On August 25th the City of Paramount held its rst Co-Ed Futsal Tournament. Teams of 5 were made up from residents and businesses. The tournament lasted from 10:00 am until approximately 2:00 pm when they announced the winning team, “Los Perios” which translates The Parrots. In spite of the heat it was well attended and the city looks forward to having more tournaments in the future. There were nine teams in total that played. Be-
Pictured here in the photo is the championship team: Angel Macias, Miguel Ramirez, Jose Estrada, Jorge Ramirez, Agustin Sanchez, and Anselmo Vergara. A team made up of local residents. The team’s name was “Los Pericos,” which translates to The Parrots.
Paramount Homeowners Can Qualify for Free Solar Power
The City has formed a partnership with GRID Alternatives, a non-pro t organization that provides free home solar service to income-qualifying residents. Its Energy for All program, paid for by cap & trade funds from Sacramento as a means for reducing greenhouse gases, can help homeowners save up to 90% on their electric bills.
There are no hidden costs, no credit reports, and no surprises. It is all free for owner-occupied homes that meet the income requirements.
To see if you qualify, please visit EnergyForAllProgram.org/news or call (213) 213-5899.
Plus, under Share the Savings, refer a friend of a family member and, if they
use the program, you can receive a $200 referral fee.
GRID Alternatives also offers a job training program for those who wish to start a career in the solar industry. No prior experience is needed. Call (213) 725-5133 to nd out about the Installation Basics Training (IBT) Program.
Air Purifier/HVAC Filter Rebates Available
The City has established a Residential Air Purifier Filtration and HVAC Filter Rebate Program to assist residents in obtaining certain types of these items. Due to Paramount’s location near freeways, railways, and the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, our area can be prone to the negative impact of diesel particulate matter. It was with this in mind that the new program was developed.
The rebates can be applied to the purchase of “True HEPA” air purifiers (which capture up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger and can also lter detectible odors). These room-based units can cost between $150 and $250 and are easily available online and in department and hardware stores.
The program will reimburse up to $100 for the cost of one of these units.
Household HVAC filters effectively capture unhealthful air particles. To qualify for the rebate, they must have a Minimum Ef ciency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13 on a scale of 1 to 16 to be effective. Their
- Nelson Mandela
average cost is $50.
The program pays up to $50 for the purchase of these lters.
In order to take part, you must be a Paramount resident. A one-time rebate is available per household for either an air puri er unit or HVAC lter. An online application must be submitted with a copy of the receipt within 60 days of the purchase date. Visit go.citygro.ws/Paramount_Community_Development/city-of-paramounts-air-puri er-rebate-program. There is also a story on the homepage at paramountcity. com with a direct link to the application.
Further restrictions apply. Rebates will be issued on a rst-come, rst-served basis until funding is exhausted.
MUSA Recognized for “Excellence in the 33rd”
Senator Ricardo Lara recognized 23 Southeast Los Angeles businesses and nonpro ts at his annual Excellence in the 33rd District Awards in August. Congratulations are due to Paramount’s Mujeres Unidas Sirviendo Activamente (MUSA) for being named one of the winners.
“The Excellence Awards celebrate the people who give the Southeast its soul and its swagger,” said Senator Lara. “We have a rich history of businesses, non-pro ts, and activists improving the quality of life for all residents of the 33rd Senate District, and I am proud to honor them.” The District includes all or parts of 13 cities comprising more than 900,000 residents.
MUSA was recognized for its “strong desire to bring positive change to its community through consistent, proactive involvement and volunteerism. Through their grassroots efforts, they strengthen the educational attainment and quality of life for students and families in the City of Paramount.”
Pet Clinic at Paramount Park
The City and SEAACA (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority) will be presenting a Vaccination Clinic and Pet Care Fair on Sunday, September 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Paramount Park, 14400
Paramount Blvd.
The Fair will offer a chance to get vaccinations and pet licenses all in one place. It will feature pet-related information, entertainment, family activities, jumpers for the kids, information on disaster preparedness, and food vendors. Cats and dogs will be available for adoption.
The event is free. Rabies vaccinations are inexpensive ($5.00 + $2.00 disposal fee – please bring any previous vaccine records).
Remember to have all pets on a leash. For more information, visit www.seaaca. org or call (562) 803-3301.
