www.sfschamber.com Vol.25,No.8•April2012

BUSINESSSanta Fe SpringsOfficial Publication of the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce

CalENdarAPRIL 4 / Wednesday

BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE7:30–9:30 AM / hosted by Café N’ Stuff and Santa Fe Springs Library11700 E Telegraph Rd, Santa Fe Springs

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE3–4:30 PM / SFS Chamber Office12016 E Telegraph Rd, #100, SFS

APRIL 5 / Thursday

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS9–10 AM / SFS Chamber Office12016 E Telegraph Rd, #100, SFS

APRIL 11 / Wednesday

CHAMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE12 NOON–1 PM / SFS Chamber Office12016 E Telegraph Rd, #100, SFS

APRIL 12 / Thursday

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS11:30 AM–1:15 PM / Candlewood Country Club, 14000 Telegraph Rd, Whittier

‘AFTER 5’ MULTICHAMBER MIXER5 PM / Crowne Plaza Hotel at Commerce Casino, 6121 Telegraph Rd, Commerce

SFS CITY COUNCIL6 PM / SFS City Council Chambers11710 E Telegraph Rd, Santa Fe Springs

APRIL 13 / Friday

RCA LEGISLATIVE FORUM8–9 AM / Southern California Edison9901 Geary Ave, Santa Fe Springs

APRIL 16 / Monday

47th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT8:30 AM registration / 10 AM shotgun start4 PM dinner / Hacienda Golf Club, 718 East Rd, La Habra Heights

APRIL 18 / Wednesday

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE8:30–10:30 AM / SFS Chamber Office12016 E Telegraph Rd, #100, SFS

APRIL 19 / Thursday

NETWORKING @ NOON11:30 AM–1 PM / Embassy Suites Hotel8425 Firestone Blvd, Downey

APRIL 20 / Friday

FREE SMALL BUSINESS SEMINARhosted by Senator Ron Calderon8–11 AM / 7:30 AM registrationParnell Park, 13550 Lambert Rd, Whittier

APRIL 24 / Tuesday

SECURITY AND SAFETY BRIEFING8:30–9:30 AM / SFS City Council Chambers, 11710 E Telegraph Rd, SFS

HUMAN RESOURCES FORUM11:45 AM–1 PM / SASSFA WorkSource Center, 10400 Pioneer Blvd, #9, SFS

CERRITOS COLLEGE MEGA MIXER5–7:30 PM / Cerritos College Student Center, 11110 Alondra Blvd, NorwalkParking in Lot C-10

APRIL 25 / Wednesday

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE8:30–9:30 AM / Police Services Center11576 E Telegraph Rd, Santa Fe Springs

STATE OF THE COUNTY 11:30 AM–1 PM / Town Center Hall11740 E Telegraph Rd, Santa Fe Springs

Santa Fe Springs Business12016 East Telegraph Road, Suite 100Santa Fe Springs, California 90670

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 3

Santa Fe Springs, CA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

Destiny Dinner atThe Diamond Club

Angel StadiumJune 29, 2012

6:30 pm to 11:00 pmEnjoy an evening of fun while

supporting the youth of Santa Fe Springs.

Dinner • EntertainmentSilent Auction

Knabe to Address ‘State of the County’ April 25Supervisor Don Knabe will address

the state of Los Angeles County and the Fourth District at a luncheon at Town Center Hall in Santa Fe Springs on Wednesday, April 25, at 11:30 a.m. The event is hosted by the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Southern California Gas Company.

As the new county supervisor in the Santa Fe Springs area, Supervisor Knabe will speak about the ongoing challenges of the global economic cri-

sis and the impact of the state budget on Los Angeles County.

With the county’s caseloads for pro-grams and services at an all-time high, he will talk about how the public and private sectors must join together to put people back to work.

Supervisor Knabe will be joined by Santa Fe Springs City Manager, Thad-deus McCormack, who will share the most current information on the state of the city.

The cost to attend is $25 per per-son. You may register online for this event at sfschamber.com. For more information, contact Christy Lindsay at (562) 944-1616 or Lindsay@sfs-chamber.com.

City Adjusts Utility Users TaxBy City Manager Thaddeus McCormack

Due to the extraordinary and his-toric fiscal crisis created by the state’s decision to eliminate redevelopment, the city has taken action to adjust the Utility User’s Tax (UUT) from the current “phase-in” rate of three-and one-half percent (3.5%) to its voter-approved maximum authority of five percent (5%).

This action is necessary to help offset the $13.4 million of revenue that is lost through the elimination of redevelopment.

Setting the UUT at five percent will provide the city with an additional $1.5 million of revenue, which will be dedicated to fund ongoing public infrastructure and other capital im-provement projects. The adjusted five percent UUT rate will go into effect beginning July 1.

The city’s action to adjust the UUT

is one of several austerity measures taken to make up for the significant loss in revenue that redevelopment’s elimination has wrought.

Other actions include cuts to pro-grams and services, employee layoffs, and pension reform measures. Each component in and of itself won’t come close to curing our $13.4 prob-lem, but collectively they provide a solid and balanced foundation for the city’s fiscal future.

The city council also took action to provide a two percent (2%) rate re-duction for businesses exercising the single-pay option for the annual UUT cap amount of $20,000 for each utility.

The reduced annual cap amount of $19,600 for businesses exercising the single-pay option goes into effect beginning July 1.

Call City Hall at (562) 868-0511, ext. 7355 with any questions, including the single-pay option available.

County Supervisor Don Knabe

Save the Date!2012 Business Expo

WednesdaySeptember 19300 to 600 pm

Heritage Park

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 2

As each month draws near, I get the same feeling of “Oh, what will I write about this time?” This time I found my inspiration in a very strange place.

I was sitting in a packed theater watching the normal previews and trivia questions, but this time, the overtones of little children’s voice gig-gling and laughing at the previews. I was there with my wife and two kids to see “The Lorax” by the beloved Dr. Suess.

My children are older now so I have not read these books to them in quite a while, but I was drawn back to my childhood of the whimsical rhymes and the fun I had reading these books to my kids.

While the analogy of this children’s fable is uncontrollable greed and the potential impact on the environment, I took a different angle from the book.

The most impactful part, if you recall, was the Once-ler trying to un-derstand why the Lorax left a small pile of rocks with a sign simply saying “UNLESS.”

