strictly business march 2010

StrictlyBusinessEl Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce March 2010

“L” Monty Body Shop, Inc.Mixer a great event for Business

Edward Zuniga is an affable professional heading one of the most progressive high chools in the area. Mr. Zuniga is principal at South El High School. He is product of the local commu-nity, having graduated from El Monte High School where he was also once a teacher.

Mr. Zuniga, along with his fellow principals in the other local high schools, was kind enough to host a member of the business community from the El Monte/South El Monte Cham-ber of Commerce.

As part of the Chamber’s ‘Principal for a Day’ progam, the South El monte High School principal hosted Enrique Diaz from the Digital Busi-ness and Design College and Eddie Meza of the Chamber.

Mr. Zuniga provided his visitors with a complete tour of South El Monte High School, introducing them to some of the in-novative programs available to the students.

Mr. Zuniga is very active in the com-munity. He is an elected member of the El Monte City School Board and a member of the El Monte/South El Monte Rotary as well as the El Monte Coalition of Latino Professionals.

Edward Zuniga South El MontePrincipal hosts Business Visitors

Edward Zuniga, Principal at South El Monte High School

The mixer at “L” Monty Body Shop, Inc. was a lively event with many guests from the local business world as well as leaders from the cities of El Monte and South El Monte and from community organizations. Our gracious hosts had a delicious spread of food which the

crowd enjoyed thoroughly. The body shop was transformed into a place for eating and socializing, with white tablecloths on the tables and the smiling faces of satisfied guests. It was a festive night during which the mayor of South El Mon-te, Louie A. Aguiñaga and the mayor pro tem of South El Monte, Joseph J. Gonzales presented the El Monte/South El Monte membership certificate to “L” Monty Body Shop, Inc., received by Fred Nixon, Patty Nixon and Curt Nixon.

The Misss Friendly El Monte/South El Monte Pageant Court helped out and the chamber’s own ambassador com-mittee led by Jody Bush did a great job at the mixer.

In photo left to right: Fred Nixon, Patty Nixon, Curt Nixon (“L Monty Body Shop, Inc.), Joseph J. Gonzales (South El Monte Mayor Pro Tem), Louie A. Aguiñaga (El Monte Mayor), Enrrique Diaz (Chamber Vice President)

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Inexpensive Clinical Uniforms (ICU Uniforms) started in November 2009. The founder, Carlos Arani-bar, turned his layoff from a local manufacturer into an opportunity to realize his dream of starting his own company. Because the medi-cal field was stable and grow-ing, he chose it as the focus of his efforts. He felt there was good opportunity in meeting the needs of medical professionals and their sup-port staff.

The com-mon thread that binds the medi-cal professions is the uniform. Doctors, nurses, and front of-fice personnel everywhere are defined by their uniforms. It is ICU’s mission to

reach them and make their workday a little more comfortable with uniforms that are at-tractive and durable.

We are very excited to partner with the EM/SEM Chamber of Commerce and the community’s leaders. We believe we will grow in this region through responsive service and quality product offerings. We would be honored to work with local hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and vocational schools, and would appreciate any references provided by Chamber members. ICU Uniforms can be reached at (915) 355-6481 and is located at 11909 Lambert Avenue, El Monte.

Inexpensive Clinical Uniformsfrom ICU UniformsLocal company launches new line professional medicaluniforms

Fast Facts About the CensusSafe. The Census Bureau protects in-

formation that identifies respondents or their households for 72 years.

Easy. The questionnaire contains only a few simple questions and takes just a few minutes to answer and return by mail.

Everyone counts. The census is a count of everyone living in the United States, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. This includes

people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens.

Coming soon. Census questionnaires will be mailed in March 2010.

See More PhotoS FroM the Mixer on PageS 4 & 5

Les George, Donna Crippen, Donna Doncan

Carlos Aranibar of ICU Uniforms at “L” Monty Body Shop, Inc. Mixer

Shari Angelmyer, Tiffany Rico, Patty Nixon

read More about PrinciPal For a day on Page 8

Strictly Business March 2010 •

Strictly BusinessEl Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce Newspaper

P.O. BOX 5866, El Monte, CA 91731Phone 626.443.0180 Fax 626.443.0463

Business Hours: 9 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.E-Mail: [email protected]

Executive Director: Richard Nichols

Administrative Assistant: Denise Klein

Administrative Assistant: Connie Meza

Editor: Enrique Diaz, Digital Business & Design College

EXECUTIVE BOARD:PRESIDENTDONNA DUNCANGreater El Monte EscrowOwner11706 Ramona Blvd El Monte CA 91732 [email protected]

VICE-PRESIDENTENRIQUE DIAZ-Owner of-Digital Business & Design College 10788 Lower Azusa Road Unit GEl Monte CA 91731 626-401-3466-Fax-626-443-3460C-phone [email protected]

