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 was highlighted at the September 3rd City Council meeting when the Council and members of the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education honored the 2013 Teachers of the Year from each District school. The following educators received this special recognition:
Theresa Ybarra Early Childhood Ed.
Nadya Nieto Alondra
Genevieve Wilson Collins
Rene Juarez Gaines
Mary Contreras Hollydale
David Macy Jackson
Malis Pech Jefferson
Sandra Castaneda Keppel
Joyce Taylor Lincoln
Cecile Kim Los Cerritos
Elaine Hoffmann Mokler
Amalia Mireles Paramount Park
Maria Baltierrez Roosevelt
Delia Kiely Tanner
Maria Conant-Leon Wirtz
Margaret Barrera Zamboni
Jerome McCullough Buena Vista
Moses Prado Paramount High, West
Rachel Gorman Paramount High
Angie Holdeman Adult Education Center
Joyce Taylor of Lincoln Elementary was also named District Teacher of the Year.
Acknowledged at the meeting, as well, were last year’s Paramount High School Valedictorian Jasmine Esparza, Valedictorian #2 Anthony Meza, and Salutatorian Lucio Lopez.
In addition, the winners of the latest
Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) college scholarships were recognized, as were the classrooms that contributed the most money during the Pennies For PEP fundraiser. And, Paramount High School’s latest round of Gates Millennium Scholarship winners were honored. Those students – Faviola Zuniga, Crystal Estrada, Thalia Hernandez, Xavier Aldana, and Lucio Lopez – will have their tuition, books and living expenses paid for completely at any university of their choice, all the way through graduate school, by the Gates Foundation. Paramount High has a remarkable track record in this very prestigious scholarship, with this latest group bringing the total number of Gates recipients to an amazing 17!
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 21
A highlight of Education Month is the City’s annual Safe, Smart, and Healthy Community Fair to be held in Paramount Park, 14400 Paramount Blvd., on Saturday, September 21st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Fair will feature all sorts of information about education, public safety, and healthy living. Booths will feature the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Paramount Unified School District schools, local colleges, universities, and trade schools, and a variety of health/fitness organizations. Entertainment will be provided by local performance groups. There will be raffle prizes and a book sale. Plus, the City Council and Board of Education will recognize the top students from each grade from each school in the District.
For more information, call (562) 2202121.
Thank You, Pitch-In Volunteers
The City’s “Pitch In, Paramount” program – which offers volunteers the chance to help their neighbors by cleaning up homes of residents-in-need as well as do some additional sprucing up around town – had another nice turnout in July. Sixty-four folks came out (including 35 high school students and congregation members from the Grace Church and Emmanuel Reformed Church) to paint two homes and the bridge railings
Are you Ready to Shakeout
Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in California. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice together how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to save lives and prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes.
So, at 10:17 a.m. on 10/17, join millions of Californians who want to take quake-safe action when seconds count. In order to act quickly, you must practice what to do – ShakeOut is that opportunity. Register for free at www.redcrosslb.org.
Invite friends and family to practice for their safety, too! You can:
• Download a Drill Broadcast recording from ShakeOut.org/California/drill/broadcast.
• Have a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill at 10:17 a.m. on October 17 at home or at work.
• You can also exercise other aspects of your emergency plan.
• Discuss what you learned and make improvements.
• Encourage employees to ask their friends, families and neighbors to register.
• Ask colleagues at other businesses to participate.
Request a Red Cross disaster preparedness presentation for your company or organization at www.redcross.org/longbeacheventrequestform and learn how to Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed.
on Alondra Boulevard at the Los Angeles River. Emmanuel Reformed Church provided food and drinks for the volunteers throughout the day.
These events take place throughout the year and focus on houses of low-income or elderly residents that have fallen into disrepair or have code enforcement issues. If you’re looking to “give back” to your community, please call (562) 220-2097.
Good Eco-Friendly Corporate Citizens
Every year, the Industrial Waste Section of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County presents “Good Corporate Citizen” certificates to businesses that are in compliance with industrial wastewater discharge requirements. While more than 1,000 companies in the county are eligible, only a few hundred actually earn this award.
