Pulse Beat September 2021 by City of Paramount

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PULSE BEAT Paramount Chamber of Commerce (paramountchamber.com) • Serving the community since 1947 • September 2021

Job Fair brings together many companies and job seekers from nine communities

ore than 200 local job seekers got together with companies from nine cities at the highly successful Job Fair hosted by a partnership among the City of Paramount, Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Center (SELACO) and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) sponsored the event on August 31 at Paramount Park and also provided breakfast for a record number of 60 vendors. This important community event gave employers and prospective employees a chance to meet, assess opportunities and hold private one-on-one job interviews on the spot. This was a chance for job seekers to interact with representatives from a wide variety of companies from the following cities that work with SELACO: Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Norwalk and Paramount. Paramount Mayor Brenda Olmos and Councilmember Peggy Lemons were on hand to open the event and hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony (see photo at top right) to welcome Paramount to the SELACO family of cities. Also attending was Councilmember Sonny Santa Ines from the City of Bellflower, Daniel Cervantes from the office of California State Senator Lena Gonzalez and Adrian Landa from the office of California Assemblyman Anthony Rendon. SELACO Executive Director Yolanda Castro and Business Services Manager Ben Sandoval arranged vendor participation and brought in counselors to coach job seekers in interview skills and resume improvement. The Paramount city staff worked hard with preparations, including providing a COVID-19 checkpoint and other health and safety precautions. The Paramount Chamber of Commerce organized the overall layout and set-up, as well as breakfast for vendors. The Paramount Chamber plans to hold its own annual Job & Community Fair in March 2022, contingent on public health guidance. The event was cancelled last year due to COVID-19.

PULSE BEAT

Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, California 90723 Telephone: 562-634-3980 paramountchamber.com

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From the Mayor’s Desk..........................................................................................................................................................................................3 Public Safety: National Coffee With a Cop Day............................................................................................................................................4 PEP Talk: Learning Center resumes programs...............................................................................................................................................4 Paramount City Council report..........................................................................................................................................................................5 Kimberly’s Dance Studio to compete in World Dance Championship...............................................................................................6 Paramount Roadrunners are on the move!..................................................................................................................................................6 Business Corner: Five common mistakes that leaders make................................................................................................................11 CityScape..................................................................................................................................................................................................................13

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

Vicky Uisprapassorn

September 2021

From the

Mayor’s Desk Desk

Mayor Brenda Olmos

First climate action plan adopted

he City Council has adopted Paramount’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP) that, in alignment with goals set by the State of California, sets a path toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in town to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. Paramount is a safe, healthy and attractive community committed to long-term environmental sustainability. The CAP is a big step in our strategy to mitigate climate change through projects, programs and activities. It includes an evaluation of Paramount’s current GHG emissions, GHG target and reduction goals, measures for success, community adaptation, and implementation and monitoring. The City used input from residents, business owners and community stakeholders to develop emission-reduction strategies that support local economic development, lower energy costs and reduce traffic congestion. We held two virtual community outreach events for public comment and questions regarding the draft CAP. Thank you to everyone who took part in these workshops. Visit paramountenvironment.org/climate-action-plan to view the CAP.

Street lights brighter and more efficient With the CAP now approved, more environmentally friendly projects are being developed to fulfill its goals and objectives. For example, have you noticed your street lights burning brighter? In partnership with Paramount, Southern California Edison (SCE) has converted all street lights in town from the old high-pressure sodium bulbs to LEDs, which are not only brighter but much more energy efficient. SCE ultimately replaced 2,950 fixtures. Paramount paid nothing for this conversion, which will lower energy use dramatically, produce brighter streets and increase public safety. Go green, Paramount!

City fleet adding zero-emission vehicles Another way we are implementing the CAP is by upgrading our aging vehicle fleet. Over the next year, we will be doing away with older, less efficient gas-driven cars and trucks and replacing many of them with electric, zero-emission vehicles. To start, we are leasing two new Nissan Leafs, which get approximately 150 miles per charge. We are also working to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at several facilities—in addition to those already located at the Sheriff ’s Station and the Civic Center next to the Clearwater Building. These existing EV stations are currently available to the public for two free hours per charging session.

