications
Transcom Telecommunications (562-630-1200, ext. 221): 10% off equipment (business phone services).
Contractors
Jones Scaffold Co. (800-266-3864): 10% off net rental of scaffold equipment.
Data Base Services
NEXTSTEP (877-305-6932): Free needs analysis and special member discount rate.
Financial Services
SG Tax Services (562-630-4004): $25 off tax preparation for members and their employees.
Vicky Professional Services (562-634-1178): 20% off bookkeeping and accounting service.
United Credit Education Services (424-298-1726): $50 off $99 enrollment fee.
Hotels & Motels
Embassy Suites Hotel (562-861-1900): 15% off best available room rate (subject to availability). Ask for “Chamber Rate.”
Medical
Clínica Médica Hispana (562-630-1991): 25% discount.
Hansen, Thomas D. C. – Chiropractor (562-634-0985): 25% off initial visit.
Plumbing and Heating
Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (562-861-1234): 10% off HydroJet service and/or 10% off material.
Printers
Source Graphics, Inc. (562-408-2734): 10% discount.
Real Estate
GM Properties (562-696-0200): 5% of gross commissions on closed deals will be sent to the charity of our choice in your name. Call and ask for Matt.
The R.M. Cool Company (562-630-6000): Call and ask about our preferred pricing for Chamber members.
Penta Pacific Properties (562-699-1922): Free opinions of market value of commercial and industrial properties.
Real Estate Homes & Investments (562-200-1164): 20% discount. Call and ask about preferred pricing for Paramount Chamber of Commerce members.
Restaurants
Antojitos Mexicanos Restaurant (562-712-5292): 10% discount on all food orders over $10.
Café Corleone (562-408-6100): 10% discount on all food purchases.
Café Camellia (562/866-2824): 10% discount on food purchases.
Casa Gamino (562-634-6225): 10% discount on food purchases.
El Comalon Mexican Food (562-633-0900): 10% discount.
El Compa Restaurant (562-630-1068): 10% discount on all food purchases.
Mariscos El Parihuete (562-408-1661): 10% discount on all food purchases over $10.
Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa #1 (562-529-5110): 10% discount on food purchases.
Pika Tortas Ahogadas (562-529-5787): 10% discount on all regular-priced food items (excludes combo deals).
Skating
Rinks
Paramount Iceland (562-633-1171): 10% off admission and skate rental.
Wholesalers & Distributors
Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% off fixtures and ballast orders (electrical supplies).
If you have questions or you’d like to learn more about this discount program, please call the Chamber of Commerce office at 562-634-3980.
ALPHA Fitness & Nutrition
Serving the community since 1946, the Paramount Lions have been actively participating in and providing donations to support local programs such as PEP (Paramount Education Partnership), Relay for Life, City of Hope, youth sports, food banks, and eye care for families in need. Come join our dedicated members as we build friendships and partnerships with a common goal of giving back to the community.
Join us for lunch: 2nd & 4th Thursdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. Clearwater Building 16401 Paramount Blvd. Paramount Lions Club LionsParamount@gmail.com
Friends
of Paramount
Library
16254 Colorado St. Paramount, CA 562-630-3171
Monthly meetings every 3rd Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.
Dedicated to serving our library and providing the best service possible to your community. Your membership is tax deductible, and funds go to provide new literature, new equipment, and activities for everyone to enjoy. Contact Dolores Tripp, President. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS
Service clubs and organizations in the United States are voluntary groups that meet regularly to perform beneficial charitable works, including sponsoring fundraising events for various social causes, disaster relief, medical assistance and other services for people in need.
A number of today’s service organizations started in the early 20th century as social clubs and venues for business networking and then evolved into groups devoted to community service. Clubs usually meet regularly on a recurring day and time, often for lunch or dinner.
Service clubs encourage community involvement, networking and personal growth among their members. In the USA, many of these organizations have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Some USA-based service organizations, including the Lions Club and Rotary Club, have become large worldwide movements officially recognized by the United Nations and governments of various countries as legitimate non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Some organizations are dedicated to serving the interests of particular groups, such as the American Legion’s focus on U.S. military veterans.
If you would like to add your service club to those shown here, please contact the Paramount Chamber of Commerce at 562-634-3980.
