PEP Program Sends 24 Students to College
The Paramount Education Partnership, or PEP, is an alliance between the City of Paramount, the Paramount Unified School District and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. The program is dedicated to providing programs and services that increase the academic achievement and edu -
cational expectations of the City’s residents, including: the College Bound bus and two after school learning centers, Virginia Street and Paramount Petroleum; where students receive homework help and have access to computers.
PEP offers annual scholarships of $1,000 for students attending a community college and $3,000
for students attending an accredited four-year institution within the United States, including vocational/trade/technical schools. More than $200,000 has been donated by local businesses and distributed to Paramount students who want to further their education by attending a college or trade school.
2013 PARAMOUNT POSTER
According to Chamber President Leonard Crespo, “Partnering with the City of Paramount and the school district to help raise education awareness was a no brainer for the Chamber. If we want a well-educated, competitive workforce we need to invest our time, energy, and money in making sure it happens.”
Don’t Miss the City’s Halloween Carnival!
Paramount’s annual Halloween Carnival will once again provide a free, fun, safe and spooky good time at Paramount Park on Wednesday, 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, music, jumpers, an assortment of games, food booths and more. Plus, 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.
State Recycling Mandate Extended to Businesses and Larger Multi-Family
Last month I mentioned how great our residents are doing recycling their used motor oil in the City. This month I want to salute everybody for their excellent work in total curbside recycling.
During 2011, we recycled more than 4,900 tons of garbage and greenwaste (1,689 tons of the former, 3,221 tons of the latter). This is a great help to the City, in that the state demands that we divert a large percentage of our trash away from landfills.
In fact, officials with CalRecycle recently visited Paramount and expressed their pleasure that our numbers are well above the state’s requirements.
In addition to the mandated residen-
tial recycling program, as of this past July 1, there have been new state-wide requirements for recycling at all businesses that generate four or more cubic yards of waste weekly as well as all multi-family housing with five or more units.
Multi-family dwellings include apartments, town homes and condominiums. Businesses include, but are not limited to, office buildings, retail, restaurants, non-profits, strip malls, government offices and schools.
Recycling helps conserve resources, helps create a healthy environment for our community and extends the life of California’s landfills.
For businesses, recycling may provide opportunities to save money.
For multi-family properties, recycling can help promote your community as environmentally friendly and may help fill vacancies.
To find out the best way to recycle at your location, please call CalMet Services, the City’s contracted waste hauler, at (562) 259-1239.
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.
There was a great turnout from local and regional educational and public safety resources for the Safe and Smart Fair in Paramount Park. And the community came out in big numbers, too, as always.
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
Salvador Sanchez
Jennifer Mendoza
Karina Perez
Eva Mora
Jessica Quiroz
Jose Olmos
Patricia Ortiz
Judith Santano
Laura Quirate
Jocelyne Mendez
Kathia Munoz
Jesselyn Moreno
Dhamar Lopez
Casey Jimenez
Karen Gonzalez
Patricia
Darlene
11th
Jasmine
Victor
Crystal
Chavisa
It was a great
a great month, and we all look forward to doing it again next September.
Get Your Tickets For The Seniors
Thanksgiving Dinner
Here’s an early reminder to mark Thursday, November 15 on your calendar for the annual Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Paramount Park gym.
In order to attend you will need to purchase a ticket. Tickets will be available at the Paramount Park Community Center for Paramount residents starting October 22 at a cost of $2 each and for non-residents beginning November 5 at a cost of $5 each.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2090.
Mayor, Peggy Lemons
JOSE DONLUCAS
The next Good Neighbor Program – a free seminar for Paramount rental property owners/managers – will be held Saturday, October 20. The workshop will take place at the Clearwater Building in the Civic Center from 10:00 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Attendees need to make a reservation by calling (562) 220-2002. Those taking part will receive the program’s certification and seal of approval that can help attract quality tenants.
The classes are offered in conjunction with the Apartment Association of Southern Cities, the Sheriff’s Department and attorneys specializing in landlord/ tenant law. Topics cover such areas as tenant screening, evicting problem tenants, developing effective rental agreements and recognizing criminal activity, all in an effort to keep a property crime free.
The program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents, create higher tenant satisfaction rates and remove unlawful tenants. The effort also increases a property’s long-term profitability for the owner, lowers maintenance costs and establishes close contact between the owner/manager, the City and the Sheriff’s Department.
Property owners who successfully complete the program may receive a one-year free membership in the Apartment Association of Southern Cities and a one-year waiver of their City business license fees.
Again, to RSVP, please call (562) 220-2002.
Halloween Safety Tips
Below are tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help make Halloween fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.
Going Trick-or-Treating?
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
• Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always walk and don’t run from house to house.
• Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Hosting Trick-or-Treaters or Party Guests?
• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks.
