The economic difficulties that have engulfed the nation have reached far and wide, battering many sectors of the state and numerous localities. In Paramount, however, there are still signs that retail activity is strong, especially in light of a trio of new development projects.
Amapola, a “super-deli and market” featuring tortilleria, panderia and carniceria, will be opening its third location, and first in Paramount, on Garfield Ave. near the 105 Freeway. In addition to
the 10,845-square-foot market, the site will house a 2,671-squarefoot drive-through restaurant and a 4,800-square-foot, multi-tenant commercial building.
Construction has begun on the project, with exterior work scheduled to be done by this July and the market opening in December.
A few blocks to the south, at the corner of Garfield and Rosecrans, a new shopping center has been completed comprising two multi-tenant buildings. The center is anchored by a Subway sandwich shop, which is now open for business.
And due for a late fall debut in the Fresh and Easy retail center at Downey and Alondra is the national chain T.J. Maxx, which features women’s and men’s apparel, teens’ and kids’ clothes and brand-name accessories, all at affordable prices. Remodeling work at the location is underway.
The City of Paramount is always developing creative ways to attract new enterprises to town and help strengthen existing businesses. Especially amid tough economic times, creating and maintaining a strong and varied commercial environment is important for local employment and for giving residents a wide choice of retail opportunities.
Construction is underway for the new Amapola “super-deli and market” at Garfield near the 105 Freeway. The 10,845-square-foot market is scheduled to open in December.
The recently completed commercial center at the corner of Rosecrans and Garfield boasts a new Subway sandwich shop, with more tenants to follow.
Student Art Winners Celebrated
Every year, the Paramount Traditional Artists Guild sponsors an art contest for Paramount students from kindergarten through high school. This year – the 11th annual show – 16 Paramount K-8 schools, Paramount High, Paramount High West Campus, Buena Vista High and Our Lady of the Rosary all took part. There were a record 728 total entries – the numbers get bigger every year.
The winners were recognized last month by the Paramount City Council, and received cash awards. (Look for photos on page 11 in this issue of the Pulse Beat.) Congratulations to all!
First-Place Art Winners
• 1st Grade – Kevin Perez (Hollydale)
• 2nd Grade – Axel Suazo (Gaines)
• 3rd Grade – Maritza Fregoso (Roosevelt)
• 4th Grade – Ariel Zazueta (Our Lady of the Rosary)
• 5th Grade – Jason Rodriquez (Hollydale)
• 6th Grade – Nick Villanueva (Collins)
• 7th Grade – Alejandra Rojas (Lincoln)
• 8 th Grade – Benjamin Rocha (Hollydale)
• 9th Grade – Rashad Harris (Paramount
HS West)
• 10th Grade – Clarissa Rodriquez (St. Matthias)
• 11 th Grade –Dayanna Castellanos (Paramount HS)
• 12th Grade – Erika Reynoza (Paramount HS)
Special Award Winners
Best Use of Color – Neredia Siordia (3rd Grade - Hollydale)
Best Composition – Jose Ramirez (5 th – Hollydale)
Best Judged Entry – Michael Deslate (4th
– Our Lady of the Rosary)
Chamber of Commerce Award – Ruby Galindo (3rd – Tanner)
Superintendent’s Award – Victor Cervantes (12th – PHS)
Chairman’s Award – David Gamboa (3rd – Tanner)
Commissioner’s Award – Amy Jimenez (11th – PHS)
Mayor’s Award – Bryan White (1st – Collins)
Rec Department Website Registration and Counter Hours
Beginning on May 18 at 9 a.m., residents and PUSD students will be able to register for the Recreation Department’s summer programs like day camp and swimming lessons on the City’s website. This new service allows you to register using a personal computer from the comfort of your own home. You do, however, need to create a user account and password before going online. This can be done by calling the Recreation Office at (562) 220-2121.
For those without access to a computer, Spane Park (14400 Gundry Ave., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Progress Park East (15500 Downey Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will have online access available for public use on May 18 - 22.