Starbucks taking a ‘LEEDing’ role The Starbucks Coffee on Alondra Blvd. near Paramount Blvd. has been awarded Gold status for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or

September 2021

LEED, which is the most widely used rating system to rank buildings that are environmentally friendly. The City strongly encouraged Starbucks to follow LEED guidelines. Project details that produced the Gold designation included a careful remodeling of the site to keep construction waste at minimum, using less water than most businesses the same size and placing three bicycle racks to encourage employees and guests to choose healthier ways to get around. This is the first, and so far only, business with a LEED-certified building in Paramount. The “Green Lady” on the Starbucks logo is an appropriate color! Starbucks will also partner with the City of Paramount in the “Grounds to Garden” program. Each Starbucks in town will bag their used coffee grounds for residents to take, free of charge, to use in gardens, thus reducing the company’s waste stream. Coffee grounds make excellent fertilizer. In addition, the City will utilize the program at the Orange/Cortland Community Garden and Paramount Park for the public to access and at the Progress Park Student Garden for kids to use. This program is scheduled to begin this month. For more information, call (562) 220-2121.

One way you can be greener The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is the electricity provider for Paramount, Clean Power Alliance offering power from renewable sources. SCE continues delivering the power to our homes and businesses, maintaining and repairing infrastructure and billing customers. Paramount customers are automatically enrolled in CPA’s “Lean Power” option that provides 36% renewable energy content that is 1-2% cheaper than SCE’s default rate. But you can select one of CPA’s other options at any time. “Clean Power” provides 50% renewable energy content that is 0-1% cheaper than SCE’s default rate. “Green Power” provides 100% renewable energy content and costs 7-9% more than the SCE default rate. To make a change to your electrical plan, contact CPA at customerservice@cleanpoweralliance.org or (888) 585-3788.

Air quality readings at good levels As I mentioned last month, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is ending its air quality monitoring program in town after giving us the great news that levels of hexavalent chromium in Paramount are “low and stable” and that “odor complaints have decreased.” The City, though, is going to continue with the monitoring for the time being. Until we find a consultant to perform maintenance and readings, SCAQMD has resumed the monitoring on a temporary basis. This began in mid-July, and results have been very positive. Samples are taken every six days, and after 25 valid samples, readings have been averaging in the 0.2/0.3 ng level. According to SCAQMD, any reading under 1.0 ng is considered an acceptable level. All results can be found on SCAQMD’s website (aqmd.gov/home/newsevents/community-investigations/air-monitoring-activities) and the City’s environmental website (paramountenvironment.org).

Long Beach Transit to resume fares In March 2020, Long Beach Transit (LBT) implemented several changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including suspending fare collection and moving bus boarding to the rear door to ensure the safest environment for customers and operators. However, LBT recently announced it will change these policies. Beginning September 19, LBT will resume fare collection and front-door boarding of buses. There will be a promotional program offering discounts on regular 30-day, five-day and one-day passes through March 2022. For information about the discounted pass prices, please visit ridelbt.com/fare.

Images: Adobe Stock.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

Public Safety

City of Paramount • Paramount USD • Paramount Chamber of Commerce

Paramount Education Partnership

P E P TA L K

Learning Center resumes programs and activities for new school year

he Paramount Education Partnership Learning Center programs and activities for students have returned with the new school year. The Center (shown above) is located at Spane Park, 14400 Gundry Ave. For more information about these classes or the Learning Center, call (562) 220-2145 or (562) 220-2250.

Homework help The Homework Help Program is dedicated to working with Paramount USD and Paramount K-12 students on their academic skills through onsite help. The program provides assistance and support in a wide range of general education courses, Monday through Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Initial program registration is required. Call (562) 220-2145 for more information.