• For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables and cheeses.
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.
• Keep candle-lit jack-o-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.
• Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!
P ARAMOUNT A WARDS N IGHT
The Paramount City Council celebrated September as Education Month in the City at its September 4th meeting to emphasize the importance of higher education and encourage residents to continue their studies beyond high school.
Teachers of the Year
Every school in the Paramount Unified School District names a Teacher of the Year. These outstanding instructors were honored at the meeting. Joining the City Council was Dr. David Verdugo, superintendent of PUSD.
Pennies for PEP
The classrooms that donated the most money this year in the Pennies for PEP fundraiser were also recognized. (Each classroom in PUSD had a container for kids and staff members to drop coins into. A very generous $8,132.04 was raised overall for PEP scholarships.) From left, Hollydale Principal Kevin Longworth (top middle school classroom, $290.34), Roosevelt Principal Susan Marilley, Ms. Garcia (1st grade, Roosevelt, $219.62), Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo, Mayor Peggy Lemons, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Vice Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Tom Hansen and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
City Track Meet
The winners of the Cityʼs Annual Track Meet for students from all kindergarten through 8th-grade schools were celebrated. From left: Roosevelt Principal Susan Marilley and teacher Craig Lane (most attendance winner, K-5), Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Mayor Peggy Lemons, Alondra Middle School Principal Lynn Butler (most attendance and highest points, middle schools), Vice Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Tom Hansen and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
2012 F IESTA
Sponsor: Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship
When it came time to eat Fiesta visitors had plenty of options including; ribs and sandwiches from Gusʼs Deli & BBQ, pizza from Dominoʼs, and a variety of Mexican food from: Pikaʼs Tortas Ahogadas, Kali Churros, Gabbyʼs Hot Dogs & Tacos, Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa, and Los Colorines.
Paramount Iceland representatives Christina Sheehan and Tiffany Nahn distributed flyers with skating times and lesson information.
ZLS Beauty Salon owner Lucy Soto handed out brochures listing a variety of services offered at ZLS.
Bianchi Theatre employees Jessica Rios and Francisca Rodriguez spent three days giving away free movie tickets.
Modern Developmentʼs security detail made sure everyone was safe and kept the crowds moving, from left: Armando Razo, Oscar Gonzales, Emanuel Renteria, Rosalinda Alverez, Ahyson Padilla, and Fernando Herrera.
Costco rep Genny Clark and Julie gave away gift bags and a special discount for new Costco membership
Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship; sponsor for the 2012 Fiesta held a raffle and handed out literature for their new church found at 6701 Alondra Blvd. in Paramount. Busy workers take a quick photo break, from left: Carlos Espinoza, Pastor Brian Warth with daughter Sarah, Laura Warth, Wanda Potter with Nathaniel Warth, and Darlene Fort.
Getting to Know the SAT
Created by educators to democratize access to higher education, the SAT® is a highly reliable and valid standardized measure of college readiness used in the admission process at nearly all four-year colleges and universities in the United States, including test-optional institutions.
The content on the SAT reflects the reading, mathematics and writing curricula taught in high school classrooms. Uniquely, the SAT also measures how well students can apply their knowledge, a factor that is critical to college and career success.
The SAT is a fair and valid predictor of college success for students of all backgrounds, and SAT performance data illustrate that success on the SAT is linked to the type and rigor of course work completed during high school.
Studies regularly demonstrate that the best predictor of college success is the combination of SAT scores and high school grades. Nearly three million students take the SAT each academic year via nearly 7,000 test centers in more than 170 countries.
SAT Access and Equity
More than ever, the population of students taking the SAT reflects the diverse makeup of America’s classrooms. Among SAT takers in the class of 2012, 45 percent were minority students, making this the most diverse class of SAT takers ever.
“Taking a college entrance exam is a critical step on the road to higher education, but many traditionally underserved students face financial, familial and geographic barriers that can prevent them from testing,” said James Montoya, vice president of relationship development for the College Board. “Low-income students are less likely to have parents who went to college, less likely to participate in rigorous courses and less likely to have completed a core curriculum. Providing these students with the support and resources they need is crucial to meeting our nation’s long-term college completion goals.”
Fee Waivers
Since 1970, the College Board has provided SAT fee waivers to low-income students for whom exam fees would present an undue burden in the college-going process. With the assistance of high school counselors throughout the country, the College Board’s SAT Fee-Waiver Service is making it possible for more low-income students than ever before to get on the road to college.
More students in the class of 2012 utilized SAT fee waivers than any class in the history of the program. Since 2008, participation in the College Board’s SAT Fee-Waiver Program has increased 61 percent.
During the 2011-12 academic year, the College Board expended more than $44 million in fee waivers and related expenses.
SAT Participation and Performance
More than 1.66 million students in the class of 2012 took the SAT, making it the largest class of SAT takers in history.
