Having Fun at the Paramount Chamber Holiday Mixer
The Paramount Chamber of Commerce annual Holiday Mixer was even bigger and better than last year. More than 100 members and elected officials attended the event. Adding to its success were the generous donations made by restaurants who are members of the Paramount Chamber and beautiful centerpieces donated by Gazebo Florist.
Stopping by for a bite to eat and to wish Paramount a Merry Christmas was LA County Supervisor Don Knabe and his wife Julie. Also in attendance was, Mayor Gene Daniels and his lovely wife Lucie.
Chamber President Kevin Lindsay of Lindsay Lumber served as MC for the event and handed out raffle prizes donated by the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee and local businesses.
In addition to great food and some spirited punch guests were entertained by some very interesting karaoke performances. Some
were good some could easily qualify for the American Idol’s best of the worst list. All in all it was a great evening which raised some money and donated toys for the Paramount Soroptimist annual Christmas project.
The following restaurants and food donors made the Paramount Chamber Annual Holiday Mixer possible: Alondra Hot Wings, Café Corleone, Casa Gamino, Costco, Domino’s Pizza, Eastern Meats, El Compa Restaurant, Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant, Mariscos El Perihuete McDonalds, Northgate Market, Rosewood, Sams Club, Shakey’s Pizza, Tacos Don Chente, and Taqueria 2 Amigos.
LA County Supervisor Don Kabe and Paramount Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Lindsay.
Happy New Year, Paramount!
On behalf of my fellow City Council members, I hope 2008 was happy and healthy for everyone, and that 2009 will be another great year for all. This past year was an active one, as usual, for the City of Paramount. Here are some brief highlights as they pertained to new initiatives and projects that came about.
News Rack Clutter
The City passed an ordinance regulating news racks in both their location and appearance, since many had been installed with little attention to aesthetics and sometimes without being properly permitted. Besides the unsightly clutter, this proliferation also led to pedestrian and auto safety issues.
The ordinance restricts the number of racks on each street corner, eliminates mid-block racks in the public right-of-way and requires a uniform design. In addition, adult publications are prohibited for sale in areas not supervised by an adult, such as public sidewalks and private walkways.
Dills Park Re-Construction
The ambitious re-design and expansion of Dills Park began, providing a completely new look with native plants, wildflowers and other landscaping, and a dry creek bed. Also, the existing play -
ground is being upgraded with equipment reminiscent of a Disney-type Adventureland. A similar playground set will be added in the new section. The walking trail through the expanded park will have educational signage regarding the native species and habitats. And it’s all connecting to the adjacent Los Angeles River bike trail.
New Website Design
The City’s website was completely revamped, with a new look and added features. For instance, now you can have email contact with councilmembers directly. Just find the “Council” link on the home page, which will take you to our page, where you can click on the “email” link under each photo. From there you can send your email.
The site now has some great graphics such as a panoramic slide show of views around town, a community calendar, City Council meeting agendas, links to the Paramount Unified School District and the Chamber of Commerce, and the entire municipal code (which is easily searchable).
Come visit us at www.paramountcity.com.
Purchase of Sheriff’s Station
The City Council approved the purchase of the Sheriff’s Station building that we previously rented. This, of course, gives us complete control of the site, and allows us to expand and modernize the facility – plans are already on the drawing board. It all ensures that we will continue to run a topnotch, stable operation there for years to come.
Recycling Program Excels
Our residential curbside automated trash/recycling program was enthusiastically embraced by residents, and the amount of refuse
diverted from local landfills was remarkable. Through October of 2008, 1,555 tons of recyclables have been taken out of the waste stream and a huge 2,858 tons of green waste have been pulled out for re-use (that’s nearly twice as much as in previous years). Not only has this been great for the environment, but it has also brought the City into a better position for meeting state-mandated levels of recycling and diversion.
New Emergency Communication System
Paramount launched ConnectCTY, a mass notification system that enables the City to send voice or text messages to residents and businesses during emergencies or to convey details of important community events. Options for contacting residents include using their landline telephone, cell phone or email address. The response from residents and businesses has been very positive.
As is always the case, the City has ongoing plans to make Paramount better and better for residents and businesses alike. While the economy is obviously suffering, Paramount has long had a record of stable and strong finances. In fact, our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has won honors for excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 28th year in a row. As we move into 2009, it will be with a sound and optimistic outlook.
