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Volume 1, Issue 1 • November 11, 2009
Hand delivered to 5,000 La Palma homes; directto mailed 1,000 La Palma businesses Chamber of Commerce• members • www.lapalmanews.net •• La Palma’s Onlymonthly Community Newspaper • Delivered 4,500toLaover Palma homes every month •and www.lapalmanews.net November 2010 • Vol. 1, Issue 11•
La Palma Operating Budget in deficit mode
Seniors outraged over ABC’s possible closing of water aerobics program
By Jerry Bernstein
According to recent publications, La Palma has been honored as a great small city to raise a family. Only 1.9 square miles and a population of a little over 16,000 residents with their own police department, what’s there not to like? That depends whom you ask. Residents don’t like a dirty campaign. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is the definition of dirty. Ask local officials or candidates about this last campaign for City Council, and all they will say is no comment or it’s off the record. The old adage ‘All’s Fair in Love, War and Politics’ may have applied in recent La Palma City Council elections where opponents of other candidates have been accused of taking campaign signs from private property including the front yards of residents. When Mayor Steve Shanahan was asked about these concerns of residents, he said it was inappropriate to comment since there was an on-going investigation by the city. He did say, however that “it would be ridiculously stupid to steal a sign,” and he doesn’t believe “it was done
City volunteers along with La Palma Councilman Larry Herman (far right) and Ralph Rodriguez (center), and La Palma Chamber Executive Director Ester De Leon (1st row center) pause for a moment before going out into the city to talk to small businesses about the SCE Direct Install Program. sors, window tinting, programmable thermostats to name a few. Over 20 volunteers joined the walk including City of La Palma Mayor Pro Tem, Ralph Rodriguez and Councilmember Larry Herman, SCE employees, local high school students from the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), La Palma as well as the Korean Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers received a brief training
Responding to concerns over the possible closing of the ABC Adult School Water Aerobics Program, Superintendent Gary Smuts told the 315 seniors attending the Nov. 4 school board meeting the Board has asked him to explore all avenues to keep the program going. He said many of ABC’s neighboring school districts have been forced to close down their Adult Schools and put the money into K-12 education. “Our Board of Education chose not to strip our Adult School and make it a self supporting program.” He said the Adult School funding was cut 20 percent across the board by the State of California, adding he cut their budget by 10 percent for a total 30 percent reduction in their operation funding. He said this was a very well attended class and a very expensive class. “The Board has asked me to see if we can come up with a realistic budget to keep the program going.” He added , “We also have a partnership with the City of Cerritos and we are working on developing a community partnership with a mutual purpose to serving our students. “ He emphasized that they were trying to find someway to continue the program admitting they weren’t there yet, but they should have a program worked out by the Nov. 16 Board Meeting. He urged the seniors to come back on that date and he will present his report on a game plan to keep the program going. Eight seniors, representing all the seniors present, responded to his comments. Cathy Scott asked the Board if they had considered asking the federal government for money from the New Health Program for Preventive Medicine. She described the program as being therapeutic. She also asked why they would want to disband one of the most successful programs in the District. Marian Nishi said she was from Cypress. She said she joined the program in 2007 with severe back pain and was in pretty poor health. She said in the four years of enrollment, she was much improved. She went on to say many in the program have mobility problems and can only do their needed exercise in the water. Others have had back surgery, have arthritis, etc. There are a lot of health issues involved which a lot of the needed exercises can only be done in the water. She added the program also afford the participants a social outlet that involves mental health. David Russell told the Board each class has an enrollment of approximately
[See ELECTION Page 6]
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By Larry Caballero Editor Note: This is the first of a two part series on the La Palma 2010-11 Operating Budget. La Palma residents pride themselves in having people guess how long they have lived in the City. It’s not surprising if they answer 40 years or longer, but then ask them what they know about La Palma’s General Operating Fund, and they will tell you that they know very little or nothing [See BUDGET Page 7]
An overflow crowd of over 300 seniors attended the ABC School Board meeting Nov. 3 to protest the closing of the Water Aerobics Program sponsored by the ABC Adult School at Cerritos Park East.