As most of you know, the Once-ler finally understands after he had ex-plained the whole story to the young boy seeking why the world as he knows it is so run down.

As the Once-ler finishes his story it

all becomes clear to him about “UN-LESS.”

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” Pretty powerful words if you think about it.

So where am I going with this? The chamber and the city not only help the business community, but also the youth.

The chamber sponsors and sup-ports great programs and nearly 30,000 have participated in one or more of these programs such as Choices, mentors, Career and College Fair – Alternatives to a Four-year Col-lege, Future Business Leaders, $2,500 Powell Grant, and $20,000 Destiny Scholarship.

It is incredibly important that we continue to groom our youth into future leadership roles. Take a mo-ment to visit our website to see the impact this has made on several of our promising youth at http://www.sfschamber.com/pages/AboutYou-thEnrichmentFund.

As we continue to pull ourselves out of this long winded recession, remember that we still need to feed the future. Trust that the chamber youth programs are dedicated to mak-ing a lasting, positive impact in every child’s life.

You can show your support by at-tending the elegant Youth Enrichment Fund dinner and auction on June 29 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim or by making a tax deductible donation.

Know that the time, talent or treasure you provide is going in a small part to heeding the Lorax’s warning of “UNLESS.”

For more information about the Youth Enrichment Fund dinner/auc-tion, call Sue Grana at (562) 944-1616 or e-mail her at grana@sfschamber.com.

I want to take this time to thank you in advance for helping us achieve our goals and for caring about the destiny of the Santa Fe Springs youth.

SAnTA Fe SPRIngSChAMbeR oF CoMMeRCe

12016 E. Telegraph Rd., Suite 100Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

(562) 944-1616www.sfschamber.com

— eXeCUTIVe CoMMITTee —PresidentJIM CUSICKShaw Diversified Services, Inc.President-electMIKe FoLeYCushman & Wakefield of California, Inc.Vice President, Member ServicesDAn STePAnIAnCR&R Waste & Recycling ServicesVice President, Public AffairsPATRICIA KoTZeDiversified Risk Management, Inc.Vice President, Youth enrichment FundJoAnne KLeMMComet Employment AgencyTreasurerLIZ bUCKInghAMFriendly Hills BankImmediate Past PresidentWenDY MeADoRTangram Interiors

— DIReCToRS —DebbIe bAKeRSimpson Advertising, Inc.MIChAeL b. beCheRMiller Giangrande, LLPLARRY L. CLAnTonCosby Oil Company, Inc.RAnDALL CoURTneYDDWERKS, INC./RedShirtPrinting.comSUSAn CRoWeLLHealthFirst Medical GroupPAUL FLeCKAtkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & RomoRICK LAnDISSanta Fe Springs Swap MeetJULIA McConAghYPresbyterian Intercommunity Hospital/Bright Health PhysiciansDAnIeL J. McMILLAnMorganStanley SmithBarneyCURTIS MeLLoHeraeus Metal Processing, Inc.CARoLYn ReggIoCAPC, Inc.ToM SUMMeRFIeLDCascade Pump CompanyDennIS TURneRPDQ RentalsShARon WURoquemore, Pringle & Moore, Inc.

— STAFF —KAThIe FInKChief Executive OfficerbRUCe beRTRAMDirector of MarketingMARICeLA CASTeLLAnoSAccountingSUe gRAnAYouth Services/Special Events CoordinatorLAURA gUIDeRAAdministrative CoordinatorChRISTY LInDSAYMember Services/Special Events Coordinator

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SFS Chamber Website Statistics February 2012Visits: 1,768

Pages viewed: 5,182

Directory searches: 1,817

Top five categories searched:Third-party logisticsAccounting and tax servicesRestaurantsInsuranceReal estate development

Top five members searched:Jon Donaire DessertsCalvary Chapel Santa Fe SpringsMcMaster Carr Supply Co.LKQ of Southern CaliforniaBruce’s Prime Rib & Spirits, Inc.

Member-to-member discount hits: 48

Job searches: 121

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESSOfficial monthly publication of the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce

Published by Epperhart Communications, Doug Epperhart, Publisher / (310) 833-2980ADVeRTISIng: Rebecca Medina, (562) 225-0211

SFS Business is mailed every month to Santa Fe Springs businesses and chamber members. Circulation for January, March, May, July, September and November is

4,500. Circulation for February, April, June, August, October and December is 9,500, when this publication is also mailed to Santa Fe Springs residents.

By

Jim Cusick

Shaw Diversified Services, Inc.

Get Your Message to Thousands of Santa Fe Springs Businesspeople and Residents!Advertise in Santa Fe Springs Business...Call Rebecca for details, (562) 225-0211

Children’s Day at Heritage ParkSaturday, April 21Where Children Can Experience a Day of Good Old Fashioned Fun!

Come and experience the days of yesteryear at Heritage Park on Satur-day, April 21 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Leave the technology of today at home and enjoy a fun-filled day of games, butter churning, arts and crafts, and even panning for gold. Enjoy some fun with the family and experience life during the 1800s!

Get creative with fun arts and crafts, feed the barn animals, or just sit back and enjoy the entertainment. All activities are FREE! Food will be available for purchase and plenty of parking will be available.

For more information, call Heritage Park at (562) 946-6476.

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 3MEMBER PROFILE

•DrainsandSewersCleaned •WaterHeaters •CopperRepiping •Furnaces •Hydrojetting •AirConditioning •WaterPiping •LeakDetections •WaterSofteners •Disposals •BathRemodeling

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800 238-5558•562 868-7777

State Contractor

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Since1958COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL

remember, Buy from Chamber Members!The following companies recently renewed their memberships. We salute these businesses and thank them for their continued support. Members listed in boldface type donated to the Youth Enrichment Fund.

Abatix Environmental Corp.Advantage StaffingAmerican Relocations & Logistics, Inc.AMTEK ConstructionAtkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romob3W Inc.bergman Investments, Inc. dba Quick Service Distributorsbewley Lassleben & Miller, LLPblaine’s Research LaboratoriesBolton & CompanyBon Appetit - Biola UniversityCentral Sales & LeasingCingular Staffing Inc.Cosby Oil Company, Inc.Diversified Risk Management, Inc.Dollar Self Storageembassy Suites hotel

Golf N’ Stuff Family Fun Centergoodrich CorporationHilton Garden Inn MontebelloJuan great FiestaLeFiell Manufacturing CompanyMike Thompson’s RV SuperstoresMorganStanley SmithBarneyMSM Canadian Transport LLCPhibro-Tech, Inc.Royal Imex, Inc.South Coast ComputersT A Industries, Inc.Target Specialty ProductsTemple InlandThermal engineering Int’l (USA) Inc.Toyota-Lift of Los Angeles dba RebasVans Inc.