This year, 14 are from Paramount (including the City itself). These businesses have shown outstanding social responsibility and conscientious protection of the environment by properly discharging their industrial wastewater, which keeps it off our beaches and out of the ocean. They deserve a big thank you.
The other 13 Paramount companies are: Ace Clearwater Enterprises; Ariza Cheese Company; Durkee Testing Laboratories; Express Powder Coating; Fortress Resources,
LLC dba Royal Truck Body; Jayone Foods, Inc.; Leavitt’s Metal Finishing; Marukan Vinegar (USA); Omni Food Manufacturer; Paramount Petroleum; Sav-on Plating; Shell Oil Products; and ST & I, Inc..
Representatives from these businesses were congratulated at the September 3rd City Council meeting.
Paramount Library Birthday Party!
Help the Paramount Library celebrate its 100th birthday with a special storytime and art activity day on Saturday, September 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All ages welcome and refreshments will be served.
Check Out the New Recreation Newsletter Online
If you didn’t grab the City’s Recreation Department newsletter for the fall in last month’s Pulse Beat, you can access it for viewing online.
The newsletter provides information about upcoming special events in town, youth and adult instructional classes, autumn/winter sports leagues, offerings for seniors, and more.
Go top www.paramountcity.com, then to the Community Services and Recreation page, then “Recreation Programs” to find the newsletter.
“Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don’t look back at it too long. Mistakes are life’s way of teaching you. Your capacity for occasional blunders is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals. No one wins them all, and your failures, when they happen, are just part of your growth. Shake off your blunders. How will you know your limits without an occasional failure? Never quit. Your turn will come.”
– Og Mandino
Mayor, Gene Daniels
Back to School – Truancy Enforcement Increases
With the beginning of the school year, here’s a review of the daytime truancy laws in Paramount. The Sheriff’s Department increases truancy sweeps when the school year commences.
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.
Patrol deputies issue citations to minors violating the truancy 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.
Minors who are cited for a truancy 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 an intervention program.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
As The School Year Begins, Remember Bicycle & Vehicle Safety
Commuting is a way of life in Southern California. Each day, bicyclists and motorists share the roads with hundreds of buses, trains, and pedestrians. The Los Angeles County Fire Department wants you to stay safe during your commute, so whether you ride a bicycle or drive a car, follow these simple tips to keep you safe while navigating the open road.
Safety Tips for Bicycles
Bicycles must follow the same traffic rules as motorized vehicles. When riding your bike in traffic, here are a few safety tips to remember:
• Always obey traffic signs and signals, and follow roadway markings.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Use hand signals before turning, stopping, or changing lanes.
• Ride in a straight line; do not weave in between parked cars.
• Always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is the law for children and adolescents under the age of 18 in the State of California.
• Be alert while riding; watch for opening doors from parked cars.
• Riding while wearing headphones in both ears is prohibited by law.
• Always yield to pedestrians.
• In rainy weather, use extra caution and give yourself ample room to stop.
• Keep your bike properly maintained. This means checking the air in the tires and checking the brakes and the chain regularly. This will help to keep your bike running safely and efficiently.
• Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bicycles.
• Use reflectors and lights, and wear light-colored clothing while riding (especially at night) in order to be more visible to motorists.
Vehicle Safety
Because the County of Los Angeles is so large, the most preferred method of transportation is a motor vehicle. Whether you are the driver or a passenger, the Los Angeles County Fire Department wants you to stay safe. We have offered a few simple facts and tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe while driving.
• All children younger than eight years old must ride in the back seat of a car in a booster or car seat.
• Everyone riding in a vehicle must have their seat belts fastened at all times when a vehicle is in motion.
• During rainy weather, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you in the event you need to brake suddenly. If you use your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.
• When driving, all cell phone conversations must occur while using a hands-free device.
• If using a map app, GPS system, or texting, the same hands-free laws apply.
National Night Out in Paramount
Introducing New Paramount Chamber Board Member Bill Kalpakoff
Name: Bill Kalpakoff better known as “BK” Company: Cal-Met Services
Major Product or Service: Recycling & Refuse Services
How Long in Business: Since 1972 Why Did You Join the Chamber? Having achieved the Chamber Award of Excellence, my desire is to join as a director with the collective leadership of the Chamber to guide and enhance the marketing of the City of Paramount for continued business growth and to reach and better serve the existing business community as well as the residents of this wonderful City. I am honored to be affiliated with this outstanding Chamber.
