Pulse Beat September 2020 by City of Paramount

PULSE BEAT

Assessment Roll shows solid Paramount growth

By Jeff Prang, Los Angeles County Assessor

It’s that time again when my office undertakes its most important function of the fiscal year that lays the groundwork for the property taxes that pay for our vital public services: The Assessment Roll.

The Roll for 2020 has been closed, and it reflects solid growth for Paramount and the rest of the County. However, this year the Roll has an added dynamic—the COVID-19 pandemic that I’ll discuss in a bit.

First off, let me say that this comprehensive tally values more than 2.5 million real estate parcels in Los Angeles County and results in the very tax dollars that go to pay for vital public services, such as healthcare, police, fire, schools and even librarians, to name just a few. I am constitutionally mandated to close the Roll by the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Total net value of $1.7 trillion

I am pleased to announce that the 2020 Assessment Roll has a total net value of $1.7 trillion, indicating the tenth year of consecutive growth. That value places $17 billion in the hands of the County to be used for those public services I just mentioned.

Locally, Paramount for 2020 came in at $4.6 billion for taxable values, which is a 6.6% increase over last year’s numbers. That includes 5,862 single-family homes, 1,493 apartment complexes, 1,945 commercial-industrial parcels for a grand total of 14,538 taxable properties. Growth is steady in Paramount.

More importantly, that $4.6 billion translates into about $46 million for vital public services, such as public safety, healthcare and public education for Paramount.

However, these figures are pre-COVID, and here’s how that works. Assessments are based on the value of property as of the lien date of January 1, 2020, which was a couple of months prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Next year’s lien date of January 1, 2021, will tell a different story.

Economic impact of COVID-19

We need to be realistic, and although we don’t know yet for sure how next year will look, the pandemic has devastated the economy to levels only seen during the Great Depression. The reduction in sales tax revenue, the housing market slowdown and high unemployment are most likely going to have an adverse effect on the economy of Los Angeles County.

Moreover, when COVID hit and we were all put under quarantine as required by the Safer At Home protocols, my force of nearly 1,400 employees went into a massive teleworking mode of operations. We have 85 to 95 percent of our workforce teleworking on any given day, and the transition has proved challenging.

Some basics: The Assessment Roll contains the assessed value of all real estate and business personal property in the County’s 88 cities, along with the unincorporated areas. It also breaks down the number of single-family residential homes, apartments and commercial-industrial parcels.

This year’s Roll comprises 2.58 million real estate parcels, as well as business assessments countywide. That includes 1,882,121 single-family homes, 250,089 apartment complexes, 247,562 commercial and industrial properties and more than 205,000 business property assessments.

The 2020 Roll grew by $95.9 billion (or 5.97%) over 2019. In addition to the values of the County’s 2.38 million real estate parcels, this total amount reflects $87.91 billion in business personal property, which includes boats, machinery, equipment and aircraft.

Since the Roll is the inventory for all taxable property in the County, it can provide some insight into the health of the real estate market. Although there was a slowdown in sales, there was continued growth in

property values. The Roll is also driven in large measure by real property sales, which added $49.6 billion to the Roll compared with 2019; the CPI adjustment mandated by Proposition 13 added an additional $30.8 billion; and new construction added $13.4 billion.

Finally, as we move forward during this critical period, I hope everybody stays safe and healthy. This is a tumultuous time in our history—no question about that. But to repeat what has been said so many times before during emergencies that demand the best from us, this could be our finest hour.

In office since 2014, Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang is in charge of 1,400 employees, the largest office of its kind in the nation that provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates $17 billion annually.

Food distribution reaches thousands

Asecond successful food distribution in August served more than 2,500 households. Thanks to all who made it possible: the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the Los Angeles County Parks Department, Paramount Entertainment Center, Bianchi Theatres and volunteers from Emmanuel Reformed Church, the Paramount High School soccer team and Los Angeles County lifeguards and librarians.

The City of Paramount provided logistics, security and lunch for the volunteers.

