Business Focus
These Whittier Chamber members enjoyed business between bites during Tasty Tuesday at Crepes & Grapes Café in November. Turn to for photos from the monthly luncheon
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JANUARY 2015
Connecting the business and residential communities.
Whittier Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers were up bright and early reminding everyone to “Shop Whittier!” during the annual Uptown Whittier Holiday Parade last month. For more photos from community celebrations see
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A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE WHITTIER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEET US AT THE CORNER OF
VOL. 21 NO. 1
WHITTIER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2015 BUSINESS EXPO JANUARY 29, 2015 Radisson Hotel Whittier 7320 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier, CA
EVENT SPONSOR EVE
New Year promises new opportunities at 2015 Business Expo
Presort Std. US Postage PAID Whittier, CA Permit No. 1
“Meet us at the corner of opportunity and success” is the theme for this year’s Business Expo set for Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the Radisson Hotel Whittier. “The theme brings us back to why the Whittier Chamber exists. Our members gain countless opportunities to promote themselves all year long, and the Expo marks our kick-off,” stated 2014-15 Board President and Expo Co-Chair Shannon Gimbel-Hammer of Shannon G’s Flowers. Taking place from 4 to 7 p.m., the event will feature nearly 100 Chamber businesses representing a variety of industries, as well as local organizations and restaurants. This event is always free and open to the general public to attend.
“This is one of those Chamber events you just can’t miss,” explained Expo CoChair Amanda Nordbak Tamburino with Nordbak’s Promotional Products. “The Expo allows you to make key business contacts, network with attendees, gain visibility, enhance your credibility, and sell your products/services to members of the business community.” The Business Expo will feature a variety of food vendors representing some of Whittier’s finest restaurants, caterers and eateries. Free samples from each vendor’s menu will be showcased. Any restaurant or caterer interested in participating should call the Chamber office for details regarding a complimentary table at the Business Expo. Another exciting feature of the Expo will be the annual $2,500 Cash Giveaway. Tickets are being sold by Chamber committee members, board members and ambassadors for $25 each. Gain extra marketing for your business by purchasing $100 worth of raffle tickets and get a FREE Sponsor Wall of Fame Street Sign with your business name and logo. “The Wall of Fame is a great way to market your business whether you have a display table or not,” explained
Bonnie Watje of ACRO Printing. So get together with your co-workers, family, or friends for your chance to win! For more ticket information, call the Chamber at (562) 698-9554. Also being raffled off the night of the Expo will be a Gift Card board valued at nearly $500 and a set of Kings tickets with VIP parking donated by Republic Services. Anyone interested in purchasing an auction board square for $10 should also contact the Chamber office. “The Whittier Chamber’s Business Expo is one of the best business development tools around. We expect it to be a sold out event once again,” said Jess Montes of the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce. Table prices range from $175 – $275 and 10’ x 10’ booth prices range from $275 – $395. In addition to the Wall of Fame, other marketing opportunities include participation on the passport, and the mega marketing package. Get serious about growing your business in the New Year! This event will sell out so don’t miss out on the chance to sign up for your favorite spot! Contact Natalie at (562) 698-9554 or visit our website at www.whittierchamber.com for more information.
Participating businesses at press time include:
8158 Painter Avenue Whittier, CA 90602
A Special Event • ACRO Printing Inc. • City of Whittier • Comfort Keepers • Credit Union of Southern California DialMED Home Care • First Day • H&R Block • Lady Bugs Exterminators and Pest Control • LEADS Club Macy and Thomas • Mirada Hills Rehabilitation and Convalescent Hospital • Morningside of Fullerton New York Life - Papa • Norman Blieden, CPA • Norwalk/ La Mirada Plumbing • Oakmont of Whittier Orbit Event Rentals • Radisson Hotel • Reliance Mortgage Services • Renew Massage & Skin Care RMH Dance and Productions • Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary - Claudia Fimbres Rousselle Exterminators • SEACRET Skin Care • ServPro of Whittier • Shea Rehabilitation The Traveling Traveler • The Whole Child • Whittier Community Foundation • Whittier Police Department Whittier Republican Women Federated • Women and Children’s Crisis Shelter
Thank you to our Avenue of Success Participants: ACRO Printing, Inc. • First Day • Shannon G’s Flowers • MAP Property Management Merrill Lynch - David Krake • New York Life - Gabriel Papa
TABLES AVAILABLE BALLROOM BOOTH...$395 8’ x 10’ booth space, prime location in the ballroom, 2 classroom- size covered tables, 2 chairs, special signage, FREE Electricity, FREE Marketing Package
BALLROOM TABLE ...$275 Prime Location In the Ballroom, 6-foot covered table, 2 chairs, special signage, FREE electricity, FREE Marketing Package
BOARDROOM BOOTH..$275 6’ x 8’ booth space, prime location in the boardroom, 2 classroom- size covered tables, 2 chairs, special signage, FREE electricity, FREE Marketing Package
BOARDROOM TABLE...$175 6- foot covered table, 2 chairs, basic signage in the Boardroom
HALLWAY TABLE ......$175 6- foot covered table, 2 chairs, basic signage in the Hallway
SPONSOR A ROOM! BALLROOM................$749 BOARDROOM.............$449 HALLWAY........ SPONSOR AN OPPORTUNITY LANE ....$399 ONLY 2 MORE AVAILABLE
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
SPECIAL THANKS TO: FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE PRINTING SPONSOR
PASSPORT TRIP SPONSOR
RAFFLE REFEREE
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
DÉCOR SPONSOR
CALL NATALIE AT 562.698.9554 OR EMAIL NATALIE@WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
AVENUE OF SUCCESS SPONSOR
HALLWAY ROOM SPONSOR
BALLROOM LANE SPONSOR
WATER SPONSOR
VENDOR SPONSOR
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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS
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JANUARY 2015
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Make the Whittier Chamber your New Year’s Resolution Solution
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Shannon Gimbel-Hammer, Shannon G’s Flowers Immediate Past President Bonnie Watje, ACRO Printing, Inc. President-Elect & VP Administration Rudy Hernandez, RMH Dance & Productions VP Community Affairs Melanie Bickley, Whittier Brokers VP Membership Ben Greer, GM Properties VP Business Information Chris Hardeman, DialMED Home Care
Shannon Gimbel-Hammer Now that the holiday season has officially ended, you’ve probably experienced the resurgence of energy that comes with the start of a new year. For many, that means making a New Year’s resolution. To ensure that your resolution is not all but forgotten by February, you
must first choose the right resolution for the right reasons. Perhaps it is to increase your business presence in the community or to be more strategic with your marketing dollars; maybe it is to add that additional employee in order to take your business to the next level. It could be a personal goal to lose those 10 extra pounds from all the holiday treats. The key is to give some thought to what you really want and why you want it. The Whittier Chamber has the resources to help you reach your goals, whether they are business or personal. If you are not a Chamber member, I encourage you to become one. Did you know that being part of the Chamber costs less than $1 a day? It’s the best deal in town and the rewards are great. Try our payment option which allows you to keep your expenses manageable. If you are a member, are you utilizing all the benefits of
VP Finance David Krake, Merrill Lynch VP Special Events La Donna Munier, Friendly Hills Bank VP Marketing Carolyn Reggio, CAPC, Inc.
DIRECTORS Ramsey Ezaki, Ezaki Dentistry Miguel Granados, Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary Greg Gunter, Greg’s Auto Body Ted Knoll, First Day Krista Lesa, The Quad at Whittier Elizabeth Martinez, Republic Services Gary Lee Martinez, The Traveling Traveler Greg Nicodemus, Credit Union Of Southern California Laurie Perschbacher, MAP Property Management Tom Rios, Emeritus at Chateau Whittier Monique Rodriguez, PIH Health
STAFF Executive Directors Carol Crosby & Lyn Carty Director of Public Relations Katie Galvin-Surbatovic Event & Member Relations Coordinator Natalie Saenz Receptionist Jessica Reyes Bookkeeper Amber Bookil-Lawrence
$ TAX TIPS Is Your Worker an Independent Contractor or Employee?
