Carson/South Bay Community News

Page 1

Free

Volume 4, No. 19 SmithPublish.com

News & Entertainment from the Community!

December 1 – 15, 2010 info@smithpublish.com

Serving the cities that make up the South Bay in Southern California

Merry Christmas!

Inside Publishers Message…………………2 What’s Happening Around Town… 4 Government/Business/Finance...…..5 Education……………………….…. .6 Sports…………………….………….7 Arts & Entertainment………….…..8 Inspiration & Church News…..…..10 Style & Beauty…..……………..…..11 Real Estate ………...….……….…..14 The Inside Success Story………….15 Food & Restaurants………..……..18 Just for Fun……………….…….….19 Calendar of Events…………....…..20 How to Reach Us (888) 841-7779 Email: info@smithpublish.com Submit your upcoming events and information FREE!

Like us at FB at Carson/South Bay Community News

South Bay Pavillion Mall Set to Host ―Old Fashioned Christmas Village‖ This year South Bay Malls invite you with Fx3events.com to their Happy Holiday season to meet Santa and the Holiday Village for two days mall hours. "Old Fashioned Christmas Village" DECEMBER 11 & 12, 2010 South Bay Pavilion, Carson, CA Santa's village adjacent to IKEA AND TARGET. With Hand-made art and crafts vendors throughout the mall village. South Bay Pavilion is located at 20700 Avalon Blvd., Carson, CA, 90746 To take part call us to be a vendor contact Julian at 562 -277- 7174. http://www.southbaypavilion.com


Publisher’s Message Carson/South Bay Community News Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Hi South Bay Family! Christmas is FAST approaching. In November, many organizations around the South Bay gave out turkeys and the fixins’ for those without the resources. Economic conditions have made times extremely difficult for many. We highlight some of the events. Thanks to all the groups, organizations and individuals that gave out of their supply. We salute you! Black Friday got off with a BANG! Sales were to be found everywhere! This year Sears was even open on Thanksgiving! While Black Friday sales are over, there are a lot of deals out there and we’re partnering with local businesses to get you to Shop Local. Support your local small businesses…tell them Carson/South Bay Community News sent you! Have you always wanted to start a business but didn’t know how, didn’t know the steps you needed to take? Maybe didn’t know what you wanted to do? Well, we’ve got some news for you! Custom Business Planning & Solutions, along with SmithPublish.com is partnering to help individuals transition from employee to entrepreneur with the program e2eNow. Read more about this exciting program and how you can take charge of your life in 2011. We’ve included a new Special Section – this section will include inspirational conversations with extraordinary individuals. To our readers, thanks for the support. Let us know how we’re doing and what you want to see in upcoming issues. Visit us on Facebook at Carson/South Bay Community News and join the conversation! Thanks for your support! Here We Go!

News From the Community!

SmithPublish.com 385 S. Lemon Ave. #E236 Walnut, CA 91789 (888) 841-7779 Smithpublish.com info@smithpublish.com

Publisher…………………………………………….Rube & Gina Smith Associate Publishers Richard & Enjoli Hall Chris & Amber Smith Shawnda Smith Advertising…………………………………..……info@smithpublish.com Advertise your business at reasonable rates. Call Today! Carson/South Bay Community News is the must-read newspaper for the South Bay area. Owned by SmithPublish.com, it is published twice per month and digitally distributed to more than 25,000 subscribers in Los Angeles/South Bay areas, as well as thousands of international subscribers. CSCN is not responsible nor liable for any claims or offerings, not responsible for availability of products or services. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. SmithPublish.com is a proud member of Association of Free Community Papers



What’s Happening Around Town? Home Depot Center Foundation and LA Galaxy Host Foundation’s Feast The Home Depot Center Charitable Foundation joined forces with the Los Angeles Galaxy Foundation to serve a warm Thanksgiving meal to 250 local children and families who are in need. The seventh annual Foundations' Feast was held on Monday, November 23 in the American Express Stadium Club. Staff and volunteers from the LA Galaxy, The Home Depot Center, Athletes' Performance and ESPN served Thanksgiving dinner and provided, activities and goodie bags for all kids in attendance. For the seventh year in a row, Farmer John donated hams, and Home Depot Center food and beverage partner, Levy Restaurants supported the event by handling all the cooking, as well as preparing several traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, including mashed potatoes and gravy, seasonal vegetables and cranberry sauce. Cupcakes were provided by Two Chefs on A Roll and Marie Callender's Gardena provided pumpkin and apple pies. Learn more about the LA Galaxy CLICK HERE. CLICK HERE for Sears