English as a Second Language (ESL) In partnership with the Paramount Adult School, the Adult ESL program is designed to help students develop communicative competence in listening, speaking, reading, writing and numeracy in a competency-based format. The curriculum is designed to meet diverse needs of students, ranging from English of daily living to language required for entry into vocational and academic programs. Content and instructional strategies of all courses reflect the California ESL Model Standards for Adult Education Programs. Registration must be done through the Paramount Adult School at 14507 Paramount Blvd. or by calling (562) 602-8080. ESL classes at the Learning Center begin Wednesday, September 8, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

National Coffee with a Cop Day

ednesday, October 6, is National Coffee with a Cop (or Deputy) Day. In Paramount, it will take place at Starbucks Coffee, 8522 Rosecrans Ave., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event was created to bring law-enforcement men and women in uniform together to connect with their communities over a cup of coffee. See you at Starbucks!

Free vehicle anti-theft devices still available for residents Auto theft is up everywhere in our region, including Paramount. A motor vehicle was stolen every 43.8 seconds in the United States in 2019 (the latest available statistics). Certain vehicle models appear to be more targeted when it comes to theft. The City of Paramount and the Sheriff ’s Department have a program providing free wheel-lock antitheft devices for Paramount residents who own these models: Honda Civic and Accord; Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe and Express; and GMC Sierra. Residents can get one device per vehicle at the Paramount Sheriff ’s Station, 15001 Paramount Blvd., Monday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. You must provide a photo ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill) and proof of vehicle ownership. First come, first served, while supplies last. For more information, call (562) 220-2002.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

National Night Out recognized

City Council Mike McKown presented Mayor’s Award of Excellence

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ike McKown was named the third recipient of the Mayor’s Award of Excellence at the August 3 City Council meeting. He has been heavily involved in making the Paramount community a better place for years. A resident since the age of three, Mike is an active member of Emmanuel Reformed Church, serves on its staff and is involved with several of its ministries. For the past decade, he has served as Director of the Paramount Care Foundation’s Project Hope, which, among many other things, provides residents-in-need with a consistent supply of nutrition through its food bank. He has been a longtime contributor to the City’s Pitch in Paramount program, bringing community volunteers together to take on beautification projects around town. Mike is also co-chair of the Paramount Heritage Parade Committee. His devotion to Paramount is complete, and the good he has done here is unmistakable. From left: Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Vice Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, McKown, Mayor Brenda Olmos, and Councilmember Isabel Aguayo.

Youth Commissioner member Andrea Perez leads pledge

t its August 3 meeting, the Paramount City Council recognized the 38th anniversary of National Night Out, an anti-crime initiative that supports law enforcement and crime prevention efforts across the country. The City’s proclamation was given to Lt. Omar Camacho of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in acknowledgement of the partnership that has brought crime statistics in town down to levels not seen since the early 1970s, when Paramount’s population was almost half of what it is today. From left: Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Vice Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Lt. Camacho, Mayor Brenda Olmos, and Councilmember Isabel Aguayo.

National Wellness Month proclaimed

ugust was proclaimed National Wellness Month by the Paramount City Council at its August 3 meeting. Receiving the proclamation were representatives from The Children’s Clinic, which has provided quality healthcare for families-in-need since 1939 and has helped many Paramount residents over the years.

Music & Lights Every Friday & Saturday night: 7- 9 pm $11 admission * $4 skate rental

aramount Youth Commission member Andrea Perez led the Pledge of Allegiance at the August 3 City Council meeting. The Youth Commission provides a voice for local high school students to get civically engaged by expressing their concerns, learning about available programs, sharing information about the City with their friends and fostering a sense of community spirit. First formed in 2018, the Commission has 16 volunteer members who are enrolled at Paramount High School or are Paramount residents who attend non-Paramount USD high schools. From left: Councilmember Laurie Guillen, Vice Mayor Vilma Cuellar Stallings, Perez, Mayor Brenda Olmos, and Councilmember Isabel Aguayo.