Also, the Department’s office hours
“It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance.” – Thomas Huxley
for walk-in registration and payments at the 15300 Downey Ave. location have changed. The new hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the convenience of residents, additional locations and expanded hours have been created for after-hours registration and payments. These can be made at both the Paramount Park Community Center (14400 Paramount Blvd., Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Progress Park East (Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
For more information or questions, please contact the Recreation Department at (562) 220-2121.
Guard Against West Nile Virus
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed the first case of West Nile virus found in a bird in L.A. County for 2009. Tests on a dead crow from Valencia came back positive for the virus. Statewide, ten birds have tested positive for the virus so far this year. Nine of those were collected in Southern California.
The District is gearing up in anticipation of another busy mosquito season. The number of dead birds and mosquito samples confirmed positive for the virus in 2008 doubled from the previous year. Last year, the California Department of Public Health confirmed 445 human cases of West Nile virus, and 15 of those people died from related complications.
The District continues to urge residents to report dirty swimming pools and vacant properties that may harbor
mosquitoes. Residents should also take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites and mosquito-transmitted diseases.
• Dump and Drain : Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
• Dusk and Dawn : Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.
• Defend: Prevent mosquito bites by wearing approved insect repellents. For more information, call (562) 944-9656 for the District headquarters. For additional information regarding West Nile virus activity in California, visit www.westnile.ca.gov
Trash Diversion Rates Going Strong
Staff members from the California Integrated Waste Management Board paid a visit to Paramount last month to conduct an assessment of the implementation of the City’s recycling program and other trash-diversion plans. The purpose was to make sure the City is in compliance with state law that requires a significant portion of the local waste stream be kept out of landfills.
I’m happy to report that we passed with flying colors, which is, of course, due in no small part to the excellent participation our residents have shown with curbside recycling. Some cities have faced fines for not meeting the state’s goals. I want to thank everyone in town, including businesses that have helped out via our commercial waste program, for doing the right thing.
Mayor, Diane Martinez
Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigates a wide range of complex financial crimes including fraud, identity theft, and high-tech computer crimes. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud or identity theft crime, contact the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002 to report it.
Keep the following hints in mind to avoid becoming a victim of these crimes.
1. Sign the back of all your credit cards. Optionally, also write “Please Verify Photo ID.”
2. When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, do not put the complete account number on the “For” line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.
3. Never have your Social Security number pre-printed on your checks. You can add it as necessary. But if you have it pre-printed anyone can get it.
4. Do not have your first name preprinted on your checks; instead, have only your first initial printed. This makes it more difficult for thieves to forge your name and steal your personal information.
5. Make a photocopy of all the important personal information in your wallet or purse. Copy both sides of each license and credit card. This way, if your wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen you will know exactly what you had and will be able to contact the issuing agencies to report the loss. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Do not carry it with you.
6. Have the phone numbers of the banks that issued your credit cards handy. If you
suspect fraud, call and cancel your credit cards immediately.
7. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc. were stolen. This proves to your credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation.
8. Call the three national credit reporting agencies immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your personal information has been stolen, and they must contact you to authorize any new credit. Doing this usually will stop the thieves dead in their tracks.
The latest statistics in Paramount for Part 1 crimes (which consist of two categories, crimes against property and crimes against persons) are quite good. For the first quarter of 2009, compared with the first quarter of last year, the overall decrease was 16%.
The biggest decrease occurred in the subcategories of burglary, theft, and auto theft (crimes against property). In the crimes against persons subcategories of rape and assault, we have seen a significant drop in the first quarter of 2009. There was a slight increase in the subcategory of robbery, which can be directly attributed to the taking of IPODS and Sidekick phones. It’s important for individuals using these items to stay aware of their surroundings and not be distracted, and easy targets.
La Traviata
At the Dorothy Chandler May 19, 2009
Excursion is filled, but waiting list is in place. If interested please visit the front desk or call (562) 220-2121
Depart: 10:00 am Return: 5:00 pm
Dirty Dancing
The musical is offered from May 8 – June 28
If interested in attending please visit the front desk to begin an interest list or call (562) 220-2090
Hacienda Hotel & Casino
May 11, 12, 13, 2009
$55 double occupancy
$75 single occupancy
Registration, April 13, 2009 @ 10:00 am
Depart: 8:00 am Return: 6:00 pm
Catalina Island
If interested in taking an excursion to Catalina Island, please visit the front desk or call (562) 220-2090 to begin an interest list.
