P A R A M O U N T
PULSE BEAT March 2012
Serving the Community Since 1990
www.paramountchamber.com
State of the City - Paramount’s Tradition of Working Together Will Continue
Paramount Chamber President Leonard Crespo
D
espite revenue losses and a tough economy the future of Paramount looks bright. That was the overall message from speakers at the Paramount Chamber State of the City Address sponsored by Paramount Petroleum. Paramount Chamber President Leonard Crespo began the event with a Chamber activity report that included: Co-sponsoring more than 30 events including ribbon cuttings and business workshops. Promoting the economy with; networking events, welcome packets, and publication of a new business directory as well as the Pulse Beat. Crespo also talked about special events put on by the Chamber including a Job Fair, Fiesta, and annual Awards Luncheon. He went on to say that working together with the City of Paramount on programs such as PEP (Paramount Education Partnership) and the recent Purchase it in Paramount program are all part of the synergy that is Paramount. Following president Crespo was Lifegate Foursquare Church Pastor Larry Jameson. Jameson spoke on behalf of the churches in Paramount and their efforts to serve the community. He said the churches offer a variety of programs including: Food banks, basketball min-
Pastor Larry Jameson
istries, tutoring programs, and fall festivals. In addition the churches work hand-in-hand with the City providing hundreds of volunteers each year for Pitch in Paramount, a clean-up program that helps seniors and deserving families with property maintenance issues. Next was Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo. Verdugo reported that the district is dealing with budget cuts and having to make tough decisions. However, there was also a lot of good news; test scores continue to rise in Mathematics and English Language Arts. This year there were more student award winners in MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Association) than in the history of the program. Jenny Herrera was awarded a scholarship to Julliard Dance Academy. Paramount High Men’s Soccer team were back to back CIF Champions. Paramount High students won numerous awards in graphic design at both local and national competitions, and Paramount High has a new Medical Career/Science building, Field House, Library, and Stadium. Closing the program was Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer and City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal. Hofmeyer said the loss of redevelopment funds will have an impact
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
PULSE BEAT
15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
PUSD Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo
Paramount Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer
on Paramount but solid financial planning over the years will allow the City to move forward. City Manager Benedetti-Leal said “There is a Paramount tradition of working together across all sectors – our residents, government, the schools, business community and faith based groups...that is our core strength.” She went on to report that crime continues to drop, the STAR and PEP education programs are running at full
City Manger Linda Benedetti-Leal
capacity, a grant for $4.5 milling from the state will build a new fitness park, construction of a new water well has been completed. Sales tax revenue is up thanks to the addition of new retail stores, and the Paramount Pond received a facelift. The consensus was Paramount will continue its tradition of working together and those partnerships will ensure a positive future for Paramount.
Thank You VMB!
Special thanks to VMB Ice Sculptures for their donation of two beautiful ice sculptures for the State of the City Address event.
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