The number of students taking the SAT in each graduating class has increased 6 percent since 2008, while critical reading scores have declined four points, writing scores have declined five points, and mathematics scores have remained stable during that time.
For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org/SATPress.
11th ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR NEW COMMANDMENT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
On Saturday, October 27th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, New Commandment Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Grady Jones, will host its 11th annual Community Health Fair.
Free flu shots will be available at the event along with various other health screenings, including: test for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and Blood Pres-
sure, as well as nutrition and health information. Activities for Children include: Face Painting, Puppet Show, Tips for Healthy Eating, and a Karate Demonstration.
Admission and parking are free, the health fair can be found at 15548 Paramount Blvd., Paramount (Corner of Madison and Paramount Blvd.) For more information call 562.531.1511.
Have You Paid Your Property Taxes?
The Treasurer and Tax Collector have mailed notices to taxpayers with taxes remaining unpaid for year 2011-12 and prior. Unpaid prior year property taxes are subject to additional penalties at the rate of 1/5% per month and if not paid, the delinquency could ultimately result in the sale of the property at a public auction. Any taxpayers wishing to discuss the receipt of the tax bill and notice or needing additional assistance may call the Prop tax line at 888.807.2111.
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.
Duet – Friday & Saturday Nights 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Tiburones Rojos USA Attend Soccer Clinic by Chivas USA
Tiburones
USA Paramount recently participated in a soccer clinic put on by
USA where they helped other players and demonstrated their soccer skills; impressing the Chivas USA coaches attending the event. The Tiburones Rojos are proud to be a Paramount team and grateful for the support they receive from their coaches and family.
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.
Rojos
Chivas
Asian Citrus Psyllid and Your Citrus Tree
Since 2008 the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has attempted to control an invasive insect that attacks citrus trees – the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). Many citrus trees in the City of Paramount were treated to prevent the spread of the ACP and the deadly citrus disease it carries – Huanglongbing (HLB). Unfortunately the ACP has continued to spread throughout southern California and CDFA can no longer protect communities from this citrus tree pest.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Citrus Tree?
Citrus trees are part of California’s heritage. It’s hard to imagine California without orange trees, but that could happen
if the HLB disease spreads. There is no cure for your citrus tree once it gets HLB. It will die! However, your tree can only become infected with the disease if an infected psyllid feeds on it. You can help prevent the spread of both the psyllid and the disease through careful and routine inspection of your citrus. Learn how to look for the psyllid and what the symptoms of HLB are. Identification of both the Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing can be found by visiting www.californiacitrusthreat.org. This web site will teach you what to look for.
Brian
Taylor Citrus Research Board Field Operations Director brian@citrusresearch.org
Write a Will
By Maria F. Galli
State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
You’ve worked hard to accumulate valuable assets over the years. How do you plan to distribute this property after your death?
It’s important to have a will, regardless of the value of your possessions. This written document instructs how you want assets that pass via your will (money, property and other assets) to be distributed after your death. If you die without a will, your probate assets will be divided according to state law. Here are some tips for preparing a will:
• Have an attorney draft your will. If you draft your own will, make sure it complies with state law or it could be invalid.
• Name an executor, whose role is to handle all administrative aspects of the will, including collecting assets, paying all debts and taxes and distributing your estate, according to your wishes.
• List personal property such as artwork, collectibles, jewelry and other personal property that you want to go to specific individuals. Be clear about how you want your assets distributed.
• Do not include funeral preferences in your will because it may not be read until several weeks after your death.
• Review your will every few years and have your attorney make changes as appropriate.
With a little advance preparation, your local insurance or financial service professional will help ensure that your final wishes are handled the way you planned them to be.
Lugar De
Entrenamientos
16200 Downey Ave. Paramount *Alondra Middle School* Juegos de Futsala Toda la Semana
10 Tips for Pricing Your Product or Service
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
Has it been years since your small business increased prices? In today’s economy, many small business owners worry that raising prices will drive cost-conscious customers away. That’s not necessarily true: The 2012 Public Affairs Pulse survey reports 68 percent of Americans would rather do business with a small, local company—even if it charges higher prices—than with a big corporation. Here are 10 tips for raising your prices without alienating customers.
1. Start small. Customers are less likely to notice or object to small, gradual price increases (say, 5 percent). You can also add small fees for “extras” that are currently part of your regular price. For instance, if gas prices are increasing your delivery costs, consider adding a delivery surcharge.
2. Test price increases. Test the waters by raising prices on a few of your products, or on smaller, less crucial clients, before moving on to core clients or products.
Members in the News
3. Stay one step ahead. If your business relies on materials whose prices fluctuate frequently, such as gas for deliveries or food for a restaurant, monitor price outlooks for those items so you can adjust prices (or cut costs) accordingly.
