The City of Paramount proclaims September of each year as Education Month to emphasize the importance and value of education for the entire community. The celebration will be highlighted at the September 6th City Council meeting. Among other highlights, the Council and members of the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education will honor the 2011-2012 Teachers of the Year from each District school. The following educators have received this special recognition:
Angelica Rodriquez Early Childhood Ed.
Maria Enciso Alondra
Susan Deogracias Collins
Josephine Alvarez Gaines
Grace Yu Hollydale
Kelly Murphy Jackson
Trenise Coleman Jefferson
Maria Aragon Keppel
Irene Pritchett-Romero Lincoln
Janet Wardell Los Cerritos
Theresa Diaz Mokler
Tracy Casdorph Paramount Park
Rosie Zepeda Roosevelt
Nancy Moua Tanner
Eric Caruso Wirtz
Randall Reza Zamboni
Laura Rheaume Buena Vista
Gwendolyn Anctil Paramount High-West
Fabiola Barcena Paramount High-Senior Ashley Ruiz Adult Ed. Center
Also to be acknowledged at the meeting are last year’s Paramount High School Valedictorian, Andrew Juhasz, and Salutatorian, Ismael Mireles.
The commitment of these dedicated professionals to the education and advancement of our children, and the hard work done by these remarkable students, is commendable. Congratulations to all!
Education and Safety Fair Coming September 10
A latter highlight of Education Month is the City’s annual Education and Safety (or Safe and Smart) Community Fair to be held in Paramount Park, 14400 Paramount Blvd., on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Fair will feature public safety agencies such as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. In addition, representatives from Paramount Unified School District schools and other education entities will be in attendance.
Entertainment will be provided by local performance groups. There will be raffle
The gifts that one receives for giving are so immeasurable that it is almost an injustice to accept them.
-Rod McKuen
Council Celebrates Harkema’s Hundredth
prizes and a book sale. Plus, the winner of the City’s Earth Day T-Shirt Design Contest will be recognized by the City Council and Board of Education. Honored, also, will be the top students from each grade from each school in the District.
For more information, call (562) 2202121.
Track Meet Winners
The City’s Annual Track Meet was held on a Saturday morning in June at the Paramount High School Stadium. Hundreds of students from all kindergarten through 8th-grade schools took part in a variety of track and field events.
For K-5 schools, Roosevelt was the winner in both attendance and points. With middle schools, Alondra was tops in points and Paramount Park scored best in attendance. Staff and students from each school will be saluted at the September 6th City Council meeting.
Special thanks go to Paramount High School Varsity Track Coach Chris Barboza and her track team who, again, oversaw the entire event.
Free Bus to Community Colleges Resumes for New Semester
The City offers free transportation for Paramount residents who are attending Long Beach City College (Liberal Arts Campus) or Cerritos College. The buses are again running for the fall semester. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then again from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
There are four pick-up and drop-off spots located throughout town – Orange and Somerset, Century and Orange, Paramount Park and Progress Park. Each roundtrip – from
individual bus stop, to the campus, and back again – takes about an hour.
The bus stop location at Long Beach City College is on Clark Ave., just north of Carson St. The bus stop at Cerritos College is on Alondra Blvd., just east of Studebaker.
For more information please call the Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
City Highlighted as Part of “Strong Cities/Strong State” Campaign
The City of Paramount is being profiled as part of the ongoing “Strong Cities/Strong State” campaign highlighting local government success stories across California. “Strong Cities/Strong State” is a project of the League of California Cities and the California City Management Foundation (CCMF).
Paramount’s profile on the project’s website can be found at: www.strongcitiesstrongstate.com/city/paramount.
We were very pleased and honored to be asked by the League to join this effort. Our town has a history of everyone pulling together to work for what’s best for the community. City officials and staff, the School District, the business community, churches and residents have been on the same page for a long time, and it has been very productive. Our goal is always to provide the best services and programs for our residents. Even in this bad economy, we’ve been successful in maintaining that target.