Exercise class every Monday 11 am to 12 pm
Fee: 1$ per class
Held at Paramount Park
Bingo
Tuesdays 11 am to 12:30 pm
Donation $1 for 3 Cards Cash Prizes! Held at Paramount Park
Oil Painting Class Every Thursday 9 am in Rooms 1 & 2
Sign up at the class $3 per lesson
Get More Value
In today’s busy world, filled with concern over the rising cost of gas and housing, many of us look for ways to get more value for our time and money. One way is to have all of your insurance needs taken care of in one place.
There are advantages to having your car, home, and family protected by the same insurance company. Switching all your policies to one well-respected insurer might save you time and money, not to mention the convenience of having only one number to call for questions or claims.
Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts that vary by state. Be sure to ask the agent about the availability and amount of any discounts offered by the insurer. Here are some common discounts you should know about:
• Multiple line: Your premiums may be reduced if you have more than one policy with the same company or family of companies that covers your car.
• Good student: Full-time students (high school or higher) maintaining at least a “B” average may qualify for reduced premiums.
• Multiple car: Your premiums may be reduced if there are two or more private-passenger cars in the household
Chamber Happenings
insured by the same company or family of companies.
These are just a few of the discounts that may save you money. Once you have considered price, think about the quality of service you expect. The best value should save you both time and money. Here are a few things to consider:
• Do you have one person to call when you need help?
• Is the insurer available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
• Does the insurer make it easy to file a claim?
• Is the insurer available to discuss your needs and help customize a package of services that is best for you and your family?
• Do you feel confident in the insurer’s financial stability and ability to pay if your family suffers a loss?
Be sure you’re getting the most value for your time and money. Call your agent or insurance company today and ask if you can get more value by having all your insurance needs taken care of in one place.
Maria F. Galli State Farm Galli Agency (562) 817-5620
Rose Colors- What Do They
Everyone knows red roses send a message of love, but did you know each rose color has a special meaning? Here are some examples:
Red _ Love & Respect
Red (single rose) _ “I Love You”
Pink _ Grace, Admiration, Gentleness
Yellow _ Friendship, Joy, Gladness
White _ Innocence, Purity, Youthfulness
White (Bridal) _ Happy Love
Orange _ Desire, Enthusiasm
Lavender _ Enchantment (love at first sight)
Peach _ Gratitude, Admiration
Blue (Paint) _ The Unattainable, The Impossible
Doris Flower Shop, Nancy Lomeli (562) 602-2611
Paramount Chamber staff members Maria Villasenor and Maria MacLean represented the Chamber at the Cerritos College annual Mega Mixer. The theme “Business the New Frontier” brought out the Trekkie in staff who decked out in Star Trek attire and did the Chamber proud.
Fundraiser Will Be “FunRaiser” With Casino Night Festivities and Fabulous Food
The City of Paramount will be holding the 6th Annual Fundraiser for the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) on Friday, June 26, at Progress Park Plaza beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s affair will be an exciting and fun-filled Casino Night. There will also be a fantastic array of fresh Japanese cuisine along with some fine wines and sake.
The money raised at the event will be used to support college scholarships for local Paramount students. Over the years, the fundraiser has been very successful, producing a total of $180,000 for local students with financial need. PEP’s goal is to reach even more residents in this way throughout the community.
PEP is an alliance between the City of Paramount, the Paramount Unified School District, and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. It is dedicated to providing programs and services that improve academic skills through literacy and math
Networking in 09
enrichment programs, homework help, English as a Second Language Classes, the Math, Engineering & Science Achievement (MESA) program and more.
For information about attending the PEP fundraiser, or for more information PEP, please contact Suleyma Rosales, recreation supervisor, at (562) 220-2145.
There are also sponsorship and donation opportunities still available for the fundraiser. Businesses or individuals who sponsor the event or give prizes for the Casino Night will support a worthy cause while gaining extensive publicity exposure. All contributions are tax deductible and all proceeds from the evening will go toward PEP college scholarships.
Your sponsorship will be an important investment in the community, as it helps students and families reach better education opportunities and a brighter future.