My name is Nick Pond-off, president of Pondoff Realty, Inc.

I have been working in the real estate busi-ness for 57 years and first established my own business in Santa Fe Springs in 1960.

I have been a long-time member of the Santa Fe Springs Cham-ber of Commerce since 1974, almost 38 years.

I have enjoyed work-ing as a volunteer with the chamber for many years as an ambassador, and previously served on their Member Relations Commit-tee and with the Choices program for their Youth Enrichment Fund.

Right after graduating from high school I joined the Navy in 1944 dur-ing World War II and proudly served my country for two years, shortly thereafter moving from my home state of Illinois to California.

Following my discharge I worked a number of jobs, including being a Fuller Brush salesman, but found my true love and calling when I entered

the real estate business.Despite being well

beyond retirement age, I continue to do what I love to do. I also am the proud father of five wonderful children and nine grandchildren.

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing poker, and still avidly pursue my favorite hob-by, which is gardening.

Pondoff Realty spe-cializes in first-time buy-ers programs, provides

100-percent financing for qualified buyers, and continues to serve the real estate markets in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

We also provide notary and income property services to the public. We are located right off the 605 Freeway at 11409 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670.

For your real estate needs you can reach me or one of my friendly agents at (562) 692-7232 or check out our website at www.pondoffrealty.com.

Nick Pondoff, Pondoff Realty, Inc.

Nick Pondoff, president and owner, Pondoff Realty, Inc.

A Dry Winter is a Sign to Start Conserving Now

Each year, water industry experts across the state eagerly await the ar-rival of the winter season to measure snowpack that will replenish our reservoirs for the year ahead.

Unfortunately, so far this year’s winter season has left us high and dry. While our reservoirs remain in good shape, thanks to last year’s abundance of rain and snowmelt, Southern Cali-fornia could be looking at another dry period in 2012 if things don’t improve with much needed rainfall.

During times like these, it’s impor-tant for all of us to do our part to ensure we will have enough water for

future use. Simple and cost-effective conservation measures can have a big impact on your overall water use! Here are three simple tips to follow:•Useabroominsteadofahoseto clean the pavement (save 500 gallons of water per month).•Takeshortershowers(saveupto five gallons per day).•Plantdrought-tolerantplants(saves water and adds beautiful landscaping).

For more tips and rebate informa-tion, please visit www.centralbasin.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Join the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce...It’s Good for Business!

Call Bruce Bertram today to become a member, 562.944.1616

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 4BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGEHosted by

VINTAGE CERRITOS11000 New Falcon Way, Cerritos

(south side of Cerritos College, off Studebaker Road)Wednesday, May 2 • 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Members: $15 / Prospective Members: $25Price includes breakfast

Featuring Serious Networking, Fun and Prizes!We recommend registering with your credit card online any time by visiting our website: www.sfschamber.com. All prepaid attendees are guaranteed a spot at the event and will also receive Express Check In and Personalized Name Badges. Prospective Members are welcome to attend a maximum of two Business Card Exchanges.

HealthFirst Medical Group Serving Santa Fe Springs Businesses Since 1987

HealthFirst Medical Group proudly hosted the Santa Fe Springs Chamber Business Card Exchange on March 7. The event was held at the Santa Fe Springs Town Center and was well attended by many of the businesses in Santa Fe Springs. The delicious breakfast was provided by Café n Stuff, a long time chamber member.

Dr. Ronald Crowell and Susan Crowell opened HealthFirst Medical Group in March of 1987 and are now celebrating their 25th year in business. HealthFirst Medical group will be hosting a 25th anniversary celebration at their North Clinic site at 11817 East Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, on April 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please join them in their celebration with food, entertain-ment and raffle prizes.

HealthFirst Medical Group’s business mission is to provide comprehensive, cost-effective, state of the art occupational health care products and services for business and industry. We devote special attention and expertise to minimizing lost time from work.

Each employee of HealthFirst Medical Group is dedicated to exceeding their patient’s expectations by providing timely, compassionate, and individualized customer service and medical care.

We are committed to treating each patient with respect and dignity. You can be assured that by entrusting your medical care by their physicians you will be receiving the highest quality of medical treatment available.

HealthFirst Medical Group believes in giving back to the communities they serve. Since opening in 1987, Susan Crowell, CFO of HealthFirst, has taken the lead role in volunteerism and charity work.

She has served for many years on the Santa Fe Springs Chamber board of directors and Youth Enrichment Fund, including as chamber president for 2000-01, winning the 1994 Chamber President’s Award, the 1995 Chamber League Volunteer of the Year, and 1997 SFS Business Citizen of the Year.

Likewise, the employees of HealthFirst are encouraged to participate in vol-unteer and charity activities that benefit their community. HealthFirst Medical Group has two health care clinics in Santa Fe Springs, the first at 11817 Tele-graph Road, (562) 949-9328, serving the north end of the business community, and the second at 13440 Imperial Highway, (562) 926-3440, which serves the southern part of the community.

To find out more HealthFirst Medical Group and the services they provide, you can check out their website at www.healthfirstmedical.net.

HealthFirst Medical Group Hosts March Business Card Exchange

Karina De La Cruz, Linda Smith, Alex Saulus, and Susan Crowell, all representing HealthFirst Medical Group, proudly accept a certificate of appreciation from Santa Fe Springs Chamber Ambassador Chair Carolyn Reggio of CAPC, as she thanks them for hosting the March Business Card Exchange breakfast.

Kim Praster of Lady Bugs Environmental Termite & Pest Control gets a big surprise when she wins a raffle prize gift for being an “early bird” arrival, presented by Ambassador Chair Carolyn Reggio, CAPC.

There was another great turn out for the March BCX breakfast held at SFS Town Center Hall, and hosted by HealthFirst Medical Group.