Mobile Home Park Inspector Hired
To provide the residents of Paramount’s 18 mobile home parks with more timely inspections than the state of California has been able to afford, the City hired an inspector who can now quickly address problems that pose an imminent hazard or danger to people, maintenance and code enforcement issues.
All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them.
-
Walt Disney
Mayor, Gene Daniels
Remember To Take In Your Holiday Lights
Here’s a friendly reminder that the City has an ordinance relating to the display of exterior winter holiday lights for residential properties. The law states that such lights must be removed by January 15.
“Holiday lights” are defined as a string of lights commonly associated with the holiday season that contains multiple- or single-colored or clear light bulbs that are attached to a structure. Only residential properties are affected.
The ordinance was passed a few years ago in response to concerns voiced by residents about keeping our neighborhoods attractive. The City appreciates everyone’s cooperation.
Fight Driving Under the Influence
Last month, the Paramount Public Safety team and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department joined law enforcement agencies across the state as part of California’s Holiday DUI Crackdown Campaign, holding a DUI checkpoint in town. This campaign also encouraged the public to call 911 to report suspected drunk drivers.
The year 2007 marked the first time since 1998 in which alcohol-related fatalities declined in California, dropping 8.3 percent. “California has worked very hard over the past five years to reverse the trend of increasing alcohol-related traffic fatalities,” said California Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher J. Murphy. “Through an aggressive combination of various anti-DUI operations, including sobriety checkpoints, together with the public calling 911 when they see a drunk driver, we’re getting these dangerous drivers off the road.”
The DUI/Drivers License checkpoints – which Paramount schedules periodically throughout the year – are an effort to not only reduced impaired driving, but also insuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.
The public is also encouraged to call 911 to report drunk drivers and be ready to describe the vehicle, its location and direction of travel. The following clues can help motorists detect a drunk driver:
• Weaving/swerving in and out of the lane
• Weaving within the lane quite noticeably
• Traveling at speeds much slower than the flow of traffic
• Braking erratically or stopping in the lane
• Sudden stops for signal lights and slow start once they change
• Remaining at the signal lights once they turn green – asleep at the wheel
• Making wide turns and/or cutting the corner, striking the curb
• Headlights off at night or on high beams
• Driving with the turn signals on
• Straddling the center line of the road or lane lines
• The driver looks intoxicated – staring straight ahead, face close to the wind shield, and appears to be quite sleepy…
• Finally aggressive driving – speed, tailgating and multiple lane changes or unsafe passing may also be the tell-tale signs of intoxication For more information, call (562) 220-2002.
P ARAMOUNT C HAMBER H OLIDAY M IXER
Ask the Expert
How Much Homeowner’s Insurance Do I Need?
Everyday people ask themselves, “How much homeowner’s insurance do I need?” The answer varies, depending on each person’s situation. Usually you should insure your home for its whole value, the actual building and all of its contents.
In order to find out exactly how much your home is worth, you should have it appraised. You can have an appraiser, builder or insurance agent give you an estimate on its value. However, if you ever model or add on to your home, its value will increase, and you will then need to purchase more coverage.
For any valuable possessions you have, you can purchase extended coverage, to ensure those items are covered as well. The best thing to do is take a room-by-room inventory of your valuables then keep this list somewhere outside the home, for example, a safe-deposit box.
To determine if valuable possessions, such as TVs, stereos or computers are covered, or if you have any other questions about homeowner’s insurance, contact your local insurance agent.
By Maria F. Galli
State Farm Galli Agency, 562.817.5620
M-W-Th-F: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Parks & Recreation Director Vince Torres, Chamber Board Members Brenda Olmos and Dr. Tom Hansen, and Chamber Vice President Dr. Max Martinez.
Ambassador Deborah Jameson with her daughter Carly and friend Julie.
Paramount Chamber members and chamber staff enjoy the holiday event.
Board Member Bill Winters is helped by his wife Judy as he searches for just the right song to knock the crowds socks off.
