Marukan Vinegar Makes Generous Donation to Revamped Paramount Education Partnership
Marukan Vinegar (USA), Inc., a longtime presence on the Paramount business scene, has shown its commitment to the City’s efforts at promoting education by donating $100,000 to the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP). The contribution helped mark Marukan’s 35th anniversary in town.
PEP had its origins in 2002 when more than 500 parents, business people, clergy, teachers, school administrators, city staff and students came together for a series of public meetings to answer the question: “How can we dramatically increase educational attainment in our community?”
From these discussions grew a strategy and a plan that became the basis for the Paramount Education Partnership, a collaboration between the City of Paramount, the Paramount Unified School District, Paramount Chamber of Commerce, and the non-profit Gateway Cities Partnership, Inc. Its overall mission has been to stress the importance of continuing education as an economic improvement tool for all residents.
Six Years of Accomplishments
Since its inception, PEP has opened facilities and created an ar-
Assistant General Manager Tosh
National Sales Manager Jon Tanklage.
ray of programs serving thousands of Paramount kids and adults. For instance, two Community Learning Resource Centers have provided training and activities to enhance reading, writing, and mathematics for 2,300 K-8th students since 2004, not to mention homework help five days a week for students from kindergarten through high school (over 4,000 sessions, with an average attendance of 30 per session, since 2005).
The CLRCs have also been utilized by hundreds of adults to increase their basic English skills, as well as gain computer literacy.
More than 1,400 Paramount middle schoolers have taken part in MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Academy) since 2003. Held on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, MESA prepares kids for possible careers in math and science. The Saturday classes, spread throughout the year, also offer important, inspirational exposure to a college setting.
Out in the community, PEP promotores have spread the word about educational opportunities and
the tools needed to succeed. Workshops have been held to specifically inform Latina women and their families on the education-related resources available locally.
The annual PEP auction has brought in substantial amounts of money to fund scholarships for Paramount students attending community college, trade school or university. To date, 61 scholarships totaling $183,000 have been awarded.
Plans For Growth
Now, as PEP enters its 7th year, a change in its administration has produced a review of its mission and an eagerness to further amplify its reach and influence.
The Gateway Cities Partnership, Inc. has closed, and the City of Paramount is now running the program. In addition, the Paramount Chamber of Commerce Business Participation
See PEP on page 5
Representatives of Marukan Vinegar (USA), Inc., which has been located in Paramount for 35 years, present a donation of $100,000 to City officials for the Paramount Education Partnership. From left: City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal, Marukan’s
Zamoto, Marukan president and COO Junichi Oyama, Mayor Gene Daniels, and Marukan
Paramount City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal addresses the Paramount Chamber of Commerce Business Participation Committee on new PEP developments and plans for the educational outreach program.
Mayor, Gene Daniels
Education Month in Paramount
To emphasis how important and valuable education and schooling is for the entire community, the City of Paramount marks each September as Education Month. This year, there will be a number of special occasions celebrating students and teachers in our town.
Teachers of the Year
Kicking off Education Month, the Paramount City Council and the Paramount Unified School District Board of Education will honor the educators who inspire our children to learn at the Council’s September 2 meeting at City Hall. The following individuals have been named Teachers of the Year for each school by the District, and they will be receiving special recognition.
Theresa Ybarra Early Childhood Education
Maria Enciso Alondra
Sandra Gonzalez Collins
Tracy Espina Gaines
Michelle Cribari Hollydale
Kim Karnsrithong Jackson
Dolores Barrios Jefferson
Cindy Tsang Keppel
Xiomara Mateo-Gaxiola Lakewood
Joseph Jackson
Lincoln
Marya Hughes Los Cerritos
Shelley Monroe
Mokler
Teresa Reno
Paramount Park
Julie Quintero
Roosevelt
Maria Loredo
Tanner
Marisa Loza
Wirtz
Delia Kiely
Zamboni
Garett Lepper
Buena Vista
Cara Cruzan
Paramount High West
David Yakubovsky
Paramount High Senior
Jose Lino Vargas
Adult Education Center
The commitment of these dedicated professionals to the education and advancement of our kids is commendable. Congratulations!
Education and Safety Fair
Paramount’s annual Community Education and Safety (or Safe and Smart) Fair will be held in Paramount Park on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will feature area colleges and trade schools, as well as service clubs with details about scholarship programs for local students. Public safety agencies and safetyrelated businesses will also take part, and offer employment information.
A special attraction this year will be a “College Preparation” area set up by U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez that will provide tips to students and parents about how to best go about getting ready for continuing your education past high school. Also featured will be information about applying for financial aid. Those staffing the booth will be bi-lingual in English and Spanish.
