Chamber Hosts 10th Annual Job Fair
Nearly 500 applicants attended Paramount’s 10th Annual Job Fair hosted by the Paramount Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Paramount Petroleum. Potential employees had the opportunity to meet with employers, attend workshops geared toward gaining employment and have a resume prepared free of charge. In addition to free resume
preparation skilled professionals critiqued existing resumes and made suggestions for improving their impact. The event also hosted a number of community resource vendors who handed out information for the unemployed who needed additional help. State, Federal and local officials including Congresswomaan Linda Sanchez, State Senator Alan
What’s inside
the
and event
Assemblyman Isadore Hall greets Job Fair visitors.
Andrea Bloom Director of Human Resources for Weber Metals spoke with attendees about job opportunities.
Job Fair sponsor Paramount Petroleum was represented by employees Annina Tomjack and Ernesto Flores.
Lowenthal, Supervisor Don Knabe, Assemblyman Isadore Hall and the Paramount City Council partnered
with
Chamber
sponsor Paramount Petroleum to make the event a success.
Mayor, Tom Hansen
Fireworks Violations Can Bring Heavy Fines
The Fourth of July falls on the first Sunday of next month. When it comes to fireworks in Paramount, only the “safe and sane” kind can be sold in town, and they can only be used on July 3 and July 4. Further, you must be 16 years or older to buy them.
All other types of fireworks are illegal. Anyone caught selling them or using them could be charged with a serious crime. Such violations can also result in hefty fines of between $250 and $1,000.
The City will increase its efforts in the weeks leading up to the Fourth to minimize the use of banned fireworks. We will dedicate extra personnel and resources to the issue. All of this activity is aimed at a zerotolerance policy that will include arrests and fines for those breaking the law.
During the celebration of our nation’s Independence Day, we can have a good time while keeping safety in mind and showing respect for those around us. After all the fun, don’t forget to clean up the residue from our streets and driveways.
Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations
The City is again providing low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats in the community at two special “Vaccine-A-Thons” this summer. The first will be Wednesday, June 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the second will be held Wednesday, July 21, also from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. They will take place at Paramount Park, 14410 Paramount Blvd.
Rabies vaccinations (required for all dogs under California law) will be priced at $5 each (plus a $2 medical waste disposal fee). This is a $10-$15 savings over traditional prices. A complete selection of other pet vaccinations will be available at discounted prices. Plus, popular flea control products Advantage and Frontline Plus may be purchased at special prices. You can also have a microchip registration done for identification purposes (if your pet is ever lost) for only $45.
Pet licensing will be available on site, along with free educational materials and general health care tips for dogs and cats. Checks and cash will be accepted.
Please remember – dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers.
All services are provided by licensed veterinarians from Vet Care Pet Clinic in conjunction with South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). For more information, please call (562) 220-2018.
Programs For Our Seniors
The City provides a wide array of activities, programs and special events for our senior population. These are all available to every senior resident living in Paramount.
The Community Center at Paramount Park, for instance, is home to a delicious hot lunch Monday through Friday at 1:30 p.m. for a very nominal price for residents 60 years of age and older. You can also make arrangements to have meals delivered to homebound seniors. To get an application for this service, please call (562) 806-5400, ext. 136.
Also at the Community Center, there are activities throughout the week like exercise class, bingo, dancing, movie day, a walking club, art workshops, computer classes and more, all either free or at a very low cost. Available, too, are resource referrals, health screenings and homeowner and rental assistance. The City even provides transportation to and from the Center. Call (562) 220-2090 to find out more.
Lookin’ Good in Paramount
A special thank you is due to the nearly 80 volunteers who took part in our “Lookin’ Good” outing in April. The program targets homes usually belonging to low-income
City
Lookin’ Good, which began in the late 1980s, takes place three or four times a year, and has helped hundreds of Paramount residents over that time. Thanks, again, to all who came out to help.
