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City adopts ‘User Fee Schedule’ during council meeting
La Palma resident win prestigious national championship Long Beach to Catalina and back jet-ski race. By Loreen Berlin
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By Loreen Berlin
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a Palma City Council adopted the “User fee Schedule” during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Aug. 3. The User Fee Schedule passed by five yes votes. Finance Director Keith Neves reported that after two study sessions held Jan. 19 and June 1, Council gave direction to maintain the fees at the existing levels, except for those that are found to be higher than the actual cost. “Some fees have been combined, renamed, and added, to conform to existing practices,” Neves said in his report. “Staff will look into resident and non-resident usage fees at a later date.” Passing the User Fee Schedule as is, will result in a decrease in General Fund revenue of approximately $6,500, Neves said, and the Schedule will be reviewed annually with the budget. Neves said that La Palma’s fees continue to be lower than surrounding com-
a Palma resident Kim Bushong, with Personal Water Craft Off Shore Racing (PWCOFFSHORE), is the winner of the 2010 Long Beach to Catalina and Back (LB2CAT) Offshore National Championship Race. Bushong, who said he is generally in the middle of the top 10 PWC competitors, thought that this time he might be in the top three but had no idea he'd end up placing first. "It was shocking," Bushong said of his win, in a personal interview for the La Palma Community Newspaper. "I'm just a steady eddy – and two of my good friends, Mark Gerner and Pat Roque, were in front of me in the second half of the race, but their PWC's broke down," he said. "My boat wasn't highly modified, so I was able to come through on the race; I'm very consistent, have a high pain threshold, and have a lot of endurance." Bushong has been riding PWC in the ocean since 1998. "Riding fast in the ocean is more difficult – it's a totally different story than other waters," he said. "It's always been a Southern California person who has won the LB2CAT since it began in 1994, because they know how to ride the ocean," Bushong said. Bushong is no stranger to the ocean or to the ride to Catalina, as he said he enjoys the ride and used to make the trip many times on his own before he entered
25 TH A NNUAL L A P ALMA D AYS
La Palma resident Kim Bushong with PWCOFFSHORE takes first place at the 2010 LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Race.
Relay For Life supporters plan bigger event for 2011
See FEES Page 7
ACTIVITIES
THE “OFFICIAL VETERAN’S DAY
La PARADE Palma debates OF ORANGE COUNTY” zone changes and revitalization efforts By Larry Caballero La Palma Councilmembers at the Jul. 20 meeting considered adopting a Resolution approving a General Plan Amendment and amendments to Chapter 26 of the City Code adding provisions for the creation of a new Zoning District entitled “Planned Neighborhood Development (PND)” and changing the Land Use Designation for certain properties. La Palma’s Economic Development Program adopted by the City Council in early 2009 included an action item to change the zoning on six key corner sites that are suitable for redevelopment. The six sites are small, generally one-half acre corner parcels located at arterial intersections. Some are vacant while others may not represent the highest and best use of the property. Their proximity to residential parcels, their size, and the current development standards had hindered redevelopment opportunities. See ZONES Page 7
See BUSHONG Page 7
Hawaiian Gardens Councilmember Mike Gomez served recall papers Cats team chair Ulla Herman (left) presented flowers and a certificate to Cancer survivor Barbara Mast who raised more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. By Larry Caballero
HISTORICAL & BelowPRESERVATION in Councilman Mike Gomez' official repsonse. CULTURAL AWARENESS PROJEC they raised almost $150,000. Neverthe-
La Palma/Buena Park’s American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life teams are not prepared to rest on their laurels. This year may have been the most successful ever with 36 teams participating, that included 107 Cancer survivors, and
less, they met Aug. 2 at the Buena Park Senior Center to make plans for 2011. Chairperson Christine Payette, a La Palma resident, hopes next year will be even better. Barbara Mast, who is also a La Palma See RELAY Page 7
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Publisher's Note: At time of publication, Councilman Barry Bruce had also been served recall papers.