17th Annual Long Beach/Queen Mary Tree Lighting Ceremony Join the Queen Mary and Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for the 17th Annual Long Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1st. Be part of this Long Beach holiday tradition. Ceremony is from 6pm – 7:30pm. Come out early and gain FREE general admission starting at 4pm. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and validated parking. Participate in the Long Beach Fire Departments “Spark of Love” Toy Drive by bringing an unwrapped toy. For more information, visit http://www.queenmary.com/event.aspx?id=4df775ef-0cd3-45d9-a35ecae582bc9380 CLICK HERE to visit Spark of Love


CLICK HERE


Local Government/Business/Finance

New Web Program Helps Employees Become Business Owners e2eNOW is an on-line program that helps participants select a business to start and create revenue projections and compose a complete business plan. e2eNOW.com enables employees seeking to start a business select the one that is right for them and plan for its long term success. e2eNOW, an extensive web-based program, is designed not only to help decide the type of business they should start, but also to determine if the business will produce the income they desire. Finally, using examples, templates and videos the program takes them step by step through creating a complete business plan with pro forma cash flow projections.

The reduction in jobs by major corporations over the last two years has left many highly educated, experienced people adrift in a job market with few prospects. A recent study by Wharton Business School found that many managers will have difficulty finding replacement employment, particularly if they are middle aged or older. Starting a business may be the only way many of these individuals can maintain their standard of living. e2eNOW (Employee to Entrepreneur NOW) was created by Peter and Lydia Mehit in response to the large number of requests for business plan assistance from displaced workers. The program is based on their experience drafting hundreds of business plans for bank and investor funding. "I want to thank you for the great customer service that your company has provided me. Your product is by far the best that I have seen and has helped me tremendously. Your videos are second to none, clear and to the point. Keep up the good work and thank you." C.R. Marketing and Sales Manager, TV Globo Network. e2eNOW also has an affiliate program that compensates business coaches and others for referring their clients to the product. Please contact us regarding the details of the program.

e2eNOW.com enables employees seeking to start a business select the one that is right for them and plan for its long term success. In association with SmithPublish.com and Carson/South Bay Community News, Custom Business Planning & Solutions will be hosting a seminar in Carson, California, introducing the e2eNow program. Invited guests include Carson Mayor Jim Dear, County Supervisor Mark Riddley-Thomas, as well Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For early registration, call 800-741-8444. E2eNow representatives will be touring Southern California cities to introduce this life-changing program . To bring this event to your city, contact Peter Mehit at (800) 741-8444.

CLICK HERE for For Sale By Owner


Education Circle of learning is more than a figure of speech By Theresa Watanabe, Courtesy The Los Angeles Times

Teachers are using a traditional technique to help students communicate with one another as a way to build bonds that will foster learning and help them stay in school. Cultures worldwide have long used speaking and listening circles — most notably, Native Americans. But now a modernized form, developed by the nonprofit Ojai Foundation, has spread to 12,000 students via 600 trained teachers in more than 60 schools, many of them in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Joe Provisor, who helped launch the program in the district in 2006, said research shows that strong school relationships are critical for a student's success. But those bonds are harder to forge in today's educational climate, he said, where academic pressures have crowded out time for social and emotional development. "This is bringing humanity back to the schools," said Provisor, a teacher advisor with the district's office of curriculum, instruction and school support. "Schools are so focused now on testing and assessment — the download and regurgitation of content. Council is the practice of listening to children and to one another." Judy Elliott, L.A. Unified's chief academic officer, called the program a "very powerful tool" to help students transcend race, gender, disabilities and other dividing lines. It also gives teachers a strategy to make the curriculum come alive, she said.

CLICK HERE for Hershey Store

At Amelia Earhart, for instance, Stringer has used council for literature, asking students to say which character they most identified with in the novel " One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Another teacher, Ron Narita, has used it for his Earth science class — asking everyone to tell a story about an earthquake, volcano or other geologic event. "It helps them respond to curriculum in a more open way," Narita said. (READ MORE)


Sports CLICK HERE for LA Marathon

South Bay Youth Sports Spring 2011 Flag Football Registrations Now Open!