Local volunteers help with Census

Thank you to members of Mujers Unidas Sirviendo Activamente (MUSA–Women United Serving Actively) and members of the local PTA who distributed door hangers in local neighborhoods last month to encourage folks to fill out the U.S. Census. An accurate count will help ensure that Paramount receives proper government funding (see page 15). For all of you who haven’t filled out the Census yet, you have until September 30 to do so. Please visit 2020Census.gov. It’s quick and easy.

PULSE BEAT

•

Drive recklessly in Paramount, lose your car!

TThese illegal rallies are

by offenders

care nothing about our neighborhoods or putting our people in mortal danger.

Various forms of reckless driving are widespread throughout the region. Due to our close access to many freeways, Paramount has been plagued by these annoying and hazardous intersection takeovers.

The people of Paramount are sick of this activity. Public safety is priority one. We knew we had to create penalties that would make it clear to street racers just how serious we are. Street racers and the spectators urging them on who are apprehended

A Producer of Renewable Fuels Using

Animal Fats and Vegetable Oils

in Paramount now face severe consequences. For drivers, there are large fines for the racing itself and costs to store impounded vehicles that, combined, can reach thousands of dollars. In addition, felony vandalism charges can also be filed, as it costs the City $6,000 to repair an intersection after it’s been hit—and the driver can be liable for full reimbursement.

In the end, as our new city ordinance dictates, they can lose their cars for good Those watching and encouraging the drivers can now be charged with a misdemeanor and/or be fined.

The prevalence of “sideshows” and “donuts” is a frustrating trend indulged in by a mostly younger crowd with no shame. Paramount has issued a warning to those who take part in this mayhem—bring it here and risk losing your car.

Residents are encouraged to call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562- 623-3500 as early as possible when they see an intersection takeover start.

Overcoming the ‘Digital Divide’ in Paramount

The “digital divide”—a lack of technological infrastructure in mostly disadvantaged communities—is apparent in some parts of Paramount where restricted access to high-speed broadband has become a critical factor for students who need basic internet to take part successfully in distance learning this school year.

Because of COVID-19, many aspects of work, healthcare and even family time now must take place online, which makes access to technology a major issue for many.

Resources are available that offer free or low-cost devices and internet services to help folks bridge the digital divide. Special thanks to our State Senator Lena Gonzalez for creating this helpful list:

• Human I-T: A nonprofit that provides low-income individuals with technology, internet and digital training. The organization helps families find low-cost internet ranging from $10 to $25 per month for their home with no contract, including options that offer a free Chromebook. For those who are on the go and would benefit more from a mobile service, Human I-T can assist in identifying available, low-cost hot-spot options. Visit human-i-t.org/request-internet

• SCDC (Southeast Community Development Corporation): A nonprofit with the mission of improving the standard of living for residents of Southeast Los Angeles. As part of their work, they help families find inexpensive Wi-Fi options starting at $10 per month. Visit scdcorp.org/product-category/low-cost-internet-service

• Everyoneon: A nonprofit dedicated to creating social and economic opportunity by connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers and delivering digital skills trainings. Visit everyoneon.org/find-offers [Continued on page 4.]

Pinterastudio

Local efforts to reduce global warming — take the survey

The City of Paramount is developing a Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) to help understand our climate impacts and what we can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We need public input to create the plan, and we’d appreciate your help. Greenhouse gas emissions trap heat and make the earth warmer than usual. Even a little extra warming may cause problems for humans, plants and animals.

Ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions can vary from community to community. Paramount has environmental challenges because of our location near freeways and industry.

But we also have great opportunities, in part because of the people who live here. Your values, efforts and choices will help the city decide how to fund and prioritize projects and programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The survey will allow Paramount residents and city stakeholders to voice their opinions, concerns and what they envision for Paramount’s sustainable future.

You can take the survey in English and Spanish by visiting paramountcity.com and clicking on the “Global Warming” story in the homepage newsfeed.

Please watch Paramount’s ‘Unity in the Community’ discussion on racism

In case you missed it, the City of Paramount held the first in a series of significant “Unity in the Community” discussions last month. The topic for this first meeting, which was broadcast live on YouTube, was “A General Discussion on Racism,” and it was led by a panel of Paramount residents.

If you didn’t see the discussion live, you can watch it at any time on YouTube.com/cityofparamount in the “Videos” section.