Richard Scrivanich The question of whether a worker is an independent contractor or employee for federal income and employment tax purposes is a complex one. It is intensely factual, and the stakes can be very high. If a worker is an employee, the company must withhold federal income and payroll taxes, pay the employer’s share of FICA taxes on the wages plus FUTA tax, and often provide the worker with fringe benefits it makes available to other employees. There may be state tax obligations as well. These obligations don’t apply for a worker who is an independent contractor. The business sends the independent contractor a Form 1099-MISC for the year showing what he or she was paid (if it amounts to $600 or more), and that’s it. Who is an “employee?� There is no uniform definition of the term. Under the common-law rules (so-called because
Whittier Chamber Business Focus Official monthly publication of the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce This publication is mailed monthly to all licensed businesses in the city of Whittier, all Whittier Chamber members and 4,500 Whittier residents in selected areas. Papers are also distributed via various community locations such as Whittier Library, Community Center, Senior Center, City Hall, etc. Total monthly readership is 20,000. We welcome comments, press releases and community interest stories. All submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. The Whittier Chamber reserves the right to approve and edit submitted material. The Business Focus is also an excellent vehicle within which to advertise! For current advertising rates or to submit an article, email Katie Galvin at katie@whittierchamber.com or call (562) 698-9554.
Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce 8158 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602 (562) 698-9554 • (562) 693-2700 FAX www.whittierchamber.com info@whittierchamber.com
your membership like networking, informative seminars, advertising and more? Have you made it part of your business plan to get more involved? Call the Whittier Chamber at (562) 698-9554 or visit our website at www.whittierchamber.com to find out more about our programs and services. Our upcoming Business Expo is a great way to start off the new year. This event provides an opportunity for you to develop leads and network with other business professionals. It will be at the Radisson Hotel on January 29 from 4-7 pm. Whether you are exhibiting or not, I hope to see you there! Be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities we have to offer and let the Whittier Chamber help make 2015 your most successful year in business. H a p p y N e w Ye a r t o a l l a n d remember – at the Whittier Chamber, we mean business!
„ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „
they originate from court cases rather than from a statute), an individual generally is an employee if the enterprise he works for has the right to control and direct him regarding the job he is to do and how he is to do it. Otherwise, he is an independent contractor. Some employers that have misclassified workers as independent contractors are relieved from employment tax liabilities under Section 530 of the 1978 Revenue Act (not the Internal Revenue Code). In brief, Section 530 protection applies only if the employer: filed all federal returns consistent with its treatment of a worker as an independent contractor; treated all similarly situated workers as independent contractors; and had a “reasonable basis� for not treating the worker as an employee. For example, a “reasonable basis� exists if a significant segment of the employer’s industry has traditionally treated similar workers as independent contractors. Section 530 doesn’t apply to certain types of technical services workers. Individuals who are “statutory employees,� (that is, specifically identified by the Internal Revenue Code as being employees) are treated as employees for social security tax purposes even if they aren’t subject to an employer’s direction and control (that is, even if the individuals wouldn’t be treated as employees under the common-law rules). These individuals
are agent drivers and commission drivers, life insurance salespeople, home workers, and full-time traveling or city salespeople who meet a number of tests. Statutory employees may or may not be employees for nonFICA purposes. Corporate officers are statutory employees for all purposes. Individuals who are statutory independent contractors (that is, specifically identified by the Internal Revenue Code as being non-employees) aren’t employees for purposes of wage withholding, FICA, or FUTA and the income tax rules in general. These individuals are qualified real estate agents and certain direct sellers. Some categories of individuals are subject to special rules because of their occupations or identities. For example, corporate directors aren’t employees of a corporation in their capacity as directors, and partners of an enterprise organized as a partnership are treated as self-employed persons. Under certain circumstances, you can ask IRS (on Form SS-8) to rule on whether a worker is an independent contractor or employee. If you have any questions regarding the above discussed topic or any other tax matter, please feel free to give me a call at (562) 698-9891. Richard Scrivanich, Partner For Harvey & Parmelee LLP
INDEX President’s Massage ............. 2 Tax Tips ................................ 2 Mayor’s Message ................... 4 10-4 Tips from the WPD ......... 5 What’s Cool In Your School .... 6 Community Celebrations ........ 6 Labor Law.............................. 7 Member Marketplace ............. 8 Restaurant Row ..................... 9 Calendar ................................ 9 Financial Update .................. 11 Holdiay Mixer ....................... 11 Around Town ...................12-13 Tasty Tuesday ...................... 14 New Members ..................... 15
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JANUARY 2015
WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM
WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS
Realty Executives Cornerstone A Formula for Success The City of Whittier, Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce and the Whittier Public Library present the January 2015 Business Seminar:
Always on the Corner, Realty Executives Cornerstone adheres to a time-tested formula of honesty, integrity
“The Essentials of Attracting and Keeping Talent” January 29, 2015 Whittier Central Library 7344 Washington Avenue
from 8:30 to 10 AM Are you intending to hire new employees this New Year or in the coming months? Are you looking to expand your workforce effectively? Or do you worry about not finding the right talent? Many business owners don’t realize that finding the best person for the job actually begins with the recruitment phase. Attend this seminar to learn:
and the willingness to go the extra distance. These core values, combined with almost 40 total years experience, ensure the complete satisfaction of our clients and the respect of our peers.
Ron Ridout & Meri Rama
562.698.0348 www.RealtyExecutivesCornerstone.com
13604 Whittier Blvd, Whittier
where the real estate experts are
• Different types of interviews and settings; • How to select the right candidate by asking questions that are LEGAL; and • How to save your business time and money by selecting the right candidate The seminar will be presented by Whittier Chamber member Brenda M. Trujillo, Sr. Partner and President at Bowen-Meyers & Associates. Ms. Trujillo has enjoyed an exciting Human Resources career that spans over 22 years of demonstrating her commitment and passion for the HR industry, quality work and customer service. Ms. Trujillo’s career began at local credit union to working for the “Happiest Place on Earth” as the West Coast Regional Human Resources Manager for the Walt Disney Imagineering/ESPN Zones Company, to currently serving as President of Human Resources Services and Talent Acquisition for Bowen-Meyers & Associates. Brenda’s clients view her as a true strategic partner and not just a consultant. Her experience with Training & Development, Executive Coaching, Performance Management, Compliance, Strategic Planning and Talent Acquisition/ Recruitment make her an expert in her field. Ms. Trujillo obtained her Professional in Human Resources Certification in 2006 and in her spare time is very active with Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) District 14 serving on their Board of Directors and the PIHRA Foundation serving on their Executive Board of Directors. She loves the beach, being outdoors, and riding her motorcycle. Brenda attended UCLA and is very faithful to her Bruins! Hear more of her story and bring home helpful tips on hiring the right fit for your company. Space is limited; Call the Whittier Chamber at (562) 698-9554 or City at (562) 567-9320 to RSVP.