Paramount Resident Lands a Great Job Through Paramount SASSFA Services
Mark Williams came into the Paramount SASSFA center frustrated, disgruntled and with a cloud of negativity because he could not find work. He was informed of the centers’ services and took particular interest in enrolling into the WIA Program. He enrolled and worked with his new Case Manager and Job Developer. After he was enrolled Mark came into the center everyday to use the resource lab. He came as soon as the doors opened; he took a break for lunch and left when we closed. Mr. Williams learned how to do internet job searching by plugging away daily and submitted many, many applications online. Every appointment he made was kept. He was diligent about making appointments with the Job Developer before going on interviews. He listened to and used the key points, advice and directions he was given by the Job Developer and Case Manager. Mr. Williams became a joy to have in the center. He often leaned over to client’s who seemed a bit-down or frustrated and offered them a word of encouragement or hope. His Job Developer and he worked hard on creating a new resume that high -
lighted his skills and experience. As soon as his resume was completed he and his Job Developer sent it out to employers. They also worked on a targeted cover letter for each job he applied for.
Two months later he was called by one of the construction companies he had sent his resume to. They wanted to see him for an interview. Mark’s interview went so well they hired him on the spot starting at $20.00 an hour. By his second week of work he was given a cell phone and more responsibility. Now he is working 50 – 60 hours weekly and loving it.
Mr. Williams often drops in at the center to let them know how he is doing and offer job orders for the right candidate. It is not uncommon for him to send in new potential clients who are also looking for work.
While he was unemployed Paramount SASSFA was able to assist Mr. Williams with supportive services and eventually successful job placement.
Paramount SASSFA Employment & Training Center 15538 Colorado Ave. Paramount, CA 90723 562.633.9511
“Forge Your Future Today” Scholarships
Offered by Weber
Metals
Weber Metals, Inc., located in Paramount, has established a scholarship program to assist students who are continuing their education in a college or vocational school program. Scholarships are offered each year for fulltime study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.
This scholarship program is administered by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin.
The deadline for postmarked, mailed applications is March 31, 2009.
Applicants to the Weber Metals Forge Your Future Today Scholarship Program must be:
High school graduates who are already enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. The following courses are eligible.
Four-year College or University: These scholarships are open to applicants on a national level who are engineering and technology majors with a concentration in the study of:
• Aerospace
• Design
• Industrial
• Manufacturing
• Material Science
• Mechanical
• Quality Assurance
Two-year College or Vocational-Technical School: These scholarships are open to applicants attending schools only in Los Angeles and Orange counties who have heavy industrial majors with concentration in the study of industrial electronics including:
• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Operating/Programming
• Combustion
• Dimensional Inspection
• Heat Treatment
• Hydraulics
• Industrial Maintenance
• Machining
• Metrology
• Non-Destructive & Destructive Testing
• Open or Closed Die Forging
• Program Logic Controls (PLC)
If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $2,000 award. Up to five awards will be granted each year. Awards are not renewable, but students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.
For more information, and for an application, please visit http://www. webermetals.com and use the “Scholarship” link.
City Council
to promote their “Shut Your Tap” conservation campaign. From left, Councilmember Tom Hansen, CBMWD Conservation Coordinator Sally Flowers, CBMWD Director Phil Hawkins, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Dar yl Hofmeyer
Detective Ty Lauderdale from the Major Crimes
the
a
the
CITY SERVICES
At its Dec. 2 meeting, the Paramount City Council issued a proclamation urging voluntary water conservation for all residents and businesses. Also attending the meeting were representatives from the Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD)
Bureau of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and Detective Christian Mezzano of the Paramount Sheriff’s Station were commended by the Council for their extensive investigatory work that resulted in the arrest and incarceration of a dangerous suspect who was wanted for murder and robbery. From left, Councilmember Tom Hansen, Det. Mezzano, Det. Lauderdale, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
For
28th year in
row,
City of Paramount’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was given honors for excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association. To present the award on behalf of the Government Finance Officers Association was Kevin Pulliam, a partner in the accounting firm of Vavrinek, Trine, Day and Company. Joining the presentation were members of the City’s Finance Department. Back row, from left: Pulliam, Councilmember Tom Hansen, Mayor Gene Daniels, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer. Front row, from left: Cheryl Fung, Clyde Alexander, Diana Olvera, Assistant Director Terry Cahoon and Director Karina Lam.