These discussions are intended to open a public dialogue about important issues regarding racism, police relations, social injustices, community involvement and youth engagement in Paramount.

The date and topic for the next meeting, which will again be broadcast live on YouTube, will be announced at paramountcity.com. Community members can email questions or comments to the discussion panelists at ParamountCommunity@gmail.com, and we welcome your input.

Free solar power for qualifying residents of Paramount

During the severe Southern California heat waves in that we all endured in August, everyone in the area was encouraged to reduce their energy usage to help avoid rolling blackouts.

One way Paramount homeowners can save large amounts of electricity—and a lot of money on their electric bills—is by switching over to solar power through GRID Alternatives. It’s free for owner-occupied homes when the income requirements are met. There are no hidden costs, no credit reports and no surprises.

To see if you qualify, please visit EnergyForAllProgram.org/news or call 213-213-5899

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 find out about their Installation Basics Training Program.

Public Safety

Homeless population drops 19% in City of Paramount

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has released its official Los Angeles County homeless count. While there has been a 12.7% increase in the County’s homeless population overall in the last year, the number in Paramount declined significantly.

Paramount’s plan to combat homelessness is showing positive results.

There were 85 homeless individuals this year in the City, a 19% drop from the 105 counted in 2019. All of the cities that border Paramount (Compton, South Gate, Downey, Bellflower and Long Beach) experienced an increase in their numbers.

With property crimes, the largest drop was in burglaries at 10% (61 commercial- or business-related and 24 residential).

At the end of the year, Public Safety staff will analyze the impact, if any, that COVID-19 may have had on these decreases.

The city developed a plan to combat homelessness immediately after the passage of Measure H in 2017 and quickly applied for funds from the initiative. This money allowed Paramount to dedicate a homeless liaison to outreach efforts.

The liaison works closely with non-profit partners such as the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), Kingdom Causes and the Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS), in addition to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homeless Services Team. The liaison goes out almost every day to contact our homeless neighbors, to check on them, see what they need and to connect them, when possible, with available shelters and services. This has helped many get into housing.

Since the start of the Homeless Plan, the City of Paramount and Kingdom Causes have provided rental assistance of up to $2,000 for 38 Paramount families; this has kept some people from becoming homeless.

Service providers from HOPICS and LAHSA assisted 15 Paramount homeless neighbors getting into shelters for case management, medical attention and nutrition assistance. The homeless liaison, with the aid of Paramount Sheriff’s deputies, helped 38 homeless neighbors safely store their personal property in secured bins for up to 90 days under the Safe Storage Program.

The Paramount City Council and city staff are dedicated to working harder and ever more creatively to assist folks in this unfortunate situation.

Helping sidewalk vendors with compliance

Sidewalk food vendors can operate legally in Los Angeles County but only if they gain a County Health Department permit and a business license for the city in which they sell their items.

Late last year, a City Code Enforcement Officer discovered that a sidewalk vendor in town was operating illegally without the necessary paperwork. After contacting the individual, the officer began working with the vendor on the procedures to obtain the permits and licenses needed to legitimize her business.

In July, the officer followed up and discovered that the vendor had successfully completed all the steps—and had even expanded her services to the Paramount Farmers Market.

The vendor expressed gratitude to the officer for guiding and encouraging her rather than taking an immediate “heavy handed” approach.

When everyone works together, good things can happen.

Resources to help students and parents with remote learning

PEP TALK

Since the new school year in the Paramount Unified School District is being conducted fully with remote learning, STAR, which had been an after-school program, will now operate as an all-day program at all 11 elementary and four middle school sites from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help working parents.

Students will be assisted with their live virtual teaching instruction as well as their homework. Paramount USD will provide the classroom and restroom spaces along with breakfast, lunch and snacks for the students. All Los Angeles County Health Department protocols for COVID-19 will be strictly followed, as will California Department of Education guidelines.

Available space for this program will be limited. To find out about openings and registration, please call the Community Services and Recreation Department at 562- 220-2121.

