P A R A M O U N T
PULSE BEAT Serving the Community Since 1990
Paramount Chamber of Commerce Host 2010 State of the City Address
Chamber President Martin Johnson
R
Lifegate Foursquare Pastor Larry Jameson
eporting on the past and planning for the future was the theme for speakers at the Paramount Chamber annual State of the City Address. The event sponsored by Paramount Petroleum was attended by more than 140 business and service organization members. Chamber President Martin Johnson host for the event began by introducing elected officials thanking Paramount Petroleum for their sponsorship.
March 2010 Business Card Directory ............ 12-13 Business Corner........................11 Cityscape.................................15 Coupons ..................................11 Help wanted ..............................8 Mayors Corner...........................3 Members Only .........................14 New Members .........................10 On Patrol...................................4 PEP ...........................................7 Service Clubs ...........................13
The first speaker of the afternoon was Pastor Larry Jameson, Lifegate Foursquare Church. Jameson reported on various activities taking place throughout the churches in Paramount. “I want you to know that the churches in Paramount have spent time during services and walked the streets praying for you and your business,” said Jameson. He went on to say, “The declining economy and the unemployment rate has touched everyone in some way and the churches are doing everything they can to help.” He reported on church events which offered free services such as; health screenings, haircuts, manicures, shoe shines and family portraits as well as Harvest Festivals with free food and prizes. Churches are also providing spiritual guidance and prayer to those in need. The second speaker was Paramount Unified Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo who began by saying Paramount was a unique and special place. “We have outstanding students, talented teachers, involved parents and support from our City,
Paramount Chamber of Commerce
PULSE BEAT
PUSD Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo
15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723
Paramount Mayor Diane Martinez
Chamber, Sheriff, PEP, Service Clubs, Churches and Citizens.” Verdugo said evidence of the support can be seen in the approval of a $100 million bond which passed with flying colors. Money from the bond has already built a state of the art stadium, and construction is underway for the Delores Stephens Library; which will be open to the public on weekends. There will also be a new gymnasium at the PHS West Campus. Test scores in Language Arts and Mathematics saw gains district wide, and more than $175,000 in student scholarships were awarded in 2009. The next speaker was Mayor Diane Martinez who said she always looks forward to the State of the City Address, “It brings us together as a community to share our progress.” Martinez said good financial principles have helped Paramount weather the economic storm and despite the struggle there are a lot of positive things happening in Paramount. Closing out the afternoon was City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal who said, “There are
City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal
good things to report this year. We’ve experienced no major cuts in programs or services, and, in fact, added some resources in 2009.” She went on to say the City has seen a two million dollar drop in sales tax revenue over the past two years due mostly to decreased fuel sales. A hiring freeze has been implemented and salaries are frozen. However, no major city activities, programs or services have been affected. In addition, several new retailers have come to town including Fresh ‘N Easy market, TJ Maxx and soon a new Ross store. Despite a bad economy which tends to increase crime, Paramount saw a 13% drop over 2008 and a 45.5% drop over the past 15 years. Projects underway for the new year include remodeling the police station and new pavement on Somerset from Garfield to the west city limit. Benedetti-Leal ended with a quote from Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 4 PARAMOUNT, CA 90723