Chamber Fiesta Promotes Local Economy – Safe & Smart Fair Promotes Education
More than 10,000 people attended the Paramount Chamber Fiesta sponsored by Clinica Medica Hispana and the City sponsored Safe & Smart Fair. The Fiesta combined games and rides with promoting local businesses, the Safe & Smart
fair focused on promoting individual schools sites and the overall importance of education.
The Fiesta featured more than twenty community booths promoting their products and services including the Chamber booth which
What’s inside
gave away promotional items from area businesses in their “Spin to Win” game. The Safe & Smart Fair had booths from 17 different schools and included an awards program for the top ten students with the highest GPA in grades 9, 10 and 11 from each school.
The Paramount Chamber Fiesta is held each September at the Paramount Entertainment Center.
The Paramount Chamber would like to express their gratitude to owner Glenn Bianchi for the use of his property.
Paramount Chamber Senior Vice President, Leonard Crespo of Total Western is joined by Chamber Ambassador Annina Tomjack from Paramount Petroleum. Leonard and Annina restock promotional giveaways for the Spin to Win game.
Fiesta sponsor Clinica Medica Hispana hosted their own Fiesta booth and gave away dozens of raffle prizes. Clinica Medica employees from left: Elva Preciado, Nabila Alberty and Denise Medina.
Information booths for all Paramount school sites were present at the Safe & Smart Fair
Elected officials including the Mayor, City Council and School Board are joined by the City Manager, PUSD Superintendent and the PUSD High School Principal on stage at the Safe & Smart Fair to recognize Paramount students with high GPA’s.
Halloween Carnival, a Boo-tifully Fun Night
The City’s annual Halloween Carnival will once again provide a fun, safe and spooky good time at Paramount Park on Sunday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For almost 40 years, this free fright-night of fun has offered parents and youngsters a supervised environment full of activities and goodies. We usually get more than 5,000 residents – mostly kids – turning out for the ghoulish gathering.
There will be costume contests by age category, an assortment of carnival games, a pumpkin carving contest, the “goofy graveyard” for preschoolers, a moonbounce, piñatas, face-painting, a photo booth and more. Plus, food booths will have goodies for sale and the City will give away lots and lots of candy.
Paramount Park is located at 14400 Paramount Blvd. For more information, call (562) 220-2121.
Successful Education Month
I want to send a special note of thanks to everyone in the City and the School District who made our annual Education Month celebration such a positive experience. The turnout was fantastic for the Safe and Smart Fair in Paramount Park, and it was great to honor so many of the kids of Paramount.
Among those so noted were the winners of the City’s Earth Day t-shirt contest. Hundreds of great submissions came in this year from the 1st through the 8th grade for the logo to adorn the shirts that we’ll give out next April. The judging was very difficult. In the end, one winner was picked from each grade. There was also one overall winner whose artwork will be reproduced on the shirt.
Congratulations to these winners:
1st Grade – Luis Salazar, Kepple School
2nd Grade – Hailey Zaragoza, Kepple
3rd Grade – Alexis Guzman, Roosevelt
4th Grade – Angelica Silerio, Collins
5th Grade – Jesus Salazar, Mokler
6th Grade – Gabriela Para, Paramount Park
7th Grade – Brandon Acosta, Paramount Park
8th Grade – Marlene Gonzalez, Paramount Park
And the overall winner, whose logo will go on the t-shirts, was 4th grader Angelica Silerio.
We also recognized our top students who had the highest grade point averages in the 9th, 10th and 11th grades last year. Those fine scholars were:
9th Grade
Ilene Calderon
Isabela Cardenas
Lucio Lopez
Anthony Meza
Osbeli Salazar
Faviola Zuniga
Jasmine Esparza
Crystal Estrada
Yessenia Reveles
Elizabeth Bravo
Jacqueline Hernandez
10th Grade
Paola Ruiz
Jacqueline Martinez
Mariana Castro
Daniela Rivera
Yvonne Vasquez
Cyntia Melero
Karen Quintero
Janet Salazar
Estevan Cervantes
Danielle Baker
Tony Estrada
11th Grade
Andrew Juhasz
Pamela Payad
Iliana Yepez
Ismael Mireles
Daniel Pino
Angela Cuevas
Gilbert Garcia
Vanessa Flores
Vanessa Gomez
Erika Alvarez
It was a great day, a great month, and we all look forward to doing it again next September.