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See GOMEZ Page 7
2 LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • AUGUST 2010
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City welcomes new SEAACA officer
Local coffee house hosts knitting club
Story and photo by Loreen Berlin
was there. "After leaving Idaho I applied for an Animal Control Officer position City of La Palma announces new offered by SEAACA, which is the South SEAACA Officer Robinson Animal East Area Animal Control Authority. Control Officer Simone Robinson, 26, "SEAACA is one of the most professionwith SEAACA was introduced during al animal control agencies around today, La Palma City Counwhich is one of the cil meeting Monday, reasons I decided to Aug. 3. Robinson was work for the agency." born in Whittier and Robinson was hired attended Fairfax High exactly one year School in Los Angeles, ago and said she has later attending Santa experienced a variety Monica College. "I of cases during that started volunteer work time. "I remember the at a shelter and later first time I made the applied for a job with paper - I was called SPCALA as a kennel out to rescue a rooster attendant," Robinson that had flown into a said. "I worked for swimming pool - the SPCA for three years rooster had trouble and was apart of their making it out and so disaster response I went into the pool team." Robinson said and saved the little she was put through guy, who we ended disaster response trainup naming 'Splash." ing and also attended Robinson said that Simone Robinson with SEAACA a number of animal you could probably (Southeast Area Control Authority) say that she is willing behavior classes is welcomed to the city of La Palma to go great lengths offered at SPCA. "I was fortunate enough by La Palma City Council during to help out our furry its Tuesday, Aug. 3 meeting. For to participate in the and feathered friends. relief effort after Hur- SEAACA information, call 562-803- "After being with the 3301 or visit seaaca.org ricane Katrina and agency for a year, an during the San Diego opportunity came up fires," she said. "After three years with to apply for a dedicated position with the SPCA I signed up for Balu Dog Trainers City of La Palma. I was selected out of Academy in Athol, Idaho, where I spent three other officers to interview and was three months studying K-9 behavior and chosen by the city to be the new deditraining shelter dogs in basic obedience." cated officer," Robinson said. "I don't Robinson said that her experience was receive the normal amount of traffic I rewarding because the training made the used to when servicing our other cities, shelter dogs more adoptable and two of so I spend most of my time patrolling the three dogs were adopted while she See SEAACA Page 7
Vicki Johnson is an ESL teacher at ABC Adult School. One of the things she likes to do is knit. She discovered that some of her students also like to knit. A perfect place to gather, visit and knit was found at It's A Grind located on the shopping center on the corner of Carmenita Road and South Street. The group consists of 12 members, four who were on vacation the morning I interviewed them. They meet every Friday morning. “We all know how to knit,” said Johnson, “but sometimes we need help with a new stitch. Someone in the group always seems to know what to do.” The other ladies present agreed but said Johnson was their leader. “Mary, who owns the Grind reserves a corner for us every Friday,” the women explained.
Communitiy Family Guidance Center hosts annual golf classic August 30 Community Family Guidance Center’s (CFGC) Foundation will host its 20th Annual Golf Classic at Rio Hondo Golf Club located at 10627 Old River School Road in Downey Aug. 30. The day will begin with registration at 10 a.m. followed by a
shotgun start at noon,a 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour, 6:00 p.m. awards dinner. If you would like more information on this event or additional levels of sponsorship, please contact Amber Ramirez at (562) 924-5526 or visit www.cfgcenter. com. Community Family Guidance Center is a non-profit mental health center providing life-saving counseling services to children and families in southeast LA County (Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Norwalk, Paramount and surrounding areas)
Community Calendar, Local Clubs and Organizations La Palma
AUGUST Civic Expo - Aug. 14 Representatives from the City’s various Departments will be on hand with a variety of community information. Additionally, various other government and utility organizations will be available to provide details about their services. The event promises to be an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about your community and the government services it provides. 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Concert in the Park Surfin' Safari Tribute to The Beach Boys - Aug. 14 : Central Park Amphitheater 6:30 p.m., Free City Council Meeting - Aug. 17 City Hall Closed, Aug. 20 Concert in the Park 80's Rewind 80's Rock - Aug. 21 Central Park Amphitheater 6:30 p.m., Free