Rules for Business Banners in Paramount
As a tool to help businesses with advertising, the City of Paramount enacted a special ordinance in 1993 that allows the use of hanging banners.
Each business is permitted one banner, except for businesses located in corner suites (which can have two banners) and businesses occupying single-unit buildings (which can use four banners). One banner is permitted per building side.
All banners must be professionally manufactured, and they need to be installed flat against the wall or facade and anchored at all four corners – they can’t hang in midair, be suspended only by the top edge, or be strung between buildings or trees. Businesses utilizing banners need to get a no-fee permit from the City, and renew it on a yearly basis. (It’s a simple, one-page form.)
This type of marketing can be of great benefit. There can, though, be a downside – if not maintained, banners can wear out and create a bad visual image. Paramount and its businesses have focused on creating an attractive cityscape, something a tattered, untended banner can compromise.
The banner ordinance in Paramount is meant to provide an effective advertising tool for local merchants. If these signs become damaged, or if they hang badly, it’s in everyone’s best interests to set them straight and make repairs.
Warm Weather Safety Tips
With the onset of warmer summer weather, many residents like to open windows and garage doors for home ventilation. Leaving windows and garage doors open and unattended provides a would-be thief
with the opportunity to inventory belongings for future reference, as well as gain access to a home. Generally speaking, burglars will use the easiest point of entry to get inside a home.
Many thieves are capable of stealing property in a very short amount of time. Passersby or vehicle occupants can quickly obtain bicycles, lawn care products, tools and other items in a matter of seconds.
Even worse, a burglar could enter a garage, close the door and have more than enough time to pry open the inner door to a residence while concealed from the street.
Sheriff’s deputies stress the need for a constant presence when your garage door is open. If your garage is open, remain inside of the garage or in the front yard where activities can be monitored. Keep in mind that a burglar is someone who likes to be present when you are not.
Don’t hesitate to make eye contact with anyone you suspect may be “casing” your property. This makes burglars extremely uncomfortable. Note a description of the suspicious individual, take down a license plate number of his or her vehicle and then immediately call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.
In addition, protect your home with deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Side garage doors that are not visible from the street should be constructed of a solid core and should not contain any glass. Locking pins should be installed and used on all sliding windows and doors.
Remember that it is easier to cool your home by opening windows upon your return, rather than leaving them open and increasing your risk of becoming a victim.
Memorial Day Service
A Memorial Day Service was held at the City Hall Memorial Plaza to honor and remember US soldiers who died while in the military. More than 175 people attended the event hosted by the Paramount Elks Lodge and the City of Paramount. A presentation of the colors was performed by the Paramount JROTC Pirate Battalion followed by guest speaker Najor Nichole King-Campbell, US Air Force. Bagpiper Martin Johnson played Amazing Grace while the names of deceased Paramount veterans were read.
World War II
Raymond Collins 1944
Kenneth F. Greer 1941
Darrel Hartman 1944
Cecil Hilt 1944
Roger G. Jay 1944
M.M. Kiehn 1941
Wesley W. Knox 1944
Lynn Mokler 1943
Jack H. Reagan 1943
Cecil Steiner 1944
Walter Steiner Jr. 1944
Richard A. Watson 1943
Lee E. Westbrook 1944
Korean Conflict
James B. Millington 1950
Pat E. Mulrooney 1951
Nicolas Serrato 1951
Don W. Trent 1951
Samuel Van Zanten 1951
Henry Vasquez 1951
William Verburg 1951
Vietnam Conflict
Wayne Anderson 1966
Charles B. Blevins 1972
Kevin E. Bonjour 1969
Robert G. Brandon 1967
Roy Conrad 1967
Michael Crier --
Paul Duran 1968
Chris S. Evans 1967
Robert B. Griffiths 1967
James W. Holbrook 1968
Gary W. Hulse 1968
Robert E. Jackson 1968
Vincent R. Kotarski Jr. 1970
Melvin L. Martz 1968
Dale A. Morrow 1968
Gary L. Nordquist 1968
David E. Ogden 1970
Gary L. Pflaster 1971
Hugh g. Skipper 1971
Walter J. Soutar 1968
Richard W. Stitt 1969
Michael R. Waugh 1968
Walter L. Wonnacott 1967
From left: Mike Maloney (Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler), Councilmember Diane Martinez, Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Mayor Tom Hasne, Major Nichole King-Campbell, USAF, Chaplain Scott Blumenthal and Councilmember Gene Daniels. 175 people there for 31 May 10 Memorial Day Ser vice.