Meri Rama Owner
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JANUARY 2015
City Of Whittier
UPDATE
MAYOR'S MESSAGE Cathy Warner
Happy New Year! The Whittier City Council is looking forward to another exciting year of new businesses coming to Whittier. As a reminder of some of the successes from this past year—we celebrated grand openings throughout the City, including several in Uptown such as the Canoe Café, Forkin’ Good, Colonia Pública Mexican Restaurant and The Runway. Just last month in December, we celebrated several grand openings on Whittier Boulevard with Dunkin’ Donuts, Corner Bakery Café and L.A. Fitness, as well as another drive-thru Starbucks at the northwest corner of Beverly and Norwalk Boulevards. T h i s y e a r, w e h a v e p l e n t y to look forward to including the completion of Oakmont Senior Living on Whittier Boulevard (the former Harris Automotive site) just west of College Avenue. This Craftsmanstyle designed facility will house up to 104 residents. The City’s first off-leash dog park, which will be located along the Greenway Trail at Philadelphia Street, is expected to be completed early this year. Pieology, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, Smart & Final, and Vallarta Market will make their debut in 2015 as well. Additionally, we expect to see progress with the Fred C. Nelles project. Now that the environmental impact report (EIR) has been completed, public hearings will be scheduled in the coming months by the Historic Resources Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. These public hearings will provide community members an opportunity to comment on the project as a whole. The proposed
project at Nelles will include a mixeduse development by Brookfield Homes to include up to 750 homes and approximately 200,000 square feet of commercial development. In other news, formation of the voting districts is moving forward. During the past two months, several meetings were held with stakeholders and community members to begin to develop potential voting district boundaries. A second round of meetings is expected in the coming weeks. Visit the City website for dates and locations of progress on the voting districts formation and upcoming meetings. All are invited to attend regardless of whether or not you’ve attended previous meetings. On December 4, volunteers from Nestle USA, Whittier Community Foundation, Whittier Host Lions and students from local schools joined City staff in rebuilding Kennedy Park. With a grant from KaBOOM!, a national non-profi t organization dedicated to encouraging youth to play outside, the park was beautified with new playground equipment estimated at $75,000. The Whittier City Council would like to say thank you and congratulate all who participated and helped make this possible, including the many families and children neighboring the park. As we settle into our normal routines after the busy holidays, it serves us well to take a moment to refl ect on our business practices of this past year and consider all the possibilities that lie ahead in the coming year. We encourage everyone to take time to update your goals, fi nancial projections, and marketing activities for 2015 as well as long range for the next five years. Thank you to the Whittier Uptown Association for making the holidays very special in Uptown during the month of December; the Holiday Sonata and the Holiday Parade are annual traditions that many families especially enjoyed this holiday season
200 volunteers improve lives & futures of Whittier children with play Partners join forces to create a new playground at Kennedy Park More than 225 volunteers from the City of Whittier, Whittier Host Lions Club, Whittier Community Foundation, Nestlé USA, organizers from national nonprofit KaBOOM!, and residents of the Whittier community joined forces on Thursday, December 4 to give area kids the childhood they deserve by building a new playground at Kennedy Park. The design is based on children’s drawings created at a special design event which was held in October. A playground is more than a playground. It’s a brain-expander, friend-maker, and muscle-builder. Play is central to a child’s ability to grow into a productive adult. It can transform children from sedentary, bored and solitary to physically, mentally and socially active. KaBOOM! works to bring balanced and active play into the daily lives of all children, particularly those growing up in poverty in America. They do this by creating great places to play, inspiring communities to promote and support play, and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives (#playmatters).
Currently, kids and families in communities surrounding Kennedy Park have limited access to play spaces, and the existing playground at Kennedy Park was outdated and in much need of replacement. The new playground will bring more than 420 kids in Whittier one step closer to having the childhood they deserve. Whittier, which is a Playful City USA community, understands that play— in all its forms—is a powerful thing. In building this new playground together, more kids in Whittier will now have the opportunity to get the balanced and active play they need to thrive. The playground is the second built by Nestlé USA and KaBOOM!. Nestlé is committed to creating a healthier generation of children and making a greater impact in the communities where their employees live and work. Through this partnership, more children will have the joyful childhood they deserve. Nestlé supports KaBOOM! in promoting and protecting a child’s right to active play at home, at school and in the community. To learn why #playmatters, visit www.kaboom.org or join the conversation a t w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m / k a b o o m o r www.facebook.com/kaboom.
May you all have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! SA V DA E T TE HE
Whittier Mayor Cathy Warner (center) cuts the ribbon at the end of the afternoon, surrounded by 250 children living in the Kennedy Park neighborhood and members of the WYN Club
The 19th
Annual Whittier Host Lions Sight for Kids, etc. Wine Tasting, Dinner Event & Auction
Saturday, March 21, 2015 • 5:30 p.m. City of Whittier Community Center• 7630 Washington Ave. • Whittier, CA 90602
Donation: $50
Contact the following Lions for tickets: Alberto Montes de Oca - (562) 698-3386 • Al Campano - (562) 556-1967
Despite the soggy site after two days of rain, 200-300 volunteers came to Kennedy Park for the KaBOOM! playground build on December 4. Four buses carried 160 volunteers from Nestle Company, the corporate partner in the project. Other volunteers included members of the Whittier Community Foundation, which donated funds toward the project; the Whittier Host Lions Club; and interested community members and residents of the Kennedy Park community. The playground equipment was donated by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit group committed to improving playgrounds in local parks
JANUARY 2015
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City Of Whittier
UPDATE
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Captain Michael Davis
tips from th 4 e 0
Head-to-Toe Suspect Description
Whittier police officers respond to thousands of calls for service every year in Whittier. These calls vary from traffic accidents, crime reports and suspicious persons, to serious crimes in progress such as robberies, burglaries, shootings, and assaults. Criminals flee the scene of their crimes in a hurry to avoid being captured by the police, however in many cases, it is the victims and witnesses who observed the suspect that are able to make the escape only a temporary one. A key to capturing criminal offenders in these highly mobile times is the prompt and accurate reporting of important suspect information to the Whittier Police Department. If you observe a crime or suspicious activity in progress, it is important to call 911 immediately. Calling 911 will automatically display your address and phone number to the dispatcher, which will allow you to proceed directly to the crime information. If you saw a suspect or a suspicious person, the first questions you will hear from the dispatcher are “What did the person look like? Can you describe him/her to me?” For some reason, this simple question causes many callers to freeze, as they try to organize their thoughts, memories, and visual pictures into a sentence that is both helpful and timely. The description of a suspect is very important for responding officers,
as they scan streets in the immediate area on their way to the crime scene. A simple method for observing and remembering the complete description of a suspect or a suspicious person is “head-to-toe.” Start at the head and observe hair color, hair style, or a hat being worn. Move down to the face and neck area and note the facial complexion, any facial hair, tattoos, scars, markings, or jewelry. If you heard the person speak, describe any accent or distinguishing speech patterns. Continue to the upper torso with a detailed clothing description. Observe the type and color of the shirt, and any distinct print or pattern. Examine the arms and hands for tattoos, markings, or jewelry. Move to the lower torso with a detailed clothing description including belt color, pant color, condition, and any distinct design or print. End with the shoes and note color, condition, and any distinct design or print. Organizing the information from observation to reporting will allow officers to receive a complete and timely suspect description and hopefully facilitate a quick capture. Practice makes perfect so have a good time describing your coworkers to one another after a short observation period. You never know when your help will be needed so take the time to prepare with those around you.
Swing into the new year at Club Parnell dance nights Start off 2015 by enjoying evenings of learning new dance moves, followed by a dance party at Club Parnell, which will be offering a series of dance nights on Fridays at Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Road. Rudy and Maria Hernandez, the dance professionals from the annual “Dancing with the Whittier Stars” event, will give lessons on different styles of dancing during the series. All dances begin with lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. and a dance party from 7 to 10 p.m. for participants to enjoy their new skills. No partner is required. The cost for each evening is $10. Light refreshments will be provided. The schedule and type of dances for the evenings are:
January 9 70’s Disco January 16 80’s Night January 23 Sock Hop
February 27 Country Western: 2-Step, Cowboy Cha-Cha & Line Dance March 13 Sock Hop: Swing, Rumba & Mambo
January 30 Latin Dance
March 20 Latin Dance: Salsa, Bachata & Merengue
February 20 Big Band: Foxtrot, Jitterbug & Lindy
March 27 Ballroom Night: Waltz, Tango & Cha-Cha
For more information on Club Parnell, contact Parnell Park at (562) 567-9450 or sarismendez@cityofwhittier.org.