Norwalk Soroptimist International Of Norwalk P.O. Box 125, Norwalk, CA 90650 • (714) 412-0183 Alondra Senior Citizens Club 11929 Alondra Boulevard Norwalk, CA 90650 (562) 865-7774 Tere Kopriski, President 2nd & 4th Wed 1:30 p.m. Social Services Center (562) 929-5844 Golden Trowel Norwalk Masonic Lodge #273 12345 E. Rosecrans Ave Norwalk, CA 90650, 2nd Thursday 7:30 p.m. Norwalk Lions Club P.O. Box 1712 Norwalk, CA 90650 Custodio Celeste, President 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 4th Thursday Board Meetings 7:00 p.m. Bruce's Restaurant 12623 Imperial Hwy. American Legion Post #359 11986 Front Street, Norwalk, CA 90650 562-864-9021 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. Legion Hall American Legion Post #359 11986 Front St. Drawing, Cake Walk, and Karaoke Every Saturday evening in Post Hole Club Drawing is at 8:00 p.m. RECURRING EVENTS: STEAK LUNCH Every Wednesday 11:30am - 2:30pm KARAOKE Every Saturday 7:30pm POST MEETINGS 3rd Thursday of each month 7:30pm
AUXILIARY MEETINGS 2nd Wednesday of each month 7:30pm Rotary Club of Norwalk P.O. Box 1243, Norwalk, CA Meets Mondays, Noon Norwalk Marriot Hotel Knights of Columbus Council #3678 Tom Sandoval, Grand Knight 12138 Front Street (714) 952-4724 • Norwalk Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7138 12186 Front Street (mail) Norwalk, CA 90651 (562) 864-9246 Elks Lodge-BPOE #2142 13418 Clarkdale Ave. Norwalk CA 90650 (562) 868-6603 Jim Duckett, Exhaulted Ruler (562) 868-1924 Thursdays 7:30 p.m. at Elks Lodge Rotary Club of Norwalk P.O. Box 1243, Norwalk, Sara Karsgens, President Mondays, noon, Norwalk Marriott Hotel (562) 921-0033 for info. Norwalk Woman's Club Place: Masonic Lodge 12345 Rosecrans Ave. Time: Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Norwalk Community Coordinating Council William Clark, President Helen Brown, Vice President Meets 4th Wed. during the school year. P.O. Box 521 Norwalk (562) 921-4218 www.nccconline.us 1:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Changes every 2 years in May - June - August. City Council Meeting 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 12700 Norwalk Blvd. Norwalk Redevelopment Agency 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 5:00 p.m., U.S. Constitution Room/#4, Norwalk City Hall. 12700 Norwalk Blvd. Norwalk Housing Authority 3rd Tuesday of each month 5:45 p.m. Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall. 12700 Norwalk Blvd. Planning Commission 2nd and 4th Wednesday 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers, Norwalk City Hall. 12700 Norwalk Blvd. Southland Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Norwalk Masonic Center 12345 E. Rosecrans Tuesdays at 7 PM
Cerritos AAUW (American Assn. of University Women) Saurabh Deedwania (562) 404-4488 Meets every 3rd Thursday, Skyline Room-Cerritos Library. CERRITOS SENIOR Gadabouts meet the second, third & fourth Mondays at the
Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park, 12340 South St. Judy Mendes, President 562-860-2151 HUBERT HUMPHREY DEMOCRATIC CLUB CoCo’s 7pm. 3rd Monday. Nikki Noushkam 562.7124072. CERRITOS REPUBLICAN CLUB Cerritos Library 7p.m 2nd Tuesday. Allen Wood 865-7294. OPTIMIST CLUB Off Street Cafe 7a.m. 1st, 2nd, 4th Thursdays, 7 p.m. 3rd Thursday. ROTARY CLUB Hometown Buffet noon Mondays VFW POST 1846 Heritage Park, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. 18600 Bloomfield Ave. Jeffrey Enomoto 714-292-2985 SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL Coco’s Restaurant 6p.m. 2nd Wed. & 12p.m. 4th Wed. WOMEN’S CLUB CPE 2nd Thursday. Gail Grossman at 562-926-8487 LIONS CLUB 11514 E. 178th Street, Artesia. 1st & 3rd Tuesday. Milton Hicks 926-3792. CONTACTS Business Networking Group Wednesdays, 7a.m. at Mimi’s Café, Cerritos Towne Center. Larry Massa 562-920-0554. CONNECTIONS Business Networking Group. Thursday, 7:30 a.m. at Coco’s Restaurant. Barbara 869-7618. CERRITOS LEADS CLUB Tuesdays 7–8:30 a.m. Mimi’s, in the Towne Center. Call 1-800767-7337. TOASTMASTERS The Cerritos Cheerful Chatters Toastmasters Club meets at Noon every other Wednesday at the SELACO Workforce Investment Board: 10900 E. 183rd > Street, 3rd Floor. Have fun and work on your speaking skills. Visitors are welcome! Call Tammy: (800) 481 - 6555 ext. 1213. ECLECTIC DIALECTIC TOASTMASTERS Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. at the Avalon at Cerritos, 1000 Falcon Way, Cerritos,. Ron Jung 924-1808. GOLDEN SANDS CHORUS An award-winning Sweet Adeline Chorus. Women of all ages and experience levels welcome. Rehearsals Wednesdays 7 p.m., Lakewood Masonic Center, 5918 Parkcrest St., Long Beach. (562) 630-8445 GOOD SAM Camp outings 2nd weekend each month. Howard Remsen 714-521-1076. JOURNEYS Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Pathways office, 3300 South Street #206, Long Beach Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Lakewood Regional Medical Center, 3700 South Street Classroom A, Lakewood Call Cindy Skovgard at 562-531-3031 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) A program for mothers with children under the age of five, meet 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 9 to 11:15 a.m. at New Life Community Church, 18800 Norwalk Blvd., Artesia. CERRITOS AGLOW LIGHTHOUSE, “A Network of Caring Christian Women” Hometown Buffet in Cerritos 11471 E South St. Call Charyl, 562-865-5311.