Ambassadors Geraldine Barnum Aguirre, Trinity Worldwide Reprographics; Randall Courtney, DDWERKS, INC./RedShirtPrinting.com; and Damien Orozco, Iron Dog Fitness; present a $100 bill to lucky Pot ‘O Gold winner, Eric Lopez, Global IT Communications, Inc.

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 5NETWORKING @ NOON

NetworkiNg @ NooNFireStoNe griLLembassy Suites Hotel8425 FireStoNe BLvd.dowNeytHurSday, aPriL 1911:30 am – 1 PmPre-registration: members $12

Pre-registration: prospective members $17 / day of the event $17

includes Lunch Buffet, Beverage, tax and tip

introductions, Business-to-Business Networking, and a delicious Lunch!

Prospective members are welcome to attend a maximum of two

Networking @ Noon Lunches.register online anytime

by visiting our website www.sfschamber.com.Posada Whittier Hosts February Networking @ Noon

On February 16, The Posa-da Whittier hosted the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Com-merce Networking @ Noon event at their beautifully ap-pointed assisted care facility in Uptown Whittier.

Executive Director David Wilkens, Marketing Director Donna Arevalo, Administra-tive Assistant Monica Beltran, and their entire staff wel-comed a large contingent of chamber members and guests to a delicious lunch prepared by their onsite chef.

This year’s event featured a beautifully-decorated Val-entine’s theme by the Posada staff. A great time was had by all who attended, includ-ing a number of raffle prize winners.

Lively, fun and full of sur-prises are how residents, families and visitors describe The Posada at Whittier. “The Happiest Place for Seniors to Live—Simply the Best” has long been their motto, which is lived out daily through their beautiful atmosphere and creative activities.

The Posada at Whittier believe that those dear and active elders in your life deserve a full and happy lifestyle which emphasizes dignity and respect for them as individuals. It is located at 8120 South Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602.

Anyone interested in their beautiful facility is welcome to contact them at (562) 945-2651 to set up a personal tour. There is no doubt many wonderful surprises await the visitor.

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 6YOUTH ENRICHMENT FUND

On February 23, students and their mentors were guided through a tour of the Norwalk Superior Courthouse to learn about the law and legal careers.

Cary Ulwelling, senior administrator at the Nor-walk Courthouse arranged a tour which included learning about the role of the district attorney, de-fense attorney, court clerk, deputy sheriff, and the responsibilities and duties of judges.

Students and mentors were able to see first hand

the legal process at work when they observed actual court trials in process. During court recess, the students were encouraged to ask questions of the judges and attorneys.

The highlight of the tour was visiting the hold-ing cells. This is an eye-opening experience for the students as they see what being in jail is really like. Many students voiced the same observation: “I don’t want to ever see this again.”

Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital (PIH) and Bright Health Physicians of PIH hosted the annual Santa Fe Springs Mentor Breakfast for the 19th year in a row on Thursday, March 1.

Local professionals representing the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce and students from Santa Fe High School’s Business Academy attended

the early morning event.This year’s presenters were Danielle Halewijn,

clinical nutrition manager and diabetes center coor-dinator for PIH; Paul Ashworth, director of planning and community development for the city of Santa Fe Springs; and Sylvia Kenmuir, entomologist with Target Specialty Products.

About 100 students were able to gain wisdom from these three speakers who discussed their vari-ous professions, the college experience and neces-sary skills in today’s labor market. The predominant theme was “find your passion” and you will do well.

The annual breakfast at PIH not only provides the students with the opportunity to learn about various jobs and professional experiences, but also teaches proper etiquette in a business-like atmosphere.

Giving Back to the Community One Roll at a TimeSolaris Paper, a local tissue converting operation, is on a mission to give more to the community that helped build the fastest growing brand in the U.S.

As the flowers start to bloom, one manufacturer of toilet paper, facial tissue and paper towels based here in Santa Fe Springs, is springing to action and giving back to surrounding communities.

Solaris Paper, based in Santa Fe Springs, has com-mitted themselves to giving back to those in need through their work with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (LARFB) and various other organizations such as the SFS Chamber/League Youth Enrichment Fund throughout 2012.

Each year, food banks spend thousands of dollars to meet the needs of their respective communities and in today’s economically challenging times, many people are still struggling.

Over the past year, the company has donated more than 5,200 rolls of toilet paper to the LARFB, and even more to local businesses and organiza-tions ranging from firehouses, schools and medical facilities.

“We must recognize the needs of our consumers and our community,” president of Solaris Paper USA, Andre Soetjahja, said. “Without the loyal support of our community members and consumers, we would not have attained success at this level.”

Besides donating product, Solaris Paper has also helped improve its surrounding communities economically. The company manufactures and dis-tributes branded and private label products in the away-from-home and retail markets, and is home to the fastest growing retail brand in the U.S.

Since the doors first opened in 2007, Solaris Pa-per has brought over $50 million to the California economy. Solaris Paper employs more than 120 individuals at its plant and provides work for hun-dreds of others as truckers, local contractors and suppliers in greater Los Angeles.

For more information, please visit Solaris Paper’s website at www.solarispaper.com. Solaris Paper is lo-cated at 13415 Carmenita Road in Santa Fe Springs; telephone (888) 99-TISSUE.Each month we will spotlight one of our Phd sponsors who contribute $1,000 per year for five years to our Youth Enrichment Fund.

PIH Hosts Santa Fe High School’s Business AcademySanta Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce Links Mentors with Students

Julia McConaghy, Bright Health Physicians of PIH; Paul Ashworth, City of Santa Fe Springs; Sylvia Kenmuir and Carolyn Sagara, Target Specialty Products

Jacob Wheeler, Trinity Worldwide Reprographics, and his mentee, Brian Menjivar

Fred Latham, retired Santa Fe Springs city manager, and his mentee, Kevin Hernandez

Deputy Rodriguez speaks to students and mentors inside a holding cell during the group’s visit to the Norwalk Superior Court.

Students Gain Insight Into the Legal Process During Visit to Norwalk Court

Donate your car, running or not, to Cars4Causes! Tell them you want the proceeds to go to The Santa Fe Springs Chamber Youth Enrichment Fund. Local youth will benefit from the donation and you get a tax deduction. Cars4Causes will even do all the DMV paperwork!

