P a r a m o u n t
pulse Beat
March 2018
Serving the Community Since 1990
www.paramountchamber.com
State of the City Address 2018 Paramount Chamber President Brenda Olmos began the 2018 State of the City Address by thanking the event sponsor AltAir Paramount. Olmos went on to remind everyone about our Healthy Paramount Initiative as the sponor gift was a pedometer for each guest. They were honored to have some breif comments and encouraging words from Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. She remarked about the many improvements and accomplishments that have gone on this last year. Roybal-Allard also commented that Paramount is “becoming an increasingly more exciting and viable city” and “extremely important not just for the residents, but for our entire region”. Our first presenter was President Brenda Olmos who shared a look at the “Paramount Chamber of Commerce a Year in Motion”, with a look at who makes up the membership. She also highlighted the many resources and benefits that are available to members and nonmembers in Paramount. She pointed out how the website and Facebook page are a great source of information for events and community promotion and also shared some photos of events that took place over the last year including but not limited to Networking Breakfasts, Luncheons, Golf and Poker Tournaments. President Olmos spoke about the informative monthly business workshops that take place at the Paramount Chamber Business Resource Center, and free one-on-one business counseling for new or existing businesses. She made mention of the many partnerships that Paramount Chamber participates in to revitalize and encourage residents and businesses as well as a resource for information to the whole community. A good investment for all of Paramount. Next to speak was Paramount Unified Superintendent, Dr. Ruth Perez. Dr. Perez provided a State of the Schools. The Paramount Unified School District (PUSD) currently has over 15,000 students in 18 schools, 11 elementary, 4 middle schools, one high school, one Continuation High School and an Adult Education Center. The District also serves students in pre-school as well as provides an After School Program in partnership with the City
Paramount Chamber of Commerce made the announcement at the State of the City Luncheon of the retirement of Executive Director Peggy Lemons after serving 27 years with the Chamber. See her heartfelt letter to the community on page 8. Picture from left: President Brenda Olmos (AppleCare Medical Management) at the podium, Mayor Peggy Lemons (Executive Director), Vice President Ben Berg (Transcom Telecommunications), Senior Vice President Jon Tanklage (Marukan Vinegar USA), Treasurer Dr. Max Martinez, DDS, FAGD, FACD. of Paramount. The PUSD is opening a new STEM Academy High School beginning with 9th graders in August at the former Lakewood Elementary site. Dr. Perez reported that graduation rates have continued to improve as well as the percentage of students that are ready to attend colleges and universities. She shared about 4 focus areas of the District’s new Strategic Plan, College and Career Ready Graduates, High Quality Teaching and Learning, Parent and Community Partnerships, and Positive School Climate and Environments Conducive to Learning. The PUSD has also continued to receive accolades at the State and National levels. All four middle schools have been designated as “Schools To Watch” by the Department of Education for their student achievement accomplishments. Most recently, Paramount Park and Hollydale have received this honor. Collins Elementary School has been recognized by the California School Board Association for their work on providing a Safe and Civil behavioral curriculum that has reduced suspension rates and improved attendance rates over the last six years. Paramount High School has received an honor by the prestigious
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
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15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
College Board and designated as an AP Honor Roll School. Only 33 schools in California receive this award and 433 in the USA and Canada. This recognition is for improving opportunities and outcomes for students in Advanced Placement classes. Measure I bonds are providing the District with renovation and infrastructure repairs at PHS West campus and several elementary schools. Measure I thank you signs for the community are being posted. The District has benefitted from a partnership with the SCAQMD, the Los Angeles County Health Department and The Gas Company who donated odor filters for classrooms, as they work with the District on a regular basis.The District has an existing plan to finalize quarterly testing this year. The District is pleased with the significant reductions in the presence of Chromium 6 in and around school properties. Finally, Dr. Perez reported that the District, with a budget of over $190 million, is fiscally solvent. Because of its’ strong financial standing, the Los Angeles County Department of Education is piloting a new financial planning system with the school district as well as with other districts in good standing.
Next to speak was Paramount City Mayor Peggy Lemons as she hightlighted the many new improvements throughout Paramount. “The new downtown is amazing, isn’t it?” The overall look in the landscaping, signage and colors make downtown an exciting place to walk and hang out. It has really produced a lot of economic activity. Lemons mentioned how after all these years it’s exciting to have such a variety of places to eat. Everyone seems to have their favorite, but the addition of the multiple choices and the outdoor dining at Clearwater Crossing have opened the up atmosphere to a more inviting and social place. “One thing’s for sure – we have definitely expanded our options, and that’s something to celebrate.” “When it comes to celebrations, it doesn’t seem that long ago that we had our 50th birthday. Last year we turned 60. As years go, it definitely had highs and lows. “While we certainly make note of our highs, Paramount never runs from its lows”, say Mayor Lemons. She commented that “All it takes is a willingness to communicate and cooperate. When we do that, miracles happen.” Lemons spoke about the many
events that took place last year that brought out benefits to our residents. Dia del Niño and Dia de los Muertos were fabulous thanks to the Tepic Sister Cities organization. We are fortunate to have service clubs like them. Both were held in Paramount Park. Even though in general, recreational space in Paramount is scarce because the City has been built out for years, the new futsal courts are one example of the City makes the most with what they have. And they have become hugely popular. The walking track at Jackson School is another example, of communication and cooperation. Because the neighbors asked about exercise options, the school district opened the track for public use, and the City facilitated the whole thing and staffed it during daylight savings. Mayor Lemons further commented on the STAR program which is also a partnership with PUSD. It’s been on District campuses since 2007, is staffed with City employees, and paid for by a grant the City receives from the State of California. The program addresses a lot of community needs: after school care, homework help, and the chance to
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What’s inside Business Card Directory.............12 Business Corner.........................11 Cityscape..................................15
Help Wanted.............................6 Mayors Corner.......................... 3
On Patrol...................................... 4 PEP................................................6 Service Clubs..................................13