SELF HELP FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED Long Beach/ Lakewood Chapter, second Thursday of each month at the Weingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Avenue in Lakewood at 6:30 p.m. free. 429-7099 CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERS ASSN (CRTA) Meets at 12p.m. the third Friday of alternative months at the Ebell Club, Third and Cerritos, Long Beach. 925-1938. IRONWOOD WOMEN’S GOLF CLUB 16449 Piuma Avenue • Cerritos, Ca 990703 • Irene Orozco, President (562) 926-5017 • Tuesdays, 7:30 am
Artesia ARTESIA SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Albert O. Little Community Center, 18750 S. Clarkdale, Artesia. For information, contact Kathy Mc Donald, President, 562-430-7349
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LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • AUGUST 2010
Councilmember Henry Charoen holds kick-off party for re-election campaign
Steve Hwangbo holds kick-off party for La Palma City Council race
www.loscerritosnews.net
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Tribute paid to Korean War Veterans at Cerritos Performing Arts Center
COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • JULY 30, 2010
3
Cerritos Regional Chamber hosts mixer at California Pizza Kitchen
By Jerry Bernstein
that the war was never formally ended with the signing of a peace The Councilmember Henry Charoen speaks to supporters at his kick-off partytreaty. held at La Korean Veterans, their families and fighting stopped with the signing of an Palma's Panda Inn in July. friends gathered in the Sierra Room at Armistice agreement. the Cerritos Center for the Performing He noted that it wasn’t until PresiArts July 27 in a Korean War Veterans dent Obama signed the Korean War Recognition Day Ceremony. Veterans Recognition Act on July 27,
La Palma City Council candidate Steve Hwangbo announces his candidacy in front of his supporters who showed up at the Community Center Aug. 1.
Korean War Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony held at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Korean Dance performed by the Navy Performers at the Cerritos Center for the Korean Dance performed by the Navy Performers at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Performing Arts. Cerritos Mayor Joseph Cho welBy Jerry Bernstein comed those present and introduced members the citytheir council and special Korean of Veterans, families and guests. Opening ceremonies included friends gathered in the Sierra Room at theCerritos singingCenter of the United States and the for the Performing Korean Anthems Soo Joung Arts JulyNational 27 in a Korean Warby Veterans Lee. Recognition Day Ceremony. The Mayor saidJoseph this year, Cerritos Mayor Cho 2010, welmarks the 60th anniversary of the comed those present and introduced Korean War, North Korea inmembers of thewhen city council and special vaded South Korea. In this country guests. Opening ceremonies included the the war is called the “Forgotten War.” “To singing of the United States and Korean the Korean peoplebyitSoo is not a “ ForgotNational Anthems Joung Lee. tenThe War.” He reminded those present Mayor said this year, 2010,
2009 that the Korean War Veterans Day became a National Korean War Vetera peace treaty. The fighting stopped with ans Armistice Day. the signing of an Armistice agreement. He expressed gratitude in behalf of He noted that it wasn’t until President his native country and said South Korea Obama signed the Korean War Veterans could not have become what it is today Recognition on July 27,young 2009 that except for Act the American men theand Korean Warwho Veterans Daythe became women defended coun-a National Koreantheir War sacrifice Veterans my Armistice try. “Without native Day. country could not have become what it expressed gratitudehis in appreciation behalf of isHe today.” He extended histonative countrywho and were said South Korea the veterans present in the could not have become what it is today except for the American menPage and 7] [Seeyoung KOREA women who defended the country. “Withmarks the 60th anniversary of the Korean out their sacrifice my native country War, when North Korea invaded South could not have become what it is today.” Korea. In this country the war is called He extended his appreciation to the veterthe “Forgotten War.” “To the Korean ans who were present in the audience. people it is not a “ Forgotten War.” He Visiting California and docked at the reminded those present that the war was Port of Long Beach is the Republic of never formally ended with the signing of L a
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• La Palma’s Only Community Newspaper • Delivered to 4,500 La Palma homes every month • www.lapalmanews.net • March 2010 • Vol. 1, Issue 5
Web: www.lapalmanews.net Email: lapalmanews@gmail.com Phone 562.407.3873 P.O. Box 788, Artesia, CA 90702 EditorJery Bernstein General ManagerLinda Bock Production ManagerChris Svensk Sports EditorLoren Kopff Staff WritersChris Callard Glen Creason, Shelley Hendersen, Larry Caballero President/PublisherBrian Hews The La Palma Community News is published monthly and delivered to La Palma homes only. The La Palma Community News has been established as a newspaper of general circulation in Orange County. Based on this legal status we are eligible to publish Legal Notices and Fictitious Business Name Statements. Published and copyrighted by Eastern County Newspaper Group,Inc. Reproduction in whole or part of any material in the La Palma Community News without permission of the publisher is prohibited. © 2010
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Enjoying the festivities and food at the Cerritos Chamber Mixer Jul. 22 at the California Pizza Kitchen in Cerritos are guests (l-r) Edible Arrangements owner Joy Graves and 1st CEB Adoption Committee member Dorothy Owen. 5451 La Palma Ave.