SECRETARY/TREASURERKEN JESKE—DEMBADowntown Business AssociationExecutive Director11001 Valley Mall –Suite 310BEl Monte CA 91731 [email protected]

RICHARD NICHOLS-EX-OFFICIOExecutive [email protected]/SEM Chamber of Commerce10505 Valley Blvd Suite 312 El Monte CA 91731 626-446-0180-Fax-626-443-0463

DIRECTORS: JOHN LAWRENCELawrence Equipment-Owner2034 Peck Road South El Monte CA 91733 [email protected]

JACK DALTONRamona Property Managers IncOwner & President626-448-7882-Fax-626-443-6303C-ph-626-483-665011706 Ramona Blvd #204 El Monte CA 91732 [email protected]

KEN RAUSCHEdwards Steak House—Owner9600 Flair Drive El Monte CA 91731 626-442-2400-Fax-626-442-8019C-ph-626-688-6955krausch@edwards-steakhouse.com

JUAN MIRELESCitizen Member1019 So Gladys Ave—Fax-444-6961San Gabriel CA 91776 [email protected]

DONNA YOUNGVons Credit Union4455 Arden Drive El Monte CA 91731 626-444-1972-Ext [email protected]

JODY BUSHCitizen Member9933 Alesia –South El Monte-91733626-444-7636—[email protected]

TOM MILLETTCitizen Member535-Northridge Ave Glendora CA 91741 626-335-6271—[email protected]

DAVID MCGLOTHIN-ownerAccess Control Entergration Inc12119 HemlockEl Monte CA 91732888-861-0070—Fax-626-582-8622c-ph [email protected] EVAMARIE RETAEl Monte City Employees Credit Union11718 Ramona BlvdEl Monte CA 91732626-444-0501—Ext 211Fax-626-444-6961c-ph-626940-8382ereta@emcecu.orgwww.emcecu.org

NICK SALERNO-SuperintendentEl Monte Union High School District3537 Johnson StreetEl Monte CA 91731626-444-9005- Fax-626-350-1095 (own)[email protected]

STEPHEN GILLM.C. Gill Corporation—Owner-CEO4076 Easy StreetEl Monte CA 91731626-443-6094—Fax-626-350-5880c-ph--Privatee-mail—[email protected]

COURTESY MEMBERS

RENE BOBADILLACity Manager-City of El Monte11333 Valley Blvd El Monte CA 91731 [email protected] “J” JUVENTINO GOMEZCouncilman--City of El MonteP.O. Box 6008El Monte CA 91734626-580-2001

ART BARRIOSP. O. Box 6008El Monte CA 91734626-580-2001 TONY YBARRACity Manager-City of South El Monte1415 Santa Anita Ave South El Monte CA 91733 [email protected]

JOSEPH GONZALESCouncil member—City of South El

Monte1759 Maxon Road--HomeSouth El Monte CA 91733C-ph—626-422-1253

TOM ARMSTROMGEl Monte Chief of Police11333 Valley Blvd El Monte CA 91731 626-580-2110-Fax-580-2196

EL MONTE/SOUTH EL MONTECHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009--2010

626 443-0180 FAX 626 443-0463 - [email protected] / www.emsem.com

Lee Bollen (1998 Ambassador of the Year) .................................................. Chamber of CommerceEnrique Diaz (2002 Ambassador of the Year)...........................Digital Business & Design CollegeBill Yates (2004 Ambassador of the Year) ........................................................... El Monte KiwanisJody Bush-----Chairman- and (2007 Ambassador of the Year) ................................Citizen MemberIrene Ramirez ..................................................................................San Gabriel Valley NewspapersCraig Doerr ....................................................................................................American ReclamationCaesar Mayor ...........................................................................Credit Union of Southern CaliforniaErnesto Villegas ......................................................................................................... Villegas RealtyConnie Palafox-Meza-(2009-Ambassador of the Year) .........................Palafox Financial & RealtyEdward (Eddie) Meza ...........................................................................Palafox Financial & RealtyMartha g, De La Cruz ...................................................................................... Pageant AssociationMaria Aguilar ...................................................................................................Liberty Tax ServicesArthur (Art) Villarreal ......................................................................................Vons Credit UnionMaria Raygoza .........................................................................................Greater El Monte EscrowDani Valentino ....................................................................................Palladium Technical AcademyWinfred D. Owens ................................................................................... Green Flag Profit RecoveryJackelynn Nevares .........................................................................................Citizens Business Bank

Chamber Mission Statement"The mission of the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce is to be the

definitive voice in economic development, while advocating strength in education, member-ship and government legislation."

Chamber Ambassadors

Get Published inStrictly Business.