Calendar The Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner
Just an early reminder to be sure and mark Thursday, November 18 on your calendar for our Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Paramount Park gym.
For more information, call (562) 2202121.
Federal Stimulus Helping Paramount Youth
This summer we received a boost from the federal stimulus program that provided funding through the county for summer youth employment. We were able to hire Paramount youth for the Summer Nutrition and Arts program, our Day Camp and park maintenance through the local Southeast Area Social Ser-
vices Funding Authority (SASSFA) office.
It was great for these local kids, who gained employment experience and a paycheck, and the City got help with our summer programs at no cost to our budget. We also benefited from the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) program that was also funded by the federal stimulus program. The City was able to employ three additional part-time staff persons to assist with the renovation work at Dills Park.
Keep SASSFA in mind, as it provides free employment, training, and business services to low-income and out of work residents of Paramount. SASSFA offers job seekers a full computer lab, internet access, resume building skills, tutorials,
community resources, faxes, phones, copiers, workshops, posted job leads and much more. Free services to Paramount youth, ages 16-21, include tutoring, college preparation, paid work experience, internet and computer lab, and job readiness and leadership workshops.
Businesses can also benefit by using SASSFA for recruiting, screening and hiring of employees.
Anyone looking for a job or needing to upgrade their employment skills through training can do so at SASSFA, at no cost.
SASSFA is located at the Paramount Firehouse Activity Center at 15538 Colorado Avenue. For more information, call (562) 633-9511 or visit www.sassfa.org.
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Invites you to attend a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting P-Dogs
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 13610 S. Garfield Ave, South Gate (Corner of Century & Garfield)
Beginning at 11:30 am Lunch Served RSVP: (562) 634-3980
Mayor, Tom Hansen
Sheriff’s Station Offers Variety of Services
The Paramount Public Safety Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have a strong partnership that brings the finest law enforcement services to the residents of Paramount. The Paramount Sheriff’s Station, located at 15001 Paramount Blvd., is a prime example of the relationship.
The facility offers a number of services for the public. Among those are: filing crime reports; reporting suspicious activities and talking to deputies; paying parking violations and vehicle impound release fees; and responding to or making code enforcement complaints. Deputies are also available at the Station to interview victims and criminal suspects.
The Station is nearing completion of a renovation that will expand its public spaces and provide even better service for the community.
The Paramount Sheriff’s Station houses 70 employees – 42 sworn (Sheriff personnel) and 28 non-sworn (City Public Safety Dept.) Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7 days a week; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on holidays.
The phone number for the Station is (562) 220-2002.
Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigates a wide range of complex financial crimes including fraud, identity theft, and high-tech computer crimes. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud or identity theft crime, contact the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002 to report it.
Keep the following hints in mind to avoid becoming a victim of these crimes.
1. Sign the back of all your credit cards. Optionally, also write “Please Verify Photo ID.”
2. When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, do not put the complete account number on
the “For” line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.
3. Never have your Social Security number pre-printed on your checks. You can add it as necessary. But if you have it pre-printed anyone can get it.
4. Do not have your first name preprinted on your checks; instead, have only your first initial printed. This makes it more difficult for thieves to forge your name and steal your personal information.
5. Make a photocopy of all the important personal information in your wallet or purse. Copy both sides of each license and credit card. This way, if your wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen you will know exactly what you had and will be able to contact the issuing agencies to report the loss. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Do not carry it with you.
6. Have the phone numbers of the banks that issued your credit cards handy. If you suspect fraud, call and cancel your credit cards immediately.
7. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc. were stolen. This proves to your credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation.
8. Call the three national credit reporting agencies immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your personal information has been stolen, and they must contact you to authorize any new credit. Doing this usually will stop the thieves dead in their tracks.
Equifax, (800) 525-6285; Experian, (888) 397-3742; Transunion, (800) 6807289; Social Security Fraud Line, (800) 269-0271.
American Legion Presents Graveside Honors
Past Commander Clint Williams. The Honor Guard raised
Mrs. Williams.
P ARAMOUNT C ITY C OUNCIL E DUCATION M ONTH
At its September 7 meeting, the Paramount City Council was joined by members of the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education – Sonya Cuellar, Linda Garcia and Vivian Hansen, along with Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo. They were all present to celebrate Education Month in the City, which is held every September to highlight the importance of school and to encourage residents to continually increase their levels of education. Many special guests were recognized.