Where Were You Born? Los Angeles Education/Training: Continuing lifelong education of ecological garbology (it’s in the blood)
Civic Affiliations: Paramount Lions Club President, Contract Cities Association, Chamber Memberships: Paramount, Downey, Lomita, Cerritos, and Commerce Industrial Council.
What is Your Favorite Saying? “It’s all good.”
Latest Accomplishment/Goal: Converting fleet to clean burning natural gas trucks.
Clubs & Organizations
Philosophy: Open door policy to treat people the way you want to be treated. If You Were Granted 3 Wishes What Would They Be? 1.) Live a long productive life surrounded by family and friends. 2.) Extended motorhome trip w/stops at the river. 3.) I wish I had 3 more wishes.
Diabetes Prevention Program
You can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and gain tools for healthy living by joining the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.
DID YOU KNOW?
*About 79 million American adults have prediabetes.
*People with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they take action to prevent or delay the disease.
*Diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nerve disease.
With the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, participants work with
others in a small group setting to learn how to adopt habits that will improve overall health and well-being and reduce risk. The program, which is led by Terry Griffin, Health & Wellness Director in a classroom setting is delivered over a 12-month period, beginning with 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance. Lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight can prevent or delay development of type 2 diabetes in those at high risk for the disease.
The next session will begin September 10 at the Fairfield Family YMCA from 6:00pm7:00pm. For information about program fees, financial assistance or to see if you qualify, contact:Terry Griffin at (562)423-0491 or terry.griffin@lbymca.org
CALIFORNIA OUTREACH ORGANIZATION
ALEXANDER HAST (310) 926-7699, 15929 GARFIELD AVE, PARAMOUNT
WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US WITH HANDLING AND GIVING OUT THE FOOD & FOR DONORS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP US WITH FOOD OR MONEY CONTRIBUTIONS THAT ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION (310) 909-9019.
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.
Wild West Boots, Paramount, CA 90723 - Seeking a SECRETARY that is bilingual in English and Spanish. For more information call (562) 630-4613 ask to speak to Magaly.
Los Altos Boots Inc. is seeking a BILINGUAL SECRETARY (English & Spanish). For more information please call Maribel at (562) 633-8044.
Free Balance and Gait Screenings
September 24 & 26, 2013
Feeling a little unbalanced lately? Reduce your risk of falling and sign up for these fall prevention screenings held in the lobby of the Y.
Tuesday, September 24 10:00am-12pm Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 E. Carson St., Lakewood, 90713
Thursday, September 26 10:30am-12:30pm Los Altos Family YMCA
1720 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, 90815 For more information or to sign up, contact Beth Freeman at the Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA at beth.freeman@lbymca.org or Terry Griffin at the Los Altos Family YMCA at terry.griffin@lbymca.org.
El Camino College Compton Center English
Instructor Helps Students Publish Literary Work
El Camino College Compton Center
English instructor Hiram Sims’ passion for the written word came at an early age after reading his first greeting card.
“When I was eight, my mom sent me to the local drug store to pick out a card for someone who was sick,” said Sims, an adjunct English instructor at ECC Compton Center since 2010. “Reading the cards, I realized they were poems and I was immediately captured by the meaning and the brevity of the words. I would spend hours reading the cards and writing the verses down; then I would adapt them with some of my own words.”
Today, Sims inspires his students by encouraging them to tell stories about their own personal experiences. In his English 25A creative writing class, each class begins with what he calls a “mood check” where the students tell stories about things that have happened in their lives. “I believe other people’s storytelling and written work help provide inspiration for any writer, so we hear a short story from each student at the beginning of every class,” said Sims.
Sims recalls that while working toward his degrees in creative writing at the University of Southern California, one of his professors, an accomplished poet, published his students’ work for them at the end of the semester. “I went to college specifically to teach creative writing and I knew that when I had the opportunity, I wanted to help my students publish their work,” said Sims.