Send Articles and Comments [email protected]

by Richard Nichols,Executive Director


Nichols’ Worth

There was some very good networking going on at the Chamber Mixer at “L” Mon-te Auto Body Shop in South El Monte, good crowd. The Mixers are getting more popular, next month it will be hosted by Skyscraper Brewing Company. President Donna Dun-can talked Councilman Joseph Gonzales into being the M.C., good job. Thank you to Curt Nixon and his staff at the Body Shop for being very good hosts. Miss Friendly and Princesses are always an asset to the Mixers, thank you girls.

Time to start planning on participating in our Annual Golf Tournament, Friday June 4, 2010. This is the Chambers big Fun and Fund raiser, mark your calendar now. This is a perfect time to entertain custom-ers , friends , relatives, and employees for a nominal amount of money. $570.00 for a team of 4 – that includes Golf, Lunch , Din-

ner , Refreshments, Fun, etc. What more can you ask for?

Just heard the Planning Commission approved plans for a D.M.V. (Dept. of Mo-tor Vehicles) 0ffice on Arden Dr., just north of Valley. This will bring a lot of people into El Monte, we have to figure out how to get them to stay and shop here.

I lived and worked in San Gabriel for years and Goody’s Restaurant was our fa-vorite, now they are moving to El Monte (former News Café). This will be an asset to the area, looking forward to having them here.

California Needs to Takea Lesson from TexasBy Senator Bob Huff

Senate Republicans IntroduceJobs Bills in Special Session

In his State of the State address, the Governor announced that his top priority is to create jobs and get the economy back on track. This couldn’t have come at a bet-ter time, for California is losing jobs at an alarming rate. Between November 2008 to November 2009, in fact, the state lost 617,600 jobs. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state’s busi-nesses atrophied by 45.1% in 2008, mean-ing 45% more businesses were permanently closed than new businesses were started.

It’s easy to blame the poor overall state of the national economy, but when you compare California to other states, like Tex-as, a different picture emerges. In 2008, Tex-as saw a growth of 34.6% in new employers. As of November 2009, the unemployment rate in Texas was 8%, as opposed to Cali-fornia’s rate of 12.3%. Why is Texas seeing a huge increase in job creation while Cali-fornia is losing businesses by the truckload?

Perhaps it’s because California has the highest sales taxes, the highest gas taxes, the 48th worst business climate, and is overwhelmed by burdensome regulations. These regulations, imposed by state govern-ment, charge businesses exorbitant fees and force employers to comply with often un-reasonable standards.

Texas’s Governor Rick Perry boasts on his state’s Economic Development website, “Texas continues to garner national atten-tion because of our state’s favorable tax cli-mate, tort reform, business-friendly attitude and low cost of doing business.”

Meanwhile, California is gaining national attention for never-ending budget deficits, onerous regulations, a record rate of unem-ployment and increasing home foreclosures. It’s time for California to stop raising taxes and start reforming the way the state does business. We can start by undoing some of the regulations that are putting a strangle-hold on employers. These employers have no choice but to lay off employees or shut down completely since they can’t compete against other states or other countries that do not have to pay such high taxes or comply with the same regulations.

Governor Schwarzenegger has an-nounced that he wants to eliminate sales taxes on green tech manufacturing. This is a good starting point, but perhaps we should take this further and eliminate sales taxes on all manufacturing, and instead spur in-novation and growth in California’s manu-facturing sector which has seen a 21% de-cline since 2000, according to a study by the Milken Institute.

The Legislature must emulate Texas’s business friendly attitude to put jobs and the economy first.

Senator Bob Huff serves as the Senate

Republican Caucus Chair. He represents portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. You can follow Sena-tor Huff on Twitter @bobhuff99.

In an effort to get Californians back to work, Senate Republicans announced today that they have introduced 24 of their job creation bills in the 8th Extraordinary Ses-sion. Last week, with Assembly Republicans, they unveiled the “Jobs First” campaign and this week took another step to help over 2 million unemployed workers by moving these important bills forward.

• Senate Republicans outlined their plan in five simple themes:

• Stop California Jobs from Leaving• Restore California’s Competitive Job

Creation Climate• Cut Government Spending and Bu-

reaucracy in the Budget• Initiate Regulatory Review and Relief• End Frivolous Lawsuits That Are a Full

Employment Act for AttorneysStop California Jobs from Fleeing• Implementation of AB 32, Cap-and-

Trade (SB 8x 49 Dutton)Puts a halt to the state version of cap-

and-trade – an idea that was scrapped on Capitol Hill -- which would result in a stag-gering $143 billion “Air Tax” that would cripple our state’s economy. All Californians want clean air and water, but California can-not afford to embark on a cap and trade sys-tem alone.

• Homebuyer Tax Credit (SB 8x 21 Ash-burn)

A $10,000 per homebuyer tax credit will go towards the purchase of new and existing homes. The new home buyer tax credit was the most successful jobs bill the legislature passed last year. SB 8X 21 will continue that success and double the number of jobs cre-ated and make possible homeownership for thousands of Californians.