Every Tuesday night: 7- 8:30 pm $10 admission * Free skate rental * Live music

Iceland

8041 Jackson Street Paramount, CA 90723 www.paramounticeland.com

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

Paramount Road Runners are on the move!

® Paramount Road Runners, a new seniors’ walking and fitness group, was launched on July 12, 2021, at Paramount Park with two members and two certified coaches. That group has since quickly grown to 31 enthusiastic members—and counting! The group is part of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), and the two RRCA-certified Paramount coaches are Ken and Pat Winiecki, longtime residents and avid marathon runners who have been featured in past Pulse Beat issues. Dave Johnson, director of the City of Paramount Parks and Recreation Department, and Magda Garcia, supervisor of the department, have been solid supporters of Paramount Road Runners and have helped generate a great deal of community interest. The club’s mission is to encourage senior citizens of all backgrounds and abilities to get active and stay healthy by providing education, coaching and a welcoming, safe space for seniors to get moving and have fun. Meetings are from 9 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Paramount Community Center.

Kimberly’s Dance Studio dancers to compete in World Dance Championship contest next summer in New Jersey

ecause of successes in highly competitive dance contests, Kimberly’s Dance Studio has qualified to represent the City of Paramount at the one-of-a-kind World Dance Championship competition next summer in New Jersey. The event is sponsored by the Star Dance Alliance. Located at 8527 Alondra Blvd ,Unit 145, Kimberly’s Dance Studio has been a proud member of the Paramount business community for 17 years and is an active member of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. “We develop and inspire students between the ages of 2 and 17 with a safe place to develop their skills, self-confidence, discipline and character in a nurturing and creative environment,” said studio owner and choreographer Kimberly Tapia (shown at far right in the photo).

Some of Kimberly’s dancers performing in an earlier competition. The Paramount studio has won numerous awards over the past 17 years.

Kimberly Tapia offered her sincere thanks to the following local businesses that have sponsored her young dancers: A&E Painting, Refined PR, Aguas Frescas Yahualica and Farmers Insurance / Sammy Kotob Agency.

Current members range in age from 54 to 83 and represent about 2,200 combined years of smiles, wisdom and experience—and now they’re all learning new ways to improve their fitness and stay healthy. Abilities range from walkers using canes to runners. All are welcome! The nonjudgemental, noncompetitive group encourages togetherness, team building, mutual respect and support. The Paramount club plans to form a nonprofit organization under the auspices of Road Runners Club of America, which operates with these values: • The safety of all runners and fitness walkers • Diversity and an enjoyable atmosphere for all • Positive relations with members, volunteers, donors and sponsors • Best practices in organizational governance and management Coach Pat Winiecki is currently working towards her Level II RRCA coaching certificate and is expected to complete the coursework by December 2021. For more about Paramount Road Runners, please email pwinieck@sbcglobal.net and visit patquests.com.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

Tuesday, September 28 Wednesday, July 28 to 7 7 p.m. 55to p.m.

Display a table from your company (included with your entrance).

Networking Mixer on the Patio Progress Park Plaza 15500 Downey Avenue

Appetizers, beverages, raffles, display tables Members: $15 • Non-members: $20 For reservations, call 562-634-3980 or register online at Paramountchamber.com (must be 21+).

Paramount Chamber of Commerce

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and expect enlightening conversations with your local business colleagues.

15357 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723 Note: If it rains, we will move the mixer indoors.

RECEIPTS FOR REWARDS • Customers can keep their receipts to enter drawings for cash and prizes. • Customers can upload receipts to ExploreParamount.com or drop them off at the Chamber of Commerce office (15357 Paramount Boulevard). • $50 or more in receipts per each entry. • Enter as many times as you want. Explore Paramount is brought to you by:

PARAMOUNT

Chamber of Commerce

Call 562-6

forma in e r o m r fo 0 34-398

tion.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

Paramount Chamber of Commerce

member-to-member discounts 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

Hotels & Motels

Lerma Law Office (562-272-4353): 15% discount on initial retainer fee or flat-rate service.