In 2012, he helped the students in his 25A Creative Writing class do exactly that by compiling their work into a book titled “The Invisible Door.” Then in 2013, he published “The Chopping Block” featuring the literary work of the twelve students in his subsequent creative writing class at ECC Compton Center. Sims pays for the publishing of the books himself and receives no profit from the books. Through an outreach program supported by LA Bookshelf Publishing, he gives all of his students a complimentary edition of the book, and
copies are also available for purchase online. The books are available at http://www. lulu.com/spotlight/hiramsims.
“I believe my job is to not only to teach my students how to write better stories, but also how to be a part of the writing community,” said Sims. “It is important that I encourage students to create valuable work rather than simply securing information to memory.”
His students are grateful for the experience. ECC Compton Center student and budding writer, Linsey Shorters, was so excited to receive her copy of “The Chopping Block.” She said she took Sims creative writing class to fulfill her childhood dream of publishing a book, a dream she has had since she was five years old.
“Professor Sims has a gift for presenting information in a way that is not textbook or boring,” said Shorters, an aspiring lawyer who also has attended Loyola Marymount University. “His class is set up like a workshop with students reading their work, discussing the elements of writing, and giving constructive critiques. He teaches his students to speak up, consider all opinions, and be confident that what you say really matters.”
Shorters said she plans to take another class or workshop taught by Sims. “I would encourage other students to take Professor Sims’ 25A Creative Writing class whether or not they have written anything before. He really helps you improve and develop your craft.”
Sims was honored as the recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty award at ECC Compton Center in 2012. He founded the Urban Poet’s Society club on campus and also routinely brings notable writers to ECC Compton Center to talk with students about creative writing. He is a published poet and author, and is often invited to guest lecture in the academic community. Sims holds a master’s degree in professional writing and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Southern California.
PEP Classes Resume After Summer Break
In addition to providing college scholarships through the generous donations of Paramount businesses, the Paramount Education Partnership also operates the Paramount Petroleum Computer Learning Resource Center at Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave. The Center offers a number of programs and classes for Paramount residents including the following.
Homework Help
Homework Help is a tutorial-based program that supports a student’s classroom activities and assignments. Staff members help students approach their assignments in an organized and informed manner.
The goal is to make it possible for students to perform at grade level. The program is offered throughout the school year.
Homework Help is for K-12th-grade students and takes place Monday- Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact the Center at (562) 220-2250 for information about registration. And for information about volunteering, please see below.
Adult Programming
Adult Aerobics Class
A healthy lifestyle tends to produce a healthy mind. PEP seeks to provide opportunities aimed at promoting this kind of activity. If you are looking to improve your cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination, and percentage of body fat, this fitness class can help. Classes are offered Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Adult Basic Skills Learning
This class is designed for adults who have basic English language skills and need reinforcement in grammar, writing, speaking, and reading. Contact the Center for details.
Parenting Classes
These provide proven strategies for parents dealing with behavioral problems, truancy, failing grades, drug/alcohol use, and gang involvement. Contact the Center for details.
Parent Workshops
The purpose of these workshops is to educate parents on issues such as self-esteem, eating habits, child obesity, drug and substance abuse, communication techniques, women’s health, domestic violence, and child abuse. Contact the Center for details.
For more information on these classes and programs, please call (562) 220-2121 or (562) 220-2250.
Homework Help Volunteers Needed
PEP is looking for volunteers who are willing to put in 2-12 hours a week as homework tutors for elementary school children at the Paramount Petroleum Learning Center at Spane Park.
The Homework Help program is designed to aid students with their academic skills through on-site assistance and computer-based enrichment. It is offered at the Learning Center Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Training is provided and a background check is required.
Attendance at the Center is growing as more students take advantage of this great opportunity. Consequently, PEP is searching for dedicated individuals to volunteer as homework tutors in math and reading.
Interested candidates must have excellent communication skills, enthusiasm and the ability to work with youngsters in the stated age groups.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer will involve:
• Helping students understand and complete homework assignments and projects.
• Talking and listening to students.
• Modeling a positive attitude toward learning.