• Capital Gains Tax Reduction (SB 8x 43 Dutton)

Spurs investment and employment in California by cutting the long term capital gains rates in half.

• R&D Tax Credit (SB 8x 44 Dutton)Aligns California’s research and develop-

ment tax credit rate with that of the federal government’s, helping to encourage inno-vation and investment, and the creation of high paying jobs.

• Health Savings Account (SB 8x 47 Dutton)

Increases state tax deductions for contri-butions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), thereby encouraging long-term savings for health care expenses and providing an op-

portunity for more families to have afford-able health insurance.

• Energy Commission Regulations (SB 8x 68 Huff)

The California Energy Commission needs a check on its power. It must be over-seen by the full legislature and, furthermore, any new regulations need to wait until Cali-fornia’s unemployment rate is maintained at 5.1% or lower for 3 consecutive months.

• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (SB 8x 59 Dutton)

Gives employers tax credits for hiring people off historically high welfare rolls, helping get Californians back to work while reducing California’s public assistance obli-gation.

Restore California’s Competitive Job Creation Climate

• Jobs Protection Act (SB 8x 60 Harman)Requires a fiscal impact analysis, a hear-

ing and legislative approval before bills af-fecting business costs become law.

• Out of State Health Plans (SB 8x 65 Huff)

Permits out of state healthcare plans and insurers to offer their services in California, offering competition, reigning in costs and making healthcare more affordable for ev-eryone.

• CEQA Exemptions (SB 8x 56 Holling-sworth)

Streamlines the infrastructure project permitting process, allowing shovel ready projects to start quickly and put Californians back to work.

• K-12 contracting (SB 8x 61 Huff)Gets rid of antiquated policies that

limit the ability to hire the best, most cost efficient person for non-instructional jobs – such as transportation, landscaping and maintenance – allowing schools to do what is most important -- teach our children.

• Improve Small Business Access to Capital (SB 8x 51 Dutton)

Simplifies the business tax code to get cash flowing back to small businesses, assist-ing companies in their efforts to expand and hire new workers.

• Manufacturers, R&D Sales and Use Tax Exemption (SB 8x 58 Dutton)

Exempts manufacturing and research and development equipment from sales and use taxes, helping California – notorious for taxing its businesses out of state -- become economically competitive once again.

• Veterans Hiring Tax Credit (SB 8x 63

Denham)Provides a tax credit to private sector

employers who hire veterans. There are thousands of veterans returning home to California and this measure will incentives the private sector to hire them.

Initiate Regulatory Review and Relief• Meals and Rest Periods (SB 8x 70

Dutton)Allows more flexible and appropriate

standards for employers and employees to schedule mandatory breaks throughout a shift.

• New Car Sales Tax Reduction (SB 8x 46 Hollingsworth)

Allows a person trading in their used car to reduce the principle cost of a new vehicle, saving the buyer in taxes and help-ing the dealer sell more cars and stimulate the economy.

• Eliminate Corporate Penalty (SB 8x 54 Hollingsworth)

Eliminates the existing million dollar penalty for companies that underestimate their corporate tax liability, giving compa-nies more money to invest or expand by not having to overestimate their taxes as a precaution.

• Salesperson Licensing Reform (SB 8x 67 Huff)

Allows owners of multiple car dealer-ships to share staff, providing their em-ployees more opportunities to sell cars at any one dealership in an industry that has been decimated by the recession.

• Delay On-Road/In-Use Diesel Reg-ulations (SB 8x 57 Cox)

Delays the costly new diesel engine regulations enacted by The California Air Resources Board that have had an oner-ous effect on all transportation sectors. Delaying these regulations will help keep these small businesses keep their doors open and workers employed.

• Flexible Workweek (SB 8x 66 Cox)Allows employers to offer flexible

work weeks, giving their employees the op-portunity to spend more time with their families and employers more flexibility in scheduling their workers.

• Systematic Review of Regulations (SB 8x 48 Dutton)

Regulations are strangling our businesses and stifling growth. Requires a review of all regulations to determine which ones are cost effective and requiring those that are not to be repealed or amended. Overregula-tion is strangling our businesses and stifling growth, reducing and simplifying the regula-tory burden will help jump start our strug-gling economy.

• Third-party Analysis of Economic Im-pact of ARB Regulations (SB 50 8x Dutton)

Requires an objective third-party to ana-lyze the economic impact of Air Resource Board (ARB) regulations. Time after time, ARB studies have proven to be seriously flawed. This would ensure that real econom-ic analyses are completed.

Create Full Employment Act for Entre-preneurs, Not Attorneys

• Repeal of the Sue Your Boss Law (SB 8x 64 Hollingsworth)

Repeals the Private Attorneys General Act, which takes the responsibility of inves-tigating employer misdeeds out of the hands of the Labor commission or the Attorney General and puts it into the hands of am-bulance chasing lawyers. Repealing this law will lower overall costs and prevent further frivolous lawsuits.