Cal State Dominguez Hills’ Toros Leave No Doubt in 54-38 Win Over Cal State L.A. Opening its California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schedule tonight, No. 19 Cal State Dominguez Hills left no doubt as to which team currently rules the league ... in Los Angeles County anyway. Using a suffocating defense and a 17 point, 12 rebound effort by Michael Cox, the Toros remained unbeaten on the year after a solid 54-38 win over their cross-town rival Cal State L.A., limiting the Golden Eagle offense to a woeful 25.5% effort from the floor. After a 41-point win in its last contest, the visitors failed to score 41 points as tonight's 38-point effort was the lowest output in the past five seasons, and three less than its previous low of 41 points set on January 30, 2009, in a 61-41 loss to Cal Poly Pomona. This contest was a struggle offensively for both teams in the early going, with CSUDH enjoying a 13-6 lead with 9:20 left in the first half. The Toros eventually found their stroke after stretching the advantage to 14 on three occasions, before settling for a 30-19 lead at the half. READ MORE


Special Section

A Conversation with Naimah Fuller – Producer of Upcoming Film

A Place Called Home – The Documentary Movie CLICK HERE TO VIEW MOVIE TRAILER NAIMAH FULLER is the producer/writer/director of this incredible documentary. Five years in the making, the savvy producer has finally completed principle photography and is currently in the post production editing phase of the project, with a release date set for 2011. HOME - THE DOCUMENTARY MOVIE explores the mass migration of African Americans relocating to the southern regions of the U.S. in the turn of the 21st century. This mass migration reflects the historical Great Migration that took place during the mid-twentieth century nearly seven million black folks left the south and moved to the north and the west. The project asks the poignant question: What is causing this 21st century mass migration of African Americans to leave the north, the mid-west, and the west coast to relocate to the southern regions of the country. Maya Angelou, Morgan Freeman, are among those who share their migration stories.

CSCN: It’s an honor to interview you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Tell us about your upbringing. Did you grow up in a creative home? N. Fuller: My father was a photographer, but by the time I discovered his creativity, he was on to more practical creative endeavors, like providing for our family. So regarding creativity during my upbringing years, what I observed most was how creative my family was as entrepreneurs rather than artists. CSCN: You were raised by your great-grandmothers. What was that like? Dr. Maya Angelou N. FULLER: Both my grandmother’s were deceased before I was born, so my great-grandmothers took their place in my life. I spent various periods of my early childhood between these two women. Being a child of divorced parents, my great-grandmothers were very involved in my life as a small child. I was showered with so much love from these two women. So it was about love, it was also about spirituality, in that I was introduced to prayer and faith and tapping in a High Power. And it was also about learning how to be in the world. How to have respect for my elders, how to sit at the table and eat properly, how to treat others with respect, and how to hold my own head up and be proud of myself. In essence, I was given a strong foundation of self-esteem by both my great-grandmothers. CLICK HERE for Budget


Just being around Mr. Parks was a great inspiration to me. He set the professional bar for me on every level. – Naimah Fuller

CSCN: What was your greatest inspiration for pursuing a career in film? N. FULLER: My greatest inspiration for pursuing a career in film was the excitement of being on a movie set of a Warner Bros. Production or Paramount Pictures production. When I got into film there were very few African Americans working in that industry. It was the end of the Blackploitation era, and going into the 80’s was a time of change for blacks in the motion picture business. So it was very exciting to be able to walk onto a movie set and be part of that collaborative creative filmmaking process CSCN: How did you feel after your first month of film school? If you remember, what was required of you? N. FULLER: My major in college was Commercial Photography. My interest in photography was part of my DNA, because my father, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather were all photographers. However, as fate would have it after I completed my photography courses, I immediately moved to NYC, and began working with Gordon Parks. Just being around Mr. Parks was a great inspiration to me. He set the professional bar for me on every level. Not only was he a successful photographer, he was a filmmaker, a writer, and a composer of music. So the whole filmmaking school process was not how I entered the life of a filmmaker. My entrance to filmmaking was through “old-school”, rather than film school. However I did have some formal filmmaking training for short period at the Studio Museum In Harlem. The interesting thing about the majority of people who are in the motion picture business even today, most of them never went to “film school”. The old saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” is how the entertainment industry operates more often than not. Similar to the music industry; I doubt if most of the rappers or and R & B and even Pop artists that we follow, ever went to music school. Name any one of them: Jay Z, Beyonce, Sting. So my training in the craft of filmmaking was not from a formal classroom experience, all though I did go back to school after I was already in the business. I would dare say, that even the people who started the film industry probably didn’t even have a high school diploma (lol). Filmmaking is more entrepreneurial than academic. Gordon Parks (Above) Some of Mr. Parks photos below…