25 TH A NNUAL L A P ALMA D AYS
Allegations and Southern California Edison and rumors run rampant La Palma host Energy Walk after latest La Palma election ACTIVITIES THE “OFFICIAL VETERAN’S DAY
PARADE OF ORANGE COUNTY”
By Larry Caballero
By Jenelle Froisland Southern California Edison and the City of La Palma hosted an “Energy Walk” to promote SCE’s Direct Install Program which is a FREE energy efficient product and installation program for small business owners. Qualifying small business owners may receive up to $10,000 of products and installation of energy efficient measures that include fluorescent lighting, lighting motion sen-
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2 LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • NOVEMBER 2010
Rep. Ed Royce guest speaker at Cerritos councilman's fundraiser
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Artesia Mayor Speaker at Democratic Club By Larry Caballero When Artesia Mayor Tony Lima was asked to be the keynote speaker for the
Enjoying the Fundraising Banquet hosted by Former Cerritos Mayor Grace Hu and Economic Development Chair Lily Kuo for the re-election of Cerritos City Council Candidate Bruce Barrows at the Prince Seafood Restaurant Oct. 23 were (l-r) Hu, Bruce Barrows, Kuo and Congressman Ed Royce and wife Marie Royce. Congressman Ed Royce was the special guest at the Fundraising Banquet at the Prince Seafood Restaurant in Cerritos Oct. 23 hosted by former Cerritos Mayor Grace Hu for the re-election of Bruce Barrows to the Cerritos City Council. “We appreciate all that you have done for the community,” said Royce. “You have always been willing to work closely with Washington and Sacramento whenever it would benefit the City of Cerritos and its residents and businesses. Thank you for all you do.” Bruce was first elected to the Council in 1994 for two terms and re-elected in
2007. “Today the state suffers from a $12 billion debt and is out of whack,” said Barrows. “Cerritos has suffered a loss of revenues, too, but we’re hoping that the new Apple Store, Forever 21 and the new Nordstrom store will bring in some needed money. Whoever is elected next year to the City Council needs to place more emphasis on how we are to run the City.” Hu thanked the 150 guests who attended the banquet and introduced local dignitaries who enjoyed a delicious dinner while listening to live entertainment by Alan Wang and friends.
process. Lima said the worst time to be Mayor of any city is during rough economic times when there need to be budget cuts that require laying off workers and cutting back on salaries. “Recently, I had my resignation ready to turn in so I could move to a nearby city with higher salaries for city councilmembers, but once the councilmembers were
Welcoming guests to the Oct. 18 Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club Meeting at Coco’s Cerritos were (l-r) La Palma Mayor Pro-Tem Ralph Rodriguez, HHDC President Gary Chomiak and Artesia Mayor Tony Lima.
Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club’s Oct. meeting, he decided to share with the members what he does as a city official. “No one ever told me what my job requires me to do,” said Lima. He soon learned it included attending many functions of his city and of neighboring cities as well. He has given numerous speeches at various ceremonies and events involving a multitude of ethnic groups and has learned a few introductory words in the
arrested, I decided against it,” Lima said jokingly. Artesia is home to more than 17,000 people who speak 48 languages and live in the “Heart of Cerritos” on only 1.6 square miles of property. Lima is never totally prepared for what may happen at any public event. He has been surprised when asked to speak in front of large audiences when he thought See CHAMBER Page 6
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Citizens of the City of La Palma are invited to submit applications for upcoming vacancies on the Traffic Safety Committee. The role of the Traffic Safety Committee is to identify and make recommendations to the City Council on improvements in La Palma traffic conditions. The Traffic Safety Committee meets quarterly, with special meetings conducted on an as-needed basis. Three vacancies with four-year terms will be created when the incumbents’ terms expire on December 31, 2010. Applications for all vacancies are available on the City’s website at www.cityoflapalma.org/tsc or at City Hall and are due by December 15, 2010. If you have any questions or for further information, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (714) 690-3333.
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La Palma Police Annual Report During the 2009-10 fiscal year: • Reduced response times to 2:36—the fastest in the County. The County average is 5:23. • Reduced Part 1 Crime 45%, Overall Crime 21%, Violent Crime 35%, and Property Crime 20%. All of these are at historical lows. • Developed a child safety seat education and installation program. New parents can come to the Police Department and receive free training regarding safe travel for their infant. • Held several educational presentations to local schools including potential dangers and pitfalls of the Internet, consequences of underage drinking, and a "When You Become 18" program.
