2 Spotlight on montebello – montebellochamber.org october … · 2017-10-05 · 2 Spotlight on...

2 october-november 2017Spotlight on montebello – montebellochamber.org

By Chairman Armando ArenasAt times of crisis, we find true character. The recent hur-

ricanes, Harvey and Irma, have been tragic. The devastation and loss of life are hard to cope with. However, we have also seen the resolve and strength of those affected—neighbors working together to rebuild homes, businesses and a sense of community. Everyone is reaching out and pitching in.

Hopefully you have been able to contribute to their effort, but don’t stop there. There is much we can do to help our own community. Reach out and get to know your neighbors. Take a walk around the block. It’s not only good exercise—you’ll also be surprised at how many neighbors you have the opportunity to meet. Don’t forget our service clubs that provide many valuable services to our communities. To Tax or Not to Tax?

Montebello residents may soon face a 1% sales tax increase. While it is easy to oppose all increases, it is important to understand how our city operates and its re-lated expenses. The City of Montebello’s costs to operate and maintain city services increase each and every year. Striking a balance between revenue and expenses is difficult at best. Be informed and get involved. It’s our city and we must all help to make it shine.

chairman’s commentary

An Official Publication of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce

2017-2018 OfficersChairperson of the Board . . . . . . . Armando Arenas, La Costa Restaurant

Vice Chair . . . . . . . . Barbara Risher Welch, Risher Montebello Mortuary

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ilma V. Avila, Ilma V. Avila, CPA

Secretary . . . . . John Pringle, Esq., Roquemore, Pringle and Moore, Inc.

Past Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stepan Boyajian, Montebello Tire Pros

Board of DirectorsDenise Campos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SoCal Gas, A Sempra Energy Utility

Ernesto Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camino Federal Credit Union

Humberto Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield

Ralph E. Hansen, D.M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Whittier Palm Dentistry

Darrell H. Heacock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homer R. Heacock Realty

Lidia Kondratuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Century 21 George Michael Realty

Greg Millsap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Shops at Montebello

Jay Nomura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M’s Flowers

George B. Pacheco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Law Offices of George B. Pacheco

Martha Snook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverly Hospital

Chamber StaffJacqueline Derimow . . . . . . . . . . . . Director, Events and Communications

Ani Minasian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director, Marketing

Taline Sassounian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant

Montebello Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.109 North 19th Street, Montebello, CA 90640

323 721-1153 • Fax 323 721-7946

montebellochamber.org

for more events, seemontebellochamber.org

score biz mentoring@ montebello chamber officersvP (626) 593-1120 or (714) 550-7369

community beautification day@ montebello city Park8:30 am – 12 Pm

coming events

networking breakfast 3.0@ beverly hosPitalrsvP (323) 721-1153

ribbon cutting ceremony@ montebello oPtometryreserve sPace (323) 721-1153

octoberfest@ sanchez adobe museum3 Pm – 8 Pm

chamber mixer@ caremore montebellorsvP (323) 721-1153

halloween chamber mixer@ risher mortuaryrsvP (323) 721-1153

oct

3oct

4oct

7oct

7oct

1212th annual Pink shawl walk@ montebello city hall5:30 Pm – 8 Pm

oct

1297th anniversary Parade and festival@ montebello city Park11 am – 5 Pm

oct

14score biz mentoring@ montebello chamber officersvP (626) 593-1120 or (714) 550-7369

oct

17oct

18oct

26nov

1networking breakfast 3.0@ bicycle hotel & casinorsvP (323) 721-1153

score biz mentoring@ montebello chamber officersvP (626) 593-1120 or (714) 550-7369

nov

7deadline to advertise in december/january sPotlightreserve sPace (323) 721-1153

nov

109th annual taste of the town@ bagramian hall in montebello6 Pm – 9 Pm

nov

10score biz mentoring@ montebello chamber officersvP (626) 593-1120 or (714) 550-7369

nov

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3october-november 2017 Spotlight on montebello – montebellochamber.org

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Chamber Supports City Sales Tax Increase

At the upcoming election on November 7, Montebello residents will have the op-portunity to vote on the Local Transaction and Use Tax measure, otherwise known as Measure S. The measure proposes to raise the local sales tax by 1% which, if approved, will generate an estimated $9 million per year for the city.