Another resource to help students return to the virtual classroom is being offered by the Los Angeles County Library, which is providing free online tutoring for any student with a library card and internet connection at lacountylibrary.org/homework. This service is available in English and Spanish from noon to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To find games and resources for children, visit pbssocal.org/education and pbskids.org

Image: Ekaterina

Bolovtsova

(Pexels)

member-to-member discounts Paramount Chamber of Commerce

As a Paramount Chamber of Commerce member, these discounts are extended to you by your fellow members. Visit the following businesses to receive the discounts listed below. But remember, these offers are available only to Paramount Chamber members!

Attorney & Legal Services

Lerma Law Office (562-272-4353):

15% discount on initial retainer fee or flat-rate service.

Automotive

Herald’s Garage (562-633-2136): 15% discount on labor and a free engine light reset.

Beauty

Family Cutz (562-408-2733):

$3 off regular haircut, 10% off color service.

Marali Beauty Salon (562-964-1126): Free haircut & treatment with purchase of any chemicals.

Communications

Transcom Telecommunications (562-630-1200, ext. 221): 10% off equipment (business phone services).

Contractors

H1 Floor Covering (424/785-5551): 15% off first visit.

Jones Scaffold Co. (800-266-3864): 10% off net rental of scaffold equipment.

Data Base Services

NEXTSTEP (877-305-6932): Free needs analysis and special Chamber member discount rate.

Dental

Paramount Dental Care (800-266-3864): Free whitening. Free exam. Free cancer screening

Financial Services

SG Tax Services (562-630-4004): $25 off tax preparation for Chamber members and their employees.

Vicky Professional Services (562-634-1178): 20% off bookkeeping and accounting service.

Flowers

Diana’s Flowers (562-529-5045): Free local delivery and free balloons.

Case de las Flores (562-469-8776): 25% off any arrangement.

Funeral Services

Palacios Funeral Home (562-972-5429): 5% off services.

Hotels & Motels

Embassy Suites Hotel (562-861-1900): 15% off best available room rate (subject to availability). Ask for “Chamber rate.”

Insurance

2000 Insurance Service (562-602-0001): 25% off new business.

Medical

Clínica Médica Hispana (562-630-1991): 25% discount.

Lakha Medical Clinic (562-602-8877):

Alena Skin Care–Free consultation. Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center (562-865-9600)–10% off any laser or cosmetic surgery procedure.

Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center (562-865-9600): 10% off any laser or cosmetic surgery procedure.

Plumbing & Heating

Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (562-861-1234): 10% off HydroJet service and/or 10% off material.

Production (Events)

YSL Production (323-490-6315): 20% any event services: Sound, lighting, stage, LED video, wall & truss equipment.

Printers

Source Graphics, Inc. (562-408-2734): 10% discount on all printing.

T & C’s Screen Printing ((310-292-8508): Free two-color set-up on screen printing. Free set-up on embroidery ($50 value) on a 24-shirt minimum.

Real Estate

Century 21 Allstars–Mark Sourial (562-7458171): Free market evaluation of your property.

GM Properties (562-696-0200): 5% of gross commissions on closed deals will be sent to the charity of our choice in your name. Ask for Matt.

Penta Pacific Properties (562-699-1922): Free market value opinions on commercial and industrial properties.

Pulse Beat available only online until further notice

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce has decided to suspend hard-copy printing and distribution of the Paramount Pulse Beat until further notice.

However, the full text of each new Pulse Beat will be available online each month on the Paramount Chamber of Commerce website at paramountchamber.com.

If you have questions, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 562-634-3980.

We at the Chamber thank you for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times for our community, and we will keep you informed about our future plans for the publication.

Real Estate Homes & Investments (562-200-1164): 20% discount. Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.

The R.M. Cool Company (562-630-6000): Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.

Restaurants

Café Corleone (562-408-6100): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Casa Adelita (562-408-2360): 10% off (may not be combined with other specials).

Casa Gamino (562-634-6225): 10% discount on food purchases.

Delfin Seafood & Market (562-630-1928): 10% off any order.

El Compa Restaurant (562-630-1068): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill (562-630-2802): 10% off all food purchases.

Mariscos Alas (562-633-1348): 10% Chamber member discount. 15% discount for law enforcement & City employees.

Mariscos El Perihuete (562-408-1661): 10% off on food purchases over $10.

Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa #1 (562-529-5110): 10% discount on all food purchases.