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

Automotive

Insurance

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

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

Beauty

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

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. 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.

Medical

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.

Plumbing & Heating

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

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

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

Production (Events)

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

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

Funeral Services

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

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

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

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 would like to have a printed copy of the Pulse Beat, contact us and we can mail it to you, or you can pick it up at the Chamber office. 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.

El Sinaloense Restaurant (562-363-3011): 10% off on food purchases. Roofing One Coat Roof Seal LLC (833-232-8121): 20% off each can. Wellness & Health Spiritual Quest (877-535-2267): 50% off salt lamps only. Enagic (562-833-3823): Free ionized alkaline water. Wholesalers & Distributors Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% off fixtures and ballast orders (commercial distributor of lighting and fixtures).

To add your business to this section, please call the Paramount Chamber of Commerce for information:

562-634-3980

PULSE BEAT A monthly publication of the

Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Boulevard Paramount, CA 90273 562-634-3980 • Fax: 562-634-0891 paramountchamber.com Executive Director: Barbara Crowson Executive Assistant: Dora Sanchez

Distributed to and read by more than 20,000 residents and business owners in Paramount. Layout & design: Danmark Associates Copyright 2021 by Paramount Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Pulse Beat and Paramount Chamber of Commerce are not responsible or liable for any claims or offerings made herein or responsible for product availability that may be advertised.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

Run your card for as little as $31 per month. Call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

September 2021

B U S I N E S S

C A R D

DIRECTORY

ERALD’S GARAGE

General Dentistry General Dentistry R

Hablamos Español Hablamos Español

Max B. Martinez, DDS, FAGD, FACD Max B.un Martinez Chia-l tsao, DDS

Vilma Flores REALTOR®

DDS, FAGD, FACD

562-260-6899 mobile

GET YOUR FREE HOME VALUE REPORT 15740 Paramount Blvd, Ste. A, Paramount, CA 90723 DRE License #01312934 • 562-251-0217 Office

29 Smog Check

For the maximum touch of care

Chia-Lun Tsao

vflores@calhomesrealty.com Se habla español

Complete Automotive Repair Collision Center & Body Shop 95 Plus Certificate & ETF

16299 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723Foreign & Domestic • Autos & Trucks • Complete Engine DDS Check Engine Light • A/C • Electronic • Transmission Rebuilding Phone: 562-531-4740 • drmaxmartinez.com

16299 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

562-531-4740 • drmaxmartinez.com

cmh

Suspension • Brake Service • Specializing in Fleet Service

Fernando Kim: likeautobody@gmail.com 8124 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

562-633-2136 Joseph Keays Vice President

CA Lic. #731172

City directory - Proof Form Paramount Chamber of Commerce Total-Western, Inc. City directory - Proof Form Paramount Chamber of Commerce General Contactor (License # 506020) Clínica Médica Hispana Dedicated people focused on customer expectations 8049 Somerset Blvd. Paramount, CA 90723

Call: 562-220-1450 total-western.com

Sammy T Kotob Insurance Agency 147 S Beach Blvd La Habra, CA 90631

866-204-4068 • 562-861-1234 11829 Downey Ave., Downey, Ca 90241 • joe@downeyplumbing.com

FENICO

PRECISION CASTINGS

CA License 0L68077 Cell: 714-932-9656

562-634-5000 • 800-634-5000

Fax: 562-691-9113

fenicocastings.com • stran@fenicoinc.com

skotob@farmersagent.com • 562-691-9100

7805 Madison St., Paramount, CA 90723-4220

Sanchez Professional Services

Income Tax, Real Estate & Immigration Services

Peticiones Familiares • Residencia Cuidadania • Permisos de Trabajo Veronica Sanchez

7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 201A Paramount, California 90723 562-372-1382 • 562-633-6588

WARD PROPERTIES 16311 Garfield Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Rose C. Towe