Music and entertainment for the day will be provided by local performance groups. Plus, the winners of the Earth Day T-Shirt Design Contest from all District schools will be recognized by the City Council and Board of Education. (The top winner will have their design reproduced on the City’s Earth Day t-shirt in 2009.) Honored, as well, will be the top students from each grade from each school in the District.
For more information, call (562) 220-2121.
Pennies For PEP
Also as part of Education Month, the annual Pennies for PEP (Paramount Education Partnership) fundraiser is taking place in all District schools from September 2 through October 3.
Every student, teacher and staff member will have the chance to drop their extra pennies into containers placed in each K-8th classroom. The class that raises the most money will be recognized at the November City Council meeting.
The donated money will be put toward funding PEP scholarships for Paramount students attending college.
Eco-Friendly Businesses
The Industrial Waste Section of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County presents annual “Good Corporate Citizen” awards to businesses that are in compliance with industrial wastewater discharge requirements. More than 1,000 com-
panies in the county are eligible for this honor, but only a few hundred actually earn it.
This year, seven are from Paramount. These businesses have shown outstanding social responsibility and conscientious protection of the environment by properly discharging their industrial wastewater, which keeps it off our beaches and out of the ocean. They deserve a big thank you.
The Paramount companies are: Braun Towel & Linen Service Co.; Carlton Forge Works; Durkee Testing Laboratories; Jayone Foods, Inc.; Leavitt’s Metal Finishing; S T & I, Inc.; and Shell Oil Products US.
Paramount on the Web
In case you haven’t seen the City’s recently re-designed website, visit us at www.paramountcity.com. You can find a schedule of public meetings, a list of recreation offerings, descriptions of City programs and services, ways to contact your Councilmembers, and much, much more.
That’s www.paramountcity.com.
ACCOUNTING & INCOME TAX
Neighborhood Watch
– the Eyes and Ears of the Community
In Paramount, there are almost 40 active Neighborhood Watch teams operating throughout the City to provide extra eyes and ears for the Sheriff’s Department. The Neighborhood Watch Program is a partnership in crime prevention. Residents come to know their neighbors, look out for each other’s welfare and property, and report suspicious activities. And it works – on average, areas with active Neighborhood Watch participation have much less crime than those without it.
Each local group is headed up by a block captain. Block captains help to organize the teams and are a link back to the broader community. Among their duties are distributing crime prevention literature to other residents and serving as the civilian public safety contact for their block with the Paramount Sheriff’s Station.
The Sheriff’s Department needs everyone’s help in protecting our community, because a deputy cannot be present everywhere at all times. And since neighbors know better than anyone what happens in their own neighborhood, this is a good way to help with public safety.
Apart from crime deterrence, Neighborhood Watch groups can also help residents prepare for natural disasters and set up plans for checking on neighbors after disasters have hit.
Anyone in town can become a part of Paramount’s Neighborhood Watch program. Call the Public Safety Department at (562) 220-2002 to arrange for City staff to help you organize the residents on your street. Our Neighborhood Watch Coordinator is Angel Arredondo.
The Importance of Reporting Crime
Remember, too, that keeping track of crime statistics is a necessary public safety tool. When victims report a crime that has been committed against them it gives the police information that helps track local trends and may also prompt investigations that can lead to clues in capturing wrongdoers.
Sometimes, however, in the case of minor crimes – such as car burglaries where the value of the stolen property is less than an insurance policy’s deductible amount – people may not report the offense, deeming it a waste of time.
But filing a police report doesn’t mean you have to also file a claim with your insurance company. And having a realistic sense of crime trends and statistics in any community is very important for law enforcement. That’s why it’s essential that you report every crime to the Sheriff’s Department.
PEP from page 1
Committee, which is made up of companies that have played a role in PEP and given financial support, is redoubling its efforts to enlist more involvement of the business community to act as crucial links between Paramount students and the world of commerce. It was in this spirit that Marukan Vinegar made its substantial donation.
As part of this “re-invigoration” process, the City has remodeled the Paramount Petroleum Community Learning Resource Center at Spane Park and is upgrading computer software to align with similar software used by the School District. (This will also boost the tracking of student progress.)
There will be integration with the City/School District STAR (Success Through Academics & Recreation) After School Program that will see teachers and other school personnel referring a wider range of students
to PEP and its resources. The School District, which has taken financial responsibility for MESA, hopes to extend it all the way through high school, thus bringing its potentially career-altering benefits to even more students.