Pennies For PEP Brings In Thousands
High-5 to Hollydale Room 43
Paramount students were again very generous this year in donating their spare change to the Pennies for PEP campaign. Each classroom in the School District had a container, and a total of $8,664 was raised by the kids for PEP scholarships. (The amount will cover nearly three whole scholarships.)
Hollydale School was the big winner, as they raised the most money overall, and Room 43 of Hollydale contributed a whopping $1,382.55! To congratulate them, they are getting a pizza party early this month to mark their milestone.
A great big thank you is due to everyone at all the District schools who pitched in their pennies.
Scholarship Fundraiser This Month!
The 7th Annual Fundraiser for the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP), “Tropical Pleasures,” a Hawaiian luau-themed casino night to raise money for college scholarships for Paramount students will be held June 18 from 6:00 pm. to 9:00 p.m. at Progress Park Plaza, 15500 Downey Avenue.
Admission to “Tropical Pleasures” is $50 per person. There are sponsorship opportunities available in the following categories: High Roller - $25,000; Jackpot - $10,000; Royal Flush - $5,000; Four-of-a-Kind - $3,000; Full House - $1,000; Three-of-a-Kind - $500. (All donations will be made to the PEP 501c3 non-profit entity, so they will be tax deductible.)
Over the years, the fundraiser has produced nearly $200,000 for local students with financial need who are attending community college, a trade school or university. Your donation will be an important investment in the community, as it helps students and families reach better education opportunities and a brighter future.
Progress Park Plaza is located at 15500 Downey Avenue. For more information, please contact Suleyma Rosales at (562) 220-2145 or srosales@paramountcity.com.
Paramount Lions Club Salutes High School Soccer Champs
On May 3, the Paramount Lions Club celebrated the Paramount High School boys soccer team and their championship year by treating the players and coaches to a steak barbecue dinner.
This dream season for the team – which was led by co-head coaches Juan Navarro and Rafa Villasenor and assistant coaches Luis Silva and Heliberto Ochoa – saw them capture their league title, become CIF Division 3 champs, and finally win the CIF State Division 1 regional championship.
A few years ago, when the high school’s football team won the CIF championship, Lions Club member Gene French suggested hosting a party to mark the achievement. It was his idea, again, this
year to express community support for the soccer team in the same way. Nearly 100 people came out to Progress Park Plaza to congratulate the players and coaches.
“We wanted to show these young men how proud we are of them,” said Club president and Paramount City Council member Gene Daniels. “What they accomplished was truly great, for the school, for the city, and, of course, for themselves. It made all our Club members feel good, and we decided to show our appreciation.”
The Paramount Lions Club has a long history of dedication to the youth of the City. For more information on the Club and membership, please call Gene Daniels, president, at (562) 822-0847.
The 7th Annual Fundraiser for the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP)
“Tropical Pleasures,”
a Hawaiian luau-themed casino night to raise money for college scholarships for Paramount students. June 18 - 6:00 pm. to 9:00 p.m.
Progress Park Plaza - 15500 Downey Avenue
A night of great food and lots of fun for a good cause! Call (562) 220-2145 for more information.