The “Strong Cities/Strong State” website is the centerpiece of the campaign that illustrates how cities can build and maintain a high quality of life for California residents. “Strong Cities/Strong State” seeks to position cities as vital, necessary and equal partners in building a better California.
Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer
The Paramount City Council celebrated former mayor and councilmember Henry Harkemaʼs 100th birthday at its August 2 meeting. From left, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Henry Harkema, Betty Harkema, Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Councilmember Tom Hansen and Vice Mayor Peggy Lemons.
With school back in session, there are a lot of students walking to and from campus every Monday through Friday. It’s important for every pedestrian to stay alert to their surroundings and guard against becoming a street robbery victim.
Street robbers watch for people who are distracted and otherwise not paying attention. They can approach from behind, snatch jewelry, cell phones, music players or purses and then flee on foot or bicycle.
Everyone is encouraged to practice the following safety tips, as provided by the Paramount Sheriff’s Department, to reduce the chance of being targeted for this crime:
• If you wear necklaces during everyday activities, keep them concealed under clothing, especially those with medallions, charms or nameplates.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings and walk with other people when possible.
• If you feel you are being targeted, try to move to a well-populated area.
• If you are the victim of a robbery, call 911 immediately and try to give a good description of the suspect.
If you have been the victim of a robbery or an attempted robbery and have not reported it, please call 562-220-2002 and do so.
Truancy and Curfew – The Rules
and the Consequences
Here’s another reminder related to students and school. The Sheriff’s Department periodically conducts both daytime truancy and nighttime curfew enforcement in Paramount. These operations are increased at the beginning of the school year.
Daytime enforcement focuses on curtailing the activities of minors who are not on campus during regular school hours. According to Paramount’s Municipal Code, regular school hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Nighttime curfew enforcement deals with those minors who are out without adult supervision from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Patrol deputies issue citations to minors violating the truancy and curfew laws. This sends a message to juveniles and assists in proactive efforts to curtail crime.
It is very important for parents and guardians to know about the potential legal consequences for any minor who is found to be truant from school or out past curfew.
Minors who are cited for truancy or curfew violation may face the following:
• A fine of up to $495.
• Community service hours.
• Suspension from school.
In addition to these penalties, the parents/guardians of the cited minor may be required to accompany the minor to court and may be required to successfully complete parenting classes.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
Recipe of the Month
Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon-Sour Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
1⁄2 cup reduced fat or light sour cream
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1⁄4 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 fresh peaches (1 lb), cut in half, pitted
2 tbsp. honey
Directions:
Heat greased grill to medium-high heat. Mix sour cream, sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Brush cut-sides of peaches with honey. Grill 6 to 8 min. or until softened, turning occasionally. Serve topped with sour cream sauce.
Tip: Food Facts
Look for round, plump peaches that give slightly to gentle pressure. Peaches should have smooth, unwrinkled skins and a sweet aroma.
Major sponsors, left to right are Mike Scully from Toyota Financial Services, Erin Stibal of Supervisor Don Knabeʼs office, Executive Director Cindy Skovgard, Chad Druten from Paramount Petroleum, and golf chair Torres
The Pathways Volunteer Hospice 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament was held in August at El Dorado golf course in Long Beach. Major sponsors included Toyota Financial Services; Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe; Paramount Petroleum; Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Unified School District.
Headed by golf committee chair Vince Torres, Pathways celebrated another sold out event. Throughout the course, golfers were treated to ribs, tacos, sandwiches, burgers
and many other delicious snacks.
At the post-tournament dinner, silent and live auction items included vacation getaways, golf foursomes, wine tastings and more. The exciting draw of the evening was a trip for two aboard the Goodyear blimp. The lucky winner was golf chair, Vince Torres.
More than $47,000 was raised, which will help fund the many services Pathways provides, free of cost. Pathways Volunteer Hospice offers compassionate care to families dealing with illness and loss.
9, 10 & 11
Stirring Stories of Educational Success
A few Paramount residents made some mighty achievements in the educational realm earlier this year.