1-800-766-CARE

(1-800-766-2273)

www.cars4causes.net

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 7

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 8MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

Maggie’s Pub Hosts Annual Chamber St. Patrick’s Day MixerSanta Fe Springs Chamber President Jim Cusick, Shaw Diversified Services., Inc., presents Maggie’s Pub owner, Hani Tabello, with a certificate of appreciation for hosting the annual St. Patrick’s Day Evening Mixer on March 14. Maggie’s Pub served an all-you-can-eat buffet of delicious food to the large crowd of chamber members and visitors who attended this fun networking event. And what St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without the array of green beer and other beverages served by their great staff of employees?

A 26-year member of the chamber, Maggie’s Pub is located at 11900 Telegraph Road in Santa Fe Springs and is a favorite food and beverage stop for the business and residential communities. Call (562) 944-1889 to book your next company or personal event, large or small. You can also visit their website at www.maggiespub.com.

Connie Lainez, assistant vice president/branch manager of Bank of the West in Santa Fe Springs, was one of the lucky raffle prize winners at Maggie’s Pub St. Patty’s Day celebration.

Some of the many Maggie’s Pub celebrants having a great time included Belinda Martinez, Adecco Employment Service; Robert Amezola, Winston Financial Group; and Angie Lee of Stellar Promotional Products.

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 9NEW MEMBERS

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BEAT THE RAINS

SFS Chamber Member Honor rollThechamberappreciatesthesecompanieswhichhavebeenmembersformorethan10years.

51 Temple Inland42 Goodrich Corporation30 Cosby Oil Company, Inc.29 Mike Thompson’s RV Superstores29 Phibro-Tech, Inc.23 Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo20 Abatix Environmental Corp.20 Bergman Investments, Inc. dba Quick Service Distributors

18 Target Specialty Products15 Embassy Suites Hotel15 Vans Inc.14 Bewley Lassleben & Miller, LLP14 Juan Great Fiesta14 MSM Canadian Transport LLC14 Toyota-Lift of Los Angeles dba Rebas12 Blaine’s Research Laboratories10 Dollar Self Storage10 South Coast Computers

ARCHIVE AMERICA OF CALIFORNIA, INC.Jane Taber, Sales Executive10047 Painter AvenueSanta Fe Springs 90670(562) 338-7199www.ArchiveAmerica.comOffsite records information management company; includes document stor-age, data protection management, document imaging, and scanning services

DATTILO ITALIAN RESTAURANTFrancesca Mauro, Manager6746 Greenleaf AvenueWhittier 90601(562) 945-8723www.dattilorestaurant.comEstablished in 1981 Dattilo’s cuisine is gourmet Southern Italian made from top quality ingredients. Our Renaissance-inspired interior banquet rooms with a full bar seat 25 to 150 guests. Let us assist you or your company with your next event, whether catered or using our beautiful on-site banquet facilities.

EXECUTIVE FIRE PROTECTIONVladimir Rosales, General Manager65 Pine AvenueLong Beach 90802(562) 429-5211www.ExecutiveFireProtection.comFire, sprinkler, and kitchen fire protection

FC & SONS ROOFING, INC.Armando Cabral, Vice President Business Development6508 Clara StreetBell Gardens 90201(562) 927-2310www.fcnsonsroofing.comRoofing contractor specializing in commercial and industrial roofing applica-tions specializing

ISU CURRY INSURANCE AGENCYScott Curry, General Manager489 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 91101(626) 449-3870 / www.isucurry.comWe have been providing insurance expertise on workers’ compensation, employee benefits, business liability and property Insurance for over 35 years. We have access to over 350 different insurance companies to meet your needs.

Michael and Scott Curry, principals

PREMIER FOODSLoreto Mauro, President/Owner12946 Park StreetSanta Fe Springs 90670(562) 944-1858Food manufacturer, co-packer/private label

Premier Foods corporate headquarters

SHANGRI LA TEA CO.James Goodnight, Operations Manager9838 Alburtis AvenueSanta Fe Springs 90670(562) 942-9828www.shangrilaicedtea.comManufacture and package tea products for food service and retail industries

SANTAFESpRINgSBUSINESSismailedto4,500businesseseverymonthandall5,000homesinSantaFeSpringseveryothermonth.Forratesortoreservespace,callRebeccaMedina,(562)225-0211.(Deadline:15thofthemonthforthefollowingmonth)

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Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 10SECURITY AND SAFETY

SantaFeSpringsCrimeStatisticspartICrimesMonthlyComparison

February 2012 2011

Crimes Reported 2012 totals totals Difference

Total 113 248 194 +28%

Homicide 1 1 0 +100%

Rape 1 1 0 +100%

Robbery 2 7 8 –13%

AggravatedAssault 4 7 7 —%

Burglary 21 47 19 +100%

Commercial/Retail 14 35 14 +100%

Residential 7 12 5 +100%

Vehicle 14 30 35 –14%

AllThefts 60 129 136 –5%

Vehicle 14 29 37 –22%

Shoplifting 12 22 25 –12%

AutoTheft 24 56 23 +100%

Arson 0 0 1 –100%

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Safe Home While on VacationBy Captain Aviv Bar

Spring break is a great time for a vacation and while many of us use it as an opportunity to visit distant places, others find spring break to be an opportunity to break into homes while occupants are away.

Make sure you have effective locks that are being used. Even the best locks can’t protect you if you don’t use them. Lock doors, windows, side gates, garage door and garage side access door.

Do some yard work before you leave the house for an extended period of time. Trim your hedges and bushes so thieves can’t have a chance to hide out, or that you won’t give the impression your home has been left unattended and vacant.

Get to know your neighbors before your trip. Neighbors who look out for each other are among the best and least expensive defenses against neighborhood crime. On a daily basis, have your neighbor pick up your mail, newspapers, packages, and advertisements left at your doorstep.

Remember to secure your spare key. Leave your spare key with a trusted neighbor. Never hide it on the property. Burglars have more experience look-ing for keys than you do hiding them.

Let there be light and make sure all outside entrances of the home are well-lit. A timer or solar-powered lights on the front, back and side of the house make it difficult for burglars to hide.

Leave lights and radio/TV on a timer inside your home to give the impression that it is occupied.

Invest in an alarm and use signs and stickers to warn would-be burglars. An alarm system controls access points to your home and lets you know if someone has invaded your space. A loud audible alarm will most likely scare a burglar away as soon as it is activated. Also, advise your alarm company that

you will be away on vacation and no one will be entering the home during your absence.

