In April, the Paramount City Council held its annual reorganization meeting, and it was my honor to be selected as your mayor for the next year. I thank my fellow Councilmembers for the opportunity. The Council also elected Daryl Hofmeyer as Vice Mayor.
This is a great community full of committed individuals all devoted to creating positive activity for residents and businesses. I’ve lived in this town since I was four years old and have seen the ups and the downs. Our steady progress over the last few decades is something of which we can all be proud.
I’m looking forward very much to my upcoming year of service. It’ll be my distinct pleasure to share the news of Paramount with you in these pages as we travel along.
SASSFA Helping Paramount Job Seekers
The Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA) is looking for Paramount residents, both youth and adults, for a few of the employment-related programs that it provides locally.
If you are an adult that has been laid off from your job, or been out of work for an extended period of time, you may be eligible for WIA vocational training at no cost.
SASSFA is currently recruiting for its in-school youth program, which is focused on students that are interested in continuing their education. There is also the Summer Youth Work Experience program starting in May that, this year, is geared toward young people whose parents are receiving Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF).
For more information on all of SASSFA’s
programs, please call (562) 633-9511, ext. 225, or visit the office at 15538 Colorado Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723.
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 12th annual show – 11 Paramount K-8 schools, four middle schools, Paramount High, Paramount High West Campus, Buena Vista High, St. Matthias and Our Lady of the Rosary all took part. There were a record 1,145 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 a photo elsewhere in this issue of the Pulse Beat.) Congratulations to all!
1st-Place Winners
1st Grade – Yennifer Uriarte (Mark Keppel)
2nd Grade – Noe Zambrano (Roosevelt)
3rd Grade – Nicole Zuniga (Hollydale)
6th Grade – Alexia Lozano (Hollydale)
8th Grade – Rogelio Resendiz (Paramount Park)
9th Grade – Mark Penaojas (PHS West Campus)
11th Grade –Clarissa Rodriquez (St. Matthias)
12th Grade – Amy Jimenez (PHS)
Special Award Winners
Best Use of Color – Diana Martinez (8th grade – Paramount Park)
Best Composition – Laura Diaz (8th grade – OLR)
Chamber of Commerce – Leslie Saavedra (3rd grade – OLR)
Superintendent’s Award – Alejandra Garcia (6th grade – Paramount Park)
Chairman’s Award – Jamie Maro (11th grade – PHS)
Commissioner’s Award – Edgar Gomez (7th grade – Zamboni)
Mayor’s Award – Christopher Perez (4th grade – OLR)
Women of the Year
Congratulations are due to Paramount residents Deborah Jameson and Maricela
Parga who were named 2010 Women of the Year for the 27th Senate District by State Senator Alan Lowenthal. They were part of a group honored as remarkable women whose contributions and service to their community have improved the lives of many.
Deborah, who is a pastor with the Lifegate Foursquare Church, has volunteered countless hours over the past 23 years, and has served as an Ambassador with the Paramount Chamber of Commerce since 2008.
Maricela has been a tireless advocate for education in our community, working closely with the Paramount Education Partnership. She has also been involved with coordinating a conference for Latina women that focuses on self improvement, parenting skills and the value of education.
Paramount is lucky to have such dedicated people working continually to make things better and better in our town.
May is Water Awareness Month
Since 1989, May has been declared Water Awareness Month in California, since it’s the time when water use, especially outdoor use, begins to increase. Consumers need to be reminded of the importance of using water wisely.
With the state’s current drought and a looming water supply allocation plan for Southern California, the conservation of our most precious resource has never been more vital to securing the health and well-being
of our communities.
Visit www.wateraware.org and www. bewaterwise.com for a variety of tips on saving water.
There are rebates available to Paramount residents also through both the Metropolitan Water District and Central Basin Municipal Water District for new toilets, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rotating nozzles. For details on qualifying products, amounts of rebates and other details, please visit www.bewaterwise.com or www.centralbasin.org.