Eco-Friendly Companies in Paramount
The Industrial Waste Section of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County presents “Good Corporate Citizen” certi cates each year to businesses that are in compliance with industrial wastewater discharge requirements. While nearly 1,000 companies in the county are eligible, only a few hundred earn this award by meeting some very strict standards.
For the 2017 awards, six of the honorees are from Paramount. All have shown a sense of 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 “green” thank you.
The Paramount companies are: Freedom Technologies, Inc.; Marukan Vinegar (USA), Inc.; Paramount Dairy, Inc.; ST & I, Inc.; and Weber Metals, Inc. The City of Paramount was also recognized. Representatives from the businesses will be recognized at the September 4 City Council meeting.
Rent the Splash Zone This Month
While the swimming season has ended, and the Paramount Park Pool and Orange Ave. Splash Zone have basically closed for the summer, the latter facility is still available for private rentals until the end of September.
Call (562) 220-2121 to learn more.
Mayor, Diane J. Martinez
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:
• 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
Community Service Of cers (CSOs) and Code Enforcement Of cers (CEOs) are non-sworn City staff in the Public Safety Department. Their work is vital to quality of life issues in town and, in the case of the CSOs, allows Sheriff’s personnel more time to focus on larger law enforcement duties.
• Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
• Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
• 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.
These individuals regularly take part in training modules to enhance their service capabilities and eld response. For instance, in July, CEOs underwent an extensive course concerning “Curbstoning.” Curbstoners are illegal, unlicensed used car dealers who sell cars from the “curb” rather than from a dealership. They usually pretend the cars are their personal vehicles. Many curbstoner cars are salvage vehicles. Others are too dangerous to drive, and some could be stolen.
Investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) trained the CEOs on techniques to identify, investigate, and resolve consumer complaints concerning curbstoning in the City.
• 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.
Training was also held for both CEOs and CSOs in CPR and AED certi cation, which offered the latest techniques in these lifesaving procedures. City staff members routinely undergo a series of mandated training modules to mitigate risk and enhance workplace ef ciency.
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.
Truancy Enforcement as School Returns
A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.
What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:
• Never text and drive.
With the recent start 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 begins.
• Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel.
• Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving.
• Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.
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.
• No eating or drinking while driving.
• Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player, or other devices while driving.
• Pull over and stop to read maps.
• No grooming.
• No reading.
• No watching videos.
• Try not to get too involved with pas sengers.
• If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.
Patrol deputies issue citations to minors violating the truancy laws. This sends a message to juveniles about the importance of staying in school and assists in proactive efforts to curtail crime.
Project LEAD Sending Positive Message to Paramount Fifth Graders
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:
• Fines starting at $150 and going up to $450 for subsequent violations.
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.
• Community service hours.
• Suspension from school.
• Suspension of a driver’s license.
• Attendance at a court-approved truancy prevention program.
In addition to these penalties, the parents/guardians of the cited minor may be required to accompany the minor to court, answer to the court, and possibly be subjected to court punishment.
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.
For more information, please call (562) 220-2002.
Sadly, too many young people first become acquainted with the justice system as delinquents. Project LEAD is designed to avoid that scenario.
Stop Distracted Walking
With school back in session, and kids walking to their campus each day, make sure that children are reminded of these year-round safety tips:
• Never walk while texting or talking on the phone.
• If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.
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.
• Never cross the street while using an electronic device.
• Do not walk with headphones on.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
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.
• Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available; if a child must walk on the street, he or she should face oncoming traf c.
• Look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street.
Summer Vacation Home Checks
• Cross only at crosswalks.
With summertime approaching, remember that if you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you can schedule a home check.
Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property
P ARAMOUNT C ITY C
Local Non-Profit Recognized
At its August 7 meeting, the Paramount City Council recognized the Latinas Art Foundation and its founders Lourdes, Danaly, and Daileen Perez for being named the Non-Profit Organization of the Year for the 63rd Assembly District by Assemblymember Anthony Rendon. The Foundation supports arts education, encourages the study, appreciation, and recognition of excellence in Latino arts, and empowers women and young girls. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Lourdes Perez, Daileen Perez, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Danaly Perez, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
National Night Out
The City celebrated the 35th National Night Out anti-crime event by holding a dinner at Progress Park Plaza to recognize the commitment of Neighborhood Watch members on August 6. Then, at the August 7 City Council meeting, a commendation was presented to the Sheriff’s Department. It was noted that over the first six months of 2018 major Part I crimes have declined by 16% in Paramount, led by a dramatic reduction in burglaries (39%) and auto theft (29%). From
New Assistant Fire Chief Introduced
Deputy Saluted for Service
left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Lieutenant Oscar Barragan, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Errett, the new leader the Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department that includes Paramount, was introduced at the August 7 City Council meeting. Assistant Chief Errett, who has been with the Department for 33 years, manages a team serving 12 cities with 25 fire stations. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Assistant Chief Errett, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Deputy Alfonso Esqueda – part of Paramount’s public safety team for the last 15 years as a patrol deputy, special assignment deputy, and leader of the special assignment team – was recognized at the August 7 City Council meeting for his longtime service. Deputy Esqueda has been promoted to sergeant and reassigned to another Sheriff’s Station. During his time in Paramount he became a respected member of the community and connected on a human level with residents. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Esqueda, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
NEW M EMBER
Importance of Homework and Study Habits, Sleep Routines
Now that the new school year has begun, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren. org to help your students thrive.