Water Express – Customer Driven
Water Express has served the Paramount community since 1996. In May 2000 they expanded their operation by moving to a larger facility where they operate a “full service” walk-in water store. In the beginning Water Express offered hot and cold coolers, bottles and other water-related products. Since opening Water Express has gone through many changes and taken on new product lines like Kangen Water. Kangen means “return to origin” which is the journey the body takes to achieve homeostasis; the ability of the body to heal itself. Kangen is said to eliminate, neutralize and rid the body of toxic acidic build up. Water Express offers a free 30-day custom fi t Kangen challenge.
Two years ago store owner Marty Phillips was approached by some of his younger customers and asked if he would start selling fi nger size skateboards better known as tech decks. Marty began selling the boards which led to requests for fullsize skateboards. The increasing demand for skateboards prompted him to convert his stock room into a must see skateboard room which offers first-time skateboarders help in building their first deck. Marty also carries a full product line for skateboard repairs and enhancements.
Other products include ice, party supplies and balloons which Marty started selling to meet his customer’s needs. For more information contact Water Express at 562.272.4426.
Book Signing
Maria Angel, long time Chamber member, Paramount resident, city commissioner, and broker/owner of National Homes and Investments, just became an author. Her book “How to Care for Your Money and Achieve Your Dreams; A Sensible Guide to Prosperity” is written in Spanish and contains information for saving money and achieving economic freedom. Maria will conduct a book signing Tuesday, June 22nd, 7:00 pm to 8 pm, at Libreria Lider, 15010 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, the event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Copies of the book may also be found on amazon.com.
Pathways’ Volunteer Appreciation
Every year, the Pathways Board of Directors and Staff hold an event to honor the many wonderful volunteers who donate their time to help those in need. This year was extra special for Pathways Volunteer Hospice because not only did they move to a brand new location; it is also their 25th Anniversary. The Volunteer Appreciation “Garden Party” was held at Pathways’ new home in Lakewood. Several local officials attended the event including Paramount
Mayor Tom Hansen Lakewood Mayor Joe Esquivel and PUSD Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo. Three volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty were recognized: Lily Nuno (Caregiver Volunteer of the Year), Norene Samuelson (Hospice Volunteer of the Year), and Linda Atkinson (Bereavement Volunteer of the Year). If you are interested in volunteering for Pathways Volunteer Hospice contact Volunteer Coordinator, Meg Fisch 562.531.3031.
El Camino College Compton Center Tartar Baseball Team Wins First Regional Playoff Game
El Camino College Compton Center’s baseball team won its first regional playoff game against Orange Coast College with a score of 13-6 in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), South Coast Conference (SCC). With the win, ECC Compton Center advanced the regional’s.
This year, several players were honored by being named to the All-SCC Baseball Teams. Freshman Marcos Lara and sophomore Alfredo Lopez (two-time All-SCC) made the All-SCC First Team; Antonio Peraza, Martin Villanueva, James Gonzalez, Jose Madera, and Eric Miranda made the All-SCC Second Team; and Glen Walker,
Miguel Beltran and Keith Murakami received All-SCC honorable mention.
The 18th-seeded Tartars finished the regular season 21-15 overall and 15-6 for second place in the South Coast Conference. The Tartars are led by All-SCC First Team shortstop Alfredo Lopez and RHP Marcos Lara. Tartars head coach is Shannon B. Williams.
In addition to baseball, the El Camino College Compton Center Athletics Program fields nine other intercollegiate sports for men and women. For more information, contact Albert “Lefty” Olguin, Director of Athletics, at 310-900-1600, ext. 2940, or at aolguin@elcamino.edu.
GOVERNMENT
FOR
BUSINESS Wednesday, June 9, 2010 – 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
You will learn how to certify your small business through: • The Federal Government • The State of California • Los Angeles County • The Port of Los Angeles (POLA) • The Port of Long Beach (POLB)
The SBA’s 8(a) program, named for a section of the small Business Act, is a business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market. We will teach you what you need to submit to become 8(a) certified. Small business certification for the state of California can give you the extra help you might need to secure that next contract. Doing business with the POLA and POLB is easy once you are certified with both agencies. This class is all about certification and what it takes to become certified.