Online Sign Ups for Recreation Programs
Beginning on May 17, Paramount residents will be able to sign up for our Recreation Department’s summer offerings, including swimming lessons, on the City’s website. This early-bird registration will last for a week and is only available to Paramount residents or PUSD students. You must come into the Recreation Department office at 15300 Downey Ave. to open an online account. You need to bring proof of residency or PUSD enrollment and proof of age with you to qualify for the early-bird opportunities.
Beginning on May 24, registration is open to all, and can be conducted both online and in person at the Department office. For more information, please call (562) 220-2121. The City website is at www. paramountcity.com.
Mayor, Tom Hansen
DUI Checkpoint to be Held On May 5
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in the City of Paramount will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Wednesday, May 5, from 6 p.m. till 2 a.m. at 7210 Rosecrans Ave.
The message on this Cinco de Mayo is that drunk driving won’t be tolerated. If you drive drunk, we will be looking for you. If you’re over the limit and we catch you, you will be arrested.
Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes and the Sheriff’s Department, along with the Paramount Public Safety Department, will be conducting the DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver before their first drink is taken. Funding for the checkpoint is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said Captain Christy Guyovich of the L.A. Sheriff’s Department. “Violators will face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are caught over the limit, you will be placed under arrest.
“Law enforcement everywhere is asking for the community’s help; if you see a drunk driver – call 911,” Captain Guyovich continued. “In addition to this checkpoint I’ve asked everyone in my department to focus additional efforts toward removing an impaired driver during the campaign period and every day they are on patrol.”
For more information, visit www. StopImpairedDriving.org and www.califor-
niaavoid.org or call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.
First Quarter Stats Continue Downward Trend
The new year is off to a great start in Paramount when it comes to crime statistics.
For the first quarter of 2010, compared with the first quarter of last year, Part 1 crimes (which consist of crimes against property and crimes against persons) decreased overall by 26%.
There was a 30% decrease in crimes against persons (homicide, rape, assault and robbery) and a 25% decrease in property crimes such as burglary, theft, and auto theft and arson.
For the first quarter there was a decrease in each of the Part 1 Crime categories. During the same timeframe there was also a slight decrease in overall calls for service. The Paramount Public Safety Team continues its proactive efforts and utilizing crime analysis and regional resources, an approach that has had obviously successful results.
Click It or Ticket Campaign
The Click It or Ticket Campaign that began in November of 2009 will continue in town through September of this year. From December 2009 through March 2010, deputies worked overtime to strictly enforce seatbelt laws in Paramount. This enforcement, which is funded entirely through a state grant, is aimed at increasing the use of seatbelts and decreasing the injuries and fatalities that occur when motorists and passengers do not use seatbelts.
Deputies who worked this special enforcement issued a total of 283 citations, 173 of which were issued for seatbelt violations.
The Council made a number of presentations to community members at the meeting.
The Paramount Lion’s Club gave a donation of $9,000 for three scholarships that will be offered through the Paramount Education Partnership for students enrolled in vocational training programs. Club members and Councilmember Gene Daniels (who is the Club president) joined the Council and PEP Boardmember Dr. Max Martinez and Vice Chair Erin Stibal for the presentation.
April was declared Fair Housing Month in Paramount by the Council. Maria Benitez from the Fair Housing Foundation of Long Beach was on hand to accept a proclamation. From left, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Tom Hansen, Benitez, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.
Winners of the annual Paramount Traditional Artists Guild contest for local students were recognized by the Council, the Paramount Board of Education, School District officials and John Nowlin of the Guild. The 12th annual show featured work from students in kindergarten through high school.
Also recognized were winners of the City’s 2nd annual poster contest for Earth Day. The top three were chosen from 1,500 submissions. The contest was co-sponsored by CalMet Services. From left, 1st-place winner Alberto Torres, a 5th grader at Mokler, second-place winner Christopher Garcia, 7th grader at Paramount Park, and third-place winner Michelle Sosa, a 7th-grader from Paramount Park School.