Remember, burglars focus on convenience, concealment, and cam-ouflage. Think twice before posting upcoming vacations on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media outlets. You’d be surprised how fast that information can travel on the information highway—and sometimes to the wrong computer screens.

Vacations are meant to be fun times with family and friends, not a time of convenience for thieves and potential burglars. Keep your homes safe and secure and make your trip a memorable one with these simple precautions.

Aviv Bar is a captain with the Whittier Police Department and oversees the Department’s Investigations Division and the Santa Fe Springs Policing Team. He can be reached at (562) 567-9265 or via email at abar@cityofwhittier.org

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 11CITY NEWS

BEWARE of Fraudulent Inspectors!Last year, the City of Merced prosecuted two individuals and a fire protection

company for posing as firefighters performing fire inspections at their local businesses. The subjects would enter the business suggesting they represented the fire department and stating they were going to perform the “quarterly fire inspection.” After these fraudulent inspections, businesses would receive an invoice for various services that were allegedly performed. This was then fol-lowed by “aggressive and professional collection efforts.”Fire Protection Business and Professional Requirements•Theymustintroducethemselvesandidentifythecompanythey’refrom.•Theymusttellyouwhattheyintendtodoandwhattheestimatedcostswillbe. (DO NOT ever pay in cash! Invoicing and recordkeeping are important for your business and legal avenues.)•Theymustleaveanypartsthattheyhavereplacedandchargedyoufor.Theymust leave you with a signed invoice.•TheymusthaveacurrentCityofSantaFeSpringsbusinesslicenseforthecompany they represent and California State Fire Marshal picture identification.

Remember! You can always refuse service and request a Santa Fe Springs Fire Department inspector visit your business. We will gladly advise you of any needed service. Call (562) 944-9713 for any assistance or questions. Thank you for helping us combat fraud.

—Santa Fe Springs Fire Chief Alex Rodriguez

Through previous updates, we have kept the community informed of the city’s historic fiscal challenge due to the state’s harsh and foolhardy action to eliminate redevelopment agencies this past February 1. The impact of the state’s short-sighted action on Santa Fe Springs will be substantial; even more so than other larger neighboring cities.

For Santa Fe Springs, which was the 20th largest redevelopment agency in the state, redevelopment was a $32 million annual funding source that allowed the city to turn vacant, underutilized properties into productive, job-producing, and tax revenue-generating uses. Redevelopment also served as a catalyst for private investment to breathe life into areas burdened with deteriorated buildings, environmental contamination, and aging infrastructure that would otherwise lay vacant and non-productive.

In short, when we think of the story of Santa Fe Springs—its amazing trans-formation from oil industry-related land uses to the beautiful and vibrant com-munity of parks and tree-lined pedestrian corridors—a main character (if not the protagonist) would have to be redevelopment.

Rather than wallow in the massive wake that redevelopment’s elimination has created, city officials have been working diligently on dealing with the great-est financial crisis the city has ever faced. In essence, the city council has been tasked with rebuilding a Santa Fe Springs without redevelopment.

In so doing, the city council has looked at the needs and priorities of the com-

munity, which include public safety and the well-being of seniors and our youth, and made adjustments accordingly. It is important to note that, as devastating as the state’s decision to take $13.4 million of funding from the city was, it had no bearing whatsoever on the needs of the community.

Our needs have not changed; we simply have far fewer fiscal resources to meet those needs. As a result, the city can no longer do business as usual. If we are to successfully transform ourselves, we will need to retool city government for greater efficiency and a more streamlined organization, to maintain as many services as possible and the jobs that support those services.

In response to this fiscal crisis, the council adopted a plan on February 16, 2012 intended to realize significant savings for the current fiscal year and lay the groundwork for a balanced budget for fiscal year 2012-2013 to make up the $13.4 million that were lost and annually went to the city’s operating budget.

Portions of the approved plan have already gone into effect, including the elimination of approximately 30 city positions. This will result in a 20-percent reduction in non-safety labor force, which is in addition to the previous 20-per-cent reduction in labor that occurred through budget cuts enacted in 2010.

As difficult as this process is, the state’s actions left us no choice. In order to minimize the number of positions eliminated through layoffs, the city also ap-proved an early retirement incentive, which approximately 10 employees have taken. Through a negotiation process with the city’s labor groups, the city will also seek greater employee contributions to employee benefits and retirements.

It is important to emphasize that the abovementioned cuts, as significant as they are, will be implemented in a way that minimizes the overall impact on city services. The budget adjustment actions will still allow the city to meet the overall needs of the community and not leave the organization so diminished and depleted that it can only perform minimal functions.

Notwithstanding the budget cuts and elimination of positions, the city will still do a wide variety of things, and do those to the highest quality, as our resi-dents and business deserve. However, it will require the city to do many things differently. We ask that you please bear with us as we transition to a leaner, but still responsive, organization.

We encourage the community to continue to support each other, as it has done through many trying times in the past, so that we may prevail and continue to progress together and keep Santa Fe Springs the great place to live, work, and play that we have all come to know and love.

—Santa Fe Springs City Manager Thaddeus McCormack

Update on City of Santa Fe Springs Financial Situation

What are you waiting for? Join theSanta Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce!

Call Bruce Bertram for details, (562) 944-1616

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 12MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

Senior Kevin Nguyen teaches Eric Ruiz and James Hathoway the fine art of tying a tie!

Future Business Leaders Teaches Students How to ‘Dress for Success’

Future Business Leaders (FBL) from Santa Fe High School held a school as-sembly to prepare students for job interviews. The assembly included a fashion show which presented the “do’s and don’ts” of dressing professionally and a lesson on “How to tie a Tie.”

Future Business Leaders is a student leadership committee which enriches the students’ transition into the business world and encourages business in-volvement after graduation. Students are taught basic business etiquette skills and attend chamber committee meetings

Watch out businesses! These students will be dressed for success!

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 13

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MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

On April 14, Shaw Diversified Services, Inc. (“Shaw”) is helping to sponsor the Earth Day Event at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts in the City of Whittier for the third straight year! Every year the Sanitation Districts provides booths to educate the community on how to protect the environment in honor of Earth Day.