Michael Davis is a Captain with the Whittier Police Department and oversees the Department’s Patrol Division. He can be reached at (562) 567-9253 or via email at mdavis@cityofwhittier.org
Reception and performance featuring the “Ambassador of Americana” ~ Showman, author, humorist Charles Phoenix
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Thursday, January 29, 2015 Whittier Community Theatre, 7630 Washington Avenue Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Reception • 5:30 | Performance • 7:00 Tickets: Reception and performance: $40 Performance only: $25 ($15 for students)
presented by whittier public library
After
HOURS 562.567.9900
TICKETS GO ON SALE DECEMBER 22 at Whittier Public Library 7344 Washington Avenue | 562.567.9900 A presentation of Whittier Public Library After Hours Part of the January series: California, Here I Come Sponsored by the Whittier Public Library Foundation
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WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS
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WHAT’S COOL IN YOUR SCHOOL
JANUARY 2015
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
Academic Mentor Program transforms lives of Whittier High School students Bryant Perez entered in the 2011-12 school Whittier High School year, growing out of with four Ds and two Fs the school’s successful listed on his final eighthSenator/Link Crew grade report card. program, which focuses Academic challenges on building school spirit, coupled with behavioral promoting engagement difficulties provided little and helping freshmen hope of him reaching Senior Class President and Academic Mentor adjust to high school. Bryant Perez was awarded a certificate of merit graduation. Under the leadership B u t d u r i n g h i s by the Whittier Union High School District Board o f I n t e r v e n t i o n of Trustees for his academic and personal freshman year, Bryant achievements. He is joined by Whittier High C o o r d i n a t o r M a r t h a w a s a u t o m a t i c a l l y School Principal Lori Eshilian and his parents, Arrona, the Academic Jose and Claudia placed in intervention Mentor program includes classes and paired 198 peer mentors – with a peer mentor during the school’s representing nearly a fifth of the junior and inaugural year of the Academic Mentor senior classes – who serve in 65 classes program, which provides support to on campus, including guided studies and at-risk students. math, tutor English language learners and With his mentor’s persistence and support sophomores in science. motivation, Bryant finished ninth-grade The fruits of this volunteer peer-to-peer with two As, three Bs and a C. He support program have been significant: entered his senior year not only on track the percentage of ninth-graders who end to graduate and completing the courses their freshman year on track to graduate necessary for college entrance, known increased from 85 percent in 2011 to as the A-G requirements, but he also 89.7 percent in 2014; student test scores became an Academic Mentor. and GPAs have improved; and the A-G “I was not the model student, but completion rate jumped from 44 percent the Academic Mentor program inspired in 2011 to 53 percent in 2013. me to turn my life around,” said Bryant, “Whittier High’s data drives home the senior class president who plans to the importance of our groundbreaking attend college and major in business program in helping to keep our most administration. “It has been a rewarding at-risk freshman on track to graduate,” experience to help others and be a better Principal Lori Eshilian said. “It’s touching student in the process.” to see students like Bryant make a The Academic Mentor program began turnaround and make a commitment to as a strategic intervention initiative impacting the lives of other students.”
Community partners from the YMCA, Activate Whittier, and the Whittier Chamber came together at Uptown Market to support the new “Healthy Picks Labeling Initiative” in December
Congratulations to the members of the B2B Networking Group and friends who celebrated their official ribbon cutting during Tasty Tuesday in November
Whittier Chamber members, City officials and community advocates joined General Manager Frank Norris to celebrate the much anticipated ribbon cutting at LA Fitness last month
TOYOTA & SCION OF WHITTIER BUY LOCAL SUPPORT WHITTIER
Owner Nick Kiouftis, along with family and friends, kicked off the grand opening of the new California Grill Express restaurant now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Azusa last month with a free buffet and photobooth
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It was a full house for the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration inside the new Corner Bakery Café located at 13515 Whittier Blvd.
F inding Pathways Through Grief……
a journey that doesn’t have to be taken alone.
Since 1958
Whittier Resident • Drains & Sewers Cleaned
• Furnaces
• Hydrojetting
• Copper Repiping • Air Conditioning
• Water Piping • Disposals
• Leak Detections • Bath Remodeling
• Water Softeners
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863-5717 • 562 868-7777
The holiday season can be one of difficulty when met with loss. Finding Pathways Through Grief Bereavement Group allows you to receive emotional support and develop coping skills when grieving the loss of a loved one. Pathways Holiday Schedule:
Location:
Monday, November 17th, 2014, 7:00PM Monday, December 1st, 2014, 7:00PM Monday, December 15th, 2014, 7:00PM Monday, January 5th, 2015, 7:00PM
Red Cross Center 6706 S. Friends Avenue Uptown Whittier
This is a FREE community service open to all. For more information, call: (562) 698-0304
Courtesy of:
www.WhiteEmerson.com
JANUARY 2015
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Paid Sick Leave Law: A Look at Employer Compliance Options With the signing of the legislation mandating that employers provide employees with paid sick leave starting July 1, 2015, many employers are questioning what options they have to comply with the new law and how existing or newly adopted employer policies will coordinate with this new mandate. AB 1522 (Gonzalez; D-Sherman Heights; Chapter 317) provides employers with three options by which to satisfy the requirement to provide employees with paid sick leave, thereby offering employers some flexibility to implement a new or existing policy. Accrual Method The first option employers have to provide paid sick leave is the statutory mandated accrual method that requires an employee earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Under this option, an employer will have to track the hours of each employee to determine when the employee has accrued one hour of paid sick leave. An employer may cap an employee’s accrual at six days or 48 hours. Any accrued, unused paid sick leave must be carried over to the following year. ‘Front Loading’ Policy The second option for providing paid sick leave is a “front loading” employer
policy that provides an employee with at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave, paid leave, or paid time off at the beginning of each year. Under a front loading policy, an employee does not accrue leave during the year, as the employee receives all of the paid sick leave or paid time off on the first day of the year. Under this option, an employer does not have to track the employee’s hours for accrual and does not have to carry over any unused paid sick leave. Employer Policy The third option is an employer policy that provides an employee with at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave in a 12-month period, year of employment, or calendar year. Under this option, an employer can determine the accrual rate or method, so long as the annual amount provided to all employees is at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave, paid time off, or other paid leave. Specifically, Labor Code Section 246 (e)(2) was amended into the bill at the end of session to address employers’ concern that although they generally provide at least three days of paid time off or paid sick leave each year to their employees, the accrual method may not be on an hourly basis. A majority of employers allow
employees to accrue paid leave on a pay period basis, as it is easier to administer, especially for a large workforce, than tracking each individual employee’s hours worked. Section 246 (e) reflects such employer policies by stating that an employer does not have to provide sick leave in addition to what they already offer if the employer policy either: • mirrors the accrual, carry over and use requirements set forth in AB 1522; or • provides employees with at least three days or 24 hours of paid sick leave each year, regardless of the actual accrual rate. Interpreting this section otherwise would essentially render Section 246 (e)(1) meaningless. Section 246 would not provide two options for an employer policy if the intent and requirement was that any employer policy had to match the specific accrual method set forth in AB 1522. Moreover, Section 246 (e)(2) is not just limited to “front loading” policies, as such policies are separately recognized in the bill under Labor Code Section
246 (d). Section 246 (d) references subdivision (e) to acknowledge that an employer must have a policy for front loading, not to limit Section 246 (e)(2) to only a front loading policy. Nothing in 246(e)(2) requires that an employer provide the three days or 24 hours at the beginning of the year; it just requires that an employer provide an employee with three days or 24 hours of paid time off or paid leave each year. Flexibility These three options provide an employer with the necessary flexibility to determine which method of offering paid sick leave fits best with the employer’s specific workforce and environment. Employers have until July 1, 2015 to determine which option to utilize. Under any of the three options, however, the employer must allow an employee to use the accrued paid sick leave or paid time off for the same purposes and under the same conditions as set forth in AB 1522. Any employer policy should reference these purposes and conditions.
NEW TO WHITTIER!