The Paramount High School boys soccer team, which won the CIF State Division 1 regional championship, was honored by the Council, School Board and District officials.
April was recognized as National Donate Life Month, which highlights the importance of organ, tissue and blood donations for saving lives. Judi Woodford, who is the mother of a donor, accepted the City’s proclamation. From left, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Tom Hansen, Woodford, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.
Public Safety Commissioner Brenda Olmos was named the 52nd Assembly District’s “Woman of the Year” by Assemblymember Isadore Hall. She has been a tireless volunteer in Paramount with the Soroptimists, the Chamber of Commerce, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, the American Red Cross and Girls Fastpitch Softball. The Council commended her on the honor. From left, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Tom Hansen, Olmos, Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.
Paramount Branch Library Manager Amy Boteilho received a proclamation celebrating April 11-17 as National Library Week. From left, Councilmember Diane J. Martinez, Councilmember Gene Daniels, Mayor Tom Hansen, Boteilho, Ethel Hillyard and Betty Harkema (both Women’s Club members who volunteer at the library), Councilmember Peggy Lemons and Vice Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer.
Sheriff Department Deputies Ryan Maddex and Darrin Offringa were commended for their superlative police work as part of the City’s Public Safety Team.
Deputy Rodrigo Ortiz was also given a commendation for his excellent law enforcement work in Paramount.
PEP Scholarships Help Dreams Come True, So Apply
The PEP Dollars For Scholars program provides financial assistance to local students who might otherwise be unable to obtain a college education. The scholarships also reward and recognize superior academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities.
Many of the recipients are the first members of their family to have the desire or the opportunity to attend college. Some come from a background of extreme poverty and little support for higher education.
These students might find themselves asking, “Why is it important to go to college?” Fortunately for them, they ultimately realize that education serves as the means to bring about desired change in society and contributes to the development of quality individuals. Education opens doors for new opportunities in various fields. Education helps realize goals.
For this reason, we encourage City of Paramount residents or other students from the Paramount Unified School District to apply for the PEP annual scholarships. Our goal is to make education beyond high school financially accessible to all students.
We are proud to offer various scholarships: $1,000 for students attending a community college and $3,000 for students attending an accredited four-year institution within the U.S, including vocational/ trade/technical schools.
Applications are available at http://www.paramountcity.com/ps.parksrecreation. cfm?ID=29 . The deadline is May 17, 2010.
The Paramount business community is also invited to join our cause by sponsoring this year’s 7th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser, Hawaiian Casino Night, on Friday, June 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We hope that you will join our efforts in strengthening the economic future of our community.
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Suleyma Rosales, recreation supervisor, at (562) 743-5573 or e-mail at srosales@paramountcity.com. You can also download the event sponsorship form at http://www.paramountcity.com/ps.parksrecreation.cfm?ID=29 .
P ARAMOUNT C ITY C OUNCIL A WARDS N IGHT
The Paramount City Council held its annual Mayoral Transition/Reorganization meeting on April 6, 2010. A number of presentations were made to outgoing Mayor Diane J. Martinez celebrating her term over the past year.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. Jesse Cheng, representing Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. Luis Marquez, representing State Senator Alan Lowenthal.
Captain Christy Guyovich of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant Chief Roy Dull of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the fire fighters of Station 31.
Max Reyes, representing State Assemblymember Isadore Hall.
Martin Johnson, President of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. Incoming Mayor Tom Hansen.
Kimberly’s Dance Studio Students Showcase Talent at
the L.A. Clippers
Students from Kimberly’s Dance Studio recently showcased their talent at the Los Angeles Clippers Primetime Show; they did an amazing job displaying their talent at the world famous Staples Center. According to studio owner/operator Kimberly Gonzalez “The girls worked really hard and their dedication paid off, the Clippers staff was thrilled with their performance and has invited us back next season for a half-time performance.”
