The State of California has adopted mandatory water conservation measures that direct local cities to implement their Urban Water Management Plans.
The City will present “Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” this summer, a celebration of academic achievers, local artists, and the City’s focus on fitness.
Paramount’s plan is directed at outdoor water use. Among other things, there will be three days a week during summer that lawns can be watered using sprinklers – Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. From November through March, the days will be Monday and Thursday.
“Smarts, Arts & Healthy Hearts” will take place on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Paramount Park.
If you are an artist living or going to school in Paramount and would like to show your work at the event, please contact the Paramount Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
Art can be in a variety of media – painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, multi-media, and more. It can simply be exhibited or offered for sale.
These watering-day limits only apply to the use of sprinklers. They will not apply to hand-watering with a hose as long as the hose has a nozzle with an automatic shut-off and water does not run off onto sidewalks, streets, driveways, etc.
For a full list of items covered in the water management plan, please see this month’s CityScape on the Pulse Beat’s inside back page.
We will provide a booth, a table, and chairs. Artists are responsible for arranging and displaying their artwork and need to be present during the length of the event. They are also responsible for the breakdown of the display.
Eco-Friendly Companies in Paramount
Walk With Me at Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life offers an opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote how individuals can reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end cancer. This year’s Paramount Relay for Life is scheduled for Saturday morning, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Paramount Park and goes for 24 hours.
The Industrial Waste Section of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County presents “Good Corporate Citizen” certificates each year to businesses that are
Martinez Marchers. Come out and join us. It only takes an hour and a minimum donation of $10. For more information, please call (562) 743-3555.
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.
Resident Rates and Season Passes for Summer Swimming
This year, ten of these honorees are from Paramount. They are businesses that have shown social responsibility and 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.
GRIP’s Influence Continues To Grow
families. A special registration event will be held at Progress Plaza East (15500 Downey Ave.) on May 19 only from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Remember to bring proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID), with you, along with proof of age.
June 16 through August 8. The cost is $75 per week, per child, and the program operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for July 4.
Back in 1982, the City of Paramount – in partnership with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and the Paramount Unified School District – started Gang Resistance Is Paramount (GRIP), an intense program designed to keep kids from joining gangs. Since that time, GRIP has reached tens of thousands of Paramount youngsters and their parents; studies have shown a 90-95% success rate in keeping graduates out of gangs.
In addition to being a safe and fun place to spend the summer, the camp also provides a healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as swim lessons.
The Paramount companies are: ACE Clearwater Enterprises; Ariza Cheese Co.; Denmac Industries, Inc.; Durkee Testing Laboratories; Fortress Resources, LLC dba Royal Truck Body; Freedom Technologies, Inc.; Jayone Foods, Inc.; Marukan Vinegar (USA), Inc.; Paramount Petroleum; and ST & I, Inc.
Representatives from these businesses were recognized at the September 2nd City Council meeting.
With summer just around the corner, swim season is near for our City pools. Paramount residents and PUSD families can receive special rates for recreational swimming at the Paramount Park pool – $1 per entry for youth (ages 17 and under) and $2 per entry for adults. In order to qualify for these resident rates you will need an identification band, which can be purchased for $1 and is good for the entire summer. Be sure and bring it with you every time you visit the pool this year. (Per-visit rates for non-residents or those without an ID band are $3 for youth and $4 for adults.)
Seniors Walking Group
Paramount has a very active Senior Center at Paramount Park. It offers nutrition programs (both onsite and home-delivered meals), special events, excursions, classes, activities, and transportation opportunities such as Dial-A-Ride and Medical Taxi.
You can buy the ID bands beginning on May 19 at the Community Services and Recreation Office at 15300 Downey Ave. They can also be purchased at Paramount Park Pool beginning June 14. Proof of residency (photo ID and current utility bill) or proof of PUSD enrollment (current-year school ID) are required to obtain an ID band.
As part of the senior fitness initiative, a new walking program has begun under the leadership of Senior Services Commissioner Jim Stevens.
Also available to residents and PUSD families this summer are season passes for use at both Paramount Park and Orange pools.
Jim has had a lifelong passion for fitness, is an avid runner and elite competitor. He has now brought that passion to our senior program.