• Supervising students, handling behavior issues, and ensuring that students are safe when they are in the Center.
For more information on becoming a Homework Help volunteer, please call (562) 220-2132 or e-mail Suleyma Rosales at srosales@paramountcity.com. Or you can stop by the Community Services and Recreation Department at 15300 Downey Ave. to pick up an application.
You can really make a difference in somebody’s life when you volunteer your time and expertise.
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER FIESTA
SEPTEMBER 20,21 &22
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH - 6:00 PM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH – 7:20 PM
22ND
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST – 7:20 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND – 7:20 PM
SEPTEMBER 21ST – 6:00PM
SEPTEMBER 22ND – 6:00 PM
September 20, 21 & 22 Friday: 5pm - 11pm • Saturday: 3 pm - 11pm • Sunday: 3pm - 10pm (hours subject to change without notice) Unlimited ride passes not sold after 8:30pm. Passes expire at 10:00pm.
By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620
I have never met a mom who wasn’t working – or any other woman for that matter. More than ever before women are handling their own or their family’s finances. It’s not about what you have; it’s what you do with it to secure your future.
We all have unique needs and resources, but everyone wants to protect what they’ve worked so hard to acquire. It’s all about taking what you have, making the most of it, and building a solid financial future that is uniquely yours. A woman has different financial needs than a man. Everyone must face the good news that women live longer and the potentially bad news that they will spend more years in retirement than the last generation.
Why is that bad news? More years in retirement could mean potentially outliving your nest egg. Women, having greater life expectancies than men, must place a greater emphasis on planning for retirement and long term care to ensure they have saved enough to last through their golden years. That’s
why State Farm has a special website just for women called the State Farm Red Portfolio (sfredportfolio.com). It’s all about you, your finances, and your dreams for the future, and how to make the most of what you have.
Whether you want to buy a new home, fund a child’s education, protect your business interests, or save for a comfortable retirement, sfredportfolio. com is a great place to start.
But it’s just a start. You should work with a trusted professional who can be your long-term resource for help with your financial goals. Schedule a meeting to explore your goals and begin building a road map for your financial future. It’s never too late or too early to start securing your financial future. The sooner you develop a plan that fits your situation, the more likely you are to achieve your goals and be able to do the things you really want to do when you retire.
So why wait? The clock is ticking and it is time to set your goals and achieve them! Remember, it’s not what you have; it’s what you do with it that can make all the difference.
Make sure to contact your local insurance and financial service professional for more information!
THE 4 C’S OF MORTGAGE LENDING
Rene Ramos International City Mortgage, Inc. 310-386-1693
Have you or anyone you know recently been denied a home loan and wondered why?
The answers could be as simple as a multiple choice quiz: #1. C, #2. C, #3. C, #4. C.
#1. Credit
Pulling a credit report to look at the history of a customer’s ability to pay back and manage their debt. A credit report will also provide payment history, credit limits, limit-to- debt balances, derogatories, such as collection accounts and public records like bankruptcies and foreclosures.
#2. Capital
This consists of verifying all types assets such as: checking and savings accounts, investments, other properties, 401K’s, stock, bonds, etc. Having assets will allow a bank to determine and calculate “reserves.” Most banks require reserves, which are sources of
funds that can be readily available to pay off debt and/or help continue making a mortgage payment on time in case of an emergency.
#3. Collateral
In mortgage lending, collateral is determined by the amount of down payment when buying a home or the amount of equity when refinancing a home. The property will serve as a form of security in case the customer can no longer continue to make payments. In today’s market you see a lot of collateral being sold and referred to as “foreclosures” or “REO’s” (real estate owned).
#4. Capacity
Arguably the most important “C” of all: can a customer pay back the debt they are applying for? To determine this capacity, income and employment history will be thoroughly examined.
Having a loan officer in your corner that understands the four C’s of lending will make a world of difference in your home loan process.
In October I will outline down payment assistance programs.
