A LOOK BACK AT 2018 IN PARAMOUNT PUBLIC SAFETY EFFORTS CONTINUE TO PAY DIVIDENDS Paramount’s number-one priority is protecting the community. The partnership with the Sheriff’s Department produced another substantial decline in Part 1 crimes last year. • 2017 to 2018, 9% reduction, including a 50% drop in homicides and a 22% decrease in auto theft. • 2009 to 2018, 14% decline. Fighting gangs through GRIP in schools and with specialized programs with the Sheriff’s Department has been a focus in Paramount for many years, and has made a difference.
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY There was extensive outreach, engagement, and connectivity between the City and the community in 2018. • City Council meetings began live-streaming on YouTube and Spectrum cable, then archived on YouTube. (Council meetings, first Tuesday of the month, 6:00 p.m.; third Tuesday of the month, 5:00 p.m. Youtube.com/cityofparamount, Spectrum Channel 36.) • Clutter Free, Paramount was a one-stop-shop for residents to drop off unwanted bulky items, e-waste, green waste, and documents for shredding. • Eco-Friendly Fair coincided with Earth Day.
• In 2009 there were 145 gang-related crimes. • In 2018 there were eight, a remarkable decrease of 94%.
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• Arbor Day Tree Planting saw teams of volunteers adding 180 trees to the City’s urban forest. • Annual Heritage Festival celebrated our history and diverse cultures. • Annual summer concert series was held in Progress Park.
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Overall, crime is at unprecedented low levels. • 1970: population 35,000; 1,579 crimes. • 2018: population 55,000; 1,761 crimes. • Nearly 50 years ago, there were 45 crimes committed for every thousand people in Paramount. • Today, there are 32 for every thousand people.
• Veterans Day Breakfast and Fair took place in Paramount Park. • Holiday events featured the 50th Anniversary of the beloved Santa Train. • Public forums gained input from residents on programs affecting Paramount including … - The City’s new Paramount in Motion transit offerings. - Metro’s light-rail line coming through town. - A plan to assist the homeless