Fee: $35.00 (Make checks payable to SBDC)
*$25.00 refundable deposit required
For Reservations: Paramount Chamber of Commerce 15357 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723 562-634-3980
HELP WANTED
OUTSIDE SALES AND BODY & PAINT TECHNICIAN WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
AMFED SALES, a toner and office product company in Paramount CA, is currently seeking an inside sales representative. Applicants must have at least two years sales experience, strong phone skills, and computer skills. This position is commission based and work hours are from 9am to 5 pm Mon-Fri. Please send resume to frank@amfedsales. com or fax to 562/272-0186 Attn: Frank Vasquez”
Have you considered converting to a Roth IRA?
By Maria F Galli State Farm Insurance
562.817.5620
Beginning Jan.1, 2010, you can convert your traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a Roth IRA, regardless of your income or tax filing status thanks to the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (TIPRA). This is good news for those seeking tax deferred growth and potentially tax free distributions if certain conditions are met.
A conversion is a taxable movement of funds from an IRA (traditional, SEP or SIMPLE) to a Roth IRA. However, amounts converted are not subject to the 10 percent federal income tax penalty. Also, in 2010 only, you can elect to have the converted amount taxed, half in 2011 and half in 2012.
To determine if a conversion is appropriate for you, consider the following:
Affordability – Since you will have to pay income taxes on the conversion amount, consider how much you can afford to pay from a non-IRA account. You can convert all or part of your IRAs to control the amount of taxes due.
Time horizon –If you have at least five years to leave the assets in the Roth IRA, there will be more time for potential tax-free growth and a better chance of recouping the initial cost of paying taxes on the conversion amount. If not, funds withdrawn within five years may be subject to a 10 percent tax penalty if
you are under 59 1⁄2.
Future tax rate – If you think your tax rate will be higher when you retire, you may want to convert to a Roth IRA and pay those taxes now. Paying taxes on the amount you convert at today’s lower rate could be a real retirement advantage. If you think you will be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, the taxes you pay today could end up being higher than the taxes you would pay when you’re ready to make withdrawals, don’t convert.
Current tax rate – The amount you convert will be taxed as additional income. This additional income could potentially place you in a higher tax bracket. You can choose to convert only the amount that allows you to remain in the same tax bracket (partial conversion) and achieve your optimal conversion amount through multiple conversions over several years.
Estate planning – Since a Roth IRA does not have mandatory distribution requirements at age 70 1⁄2 (unlike a traditional IRA), you may be able to pass more wealth to your heirs and since you pay any taxes due when you convert, your heirs won’t have to pay taxes on the inherited Roth IRA funds as long as the Roth IRA exists for a t least five years when the distribution is received.
Contact your local insurance/financial services professional for more information about a Roth IRA conversion. A comfortable retirement is possible with proper planning!
Home-Based Businesses Need Business Insurance
By Luis Acosta (562) 531-1900 State Farm® agent
The dream of owning a business is becoming a reality for thousands of people each year. For many of these would-be captains of industry, that means starting the operation at home.
However, your enterprise may be in jeopardy if you don’t have business insurance.
You need business insurance because most homeowners policies place limits on business-related exposures. For instance, a copier or fax machine used for business and damaged in a fire may not be fully covered because it is considered business property.
Also, the homeowners policy does not cover business liability, loss of income, exterior signs and many other important items. If a client were injured
at your home while conducting business, your homeowners policy would not apply. Anyone who operates a home-based enterprise and does not have the proper insurance coverage is putting his or her business and personal assets at risk.
Business insurance may provide many or all of the coverage listed below:
• Accidental direct physical loss coverage for business personal property.