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Korea Navy 2010 Cruise Training Task zone. Group to pay its respect to the war veterLater in the evening, the Commander ans and to acknowledge their sacrifices of the Task Force hosted a reception on and dedication. Representing the Task board his ship for the veterans and their Force and participating in the ceremony wives. was the Commander, KNA Training The Cerritos Friends of Korean War Task Group, who expressed his country’s Veterans, Mid-Cities Korean-American sincere thanks in behalf of all the service Chamber of Commerce, Central Church men who fought in the war. “Today the Council of Southern California, Mid-CitRepublicChamber of Korea Ambassadors would not be what ies SilverAdministrative Association, Korean Veterans Cerritos Bernice Sandoval, Assistant it isEdward if not forJones you. Investments, We will neverand forget Association of Los Angeles, ROK Naval for Gary Chomiak of Gary Chomiak Financial Services, what you Inc. did for greet ourguests country. Jul.To22us, atyou the Cerritos Chamber Mixer at the California Academy Alumni Association of SouthPizza entrance located outside of the Mall. are ourKitchen heroes.” ernCerritos California, Korean Special Forces Speaking for the veterans, who Veterans Association and Friends of recently returned from Korea marking American Veterans of the Korean War the 60th year of the war, was Clyde Van sponsored the Korean War Veterans RecDyk who said “We will never forget the ognition Day Ceremony. people of Korea and their warm welcome given us upon our arrival. He said many of the veterans who were on the trip recognized some of the names of the 24,000 Americans who lost their lives in the war www engraved on plaques on the walls of the memorial. We also will never forget our lapalmanews net visit to the DMZ [Demilitarized Zone] and the North Korean’s looking at us through binoculars from their side of the
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Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • AUGUST 2010 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com • VOL 1 • ISSUE 8 • November 2009 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com •
Three ways to grow your businessforget the fads and get back to basics With all of the latest and greatest concepts, seminars, webcasts, and "HowTo" books vying for your attention, you would think that growing your business was as complicated as building the space shuttle. The fact is, there are only three ways to expand business... Option #1 – Increase the number of customers You increase the number of customers you have by reaching new customers 1) with your existing offering or 2) developing a new offering. Ideally you will leverage the offering you have to enter a new market or expand the reach in your exisiting market. Three key questions to answer to increase the number of customers are: * Who has a real need for the product/ service I'm selling? Does my product meet that need in a manner that either saves money or provides additional value? * How much, if anything, are they spending to address that need today? * How many of those potential customers are there? How do I reach them? Answering these questions meaningfully necessitates market research. Market research is a prelude to selling. It teaches you a great deal about what you will need to know to effectively reach these new customers such as what to say, how to say it and to whom. Option #2 – Increase the frequency of purchase The quickest path to increasing the frequency of purchases is by making it as easy as possible for your existing customers to do business with you repeatedly. Another way to look at this is providing additional customer value – and ultimately building customer loyalty. If you make it easier for customers to buy from you, relative to your competition, then you will continue to win their business. This, of course, assumes your products or services are comparable or superior to your competitors. Outside of customer loyalty programs, here are a few areas to consider improving: * Responsiveness to requests, calls,
emails * Accessibility to the customer's primary contact * Consistency in offering * Follow-up and follow-through on meetings * Accurate and timely billing. While these may seem like common sense, consider how many vendors you no longer use because they were too difficult to do business with. Don't become one of them to your customers. Option #3 – Increase the number of units sold By default you will increase the number of units sold when you increase the number of clients and frequency of purchase. But you can also increase the number of units sold by understanding how to add value. If you want to sell more products or bill more hours, providing a value-add benefit or solution will begin to strengthen your customer relationship. If you are to consistently add-value to the customer relationship, you need to fully understand how your customers interpret, define, and quantify the value they receive from your products and services. Here is a consumer example: A restaurateur offered existing customers 20 percent off for parties of 4 during lunch and early dinner. The idea was to add value to his existing clients by providing them with a benefit they could share. Result: His lunch business went up by 88% in one month and by 53% over the campaign. On the frequency side, he experienced 71% retention of his customers when he dropped the campaign after 3 months. Finally, don't forget, to see real results, you must start with what you already know about your customers. It is the market research, customer knowledge you already have, that is literally a hidden goldmine of profit that can grow your business and increase your company's top line. It is this customer-focused information that will provide the foundation for generating more sales, retaining and cross-selling customers, and acquiring new customer business. Armed with customer-focused information, you will know which is the best way to grow your business.
Upcoming Chamber Events August LEGISLATIVE MIXER October CASINO NIGHT October 12 CANDIDATES NIGHT La Palma Community Center 7901 Walker Street La Palma, CA 90623
December 18 CHRISTMAS FOOD & TOY DRIVE
Tickets on sale August 15th-mark your calendar! Saturday, October 9th 7 th Annual CASINO NIGHT La Quinta Inn & Suites
October 20 QUARTERLY NETWORKING BREAKFAST Hosted by: La Palma Intercommunity Hospital 7901 Walker Street La Palma, CA 90623 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
New Members • Beverly Gonzalez, Beverly Dentistry • EMC Home Health Care • Ruth Ramirez, Remax • Scentsy
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Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • AUGUST 2010 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com • VOL 1 • ISSUE 8 • November 2009 • www. lapalmachamberofcommerce.com •
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
info@lapalmachamberofcommerce.com Website: www.lapalmachamberofcommerce.com
Board of Directors Amanda Rincon President
Barbara Rincon Vice-President Noella Lew Secretary
Amanda Rincon Interim Treasurer
Directors
Carol Miyake Membership
John Sciacca
Cypress College
Eloisa Velasquez
Resident/Past President
Deven Solanski and Shamaine Almanza
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.
LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS 562.407.3873 www. lapalmanews.net email: lapalmanews@gmail.com Publishing the second Friday of every month.
New Community Development Director guest speaker at La Palma Chamber Breakfast By Larry Caballero Although Douglas Dumhart has only been La Palma’s Community Development Director for just eight weeks, it was long enough for him to get to know the community and its leaders including La Palma Chamber’s Executive Director Esther DeLeon Hernandez who invited him to be the Chamber’s guest speaker at its Jul. 21 Quarterly Networking Breakfast at the La Palma Community Hospital. Dumhart listed numerous “confidence busters” that can impede any city’s economic development, including La Palma’s. He began with consumer confidence that is the lowest point in a year, the volatile stock market, European debt crisis, double-digit unemployment, poor wage gains and a stalled housing market. Recently passed Congressional health care and financial services reform, as well as unresolved Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, only add to business concerns. “It’s the fear of the unknown,” said Dumhart. “Businesses also worry about a federal deficit in the trillions and a state deficit in the billions,” said Dumhart. Nevertheless, he feels that the potential for economic growth is possible for La
City of La Palma is offering a Citizens Civic Academy in the fall 2010 This fall, the City of La Palma will be presenting a Civic Academy to provide citizens with an inside view of how La Palma's City Government provides services. There
La Palma Chamber Executive Director Esther De Leon Hernandez with Community Development Director Douglas Dumhart at the chamber breakfast. Palma, a two-square-mile city of 16,000 residents with a median household income of $68,438. “It is possible, but it will take a concerted effort from residents, local businesses and the Chamber in order for
is no cost to participants, other than your commitment of time. This unique (and fun) experience will be presented over a five-week period on Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting on September 16, 2010, with the last meeting on October 14, 2010. Meetings will feature presentations from representatives of each city department. For more information, or
outside commercial interests to recognize the advantages of moving their businesses into La Palma.”
to reserve a spot for you and your family members, call Po-
lice Sergeant Raul Morales at (714) 690-3386.
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6 LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • AUGUST 2010
Cerritos posts residential color palette on city’s website
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neIGHBORHOOD news
Fire guts Norwalk auto repair shop destroying six vehicles
By Jerry Bernstein The Cerritos City Council approved the placing of the city’s residential color palette on the City’s website at its July 22 meeting. Current Planning Manager Robert Lopez said in his report the placing of the palette on the website should make the process of selecting paint colors and obtaining a paint color permit easier for homeowners. Under a 2004 amendment to the city code, a free city-approved paint color permit is required prior to the painting home exteriors in order to maintain the attractive and compatible appearance of Cerritos neighborhoods. In addition to showcasing the colors for home exteriors, the new web page contains an interactive tool that allows residents to create and evaluate custom color combinations. The on-line residential color palette is available on the City’s website at www.cerritos.us and can be accessed through the I Want To... and Resident sections. The on-line color palette includes pull-down color menus. It is organized by color family and displayed according to specific design features (stucco, siding, trim and accents). There are more than 500 colors in the palette, which can be combined to create 400,000 distinct color combinations. As color displays vary between computers, monitors and printers, the on-line display is offered as a general guide for the types of colors available in the approved color palette. After making color selections, residents can click on the “Print My Palette” button. A new window appears, providing instructions on the next steps for obtaining paint color approval from the Department of Community Develop-
Fire gutted an auto repair shop and six vehicles, except for two offices on the west side of the building Wednesday afternoon on the northwest corner of Pioneer Boulevard and Linda Avenue. The fire started when employees working on a motorcycle under repair were giving it a slow charge and at the same time draining the gas tank. A spark ignited a drop of gas. Responding to the fire were units from Fire Station #115 in Norwalk and Fire Station #30 in Cerritos. Photo by Nick Nicolaides ment. Lopez said the City’s exterior paint color ordinance helps protect property values and the park-like look of Cerritos. Before buying paint or hiring a contractor, homeowners must obtain a paint color permit at City Hall. There is no fee charged for the permit. Prior to issuing the permit, staff will assist the homeowner in conducting a quick check to make sure the proposed colors will fit well with Cerritos neighborhoods. Samples of the 500 colors in the City’s approved palette are available for residents to review at City Hall. Residents can also pick up paint samples for their
choice of exterior and trim colors at a local hardware or paint store. They can then bring the paint color samples to the Community Development counter on City Hall’s second floor between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A City planner will review the choices and compare the colors against the City’s approved exterior paint color palette. Homeowners who need ideas or help choosing a color may also review the color palette at the Community Development counter. The palette provides color combinations most suitable for residential properties and was prepared by a professional color consultant. To best determine how a paint color will look on a home, it is suggested that residents purchase a quart of the paint and apply it to an area of their home.