Police services facts and figures • Calls for Service 33,923 • Police Reports Taken 2,062 • Total Arrests 1,382 • Citations Issued 5,676 • Stop Sign Violations Issued 247 • Speed Violations Issued 102 • Project Safe Streets Hours 274 • Total Crimes Reported 2,295 • Vacation Home Checks 2,415 • Volunteer Service Hours 7,150
Cerritos Sherriff Weekly crime summary November 1-7, 2010 Sixteen Part I felony crimes were investigated by Cerritos Sheriff’s Station staff last week, down from twentytwo the previous reporting period. All categories reported in this summary declined, with the exception of commercial burglaries, which remained the same at zero. The 2010 weekly average in calls for service remained at 299 after 269 were handled by patrol deputies last week. That is a reduction from the 310 the week before. One robbery was investigated. A shoplifting incident turned into a struggle after loss prevention personnel attempted to detain a male suspect on Wednesday November 3 at 7:30 p.m. outside of a store in the 10900 block of Alondra Boulevard. The suspect was later arrested by patrol deputies at his residence after a brief but productive investigation. Four residential burglaries were investigated last week, down from seven the previous one. All of the residential burglaries reported last week were in the southwestern portion of the City. Open/ unlocked doors or windows were involved in two crimes. One front door was kicked open, and one window was pried. Jewelry, cash, chairs, lamps, and plants were taken. The current 2010 weekly average in residential burglaries is 2.8. Residential burglaries are predominately a daytime crime and take place when the residents are gone. Houses are generally targeted by thieves that have either observed the neighborhood activity prior to the crimes, or make an attempt to determine if there is anyone home just
LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • NOVEMBER 2010 3 before entry. This is usually done by knocking at the door for a period of time or even walking around the exterior of the residence. Neighborhood streets in Cerritos are quiet during the day, so pedestrian On November 1, 2010, at 6:45 a.m., a and vehicle activity can be apparent. If John F. Kennedy High School student was you observe a person going door-to-door, struck by a vehicle and seriously injured while walking to school in the 5400 block in a yard, or a vehicle parked that you do of Crescent Avenue. not recognize, call the Cerritos Sheriff’s Witnesses observed the girl walking Station at once. Note the description of north in the marked crosswalk at the inthe pedestrian, the type of vehicle, color, tersection of Crescent Avenue and Watson license plate number, and any occuStreet when a vehicle traveling west on pants to better direct arriving deputies. Crescent Avenue struck the student. The 16 Neighbors are frequently responsible for year-old Cypress resident was transported bringing crime to the attention of authori- to Long Beach Memorial Hospital and was ties and your involvement could save a last reported in critical condition. neighbor from being victimized. The driver of the vehicle was questioned at the scene and later released. The investiThere were no commercial burglaries reported for the second consecutive week. gation is ongoing and additional witnesses are encouraged to contact the La Palma PoThe 2010 weekly average in commercial lice Department at (714) 690-3370. burglaries is 2.3. Vehicle burglaries dropped from four to one last week. The lone case, (an SUV), was from a condominium complex COMMUNITYNEWS COMMUNITY where a wallet, camera, and a GPS unit were stolen. The 2010 weekly average in Web: www.lapalmanews.net vehicle burglaries is now 6.9. Email: lapalmanews@gmail.com We recommend locking items in the trunk if you absolutely must leave them Phone 562.407.3873 P.O. Box 788, Artesia, CA 90702 in a vehicle, but if you own an SUV, pickup or van, this is not an option. This was EditorJery Bernstein the case last week when an SUV was left General ManagerLinda Bock outside of a residence overnight containProduction ManagerChris Svensk Sports EditorLoren Kopff ing valuable property. Staff WritersChris Callard Vehicle thefts also dropped from four Glen Creason, Shelley Hendersen, Larry cases to three last week. All three of Caballero the crimes were in high-volume parking President/PublisherBrian Hews lots. Two involved SUVs and one was The La Palma Community News is published monthly a Toyota. The 2010 weekly average in and delivered to La Palma homes only. The La Palma Community News has been established as a newspaper of vehicle thefts is 4.5. general circulation in Orange County. Based on this legal status we are eligible to publish Legal Notices and Fictitious Protect your vehicle with a steering Business Name Statements. Published and copyrighted by Eastern County Newspaper Group,Inc. Reproduction in wheel locking device at the very least. whole or part of any material in the La Palma Community This visible deterrent tells the would-be News without permission of the publisher is prohibited. © 2010 thief to look elsewhere.