562.633.2300 • Fax: 562.633.2345 wardprop.com • Rose@wardprop.com

Madame 57 Years In57Business Years In Business

Pompador

PARAMOUNT

We Llve Animals We Llve Animals

13516 13516Paramount ParamountBlvd. Blvd. Dog CatCatGrooming • Dog&and Grooming • Chamber of Commerce (CornerofofParamount ParamountBlvd. Blvd.&& 105 105 Freeway) (Corner Freeway) 13516 Paramount Blvd. Local Pick-Up and Delivery • Dog and Cat Grooming • www.madamepompador.com Local Pick-up & Delivery madamepompador.com (Corner of Paramount Blvd. & 105 Freeway) Barbara Crowson, Executive Director All Breeds and SizesPick-Up and Delivery Local www.madamepompador.com

(562) 408-6145

All Breeds and Sizes (562) 408-6145 (562) 408-6145 All Breeds & Sizes 15357 Paramount Blvd. • Paramount, CA 90723 paramountchamber.com • 562-634-0891

Paramount American Legion Post #134

O Serving our veterans since 1923 O Business meeting every second Tuesday Trusted janitorial services of the month at 6 p.m. Please check off the below listed items carefully, sign and fax to 562-634-0891 for nearly 60 years Please check off the below listed items carefully, sign and fax to 562-634-0891 ❏ Company Name ❏• Phone ❏ Approved Complete janitorial services ❏ Company Name

❏ Phone

Contact: Brad Pollak

❏ Approved

❏ Logo ❏ Logo

• Post-construction cleanup with Changes ❏ Approved ❏• Fax ❏ Approved with Changes effective disinfecting services ❏Safe, Fax ❏ Second Proof Required with Changes

❏ Address ❏ Address

❏ Spelling ❏ Spelling

❏ Second Proof Required with Changes CLEANTIME Signature Required __________________________ Signature Required __________________________

Small Business Development Center

Building Co. By CheCkiNg the ABove LiSted itemS,Maintenance heLPS uS to eNSuRe No eRRoRS ARe mAde. 7550 Somerset Blvd., Paramount, CA E. Conant ARe St., Bldg. O-2, Suite 108 By CheCkiNg the ABove LiSted itemS, heLPS uS to eNSuRe4900 No eRRoRS mAde. “Canteena” open daily at 1 p.m. Long Beach, California 90808 Hall for rent—call for a quote at: 3450 E. Spring St., Ste.101 • Long Beach, CA 90806

562-421-2010

562 -788 -7352

cleantimejanitorialservices.com

562-938-5100 longbeachsbdc.org

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

EMPLOYMENT

Adobe Stock image

OPPORTUNITIES

Membership RENEWALS We’re very grateful that the businesses below have renewed their Paramount Chamber of Commerce memberships, making our valuable services possible. Garfield Animal Hospital...........................................37 years 16301 Garfield Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Clínica Médica Hispana..............................................27 years 14906 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

S & S Auto Registration................................................21 years 15731 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Northgate Gonzalez Market.......................................17 years 16259 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care .......................................14 years 15745 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa........................................12 years 7610 Rosecrans Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Elite Restoration..........................................................9 years 14833 Lakewood Blvd., Unit D, Paramount, CA 90723

Alfa Industries Inc.......................................................9 years 15700 Garfield Ave., Paramount, CA 90723

Optica Vision Centers .................................................8 years 16259 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723 (Inside Northgate Mkt.)