CSCN: What was your first real job in journalism and documentary production? Tell us about that experience. N. FULLER: Wow! My career has by no means followed the usual course of trajectory into journalism or documentary filmmaking for that matter. By the time I began a career as a journalist, I had already worked in the motion picture business for several years in several capacities, including script supervisor, assistant director, director, producer, etc. I went from working on large movie productions to working in broadcast news at WABCTV in NYC. It was at WABC-TV that I began my career in journalism, during which I enrolled at the New School of Social Research to study journalism, and television production. WABC paid for my education, so I took advantage of it. But my first real documentary project was a film I did on my mentor Gordon Parks during his production in Texas of Leadbelly the historically famous folk and blues singer, for Paramount Pictures. That project ultimately received several awards including Best Writer and Best Producer of a Documentary Film. CSCN: Tell us about A Place Called Home: The Great Migration of The 21st Century N. FULLER: Home began as an observation of a paradigm shift that I found myself in middle of. That shift was the migration of black folks moving en mass to the south at the beginning of the 21st century, of which I was part because I had just moved from New York City to Atlanta. At first the filmmaker in me wanted to capture the whole concept of Atlanta as the new Mecca. But as I continued to explore the project of documenting people relocating to Atlanta, I soon realized that it much more than that. That’s when the journalist in me began to see the bigger picture. That in fact, what I was actually experiencing was a Great Migration, much like the Great Migration of the mid 20th century when over six million black people moved away the south, to the north and the west, in the largest mass migration of any ethnic group in the history of this nation. Those people had no idea that they were making history, and that their migration experience would re-shape the concept of “urban-life” in America. As I pursued the HOME project – I realized that history was repeating itself in a reversal of trends, as black people were relocating and moving back to the south in even larger numbers than had occurred in the previous Great Migration, and are in fact re-shaping what is becoming the New South. Read more of this exclusive interview in the December 2010 issue of Authors & Artists Magazine. Visit www.smithpublish.com or email us at smithpublish@yahoo.com to subscribe to our digital magazines and newspapers FREE!



Inspiration & Church News

It Can Never Happen To Me Now in my prosperity I said, ―I shall never be moved.‖ —Psalm 30:6 Actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a horseback riding accident in 1995. Prior to this tragedy, he had played the part of a paraplegic in a movie. In preparation, Reeve visited a rehabilitation facility. He recalled: “Every time I left that rehab center, I said, „Thank God that‟s not me.‟ ” After his accident, Reeve regretted that statement: “I was so setting myself apart from those people who were suffering without realizing that in a second that could be me.” And sadly, for him, it was. We too may look at the troubles of others and think that it could never happen to us. Especially if our life journey has led to a measure of success, financial security, and family harmony. In a moment of vanity and self-sufficiency, King David admitted to falling into the trap of feeling invulnerable: “Now in my prosperity I said, „I shall never be moved‟” (Ps. 30:6). But David quickly caught himself and redirected his heart away from self-sufficiency. He remembered that he had known adversity in the past and God had delivered him: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing” (v.11). Whether He has brought us blessing or trial, God still deserves our gratitude and trust. I can always count on God, my heavenly Father, For He changes not; He always is the same; Yesterday, today, forever, He is faithful, And I know He loves me, praise His holy name. —Felten

Get the wisdom YOU need to have a Godly successful life at every age!

Pre-order YOUR Copy TODAY! $10.00 CLICK HERE to preorder or visit www.ThoughtsDecisionsActions.com

In good times and bad, our greatest need is God.

Need to promote YOUR business, product or service? SmithPublish.com Home of Carson/South Bay Community News, Los Angeles Community News, Inland Empire Community News, Authors & Artists Magazine, Christian Community Magazine. We promote you through our publications, websites, blog/comment entries, social network sites (over 50!). 2” x 3” Color Display - $30 per month (2 issues) 1 ¼” x 5” Color Banner - $50 per month (2 issues) 8” x 10” Color Full Page - $75 per month (2 issues) $50 - Interview & Article w/Photos : We will write an article about your business/product/service and upload to 10 article portal websites, 3 social networking sites, on our websites, release to you for promo purposes. $25 - Blog/Comment on 25 social networks, appropriate websites monthly. $200/yr. (pay in 4 payments of $50) - Directory listing for 12 months: Have your business listed on smithpublish.com site appropriate directory, in one digital publication – 24 issues, hyperlinked back to your website, and will blog/comment about your business once per month. If you have video footage of your business/product/service, we’ll post that as well!