Luxury Senior Living Assisted Living • Memory Care
Oakmont Senior Living’s newest project is now under construction and scheduled to open in 2015! Oakmont offers a wellness center and a full-time nurse to assist with all of your daily living needs in the privacy of your own home. Restaurant-Style Indoor and Outdoor Dining Private Movie Theatre • Day Spa • Fitness Center Pet Park • Resident Gardens and Walking Paths
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562-450-5174
oakmontofwhittier.com RCFE #198602028 License Pending
Studio, One Bedroom and Deluxe Apartment Homes Now Available for Reservation
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(562) 907-4203 ShannonCenter.org Be sure to go to our website to join our e-mail list. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter for early announcements and special offers.
Inside Latin Jazz Tuesday, January 13 at 8:00 pm
NOTE: This is a free event! Â&#x2039;
This concert will feature some of Southern &DOLIRUQLD¡V Ă&#x20AC;QHVW VLQJHU VRQJZULWHUV
featuring
Saturday, January 24 at 8:00 pm
Jerome Koko & Friends
Saturday, January 17 at 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm Â&#x2039;
Melanie Bickley
Acoustic Revolution Showcase
Aloha Series
The Makaha Sons
Bus 562.693.7788 Fax 562.394.0304
Â&#x2039;
Family Series
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Puss In Bootsâ&#x20AC;? Saturday, January 31 at 2:00 pm Â&#x2039;
Join us for this great night of live guitar music!
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Wednesday, January 21 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, February 14 at 8:00 pm
Muriel Anderson Steve Gillette & & Stanley Jordan Cindy Mangsen Heart & Home
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Whittierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s REALTOR WHITTIER BROKERS 562 693-3757 x 124
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RESTAURANT ROW PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1996
Come join our Korean kitchen! Coupon expires 1/31/2015
(562) 907-7017
JAN Special Events in January Pathways Support Group @ Red Cross Center (6706 Friends Ave., Whittier) 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday. FREE. Contact (562) 698-0304 for more information Caregiver Support Group @ Women’s Pavilion & Breast Center (101 E. Beverly Blvd.) 1 to 2:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Free. For reservations call (800) 618-6664 Dementia-Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group @ Women’s Pavilion & Breast Center (101 E. Beverly Blvd.) 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Free. For reservations call (800) 618-6664
JAN 1 & 2
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting @ RAD Custom Designs (10450 Pioneer Blvd., Suite 4) 4 p.m. FREE & open to the public! Call the Whittier Chamber for more information at (562) 698-9554
JAN 14
Senior Exercise Class @ Beverly Hospital – Tower Basement (309 W. Beverly Blvd.) 10 to 11 a.m. Advanced chair aerobics for those ages 50 and older. FREE. For reservations call (800) 618-6664
JAN 15
Ribbon Cutting @ Brookdale Central Whittier (8101 Painter Ave.) 4 p.m. FREE & open to the public! Call the Whittier Chamber for more information at (562) 698-9554
JAN 16
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Wednesday Night Live @ Shannon Center for the Performing Arts (13406 Philadelphia St.) 6 to 9 p.m. A comedy and variety show benefiting women and girls. Sponsored by Soroptimist International. Tickets are $45. For more information contact Petra Schmischke at (562) 652-3451 or visit their website www.siwhittier.org
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting @ SPIRITT Family Services (8000 Painter Ave.) 4 p.m. FREE & open to the public! Call the Whittier Chamber for more information at (562) 698-9554 Bereavement Support Group @ Beverly Hospital (101 E. Beverly Blvd. Suite 104/105) 10 a.m. FREE & open to the public. Group provides emotional support, a safe environment to share feelings, resources, and companionship with people who understand the challenge of suffering a loss. RSVP to (800) 618-6664
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Wake Up Whittier Monthly Networking Breakfast @ Rio Hondo College (3600 Workman Mill Rd.) 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. FREE for Whittier Chamber members; $20 for non-members. Contact Natalie at (562) 698-9554 for more information
JAN 23
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Ribbon Cutting @ the Institute for Baseball Studies at Whittier College, Mendenhall 310 Senior Exercise Class @ Beverly Hospital – (13406 Philadelphia St.) 12:30 p.m. FREE & Community Dance Night @ Parnell Park Tower Basement (309 W. Beverly Blvd.) 10 to open to the public! Call the Whittier Chamber (15390 Lambert Rd.) 6 to 10 p.m. “Sock Hop.” 11 a.m. Chair aerobics for those ages 50 and for more information at (562) 698-9554 Learn a new dance style from “Dancing with the older. FREE. For reservations call (800) 618-6664 Whittier Stars” Rudy and Maria Hernandez. $10; Community Dance Night @ Parnell Park (15390 light refreshments and childcare will be provided. Lambert Rd.) 6 to 10 p.m. “80s Night.” Learn a For more information call (562) 567-9450 new dance style from “Dancing with the Whittier Ribbon Cutting @ Brookdale Casa Whittier Stars” Rudy and Maria Hernandez. $10; light (10615 Jordan Rd.) 4 p.m. FREE & open to refreshments and childcare will be provided. For the public! Call the Whittier Chamber for more more information call (562) 567-9450 “The Past & the Future of Fred C. Nelles” @ information at (562) 698-9554 Whittier Museum (6755 Newlin Ave.) doors open at 1 p.m.; program starts at 2 p.m. FREE Bereavement Support Group @ Beverly Hospital & open to the public. Contact Hannah Colvin at (101 E. Beverly Blvd. Suite 104/105) 10 a.m. CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED in observance of (562) 945-3871 FREE & open to the public. Group provides Martin Luther King, Jr. Day emotional support, a safe environment to share feelings, resources, and companionship with Senior Exercise Class @ Beverly Hospital – people who understand the challenge of suffering Tower Basement (309 W. Beverly Blvd.) 5:30 Tasty Tuesday Networking Lunch @ Bizarra a loss. RSVP to (800) 618-6664 to 6:30 p.m. Advanced chair aerobics for those Capital (12706 Philadelphia St.) 11:30 a.m. to ages 50 and older. FREE. For reservations call 1 p.m. $10 for chamber members; $20 for non(800) 618-6664 members. Please join the Whittier Chamber for our monthly networking lunch the last Community Dance Night @ Parnell Park (15390 Tuesday of each month. Tasty Tuesday is a Lambert Rd.) 6 to 10 p.m. “70’s Disco Night.” great place to meet new business contacts, Learn a new dance style from “Dancing with the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting @ Magical enjoy a delicious meal and support a local Whittier Stars” Rudy and Maria Hernandez. $10; Playground (7013 Greenleaf Ave.) 4 p.m. FREE restaurant. For information contact Natalie light refreshments and childcare will be provided. & open to the public! Call the Whittier Chamber Saenz at (562) 698-9554 For more information call (562) 567-9450 for more information at (562) 698-9554
JAN 7
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Ribbon Cutting & Monthly Business Mixer @ Brookdale Uptown Whittier (13250 E. Philadelphia St.) 4 p.m. ribbon cutting; 6 p.m. networking mixer. FREE & open to the public! Call the Whittier Chamber for more information at (562) 698-9554
JAN 29
FREE Business Seminar @ Whittier Public Library (7344 Washington Ave.) 8:30 to 10 a.m. FREE & open to the public. “Attracting & Keeping Talent” presented by Brenda Trujillo of Bowen-Meyers & Associates. To RSVP call (562) 698-9554 Annual Business Expo @ Radisson Hotel Whittier (7320 Greenleaf Ave.) 4 to 7 p.m. FREE to attend; table sponsorships vary. Don’t miss the biggest networking event in Whittier! Contact Natalie Saenz to reserve a table at (562) 698-9554
JAN 30
Community Dance Night @ Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Rd.) 6 to 10 p.m. “Latin Dance.” Learn a new dance style from “Dancing with the Whittier Stars” Rudy and Maria Hernandez. $10; light refreshments and childcare will be provided. For more information call (562) 567-9450
JAN 31
“Puss In Boots – A Family Series” @ The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts at Whittier College (6760 Painter Ave.) 2 p.vm. $10 adults; $8 seniors/children. For more information call (562) 907-4203
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F I N A N C I A L U P DAT E Strong Dollar, Weak Dollar -- What It Means for You
Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF®