• Tort Reform (SB 8x 69 Huff)Prevents innocent sellers from being

frivolously sued for selling faulty goods they did not manufacture.

Senate Republicans agree that job cre-ation is the number one priority. These job creation bills should be considered during the 8th Extraordinary session to expedite economic recovery as quickly as possible.


More Photos from “L” Monty Body Shop Mixercontinued FroM Page 1

David McGlothin, Tom Millett, JaneMillett, Art Barrios

Joseph Gonzales, Tony Ibarra

Lillian Rey, Beverly BrownCurt Nixon, Fred Nixon, Tom Armstrong


PLAN TO SELL SURPLUSPROPERTIES ALONG 710CORRIDOR INTRODUCED BYASSEMBLYMEMBER ENG

More Photos from “L” Monty Body Shop Mixercontinued FroM Page 1

ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG TO SUBMITS“SHOVEL-READY” PROJECTS TO NEW ADMINISTRATION,UNVEILSAN HIST 2009 LEGISLATIVE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA PACKAGE AND WINNER OF THE “THEREOUGHT TO BE A LAW” CONTEST

El Monte, Calif. – This week, On Thursday, Assemblymember Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park) introduced a bill today that requires the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to sell real prop-erty it owns in the unconstructed portion of State Route (SR) 710 corridor. Specifically, AB 2316 requires the Caltrans to sell these surplus properties and use the proceeds for local voter-approved transportation projects located within Los Angeles County.

“The time has come to get Caltrans out of the property management business in the

San Gabriel Valley and return the properties to local tax rolls,” stated Assemblymember Eng. “When the properties were purchased for the proposed construction of the 710 Freeway, those funds came from Los Ange-les County taxpayers. Therefore, it is only fair that the money from the sale should stay within the region.”

It is estimated that Caltrans owns over 500 residential properties in the unconstruct-ed portion of the SR 710 corridor, some of which it bought as early as the 1950’s.

Chamber CalendarTuesday, March 9, 11:30 AMAmbassador MeetingShrimp House, 4488 East Live Oak, Arcadia, 626-448-8742

Wednesday, March 24, 5:30-7:30 PMChamber MixerSkyscraper Brewing Company, 3229 Durfee Avenue, El Monte626-575-0770

Legislative Action CommitteeMeeting News


By Tom Millett

THE GAS COMPANY OFFERSSAFETY TIPS TO PREVENTCARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Our monthly meeting was attended by eight members. Barry Sedlick spoke about a new federal stimulus package that may provide some help on local projects that are awaiting funding. Newly appointed City of El Monte Planning Commissioner Art Bar-rios informed members that the commission approved a new State Department of Mo-tor Vehicles Office to be located on part of the vacant Ball Jar Corp. property on Arden Drive north of Valley Blvd. Although gov-ernmental operations produce no sales tax revenue, the influx of people from the sur-rounding neighborhoods will create oppor-tunities for local businesses. Art was ques-tioned about sufficient parking. He assured us that parking was a very important issue for approval.

Assembly Bill 1506 authored by Assem-blyman Joel Anderson got some discussion going. This bill would force the state to ac-cept its own IOU’s as payment from busi-nesses as payment, saving the State, busi-nesses and taxpayers millions of dollars. The bill passed the Assembly unanimously, how-ever it is having some difficulty in the Senate.

Luis Cetina represents the Metropoli-tan Water District of Southern California. He made a case for opposing AB1594 by

Assemblyman Alyson Huber which would require a vote of the legislature to approve a Delta canal or conveyance facility prior to commencement of construction, and would require an independent economic analysis of the proposal by the Legislative Analyst’s office. This in essence, seeks to turn deci-sions on needed conveyance changes into a political process, and everyone knows where that will take it. Luis asked for and got a recommendation from the Committee that the Chamber Board author a letter of non-support for AB 1594.

Although Luis could not speak for or against the upcoming State Water Bond bal-lot measure, he explained the measure and agreed to appear before the Chamber Board of Directors to explain it to the full Board.

Dana Cop, representing AT&T gave the committee a briefing on their projects be-ing done locally, and Rainbow Yeung from SCAQMD was there giving us support. Au-drey Travis always has some good words for the group, and Executive Director Dick Nichols makes sure we have fat pills and cof-fee. Thanks Dick.

Come join us next month on March 11th at 9:00am in the Chamber meeting room.

Whittier- Do you think your local Com-munity Colleges only serves up a smorgas-bord of academic programs and degrees? Well, think again. Community colleges have “gone corporate” in a big way by offering many training and certificate programs spe-cifically designed to meet the needs of the business community. Specifically, communi-ty colleges have been able to help businesses in two specific areas: Contract Education and English as a Second Language.