Phil Wendel from the American Red Cross was on hand to help the Council proclaim September as National Preparedness Month. From left: Councilmember Gene Daniels, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Tom Hansen, Wendel, Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.
In June, the City’s annual track meet was held at Paramount High. Paramount Park School was the overall winner for the 4th straight year. Lincoln School was this year’s runner-up. At the meeting were Principal Topekia Jones and teacher Adam Springston from Paramount Park and Lincoln Principal Pamela Williams. From left: Boardmember Sonya Cuellar, Williams, Boardmember Vivian Hansen, Jones, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Springston, Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Boardmember Linda Garcia and Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life was held in town on June 12 at Alondra Middle School. Silvia Constanza, the Relay For Life Manager from the Cancer Society, attended the meeting to offer an update on the results, and to note that $25,000 was raised. From left: Councilmember Gene Daniels, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Tom Hansen, Constanza, Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer and Councilmember Peggy Lemons.
Paramount High School Class of 2010 Valedictorian James Benson and Co-Salutatorians Lotusa Chan and Juan Espinosa were honored at the meeting. (Co-Salutatorian Brittany Early was unable to attend.) From left: Boardmember Vivian Hansen, Boardmember Sonya Cuellar, Benson, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Chan, Mayor Tom Hansen, Espinosa, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Boardmember Linda Garcia, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe made a special presentation to the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) of $20,000 that was put toward the college scholarship fund. Joining the Council and School Board were members of the PEP Board of Directors: Chairman Matt Knabe of Englander Knabe & Allen, Vice Chair Erin Stibal of Supervisor Knabe’s office and Boardmember Dr. Max Martinez, DDS.
Also presenting a check to PEP was Dr. Max Martinez, DDS, representing the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. The donation was from the Chamber’s toner cartridge recycling program. From left: Boardmember Vivian Hansen, Boardmember Sonya Cuellar, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Tom Hansen, Dr. Martinez, Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Boardmember Linda Garcia and Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo.
All Teachers of the Year from every PUSD campus were recognized by the Council and School Board.
Children
Special Thanks To Scholarship Committee Members
While 24 scholarships were awarded this year to Paramount college students, there were many more applications submitted. Each of those was reviewed by a dedicated committee of community members. These volunteers gave huge amounts of their time and energy to this effort. It was a selfless act that meant an awful lot to so many people. The City of Paramount’s appreciation goes out to these fine folks:
• Paula Coony of Paramount Iceland/Zamboni Merchandising Co.
• Paramount resident Mandy Stevens.
• Dr. Deborah Stark, Director of Secondary Programs with the Paramount Unified School District.
• Flo Haynes of Weber Metals.
• Lourdes Talamantes, School Counselor with Paramount Unified.
Learning Center at Spane Park Offerings For New School Year
The Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Resource Center at Spane Park is currently in its enrollment stage for the new school
year. Currently, more than 100 participants are taking advantage of the various programs.
For instance, there is a preschool class for three- and four-year-olds. In addition, the after-school program, starting at 3:00 p.m. and going until 7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, has homework help and tutoring for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Tutoring covers the subjects of math, language arts and computer literacy. Approximate enrollment at this time is 60 students.
Also Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Center is offering an English as a Second Language (ESL) class with an instructor from the Paramount Adult School. There will be also a nine-week parenting class that will start in the near future.
On Fridays, the Center holds Plazas Comunitarias, which involves a group of parents who meet to advance their education in order to obtain a high school diploma. This program is sponsored through the Mexican consulate.
For more information about these programs, please call (562) 220-2121.
La Amapola Riboon Cutting
STATER BROS. EMPLOYEES ARE
AWARDED OVER $224,000 IN SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR 20102011 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR
Since 1987, over $2.1 million in scholarships have been awarded to members of the Stater Bros. Supermarket Family
Stater Bros. Supermarkets is pleased to announce that 55 scholarships totaling over $224,000 have been awarded to Stater Bros. employees and the children of Stater Bros. employees for the 2010-2011 academic school year through the California Grocers Association, the Christermon Foundation, Western Association of Food Chains, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Stater Bros. Supermarkets ensures all employees are informed of industry related scholarships and career advancement opportunities by posting the information in
all 167 Supermarket locations as well as at its Corporate Offices and Distribution Center.
“Education truly is a key to future success and no other company cares more about the future of its employees than Stater Bros. does,” stated Jack H. Brown, Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Supermarkets.