Every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., he instructs and guides group members on a healthy walk around Paramount Park. Soon, there will be new outdoor exercise stations added to the park at the renovated picnic shelter near the Senior Center that will become part of the routine, as well.
These passes ($20 Youth/$30 Adult) will provide you with admission to the pools all summer without having to pay the entrance fee each time you go. In addition, they will give you priority entry during recreational swim hours. If you buy a pass, you do not need to purchase or wear the aforementioned ID bands. But you do need to show the same proof of residency or PUSD enrollment as mentioned above.
For more information about the Senior Center, or to find out about joining the walking group, please call (562) 220-2090.
Please call (562) 220-2121 with any questions.
Communities from all over the country have used the curriculum. That list increased recently – the City of Carson, which has an anti-gang program for 6th graders, contacted Paramount about using GRIP’s courses for 2nd- and 5th-grade students. Representatives from both cities will also collaborate on anti-bullying lessons that can be integrated into the gang prevention program.
Starting on May 20, you can register in person at the Community Services and Recreation Offi ce (15300 Downey Ave., Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., Monday - Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.).
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
Temporary Parking Permits For RVs
It wasn’t merely arresting people that dealt with the gang issues in Paramount. It was education and a lot of positive reinforcement for young people. GRIP keeps on providing a strong influence in Paramount and beyond.
Ways to Save Water in Drought
Also with summer in mind, and the possibility of friends or relatives coming for a visit, here’s a brief review of the City’s Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking ordinance.
In light of the ongoing statewide drought, here are some ideas from the Paramount Water Department to save water:
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
• Remember to use a broom to clean your driveway or sidewalk.
You can register online (www.paramountcity.com on the Parks & Recreation page) starting May 20. If you don’t have an online account already, you will need to create one at the Recreation Department office at 15300 Downey Ave. Again, bring proof of residency or PUSD enrollment and proof of age.
RVs registered to Paramount addresses cannot be parked on public streets within the City. But the City allows for the temporary on-street parking of RVs that are not registered to a Paramount address.
• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
All registration for non-residents begins June 2.
The permit must be obtained by a resident and the vehicle must be parked in front of their address.
• Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2121.
• Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1,000 gallons a month.
Sign Up for Summer Day Camp
• Time your shower to keep it under five minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Install low-volume toilets.
Also on May 19, residents can register either online or at the Recreation Offi ce (15300 Downey Ave.) for the City’s Summer Day Camp.
For out of town visitors, permits may be issued for a maximum of 31 days per household per calendar year. Permits will be issued for a maximum of 14 consecutive days per permit with a 72-hour timeframe between permits.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.
The vehicle will be moved for street sweeping.
• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Children ages 5 to 12 are eligible to participate in the camp, which runs from
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
• Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save four gallons a minute. That’s 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
• Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 100 gallons a week.
• Don’t use running water to thaw food.
• Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
• Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water.
“Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”
– Bill Gates
If you would like more information about ways to save water, please call the Paramount Public Works Department at (562) 220-2020.
Talking or Texting on Cell Phones
Back to School – Truancy Enforcement Increases
While Driving – Not Worth It
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.
There are plenty of facts, figures, and details about distracted driving, but the California Office of Traffic Safety wants you to know the plain and simple ones:
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
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.
• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
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.
• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
Minors who are cited for a truancy violation may face the following:
* Fines starting at $150 and going up to $450 for subsequent violations.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
* Community service hours.
* Suspension from school.
• Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, long enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph. Most crashes happen with less than three seconds reaction time.
Paramount has its own dedicated District Attorney – Kelly Tatman – who works out of the Sheriff’s Station. Her duties include making sure that criminal investigations and prosecutions in town receive full attention and don’t fall through the cracks at the larger County D.A.’s Office.
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.
Street Safety Tips For Start Of New School Year
Traffic and pedestrian safety is always a priority in Paramount, especially now that the fall school semester has begun. The Department of Public Safety is coordinating efforts with the Paramount Sheriff’s Station and the Paramount Unified School District to ensure the safety of our children before, during, and after school hours. It is also extremely important that everyone follow simple traffic and pedestrian guidelines.
• The act of talking on a cell phone, even hands free, can give you “inattention blindness,” where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you. You aren’t even aware that you are driving impaired. If you think you can handle both driving and talking on a cell phone or texting, you are kidding yourself and putting us all at risk.