Window Dressing
BY ETHEL HILLYARD
Who wears those dresses in the window? Almost nobody.
Have you noticed stores are displaying all kinds of dresses for the ladies? Some are beautiful, some are elegant and fashionable. But do you see anyone wearing them?
Maybe we’re going to the wrong places. Southern California is noted for being “laid back” and so it is. The style at the moment seems to be flip flops, jeans and tee shirts, some with some questionable slogans such as “I’m ready – are you?” or “Kiss me, I don’t smoke.”
Why are stores still putting dresses in their windows? Maybe because
there would be an empty space without them.
One reason women don’t wear dresses is that they usually require one to wear stockings. If you’ve every tried to put on panty hose, you will find that it is quite a job; bending twisting, squirming and pulling. Some women would rather go naked than put on panty hose.
In great grandmother’s time, stockings were kept up with a rubber band or corsets with little suspenders or a garter belt which one only sees these days in a Paris revue. So, from corsets and rubber bands, to panty hose…. we’ve come a long way baby.
Recipe of the Month
Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
HELP WANTED
AUTO MECHANIC WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. TOP DOLLAR for TOP MECHANIC. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
Charles G. Hardy, Inc., Distributor of Building Material DRIVERS AND WAREHOUSEMEN wanted.15723 Vermont Ave., Paramount, Ask for Mark (562) 634-6560
SECURITY and PATROL OFFICERS NEEDED - Vernon Security currently has openings for Unarmed Guards and Patrol Officers to work all shifts in Paramount and surrounding cities. Must have a current guard card and a clean DMV for Patrol. Call Charles at 562-790-8993 Ext.102 or apply in person at 15317 Paramount Blvd Suite 201, Paramount, CA. Must bring your guard card when applying.
International Freight Forwarding Co. Hiring OPERATIONS, ACCOUNTING, CUSTOMER SERVICE & SALES REPS for its Paramount Ca. Houston Tx., & NYC offices. Experience not required. Proficiency in Chinese a plus. H/Ins. 401K provided. EM to laofc@zencon.com or fax 562-663-6899
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SERVICE TECHICIANS NEEDED. 3
– 5 years minimum experience required. Must have a good DMV record. Bring a current DMV report when applying. Must be EPA certified. Must have own tools. Immediate employment for the right person. Benefits. Apply @ W.R. Smith, Inc. 14908 Gwenchris Court, Paramount. (562) 408-6400. Ask for Bill or Debbie.
We are proud to be part of an All-American City and want to thank the local businesses, residences, schools and friends for your support over the years and are grateful to be involved in community support activities such as:
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Presidents Award, 2004
Paramount Education Partnership Platinum Sponsor
A part of the City of Paramount for over 70 years, did you know that:
Paramount Petroleum is one of the largest suppliers of asphalt in the United States; Paramount Petroleum is in the top 15% of all U.S. refineries for Pollution Prevention performance according to the Environmental Defense Fund
Paramount Petroleum, YOUR good neighbor!
14700 Downey Avenue Paramount, CA 90723
Phone: (562) 531 – 2060
Paramount Women’s Club
The Paramount Women’s Club recently entertained members of the Los Cerritos District including district officers and club presidents. During the luncheon Glenn Baldwin from the Paramount Elks Lodge spoke about the Elks dictionary distribution project for third graders, and Jackie Reifenstein shared some interesting information about antiques.
Paramount Elks Lodge
Soroptimist Looks Back on 2008
The Paramount Soroptimist club had a very busy year; they raised more than $9,000 selling fireworks to support their annual scholarship program, and in 2008 awarded $9,500 in scholarships to Paramount students. In October they joined the fight against breast cancer and handed out hundreds of pink nail files and candy mints which contained a breast cancer awareness message. They raised funds and put together Christmas packages for four families living in a SuCasa safe house which serves the needs of battered women and their children. SuCasa gave Paramount Soroptimist a wish list provided by the families and Soroptimist helped make their Christmas wish list come true. The Soroptimist Club of Paramount is a small group of dedicated hard working business women whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Club President Jeannie Fenner said one reason the club is able to accomplish so much with a few members is because the Paramount business community is very supportive of the clubs activities.
For more information about Soroptimist log on to Soroptimist. org., or call club President Jeannie Fenner 714.821.4340.