Pika Tortas Ahogadas (562-529-5787): 10% discount on all regular-priced food items (excludes combo deals).

The Hummus Factory, Downey (562-622-2300): 20% off any order.

El Sinaloense Restaurant (562-363-3011): 20% off on food purchases.

Wellness & Health

Spiritual Quest (877/535-2267): 50% off salt lamps only.

Wholesalers & Distributors

Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% off fixtures and ballast orders (commercial distributor of lighting and fixtures).

PULSE BEAT

A monthly publication of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, CA 90273 562-634-3980 • paramountchamber.com

Executive Director: Barbara Crowson

Executive Assistant: Dora Sanchez

Distributed and read by more than 20,000 residents and business owners in Paramount.

Layout & design: Danmark Associates

Printing: Reed Printing

Delivery: Great Western Distributors

note about service organization lunch programs mentioned below: Regularly scheduled service club luncheons are contingent upon restrictions caused by the ongoing public health emergency. Please consult the clubs for schedules.

paramount Market Hours

These members of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce are prepared to accommodate senior and disabled residents, as well as other shoppers, during the ongoing coronavirus/COVID-19 public health emergency.

A&A Wholesale Grocery

3 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday 15134 Downey Ave. • 562-633-1161

9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 8320 Alondra Blvd. 562-630-2802 16259

Special shopping hours for seniors, disabled and expectant mothers: Tuesday and Friday: 6 a.m.-7 a.m. All shoppers: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 8640 Alondra Blvd. • 562-633-5721

Grocery runs for seniors

To keep our seniors and disabled residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Journey of Love and Hope will be shopping for those in need and delivering food to them. To schedule a shopping trip, please email Inquire@paramountchamber.com Seniors, disabled & expectant moms: 7 a.m.-8 a.m. All shoppers: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

OBUSINESS CORNER

Helpful findings so far for small businesses during COVID-19

By Brad Pollak, Director, Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

ver the past five months, business advisors at Small Business Development Centers across the country have been working closely with small businesses from all industries and walks of life to help combat the hideous impact of COVID-19. This has been, and continues to be, a journey of tremendous hardship for business owners, requiring honest conversations and focused teamwork to navigate the COVID-19 waters. As a result of our conversations at the Long Beach SBDC (longbeachsbdc.org), I would like to share some helpful findings.

You are not alone

First and foremost, it is important to recognize that you are not alone in your battle against COVID-19. There are all kinds of resources available to you—including those of the SBDC—to work with you as you tackle the complexities of loan and grant applications, understanding your financials, landlord/tenant negotiations, unemployment insurance, pivoting options and more.

Those business owners who proactively ask for help are the ones who benefit from consulting with advisors, attending webinars, talking with fellow business owners, talking with their business improvement districts, consulting with city hall and connecting with their chambers of commerce.

This sharing of information has made it easier for business owners to have a faster understanding of how to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and/or the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), how to engage in marketing strategies that are new to them, and how to potentially pivot their business to provide new products and services.

Your bank balance is not your cash flow

A second finding is the confusion about cash flow. My SBDC colleague, Lori Williams, writes about this as follows: “When businesses were trying to determine the amount of cash available to bridge the gap during the shut-down, many of them were under the impression that their bank balance was their cash flow. The bank account balance includes checks that have not been cashed, direct payments that have not yet been withdrawn and deposits received from clients for work not yet completed.

To determine the long-term financial stability of the company, business owners must review the entire cash position of the company. This includes calculating the monthly overhead expense, both short and long-term, and the cost of production in relation to the reduced sales. Companies must also review accounts receivable to determine expected pay dates and accounts payable to identify any delayed or deferred payment possibilities. These numbers can then be inserted into an Excel document.

The Excel cash flow analysis can become a tool to help clients determine their cash position given different scenarios, such as “What if I open in one month?” or “What if sales are only 20% in two months?”

Marketing is your friend

A third finding is that many businesses have few, if any, marketing strategies in place. They are overwhelmed by all they face as business owners and have trouble finding the time to make marketing a priority. This has proven to be problematic, especially when you are pivoting your business during COVID-19 and need to get the word out about your new products and/or services.