Tatman has been visiting a class of 36 students at Jefferson School as part of Project LEAD. The program, which goes into the classroom once a week for 20 weeks during the school year, uses volunteers like Tatman from the D.A.’s Office to teach fifth-graders about the law and help them recognize the social and legal consequences of criminal behavior.
• When driving a child to school, leave your home 15 minutes earlier to avoid traffic congestion near campus.
• Do not stop in the middle of the street to pick up or let off children. pull to the curb.
• Do not allow children to cross the street mid-block. use crosswalks.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
• observe the 25 Mph speed limit in school zones.
• park and walk a child to school if there is traffic congestion.
Tips for Bicycles
Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel – especially texting and cell phone use, whether hands-free or handheld. Who’s doing it? Most of us. It has been estimated that, at any one time, more than 10 percent of drivers are using a mobile device.
A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
Bicycles must follow the same traffic rules as motorized vehicles. Remember the following, as well.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• use hand signals before turning, stopping, or changing lanes.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
The class from Jefferson recently went on a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance. (They will also go to a local courthouse). In addition, Project LEAD’s curriculum includes speakers connected to the criminal justice system and a mock trial involving either drug selling or gun possession on campus. Students are assigned roles and argue a criminal case to a jury consisting of other students. Teachers and parents attend, too.
• 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.
• Never text and drive.
• Riding while wearing headphones in both ears is prohibited by law.
• Always yield to pedestrians.
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.
• Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bicycles.
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.
At the end of the program, the kids will participate in a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion from the D.A.’s Office at a meeting of the Paramount Public Safety Commission.
• use reflectors and lights, and wear light-colored clothing while riding (especially at night) in order to be more visible to motorists.
• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
Vehicle Safety
• No eating or drinking while driving.
• All children younger than eight years old must ride in the back seat of a car in a booster or car seat.
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
• Everyone riding in a vehicle must have their seat belts fastened at all times when a vehicle is in motion.
• When driving, all cell phone conversations must occur while using a hands-free device.
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
• No grooming.
• If using a map app, GpS system, or texting, the same hands-free laws apply.
• No reading.
• No watching videos.
Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property while you’re gone.
• When driving, be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones and be on the lookout for bikers, walkers, or runners who may be distracted or may step into the street unexpectedly.
• Try not to get too involved with passengers.
Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.
• Give pedestrians the right of way.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
Pedestrian Safety
Simple Strategies for Better Event Marketing
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Teach kids at an early age to put down their devices and then look left, right, and left again when crossing the street.
Friday, May 16, 2014 - 10am to 12pm
• Remind kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and to watch out for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach them to never run or dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Attend this presentation and learn how to use the power of event marketing to get potential and existing customers to take four key actions:
• Sign up • Speak up • Show up • Follow up Good marketing is about eliciting a physical and measurable response. In this practical and engaging seminar, you will learn how to find, convert, and keep new and existing customers through effective event marketing. You will also learn best practices related to the who, when, where, and what that makes an event a memorable experience. Learn how events can engage customers. Take your events to the next level using e-mail, social, traditional, and internet marketing tools. Fee: $20
(Make checks payable to LBCC SBDC)
Council Observes National Night Out
The Paramount City Council presented a proclamation to the l.A. Sheriff’s Department at its August 4 meeting marking the observance of National Night Out, the annual event that supports anti-crime programs across the country. From left, Councilmember Peggy lemons, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, lt. David Auner of the Paramount Sheriff’s Station, Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer. Mayor Martinez noted that, during the first half of 2014, when compared with the first six months of 2013, Paramount’s property crime rate dropped by more than 22% and violent crime fell by just under 10%.
Learning Center Classes Resume After Summer Break
In conjunction with PEP, the City of Paramount operates the Paramount Petroleum Learning Resource Center at Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave. The Center offers the following programs and classes for residents.
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 about volunteering.
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.
St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy Reach Record Numbers
one year after becoming a co-ed High School, St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy has reached record numbers in the amount of applications, admitted and registered students the 2014-2015 school year.
Two hundred applications were received and 191 students have been accepted. A total of 307 students are registered for grades 9 -12, and for the first time in the school’s history there is a wait list.
13 Incoming freshmen were honored
with the onwards Scholars Program which pays 75% of the student’s tuition for up to four years.