Habits
Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework starting at a young age. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
Schedule ample time for homework; build this time into choices about participation in after school activities.
Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time.
Supervise computer and Internet use.
By high school, it’s not uncommon for teachers to ask students to submit homework electronically and perform other tasks on a computer. If your child doesn’t have access to a computer or the Internet at home, work with teachers and school administration to develop appropriate accommodations.
Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for them.
Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue, and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
If your child is struggling with a particular subject, speak with their teacher for recommendations on how you or another person can help your child at home or at school. If you have concerns about the assignments your child is receiving, talk with their teacher.
If your child is having dif culty focusing
on or completing homework, discuss this with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or health care provider.
For general homework problems that cannot be worked out with the teacher, a tutor may be considered.
Some children need extra help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems.
Some children may need help remembering their assignments. Work with your child and their teacher to develop an appropriate way to keep track of their assignments – such as an assignment notebook.
Sleep Routine
Getting enough sleep is critical for a child to be successful in school. Children who do not get enough sleep have dif culty concentrating and learning as well as they can.
Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it every night. Having a bedtime routine that is consistent will help your child settle down and fall asleep. Components of a calming pre-bedtime routine may involve a bath/shower, reading with them, and tucking them in and saying good-night to them.
Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime.
Try to have the home as quiet and calm as possible when younger children are trying to fall asleep.
Insuf cient sleep is associated with lower academic achievement in middle school, high school, and college, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. The optimal amount of sleep for most younger children is 10-12 hours per night and for adolescents (13-18 year of age) is in the range of 8-10 hours per night.
Ribbon-Cutting for Mariposa Center in Progress Park
Progress Park Plaza East – which opened in 2005 and has been used for City instructional classes, meetings, birthday celebrations, and more – was rechristened as the Mariposa Center in August. Mariposa is Spanish for butter y; the front of the building resembles a pair of wings. The building’s new youthful identity aligns with the City’s enhanced partnership with the Los Cerritos YMCA, which is bringing new sports and aquatics offerings, among others, to Para-
mount. The Y will operate an affordable, low-cost afterschool program at the Mariposa Center. From left: Bell ower Mayor Pro Tem and Los Cerritos YMCA Boardmember Sonny R. Santa Ines, Paramount Mayor Diane J. Martinez, PUSD Boardmember Alicia Anderson, Chief Executive Of cer of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach Alfredo Velasco, PUSD Boardmember Tony Pena, and Senior Executive Director of the Los Cerritos YMCA Jeremy Eschnoz.
Bartender
Part time: must have evenings and weekends available. Contact Leroy at (562) 634-9001
Domino’s wants you!
Delivery drivers wanted! Flexible hours! Cash Paid Daily! Fun environment and room for advancement. Please visit jobs.dominos. com to apply.
Vital Informational Workshop for Businesses
On August 16th, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard sponsored an Informational Luncheon with BizFed at the Clearwater Building. Parmount Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, and was jointly coordinated by 10 chambers. A full house of business owners and executives gather to hear presentations on 3 very critical topics discussed to inform the business community.
Protecting Your Worksite & Workforce, about preparing your business for worksite immigration enforcement actions. What are your rights, and how should you be prepared to respond to planned and unplanned visits from ICE.
Los Angeles County Contracting Connection, informing about the new certifications for small business, disabled/veteran business or social enterprise. Providing the businesses with the tools to get certified as a vendor to the County of Los Angeles and expedite the working relationship between County and small businesses.