Shaw is a large carpet and rug manufacturer in the City of Santa Fe Springs who seriously believes in giving back to the community by honoring Earth Day and donating several high-end specialty rugs to the community.

This year, the purpose of the green exhibitors is to increase the commu-nity’s knowledge of efficient water and energy usage, and the reduction of waste going to landfill.

There are over 50 exhibitors, earth-friendly arts and crafts, puppet shows, gardening workshops, train rides, and a tour of the water reclamation plant and local landfills. This date is prior to Earth Day (April 22) and offers a large audience of children and adults environmental education programs.

Shaw is one of the leaders in pro-tecting the environmental and is cur-rently “Zero Waste to Landfill” at their two carpet manufacturing facilities in

the City of Santa Fe Springs. In 2011, one of Shaw’s locations was awarded the distinction of “Facility of the Year” by the California Water Environment Association for all of Southern Cali-fornia.

“Shaw believes in being a leader in the community and actively participat-ing in local events that serve to en-hance the areas in which we live and work,” says Scott Price, plant manager.

“Earth Day is an excellent time for everyone to band together to help each other make positive strides toward protecting the environ-ment. Earth Day gives people, who have not taken part recycling and protecting the environment, the op-portunity to make changes in their lives and their community that they will cherish for a lifetime,” says Bill Woyshner, Shaw’s divisional environ-mental/risk manager.

Every year, there are thousands of children and adults who attend the community Earth Day Event. This event is a good way to give back to the community, prepare for Earth Day, learn from others on how to protect our environment, and gain valuable conservation tips from representa-tives of the local businesses and utility companies.

Shaw Gives Back to Community at Annual Earth Day Celebration

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 14MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

CAPC, Inc. and Doubletree Hotel Norwalk Present Kaleidoscope 2012 Five Chamber Mixer and Silent Auction

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“The Sea,” the Rio Hondo Sympho-ny’s last ADMISSION-FREE concert of its 79th season, will be presented at 3:00 p.m., May 6, in the Vic Lopez Auditorium at Whittier High School.

Performing as soloists will be the two winners of the Symphony Asso-ciation’s Young Artists Competition held last January. Sashell Beck, 25, soprano from South Pasadena, was the winner in the voice category. She will sing “Qui la voce” from I Puritani by Vincenzo Bellini and “Art is Calling for Me” from The Enchantress by Vic-tor Herbert.

The winner among the string play-ers was Sean Fischer, 22-year-old cellist from Long Beach. He will play Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B Minor.

Both have received numerous awards and have studied at the Cole-man Conservatory of Music at CSU Long Beach.

Conductor Kimo Furumoto will be-gin the concert with Richard Rodger’s Selections from Victory at Sea. During the concert’s tribute to the sea, the au-dience will hear impressions of wind on the waves, boisterous sailors and mighty vessels.

La Mer (The Sea) by Debussy is not a symphony, but a composition with “three symphonic sketches.” The first sketch is: From Dawn to Noon on the Sea; the second is Play of the Waves,” and the third is “Dialogue Between the Wind and the Waves.”

Film composers have been inspired by La Mer, including the film score ”Jaws” by John Williams and the first Shrek movie with “True Love’s First Kiss” by Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell.

The Russian Sailor’s Dance is a movement from Reinhold Gliere’s

ballet, “The Red Flower.” It is the first revolutionary themed ballet from the Soviet Union. Gliere’s name is well known internationally because the movement is played frequently by both amateurs and professionals.

Each season the community or-chestra performs four free concerts for the enjoyment of everyone in the community. It is sponsored by Whit-tier, Pico Rivera and Santa Fe Springs and by Rio Hondo College. For more information, please call (562) 698-8626. Visit the website at www.riohondosymphony.org.

Rio Hondo Symphony Free Concert to Feature ‘La Mer’

On May 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., five local chambers of commerce will join together for the 10th annual Ka-leidoscope. Called “Kaleidoscope,” this colorful blend of five cities will of-fer chamber and community members five times the networking opportu-nity! Not to mention a ballroom full of excellent shopping opportunities and tasty samplings of local restaurants and caterers!

Represented at the mixer will be chamber members from the cities of La Habra, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier. Each chamber has been assigned a color: La Habra is yellow, Norwalk is red, Pico Rivera is blue, Santa Fe Springs is green and Whittier is orange.

City residents, business people and chamber members are encouraged to show their city pride by wearing cloth-ing that corresponds with the color of their chamber. Each chamber will host a table providing information on membership and upcoming events.

In addition to great chamber net-working, the event also features hun-dreds of silent auction items to bid on. The Doubletree Hotel Norwalk

and other local food vendors will pro-vide delicious appetizers for guests to enjoy, including no-host bars. Guests will also be treated to entertainment by RMH Dance & Production.

Businesses and community mem-bers can support this event many different ways. They can donate items to the silent auction, serve as a Cor-porate/Family Sponsor for $100 and receive signage at the event and in the printed program or come with co-workers, family or friends to network and shop with us on May 10th!

All the proceeds from the silent auction, raffle and Corporate/Family Sponsors will go directly to support-ing the services provided by CAPC, Inc., an organization which special-izes in empowering individuals with disabilities to maximize the quality of their lives in their homes and com-munities.

The Doubletree Hotel Norwalk is lo-cated at 13111 Sycamore Drive, Nor-walk, CA 90650. For additional information, contact Erin Hodges at vegae@capcinc.org or (562) 693-8826, ext. 3007.

Does your company need

CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN for products manufactured in the U.S.?

Contact Laura Guidera at the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce

(562) 944-1616, ext. 103, or email guidera@sfschamber.com

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 15MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

Popular TV Reality Show ‘Storage Wars’ Visits Oxman’s Surplus in Santa Fe Springs

Brandon and Darrell Sheets, also known as “The Sidebet” and “The Gambler”, of A & E’s popular reality TV show, Storage Wars.

In early March this year, A & E’s popular TV reality show, Storage Wars, kicked off their highly anticipated third season with a visit to a favorite Santa Fe Springs business. The epi-sode involves one of Southern Califor-nia’s oldest and best known military surplus stores, Oxman’s Surplus in Santa Fe Springs.

During the show Darrell Sheets, “The Gambler”, visits the store to determine the value of a Mig pilot’s suit discovered in a storage unit in Highland, California.