High School student seriously injured
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Thank You LA PALMA!! My wife Nancy and I, with our kids, knocked on your doors and met so many wonderful people in La Palma during the recent campaign. I am so proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent you for the next four years. As your councilman, I am committed to be in constant contact with ALL La Palma residents. As your representative, it is very important for me to know your opinions and concerns. I will also try to send you frequent reports and seek your input on various issues. Please send your email address to betterlapalma@gmail.com and also visit my community website (www.OurLaPalma.com) for updates and discussions. As soon as I join the Council, we will be dealing with two important issues. On December 7th, the Council will be reorganizing by electing mayor and mayor pro tem. For many years, two council members were denied the honor of serving as mayor. Mutual respect is what I like to see. Also, early next year, city employee contract negotiations will start. I want to hear your thoughts on these two issues so feel free to send me an email. Sadly, many of you received an anonymous flyer which contained clear and obvious lies about my candidacy. Most of you recognized it as a poor case of dirty politics. I was disturbed because those lies promote division and hatred in our community. However, I know our community is bigger than that. I want our community to rise above it and move forward leaving this ugly behavior behind. Again, I consider it a true HONOR to represent you on the City Council and I will do my best to live up to your expectations. I assure you that I will serve and represent all La Palma residents. Steve Hwangbo / La Palma Councilman-Elect
4 LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • NOVEMBER 2010
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La Palma Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
• NOVEMBER 2010 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com • VOL 1 • ISSUE 9 • November 2009 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com •
LP Chamber holds successful Taste of La Palma
La Palma Chamber of Commerce
La Palma Professional Center 7872 Walker St., Suite 107 La Palma, CA. 90623 Telephone: 714.228.1214 Fax: 714.228.1218
staff@lapalmachamberofcommerce.com Website: www.lapalmachamberofcommerce.com
Board of Directors
By Loreen Berlin The 7th annual “A Taste of La Palma” and “Casino Night” held Saturday, Oct. 9, at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 3 Centerpointe Drive, in La Palma was a success according to La Palma Chamber Executive Director Esther De Leon Hernandez. Doors opened at 6 p.m., with gaming at 7 p.m., where 10 percent of the Casino Night money is donated to “Project 999”
Buena Park, and Ralph’s in La Palma and Cerritos. Raffle prize sponsors – Red River Enterprises, Beverly Dentistry, Joe Tobin with National Planning, La Palma Police Dept., Chamber Board member John Sciacca, Knott’s Berry Farm, Noella Lew, Blue Water Grill, Brea Improv, Embassy Suites of Temecula, Flight-deck Air Combat, Luck Strike Bowling, Paul’s Car Wash, Wine Country Gift Baskets, Yard House Restaurants, Marie Callender’s, Vicencia and Buckley, Arte Café, Made
Amanda Rincon President
Barbara Rincon Vice-President Noella Lew Secretary
Shamine Almanza Treasurer
Directors
Carol Miyake Membership
John Sciacca
Cypress College
Eloisa Velasquez
Resident/Past President
Deven Solanski
Business Representation: Subway
La Palma Chamber Jr. Ambassadors
FBLA (Kennedy High School Future Business Leaders of America)
Staff
Esther De Leon Hernandez Executive Director
Bill Meil
Office Volunteer The La Palma Chamber of Commerce offers you the “Hometown Spirit” and your GATEWAY Chamber connecting you to its surrounding cities and Chambers. We are a Partnership of Civic Government, BUSINESS and the Community. As a member you also have access to the Conference Room for meeting with clients, organization or club. Notary Services are now offered at the Chamber office. Please call the office to make an appointment.
