P A R A M O U N T
PULSE BEAT
March 2011
Serving the Community Since 1990
www.paramountchamber.com
City Leaders Speak at 2011 State of the City Address
Paramount Chamber President Martin Johnson
T
Lifegate Foursquare Church Pastor Larry Jameson
he Paramount Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual State of the City Address and according to community leaders things are looking good for 2011. The event sponsored by Paramount Petroleum was attended by more than 140 business and community leaders. Representatives from the City, Chamber, School District, and Clergy reported on their activities in 2010 and what the community can expect to see in 2011. Paramount Chamber President Martin Johnson hosted the luncheon and shared information about the Chamber’s recent activities. According to Martin, “It was a tough year for the Chamber. Many of our members felt the impact of a slow economy and had to make major cutbacks to survive. But, I’m happy to report the Chamber doors remain open and things are looking better. Membership is once again on the rise and even in these tough times the Chamber published a new Street Map & Resource Guide thanks to member support. The maps are available free of charge at the Chamber, City Hall and School District.” Pastor Larry Jameson from Lifegate Foursquare Church spoke on behalf of the clergy. Jameson reported, “The churches are working for the people, they are giving, caring, networking, and effective. Churches throughout the city are providing youth ministries, vacation bible school, tutoring programs, basketball programs, food ministries, and more. The churches also work with the
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
PULSE BEAT
15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
PUSD Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo
City each year to coordinate the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Next was Dr. David Verdugo Superintendent for Paramount Unified Schools. Verdugo said student test scores are rising, “For the first time ever the percentage of 9th grade students scoring proficient or higher on the state’s rigorous Algebra I test exceeds California’s results.” In addition to student achievement
Paramount Mayor Tom Hansen
Verdugo spoke about various awards and recognition received by the district including: Gaines School being named a California Distinguished School for exemplary student achievement, the men’s Varsity Soccer Team are CIF Regional and Southern California State Champions, kindergarten students participating in Arts Masters and studying the painting styles of Picasso and Monet. He also
Paramount City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal
spoke about new programs including a pilot program for electronic report cards, community service requirements for graduation, a new Alternative Education Center, and computer labs at PHS and PHS West Campus in which students use web based computer programs to learn Algebra. Dr. Verdugo showed photos of
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Vickie Dove and Bob Olson along with five other members of the Emmanuel Reformed Church Choir make their way through the audience singing, This Little Light of Mine Iʼm Going to Let it Shine.
What’s inside Ask The Expert...........................10 Business Card Directory..............12-13 Business Corner..........................11 Cityscape...................................15
Help wanted................................ 9 Mayors Corner............................. 3 Members Only..............................14 New Members...............................10
On Patrol...................................... 4 PEP.................................................7 Service Clubs.................................13