Contract EducationBy far, one the biggest ways commu-

nity colleges serve businesses is in provid-ing customized and cost effective education and training for an employer’s workforce. These trainings are commonly referred to as Contract Education and fall into a variety of areas such as safety and industrial training, environmental protection, TQM, computer skills, leadership skills, and blueprint reading.

Employers are realizing the need for a highly trained workforce to maintain their competitive edge, and as such, employers are recognizing that this is the time to reinvest in their business. As employers seek to in-crease the skills of their employees, Contract Education is an attractive option: it is flex-ible, can be customized to the specific needs of a company, and better suited to adult learners than traditional college courses. An added benefit is utilizing the expertise of the community college instructors who tend to have real world experience, understand the special needs of the adult learner, and may be bilingual.

English as a SecondLanguage (ESL)The California workplace is rich in its di-

versity of people and their languages, which creates a demand for language and skills training to improve communication in the workplace. To meet this challenge, many colleges offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses through their community ser-vices department. These courses are held at various locations in the community, or they can be customized to an organization’s specific needs and offered at an employer’s facility.

Conversational ForeignLanguageSouthern California has become a melt-

ing pot of ethnicities and languages resulting in the need for managers to learn a foreign language to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce and customer base. To address this, community colleges are now of-fering introductory foreign language courses designed to improve the capacity of an or-ganization’s managers and employees in lan-guages such as Spanish, Mandarin, Chinese and French. The focus of these courses is conversational language rather than gram-mar. These courses are customized to an or-ganization’s specific industry and needs, and are scheduled according to the organization’s availability.

Sergio Barron, Continuing Education Coordinator for Rio Hondo College, works with organizations to create customized training programs to meet the challenges of a changing environment. To find out how Rio Hondo College can assist your organiza-tion, please call (562) 463-7246.

Located in Whittier, California, Rio Hondo College is a collaborative center of lifelong learning which provides innovative, challenging, and quality educational offerings for its diverse students and community. For information on the College or its programs, please call 562-692-0921 or visit www.rio-hondo.edu.

Community Colleges Can HelpYour Business

The cold, wet wintry weather in South-ern California over the past month has caused people to fire up their furnaces and, for some, be exposed to potential carbon-monoxide poisoning. Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is urging cus-tomers to ensure their equipment is operat-ing safely by taking advantage of the utility’s free furnace inspections.

“While carbon-monoxide poisoning in-cidents are rare, we usually see a rise in the number of occurrences when the weather gets really cold,” said Richard M. Morrow, vice president of customer services for The Gas Company. “Often, the cause of carbon-monoxide in a home is due to a problem with the furnace, so we’re urging customers to be safe and get their furnaces inspected by a licensed, qualified professional.”

The utility also warns against using ov-ens, ranges or outdoor barbecues for home heating. These appliances are not designed for such use and pose a severe and potential-ly fatal risk of carbon-monoxide poisoning if used for space heating.

The Gas Company offers furnace safety checks at no cost to customers, or customers can call a licensed, qualified professional to ensure their appliances are operating prop-erly. To schedule an appointment for a fur-nace inspection by The Gas Company, visit The Gas Company’s Web site at www.socal-gas.com or call toll-free at (800) 427-2200 or (800) 342-4545 in Spanish. Customer ser-vice representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to schedule routine and emergency service requests.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is formed when carbon-based fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, pro-pane, natural gas, oil, charcoal or wood, are burned with inadequate amounts of oxygen, creating a condition known as incomplete combustion. When incomplete combustion occurs, carbon monoxide is produced, and this can potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning to a family.

The early stages of carbon-monoxide poisoning produce unexplained flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and mental confusion. Since carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood, prolonged

exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to death by asphyxiation.

What to do if someone suspects carbon monoxide is present in their home:

• If safe to do so, immediately turn off the suspected gas appliance.

• Evacuate the premises and call 911. • Seek medical attention if anyone in the

home experiences possible carbon monox-ide poisoning symptoms.

• Contact The Gas Company or a li-censed, qualified professional immediately to have the appliance inspected.

• Don’t use the suspected gas appliance until it has been inspected, serviced and de-termined to be safe by The Gas Company or a licensed, qualified professional.

How to maintain and use gas appliances safely and efficiently:

• Clean inside the burner compartment of built-in, vented wall furnaces once a month during the heating season to prevent lint build-up.

• Inspect and replace furnace filters on forced-air units or central heating systems according to manufacturer instructions.

• When installing a new or cleaned filter, be sure to re-install the front panel door of the furnace properly so it fits snugly. Never operate the furnace without the front panel door properly in place.

• Never store anything near a gas ap-pliance that might interfere with normal ap-pliance airflow.

• Assure that appliance venting is in-tact and unblocked.

• In higher-altitude areas, where snow can accumulate on rooftops, ensure that gas appliance intake and exhaust vents are clear of obstructions.

• Never use gas ovens, ranges or outside barbeques for space heating.