Los Angeles County Minimun Wage Implementation, providing instructions on the Count’s enforcement of new minimum wage laws. Presentations outlined how know which minimum wage applies to your business based on location and size.
If you have any questions regarding these topics, feel free to contact the Paramount Chamber of Commerce of ce at (562) 634-3980. Powerpoint presentations are available be email and contacts can be provided to help business owners get the information they need.
September 13th, 6:00 pm—8:30 pm
Workshop: Starting a Small Business Workshop
Available for individuals wanting to start a small business. Topics to be discussed include researching your business ideas, outlining your business plan, learning about start-up expenses and nancing, legal aspects, and general management issues. Registration is Required at: https://lasbdcnet.ecenterdirect.com/events/19917 Small Business Development Center: 4900 E Conant Street Bldg. O2, Long Beach, CA 90808 (562) 938-5100
September 15th, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon 1st Time Homeowners Seminar:
Topics to be discussed are What Step to take; What is a FICO score? How to get pre-approved; What kind of loans are available. Seminar is free, please RSVP with Paramount Chamber Of ce (562) 634-3980 or with RealEstateHomeInvestments@gmail.com
Location: 15357 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723
September 18th, 8:00 am—9:30 am Social Media for Business Workshop
As a small business, you’re expected to create high quality social media content on a regular basis. Yet, many businesses struggle to keep their content fresh, relevant, and varied on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Can you relate? Help is on the way! Registration Required: Paramount Chamber Of ce (562) 634-3980
Location: Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723
September 20th, 2:00 pm —7:00 pm
Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting for Body Soul Elite Fitness, Nutrition, Physical Therapy & Chiropractic wellness geared for the individual. Food and beverages will be served. RSVP is Required at: Paramount Chamber of Commerce (562) 634-3980
Location: 8214 Phlox St. Ste E, Downey, CA 90241
September 20th, 6:00 pm—8:30 pm Workshop: Creating An Effective Business Plan Workshop
available for individuals wanting to get funding for a small business. This workshop will cover all aspects of creating a business plan, as well as highlight the importance of setting goals and being able to measure progress. Registration is required at: https:// lasbdcnet.ecenterdirect.com/events/19918 Location: Small Business Development Center: 4900 E Conant Street Bldg. O2, Long Beach, CA 90808 (562) 938-5100
September 28th, 5:30 pm—10:00 pm 5th Annual Paramount Chamber of Commerce Poker Tournament
Check in at 5:30 pm, Dealing begins at 6:00. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place will be awarded. Registration is Required - Buy in $100.00. Call for information and registration (562) 634-3980
Location: Progress Park Plaza West, 15500 Downey Ave., Paramount, CA 90723
Left to Right: Kyle Miller – Paramount Chamber ED, Edwin Hernandez – FlorenceFirestone/Walnut Park Chamber CEO, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Leticia Martinez – Huntington Park Chamber CEO, Michael Calvert – Downey Chamber ED
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy Renovations Making a Difference
The 17-acre Downey school that was previously home to the co-ed Pius X High School from 1953-95, and the site of the all-girls St. Matthias High School until 2013, began serving a coed population of approximately 400 students both male and female from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.
The school has grown tremendously over the past 4 years and is in the process of performing $8 million dollars of campus renovations and upgrades including a state-of-the-art athletic stadium which is expected to be completed in early October 2018. Nearly 100% of all graduates qualify for and attend top rated colleges and universities throughout the country.
“This is a transformational moment for PMA and another example of our commitment and desire to better serve our families while making valuable contributions to the local community. Since transitioning to a coed school in August 2013, we have witnessed tremendous growth in the community we have the privilege to serve. Enrollment has increased and continues to grow because of a staff that is both passionate and committed to the formation
and education of teenagers, innovative enhancements to academic and student learning programs, the expansion and development of athletic programs, the strong Catholic college preparatory curriculum, and the intimate family community atmosphere which permeates the school’s environment. We encourage all families who desire a cost effective, faith based, values oriented, and academically challenging environment for their high school teenagers to take advantage of the opportunities still available for the 2018-19 school year.” says PMA President, Erick Rubalcava.
Families interested in a high-quality Catholic college preparatory education for their teenagers are welcome to contact the school admissions of ce at (562) 861-2271 to inquire on enrollment and limited tuition assistance that may still be available. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (PMA) is nalizing Enrollment for the 2018-19 school year and is pleased to offer limited seats for interested students still available in Grades 9 thru 12.