Web Filtering
James Watson Komputers 4 R Kids, Inc. (562) 860-7463
So you just got your new $1500 laptop with a sleek look and impressive specs. You take it home and immediately start pondering how to personalize and enhance your new computer. “Should I get a screen protector to keep dust and prints off the monitor?” “Should I buy stickers to accessorize an otherwise unoriginal exterior?” While these may be valid concerns, the best initial move is definitely to beef up your computer’s web filtering functions. After all, what good is your fancy laptop if it’s infected with a fatal malware and damaged beyond repair? Moreover, the Internet is also home to harmful content that can influence and corrupt the innocence of young children. The bottom line is, effective web filtering is extremely crucial to protecting your children, maintaining a healthy personal computer, and ensuring a safe, comfortable lifestyle.
If you have children, you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say the Internet is a dangerous place for youngsters, especially for preteens and adolescents. Unfiltered web browsing can yield numerous sites that contain destructive materials such as pornography, drugs/alcohol, violence, and hateful messages. Needless to say, these contents are detrimental to the health and mental wellbeing of children; research has shown that such malicious exposure may lead to trauma, depression, and increased violent tendencies. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial for PC owners to set up proper filtering software to ensure that the content our children are viewing are clean, appropriate, and safe. As parents, it is our duty, our obligation,
to protect the next generation, and one of the best and easiest ways to do so is to maintain constructive web security. Moreover, appropriate web filtering can drastically reduce the chances of virus infection on your PC. Nowadays, malware, Trojans, and adware are rampant on the Web. Whether they are concealed as pop-ups, disguised as sidebar ads, or masked within a spam email, viruses have innumerable ways of slipping by even the keenest of eyes and infecting our beloved computers. Therefore, the best way to effectively strengthen our PCs’ defenses is through good-ol’-fashioned web filtering. With the fortification of strong, up-to-date anti-virus software, our computers can finally trek through the Internet realm without the worry of an impending malicious infection.
With your children and your PC safely secured, you will feel much more at ease too. After all, having an unprotected computer can actually cause considerable stress simply due to the fact that the user is constantly susceptible to viral attacks and breaches, and not to mention uncensored material. After taking the necessary precautions of web filtering, you will feel safer and more comfortable. Ultimately, something as simple as web filtering can bring about things so invaluable as protection, security, and peace of mind.
So now that I have explained why you should get web filtering for you computers, you may be wondering, “Well, just how do I go about doing that?” Thankfully, there is an extremely easy way: all you need to do is search “K9 Web Filtering” and download the free software. No cost, no hassle, and no more Internet threats; safe web browsing is just a few clicks away.
10 Tips for Using Technology to Rethink Your Business
How are you using technology in your small business? Sure, you probably use a computer and a mobile phone, but are you truly harnessing the power of technology to help your business grow? Here are 10 ways technology can reenergize your business to help grow your customer base, improve productivity and increase efficiency.
1. Put your business in the cloud. Popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Microsoft SkyDrive or Google Drive store your documents and data online (rather than on your computer’s hard drive), keeping information secure and letting you access files anywhere, from any computer. Use the cloud to create different folders for different projects or team members; collaborate with employees, contractors or partners; and share files or images that are too big to email.
2. Market with social media. Does your business depend on local customers? Use social media tools to drive traffic to your door. Get listed on Yelp!, use a social check-in tool like Foursquare, and list your business on Google Places so people can easily find you and get directions to your location. Do you provide a service like plumbing or landscaping? Get listed on Angie’s List. Always encourage customers to leave reviews after visiting your store, using your services or finishing a meal in your restaurant. To keep all your listings up to date, use a service like Locu that lets you manage all your online business information in one place.
3. Reach out with email. According to Convince and Convert, last year 44 percent of email users made at least one purchase based on a promotional email. Once customers opt-in to receive your emails, send a monthly newsletter, alerts about sales or new products, or special offers. Email success is all about frequency and follow-up. Contact your local SBDC to get help setting up an email marketing account and determining the best way to
reach out to your customer base.
4. Sell online. Do you have a retail store? Expand your customer base by selling your products online, either through an ecommerce website of your own, or through larger online marketplaces such as the Amazon Marketplace, eBay or Etsy. Do you own a restaurant? Use an online service such as GrubHub, Seamless or iMenu360 that lets customers place orders online for pickup or delivery.