A group of last year’s PEP Scholarship winners were honored by the Paramount City Council and Paramount Unified School District Board of Education at a September, 2008 Council meeting.
Maria Galli from State Farm Galli Agency took home $25 cash for the “Best Table Top Display” at the April Networking Breakfast. The $25 cash prize was donated by the breakfast sponsor Vernon Security.
Karen Sonnenberg of Total Western, Inc. was recognized as Ambassador of the Quarter by President Lindsay at the Chamber Networking Breakfast in April. Ambassadors who earn the most points in a quarter receive a free ad in the Pulse Beat and a certificate of recognition. Points are earned through their participation at various Chamber functions.
Doris Flowers
Rachel Finlayson Field Rep for Assemblyman Isadore Hall presents Nancy and Freddy Lomeli with a certificate of recognition at their grand re-opening. Doris Flowers has been at their current location for approximately four years. The shopping center on Lakewood Blvd. where they are located was recently remodeled which prompted the ribbon cutting ceremony.
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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,
HELP WANTED
BODY & PAINT TECHNICIAN WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
Seeking hard working, energetic, bilingual (Spanish/English), and sales oriented individuals with a strong interest in educating the community about INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL PRODUCTS that help individuals protect their families and their financial well being. A positive attitude and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to the community are required. Please Contact Maria Galli, 562-817-5620. Email resume to maria@galliagency.com or fax resume to 562-817-5621
WE’RE HIRING! – Contact Ventana Home Fashions – sales@ventanadms.com - Fax: 562-633-0022 For exciting employment opportunities Email or fax your resume today! Positions include, training, benefits, job advancement for qualified candidates. Experience in In-Home sales helpful but not necessary. We will train the right person!
CARLTON FORGE WORKS, a manufacturer of high technology seamless rolled rings and closed die forging for the gas turbine engine industry. We currently have these positions available: INSPECTOR.
Qualifications: Candidate must have a 2 year minimum inspection experienced with strong technical and people skills. Excellent verbal, written and organizational skills are required. Candidate must be able to Inspect In-process parts and fully machined parts with standard tools. The candidate must know GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 Must be able to read blue prints, Engineering diagrams and sketches. Experience using a variety of measuring tools: micrometer, Dial Indicators Height Gage, Calipers, etc. JOB DUTIES: Inspect Forgings visually and dimensionally, fill out proper inspection reports, drive a fork lift, able to work night shift, able to work in a Forge Shop environment.
Fax resume Or E-mail resume to: cfwjobs@cfworks.com or Apply in person at: Carlton Forge Works, 7743 E. Adams St., Paramount, Ca. 90723 (562)633-1131 (562)633-3590 Fax. EOE/M/F/V/H – NO RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT JOB TITLE.
Nancy Lomeli is joined by her husband Freddy, local officials and Chamber members
the grand re-opening of Doris Flowers found at 15531 Lakewood Blvd.
Press Menu
BY ETHEL HILLYARD
If you believe you are what you eat, press 1.
A rose by any other name is still a rose. A spade is still a spade even if it’s called a shovel. Why is it then that we don’t call fat “fat” instead of couching it obese?
There must be someone to blame for this condition… aha! We can attribute some of the blame to our mothers (God bless them). Remember being told to eat everything on your plate or no dessert. Or how about; sit there until you finish?
Another contributing factor is por-
tion size. This puts many restaurants between a rock and a hard place. If the serving is small people will patronize a restaurant that serves larger portions. If the portions are large we find ourselves asking for a to go box or the euphemistic “doggie bag.” Women frequently use this service; were as you rarely if ever see a man carry out doggie a bag.
The advantage is you get two meals for the price of one. The question is would smaller portions cut down on obesity? THAT’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Reportes sencillos (1040EZ) desde $40.00 con descuento
GRATIS* Clasesdelamaze
Women’s Club Takes Home Eight Awards From Annual Conference
Members of the Paramount Women’s Club recently attended the Los Cerritos 53rd annual District Conference. Nearly one hundred representatives from 13 clubs were at the event. Senior Assemblymember Julia Rosenberg was the keynote speaker. The event included an awards ceremony at which the Paramount club received eight awards for various club activities.