Board members of the Montebello Chamber met with city officials to discuss the measure, its impact on residents and the needs of the city. City Manager Francesca Tucker-Schuyler and City Councilmember Jack Hadjinian explained the devastating impact of reduced federal assistance since 2012, particularly redevelopment funds which had promised to infuse the city with much-needed fiscal support.

In recent years, hundreds of diseased trees have needed to be removed and replaced. In addition, they cited the effects of criminal law changes which have caused many incarcerated criminals to be released back into our neighborhoods and the struggle to cope with this influx in the face of decreased manpower within the police department.

Other expenses which challenge the city’s finances are the need to replace both the Montebello Fire Department’s Fire Truck and Fire Engine, as the aging vehicles are reaching the limit of their usefulness.

Many neighboring cities have already adopted similar sales tax measures to bolster city funds, including Pico Rivera, Commerce, Downey, and El Monte. The current tax rate in Montebello is 9.25% and, if the proposed measure is approved, the tax rate would increase to 10.25% (the same tax rate currently active in Pico Rivera).

City officials hope the increased revenue will help them repair streets, increase retention of police and fire department officers, add a gang unit in the police depart-ment and a fire suppression unit in the fire department, among other essential public safety and maintenance priorities.

The Montebello Chamber of Commerce stands in support of this measure and its positive potential impact on city services for our businesses and residents. We encour-age you to vote YES on Measure S.


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(323) 727-29522212 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello CA 90640

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Lunch & DinnerShish Kebab

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Restaurant and Banquet Hall

On August 23, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez engaged in a series of heartfelt conversations with business owners during her small business walk in Montebello.

Anjel Yankas of Angel’s Cleaners shared the inspiring tale of her emigra-tion from Turkey and the struggles and sacrifices which contributed to her suc-cess. The Congresswoman shared stories about her own immigrant parents and the challenges of passing family-built businesses down to the next generation.

Anna Soto and her daughter Alexandra of Hair Philosophy Montebello imparted the special partnership they have forged and revealed their plans for future ven-tures. The Congresswoman noted vari-ous resources which could help address their needs and overcome challenges.

The day came to a tasty close at La Costa Restaurant where co-owner Ed-gar Arenas questioned Congresswoman Sanchez about the future of government programs for seniors.

The Congresswoman engaged with grace, intelligence and compassion with all the business owners and left inspired by their stories, ambition and passion.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez’s Small Business Walk

Almost 200 business representatives filled the meeting room at Southern California Edison’s Montebello Service Center on September 12 when five chambers of commerce came together for a joint networking event sponsored by Edison.

Represented were Montebello, Bell Gardens, Pico Rivera, Rosemead and Commerce Industrial Council. Among the VIPs in the room were Mayor Viv-ian Romero, City Treasurer Ashod Mooradian, City Manager Francesca Tucker-Schuyler, and Pico Rivera Mayor Bob Archuleta.

Attendees were treated to breakfast and a presentation by Veronica Diaz about safety procedures and Edison’s various money-saving programs for businesses.

After an interlude of energetic net-working, Zitlaic Ley of Latina Nerds continued her series of talks on logos and branding, and the morning wrapped up with great raffle prizes and more networking.

August’s three-chamber networking breakfast was held at Munguia’s Mexican Grill in Pico Rivera, a more intimate venue but no less productive for net-working. The close quarters made for cozy connections over café de olla and chorizo and eggs.

The Montebello, Pico Rivera and Bell Gardens Chambers of Commerce will reunite on October 4 at Beverly Hospital for another installment of Networking Breakfast 3.0, and on November 1, an unprecedented SEVEN chambers will join forces at the Bicycle Hotel & Casino in Bell Gardens. Let’s Network!