How do I take advantage of these deals??? 1. Contact us at smithpublish@yahoo.com and say in subject line “I want to take advantage of your Cheap Deals”. Forward your name, company name, address, phone, email address, as well as link to website. 2. Pay via PayPal (go to rate page at www.smithpublish.com or CLICK HERE) 3. We will contact you to get started. If you need your ad designed, we can do that too – JUST ASK!

Call us at 888-841-7779


Style & Beauty


Taking A Look At‌‌

Phillip Lacoi Design and Urban Fashion Tees A Collection of Consciousness

Urban Fashion Tees was created in 2008 by Phillip Lacoi Design. We started with a few designs that grew into a few brands. Now Phillip Lacoi Design is a fashion house of urban tees that evokes unique style and fashion. We drew inspiration from cultural fashion trends in Brussels, Belgium, London, UK, Geneva, Switzerland, and Paris, France. These urban fashion tees are designed to visually and verbally express truths we live by, what we want to embody, and want others to know. It is about creating an experience, taking a journey, and becoming part of a much bigger story. See more of this incredible line at www.urbanfashiontees.com

CLICK HERE for Ferragamo

CLICK HERE for MyWeddingFavors



Real Estate

Ten things to keep in mind when renting a home or apartment (ARA) - Rent vs. own? More Americans are wrestling with that question as the economy continues its slow recovery. Even though homes are selling at record lows, many Americans are choosing to rent instead, maintaining their mobility and financial flexibility until the economy, as well as their job prospects, improve. More than 38 million people currently rent their primary residence, which represents about one-third of total U.S. residences, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With the recent downturn in the economy and the spike in foreclosures, the demand for apartments and homes to rent has grown steadily in many parts of the country. For those new to renting or those who haven't rented a place to live since college or their early 20s, it's important to understand your legal rights, according to the legal experts at FindLaw.com, a leading online source of legal information. Knowing your rights can help you avoid being taken advantage of or, avoid problems that could arise between you and your landlord.

Every renter should become familiar with these 10 tips: Know your rights. It is illegal for a landlord to refuse your rental application for discriminatory reasons such as race, sex, color, religion, class, etc. If your application to rent an apartment is rejected, you have a right to know why. Landlords cannot say an apartment is unavailable if it isn't or use a different set of rules for assessing different applicants.

Background checks. Landlords want responsible, trouble-free tenants. To aid them in selecting a renter, they can use background checks and credit reports to learn about a prospective tenant's credit worthiness and potential criminal record. If you're dealing with these issues, it's often a good policy to be upfront with the landlord about any problems that may be revealed during a background check to gain the trust of the landlord.

What should be included in the lease or rental agreement? A lease can be wordy, but make sure that it has these important aspects: length of tenancy (month-to-month, one year or another period of time), amount of rent and deposits the tenant must pay, the number of people who can live on the rental property, who pays for utilities, whether the tenant may have pets, whether the tenant may sublet the property, and the landlord's access to the rental property.

Keep a written copy. While most states honor a verbal agreement, they are more likely to cause a dispute. Findlaw.com recommends getting your lease agreement in writing and using it as a reference for any complications that happen during your time as a tenant. If a landlord offers any additional benefits for renting, make sure those are spelled out in the rental agreement.

Call the landlord with a maintenance problem. Usually the landlord is responsible for all maintenance issues. Document the problem by writing down the date it started and taking pictures if necessary. In some agreements, landlords need to respond to the maintenance issue, so refer to your lease for specifics. If they don't respond, typical options include withholding a portion of rent until the problem is fixed, paying for the repair yourself and deducting the amount from your rent, or abandoning the property altogether without liability. Check the laws in your state.


Noisy neighbor. One of the biggest hassles of renting is dealing with a noisy neighbor. If your neighbor is disturbing you, notify your landlord. In most leases, tenants agree to be respectful of those around them. It's also a good idea to use your landlord as a third-party enforcer to preserve the relationship between you and your noisy neighbor.

Safety first. In many states, landlords must provide minimum safety equipment such as peepholes, deadbolts, window locks and safety glass. If your landlord promises certain safety features, make sure he or she follows through on those promises. Ask other neighbors about the security and safety of the area before renting an apartment.