Paramount And Elks to Honor Veterans
On Memorial Day, May 25, the City of Paramount and the Paramount Elks Club will hold a special ceremony at 11 a.m. honoring local veterans at the War Memorial Plaza in the Civic Center. The Memorial honors Paramount residents who have died in conflicts dating back to World War II.
Like most cities, both large and small, Paramount has suffered the sad losses that come with war. In the 1950s, plaques were placed in Paramount Park noting the sacrifices made by local men. In 1973, the Elks Club built a Veterans Memorial Wall adjacent to City Hall on the corner of Jackson St. and Colorado St. The monument bears the names of 43 Paramount residents who gave their lives in three wars: 13 in World War II, seven in Korea, 23 in Vietnam. Two of the men – Raymond Collins and Lynn Mokler, killed in WWII – have Paramount schools named for them.
In 2007, the City redesigned the plaza, adding a walkway past numerous smaller walls dedicated to each conflict, a dramatic commemorative sculpture, landscaping and atmospheric lighting. The sculpture, entitled “Upholding,” is a poignant and haunting homage to the importance of a soldier’s sacrifice and the sadness at the loss of life. Standing just under 13 feet tall, the piece is made of stainless steel. A life-sized image of a soldier is “cut out” from its center, marking his absence. The outline remains, however, as testimony to the legacy of freedom that the soldier left behind. A round globe made of white Colorado Yule marble (the marble used for the tomb of the
El Mejor! • El Que Hace Regre$ar Ma$
ENVIO DINERO A MEXICO Y OTROS PAISES
DON EDUARDO COBO
Soy tu hermano, Ven para ayudarte Todo Escrito Consulta 5720 Imperial Hwy #1 (Esquina con Garfield) “PIaza Del Pollo Loco” SOUTH GATE, CA 90280
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Invites you to attend a Open House / Ribbon Cutting
Fobi Comprehensive Pharmacy
Thursday, May 21, 2009
7922 Rosecrans Ave. #P2
“Unknown Soldier” in ‘Washington, DC.) tops the sculpture.
Nearby, a mosaic tile star honoring the different branches of the military, part of the original plaza, remains embedded in the ground.
The ceremony on Memorial Day, which is open to the public, will feature Presentation of Colors by the Blue Eagles Color Guard from March Air Force Base. Elks Exalted Ruler Richard Aparicio will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Invocation will be delivered by Elks Chaplain Jim Hyde. Remarks will be made by Paramount Mayor Diane J. Martinez and special guest SM Sgt. Glen Jimenez of the U.S. Air Force. These will be followed by recognition of all veterans in attendance, lying of a wreath, roll call of deceased veterans, playing of “Taps,” a 21-gun salute and closing remarks by Exalted Ruler Aparicio.
Paramount, California is nationally known for its successful transformation from blighted suburb to a well-run city with an attractive business climate and quality of life. Located at the gateway to the Los Angeles metropolis, the municipality has earned numerous state and federal awards for its innovative strategic planning and investment in capital improvements. Today, Paramount is a business-friendly, growing community of landscaped boulevards, enhanced police service, parks, recreation programs, affordable housing, public art, and tree-lined neighborhoods with white picket fences. For more information, visit www.paramountcity.com.
Beginning at 11:30 am Lunch Served
RSVP: (562) 634-3980
PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Invites you to attend a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa
Thursday, June 11, 2009
8111 Rosecrans Ave. # C & D 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Lunch Served
RSVP: (562) 634-3980
Monday, May 25, 2009 11:00 am
SBA Loan Changes May Be Opportunity for Your Small Business
It’s been almost three months since President Obama signed a landmark $787 billion effort to stimulate the choking U.S. economy, and many small business owners are still unclear as to how they might take advantage of loan programs, to stimulate their business or simply hold on through tough times.
Here are a few ways that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as a guarantor of loans, is supporting small business needs:
7(a) Loans: These loans can be used to start a new business or to assist in the operation, acquisition or expansion of an existing business. The SBA has raised its guarantee to 90%, meaning a loan of $100,000 would now have $90,000 guaranteed by the SBA. The idea is to reduce the financial risk to banks in hopes of stimulating more lending to small business. Additionally, the SBA guaranty fees paid by borrowers – traditionally up to 3.75% of the loan amount – are temporarily waived for most of these loans, reducing the financial burden to small busi-
ness owners. (Of note, if you paid fees on a 7(a) loan approved since February 17, 2009, you may be eligible for a refund.)