5. Enhance customer service. Save customers time and hassle by answering their most frequently asked questions on your business website and voicemail. This can include maps or directions to your business; hours of operation; information about shipping and returns; menu items and specials; or whatever customers ask you most.
6. Connect with prospects and partners. For a smart alternative to time-consuming and costly business trips, use solutions like Skype, GoToMeeting or WebEx to hold voice conference calls or videoconferences with customers and clients.
7. Get organized with project management software. If your small company outsources to contractors, tracking who’s doing what and when can be a major headache. Simplify things with project management tools like BaseCamp, Zoho or Asana, which let you create and assign tasks, collaborate on projects and track everyone’s progress.
8. Simplify scheduling. Does your business require setting appointments with customers? Eliminate phone tag by using scheduling tools like FullSlate, Genbook or BookFresh, which enable clients to schedule their own appointments online at their convenience.
9. Understand your customers. Got a website? Great! Now sign up for Google Analytics (it’s free) and get reports that show where your website visitors are coming from—including what sites drive them
to yours, what cities they live in, how long they spend on your site, what pages they look at and more.
10. Get paid instantly, anywhere. Do you serve customers at their homes or offices, or sell products on the go at farmers’ markets or events? Mobile payment tools such as Square, Intuit GoPayment and PayPal Here, which work with your smartphone or tablet computer, make life easier for both you and your customers by letting you accept noncash payments on the spot.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company
Pregunte al Experto
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
COMO IDENTIFICAR
SI TU HIJO/A ESTA CONSUMIENDO DROGAS PLAN DE ACCION DE SEIS PASOS
DK Counseling (323) 251-7511
David y Klaudette
Hola queridos lectores de nuevo aquí saludándolos, esperando que hayan tenido un lindo mes. La edición pasada platicamos sobre el paso numero uno y hablamos sobre el amor, el ingrediente primordial e insustituible en nuestro hogar y por ende en nuestra sociedad. El amar a nuestros adolescentes de manera incondicional es el primer paso para que ellos se sientan aceptados y comprendidos. Las dos palabra más poderosas en cualquier idioma son: TE AMO El paso a seguir es el #2 comencemos:
PASO #2 ESTABLECER REGLAS Y ESPERAR EL ÉXITO A CAMBIO
Para establecer reglas en nuestro hogar se recomienda primeramente ganarnos el respeto de nuestros hijos y predicar con el ejemplo. Debemos ser padres responsables, amorosos y a la vez firmes para ganarnos el derecho de ser escuchados. Recordemos que nuestros hijos son nuestros primeros jueces y la mayoría de las veces son nuestro reflejo. Los adolescentes son personas muy sensibles, y necesitan de nuestro amor, paciencia y guianza pues la transición por la que están atravesando de jóvenes a adultos no es fácil y necesitan de nuestra ayuda. Sabe que mucho de los jóvenes traen resentimiento desde
el hogar? Una gran mayoría se quejan de sus padres y por lo tanto dicen que no pueden ni quieren obedecer reglas y limites. No solamente debemos decirles: No puedes ni debes consumir alcohol ni ninguna otra droga, en esta casa están prohibido los drogadictos. No debemos imponernos de esa manera como padres, si no de sentarnos y hablar con ellos sobre las consecuencias que conlleva a usar drogas y alcohol, al explicarles punto por punto ellos empezaran a entender mejor, y cooperaran en el hogar, aun en el establecer reglas.
Involucre a su hijos a establecer reglas en su hogar, hágalo participe y tome en cuenta sus opiniones, y así usted verá un cambio eficaz en su familia. La disciplina siempre debe ir acompañada de amor y respeto, no se trata de imponer autoridad simplemente, ni ser padres dictadores, manipuladores y autoritarios o de usar el chantaje para lograr lo que a nosotros nos parece lo mejor. Establezcamos reglas y límites claros y razonables, fáciles de cumplir.
La adolescencia por lo regular inicia entre 13-17 años más o menos, cada adolescente es y piensa diferente, por lo tanto las reglas y limites son diferentes aunque vivan en el mismo hogar. Bueno amigos este ha sido el paso número dos, nos vemos en la siguiente edición, hasta pronto!