Dixon Lew helps to serve up some soda pop, bottled water, wince and other drinks during the recent “A Taste of La Palma” Casino Night held at the La Quinta Inn and Suites in La Palma; 10 percent of the Casino Night money is donated to “Project 999” in memory of fallen officers. Photo by Loreen Berlin in memory of fallen officers Professional displays of each sponsor were placed on the gaming/food tables and businesses and individuals who gave donations were listed in the recognition program and in the La Palma Community Newspaper and on the Chamber’s website. Event Sponsors are La Quinta Inn and Suites and Byron Marquez on behalf of Inland Empire 66ers Baseball in San Bernardino. Sponsors include: Gaming Tables – Vicencia and Buckley Insurance, City National Bank, North Orange County Chapter of Corvette Super Sports, Centerpointe La Palma Owners Association, Photos by Loreen and Anonymous in memory of Fallen Police Officers. Food and Beverage – from La Palma …Aroma Ristorante, Flame Broiler Restaurant, Panda Inn, Subway, Wok Experience, De Leon Catering and Superior Grocers, El Pollo Loco, Grocery outlet, Northgate Store, all located in
from the Heart, La Palma Beauty Supply, Classic Florist, Doran Business Products, Deven Solanski, Minuteman Press of La Palma, Universal Studios, Cypress College Foundation, Dalton Restaurant, White Sand Salon, Long each Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hornblower Cruises and Events, Fred Mexican Café, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Michele and Kevin Jondle, Del and Eloisa Velasquez and Guardian Investment Services. Additional raffle prize sponsors – Newport Beach Police Dept., city of La Palma, Palma Liquor, Inland Empire 66ers Baseball, Bradford Renaissance portraits, Dad’s Poker Night, Duke’s Restaurant in Huntington Beach, Northwoods Resort in Big Bear, Palomar in Los Angeles/Westwood, Irwindale Speedway, PRP Wine International, Puddingstone Resort, the Parking Spot, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Park Ave., Long Beach Playhouse, Medieval Times, Temecula Creek Inn, Discover Science Center, Doubletree Hotel in Ontario,
Elephant Bar, Chamber Board member John Sciacca, Muzeo and Park Waste and Recycling Services. “The La Palma Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of our sponsors and guests for making our 7th annual Casino Night a success,” Organizers said. “Your continued partnership makes this event a success.” About the Project 999 Ride – it begins at the California Peace officers’ Memorial in Sacramento, where the ride participants are given time to reflect on the sacrifice made by those ha have lost their lives. Riders then begin the 630 mile journey to the Orange County Peace Officers’ Memorial in Santa Ana. The majority of the route is along the coastline of Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. When the group enters Orange County on the fifth day, they assemble on the corner of Pacific Coast highway and Warner where they are escorted the remainder of the route by local law enforcement personnel. The group rides to the Peace Officers’ Memorial that is within the Plaza of the Flags in downtown Santa Ana, where the riders again gather together in a moment of silence at the memorial to honor the officers. The ride concludes with a candlelight vigil, honoring the fallen officers and their families and each rider places a rose on the memorial in honor of the officer they represented on the bike ride. The Orange County Memorial was dedicated in 1986 and currently commemorates 48 Peace Officers whose lives were taken in the line of duty while serving residents of Orange County. The mission of Project 999 is to assist the family of any Orange County postcertified deputy or officer who is injured or killed in the line of duty. “The La Palma Chamber is proud to support this worthwhile cause.” For La Palma Chamber of Commerce information, call 714-228-1488 or 714228-1214, or visit www.LaPalmaChamberofCommerce.com. Loreen Berlin may be reached at loreenberlin@verizon.net
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LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • NOVEMBER 2010
5
Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
La Palma Chamber of Commerce
• NOVEMBER 2010 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com • VOL 1 • ISSUE 9 • November 2009 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com •
10 tips for improving your cash flow Cash flow is a key factor in the success or failure of a small business— now, more than ever before. Here are 10 tips you can use to ensure your cash keeps flowing: 1. Find good accounting software. If you’re not already using accounting software, check out packages tailored to small business such as QuickBooks or Peachtree. Automating your accounting makes it easier to see what’s going in and what’s going out. 2. Generate monthly financial statements. (In today’s economy, some companies are reviewing their financial statements weekly.)Accounting software lets you easily generate an income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement. Use these tools to stay on top of your financial picture and pinpoint potential problems early. 3. Send invoices promptly. Customers can’t pay you if they haven’t been billed. Send invoices along with the shipped product, or as soon as a project is completed. For even faster results, send invoices by e-mail, or look into e-billing. 