How to protect your wallet and your portfolio from the effects of currency fluctuations. You may have heard news reports about the decline or strength of the U.S. dollar. Your reaction? Likely a yawn. But the truth is that the value of the dollar has ripple effects throughout the economy, ultimately affecting your day-to-day finances as well as your investments. Making Sense of the Exchange Rate What does it mean when the value of the U.S. dollar has declined or increased? It refers to the amount of money you get when you exchange a dollar for another country’s currency. When the dollar rises, you get more bang for your buck. When it declines, the opposite occurs. If you have traveled abroad, you’ve experienced the effect firsthand. If the dollar is weak vis-à-vis other currencies, it costs you more when visiting another country because you won’t receive as much of the foreign currency when you exchange your dollars. Here at home, the relative strength
or weakness of the U.S. dollar affects you both in the interest rate you are charged for loans and in everyday purchases. Think about the car you drive, the clothes you wear, your cell phone, or computer. Many of these items are produced and imported from abroad. So the price you pay for these goods is going to depend on the value of the dollar. When the dollar is strong, prices of consumer goods tend to be stable and/or increase more slowly. When the dollar is weak, prices may increase. Higher consumer prices also can lead to inflation and higher interest rates, which can affect the rate you’ll be charged for a mortgage or car loan. What About Your Investments? As more individuals invest overseas as a way to stay adequately diversified and to potentially benefit from enhanced portfolio performance, currency risk is becoming a major factor to consider.1,2 For a U.S. investor, a currency gain or loss stems from a fall or rise in the value of the dollar against the currency in which the investment is made: a fall in the value of the dollar relative to the local currency will increase your return; a rise in the dollar will lower your return. Currency fluctuations arise from a number of factors, including the relative economic strength of each country and local political conditions. There are also indirect influences on exchange rates, such as trade balances, which can result in adverse movements of exchange rates and equity prices. Managing Currency Risk Portfolio managers use three basic
PARTICIPATING AT THE BUSINESS EXPO? CALL
approaches to manage currency risks. The first approach is not to hedge at all, assuming that currency fluctuations will wash out over a period of time; the second approach is to hedge fully, which may reduce the volatility of the portfolio. The third approach is to actively manage hedging, choosing when and how much to hedge. This approach is gaining popularity; most investment firms now offer some kind of currency service, and
some firms with substantial international investments even appoint a separate manager to handle currency as a distinct asset class. Currency fluctuations are a fact of your financial life. This article offers only an outline; it is not a definitive guide to all possible consequences and implications of any specific investment strategy. For this reason, be sure to seek advice from knowledgeable financial professionals.
Source/Disclaimer: 1 Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of currency investments. Foreign investments may entail greater risks than domestic investments due to currency exchange rates; political, diplomatic, or economic conditions; and regulatory requirements in other countries. Financial reporting standards in foreign countries typically are not as strict as in the United States, and there may be less public information available about foreign companies. These risks can increase the potential for losses. 2 Foreign investments involve greater risks than U.S. investments, including political and economic risks and the risk of currency fluctuations, and may not be suitable for all investors. Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF® is an investment adviser representative with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. He designs and coordinates investment portfolios to help clients in seeking to achieve their financial goals and objectives. He is highly knowledgeable in the areas of investments, risk management, retirement and estate planning, and the analysis of escrow, endowment and corporate benefit plans. He handles the multi-dimensional financial affairs for a select group of families and businesses in Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Valley. (562) 945-7787 or (800) 441-0136. rowand@financialnetwork.com www.rowanassetmanagement.com www.quantumecon.com The views are those of Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF® and should not be construed as investment advice. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic stability, and differences in accounting standards. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance information is historical and not indicative of future results. Securities offered through Cetera Advisors Network, member SIPC January 2015 — This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association, the membership organization for the financial planning community, and is provided by Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF®, a local member of FPA.
HOLIDAY MIXER
(562) 945-9638
FOR PRINTING & PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAY ITEMS
Whittier Chamber Ambassadors got a chance to spread some cheer during the annual Holiday Lunchtime Mixer at Hacienda Golf Club in December
13301 Philadelphia St. • Whittier, CA 90601 www.acroprinting.com • acro@acroprinting.com
Representatives from the new Coby Madison Jewelers at the Whittwood Town Center enjoyed networking during their first Chamber luncheon while promoting their upcoming holiday event
1-800-836-0946 www.MorningsideOfFullerton.com Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 10am - 4pm Sunday 11am - 4pm State of California License #300613273 Certificate of Authority #s 156 & 167
80 0 Morningside Drive · Fullerton, CA 92835
Whittier Chamber members got a chance to jingle while they mixed ‘n mingled singing “The 12 Days of Membership” during the annual holiday mixer
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AROUND TOWN Renovations to take place at the Whittier Art Gallery First it was the 75th birthday celebration, and now a facelift! This is, after all, California. The Gallery will be closed for the month of January for renovations. The gallery will be fixing or replacing the parking lot, floor, electrical items, and anything else that an old, proud building may need for the next 75 years. Happy New Year from the Whittier Art Association! For further information call (562) 698-8710 or visit the gallery located at 8035 Painter Ave.
Guests enjoy a taste of Korea at local restaurant Woori Gumi There is no way to go wrong with Korean food. Whether you are a carnivore or a vegetarian, like sweet or savory, like or dislike spicy flavors, everyone has a palette for this delicious cuisine. The people of Whittier craved something new, and Woori Gumi delivered. Before Woori Gumi was established, Owners Peter Hong and Julian Choi were head of the Japanese restaurant Joy Sushi at the Whittwood Town Center. After a great five years, Peter and Julian were inspired to go back to their roots with traditional Korean cooking. Wanting to introduce more Korean culture to Whittier, they completely renovated a crippled building, and transformed it into the bright and homey Woori Gumi Restaurant located at 8250 Painter Ave. Woori Gumi features a variety of Korean dishes. All meals are served with fresh banchan, a selection of smaller appetizer plates with as many helpings as you want. Main dishes include Stone Bibimbap (steamed rice bowl), Soon Tofu Jjigae (silky tofu soup), and noodle soup. A wide variety of high quality meats is also available including beef ribs, marinated pork, and grilled chicken, which are all served on searing hot plates. Non-meat eaters, have no fear! Wide assortments of vegetarian dishes are also on the menu. No matter what you decide to eat, wash everything down with a crisp beer or soju – rice liquor. Woori Gumi gives the Whittier community a taste of Korea and a sumptuous dining experience. Woori Gumi offers an attentive staff, a parking lot, and regular discounts offered for Whittier College students. It is a great place to relax with friends, family, and is highly recommended for everyone! For more information, call (562) 696-3333 or visit www.woorigumirestaurant.com.