More than $2,500 was raised by the Paramount Elks and Lady Elks to provide 248 Christmas bags for Vets at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. Pictured are some of the clubs members.
Make Something Great in Your Business in 2009!
BY VIVIAN SHIMOYAMA
Small business owners are resilient and in difficult times get their entrepreneurial spirit to kick in. However any person reading, listening, and watching any form of media may be wondering in this economy what opportunities and options will unfold in 2009. If you are looking for ways to make something great in your business in 2009 it is going to take being aware of and analyzing your current situations, setting plans and identifying solutions, and prioritizing where you will focus your time and the efforts of your employees.
I would like to encourage you to consider staying focused on your priorities and add a marketing touch to your everyday activities. Research shows that when you do anything for 21 days it becomes a habit. Marketing guru, Al Lautenslager says, “… A marketing habit is a great thing for any business to have. So what I’m going to suggest is that you choose three to five things every day that are related to marketing for your business and do them at the beginning of the day before you start fighting the daily fires--and forget all about your planned tasks. If you work on this developing a marketing habit--and the proper marketing mindset--every day, you’ll soon find that you’re going above and beyond your “three to five things” limit. You’ll find yourself talking and thinking in terms of headlines or talking, listening and thinking in terms of your customers and prospects’ benefits. And
the more you think marketing, the greater the chance you’ll accomplish your marketing and overall business goals.”
Let me share a recent success and eample of do a bit more than the three to five things each day. Our Long Beach Small Business Development Center (LB SBDC) Consultant, Maria Becerra has worked with the Paramount Chamber of Commerce and is an example of an executive who goes the extra mile when it comes to service and marketing. She provides small business counseling services to business owners, assisting them with business plans, introducing clients to financial institutions, works on cost reductions, and encourages business owners to start businesses and find solutions to address difficult times.
Each day, she also makes follow up calls to clients to see how business is coming along, and most importantly remind them of the services of the SBDCs and that she is there to help. Her calls and meetings also extend to community and business partners, local government officials, and frequently you will see her at chamber and business association events. This ‘going the extra’ mile to provide services and to market the services of the SBDCs provides economic impact for businesses and our communities, and she recently won her an award. Maria Becerra was honored by the LA Regional SBDC Network as the 2008 Counselor of the Year! She was selected amongst a group of counselors who work with business owners in the three county area of Los Angeles, Ventura, and
Santa Barbara counties.
So, do you want to make something great in your business in 2009?
Like Maria, you will get results by ‘going the extra mile’ each day. And, I would suggest leaping into the new year with 21 days of actions that develop a marketing mindset to increase your opportunities, and give you that positive momentum to tackle the priorities of your business. Start with three to five things each day to develop the marketing habit. Here are 5 easy suggestions: 1.) Send a Happy New Year email/letter to your top customers; 2.) Write a personal note to a prospect or customer; 3.) Visit a competitors website; 4.) Make a list of press release ideas; 5.) Invite a customer to your office or for coffee to discuss new ideas. Need more suggestions? Then call/email the Long Beach SBDC and we will send the article to you by Al Lautenslager, Entrepreneur Magazine, 33 Marketing Success Tips. Plus we will send you an invitation to the Long Beach SBDC forum -- “HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN A TOUGH ECONOMY” to be held on January 28, 2009. A panel of experts will discuss the impact of the economy on business and how
successful leaders manage their organizations during these challenging economic times. Join us and hear from Economist, Dr. Joseph Maggadino, get tips to launch and enhance your marketing and sales programs, hear from successful business owners, make connections, and more! Just know that there is a wealth of resources in our communities to help you succeed, and make something great in your business in 2009!
Vivian Shimoyama is the Interim Director of the Long Beach SBDC. The Business Corner is brought to you by your local Small Business Development Center and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. The LB SBDC is hosted by Long Beach City College and provides training and one-on-one consulting services in such areas as business planning, marketing, access to funding resources, procurement/contracting assistance, legal, accounting, international trade, technology, web development, and other business specialty areas. Bilingual consultants (Spanish speaking) are also available. To make an appointment call: (562) 570-4574, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu
From left, Sheneui Sloan; LA Regional Director SBDC Network and Maria Becerra; 2008 Counselor of the Year for the LA Regional SBDC Network