My strong advice is to consider marketing as your friend. Think of it as storytelling, and think of yourself as a storyteller. If you’re a manufacturer of clothes and you’ve pivoted to make PPE masks, “Now making PPE masks” is your story. Or if you’re a perfumist and have pivoted to make hand sanitizer, then “Now making hand sanitizer” is your story. If you’re a restaurant owner with dining available outside, “Cozy, socially distant outside dining now available” is your story. From there, all you have to do is implement a few tactics to deliver your story and then make sure your delivery is continual and your messaging is consistent. Tactics might include posting on social media, making phone calls to existing customers, or updating your Yelp page with at least 12 new photos, etc. Just keep your stories simple and direct. Choose a few platforms/outlets on which to communicate those stories and, as mentioned earlier, be consistent with your messaging. Members

You can pivot or adapt your business without reinventing the wheel!

of your community may need to hear/read/see your stories at least 5-10 times before any action is taken, so be patient and know that your consistent efforts will be worthwhile.

To pivot, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel

Another finding is that collaborative brainstorming has helped business owners pivot or adapt to develop temporary or long-term changes to their business. The key words here are “collaborative brainstorming.” Don’t try and figure it out on your own, and don’t try and re-invent the wheel. Collaborate by proactively asking questions of your trusted colleagues, vendors and, of course, your customers. If you’re a manufacturer, what does that really mean? What kind of equipment do you have? What skills does your team possess that could be transferred to making other products? Or what if you have a trucking business and the loads you normally haul are no longer in demand? You still have trucks and drivers, so what else can they be hauling? Or maybe you’re long overdue with adding e-Commerce to your brick-and-mortar business. What products or services can you add online? And does it have to be domestic only, or can you explore international territories? None of this requires you to re-invent the wheel. Rather, it requires that you be aggressive in your focus on brainstorming with your network to explore potential options as quickly as humanly possible.

There are many other findings, such as the need for businesses to develop strong relationships with their banks during good times, so that the strengths of those relationships can assist you when you are seeking loans or other types of financing during hard times. When was the last time you invited your banker out for coffee or lunch? When was the last time you invited her to come visit your business and meet your team? Such is the nature of critically important networking and relationship building for any business of any size.

The key point—But the key point I want to make is that you are not alone. Be open to objective feedback from your peers, and recognize that no single individual has the answer to everything. This is a battle none of us has faced before and, as cliché as it sounds, we are all in this together. It is the power of sharing information and ideas with one other that allows us to move forward as the strong communities that we are.

If you believe that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you are showing symptoms of the disease, call your health care provider as soon as possible. Your health care provider can talk with you about your concerns and help determine if and when you need to be tested. (If you don’t have a doctor, call 211 to get a referral.) If your doctor recommends testing, please visit covid19.lacounty.gov to find numerous walk-up and drive-through testing sites in Los Angeles County. You will need to schedule an appointment.

Maro Sam & Karen Rojo

Paramount restaurants serving you!

Antojitos Mexican Restaurant

Restaurant

Seafood Market & Restaurant

Hummus Factory (Downey)

Casa Adelita Mexican Restaurant

Casa Gamino Mexican Restaurant

El Compa Mexican Restaurant & Meat Market

Rosewood Family Restaurant

Delfin

Membership RENEWALS

We’re very grateful that the businesses below have renewed their Paramount Chamber of Commerce memberships, making our valuable services possible.

Aerocraft Heat Treating Co.........................................35 years 15701 Minnesota Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

American Construction Service, Inc...........................28 years 7811 Jefferson St., Paramount, CA 90723

El Compa Restaurant.................................................26 years

7010 E. Rosecrans Ave., Paramount, CA 907233

American Red Cross..................................................20 years 3150 E. 29th St., Long Beach, CA 90806

Northgate Gonzalez Market.......................................16 years 16259 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Café Corleone Italian Restaurant...............................13 years 15337 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Lerma Law Offices.....................................................13 years 12749 Norwalk Blvd. Ste. 101, Norwalk, CA 90650

Healthcare Career College.........................................12 years 8527 Alondra Blvd. Suite E, Paramount, CA 90723

M.B. Herzog Electric, Inc...........................................12 years 15709 Illinois Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Latina’s Art Foundation...............................................9 years latinasartfoundation.org