Mother and son Carmen and Allen Gomez reached a remarkable pinnacle this past May when they both received their college diplomas from the University of Southern California at the same time, on the same stage. In fact, they are the first such pair to graduate together from the School of Policy, Planning and Development.
Carmen, who is a member of Paramount’s Public Safety Commission, dropped out of high school to raise her family. But continuing her education was always an uppermost goal in her life.
After going back and gaining her high school diploma, she began classes at Cerritos College. Over the next 22 years, she took one class per semester so she could help her husband raise their three children. “I went to school, worked full-time, cooked, cleaned and made sure my kids did their homework,” she said.
She received her associate’s degree in business management from Cerritos, then got another AA there in medical services. Along the way, she began working at the USC School of Public Policy Management and Planning as an office manager, and enrolled at the university in 2006. Two years later, she was joined in the classroom by her son.
Allen also faced challenges, having graduated high school in 2001 with a GPA of 1.5. He attended Long Beach City College before transferring to Southern Cal. After three years of hard work and dedication, he graduated with honors.
The mother-son duo never planned to graduate together. “It’s a coincidence. I never imagined graduating with any of my
Mother and son Carmen and Allen Gomez at their USC graduation.
children,” Carmen said.
On the big day, Carmen walked across the stage to a standing ovation, then turned and handed her son his diploma. “I started crying, because it was like, ‘Wow, my mom gave me my diploma,’” Allen said. “It’s an amazing experience, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s been a long road for both of us.”
Both mother and son say despite struggles, everyone should follow their dreams.
“You can never give up on your dreams,” Allen said.
His mother added, “I believe if I can do it, anyone can do it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I could have given up, but I didn’t.”
For the immediate future, Allen is getting married, taking a year off, and then applying to law school. As for Carmen, she has already been accepted into the MPA program at USC, and began classes in August.
“Education is important,” Carmen said. “It will pay off in the long run. I told myself, ‘I want to do this,’ so I went forward, with kids and everything.”
Super Scholarship Awarded
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Millennium Scholars Program recognizes high-achieving students of color in need of monetary assistance who show academic and leadership promise.
Only 1,000 students in the U.S. receive this sought-after scholarship annually (more than 20,000 apply). It is an extraordinary award that makes it possible for a student to “fulfill their educational dreams free of financial burden” in the fields of health, science and education.
Jennifer Ramirez, Paramount High School Class of 2011, has been named to the Millennium Scholars Program this year. She began attending UCLA this fall.
Paramount High has developed quite a track record of producing Gates Scholars over the last few years. Jennifer joins the roster of eight previous winners (a remarkable number for one individual high school out of the entire country).
The Millennium Scholars Program pays for everything – tuition, books and living expenses – at any school of the student’s choice, including graduate studies if pursued in the covered majors.
Ramirez had a high school career full of achievement: 4.0 GPA; Upward Bound Math/Science program at El Camino College; member of PHS Leadership, Corsairs Service Club, Future Homemakers of America, Pirates of the Kingdom Christian Student Club and Interact Service Club; Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar Ambassador; member of the water polo team and captain of the varsity tennis team; and more.
She was also named a Coca-Cola Scholar, one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs in the U.S. The company flew her to Atlanta for an all-expenses-paid weekend that included an interview. She went on to become one of 250 winners out of 71,000 applicants.
“This scholarship is a huge blessing in my
Jennifer Ramirez, Paramount High School Class of 2011, winner of a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Millennium Scholarship.
life,” Jennifer said. “It will cover my education from start to finish, and I am definitely going to put it to good use.” With a passion for both science and the performing arts, her studies will delve into both areas. “I’ll double major in biology and communications to satisfy two of my biggest interests. Not only do I enjoy learning about the sciences and about life, but I also love public speaking, singing and acting. After that, I plan to get a master’s and a PhD in public health so I can help my community on a daily basis.”
Once again, Paramount High School can claim a nationally-recognized, top-performing student from within its ranks. And our City is also extremely proud of the dynamic duo from USC.