From Maddi’s Closet launches plans for 10th “Mad Dash” to benefit children with cancer From Maddi’s Closet is very excited to announce that its 10th “Mad Dash,” benefitting children battling cancer, will take place in Whittier on Saturday, April 11, 2015. The theme for this 5K Run/ Walk/Fun event is “The Year of the Super Heroes” in honor of the heroes who are committed to improving the lives of children from birth to eighteen years old fighting cancer and their families. Donna Holmes, President and founder of From Maddi’s Closet, shares that while the committee is thrilled to be making plans for the 5K participants, they also look forward to organizing activities for the younger kids, such as the adorable 5-year-old and under Jelly Bean Relay and a special pancake breakfast. From Maddi’s Closet anticipates approximately 200 runners/walkers (heroes) for the 5K. The race begins at La Serna High School, loops through the surrounding neighborhood, and finishes back on campus where the awards ceremony will be held. The group will be reaching out to individuals, groups, organizations, and corporations to participate as a featured event sponsor in order to make this a successful event. Anyone wanting to donate or participate in the event can contact Donna by email holmesoffice@ aol.com or by phone (562) 943-9402. Information and registration will be available both on the website at www.frommaddiscloset.org and on www.active.com. The proceeds from the event will go directly toward the organization’s various projects throughout the coming year, including inpatient and outpatient programs at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Children’s Hospital Orange County, the FMC special needs patient
Alyssa, a patient at CHLA, displays her Beads of Courage along with the Maddi “Bead of Kindness” which she received earlier this month. The lovely sixteen year old has agreed to be an advocate for the cancer program. She smiled sweetly as she shared that “It feels good to know that other people care about children with cancer.” support programs, the Junior Advisory Board (JAB) participation at the WE CAN Spanish and English family camps for children with brain tumors, and childhood cancer research. In 2013, Maddi’s Closet’s services reached well over 500 children. This year, with the additional funding of an inpatient Beads of Courage program, the number of lives touched with love, hope, and joy is expected to be even higher. Maddi’s Closet has no paid staff; all activities are made possible through generous volunteers. The success of these programs is credited entirely to the dedicated individuals and the generous financial support of individuals, organizations, and corporations in our community.
Soroptimists International of Whittier welcomes community to “Wednesday Night Live”
The Whole Child is one of the region’s premier nonprofit agencies focused on providing comprehensive mental health services to over 8,000 abused and at-risk children and their families annually, as well as housing to homeless families. Throughout its history, our agency has been a leading advocate on behalf of abused and at-risk children, innovating and expanding best practices, raising awareness, and aligning social service systems to create a comprehensive and holistic spectrum of care. For additional information or for details about sponsorship opportunities and donations please call 562.692.0383 or email twcinfo@thewholechild.info
Save the date and get your tickets now to ensure the best seats for Soroptimist International of Whittier’s “Wednesday Night Live - Comedy Legends II,” on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts at Whittier College. Come at 6 p.m. to enjoy the silent auction and other fun activities before the show begins at 7 p.m. You are sure to have fun watching your local Soroptimists and community members act, sing, and dance. General admission is $45, and sponsorship packages start at $250. Soroptimist International of Whittier is committed to improving the lives of women and girls through service programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Funds raised from this event will benefit women and girls through educational grants, scholarships, and community projects. For more information contact Petra Schmischke at (562) 652-3451 or visit their website www.siwhittier.org.
Whittier-Penn Partners, Ltd.
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JANUARY 2015
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AROUND TOWN Montebello High student takes prize in Beverly Hospital greeting card contest
Front Row: Clyde Harwood, Vice President Community Relations at Beverly Hospital, Jeannie Williamson, Kayleen Linares and Alice Cheng. Back Row: Jeff Schwartz, Kathy Schultz and Lilian Juarez, Community Relations Back in September, Montebello High School was invited by Beverly Hospital’s Community Relations team to participate in an art class competition to design the cover of the hospital’s annual holiday greeting card. Under the direction of art instructor Jeannie Williamson, forty eight students accepted the challenge. Mrs. Williamson embraced the scenario and made the project resemble an advertising agency’s project with Beverly Hospital as their client. When all the entries were presented, community volunteers and hospital administrators met to select the top three winners. The contest was judged based on the integrity of the designs submitted, and how well the artwork depicted the holiday season surrounding care and community. On December 4, school principal Jeff Schwartz joined Alice Cheng, Interim CEO of Beverly Hospital, Kathy Schultz, Beverly Hospital Foundation President, community members, and family in the Montebello High classroom to honor the winners and present prizes. Jeff Schwartz, Montebello High school principal commented, “We appreciate that Beverly Hospital
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reached out to us. We’re thankful to have an opportunity to work with our community hospital and for allowing our students to showcase their talents and be rewarded for their efforts.” Twelfth grader, Kayleen Linares, won first place for her depiction of a physician holding a snow globe containing the image of Beverly Hospital in a winter wonderland. Kayleen was awarded an iPad Mini. Second place winner, Vanessa Lamas, received a Visa gift card for her cozy drawing of a Christmas tree and hot chocolate at the bedside window of a hospital room. “No one should be sad at Christmas time,” Vanessa said describing her warm painting. Third place winner Nicholas Villegas also won a gift card with his view of a winter wonderland at Beverly. Praising the students, Alice Cheng said, “These art pieces truly reflect the student’s perception of what healthcare services means to the people in our community. It’s nice to display the students’ talents.” The winning entries were displayed in the lobby of Beverly Hospital during the month of December.
Whittier Hopsital named one of best in state for Skilled Nursing Care by U.S. News and World Report Hospital Medical Center’s 22-bed pediatric sub-acute care unit has received national accolades in the sixth annual Best Nursing Homes ratings by U.S. News & World Report. Whittier Hospital Medical Center is ranked among the top nursing facilities in all of California. This is the third year in a row the hospital has earned this recognition. The hospital’s pediatric sub-acute care unit serves long-term patients who need 24-hour medical care. The center received a five-star rating overall, and 13 out of a possible 15 stars in three subcategories: health inspections, nursing staff, and measures of care. “Whittier Hospital strives to improve the care we provide to our patients each day,” said Richard Castro, chief executive officer of Whittier Hospital. “To know that our hard work and dedication has landed us among California’s best facilities is a testament to our entire team’s collaboration.” The rankings were based on Nursing Home Compare, a program managed by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS analyzes information on all homes enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid and gives a rating according to their standards. The center received further commendation in the comprehensive report. It went on to show that Whittier Hospital Medical Center’s nursing staff provides four times more personal attention per resident than the national average, and the center’s quality measures were nearly impeccable with a ranking above both state and national averages. To learn more about Whittier Hospital, call (562) 945-3561 or visit www.whittierhospital.com or www.subacutepediatrics.com
Boys & Girls Club of Whittier to host youth basketball league The Boys & Girls Club of Whittier is now taking registration for their Youth Basketball League which will run from February 2 through March 20, 2015. Participants must be between the ages of 8 to 13 as of February 2, 2015. Practices and games will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier. For more information call (562) 945-3787 x110 or email shanna@bgcw.org. Please pick up registration forms at the Main Clubhouse located at 7905 S. Greenleaf Blvd.
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Five Reasons to Use a Professional Property Manager If you have owned rental property or have inherited a home and become Laurie Perschbacher, a landlord, be MAP Property prepared to wear Management many hats. Being a landlord isn’t for everyone, but most property owners are “do-it-yourself” landlords which means taking on the responsibilities of a property manager. While many are successful, most struggle with the basics like rent collection, maintenance, and even evictions. Here are five great reasons to hire a property manager so you can get back to enjoying your life. 1 - Screening Tenants This is the most important step you can take as a landlord. Verifying their credit, criminal, and eviction history is a crucial part of this process. With the current eviction laws, when a tenant is evicted, they can get their case sealed so it won’t show up on the eviction search. Verify current and previous landlords and listen to what they say. If they are vague, it could be a red flag. We just had an eviction where it was specifically stated in the judgment that I could only give neutral responses to any rental inquiries on this tenant. Some property managers who called to verify her residency understood my vague responses. The court system is not making it easy on landlords. Be aware! 2 - Showing the Property Your time is valuable. Not only do you need to get the property ready to rent which means after work and on weekends, but then you must make the appointments to show your vacancy. This means taking more time away from family and work. Wouldn’t you rather that time be spent doing something else? With a property management company, they schedule appointments for you.