•Broader off-premises property coverage Loss of income coverage
•Extra expense coverage
•Contractual liability coverage
•Liability of employees while acting within the scope of their employment.
Many entrepreneurs start their businesses on shoestring budgets and try to cut corners by keeping expenses at a minimum. But when you consider what you get, business insurance becomes a tool you can’t afford to work without.
10 Tips for Using Interns, Part-Timers, Temporary Workers and Contractors
Do you need more staff to grow your business, but lack the budget for full-time employees? There are many ways to get the help you need without breaking the bank. Here are 10 tips for effectively using interns, part-timers, temps and contractors.
.• Assess your needs. Write a job description, then figure out who could fill it. Must the worker be physically present, such as a retail clerk or receptionist? Or can the job be handled by someone off-site?
• Find a temporary agency that fits your industry. Temporary agencies aren’t just for administrative positions anymore. There are agencies specializing in niches from health-care and accounting to information technology and law.
• Know what to expect. What kind of training does the agency give its temporary workers? How are they recruited? If a temporary worker doesn’t work out, how quickly can the agency provide a replacement?
• Contact colleges and universities. Looking for interns? Find out which schools in your area have internship programs or placement offices. You may also be able to find interns by targeting a particular department, such as a business school’s marketing program.
• Consider seniors and moms. In today’s economy, many seniors are seeking parttime work. And lots of moms are looking for ways to ease back into the work force after having children, or seeking part-time jobs while their children are in school.
• Check out contractors carefully. Ask independent contractors for samples of their work. Get references and check them. Ask how responsive the contractor was, how fast they turn projects around and how much direction they require.
• Put time into training. To get the most from a part-timer or intern, you must give them the same kind of training, feedback and support you’d give any full-time employee.
• Communicate. Communication is key to working successfully with independent contractors. Use online meeting tools like GoToMeeting.com, online collaboration tools like Basecamp.com and Box.net, and instant messaging to keep everyone on the same page.
• Keep it legal. State and federal laws regarding treatment of interns and part-timers vary. For instance, in some states interns must be paid; in others, they can work for free.
There may also be restrictions as to the number of hours a person can work without receiving benefits. Your accountant or attorney can help you stay on top of the rules.
• Treat independent contractors right. Misclassifying someone as an independent contractor can expose your business to
tax liability and fines. Visit the IRS Web site (www.irs.gov) for more information on the distinctions between independent contractors and employees.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and
grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepre-
neurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.
Small Businesses Help Southern California Edison Fulfill Commitment to Cleaner Energy Future
Southern California Edison (SCE) is committed to a cleaner energy future. As the number-one purchaser of renewable energy in the nation and the nation’s leader in Energy Efficiency, SCE is partnering with customers to bring about a cleaner, smarter, energy future.
In Southern California, it costs more to produce electricity in the summer, when energy demand is at its peak, and less to produce electricity in the winter, during periods of lower demand. To address this reality, SCE recently shifted rates for small business customers with demands of 20 kilowatts or less and who are on the company’s GS-1 rate. This shift in rates is not an increase for impacted customers. In fact, customers who take advantage of available programs and manage their energy usage may even experience a decrease in their electric bills.
The rate shift, which was implemented last October, lowers rates during an eight-month “winter” period (October–May)
and increases them during a four-month “summer” period (June–September). This rate shift is designed to allow you to pay for electricity when you use it and will promote greater energy awareness and conservation across the region.
Customers impacted by the rate shift have seen a 14 percent decrease in rates beginning in October which will continue through May. When the four-month summer period begins in June, these customers will see rates increase approximately 17 percent. These changes are in comparison to September 2009 rates.
SCE recognizes that this change may be difficult for some customers and is available to help them with information about the change and offer solutions to help manage energy bills. Understanding your energy usage is the first step to managing your bill. Learn how your business can benefit from SCE programs by taking our free online energy survey at www.sce.com/smartbiz.
Business Card