For more information please contact: 562-861-2271 ext. 1012
The following businesses renewed their membership in the Paramount Chamber of Commerce last month, they are celebrating another year as members. Chamber and Business Resource Center services are made possible by their support.
Grand Opening for DeLucia Cerveteca Gastropub
Left to Right: Lynda Johnson of Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Office, Joseph Hernandez owner of DeLucia Cerveteca Gastropub, Brenda Olmos of AppleCare Medical Management, and Margaret Garcia of Paramount Unified School District.
Left to Right: Joseph Hernandez owner, Paramount City Mayor Diane Martinez, Carmen and Jose Hernandez, parents of Joseph.
Left to Right: Jose and Carmen Hernandez, Joseph Hernandez owner, and Marc Hansen of Senator Ricardo Lara’s Office.
10 Types of Content Marketing to Promote Your Business
By Adam C. Uzialko Staff Writer Business Daily News (www.businessnewsdaily.com)From
an article written on August 10, 2018
Intellectual property might seem esoteric, but it’s important to protect it like you would any other asset. To do so, you’ll need to understand some basics about intellectual property rights rst. Two of the most common forms of intellectual property protections are the copyright and the trademark. While the two are often confused, they protect very different types of intellectual property. Learning the differences, and how you can use both to protect your own creative output, is essential to securing your assets.
What is a copyright?
The U.S. Copyright Of ce of the Library of Congress de nes a copyright as “a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship xed in a
Community News
tangible medium of expression.” What exactly does that mean?
A copyright extends to any type of creative product that you’ve put down on paper, in design, or elsewhere. In fact, a copyright exists from the moment your work is created, whether you register with the U.S. Copyright Of ce or not. However, for it to hold up in court, registration is a good idea.
“You must register your copyright if you want to sue for copyright infringement,” said Ruth Carter, owner and attorney at Carter Law Firm. “I also recommend registering your copyright if you plan to license your work.”
Although your work is technically copyrighted at the time of creation, registering it with the federal government is what grants federal protection to your intellectual property. Otherwise, you cannot bring a lawsuit against another party for copyright infringement.
How to register your copyright
Once obtained, a copyright protects
WIC Families Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month at Paramount WIC Center
(Left to right) A pregnant WIC mother discusses breast pumps with her WIC educator at the Paramount WIC Center. Photo courtesy of South Los Angeles Health Projects
With great enthusiasm, Mama’s Milk Family Group members and other breastfeeding families celebrated National Breastfeeding Month Wednesday, August 8, at the Paramount WIC Center.
The celebration was organized by Clarissa Barrera, a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor. Barrera facilitates Mama’s Milk Family Group sessions, a series of monthly meetings held at the Paramount WIC Center to support WIC parents of breastfed infants.
A major goal of WIC is to increase the breastfeeding rate among all WIC mothers. To do this, WIC offers a wide variety of breastfeeding services to pregnant mothers, their partners, and parents of breastfeeding infants and children. Among these are one-on-one education sessions, group sessions, the Mama’s Milk Family Group, a breastfeeding helpline, breast pumps, and assistance from breastfeeding experts.
Members of the public can learn about WIC eligibility by visiting https:// www.wicforyou.com.
The Paramount WIC Center is located at 16260 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723.
The Paramount WIC center is open:
• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, September 29, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, October 20, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, November 17, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday, December 8, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday, January 12, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information, phone (310) 661-3080, or visit https://www.wicforyou.com.
works, including literature, drama, music, poetry, novels, movies, songs, software and architecture. If you are concerned that any of these will be used for pro t without your consent, you should consider registering them with the U.S. Copyright Of ce.
“The process to register a copyright requires submitting an application to the U.S. Copyright Of ce and paying a fee, which you can do online,” Carter said.
Beyond the ability to sue for copyright infringement, registering your copyright within ve years of the work’s publication grants it prima facie status in court. Literally meaning “based on the rst impression,” this Latin phrase means your copyright will be accepted as fact until proven otherwise.
Moreover, copyright protection extends to many other nations besides the U.S.; the federal government maintains copyright agreements with most other countries worldwide, which essentially state that the governments will respect each other’s citizens’ intellectual property.
Copyright protections expire after the author’s lifetime plus 70, 95 or 120 years, depending on the nature of the work.
What is a trademark?
A trademark, as de ned by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Of ce (USPTO), is “a word, phrase, symbol and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.” It is also sometimes known as a “service mark” when referring to a service-based business.