Carbon-monoxide alarms may provide an extra measure of safety, but they also require routine maintenance such as bat-tery replacement and the unit itself must be replaced periodically per manufacturer’s instructions. Even with alarms in place, regular gas appliance maintenance still is re-quired. Inspection and routine maintenance are still the best defense against accidental carbon-monoxide poisoning from natural gas appliances.

With the renewed threat of rain-storms, Los Angeles County officials to-day urged residents and businesses to sign up for emergency alerts by registering their cell phone numbers and e-mail ad-dresses on the Alert.lacounty.gov website.

The County’s emergency mass notifi-cation system, called Alert LA County, has the capability to use phone, text and e-mail messages to alert residents and businesses when there is an emergency situation in their area and advises of needed actions, like evacuations.

The system was activated 25 times be-tween Jan. 18 – Jan. 22 due to rain, flood-ing and mudslides, with some warnings going to as few as 34 people and some to as many as 513.

All landlines are already included in the system, but people must register their cell phone numbers, Voice over IP phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. This infor-mation can be added on the Alert.lacoun-ty.gov website.

Because the Alert LA County system uses geomapping, each telephone number

and/or e-mail address can only be associated with one street address in the system.

The Sheriff ’s Emergency Communications Center uses the system to issue local and re-gional alerts, drawing the boundaries of the area to be notified on a computer map. Re-corded alerts provide information on the na-ture of the emergency and necessary actions.

If calls are picked up by an answering ma-chine, the system will leave a recorded mes-sage. If the number called is busy or does not answer, the system will redial the number in an attempt to deliver the message. The system is TTY/TDD compatible.

Until implementation of Alert LA County in May 2009, the County had no consistent way to contact residents and businesses in case of regional or local emergencies.

The notification system improves the County’s ability to communicate faster, bet-ter and more reliably, providing the ability to target messages and follow-up information to residents in affected areas, and reduce the po-tential for miscommunication by distributing accurate and consistent messages.

Residents/Businesses Urgedto Sign Up For Emergency Alerts


ICU UniformsCarlos AranibarJoined 2010915-355-648111909 Lambert AvenueEl Monte

Rising International, Inc.P.K. DhakalJoined 2010626-448-495011669 McBean DriveEl Monte

Legend Medical Devices, Inc.Jane ChenJoined 2010626-350-97331230 Santa Anita Avenue, #ASouth El Monte

Cstars International, Inc.Herman ChanJoined 2010626-723-38681938 Tyler Avenue, Suite QSouth El Monte

Tiffinie IbarraHair StylistJoined 2010909-484-06718189 InspirationAlta Loma

Health & Beauty Solution Corp.Kenny WangJoined 2010626-575-96669332 Rush StreetSouth El Monte

Nu Vision Financial Credit UnionJose LuevanoJoined 2010626-284-45151827 Walnut Grove AvenueRosemead

Free Eagle Legal Mobile NotaryRamona ReyesJoined 2010626-443-7331

New and Renewing Members February/March 2010

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In Spring 2010, the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority (ACE) expects to begin construction of the Baldwin Av-enue Grade Separation Project in the City of El Monte. A roadway underpass will be constructed on Baldwin Ave. at the railroad tracks. Trains will operate on a new bridge to be built over the lowered street.

The project requires the closure of Bald-win Ave. between Rose and Gidley St. dur-ing construction for approximately 18 to 24 months. Temple City Blvd. and Arden Dr. via Lower Azusa Rd. and Valley Blvd. will be used as detour routes during construction.

Upon completion, the project will elimi-nate the possibility of deadly collisions, vehi-cle wait times at the crossing and locomotive horn noise. Bessie Ave. will end in cul-de-sacs with a new pedestrian bridge spanning Baldwin Ave.

ConstructionProject

Action LanesShawn BarbatoJoined 2003626-350-883110534 Lower Azusa RoadEl Monte

Blanche GeronsinCitizen MemberJoined 1987

Bruno Industrial TiresJack Bruno, Sr.Joined 1990626-350-17392114 Loma AvenueSouth El Monte

Career Partners/Worksource CaliforniaNadine GomezJoined 2003626-572-72723505 N. HartRosemead

Cielito LindoPedro HernandezJoined 1986626-442-12541612 N. Santa Anita AvenueSouth El Monte

El Monte PharmacyKen ThaiJoined 2006626-448-25073948 Peck Road, Unit #5El Monte

El Monte Senior Presidents’ CouncilMarian LastJoined 1998626-580-22103120 N. Tyler AvenueEl Monte

Generation WestViviano RodriguezJoined 2009626-454-23752951 Durfee Ave., Unit FEl Monte

Georg Fischer Signet, LLCChristine WendelJoined 1995626-571-27703401 Aerojet AvenueEl Monte

Gilmore Liquid Air CompanyVirginia GregoryJoined 1981626-443-13619503 E. Rush StreetSouth El Monte