At MAP Property Management, we show the perspective tenants the unit personally. We are able to meet and interact with perspective tenants and help them imagine where their furniture could go. Painting a picture with their furniture in the home helps in filling the vacancy. 3 – Ethics and Legal Issues Many homeowners-turned-landlords are not up to date on current state laws with regards to evictions. Fair Housing laws are also an area where there can be problems as to what you can and can’t say to perspective tenants. Making a mistake when filling out a 3 Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit might mean starting the eviction process over. 4 – Rent Collection Chasing down your tenants every month for their rent payment can be very frustrating. Professional property management companies have software programs that assist in collecting rents. Our tenants can pay their rent online and we are able to track all transactions for each tenant. Tenants can also report any maintenance issues online. 5 – Maintaining the Property Property maintenance has to be the most time consuming and expensive part of being a property owner. A rental property increases those expenses and time commitments even more. Every time a tenant moves out there are more expenses such as re-keying or changing locks, painting, cleaning. Necessary upgrades will also take more time and money. Then there’s marketing, advertising, showing, screening, and signing a new lease just to name a few. Having the home or apartment in good showing condition is key to getting high market rents and attracting a qualified tenant. Hiring a professional property manager is a great way to avoid missing some of life’s important moments like a dance recital or the big game. Take back your life and your investment!
Call MAP Property Management and ask for Laurie (562) 945-3404 and we can handle everything for you, including after hour emergency calls. Property Management is our business, our ONLY business!
No dine and dash here! Chamber Ambassadors Tom Guerrero with Say Cheese Photography and Kim Praster with Lady Bugs Environmental Termite & Pest Control got busy gaining new business leads while enjoying a special menu from the popular Uptown eatery
Owner Sandra Hahn (far left) and her friendly staff at Crepes & Grapes Café went above and beyond as usual serving Whittier Chamber members during Tasty Tuesday in November
Members from the B2B Networking Group enjoyed their business card exchange over a delicious lunch at Crepes & Grapes Cafe
Thank you to Crepes & Grapes for hosting another great networking event!
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JANUARY 2015
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NEW MEMBERS JEWELERS & JEWELRY CONSULTANTS
BAKERY New York Bagels L.A. Johan Cisneros 11834 E. Washington Blvd. Whittier, CA 90606 Phone: (562) 945-6900 Email: newyorkbagelsla@aol.com Website: www.newyorkbagelsla.com Fresh artisan bagels from the on-site factory baked daily! New York Bagels L.A., LLC is a wholesaler and distributor of great tasting, quality bagels. Their new Whittier/Santa Fe Springs location is now open to the public and perfect for catering events, office meetings, or just a craving for one of the many flavored bagels offered. New York Bagels L.A. is a family owned company that has specialized in making the best quality bagels since 2007. These bagels are crunchy but chewy, with a hint of sweetness due to a unique malty recipe – it’s the best bagel in town!
Coby Madison Jewelers Linda Garrido, Owner Lauren Limon, Manager Whittwood Town Center 15710 Whittwood Lane Whittier, CA 90603 Phone: 562-947-6234 Email: info@cobymadison.com Website: www.cobymadison.com
Shea Rehabilitation & Health Care Ramona Ayers 7716 S. Pickering Ave. Whittier, CA 90602 Phone: (562) 693-5240 Shea Rehabilitation & Health Care Center is a facility that provides short term, long term, subacute and respite care services. Shea Rehabilitation meets the need of a diverse group of patients through comprehensive medical services, 24 hour nursing care, and active programs in rehabilitation and restorative care. They are proud to serve the community in enhancing the health of their residents as well, giving families the peace of mind that their loved ones are in a caring, secure, and comfortable environment. Shea Rehabilitation’s commitment to excellence sets the standard for great quality care. Rated a 4 star facility by Medicare.Gov.
FITNESS CENTERS LA Fitness Frank Norris, General Manager 13806 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90605 Phone: (562) 332-6205 Website: www.lafitness.com When you enter an LA Fitness, you know what to expect. The state-of-the-art facility and equipment are familiar and comfortable, but what they are most proud of are the people who are there to serve you. The people who warmly greet you, expertly train you, enthusiastically teach you. lt is the entire team, their best resource, that is dedicated to making your fitness experience an exceptional one. Visit their newest location on Whittier Blvd. and experience a healthier, happier you.
Everest College 12801 Crossroads Pkwy. City of Industry, CA 91746 Phone: (562) 908-2500 Website: www.everest.edu
Coby Madison Jewelers, your local family-owned, full service jeweler, is now open at the Whittwood Town Center. They specialize in engagement rings, bridal jewelry, wedding rings, right hand rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and a fun, trendy fashion collection of jewelry in gold and silver. Repairs and custom jewelry are also available. Come take a peek at their gorgeous selection, and don’t forget to ask for the Whittier friends and family discount!
CONVALESCENT HOME
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES & EDUCATION
RESTAURANT & BILLIARD CLUB Luna Estrella Mexican Cocina Juan Gonzalez, Partner Frankie Torres, Partner Ricardo Rendon, Partner/Chef 1125 S. First Ave. Whittier, CA 90603 Phone: (562) 902-1000 Facebook: www.facebook.com/LunaEstrellaCocina Luna Estrella Mexican Cocina’s mission is to provide its patrons with a contemporary twist to traditional Mexican food favorites. They are looking to buck the trend with modern ambience while also ensuring that each guest receives courteous, professional, and prompt attention. Their goal is to entice their guests’ taste buds, while providing a new perception of the Mexican food dining experience.
As an institution of higher education, Everest College offers high-quality, specialized academic, occupational, and vocational education that prepares students to meet the expectations of the employment world and become better-informed citizens capable of meaningful participation in modern society.
SKIN CARE SEACRET Skincare Ana Ruiz, Owner 12522 Adler Dr., Suite E Whittier, CA 90606 Phone: (562) 201-6479 Let the honest, pure, and potent power of the Dead Sea bring out your natural beauty! SEACRET’s collection of skincare and spa products are extracted from the ancient, and some say mystical, muds, salts, and minerals found only in one place on earth: the Dead Sea. In a cosmetic world that often relies on half-truths, hype, and temporary solutions, SEACRET believes everything they do must embody and reflect the same purity that originates from the Dead Sea, not only in their products, but also in their ongoing relationship with their customers. They are building a wealthy global community, serving the world by delivering unexpected results through innovative products, opportunity, and inspiration.
RESTAURANT Corner Bakery Café Gilbert Garcia, General Manager 13515 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90605 Phone: (562) 693-7755 Website: www.cornerbakerycafe.com
SOCIAL SERVICES
Inspired by great fresh ingredients, a small neighborhood bakery on a corner in downtown Chicago began creating artisan breads and freshly baked sweets. Today, Corner Bakery Cafe continues to fulfill the needs and desires of their neighbors with a menu of ingredient-inspired, prepared-to-order food. When you visit the cafe, you’ll see real kitchens in place of assembly lines. You’ll hear the chopping of over 40 types of fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, and the sizzle of a real panini grill. You’ll see the stove’s open flame and feel the warmth from the ovens working all day long. These are the traditions established years ago that Corner Bakery Cafe still passionately follows today. Drop by for lunch or dinner and feed your day!
In2Vision Supported Employment Programs, Inc Luana Acuña, Executive Director 13601 E. Whittier Blvd., Suite 109 Whittier, CA 90605 Phone: (562) 789-8888 Email: luana@in2visionsep.org Website: www.in2visionsep.org In2Vision Supported Employment Programs, Inc. is a non-profit organization that maximizes the personal and economic independence of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them obtain and sustain employment in the community. In2Vision provides services including help finding the right job, assistance in creating resumes and filling out applications, interview preparation, post-hire training, and more. Visit their website to learn more about additional services.
13215 E. PENN STREET, SUITE 101 WHITTIER, CA 90602
(562) 698-9891
RICHARD SCRIVANICH, CPA DEBI RHINEHART, CPA VALERIE SULLIVAN, CPA PARTNERS
5 Star Medicare Quality Rating SoCal is the highest rated skilled nursing and rehab in Whittier.
7931 Sorensen Ave. Whittier, CA 90606 For more info, Contact Jill Gillette at (562) 698-0451
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