Enrollment numbers are not the only thing growing at St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy - five new teachers were hired to teach Spanish, Chemistry, Geometry, and Theology.
The academy is buzzing with excitement as faculty and staff prepare for the new school year.
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Office Gets a Much Needed Facelift
It’s been more than 20 years since the Paramount Chamber of Commerce office bought a new piece of furniture or made any significant changes to the décor; but all that recently changed thanks to the generosity of so many. According to Executive Director peggy Lemons, “ Ace Clearwater Enterprises was the first on the scene to do all of the heavy lifting for the painters and carpet layers, then CalMet Services provided curb side service to pick up the old so room could be made for the new. We gave Transcom Telecommunications a call when we ran into some wiring issues and
they spent a whole day taking out old cable and wires and replacing them with new ones. I called Don Tomeo at Fenico Precision Castings when we needed some new metal pieces for our doors and there he was ready and willing to help, and Pamela Rice from office Depot brought us some fancy accessories for our new desks. our new member A & I Professional Services did a great job painting, putting up molding, and fixing all the odds and ends he came across. The project is nearly finished and things are looking great; the Paramount Chamber is truly blessed to have so many terrific members.”
Transcom Telecommunications donated their services to rewire ancient telephone and data cables. From left: Owner Ben Berg, employees Matt Dempsy and Alex Berg.
Paramount Chamber Ambassador and Office Depot employee Pamela r ice heard we were remodeling and stopped in to drop off new desk accessories courtesy of Office Depot.
Ace Clearwater employees Victor Morales, Jose r odriguez, and Jose Faria did all the heavy lifting for the Paramount Chamber remodel.
Stater Bros. Charities Raises More Than $272,000 For the Fight Against Blood Cancers
The “Light The Night” Campaign has raised more than $2 million over 7 years
Stater Bros. Charities and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) concluded another successful “Light The Night” fundraising campaign in support of LLS’ mission to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. These funds will also help LLS invest in research to advances cures for blood cancers.
In June, Stater Bros.’ customers at all 167 Stater Bros. Supermarkets purchased $1 and $5 paper mobiles at the time of check-out to support LLS. For seven years now, Stater Bros. customers and employees have raised more than $2 million. The funds raised during the campaign directly benefit the Southern California community in the form of research and educational programs, financial aid, family support groups, first connection programs and countless others.
“The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is extremely grateful to Stater Bros., its employees and customers who are helping to make a difference in the lives of so many patients with blood cancer and their families,” said Mark Roithmayr, Chief Development o fficer, LLS.
“Stater Bros. has raised more than $2 million since our partnership began 7 years ago, and that incredible effort is going a long way toward helping LLS advance its mission.”
“The Stater Bros. Supermarket Family is very happy to give back by hosting the paper mobile program in all our stores,” stated Jack H. Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive o fficer of Stater Bros. Markets. “It is imperative that we join in the fight to find a cure.”
In addition to the campaign, Stater Bros. Charities will partner with LLS at its annual “Light The Night” Walk at Angel Stadium, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014. This walk will honor those who have been affected by blood cancer, including survivors as well as those who have lost their battle with blood cancer. To learn more, visit www. lightthenight.org.
Pathways: A Family Life Line
“Thank God for that calss” says Matt Macedo, CHANGES participant.” It helped me out so much…It got me close to my daughters.”
For 46-year-old, Matt Macedo, Pathways was a life line after the mother of his children died of heart failure. Macedo sought help and was advised by his daughters’ school counselor to call Pathways for bereavement support. Grief Counselor, Alan Saum, began counseling the girls at their school in Downey, and recommended that they join the CHANGES family support group.
one of the most valuable things Macedo realized from the CHANGES group was how much it benefited his kids.
“At school they felt like outsiders. But at the group they had other kids that were going through the same thing. They had somebody they lost too…and they were able to open up to the group when they couldn’t do that with me.”
overwhelmed with feeling lost and alone, Macedo needed reassurance. Through CHANGES he discovered that there were caring and empathetic people out there that
he could rely on to help him move forward with his family.
For nearly 30 years, Pathways has tirelessly devoted their services to families in need of hope. People in grief often find it difficult to navigate through life’s “noise,” and the Pathways bereavement team helps them learn to develop healthy coping skills that empower their families to take it one day at a time.