Congresswoman Sanchez and Anjel Yankas, Angel’s Cleaners

Alexandra Soto, Congresswoman Sanchez, and Anna Soto, Hair Philosophy Montebello

Edgar Arenas, La Costa Restaurant, and Congresswoman Sanchez

Networking Heats Up with Five Chambers

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George B. Pacheco and Gia L. Pacheco, Attorneys at Law

Family Law Business Real Estate Wills & Trusts Civil Personal Injury Workers’ Compensation Bankruptcy Landlord/Tenant Criminal/DUI

(323) 726-1082 Hablamos Español1453 West Beverly Boulevard www.gbp4law.comMontebello, California 90640 E-mail: [email protected]


Award 2016:5 Stars on all National Clinical MeasuresAward 2014:Outstanding Diabetes ManagementAward 2013:Outstanding Diabetes ManagementAward 2010:Outstanding Diabetes ManagementAward 2009:Excellence in Diabetes Care

Montebello Elks Celebrate 60 YearsOn Saturday, October 21, 2017, Montebello Elks

Lodge #2051 will celebrate their 60th anniversary with an elegant gala to be held in the lodge’s banquet room, located at 506 West Whittier Boulevard in Montebello.

The evening will feature dinner and dancing, with musical entertainment provided by Bobby Z. The doors will be open at 6:00 p.m. and the attire is semi-formal.

Donations of $30 per guest are recommended. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (323) 721-8506.

The Elks Lodge provides valuable services to the community through it charitable programs by supporting local Boys and Girls Scout Troops and other community organizations since its establishment.

FMUSD Service to Education Award to Leonard Narumi

The Friends of the Monte-bello Unified School District Foundation (FMUSDF) will present its 2017 Service to Education Award to Leon-ard Masamichi Narumi at a banquet on Sunday, October 8, 2017.

The celebration will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Bagramian Hall adjacent to the Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral located at 900 West Lincoln Avenue in Montebello.

From 1983 to 2007, Leonard Narumi served as Di-rector of Instrumental Music and Chair of the Music Department at his alma mater, Schurr High School in the Montebello Unified School District.

Under his guidance, Schurr’s band, orchestra, and auxiliary programs grew to record numbers,performed repeatedly in the prestigious Pasadena Rose Parades and garnered many artistic and competition awards throughout Southern California, Florida and Hawaii.

Leonard Narumi has also served as director and music arranger for the Los Angeles Koyasan Boy Scout Troop 379 Drum and Bugle Corp, as well as guest conductor for high school and middle school honor bands through-out Southern California.

Narumi’s other acknowledgments include Los Ange-les County Teacher of the Year in 2002; Los Angeles County Music Educators Association Robert Runge Memorial Award for Excellence; and Person of the Year by the Association for the Advancement of Mexican American Students (AAMAS).

Tickets may be purchased online at FriendsofMUSD.org, by calling (323) 721- 8658 or emailing [email protected]. The event serves as a fundraiser for Friends of the MUSD Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity organization which provides financial support for the school district.

Leonard Narumi

Bosco Tech Hosts College Fair October 10

Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will host its annual college fair for local high school students and their parents on Tuesday, October 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The complimentary event will feature representa-tives from more than 70 universities and colleges across the country.

“The college fair will provide students with the op-portunity to meet representatives from top schools in one convenient location,” said Ray Chavez, Bosco Tech’s director of counseling. “It’s the perfect setting for young people to ask questions, gather information, and explore their options.”

Visit Eventbrite.com to register (https://goo.gl/enw97p). For more information, contact Ray Chavez at [email protected], or Paul Ortiz at [email protected].

Gates open for the event, sponsored by the Princeton Review, at 5:30 p.m. Gourmet food trucks will be on site. The school is located at 1151 San Gabriel Boule-vard in Rosemead.

Bosco Tech is an all-male Catholic high school that combines a rigorous college-preparatory program with a technology-focused education.

www.boscotech.edu(626) 940-2000

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New Foundation Establishedto Support Montebello Police

The Montebello Police Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging the business leaders and citizens of Montebello in creating the safest city in the region.

The Foundation provides supplemental resources and support to the Montebello Police Department so our men and women in blue are equipped with the best advanced training, the latest technology and equipment, and innovative crime prevention and community relations programs to enhance public safety for all who live in, work in and visit our great city.