Get renter's insurance. Renter's insurance is relatively cheap and will protect you where your landlord's insurance won't. If you suffer losses due to theft or damage or are sued by someone who alleges they were injured in your rental because of your negligence, renter's insurance can cover you and save you from a large financial loss.

Preserve your security deposit. Security deposits are one of the most disputed items between landlord and tenants, so make sure that your lease clearly spells out the exact manner in which your deposit will be used or withheld. When you first move in, do an extensive walk-through to record existing damage and keep a copy of whatever report you give to the landlord.

Handling an eviction. It's hard to decide how to handle an eviction. If you can prove that the landlord was wrong, then it may be worth it to fight against the eviction notice and protect your rights as a tenant. Sometimes, it's not worth the fight even if you win. Remember that in some cases you will still have to continue to deal with the same landlord. Also remember if you lose a lawsuit, you'll be evicted and have to pay a hefty fine. To learn more about tenants' rights, go to FindLaw.com.


The Inside Success Story

Building a Family-focused Brand Seven years ago, Jason and Kim Graham-Nye were about to have their first child when they came across an intriguing factoid in the morning paper. They discovered that though only 5 percent of the population uses diapers, they are the third largest landfill contributor. 

 The only real alternative to disposable diapers was cloth diapers, and since those are water-intensive, they were a no-go in the couple’s arid Australia home. Soon they began to see the dearth of biodegradable diapers as a business opportunity and they picked up and moved to Portland, Oregon. Why did the two of you relocate to Portland, Oregon? Why not found the company in Australia?

Jason: Portland seemed the perfect place to recruit a team and build the brand we dreamed of. Portland is a catalyst in the green economy and full of really smart, and creative people. It’s also one of the best places to raise a family, so it just made sense. So what are the statistics on disposable diapers?

Jason: There is only one thing to do with a disposable diaper once it’s been soiled: throw it out. That means 50 million diapers go into landfills every day in the U.S. That’s a staggering 3.5 million tons of poop and plastic going into the ground each year. Due to the highgrade polypropylene used to make the outer covering and various layers, the materials [in diapers] remain intact in landfills for many years – reports estimate up to 500 years. gDiapers are the only 100 percent certified biodegradable diapers on the market, and the most eco-friendly diapers available. They’re also more natural and gentle for babies, because they contain no plastic, no chlorine, no perfumes….and no guilt. What’s the rationale behind encouraging employees to bring their kids to work? And why provide daycare to the larger community?

Kim: If there's one thing we understand, as parents ourselves, it’s that kids’ needs don't fit within the constraints of a typical nine to five workday. We strongly believe that work and family can go together better. That there shouldn’t be such a firm line between work and “life.” We’ve found that by creating a flexible work-life balance and offering on-site childcare, we’ve been able to attract and retain really valuable employees. That retention is really important in a fast-paced, fast-growing environment.


gDiapers are the only 100 percent certified biodegradable diapers on the market, and the most eco-friendly diapers available. They’re also more natural and gentle for babies, because they contain no plastic, no chlorine, no perfumes…and no guilt. (Continued from previous page) Our commitment to this balance goes beyond just our employees with kids and includes benefits to all employees including generous paid time off, flexible work schedules and job-sharing, in addition to the onsite childcare. You’ve had employees say that the interview to work for gDiapers was the most difficult one of their lives. How do you conduct interviews?

Jason: Fair Dinkum is an Australian expression that means being genuine and real with everyone you encounter. That’s our philosophy toward our business, our people and the planet. Our interview process really focuses on that. It’s not intended to be difficult per se, but rather insightful as to how potential employees work with other people, how they view the world, what their personal aspirations are, etc. We’re looking for people who share our commitment to the environment, who are flexible enough to work in a fastpaced environment, and who we can have great discourse with. We like to say, “check your ego at the door.” How do you ensure that you have a good work-life balance not just for your employees but for yourselves?

Kim: We do all sorts of things. We’re taking advantage of our own flexfriendly approach and are working from 5:30 a.m. to about 3:00 p.m. This allows us to pick our kids up from school and enjoy some down time with them in the evenings. It also allows us some quiet time at the office to do some strategic thinking before the whole team comes in.

 You aim to make your company flex-friendly but how do you adapt your management style to a team that’s rarely gathered together in the same place at the same time?