4. Create multiple tiers. If you’re reluctant to raise prices on your core product or service, consider adding a higher-tier product or service line that offers greater quality or more services at a higher price.
5. Bundle products or services. Grouping products or services into packages can persuade customers to buy more in order to save on per-unit costs. For example, a spa could bundle treatments; an insurance company could bundle different types of coverage.
6. Give customers notice. Business-to-business companies making substantial price increases should alert customers in advance. Contact customers 60 days ahead of time to explain the increase and the reasons for it. If desired, you could offer customers the option to
lock in contracts at the lower rate before prices rise.
7. Consider seasonality. If your product or service is in high demand and/or in short supply at a particular time of year, that’s typically a good time to raise prices, since customers are less likely to question the increase.
8. Use discounts and deals sparingly. Excessive use of coupons, daily deals and sales can hurt your margins and attract customers who buy based solely on price. Instead, use discounts strategically to attract new customers and reward current ones. Train your salespeople in the art of upselling so even customers lured by discounts end up spending more.
9. Educate your customers. Customers are more willing to absorb price increases if they understand what makes your products or services special. Whether it’s the locally grown, organic ingredients you use in your restaurant or the unconditional guarantee you provide for the websites you design, make sure customers know what sets your business apart.
10. Monitor results. Pricing isn’t a one-time action but an ongoing art. Use financial software such as QuickBooks to monitor your business’s cash flow, sales and profit margins. Monitor how price increases affect each of these elements, and adjust pricing as needed.
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.
El Camino College Compton Center Welcomes Six New Faculty Members
El Camino College Compton Center began the new academic year with six new full-time faculty members. The fall semester is underway and these new faculty members have joined the El Camino College Compton Center in the mission to provide high-quality educational programs. The recently appointed faculty members all bring extensive knowledge and professional experience to their new roles as instructors at El Camino College Compton Center, helping to contribute to student success.
Maria Estrada
First Year Experience coordinator/ General Counselor. Maria Estrada earned her master’s degree in education, with a specialization in multicultural counseling, from California State University, San Diego. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in American literature and culture from University of California, Los Angeles, and earned an associate degree from Orange Coast College. Estrada honed her academic, transfer, vocational and personal guidance skills as director of the parent residential experience and coordinator of the GEAR-UP program at the University of California, Irvine. She went on to work as a program director at the California Association for Bilingual Education. Estrada has held counseling positions, as well as a faculty position in the freshman experience program at Santa Ana College. She also served as a general counselor at Coastline Community College. Estrada’s most recent positions include counseling at Santa Ana College and in El Camino College’s FYE Program.
Amber Gillis
Reading/English instructor. Amber Gillis received both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in English from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). She is currently pursuing certificates in postsecondary reading and reading instruction from CSUF. Previously, she taught English at ECC Compton Center part time and served as a team advisor for the annual Voices of Compton Literary Journal since 2009. In addition, she was a teaching associate at CSUF and an English instructor at Fullerton College.
Albert Jimenez
Learning Resource Center. Albert Jimenez earned a master’s degree in
education from Azusa Pacific University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley. His management and leadership experience includes positions as an enrollment services evaluator and tutorial services specialist at Mt. San Jacinto College. He has also served as a program coordinator for the First Year Experience Program and as a coordinator for the California Mathematics Project at the University of California, Los Angeles. Jimenez has also taught “Introduction to Tutoring” courses as an associate faculty member at Mt. San Jacinto College.
Hoa Pham
Childhood Education. Hoa Pham has served in various capacities in the field of education for over 25 years. She worked as a preschool teacher and as an education specialist for the Long Beach Unified School District before moving into higher education. Pham has been an adjunct faculty member at several community colleges in Southern California, as well as at California State University, Long Beach. Most recently, she taught courses in early childhood education theory at El Camino College, Cerritos Community College and Mt. San Antonio College. She earned an Ed.D. from the University of California, Irvine and California State University, Long Beach; a master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Texas at Austin; and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Kendahl Radcliffe
History. Kendahl Radcliffe graduated with a Ph.D. in African History from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from Emerson College. She served as an assistant professor of Africana studies at the University of Arizona, and a lecturer in women’s studies and African American history at California State University, Long Beach, ECC Compton Center and UCLA. Her most recent positions include assistant professor of Afro-Ethnic studies at California State University, Fullerton and part-time lecturer at El Camino College.
Nikki Williams
Reading/English. Nikki Williams received master’s degrees in English and
sociology, as well as a bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Currently, Williams is working toward a reading certificate from University of California, Irvine and a college counseling certificate from Univer-
sity of California, Los Angeles. Williams started working at ECC Compton Center in 2006 in the Language/Writing Lab and, more recently, began to teach courses in sociology, academic strategies and English as an adjunct instructor.
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