504 Loans: 504 loans are structured to provide small to mid-size businesses the opportunity to purchase fixed assets, such as land, buildings and long-term capital equipment, while assuming a fraction of the risk of traditional loans. The SBA will extend this program so that if your project involves business expansion, you may use up to 50% of the new loan for refinancing of existing debt used to purchase fixed assets. For example, if you are approved for a new $1,000,000 loan through this program to expand your business right now, you may be eligible to refinance up to $500,000 of an existing fixed asset loan at the new, likely lower, interest rate. Additionally, the borrower fees for 504 loans are temporarily waived.
Surety Bonds: Through its Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) Program, the SBA will now guarantee surety bonds for contracts up to $5 million. This new maximum (up from $2 million) will provide more opportunity
to bid on larger contracts, to those small and minority contractors who qualify.
ARC Loans: If your business is having trouble covering its current debt obligations, the SBA’s newest loan program, ARC, may be able to help. The America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loan program will provide up to $35,000 of funding to viable small businesses to make payments on existing, qualifying loans for up to six months. With no payments required for up to 12 months after the loan is fully disbursed, these loans are designed to assist with immediate cash flow needs and help small businesses keep their doors open. Since this is a brand new loan program for the SBA, there will likely be a number of kinks to work out in the coming months as the program is introduced.
While these changes to SBA programs lower the relative risk to lenders and reduce expenses for eligible borrowers, they do not guarantee your small business will receive a loan. In these difficult times, the same rules still apply – you will still need a sound business plan, a track record of success, and
detailed, accurate financials to increase your chances of securing funding from a bank.
For more detailed information on SBA loans, check out the “Services” section of www.sba.gov, or simply call the Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at (562) 570-4574. The SBDC works closely with the SBA and has assisted numerous small business clients in the area with access to the capital needed to sustain and grow.
Bret O’Connor is the Director of the Long Beach Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Business Corner is brought to you by the Long Beach SBDC and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by Long Beach City College, the SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs 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) 570-4574, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.
ITY C OUNCIL A WARDS N IGHT
The City held its first poster contest for Earth Day, which was on April 22, with the theme of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, It’s Easy to do in Paramount.” All the students in the STAR afterschool program were invited to enter, and there were an amazing 1,900 submissions. The top three winners were congratulated, and received their cash prizes, at the Paramount City Council’s April 7 meeting. In the back row, from left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer and Bill Kalpakoff of CalMet Services, which contributed to the prize money. Front row, from left: Rommel Barrantes, Roosevelt School 4th grader, third place; Erick
Garcia, Jefferson School 5th grader, first place; Stephanie Espinoza, Mark Keppel School 6th grader, second place.
April was declared National Donate Life Month by the Council, which highlights the importance of organ, tissue and blood donations for saving lives. Receiving a proclamation was Dave Hollon, former high school classmate of Mayor Diane J. Martinez, who shared his personal story about what organ donations can mean. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Martinez, Hollon and his son, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
The Paramount Lions Club donated $3,000 as a scholarship for the Paramount Education Partnership that will be dedicated to students enrolled in a vocational training program. The Council was joined by Club members, including Councilmember Gene Daniels, who is the club’s president.
The Council was also joined by Sindy Guzman from the Fair Housing Foundation of Long Beach to declare April as Fair Housing Month in Paramount. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Guzman, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Councilmember Dar yl Hofmeyer.
The Council celebrated April 12-18 as National Library Week and also introduced Chris Warburton as the new Library Manager for the Paramount branch. From left: Vice Mayor Tom Hansen, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Diane J. Martinez, Warburton, Councilmember Peggy Lemons, Librarian Assistant Nancy Taylor and Councilmember Daryl Hofmeyer.
Winners of the 11th Annual Paramount Traditional Artists Guild contest for Paramount students were recognized by the Council. For a list of the winners, please see this issue’s Mayor’s Corner.