“Trademarks protect those things that companies use to help customers connect back to the goods or services they purchased. Things that are trademarked are indications of source,” said Erin Ogden, attorney at Ogden, Glazer and Schaefer. “That can be commonly known trademarks like words (Nike), logos (the swoosh), and slogans (Just Do It). It can also be colors (pink insulation for Owens Corning), sounds (NBC chimes), shapes (the Coca-Cola bottle), [or] anything that helps a customer pick out and remember a good or service and get it again.”
According to Ogden, achieving federal trademark protection allows the holder to use the trademark nationwide with the ability to sue in federal court, potentially obtaining triple damages for infringement and nationwide
injunctions to halt others’ use of the trademark.
“By having copyrights and trademarks, you get to control your intellectual property related to those protections,” she said. “That means you can give or withhold permission of others to use your copy written or trademarked property. That also means that you can give only certain permissions in exchange for money, otherwise known as a license.”
How to obtain a trademark
Much like a copyright, registration of a trademark is voluntary. You can adopt what is known as “common law” rights by af xing a “TM” superscript after the brand or product you consider trademarked. If it is registered with the USPTO, then af xing a superscript “R” within a circle to the end of the brand or product denotes legal ownership nationwide.
To register your trademark, there is an application process and ling fee beginning at $225. Once registered, trademarks never expire.
What is a patent?
The USPTO de nes a patent as “a limited duration property right relating to an invention … in exchange for public disclosure of that invention.” Patents include machines, manufactured goods, industrial processes and chemical compositions.
As long as a patent is in effect, it grants the holder the right to “exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” their invention, or even importing it into the U.S. It is up to the patent holder to enforce the patent by identifying any infringements and taking the responsible party to court. The U.S. federal government does not enforce patents for the patent holders.
How to obtain a patent
There are multiple types of patents you could apply for, so determining which best ts your invention is the rst step. There is an application process on the USPTO’s website that must be followed as well as a ling fee beginning at $130 but reaching as high as $3,000 for certain inventions.
Design patents expire 15 years after the date they are issued, while utility and plant patents expire 20 years from the date on which they were led.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: Who They Are and
By Lecturing Knight Jeanette Reeves
The Paramount Elks Lodge is part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The Order of Elks is an American fraternal order and social club founded in 1868 celebrates their 150th Anniversary this year. The Order is a nonpro t organization that supports communities through programs that generate scholarships, bene t special needs children, scouting, veterans and several others.
With 150 years of service under its belt, the Order strives to improve the lives of others. The organization spends $80 million every year on benevolent, educational and patriotic communityminded programs.
The Paramount Elks supports school sports teams, clubs, JROTC and sponsors a Boy Scout Troop as well as other non-pro t service organizations.
On October 20, the Paramount Elks Lodge will hold its 55th annual Deep Pit Barbecue and Car Show at 8108 Alondra Boulevard. The event is free to the public and will include music, raf es and vendors. In the past the line for food could be seen wrapped around the building by Paramount residents who look forward to the delicious
BBQ Plate.
If you drive by Alondra and Orizaba on Thursday Oct. 18 and Friday Oct. 19, don’t be alarmed to see flames coming out of the Deep Pit, as this is the heating of the deep pit that takes 24 hours of preparation and heat to be able to cook over 1500lbs of Beef and Pork.
Through events such as this Deep Pit Barbecue and Car Show, the Paramount Elks raise money in order to fund their community-based projects. Membership in the order is open to American citizens who are over the age of 21.
HISTORICAL TRIVIA
The Order of Elks is an American
fraternal order and social club founded in 1868. On Nov. 15, 1867, a small group of entertainers and actors led by an English comedy singer named Charles Vivian organized a drinking club in New York City. The organization was rst called the “Jolly Corks,” with the sole purpose of circumventing a New York law that closed saloons on Sundays. In 1868, “The Jolly Corks” was renamed The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
The Order of Elks mission is to inculcate principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and happiness of its mem -
bers; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; and to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization. The organization spends $80 million every year on benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs. The first Elk lodge, located in New York, opened on March 12, 1871. The Elks’ national headquarters are in Chicago at the Elks National Veterans Memorial and Headquarters overlooking Lincoln Park. The organization boasts over 1 million members and 2,100 Elk lodges throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and other U.S. territories, as of 2015.
Make A Difference • Join A Service Club
A Portion of the Proceeds will go to supporting Bayfront Youth & Family Services