Gold Key Development ................................................4 years 8421 Adams St., Paramount, CA 90723

Chase Bank, Paramount.................................................3 years 7720 Jefferson St., Paramount, CA 90723

Farmers Insurance-Kotob Agency.............................2 years 147 S. Beach Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631

Tropical Paradise.........................................................2 years 15112 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723

396 MKTG....................................................................1 year 5800 S. Eastern Ave., Commerce, CA 90040

EPOXY COATING LABORER—Long-term, full-time (40+ hours per week). Will train. Install various flooring systems for commercial and industrial projects. Perform tasks involving physical labor; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods. Operate equipment (as instructed). Techcoat Contractors, 15720 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. Contact: Brenda or Jessica at 562-529-5700. Apply Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. WAREHOUSE MAINTENANCE WORKER—Longterm, part-time (20 to 25 hours per week). Will train. Staging equipment and materials for daily projects. Receive and process warehouse stock products. Maintain inventory. Operate and maintain warehouse vehicles and equipment. Run errands (as needed). Techcoat Contractors, 15720 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723. Contact: Brenda or Jessica at 562-529-5700. Apply Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 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 epoxy coatings, 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. To place an ad, call the Chamber at 562-634-3980.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

BUSINESS CORNER

Five common mistakes that leaders make

By Sam Reese (This article originally appeared on smallbizdaily.com on August 23, 2021. Please see the author biography below.)

any of the most valuable leadership lessons that CEOs learn throughout their careers come from mistakes they have made along the way, especially setbacks and hard-won triumphs that have helped them in their ongoing pursuit of becoming better leaders. Through interactions with leaders during my own career, I’ve noticed that leadership mistakes typically fall into a few common categories. How leaders respond to those mistakes is what will either allow them to grow or remain stagnant.

Mistake 3: Focusing only on short-term growth This can happen when leaders are so focused on the rat race of quarterto-quarter goals that they forget about healthy long-term growth. Shortterm rallying cries can be really effective, but only when they align with a company’s long-term strategy. Maintaining focus on longer-term goals demonstrates a belief in the fundamentals of the business and the strategy everyone is committed to executing.

Here are five key mistakes CEOs make—and how to learn from them:

Mistake 1: Being insular It can be easy, as a leader, to form conclusions first rather than to ask questions. When leaders believe in their point of view so much that they have an agenda for their discussions, they aren’t really listening to and learning from diverse views. This mistake can show up, for example, when leaders only hire people who think just like them —it’s not as effective as bringing diverse perspectives to the table. It also occurs when new leaders come into companies and want to copy and paste winning strategies from their past experience, without first listening to insights and feedback of customers and existing employees in their new company. There is a reason the Socratic method continues to be so popular—most strong ideas or solutions to business problems come from asking questions.

Understanding a question is half an answer. —Socrates

Maintain focus on longer-term goals. Mistake 4: Micromanaging Successful CEOs create a consistent rhythm of communications with co-workers around priorities and accomplishments. When leaders are clear about what people should focus on and leave their team to do the work on their own terms, employees feel more self-directed and valued. It’s important to define goals and outcomes and trust team members to figure out paths. Of course, one must always have checkpoints in place to understand progress, but micromanaging will lead to people feeling underappreciated and undervalued.

Don’t micromanage employees.

Mistake 2: Not being clear in direction Mistake 5: Focusing on setbacks outside your control The pandemic provided yet another reminder of all the things outside our direct control that can impact our businesses. CEOs can set an optimistic tone for their businesses by focusing on areas of the business they can impact instead of staying stuck on challenges outside their control. The most effective leaders focus on the long-term goal of supporting their customers and coworkers regardless of what challenges come along. Like a world-class athlete, effective CEOs avoid excuses and focus on the things they can control. Like all CEOs, sometimes I’ll look back on decisions I made that seemed right at the time, only to realize later that there was a better way. I have learned that “Time changes everything.” The key is to try not to make the same mistake twice and to course-correct in a way that’s intentional. Mistakes truly can be a catalyst for both personal and business growth—if leaders take the time to acknowledge them, take ownership of them and discover why the blind spot emerged. Once CEOs embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, they can help to shape and enhance their own leadership success. Sam Reese is CEO of Vistage (vistage.com), the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses.

Images: Adobe Stock.

Leading is largely about setting the direction, vision and expectations and encouraging employees to activate. This requires frequent communication about the mission, vision, purpose and values, and the role employees play in getting there. And communication goes both ways. The best leaders listen to feedback from their team with an open mind, curiosity and empathy. Actions matter too. Employees notice when leaders stray from the mission, vision and purpose and only stick to agreed-upon values when it’s convenient, particularly in times of uncertainty.