4. Create effective invoices. If your invoices are confusing, or get sent to the wrong department or person, precious time will be lost while the customer tries to figure out what they owe and to whom. Make sure key information, such as where to send payment, amount due and date due, is clear and easy to read. Contact the customer to verify the address, department and person the invoice should be sent to so there’s no chance for error. 5. Penalize late payers. State on your invoices that customers will be charged a late fee for every month that the payment is past due. 6. Incentivize early payments. Offer discounts if your customers pay sooner than net 30 days (such as 5 percent off if they pay within 10 days). Depending on your industry, offering a discount for paying in cash could also help your cash flow. 7. Stay on top of your accounts receivable. If a payment is not received on time, follow up immediately. Often, you’ll find the late payment is due to a miscommunication (such as in Tip 4 above). If this isn’t the case, be polite, but firm, when dealing with late-paying customers. 8. Work with late payers. Something is better than nothing, so if a customer is in trouble and can’t pay the full amount, work out a payment plan. If you choose to deal with these customers again going forward, protect your business by requiring at least partial payment upfront before any work is done or product shipped.
9. Watch your spending. When it comes to maximizing your cash, what goes out is just as important as what’s coming in. Where can you cut costs without harming your product or service? Typically, overhead expenses such as utilities and office products are easy to trim, as are business travel and entertainment. Go over your monthly expenses and look for places to cut back. 10. Maximize cash in the bank. Deposit checks as soon as you get them, and pay your own bills as late as you can (unless you can benefit from an early payment discount). If you use online bill paying, you can pay bills the day they are due. This keeps the money in your own account working for you. Use business credit cards to pay smaller expenses; this way, you don’t have to expend any cash untilthe credit card payment is due.
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6 LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • NOVEMBER 2010
CHAMBER
Continued from page 2 he was there to only be a guest. “Mark Twain once said that it took him about two weeks to make a good impromptu speech, so you can imagine how I made mine in 30 seconds.” Once he presented an award to a foreign spiritual leader only to be awakened the next day with countless phone calls and emails from angry people all over the country. Apparently the foreign dignitary had been accused on the Internet of being an insurgent and terrorist and charged with demolishing a mosque. “After that experience, I have instructed my staff to do a careful Internet search on anyone who is to receive any awards from the city.” Lima has tried to run the city like a business in order to make Artesia more efficient, but he is not in favor of cutting important public services such as law enforcement, parks and recreation, and street maintenance. “We are in the process of renovating downtown Artesia, to build a parking structure to service businesses and to purchase land to accommodate the housing requirements set by the state of California.” Since there is no vacant land left in the city, Lima said the only alternative is to go up. “We also need to make better use of existing buildings to incorporate commercial, office professionals and residential components.” During the past three years, Lima has worked diligently to bring back the Artesia Chamber of Commerce that had been out of business for nearly five years. A new Chamber is now up and running and in its beginning stages with lots of enthusiasm. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez will
be its keynote speaker at its monthly luncheon to discuss the state of the nation’s economy and how the Congress is trying to support small businesses. The location was the Great Seafood Harbor Restaurant at 18329 Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia.
SENIORS
Continued from page 1 80 students at any one time. He urged the Board members to look out at the audience, saying “these were the faces of the students enrolled in the Water Aerobic Classes”, if you cut this out it will impact everyone of them. It will be very, very difficult if the program is ended. It’s the only exercise many of them can do.” He said many have been able to stop taking medication because of this class. Many have trouble walking and take this class because they have mobility in the water and do the needed exercises.” Dianne Welch told the Board the program has helped their quality of life, both physical and mentally. She said she was glad to see there was some room to keep the program going. Joyce Moore, who submitted a petition with 310 signatures to the Board to keep the program going said for 20 years ABC has provided a water program for participants to take advantage of. She said there are 536 members presently enrolled. Their major concern is that while the class is open to everyone, about 85 percent are in their 60’s or over. Many have had hip and/or knee replacements, have arthritis etc. “Water is the only way they can support their weight and maintain their mobility.” All of the speakers urged the Board to find a solution so the program can continue. The also agreed they would be willing to pay additional dues to maintain the program.