IBE DigitalRon VaringJoined 2007562-921-020212921 E. 166th StreetCerritos

JHC InternationalTianyue FeiJoined 2008626-768-37653836 Maxon Road, #BEl Monte

Kar Wing Trading Co., Inc.Georgiana LaiJoined 1990626-350-81381923 Frank Stiles StreetSouth El Monte

La Familia RestaurantMartha NeverezJoined 2009626-575-98062115 Durfee AvenueSouth El Monte

La Historia Historical SocietyCharles ZapataJoined 2002626-279-19543240 Tyler AvenueEl Monte

Lamp Post PizzaVic PizzitolaJoined 1998626-444-26324368 Peck RoadEl Monte

Ministerio BelenArmondo ReygosaJoined 2009626-442-4298P O Box 5606El Monte

PALS, Inc.Otieno OkatchJoined 2006626-279-106411645 McBean DriveEl Monte

San Gabriel ValleyNewspaper GroupJim MauerJoined 2006626-962-88111210 N. Azusa Canyon RoadWest Covina

Twin Palms RecoveryTruth MoultonJoined 1994626-443-40083574 Lexington AvenueEl Monte

Valley InsuranceService, Inc.Harry BorakJoined 1948626-966-3664800 S. Barranca Blvd.Covina

Velasco, HenryHenry VelascoCitizen MemberJoined 1989626-448-1081


Welcome!Nu Vision Financial Credit UnionJose LuevanoJoined 2010626-248-45101827 Walnut Grove Avenue, Rosemead, CA

Dick Nichols Tony Aldama Nu Vision Financial Credit Union Eddie Meza, Carlos Aranibar, Dick Nichols

Gabriel Flores, Vice Principal, South El Monte High School, participant in “Principal for a Day”

Principals, Assistant Principals and Chamber Business Members who participated in “Principal for a Day”

ICU UniformsCarlos AranibarJoined 2010915-355-648111909 Lambert Avenue, El Monte, CA

Principal for a Day Chamber Member Profile:Ryan Storms

Ryan Storms is one of the youngest members of the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce. Raised in South El Monte, Ryan is a unique individual as he sees it, who got his creative impulses from an ability to see more than one facet in any situation. Inspired by Marvel and DC Com-ics and motivated by Stan Lee’s interesting stories, Ryan learned to see things from dif-ferent perspectives, and also learned that col-ors can be very powerful tools in creating art.

Beginning to draw at a very young age, he learned about other media used in cre-ative artistic communication. He endeavored in graphic design, photography, and various forms of fine art. During his South El Mon-te High School days, Storms was admitted to a special program at prestigious, top-notch institution, Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where he excelled at illustration.

After high school graduation, he at-tended graphic design classes on a schol-

arship provided by the Chamber’s Edu-cational Foundation, during which time he began to learn pho-tography. That served him well as he started taking pictures at back-yard parties for Klub Events, his own on-line social networking website that predates MySpace, as well as being one of the first media websites. His in-creasing photographic skills soon allowed him to be invited to take pictures at some of the top clubs and events in the L.A. and Holly-wood areas.

Next, Ryan became a photographer for up and coming as well as established music stars. Yung Berg was the first artist Storms photo-graphed in Beverly Hills. His work with

Yung Berg led him to work with such artists as LMFAO, Black Eyed Peas, New Boys, and many more.

All along, Storms was amateur skate-boarding with pros like Paul Rodriguez, Chad Muska, Eric Koston, Bam Magriga, and others. He also learned the business side of skateboarding by working at Ground Zero Board Shop, which led to his dream of starting a clothing line: Sk8 Life Collection, a line that has been featured in many music videos. In this capacity, he has also become an apparel stylist to the stars, and yet he still finds time to teach kids to skateboard.

Ryan has also served on the board of directors of the Nuvein Foundation for Lit-erature and the Arts for the last three years. Nuvein is a non-profit dedicated to helping students pursue an education in the arts.

The future seems very bright for this young entrepreneur, as he continues to reach new heights in the creative and busi-ness fields.

Edward’s Steakhouse was the place of the special luncheon given for the par-ticipants of the Chamber’s “Principal for a Day” program this year.

School principals, vice principals and the business people who were “principals for a day” gathered at noon at the iconic El Monte eatery to share the day’s experiences and celebrate yet another successful cham-ber event.

The luncheon was sponsored by the Downtown El Monte Business Association (DEMBA) and Vons Credit Union.

The room at Edward’s was decorated by Jody Bush, Chamber Ambassador chair.

During the lunch, one by one, partici-pants recounted how rewarding the day’s experience had been and many also remem-bered their days as students at the same schools they were now visiting as business guests.

Richard Nichols, Chamber Executive Director thanked all of the participants and expressed the chamber’s intentions to con-tinue the program in the future.

strictly business march 2010

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