Congratulations, Carmen, Allen and Jennifer!
Ambassador of the Quarter
After School Unlimited Learning
Paramount resident George Tanner invited Peggy Lemons, executive director for the Paramount Chamber to take a spin on his latest invention, the Tanboni. Georgeʼs wife Lois loves to bike ride but was finding it difficult to keep her balance, so George got busy building a side by side bicycle for two which eliminated the balance issues that can occur with the traditional tandem bicycle. According to Lemons, “It was really easy to ride, turning was no problem, and I love the idea of riding side by side.
This
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• Start-up expenses & financing
• Legal aspects
• General management issues Fee: $20
October 20, 2011
Do you still feel like Social Media is just for social networking? Have you ever thought of using Social Media as a business tool to enhance sales and increase profitability? Many successful small businesses are connecting with customers as we speak. Social Media is a new way of putting yourself in front of your customers.
Learn how to successfully promote your business and increase awareness about your service or product. Create buzz for your business with new cost effective marketing channels.
You will learn:
• how to create and maintain a Facebook Group Page
• how to join “Groups” on LinkedIn and remain connected with business professionals throughout the world
• why 140 characters on Twitter are significant in helping increase brand visibility and strengthen customer service
• how YouTube can be used to enhance sales and promote your business website Fee: $25
Chamber President Leonard Crespo presents a
of congratulations to Anthony
HELP WANTED
Help Wanted @ P Dogs: CASHIER’S & COOKS Late evenings early mornings please walk in for application. 13610 Garfield Ave. South Gate, 90280
INSURANCE – Growing company seeking hard working, energetic and bilingual (Spanish/English) 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 want to be an integral part of a growing company. Email resume to maria@galliagency.com or fax resume to 562-817-5621.
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE PERSON – Paramount Petroleum is seeking a Facilities Maintenance Person for our Paramount Area Buildings and Facilities.
This position performs and coordinates maintenance and repairs for offices, grounds and landscaping; and arranges for maintenance of Company vehicles. Position also performs some administrative and community relations activities. Preference will be given to applicants who live in the Paramount area and who are active in the community. Bi-lingual English/Spanish Required.
This position requires a HS Diploma or equivalent, some college preferred. Good communication skills, general trade skills and mechanical abilities and 3+ year’s general maintenance or related work experience. Must have a good driving record and hold a valid driver’s license. Basic computer skills are required.
We offer good pay and a good benefits package including health/dental/vision/Rx, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, vacation, and tuition reimbursement. Retirement benefits include 401(K) and Roth feature with company match, and a Pension Plan. For a complete job description and to apply go directly online at: www.ppcla.com and click on Career Opportunities.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer-M/F/D/V
“Porque a nosotros nos importa usted”
Seven strategies for saving
By Luis Acosta State Farm® agent 562-531-1900
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. The goals you set are important to you. Making changes to prepare for those goals can make a difference.
For that reason, State Farm has looked at various ways to get a person’s savings plan on track and came 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. It’s a good idea to do what it takes to get the matching limit. It’s free money that can really help your bottom line during retirement.
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. For better results, establish an automatic monthly deduction from your paycheck or checking account to fund an investment or savings account.
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. Don’t shortchange other goals while concentrating on one thing. Whether it’s a home, car or child’s education, it is important to give appropriate attention to each.
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. This takes us to the seventh and, quite possibly, the most important point...
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. You should work with a professional who not only knows about various plans and strategies, but knows you and will stay with you through the long haul. Most people feel the best guidance they receive comes from a financial professional they know and trust.
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 a financial professional who knows you and understands your needs.
Building or Remodeling a Home, The Safer, Smarter Way?
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
If you’re building a new home, planning to build one, or planning work on your existing home, you’ve probably already thought about some of the construction features you want to include. Did you know there are products available now that may help you avoid the mess and expense of damage to your home in the future?