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ELECTION
Continued from page 1 in our city.” Yet residents will tell you that campaign yard signs have been removed in past City Council elections. La Palma City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto informed the La Palma Community News, “We haven’t received any formal complaints of sign theft from any of the candidates. If a candidate would like to file a police report, we would be happy to look into it. In addition, if you have any evidence of election fraud please forward it to our City Clerk’s office and we will turn it over to the proper authorities for further investigation.” One candidate wanted to reach out to a certain segment of the community who do not speak English as their first language, so he sent out a letter in their native language asking for their support. The La Palma Community News has received an allegation that people affiliated with principals in the council race were not pleased with the letter and might have been responsible for sending out a badly translated response (with some wording added, according to two LPCN translators) from an alleged offended resident two days before election day who wrote that the candidate was not going to represent the entire La Palma community. The La Palma Community News called the candidates, one candidate did not return the call; the other’s telephone message mailbox was full. The candidate has denounced the English translation of the letter and protested to city officials and staff. A report was sent by City staff to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to investigate allegations that the candidate was influencing voters, and the FPPC concluded that no law was broken. There are community leaders in La Palma who have been concerned with the politics that have been played by councilmembers. An example is the annual mayoral transition. Residents are aware that they vote for councilmembers to represent them in the City, but they have no vote on who will be their mayor. That decision is made by the five councilmembers. Former La Palma Mayor Keith Nelson was not pleased recently when long-time councilmember Larry Herman was not given the opportunity to serve as Mayor, even though he had served as Mayor twice before when he was originally on the Council from 1986-1994. “Being on the Council is an important position, but being the Mayor for a year is a ceremonial position.” Nelson did not think the Council was truly representing the residents of La Palma who had elected and re-elected Herman four times. The majority on the Council thought otherwise, and Herman never served as Mayor in his last two terms.
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Continued from page 1 and were paired up into teams to visit the 110 pre-qualified small business owners to promote the message of energy efficiency – saving energy, money and the environment as well as promote upcoming local Chamber events. Many volunteers who spoke the Korean language were instrumental in speaking in-language to the over 50% of the pre-qualified business owners who were identified as being Korean business owners. Through this Energy Walk, we hope for a increase in participation rate among the pre-qualified customers.
Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation equipment truck stolen Over the past weekend the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation had their truck stolen. Everything from pop-ups, generators, fishing rods, registration forms, wristbands, kids raffle prizes, cooking equipment, kids goodie bags and much, much more were taken. “This is a very sad day for us and for the kids we serve” said Dan Hernandez founder of the youth foundation. “We were shocked and sadden when we arrived Monday morning to our office and our truck was missing. All our equipment that we use for each event was gone. We have two events left for this year, the first one is on November 20th with more than 1,500 kids expected to attend, now that event is in danger of not happening,” added Hernandez. The truck stolen was a all white GMC 1992 box truck. Anyone with information about this theft is asked to contact the Cerritos Sheriff’s office. Anyone that would like to donate items for the foundation is asked to call their office at (562) 8653764. People can make cash donations on the foundations website at www.danskids. org. The Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation has been serving the community of Southern California for over ten years; it’s a 501 (c) 3 non- profit. It has introduced tens of thousands of kids to the sport of fishing and has hosted events thought out Southern California; including parts of downtown Los Angeles like MacArthur Park were others have refused to go.