In addition to these scholarships, Brown personally funds five $1,000 Rose Brown Scholarships each year at California State University, San Bernardino. These scholarships are awarded to full-time undergraduate students who are also single parents.
Since the inception of the scholarship program in 1987, Stater Bros. Supermarkets has facilitated over $2.1 million in scholarship funds which have provided assistance to over 800 members of the Stater Bros. Supermarket Family.
Lions Club Helps Feed Local Families
The Paramount Lions Club has partnered with Lifegate Foursquare Church in a food distribution program. Lifegate works with the Treasure Box association to provide boxes of food valued from $65-$100, for only $30, a variety of boxes are available:
-The Treasure Box- 21-25 pounds of frozen foods including chicken, pork, beef or seafood, in addition to vegetables, fruit, a side dish and dessert.
-The Hearty Meat Protein Box-12-15 lbs of protein.
- The Quick & Healthy Meal Box-10 individually packaged 3 compartment meals. Low in fat and cholesterol.\
- Kids Box- Kid friendly, quick & easy to prepare meals and snacks for kids.
- Seafood Value Box- 7-8 lb assortment of fish fillets at a great value.
Lions Club President Eric Bengali from Tiptop Towing says, “This is a great way to give a charitable, useful gift to a family. One of our members had already sponsored a needy family through Lifegate and asked if the Club would like to do the same. Our response was a resounding “YES” and we voted to support not one,
Readers can check the Treasure Box website (http://www.thetreasurebox.org) to place an order or find out if there is a local distribution site near their home.
HELP WANTED
OUTSIDE SALES AND BODY & PAINT TECHNICIAN WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
Modern and authentic Mexican grill in the city of Paramount seeking MANAGERS, EXPERIENCED COOKS (COCINEROS), AND FOOD / CUSTOMER SERVICE. Be part of a new and growing restaurant that is to open around July 15th - August 1st. Looking for cheerful, polite and fast people who are Spanish bilingual, food service experience is a definite plus. Solicitamos cocineros. Se habla español. Phone: 562688-4674 • Email: marvinmeraz@gmail.com • Fax: 562-790-8079
10th YEAR CELEBRATION
ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
NEW COMMANDMENT BAPTIST CHURCH
15548 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723
Rev. Grady Jones, Pastor (Between the 91 Freeway and 105 Freeways)
FREE
Blood Pressure Screening • Immunization
Flu Shots • Diabetes Screening AIDS/HIV Screening • WIC and Nutrition
Child Support Services • Environmental Safety Tips
FREE HEALTHY SNACKS FOR EVERYONE.... Music, Puppet Shows, Karate Demonstration... AND MORE! EVERYONE IS WELCOME! FREE ADMISSION AND FREE PARKING
Seven Strategies For Saving
By Maria F Galli State Farm Galli Agency
562.817.5620
Are you doing your best to save for your future? It can be very challenging to begin a savings program. After necessities such as food, clothing and housing, there can be little left to put aside for future goals.
Unfortunately, failing to save could mean the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and giving up some basic needs. Often it is a matter of making the decision to begin saving now in order to buy a new home or car later. Making changes to prepare for those goals can make a difference.
For that reason, let’s look at various ways to get a person’s savings plan on track and come up with seven strategies that you can use today.
1. Don’t splurge with your tax refund. Instead of spending your refund, use it wisely by paying down debt, funding an individual retirement account, or saving it for future financial goals.
2. Take full advantage of your employer’s retirement contributions. Your employer may match a percentage of the contributions you make to your retirement savings plan.
3. Start small and stay steady. The first
word is the most important – start. You should begin as early as possible to get the most out of your savings plan.
4. Pay yourself first. Think of your savings or investments as a bill you must pay on a regular basis, much the same as a car or mortgage payment. Be disciplined and make the payments according to a set schedule.
5. Create separate pots of savings for upcoming life stages. Retirement may be an important goal for which to begin saving, but other goals or events need as much or more preparation.
6. If you have children, find the right education plan. You have a number of choices when it comes to saving for a child’s education. Finding the one that makes sense for your situation takes planning and information.
7. Work with someone you know and trust. Everyone’s needs and goals are unique. Just as you go through many changes during your lifetime, your financial goals may change.
In the end, it all boils down to making a plan, getting started and staying the course. When you make the decision to finally start, contact your local insurance and financial professional who knows you and understands your needs.
Ways to Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium
By Luis Acosta State Farm® agent (562)
531-1900
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a smart way to save money. Sometimes, saving money can come in the most unlikely place - such as your insurance.