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

Never forget!

Image: Surprising Shots from Pixabay.

Let’s knock out the Delta variant!

Get vaccinated in Paramount

umbers of new COVID-19 infections in Los Angeles County have been going up dramatically, mostly due to the Delta variant, which spreads much more easily than earlier virus types. So it is vital that those of you who have not been vaccinated get your free shots as soon as possible. Paramount’s number of eligible residents who have received COVID-19 vaccines is just over 60%. Listed below are locations where you can get your shots locally. Call for times and other details. • LA County Office of Education, 9300 Imperial Highway, Downey, 562-922-6111. • Rite Aid, 8447 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, 562-634-9074. • Medical Group of Paramount, 14906 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, 562-630-6271. • Paramount Family Pharmacy, 8010 2nd St., Paramount, 562-531-1313. • Clínica Médica Hispana Medical, 14906 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, 562-630-1991.

Honoring all those who perished in the 911 attacks 20 years ago.

Remember, any resident between the ages of 12 and 29 who has become fully vaccinated after May 4 can receive a free $20 gift card. Just show proof of vaccination and proof of Paramount residency or attendance at a Paramount Unified School District campus at City Hall (16400 Colorado Ave.) or the City Yard (15300 Downey Ave.).

Image: Arek Socha from Pixabay.

Severe blood shortage! Donations needed now. Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits. In addition, there is great hospital demand for blood as patients who previously deferred care during the COVID-19 pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, therefore requiring increased blood transfusions. Because of blood shortages throughout the nation, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes, delaying crucial patient care. These patients really need the help of the American people—please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling toll-free 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All blood types are needed.

Long Beach Blood Donation Center 3150 E 29th St., Long Beach, CA 90806 800-733-2767 • redcrossblood.org

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

Aug 14 Sep 18, 2021

Hot Adoption Days *Dog Adoption Fee

All Dogs 5 Years & Older $35* *Dog Adoption Fee

All Dogs 8 Weeks - 5 Years - 2 days past available date $65* *Cat Adoption Fees

All Cats 5 Years & Older $20* All Cats 8 Weeks - 5 Years $45* Adoptions Are Facilitated By Appointment Call (562) 803-3301 Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm View Our Animals at www.seaaca.org Adoption Includes: 

Spay/Neuter



Microchip ID

*Excludes Boutique Buddies



First set of vaccines



Flea treatment

*Some adoptions may require a spay/neuter deposit

*Cannot be combined with any other offer or promo

*License fee not include

9777 SEAACA St. Downey, CA 90241

September 2021

Paramount Pulse Beat • paramountchamber.com

September 2021

Families grow healthy with WIC! Familias crecen sanas con WIC! WIC is a nutrition program for women, infants and children. WIC es un programa de nutricion para mujeres, bebes y niños. South Los Angeles Health Projects WIC Program

You may qualify if you:

WIC provides:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby • Have a child under age 5 • Have a low to medium income* • Receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) or CalFresh (Food Stamps) benefits • Live in California

• Nutrition education and health information • Breastfeeding support • Food benefits • Referrals to medical providers and community services

Usted puede calificar si:

• Educación sobre nutrición e información de salud • Apoyo con la lactancia • Beneficios de comida • Referencias a proveedores de servicios medicos y servicios

• Está embarazada, está dando pecho o acaba de tener un bebe • Tiene un niño menor de 5 años • Tiene un ingreso bajo a mediano • Recibe beneficios de Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF) o CalFresh (Estampillas de Comida) • Vive en California

WIC proporciona:

*Income levels change annually. Niveles de ingreso cambian anualmente. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Está institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

310-661-3080

Call WIC today to see if you qualify. Llama a WIC hoy para ver si calificas.

@WICSouthLosAngeles • wicforyou.org