Alfa Industries Inc. (DBA) Bonanza Boots Co.............8 years 15700 Garfield Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Elite Restoration 8 years 16260 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Daniels Bookkeeping & Tax Services Inc.......................7 years 8225 Alondra Blvd., Paramount CA, 90723

Amrex Zetron, Inc........................................................3 years 7034 Jackson St., Paramount CA, 90723

Universal Sales Compañia 2 years 8019 Puritan St., Downey, CA 90242

Tropical Paradise...........................................................1 year 15112 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN —Full-time. Experience helpful, but willing to consider an excellent new graduate who can learn quickly. Call Martha at Fobi Pharmacy: 562-630-5700.

BARTENDER —Part-time, including evenings and weekends. Call Leroy: 562-634-9001.

SKILLED LABOR OPPORTUNITIES —SkillsetGroup currently has these positions available for first, second and third shifts: Machine operator, sanitation, loading & unloading, forklift drivers, production line, and order pulling. Come in and apply today! SkillsetGroup actualmente tiene aperturas para puestos disponibles para Primer, Segundo y Tercer turno. ¡Ven y aplica hoy! Call us at 866-375-3094 or use Instagram (@skillsetgroup) or Facebook for weekly updates. 7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 202, Paramount, California 90723.

STATE FARM AGENT —State Farm Agents help their customers protect what’s important to them, all the while making time to give back to their neighborhoods. Improve your career! Call David Maciel: 562-305-2111

FULL-TIME SEAMSTRESS —5-Star Interior Services, Inc., needs a full-time seamstress with drapery-making experience. Contact Leroy at 818-845-4518.

CREW WORKER —Specialty construction. Will train. Installation of epoxycoatings, including preparation of concrete floors and other structures using various equipment. Long-term, 30+ hours, including some weekends. Report in person to TECHCOAT, 15720 Garfield Ave., Paramount, California 90723; M-Th 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

CLEANING SERVICE JOB (Persona para limpiesa)—A&R Cleaning Multiservices. Please contact Yolanda Monday-Friday at 562-500-2284.

The Great Los Angeles County Vector Control District has been reporting steadily increasing detections of the potentially deadly West Nile Virus in cities near Paramount, so it’s time to take precautions to cut down on the mosquito population that can carry West Nile in our community and to protect ourselves and our families from being bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Use insect repellent that contains DEET when you’re outdoors, especially where you’ve seen mosquitoes.

Wear long-sleeved shorts and pants from dusk to dawn, which is when mosquitoes are more active.

Remove any standing water from around your yard and home to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Make sure your windows, doors and screens fit tightly without holes.

If you’re outdoors for long periods, treat your clothing with permethrin (or purchase pretreated clothing).

Here are SoCal communities in which West Nile Virus has been detected this year: Arleta (2 cases), Artesia, Bell, Bell Gardens (2), Bellflower (4), Burbank (3), Canoga Park (5), Cerritos, Commerce, Downey (5), East Los Angeles (2), Encino (6), Hacienda Heights (3), Florence-Firestone, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Lakewood (4), Long Beach, Los Feliz, Lynwood, Montebello (3), Northridge (5), North Hills (2) North Hollywood (10), Panorama City (3), Pico Rivera(8), Porter Ranch (3) Rowland Heights, Santa Fe Springs (3), Sherman Oaks (4), Signal Hill (3), South Gate (2), Studio City (10), Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana (4), Toluca Lake (8), Valley Glen (5), Valley Village (10), Van Nuys (8), West Hills, Whittier (4), Winnetka (6) and Woodland Hills (2).

We’re already fighting one deadly

fall prey

Image:

Emphyrio from

Pixabay

SHOP LOCAL!

The pandemic has hit our local economy hard, so all our Paramount businesses need you now more than ever! When you shop in Paramount, part of what you pay stays here. Sales taxes help fund our parks, law enforcement, street maintenance and other important local services and programs. Please help Paramount recover and rebuild by investing in the future of our community. Shop local!

—Paramount Chamber of Commerce SHOP. EAT . SPEND . ENJOY!

Image: Gustavo

Fring (Pexels)