The new Montebello Police Foundation will be officially launching at a city council meeting in October. Visit www.montebellopolicefoundation.org to learn more and to donate!

Welcome, neW members

800-810-02721460 S. Greenwood Ave. Montebello CA 90640

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Sen. Tony Mendoza Delivers State of the State Address

Senator Tony Mendoza, representing Senate District 32, addressed business and government representatives on September 27 at a State of the State luncheon organized by seven chambers of commerce—Montebello, Pico Rivera, La Mirada, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Downey and Whittier. The event was held at the Pico Rivera Golf Club, where attendees lined up to take photos with the Senator outside the venue before moving indoors for the address.

Senator Mendoza discussed several bills which are currently in the process of being approved includ-ing a housing initiative which seeks to address the housing crisis by allocating $5.2 billion towards housing of veterans and working families. SB1 is legislation which will give local cities funds to be used for roads and transportation, with $2.2 million coming to Montebello.

The senator discussed his commitment to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in a bipartisan partnership for the good of his constituents. He has supported SB45 which, if signed by the governor, will prevent politicians in office from using tax dollars to promote their re-election by sending out mailers to constituents within 60 days of an election. Attendees were able to submit their questions in writing and hear the senator’s responses to their questions at the end of his address.

Mayor Vivian Romero and Senator Tony Mendoza

As we enter the pre-holiday season—the time of Black Fridays and Cyber Mon-days—we would like to focus on the spirit of Small Business Saturdays, the Saturday after Black Friday dedicated to shopping in small local businesses.

Although it initially started as a marketing campaign by Ameri-can Express in 2010, the idea of spending holiday shopping dollars in your own community is not a new one and is more relevant than ever.

With local governments strug-gling to find the funds to police their neighborhoods and main-tain public streets and parks, the imperative for citizens to invest in their own local economy has become a clear and present obligation.

Montebello is unique in that it is home to several dozen independent businesses whose owners reinvest their profits back into the community, who participate in lo-cal service clubs and charitable organizations, who create jobs for our residents, and who provide products and services we need so we don’t have to travel long distances for those necessities.

On this page, you will find special offers and announcements from some of these businesses as an added incentive to attract your support.

Shop Local and Support Your City!

all american troPhy910 W. Whittier Blvd. Montebello, CA 90640(323) [email protected]

Fantasy football awards (available until end of football season)Halloween trophies (available until Oct. 31, 2017)

comfort dental grouP249 E. Beverly Blvd., Ste. AMontebello, CA 90640(323) 726-7500www.mycomfortdentalgroup.com

Complimentary no cost exam & x-rays (does not apply for insured patients)

$100 off $500 worth of treatment. No expiration date

the hQ army-navy store2032 Town Center Dr., Montebello, CA 90640 (Located inside mall, upper level, next to Verizon, JC Penny’s wing) (323) 727-9852 / www.yelp.com/biz/hp-army-navy-store-montebello FREE bANdANA ( $3 value) with each $10 purchase (before sales tax).

Must present this ad at time of purchase to qualify. Limit five (5) free bandanas during this promotion. Cannot be combined with any other

offers. 100’s to choose from. Offer valid thru November 23, 2017

1401 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640(323) 889-5600 / www.sears.com

Cash Back Bonanza – Get up to $50 cash back in points on almost everything!

Offer valid from 10/1/17 through 10/31/2017

virtue hearing aid center, inc.134 S. Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640

(323) 530-0223 / www.virtuehearing.com

14-day Risk-Free Hearing Aid TrialOffer valid from 10/1/2017 through 11/15/2017

Shopping Local

Sears

All American Trophy

The HQ Army-Navy Store

Virtue Hearing Aid Center, Inc.


DoubleTree by Hilton – Rosemead

— Paid for by the City of Montebello —


— Paid for by the City of Montebello —


Shushma Patel moved to England with her parents at a very young age from Mwanza, Tanzania where she was born. She graduated from the Brighton School of Pharmacy and completed her internship in Oxford.