Kim: We do still have a critical mass most days, especially between 9-3. We do huddle each day at 9:30 to share our top three priorities for the day, which is a great mechanism to gauge perspectives, priorities and any need for laser meetings. We also use Skype…a lot. There’s just something much more productive when you can see the other individual’s facial expressions. It’s really amazing what a difference that makes. Is there anything else you’d like to add about gDiapers, how you treat your employees, or the daycare program?

Kim: Our customers are amazing. We wouldn’t be having this conversation if it weren’t for them. And with the explosion of social media, we feel like we really know them. Kind of like how you used to know your grocer, your baker, your butcher when towns were smaller. Social media allowed us to have that kind of personal relationship with the people who are buying our products and we get to incorporate that feedback into our decision-making. In a world that in many ways seems increasingly disconnected, we find that our world is really becoming smaller and more intimate. It’s amazing. For more information on gDiapers, visit www.gDiapers.com.


Just for Fun

Movie Actors

Think About It... Jude Law Judy Davis Julianna Marguilles Juliette Lewis Kate Beckinsale Kate Nelligan Kathleen Turner Katrin Cartldge Keith David Kenneth Branagh Kevin Conway Kevin J. O’Connor

Judge Reinhold Julia Roberts Julie Hagerty Justin Theroux Kate Capshaw Kate Winslet Kathy Bates Keanu Reeves Kelly Lynch Kenneth Mars Kevin Costner

Judi Dench Julia Stiles Juliet Stevenson Karen Allen Kate Hudson Kathleen Quinlan Katie Holmes Keith Carradine Kelly Preston Kevin Bacon Kevin Dunn

Life is a gift. It offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. – Anthony Robins


Calendar of Events Young Enterprises “Personal Best” Success Holiday Mixer Sunday, December 12th, 3:30pm – 7pm Aboard the “Pacific Spirit” $75.00 http://www.personalbestsuccess.net You won't want to miss out on this special Holiday Mixer! The cost is only $75.00 per person, which includes a delicious Mexican Fiesta Buffet with unlimited beverages during a 3-1/2 hour harbor cruise with a Guest Entertainer! Featured Speaker is Dr. Barbara Young.

Barbara & Friends New Year’s Eve 2010 Friday, December 31st, 7pm Proud Bird $125.00 http://www.barbaramorrison.com

R&B - Jazz - Blues - Pop Legends – Barbara Morrison, Lenny Williams, Houston Person, The Sai What Band, The Marva Smith Band. Ticket price includes sit down formal dinner, and champagne toast at midnight

Hip Hop Showcase - South Bay Pavilion at Carson Mall! Friday, Dec. 17th, 7pm – Food Court http://www.southbaypavilion.com/events.cfm You gotta check out this innovative event. Don’t miss out!

Chic & Classy New Year’s Eve Ball – 2011 Friday, Dec. 31st, 7pm Carson Community Center $99.00 http://www.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/LGBCHDT-CAR-20101231/index.jhtml We are bringing all the Glitz & Glam under one roof in Carson, California to ring in 2011. The night will be filled with Special Musical Guests, Hottest D.J., Entertainment, Las Vegas Style Casino Games and Delicious Food. You don't want to miss this one night affair!!!



Carson/South Bay Community News Business & Service Directory Submit your listing for $200 per year : Listing in 24 digital editions, linked to website of your choice, listing included in www.smithpublish.com business directory, blog/comment about your business once per month. Submit your listing TODAY!

NON-PROFITS/ ORGANIZATIONS African American Coalition 1771 Avalon Blvd. #410 Carson, CA 90746 310-538-9318 City of Carson 701 E. Carson Street Carson, CA 90745 310-830-7600 http://ci.carson.ca.us

PEST CONTROL Dewey Pest Control 21111 S. Figueroa St. Carson, CA 90745 310-328-0553 www.deweypest.com

FOOD/RESTAURANTS Diana Mexican Food Products 16330 S. Pioneer Blvd. Norwalk, CA 90650 Carson Chamber of Commerce 530 E. Del Amo Blvd. Carson, CA 90746 310-217-4590 http://www.carsonchamber.com/index. php

FINANCE Ace Home Loans, Inc. 940 E. Dominguez St. Ste. G Carson, CA 90746 310-353-5600 www.acehomeloans.net

PARTY RENTAL Ace Party Rentals 305 W. Torrance Blvd. Carson, CA 90745 310-324-8100 www.acepartyrents.com

Get Listed TODAY!






Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.