For over 50 years Oxman’s has been an L.A.-area landmark and a destination for military buffs and out-doorsmen. Oxman’s recently added a military memorabilia museum which houses one of the area’s best collec-tions. More information about Ox-

man’s can be found at: http://www.oxmans-surplus.com.

“On the surface Storage Wars is simply about storage auctions and the auction hunters like Dave, Darrell and Nabila.” said StorageTreasures.com president and founder Lance Watkins.

“But if you look a little deeper, the backdrop of Southern California and its beauty, landmarks and history is also a really important element of the show. Featuring a place like Oxman’s is a great example of how A&E and Original Productions highlight what is so special about this area.”

On June 23, 2011, the City of Santa Fe Springs along with the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce helped to celebrate a historical event, the 50th anniversary of Oxman’s Sur-plus in Santa Fe Springs.

That alone would be a newsworthy event, but perhaps eclipsing it was the fact it was also the 96th birthday of owner and founder Jerome Ox-man, known affectionately to family, friends, business neighbors, and cus-tomers as just Mr. “O”. Jerome and his wife, Miriam, still can be found at the business daily, while their sons, Mur-ray and Jason Oxman, help manage and run the store.

What specifically attracted A & E to Oxman’s for this episode was the fact they also had a military museum as part of their store; a dream come true of Jerome Oxman’s for many years.

If you are interested in visiting Ox-man’s Surplus, it is located at 14128 Rosecrans Avenue in Santa Fe Springs or you may contact them at (562) 921-1106.

The Mig pilot’s suit that was highlighted and evaluated in the opening episode of A & E’s Storage Wars.

The Oxman family, including Miriam, Murray and Jerome Oxman (all seated) and Storage Wars’ Brandon and Darrell Sheets standing with Jason Oxman, all give the thumbs up following A & E’s filming of the initial episode of their third season of the popular reality TV show.

Santa Fe Springs BUSINESS • April 2012 • Page 16MEMBER NEWS

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Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce

Human Resources ForumTopic: Wage and HourPresented by Paul Fleck

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud and RomoTuesday, April 24, 11:45 am to 1:00 pm

SASSFA, 10400 Pioneer Blvd., Santa Fe SpringsSpecial thanks to Vans for sponsoring lunch at this free, monthly, members-only roundtable meeting.

Register online at sfschamber.com or call (562) 944-1616.

Advertise in Santa Fe Springs Business!Mailed every month to 4,000 area businessesMailed every other month to 5,000 SFS homesFor details, call Rebecca Medina, (562) 225-0211, or email santafespringsbusiness@yahoo.com

SoCalGas Warns Customers About Utility ImpostorsSoCalGas Shares Tips on How to Properly Identify Utility Employees

Southern California Gas Co. (So-CalGas) is alerting customers to be aware of persons who reportedly have recently posed as SoCalGas employ-ees. According to a news account, the imposters distract an unsuspecting customer by performing “gas leak inspections” while an accomplice burglarizes the customer’s home.

SoCalGas wants to assure all cus-tomers that all SoCalGas employees carry proper identification when called out to any job. Customers should verify the employee’s proper uniform and identification before let-ting anyone in the home or on their property.

Customer safety is a top priority for SoCalGas and employees will always be happy to wait while the customer confirms their identity.

Here are some tips to help custom-ers identify SoCalGas employees:•Bevigilantandquestionanyone

who presents themselves as a repre-sentative of the utility.•SoCalGasworkerswhoperform

in-home appliance services, work on gas meters or work on gas pipelines wear uniforms. However, some other

employees do not. Always ask for identification before allowing anyone inside the home or on the property.•ThemajorityofauthorizedSoCal-

Gas employees will be in uniform with company logo and carry an official employee badge. Most field employ-ees also drive a company vehicle.•MostofthetimeaSoCalGasem-

ployee visits a home or business in response to a service request. If no one scheduled an appointment, call SoCalGas before allowing anyone inside the home or property.•Neverleavethehouseunlocked

and unattended. SoCalGas does not ask customers to leave their homes unattended.•Toverifytheauthenticityofany-

one claiming to be a representative of SoCalGas, customers are encouraged to ask for proper identification or call the utility at 1-800-427-2200 (or 1-800-342-4545 in Spanish). SoCalGas customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.•Visitsocalgas.com/safety for more

information on staying safe.

The governing board of Tri-Cities Regional Occupational Program is pleased to announce the appointment of David Bennett as the new executive director.

Having extensive experience in se-nior management roles in the private sector will provide an added element to the leadership David brings as ex-ecutive director.

Bennett holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University at Fullerton and has completed coursework at the University of California’s Chief Busi-ness Officials Program.

The realignment of the position of superintendent to executive director comes as a result of Tri-Cities ROP’s need for organizational down-sizing and cost saving efficiencies due to the state budget and its economic effect on funding for education.

Included in the reorganization was the combining of the superinten-dent’s and director of business ser-vices’ responsibilities into the newly created position of executive director.

“In light of the economic climate facing school districts in the State, we feel that this reorganization is consis-tent with the direction our partner districts, and districts across the State are taking,” commented Executive Director Bennett.

Tri-Cities ROP Governing Board President Loring Davies, who also serves as the assistant superintendent of educational services for the Whit-tier Union High School District, said, “Tri-Cities ROP is most grateful for the service provided by former Superin-

tendent Norm Kirschenbaum and we wish him well.

“Norm’s replacement will have big shoes to fill, but David Bennett has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a solid grasp of the essential components of TCROP, and we are confident he will continue to provide outstanding leadership for our orga-nization in the years to come.”

Tri-Cities ROP is a public school district providing career and techni-cal classes to high school students and adults.

Created as a Joint Powers Agree-ment (JPA) in the 1970s between the El Rancho Unified School District and the Whittier Union High School District, Tri-Cities ROP relies on local businesses to provide information relative to trends in various industry sectors to keep course information relevant and rigorous.

Several ROP courses are articulated with local colleges thus affording high school students the opportunity to earn college credit at no charge to them. These college credits stay with a student forever and may be trans-ferred from college to college.

“Now, more than ever, it is impera-tive that ROP programs offer value to our partner districts and consider both college and career preparation,” stated Bennett.

Tri-Cities ROP is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and utilizes only Instructors who hold credentials from the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Board Appoints David Bennett Tri-Cities ROP Executive Director