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ABC Unified School District awarded High School Counseling Grant Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA) announced the Department of Education has awarded a grant to ABC Unified School District to establish or expand elementary and secondary school counseling programs. “I am pleased to see ABC Unified School District receive these funds,” said Rep. Linda Sánchez. “To succeed in school, many students need assistance and support both inside and outside the classroom. School counselors help students reach their full potential and play an integral part in the educational process.” The grant will be in the amount of $396,336 for the period Aug. 1, 2010 through July 31 2011. ABC Unified will use the funds to support or establish counseling programs and hire qualified school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, or child and adolescent psychiatrists with a goal of expanding the range, availability, quantity and quality of counseling services available. Counseling services will use a developmental, prevention approach and will be designed and implemented with the involvement of parents of the participating students. “We are absolutely delighted that ABC is the recipient of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program Grant,” said Dr. Mary Sieu, Deputy Superintendent. “Our grant, called the High School Intervention Program, will help to expand counseling services for all five high schools in the District. We will be working with our local area mental health agencies to provide school social workers and mental health counselors to implement a program that focuses on preventive measures as well as involving parents of the participating students. This grant is a much needed resource for our District and we welcome the new opportunities it brings for our students and families.” In January, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1029, Sánchez’ resolution to honor the important role school counselors play in the lives of students across the country. Sánchez has also sponsored the Put School Counselors Where They’re Needed Act, H.R. 5671, legislation that would provide funding for additional counselors in high schools with high drop-out rates, and H.R. 1361, Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act, to train and place more professional school counselors, social workers, and psychologists in low-income neighborhoods.
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ZONES
Continued from page 1 The six study sites are: • Southeast corner of Moody Street and Orangethorpe Avenue • Northeast corner of Walker Street and Orangethorpe Avenue • Northeast corner of Moody Street and La Palma Avenue • Southeast corner of La Palma Avenue and Walker Street • Southwest corner of La Palma Avenue and Valley View Street • Northwest corner of Crescent Avenue and Walker Street The objective of the new zoning designation is to limit undesirable uses and encourage those uses that foster quality development and optimize the City’s tax base. Further, the new zoning is proposed to provide for more flexibility in the City’s development standards that allow modern design concepts that will be an incentive for private capital investment in the community. Civic Solutions, Inc., a land-planning firm, has been retained by the Community Development Commission to prepare the proposed zoning district designation and accompanying development design guidelines to foster redevelopment opportunities. The addition of the new zoning designation is anticipated to preclude underproductive development and limit non-sales tax generating uses while establishing the conditions under which retail and dining uses can be encouraged. The standards and guidelines will limit the uses to those that will fulfill the economic objectives of the General Plan. The objectives, standards and guidelines are to identify land uses desired by the community, prioritize desired uses that increase the City’s tax base, and provide incentives to encourage responsible development with desired uses. Community outreach meetings were held earlier to solicit input and ideas from property owners, adjacent residents, and interested parties regarding the subject properties. Participants identified preferred uses that included fabric stores, pet grooming, entertainment, pizza and jewelry stores. Non-preferred uses included a car wash, liquor store, tattoo or massage parlor, palm reader and gas stations. Alternate actions to be considered include applying PND zoning to all six of the study parcels that would ensure equitable treatment of the land owners or to apply the PND zoning to all six study parcels, but specifically grandfather multi-tenant commercial buildings until the properties redevelop or subsequently remodel. The thought process behind the latter approach is that multi-tenant commercial buildings (especially 2-stories) are not suited for retail businesses. Community Development Director Douglas Dumhart said this approach “would merely kick the can down the street, and taking no action is also an alternative, but it would be the action of the lowest denominator, and it does nothing to foster economic development and revitalization efforts.” Councilmembers Waldman and Charoen agreed that the latter alternatives give no incentive for businesses to remodel, but Mayor Pro-Tem Rodriguez, Councilmember Herman and Mayor Shanahan were willing to give the businesses a certain amount of time to conform. In order to prevent development that would be inconsistent with the City’s goals before the new zoning could be written and adopted, the City Council adopted an urgency Ordinance temporarily prohibiting certain types of land uses on the six corner sites (banks or financial institutions, check cashing services, pawn shops, car washes or liquor stores). The
LA PALMA COMMUNITY NEWS • AUGUST 2010
moratorium is due to expire Oct. 15. After much discussion at the Jul. 20 meeting, the Council agreed that the first alternative action should apply to vacant properties and asked staff to go back and bring language to the body that would consider the needs of current business owners.