The promotores team will be expanded, with a consequently larger presence in the community. And due to consolidations that will come with the City’s administrative role, an even higher percentage of funds raised can be allocated to scholarships.
The Paramount Education Partnership has always been a unique enterprise in the arena of public/ private affiliations. Ambitious in its vision, productive in its initial achievements, it remains an enterprise full of long-term promise and the ability to change lives. As with any complex project, a periodic renewal of plans and goals is a necessary, healthy thing. For PEP, that process is now underway, with the robust dedication of this City’s diverse community.
Real Italian Food at a Reasonable Price- That’s Café Corleone
For nearly 40-years Chef Salvatore Alongi has been preparing fine Italian food in cooperation with his partner and wife Alicia. They are a real team, Alicia sees to the customers needs while Sal prepares delectable Italian dishes that delight the palate. Over the years they have owned and operated several restaurants and are now offering fine dining in the City of Paramount.
Chef Salvatore is from Sicily a fantastic Mediterranean island with miles and miles of vineyards and olive groves. The island is home to Venus, the Goddess of Love. This is appropriate because that is what Sal puts into every dish he prepares, lots of love. From his authentic pastas and salads to the pizza critic Merrill Schindler said is, “still one of the best in Los Angeles.”
Going to Café Corleone is like visiting a real Italian bistro, from the checked tablecloths, to the warm bread and authentic Italian wines. The food is made to order and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Whether you’re look-
ing for a fine Italian meal or a great pasta dish, “made the way an Italian grandma would be proud of” according to food critic Barbara Demming Lurie, you’re sure to enjoy your dining experience. Don’t fill up on the pasta; you’ll want to save room for dessert. Try a homemade Sicilian Canoli or a Tiramisu made with imported mascarpone, either way you’re in for a treat. The menu at Café Corleone is
diverse and offers a wide selection of Italian entrees such as: seafood, chicken, lamb, veal, and a variety of vegetarian dishes. In addition to dining in you can also order take out for your home or office, Café Corleone will be happy to bring you one of their piping hot pizzas. Consider trying the pizza which earned an award from Good Morning America as one of the best pizzas in Los Angeles, the Pescatora Pizza- topped with a variety of seafood’s. Free delivery is available for customers within a three mile radius. The restaurant also offers full service catering for weddings or private parties.
Café Corleone can be found at 15337 Paramount Blvd., between Jefferson and Somerset in Paramount. You can learn more about menu selections by visiting their website at cafecorleonerestaurant. com, for more information or to place an order call 562.408.6100.
Testimonials:
We love Salvatore’s pizza. We are from Chicago, and we should know a
good pizza. Salvatore makes the best pizza in the area.
Submitted by: Anne & Dave Bratoli
In the 11 years I lived in LA I found Chef Salvatore’s restaurant the finest in the area. When it comes to Italian Seafood dishes, there are none better than his. His daily specialties are truly a feat to behold. The minestrone soup, salmon and garlic bread alla Gary are especially delicious. I have dined in some of the finest establishments in the world and Chef Salvatore rates with the best. I have since moved to the Northern New Jersey area, filled with fine Italian dining, yet I still miss my Friday evenings with Salvatore.
Submitted by: Gary J De Blasio
To all transplanted New YorkersMany restaurants in So Cal advertise “New Your Style” pizza, but they are invariably disappointing Salvatore’s pizza is the real thing!
Submitted by: Nikki Goodrich
Chef Salvatore Alongi
Paramount Lions Treat Families to Angels Victory
On Saturday, August 23, the City of Paramount transported 100 residents to a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim game versus the Minnesota Twins, courtesy of the Paramount Lions Club.
As they have for many years, the Paramount Lions graciously donated Angels game tickets for Paramount residents to enjoy.
The day started off with a bus
Paramount Elks
52nd Annual Deep Pit BBQ
8108 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Food served 4:00 – 8:00 pm
For Information: 562-633-1804
Adults: $8.50 Children: $4:00
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Free & Fee Based
Workshops
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
Business Resource Center 15357 Paramount Blvd., Paramount
Upcoming Business Workshops
Reservations are required. * Workshops are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. All workshops are in English unless specified
Smart Marketing and Promotional Tactics
Tuesday September 30, 2008 Workshop Fee: $40
In this session we explore marketing ideas for the small business. Topics to be discussed include: Analyze who customer is, How to reach the customer, Develop a marketing budget, Marketing effectiveness analysis, Marketing strategies. (This workshop will also be offered on Wednesday, November 19, 2008)
Reservations are required. Workshops are from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
For more information call 562-634-3980 x10 or email mvillasenor@paramountchamber.co m
Workshops Presented by the SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
Please make check payable to SBDC
**Free One-on-One Business Counseling Also Available** ($25 deposit required, to be returned after appointment ends)
ride from Paramount Park to Angels Stadium. Attendees met City Recreation staff under the “Big A” for a small tailgate party. Hot dogs, chips and beverages were provided while families
socialized before the game.