The 7 week children and family group is a large component of the bereavement services that Pathways offers free of charge to the community. Pathway’s reaches cities in the Greater Long Beach Area, including Paramount, Lakewood, Cerritos, Downey, Artesia, and Bellflower. They also support children and staff through on-campus grief programs and faculty inservices in Paramount, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Bellower, Norwalk-La Mirada, and ABC Unified School Districts.
For more information on bereavement services please call (562) 532-3031 or visit pathwayshospice. org. The new session of CHANGES begins September 23, 2014.
CALIFoRNIA oUTREACH oRGANIzATIoN
(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.
BILINGUAL SALES in English & Spanish with basic computer skills. Also looking for WAREhouSE EMpLoYEE with inventory, order-picking, and/or upS experience. please call 562-408-1984 and ask for Ivette or send an email to mimi.kim@ptminconline.com for Mimi.
Workshops That Help Businesses Grow
Build Your Retirement Savings
By Maria F. Galli
State Farm Insurance
562-817-5620
Most people save for major purchases like new cars, home improvements or tropical vacations. Unfortunately, some people don’t plan for their long-term financial needs. People who don’t plan may not have the type of retirement they desire. Do your retirement plans feel secure?
Deferred life annuities may be one option for you to consider. An annuity is a contract that offers you a way to build income for retirement. The annuity’s earnings are tax-deferred, which means you won’t pay taxes until you begin withdrawing your money.
A deferred life annuity allows you to build savings over time. It then provides you a reliable source of retirement income – income that you cannot outlive.
Deferred life annuities:
• Can be purchased with a lump sum payment or a series of periodic payments.
• Guarantee an interest rate for one year, or a longer duration, depending on the annuity.
• offer earnings that grow federal tax-deferred until withdrawal. This is a powerful tax benefit that can help your earnings grow faster than they would if taxed annually.
• provide a dependable source of retirement income. The income payment amount is based, in part, on the accumulated value in your annuity and the income payment option you choose.
Whatever your retirement needs, deferred life annuities can help you rest easy with a guaranteed rate of return. Talk with your local insurance and financial professional about the benefits of a deferred life annuity.
Community News
Cerritos College Foundation Starts
Accepting Scholarship Applications August 1 Online Application Due September 22
The Cerritos College Foundation will begin accepting scholarship applications August 1. There are 35 scholarships available for the fall 2014 semester, including those for re-entry students, former or current foster youth, Speech Communication majors, Business majors, second years students in the Physical Therapy Assistant program, STEM majors, veterans, students of Filipino ethnicity, and community/civic involvement, and more.
Student applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and need to submit a general scholarship application at www.cerritos.edu/foundationscholarships. The deadline for applications is September 22, 2014. Additionally, applicants need to provide the name
and email address of at least two references (instructors preferred) who will provide letters of recommendation which must be submitted electronically by September 26, 2014 as well as upload current unofficial Cerritos College transcripts.
Upon submission, a thorough review by the Foundation will determine the scholarship(s) for which each applied student meets the minimum criteria.
Last year, the Cerritos College Foundation awarded over $220,000 in academic and need based scholarships.
For more information, visit www. cerritos.edu/ccf or contact the Cerritos College Foundation at (562) 860-2451 ext.2539.
Cerritos College Establishes Community Task Force
The Cerritos College Board of Trustees recently voted to establish a Community Task Force to give District residents an outlet to provide feedback directly to campus leadership.
“We are very excited to encourage more community involvement on our campus and to begin a dialogue with residents in the District,” said Carmen Avalos, president, Board of Trustees.” The Community Task Force gives our residents an opportunity to share their input with the Board of Trustees and
College leadership that will help guide our steps toward finding better ways to serve the community.”
Members of the Task Force will serve as campus community ambassadors. The Board of Trustees will approve members in September of each year. Members will serve a oneyear term with the opportunity to be re-nominated.
For more information about the Community Task Force, please visit: www.cerritos.edu/taskforce
10 strategies to help your small business leverage technology to think
Content provided by: Mark Kornegay, General Manager, Southern California District, Microsoft Corp.