7
2010 Cypress Pony U13 Section champions
BUSHONG
Continued from page 1 the race. "I must have ridden that 150 times before I entered the contest," he said. Then, in 2002, all of that changed when he read about the race in the PWC Magazine. There were 50 riders that year. "I had the slowest machine and came in fourth place," Bushong said. "This is the best I've done; I've placed 4th a couple times and 6th place twice along with 7th and 8th place also," he said. This time, in 2010, there were 42 PWC riders; that number is down from the late 80s, and in 1994 where there were more than 100 people participating in the race. "It was big then, but now it's holding steady," he said, noting that the economy has affected the race. "In recent years a new 'sportsman' class has been offered at a reduced entry fee, to encourage first-time racers," Bushong said. "I encourage anyone interested in the sport to come down and give it a try; you don't necessarily have to be fast, and it's a whole lot of fun, and a first-timer finished 3rd place-overall this year." One of the race's sponsors PWCOFFSHORE.com , who is also Bushong's personal sponsor, is a place where riders can find lots of information about the race along with safety tips, which Bushong said, "It's his expert opinion that should be mandatory for all who are thinking of making the trip to Catalina and back." The offshore sport is much larger internationally, where 400 people can be expected to race in Europe Bushong said, but LB2CAT remains one of the most famous and prestigious races in the world. Bushong plans to compete in the LB2CAT race again next year and will also compete in the Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Race, but his focus is now on Paddling in the Long Beach Harbor by Naples where he is one of the 20-members of the "Space Dragons" dragonboat team. "It's a team sport that I've been doing for the past three years and I'm going to the World Dragonboat Championships shortly in Hungary for the USA Master's Team, and a few weeks later I'll be competing in Shanghai, representing a Long Beach composite team," he said. Bushong said that the Dragonboat and outrigger paddling has helped to strengthen him for the PWC Race. More of his background is that in the 80s he competed as a Triathlon Athlete in the first Iron Man Triathlon in Kona , Hawaii , and also led that race in 1982 back when it was on ABC's Wide World of Sports. "It's a tough sport - the Triathlon" - but obviously good training for the PWC race. For information about PWC, visit PWCOFFSHORE.com Loreen Berlin can be reached at loreenberlin@verizon.net.
RELAY
Continued from page 1 resident and a Cancer survivor, raised
The team is comprised of La Palma and Cypress residents. The team is the 2010 U13 Section champions and went on to the Zone tournament and defeated Hawaii, Santa Clara, and Chula Vista. They were defeated eventually by Chula Vista in the Championship game. From left to right Kevin Ladaban, Elijah Skipps, Coach Jeff Peterson Coach Angel Terrazas, Eriq Plechot, Jeffery Lim, Nick Valdez, Evan May, Parker Lofstrom, Coach Charles Williams, Tom Monahan, Cameron Staes, Garrett Brockel Ryan Kordich, Vincent Yates , Coach John Davis (not shown).
SEAACA
GOMEZ
Continued from page 2
Continued from page 1
parks and giving presentations to schools, camps and clubs," she said. "It's very important to educate the new generation on animal welfare and the responsibility it takes to own a pet." Robinson said that most of the animals that end up at in shelters are not strays; they are animals people decided not to care for anymore. " I'm hoping to educate enough people so that we can prevent this ongoing problem. I am very thankful to have a city that allows me to help make a change." For SEAACA information, call 562-8033301. For La Palma City information, call 714-690-333. Loreen Berlin can be reached at loreenberlin@verizon.net
FEES
Continued from page 1 munity’s fees. The last La Palma fee study was in 2003 and the last increases were in the fiscal year 2006-2007. “The consultant recommends annual updating of the Fee Schedule based on city labor costs.” La Palma currently uses $1.6 million in taxes to support fee or potential-fee services and roughly $150,600 could be recovered by requiring certain services to either “pay their own way” or at least pay more of their own way, Neves said For La Palma City information, call 714-690-3333. Loreen Berlin can be reached at loreenberlin@verizon.net
and advocating for all parts of our community. My record is clear and I stand by it. I have never voted or acted without our city's best interest at heart. I hold myself to the highest moral standards and have done so as mayor and councilmember. As a small businessman I understand how hard it is to make money in our current economic times and I have spent your tax dollars wisely and with consideration to all the needs and desires of the residents our city. I love and care deeply for our community. I chose to serve on the city council because I want to change our neighborhoods; I want people in our city to be proud of where they live, to feel free to walk our streets anytime without fear of crime or persecution. I see myself as a public servant, promoting the public good. I serve you because I want to make our home a better place.
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more than $10,000 on her own, with the help of her friends and local businesses that include Starbucks that donated the coffee. Cats team chair Ulla Herman congratulated Mast on a job well done and presented her with flowers and a certificate. Mast promised to try even harder next year.
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8 LA LA PALMA PALMA COMMUNITY COMMUNITY NEWS NEWS •• AUGUST APRIL 2010 8 2010
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