There are several ways you may be able to cut your auto insurance costs. Higher deductibles can lower your premium as will selecting only the coverage you feel you need. Many insurance companies offer different discounts. When shopping for auto insurance, be sure to ask about the availability of these discounts and whether the insurer offers them.
• New business discount: May offer you a discount as a new policyholder if you have been accident-free for a specific period of time.
• Accident-free: Policyholders who have been accident-free while being insured with the same insurance company for several years may be eligible for reduced premiums.
• Discounts for other insurance lines: Premiums may be reduced if you insure your home, life or health with the same company that covers your car.
• Multiple cars: Premiums may be reduced if there are two or more private
passenger cars in the household insured by the same company.
• Air bag/passive restraint: Cars that are 1993 or older and are equipped with air bags or automatic seat belts may receive this discount. Certain makes and models of newer vehicles may receive the Vehicle Safety Discount because of the lower medical payments associated with them. The Vehicle Safety Discount is for autos 1994 or newer. Certain makes and models may have a decrease in their premiums because of lower medical payments associated with those specific makes/models.
• Antitheft devices: Some insurance companies offer discounts on comprehensive coverage premiums when certain antitheft devices are installed or built into a vehicle.
• Defensive driving course: Premium discounts sometimes are offered for the voluntary completion of specified driver improvement courses.
• Good student: Full-time students (high school or higher level) maintaining at least a “B” average may qualify for reduced premiums with many companies.
These are just a few of the common discounts offered by insurance companies. For more details contact your insurance company or agent. Above all, drive safely.
BUSINESS WORKSHOP
Techniques in Search Engine Optimization
Thursday, October 28, 2010 * 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Potential clients are on the Web right now searching for your small business! Is your business visible? Is your business accessible? Is your business searchable?
You will learn:
• how to harness the power of Google,
• how to harness the power of Yahoo
• how to harness the power of other popular search engines
• strategies to improve your search engine ranking
• how to make your Website search engine friendly
•
Learn
You will learn:
•
10 Tips for Successful E-mail Marketing
Are you harnessing the power of e-mail marketing? Despite the proliferation of social media, e-mail is still one of the most effective ways to connect with customers and build trust. Try these 10 steps to make email marketing work for you.
1. Collect e-mail addresses. Make it easy for customers to opt-in to your e-mails. A brick-and-mortar business can have sign-up forms at checkout or mail them with invoices. Put a form on your website that makes signup easy. Offer a discount, free information or other incentive to encourage signups.
2. Tell customers what to expect. Post your privacy policy on your website. When customers subscribe, e-mail a welcome telling them how often they will hear from you (monthly? weekly?) and how to unsubscribe.
3. Craft compelling subject lines. The subject line gets customers to open the e-mail...or not. The best subject lines are short, to the point and clearly convey the benefit to the recipient. Avoid exclamation points and all-capital letters—these amateur moves will get your message marked as junk mail.
4. Make it attractive. The design of your e-mails should be consistent with your company’s website and your other marketing materials. Use your logo, color, photos and graphics to enhance visual appeal.
5. Proofread. E-mail marketing messages riddled with spelling and grammar errors reflect poorly on your business. Carefully proofread e-mails, paying special attention to figures, discounts and prices. If proofreading isn’t your strong suit, enlist someone else.
6. Be responsive. Your e-mail marketing campaign may prompt queries or questions from customers. People expect prompt responses to e-mails, so answer right away or your e-mails could do more harm than good.
7. Create an e-newsletter. A month-
ly e-newsletter including useful tips, news about your business, stories about customers, and special offers from your business is a great way to connect with customers.
8. Get help. Many Web hosting companies offer e-mail marketing packages. If you use the same company that hosts your website, it’s easy to have your e-mails share the look and feel of your site. Or, try Constant Contact (www.constantcontact. com), a popular service that provides templates and other tools to simplify e-mail marketing.
9. Analyze results. Look for an email marketing service that provides analytics tools. Use analytics to assess the effectiveness of your e-mail marketing campaigns and adjust them for better results.
10. Keep it legal. Many legal regulations govern e-mail marketing. For example, you must include an opt-out link and a physical business address in each e-mail; process unsubscribe requests within 10 days; and avoid deceptive subject lines. A good e-mail marketing service will help you follow the rules of the CAN-SPAM Act, but the final responsibility is yours.
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-onone 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.
Business Card Directory