SMBs using modern technology outperform those that do not; research from The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) discovered that small-andmidsized businesses that leverage new technology had 10 points higher job growth and 11 points higher revenue growth than “low-tech” SMBs. Embracing the right technology solutions and collaborating with other entrepreneurs in your area can lead to relationships and results previously not considered. As a partner and solution provider for SMBs, here are 10 strategies brought to you by Microsoft Corp. to help your business increase revenue and job growth through technology.
1. Plan once, plan again and repeat. Many small businesses start off strong with a concrete business plan and specific goals, yet get so caught up in daily tasks like inventory and payroll that they lose sight of the larger plan. Plan a long-term strategy and develop a yearly plan that aligns to your overarching goals.
2. Rise to the cloud. Cloud pro-
vides cost savings, enhanced productivity, and the ease of scaling your operations. Cloud-based services for tasks like document storage, video conferencing, email and calendars are typically a fraction of the cost of buying and maintaining servers and software. Cloud also provides greater flexibility and mobility since the data is stored online and is therefore accessible from any device with an Internet connection. Microsoft 0365 product is available also Dropbox, zoolz, and many more .
3. Get mobile. Connectivity through mobile devices benefits employers and employees alike – for employers, reduced office expenses, access to a larger talent pool and better business continuity are all big advantages. For employees, remote working provides your employees with an elusive work-life balance, cuts down on commute time and office distractions and can improve customer relations by providing a means to respond more quickly to customer needs. Start by asking employees what they’d like to see in a remote working policy and what tools they have or need to make mobility a reality. Microsoft offers a suite of tools to help make the transition seamless.
4. Invest in your online presence. An up-to-date, easy-to-navigate website is crucial for any business. It is often a customer’s first impression of your business and you want it to be a good one. Take the time to check out your competitors’ sites with your “consumer hat” on. Ask questions like, “Is it easy to find what I’m looking for?” “Is contact information readily available?” The answers to these simple questions can guide the redevelopment of your site.
5. Socialize. Take advantage of the opportunity to grow with a social presence; listen to what is being said about your brand online. Share dynamic content, photos, videos and encourage others to do the same, you can build a community of brand evangelists who will spread the word about your business and perhaps offer up some fresh ideas. Free and low-cost sites like Crowdbooster and Sprout Social can help you build your audience.
6. Attract top talent. Big businesses often have a big advantage when it comes to attracting top talent, but with a little effort, small businesses can gain the upper hand. Play to your company’s strengths by implementing a flexible work policy that will attract Millennials and people outside of the typical 20-to-30 mile commute. Advertise openings on sites like LinkedIn and pay special attention to comments from past employees shared online on sites like Glassdoor. Share your business’ success stories on your website and social media as often as you can to attract talent who want to personally invest in your business.
7. Don’t be afraid of CRM. The smartest small businesses think about technology in the same way that larger companies do asking: “What technologies can help me streamline business processes, stay close to my customers and improve my offerings?” A study of the adoption of cloud-based applications by small businesses, conducted by Dell and Techaisle research, found that CRM was by far the most adopted, up from 34 percent in 2010 to 55 percent in 2012. Your business might be ready for CRM if you’ve experienced any of these situations, click here to learn how to choose the right CRM tool.
8. Upgrade your hardware. Using outdated technology can not only cost you in productivity, repeat customers and revenue, but it also can cause reputational damage. A recent survey found more than 90% of consumers said they would consider taking their business elsewhere rather than work with a company that uses outdated technology. Upgrading to newer, more flexible technology such as tablets or ultrabooks can enhance customer perception and experience.
9. u se “small data.” You have probably heard the buzz around “big data,” but for a small business, small data can be just as important. Leverage the opportunity to impart personal touches; take the time to get to know your customers by engaging in discussions during every visit. Keep a record of these interactions and set up reminders in your CRM system for birthdays or anniversaries and provide discounts in recognition of these special occasions. Send personalized emails and thank you notes to remind them of the great experience in your store.
10. Collaborate to win. Work closely with other businesses in your community to plan sales, events and more. You can even collaborate to save money on things you’re ordering in bulk such as office supplies. Your local SBDC is s great resource and can help connect you to the right people.
About the Author
Mark Kornegay is the General Manager of Microsoft’s Southern California District where he leads the ingenuity behind software and solutions that enable customers to find creative solutions to business problems, develop breakthrough ideas, and stay connected to what’s important to them.
The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through lowcost 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