Here are a few ideas:
* Impact-resistant roofing is a relatively new product that offers more protection against impact damage (and in some cases against wind damage) than the ordinary roof. Some insurance companies even offer premium discounts for qualifying impact-resistant roofs. You’ll want to check with your agent before you buy to be sure the roof you’re considering qualifies for a discount with your insurer.
* Whole-house surge protection is installed either at the electrical service meter or at the service panel. It helps protect your home and contents against
power surges that arise outside your home. While you’d still need plug-in surge protectors, whole-house protection may help to reduce your risk of lightning damage. Many electricians can install this protection for you, and if necessary, some power companies will install it at the service meter for a nominal charge on your monthly bill.
* Whole-house water leak detection systems may save you the hassle of water damage to your home and contents. These systems shut off the water supply to your home if they detect a leak inside.
New research and products to make your home safer or more resistant to damage are always entering the market. It’s easier to add safety items when a home is being built or remodeled, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for the items that will help to provide years of safe and comfortable shelter.
And as always, make sure to ask your local insurance agent/broker for any great remodeling/rebuilding safety tips; your insurance company might offer great discounts for having those upgrades to your home.
Mexican Restaurant
Since 1970 when the first Casa Gamiño was opened, founder Cipriano Gamiño has strived to give all his customers good Mexican food with excellent service and good prices. In all our locations we continue to do the same for our customers. No gimmicks, just delicious food.
10 Tips for Marketing Your Business With Daily Deal Sites
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
Daily deal websites like Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com are popular with consumers. How can you use daily deals to market your business? Try these 10 tips.
1. Find the right site. Daily deal sites are location-specific, so look for sites that promote businesses in your area. In addition to the big names, there are niche sites targeting specific cities or industries. Search online for sites or visit daily deal aggregator Yipit.com.
2. Join in. Subscribe to the daily deal sites you’re considering so you see what types of deals they offer and what kinds of businesses participate.
3. Investigate site demographics. Like any marketing venue, daily deal sites maintain data about customer demographics. Ask for information about the typical customer profile to see if the site’s audience matches your target market.
4. Learn how it works. Customers sign up for daily email offers to buy vouchers for
products or services at discounts of 50 to 90 percent. Vouchers can be purchased for a limited time (typically 24 to 72 hours) and may include a social element (such as requiring a certain number of people to buy). Customers must redeem the voucher within a set time frame.
5. Apply to be included. You have to apply for inclusion on daily deal sites. Visit each site you’re interested in, and fill out the application form. For popular sites or those with many businesses like yours, there may be a wait.
6. Read the contract. Understand the agreement you’re entering into with a daily deal site, including such factors as when you will get paid and how the deal site is paid.
7. Figure out financials. Typically, daily deal sites receive a percentage of the sales— sometimes 50 percent or more. Calculate whether you will earn enough to justify participating, and whether you are financially prepared to fulfill all the vouchers you sell.
8. Be prepared. Daily deals can trigger
overwhelming demand, so be sure your business has enough staff to keep everyone happy and enough product to fulfill orders. The deal site’s staff can suggest ways to manage demand, such as extending the deadline for using vouchers or capping the number sold.
9. Provide stellar service. Many customers who buy your deal will be new to your business. Make a good first impression so you can turn them into repeat customers.
10. Follow up. To maximize your deal, encourage new customers to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter. Get email addresses and send them special offers. Give them discounts or vouchers for their next visit. Do whatever you can to keep them coming back.
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.
Contact Person: Celina Johnson
Address: 7310 Adams Ste., Suite H
Established: 1983
Type of Business: Eco friendly cleaners, degreasers, and detergents for industrial, institutional and janitorial markets.
General Information: Enviroform is launching a new line of eco friendly cleaners and degreasers formulated to meet the EPA’s design for environment standards at a cost effective price. Check out “How To” cleaning guides, “Tips & Tricks” and dilution ratio guides at www.Green77.com.
Business Card Directory
casundra@wardprop.com
562/634-5000
562/634-4900 7805 Madison Street Paramount, CA 90723-4220