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BUDGET continued from Page 1 at all. All they know is La Palma is a great city to live in, their children have enjoyed participating in the recreational programs offered, and no city in Orange County is any safer than La Palma. Recent publications have even pointed out that La Palma is only 1.9 square miles with about 16,000 residents and is a great city to raise a family. Yet trouble is brewing in the City, as in numerous other cities in the country, because revenues are down due to a tough economic climate. Candidate Gerard Goedhart, who ran in last week’s city council election, warned residents that according to data provided by city staff, there is a significant structural operating budget deficit for the City that began last fiscal year. Among his concerns was the fact that 53% of the City budget is spent on funding the police department salaries and a generous benefits and retirement package that cost more than $5 million. In comparison, Cerritos is approximately nine square miles with 51,488 residents and has budgeted $13,493.190 million for its sheriff station operation and personnel. “I have said since the beginning of this campaign that the City was facing a severe financial challenge in the next few years. You now have documentation from City staff that what I said was both accurate and true,” said Goedhart. Residents didn’t seem to be too concerned--he finished last. Long-time La Palma resident Robert Carruth attended his first city council meeting Sept. 21 after reading what had transpired in the City of Bell. He doesn’t think La Palma has corrupt officials, but “Bell sounded the alarm for people in every
community; people who trust those in their employ will not take advantage of their employer; people who believe that fiscal policy should be fair and balanced; people whose own industry sustains the City,” said Carruth. “Without these people, there is no City or City jobs. What happened in Bell is a microcosm of the potential struggle that can arise in a community between taxpayers, their employer, and those they pay for their service to the City.” Yet Carruth believed that too many residents are apathetic or unaware of the budget and operating costs. Consequently, he decided to investigate the fiscal stewardship of La Palma, and he discovered a few financial facts that sur-
LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • NOVEMBER 2010 7 Since the Council is elected to represent pension plan for all employees. This contribution cost residents $1.2 those who elect them, Carruth believes it million between 2008 and 2010. “Employ- should serve the best interests of the resiees, by definition, should be required to dents and businesses of the City--not the fund the employee contribution from their employees. “A reasonable portion of the salary we pay each employee should be salary,” said Carruth. “Employees alone reap the benefit used to share the cost of providing their and they should be required to contribute health insurance, pension and other benetoward their own future security—just as fits. That is fair and it is the everyday reality of most residents.” most La Palma residents must.” Carruth believes that the City can no Carruth states that if this policy were followed as CalPERS defines it, “we longer afford to continue paying for inwould not have an operating deficit. The creasing salaries and benefits for its em$1.2 million could have been used to ben- ployees because “they are strangling our efit residents. Instead, this Council opted budget. Anyone with a calculator can see to place employee priorities ahead of La that.” He is worried that eventually the esPalma residents.” Carruth believes this arrangement is calating labor costs will reduce or impede the City’s ability to take on essential infrastructure projects. “In general, we have world class employees and services, and we appreciate the job our employees do for our city, but there has to be balance. Everything has a cost, and there needs to be more transparency communicating those costs to residents. You can’t kill the cow for meat and expect to drink Analysis by Gerard Goedhart its milk, too.” Carruth approached fiscally imprudent and dishonors the primacy of the Council’s fi- Lazzaretto to express concern that management salaries had increased 32% between duciary duty to the residents. The City also pays 100% of the cost of 2005 and 2010 while inflation increased health insurance for retirees. “This benefit only 16.6%. Lazzaretto stated that higher has ballooned into a $3.4 million unfunded salaries were required to remain competiliability. City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto tive with other cities and retain employees. receives $240,000 in total annual compen“The most infuriating part of all this sation to manage a small staff and bud- is that pension payments are based on the get.” single highest compensable year for every Carruth says that only one of the 65 employee. Even if salaries are reduced, the full-time City employees actually lives in pension contribution requirement will not La Palma. Lazzaretto lives in Glendale. go down. It was a mistake. And if CalP“They have no community obligations ERS doesn’t achieve its optimistic rate of or interests other than those they receive a return, La Palmans will be the ones picking paycheck for.” up the tab, not employees.”
La Palma General Operating Fund analysis 2010-2015
prised him: • A 2010-2011 fiscal year budget of $10.2 million that includes a projected $236,000 operating deficit funded by the City’s reserve fund currently at $14.1 million. • 73% of total expenses go to pay for employee salaries, benefits and pension contributions while only 27% is spent for maintenance and operations. Carruth also learned that City employees receive competitive salaries and a generous benefit package but do not share equally in the cost of providing those benefits. Presently, the City pays the entire employee contribution for the defined benefit
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