March is Women’s History Month—a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women who have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations. In Paramount, the city is led by an all-women City Council, only the fourth such Council in the history of California at the time of their election in 2020.
Paramount student mayors
At the Jan. 28 City Council meeting, two fifth-grade students were recognized as Student Mayors for the Day. This new program, in partnership with the school district, acknowledges deserving 4th or 5th graders to be recognized as the Student Mayor for the Day every month during the academic year. Adrian Lara Escobedo from Wesley Gaines Elementary and Ian Romero from Los Cerritos Elementary were nominated by their respective schools for the recognition.
City supports fire victims, firefighters
To help support LA Wildfire victims and first responders, Paramount City staff took donations provided by the community to the LA Food Bank. All donations went to victims and families impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires. The city would like to thank everyone who donated to this important cause. The essentials drive ends Jan. 31, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Paramount Sheriff’s Sub Station, 15001 Paramount Blvd.
New art, new year
Photo courtesy of city of Paramount
Start the New Year with works of art! Paramount is home to several art installations, murals, and statues. If you enjoy finding interesting works of public art, take a tour of Paramount’s Outdoor Art Museum via our city website at www.ParamountCity.gov/services/public-art/. There are dozens of sculptures located throughout the city that vary in style from abstract shapes to lifelike figures.
Local art
Pictured above is “Polished Performance” by Dee Clements at Paramount Pond. In a written statement, city of Paramount officials wished everyone Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year as Paramount enters 2025. City Hall and the City Yard will be back in business Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.
Snowfest 2024
The snow came to Paramount, as hundreds of kids and families enjoyed Santa’s Snowfest on December 14 at Paramount Park. The event was jam packed with fun activities, including sled runs, a snow play area, photo opportunities, a Santa’s craft village, and more.
Santa Train 2024
Over the course of four magical nights from Dec. 9 through 12, Santa and his merry team journeyed through the neighborhoods of Paramount aboard the Paramount Christmas Train, spreading holiday cheer. The train stopped at various locations each evening, where Santa and his team of elves take photos and personally hand out thousands of bags filled with apples and candy canes to children and families in the community. The Santa Train will return next year.
City launches Downtown Dazzle
The city kicked off a new tradition on Dec. 4 known as the Downtown Dazzle. The Downtown Dazzle was kicked off before the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Before the ceremony began, community members gathered at the intersection of Paramount Boulevard and Jackson Street to witness the grand illumination of lights that are taking over the boulevard for the holiday season.
Paramount voters approve Measure LR business license tax
By Tripepi Smith
Editor’s Note:Tripepi Smith is a marketing, technology, and public affairs company that has contracts with many city governments.
The residents of Paramount have voted to approve Measure LR: Paramount City Services, Business License Tax Update Measure during the recent November 2024 general election. This measure will not raise taxes on residents but rather updates the current business license tax structure to create a balance of taxes between large and small businesses.
According to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s website, Measure LR received 9,520 yes votes (or 77.07%) and 2,833 no votes (or 22.93%).
The updated tax rate structure, based on gross receipts, will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Under the new system, more than 75% of small businesses will pay a lower tax rate. Larger businesses will see an increase based on their higher gross receipts.
“We appreciate all businesses that have chosen Paramount as their home,” said City Manager John Moreno. “The passing of this measure will help small businesses thrive while also securing the necessary funding to maintain the quality of life our residents expect.”
Some of the essential city services that residents rely on daily include public safety resources, 911 response, gang prevention, and keeping parks and public places safe and clean. Currently, some of these services are funded by business license taxes that go directly into Paramount’s General Fund. Measure LR allows the city to continue refining its revenue collection to ensure fairness and sustainable funding for these critical services.
For a detailed breakdown of the new tax categories and rates, visit ParamountCityMeasureLR.com.
City unveils new sculpture honoring veterans
On Nov. 7, the city of Paramount unveiled its newest art piece “The Battlefield Cross and Solider,” designed by the National Sculptors Guild , installed at the Paramount Armed Forces Memorial. The life-sized kneeling soldier pays tribute at the foot of a fallen soldier’s cross.
A Soldier’s Cross is a powerful military symbol honoring fallen soldiers during wartime. Traditionally, it consists of a soldier’s rifle stuck into the ground, often with a helmet on top, signifying a soldier who has made the ultimate sacrifice. The statue serves as a solemn reminder of the bravery displayed by those who protect and serve. Check it out at City Hall this month in Honor of Veterans everywhere.