Paramount’s Got Talent
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”
Senior center participants demonstrate their talent by sketching former Mayor Diane Martinez. Pictured in back row from left: Larna Norman, Former Mayor Diane Martinez and Art Instructor RJ LeDoux. Front row from left: Rachel Brady, Vivian Daniels, Dorothy White and Thiamchi Chanpimpab.
What is your objection to term life insurance?
By Luis Acosta (562) 531-1900 State Farm® agent
One objection to purchasing term life insurance is just that: when the term is over, the policy is finished. That’s it. No more coverage.
Many people I’ve talked with about term insurance worry they will outlive the policy period and ‘waste their money’ on something they didn’t need. It can be difficult to counter these arguments except by explaining how term insurance can be an affordable way to provide life insurance coverage for a specific time period.
Until now. Insurance companies are offering term policies that actually return the premiums you’ve paid after the level premium period ends. In other words, if you purchase a 20-year term policy and are still living when the 20 year level premium period ends, the
premiums you paid will be returned to you, in many cases free of federal income tax.
Those returned premiums can have a number of uses. If you still need life insurance you could purchase another policy. You could also use the premiums that are returned to pay down your mortgage or even add to your retirement savings.
Life insurance can provide peace of mind that your loved ones’ financial burdens may be eased if you are no longer there. The benefit provided by life insurance can help keep dreams alive.
One objection to buying term life insurance has been addressed by a policy that may return the premiums you paid.
Ask an insurance professional about a product that provides needed life insurance coverage but has the potential to return your premiums at the end of the term.
Volunteers from the Paramount Womens Club provided refreshments for the annual Traditional Art Show: Seated, from left: Helen Melton, Betty Harkema, President Ella Marie Bailey. Standing: Laura Oropez, Gerda Trutzl and Shirley Elliott.
10 Tips for Avoiding Burnout
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
Whether your company is in its fledgling stages or beyond, running a business is stressful. Many entrepreneurs suffer burnout—becoming so exhausted, they lose their entrepreneurial passion. Here are 10 tips to help you avoid burnout.
1. Keep a time log. For two weeks, write down how you spend your time. Which tasks take longer than they should? What are you wasting time on? What’s consistently getting pushed to the bottom of your “to-do” list?
2. Prioritize. There’s a saying that 80 percent of your results come from 20 percent of your efforts. Focus on those clients, projects and actions that give you the best return on investment.
3. Delegate. Many entrepreneurs burn out because they refuse to let go of any aspect of the business. As your company grows, you must bring on people to ease your burden. If you can’t afford fulltime employees, try outsourcing.
4. Set boundaries. Entrepreneurs don’t work 9 to 5, but you must set limits so you’re not focused on business 24 hours a day. For instance, you might set aside 90 minutes for dinner and family time every weeknight.
5. Take regular breaks. Powering through the workday without a break may seem efficient, but research shows that after 60 to 90 minutes of focus, your productivity peaks. Take a quick break to do something relaxing.
6. Take care of yourself. Proper diet, adequate sleep and regular exercise are essential to functioning at your peak. Making time for these things is an investment in your business.
7. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” It’s hard to turn down work, but before you take on a new project, do a quick calculation of your return on investment. If the new job will cause total overload, it may be better to turn it down.
8. Hold weekly meetings. When you’re swamped, meeting every week may seem like a waste of time. But that’s exactly when you need to meet so you can assess, reprioritize and stay on track.
9. Make for yourself. Whether it’s a long weekend, an afternoon off or an actual vacation, take time to rest and rejuvenate. Put time off on your calendar and treat it as you would any other appointment. You’ll come back re-energized.
10. Get support. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely. You bear great responsibility, but often, there’s no one to share your worries with. Bottled-up emotions accelerate burnout. Find someone you can talk to about your feelings, whether it’s a mentor, a friend or a therapist.
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 Di-
rector 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 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) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.