The Paramount Lions picked an excellent day at the ballpark, with the Angels pulling off a 7-5 victory over the Twins.
Richard Hollingsworth of Gateway Cities Partnership and PEP Dies
Richard Hollingsworth, the president of Gateway Cities Partnership, Inc. (GCP) and a major advocate for economic development and education issues in the Southeast Los Angeles County area, passed away on August 5 as a result of pancreatic cancer. He was 55.
Hollingsworth – an Irish immigrant who came to the U.S. in 1983 – had a strong impact locally as the head of the Paramount Education Partnership (PEP), a collaboration between the City, the Paramount Unified School District, Paramount Chamber of Commerce, and GCP. PEP’s goal has been to promote the importance of continuing education for all residents in the City as a way to further economic success.
In his native country, Hollingsworth served as chief of staff to the Minister for Industry and Energy in the Irish government. Upon arrival in the States, he joined leading home builder Kaufman and Broad, worked for international transportation firms, and taught in the Global Logistics Specialist program at California State University, Long Beach before starting the GCP in 1998. It was there that he was able to implement his vision and deeply held conviction that the region’s poorer communities needed a stronger emphasis on education, jobs and decent housing – tools for residents to better forge their own economic destinies. Over the years, the GCP has raised and distributed millions of dollars for programs that have aided these communities with vocational training and other job-related resources.
It was in this spirit that PEP was formed six years ago. The Partnership’s programs and facilities have reached thousands of Paramount children and adults with a focus on improving their
educational attainment and job-market potential. To honor his work, the City and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce gave Hollingsworth the 2008 Mayor’s Award for businessperson of the year.
“He brought a real passion to everything he did,” said Paramount Mayor Gene Daniels. “Our City was fortunate to benefit from his energy and vision, and his ability to get things done.”
Hollingsworth was known for his dry wit, way with a joke and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife, Marianne Venieris; two daughters, Aoife and Lisa; three step-sons, Ian Jones, Ion Venieris and Patrick Venieris; grandson Dylan Brooks; his brother, Dr. Jack; and sister, Marie; along with numerous nephews and nieces.
The family requests friends kindly consider donations to the Richard Hollingsworth Professional Development Scholarship Fund at CSULB. For more information, please contact Angeli Logan at (562) 985-2874 or alogan@uces. csulb.edu
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.
INCOME TAX PREPARATION. Experienced tax preparers preferred. Training available. (562) 630-4004
EXPERIENCED OR NEW TRAVEL AGENTS. Hands on training available. Bi-lingual in Spanish is required. (562) 630-4500
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 Fax:
Richard Hollingsworth
How to Have Good Selling in a Small Retail Store
It’s tough for the small retailer to compete with larger firms. Large stores generally dominate advertising space, have a greater assortment of merchandise and can offer lower prices. But good personal selling is hard to find in the larger store. This is an area where the small retailer can compete effectively.
Good selling matches customer need with the proper merchandise or service. The salesperson that makes a good match both completes the sale and creates a satisfied customer. To make the match, a salesperson must understand what a customer needs and be knowledgeable about the merchandise. Then that salesperson must demonstrate that the merchandise meets the customer’s needs.
Training is an all important factor in developing a competent sales staff. Sales training for the small retailer need not be a formal, highly structured affair. It may be as simple as role playing, which can be effective in demonstrating various sales situations from the customers’ viewpoint. Continued training should be provided through sales meetings, scheduled at least once weekly. Each should have a specific theme or focus, such as features of
new products, new merchandising strategies or store policies.
You also need a sound compensation program for your sales force- one that will really provide motivation. Financial rewards are often thought of as the only method of compensation, but don’t overlook personal recognition. On an informal basis, there are simple statements of appreciation- some thanks for a job well done. On a more formal basis you may want to provide occasional special recognition, such as an award for sales performance of the month or usually meritorious service. In a small store, you should generally be able to make your own performance evaluations through sales records or observation. However, you do have another option: use a shopping service. Such services will send a professional shopper who will observe your sales staff and report on the service they receive. Whatever method you choose, make sure you tell your employees when they are hired what methods you will be using to evaluate their performance.
Submitted by: SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives)
CITY SERVICES
•
•