She had aspirations to become a physician and the opportunity to continue her studies, but her parents’ wishes to see her settled down and setting a good example for her three younger siblings prompted her to choose a life more balanced between family and career.

In 1989, she married her husband Vijay Patel who was enamored with the pros-pect of immigrating to the United States—The Land of Opportunities. American and Canadian pharmacies were actively recruiting graduates from England at the time and simultaneously a close friend came to need her support during a difficult time.

As a result, in the summer of 1990, Shushma found herself in the United States, where stringent immigration laws forced her to wait two years before her husband was allowed to join her. She used that time to complete her U.S. internship, licensing exams and pharmacy board registrations in both California and Nevada.

Shushma began her career as an intern for Sav-On Pharmacy and rose to become Divisional Pharmacy Manager with Albertsons. She later joined the staff of CVS Caremark where she held the positions of Director of Pharmacy Operations and Dis-trict Sales Manager. After 22 years with the company, Shushma left her corporate position to be able to attend to her ailing mother in England.

During that period of traveling back and forth to England, she began covering shifts at a local pharmacy in Montebello that needed help.

She was approached by the pharmacy owners just a few months later with an offer to sell her the business. In 2012, she became the owner of The Prescription Shop, an independent pharmacy which specializes in compounding, diabetes management,

Immigrant Dreams

Anjel Yankas was a young newlywed in 1980 when she emigrated from Turkey with her husband Arman. Leaving behind her entire family, she and her husband came to the United States looking to build a better life where their Christian Armenian roots would not subject them to persecution and oppression.

When they first arrived, Anjel solicited small sewing jobs from neighbors and eventually began working at a drycleaners. She and her husband lived very humbly, scrimping and saving as much as possible, and one year after she started working in

the drycleaners, they were able to save enough to purchase Angel’s Cleaners.

A year after that, they had saved enough to buy their first home. In 1995, they also purchased Mur-phy’s Cleaners before start-ing their family and raising two children.

Anjel still works 15 hours a day in the business as she has for over 30 years now, focusing on providing

excellent customer service. She credits hard work, faith in God and faith in herself as the sources of her success. For years, she has organized and donated annual ship-ments of clothing and other supplies to the needy in Armenia.Angel’s Cleaners is located at 137 N. Montebello Blvd., Unit L, in Montebello, (323) 724-4372, Facebook: @AngelsCleaners.

Anjel Yankas,Angel’s Cleaners

Lydia Minasian, owner of Goldex Fine Jewelry was only a pre-teen when she entered the United States in 1951 with her parents and brother as part of a program to settle families displaced by World War II. Her older siblings who were young adults had arrived years earlier as they were matched with sponsors in the U.S.

They had all emigrated from Germany where her family had been living in a camp for Armenian displaced persons after the end of the war. Lydia was born in the Ukraine, but when German forces began retreating back from the Russian border, Lydia and her family were among the citizens who retreated with the German army and were forced to provide labor for the Nazi war effort.

In Detroit where they initially landed, Lydia learned English in public school and graduated from high school before resettling with her entire family in Los Angeles. When she was married with four school-aged children, she opened a toy store in Montebello, then added crafts supplies and classes.

She introduced a small tray of fine jew-elry into the store and the success of that department drove her to close the toy and crafts store and open a wholesale jewelry business in a new location.

Over the years, the public demand for retail services caused the business to evolve into a full-service retail jeweler which just celebrated its 38th year in business. Lydia

still runs Goldex Fine Jewelry along with her daughter, Vart Perumean.Lydia has been an active member of the local community and a tireless fundraiser

for scholarships, community services and various organizations within the local Montebello and Armenian communities, including the Montebello Soroptomist club.Goldex Fine Jewelry is located at 2445 W. Whittier Blvd., Suite 201, in Montebello, (323) 726-7181, www.goldexjewelry.com.

Lydia Minasian,Goldex Fine Jewelry

Shushma Patel,The Prescription Shop

Immigrants from all over the world have come to the United States with the dream of a better life for themselves and their families, some fleeing political or religious persecution, others displaced by war, or driven by poverty or danger to leave their home countries. In this issue, we honor some of the immigrants whose dreams have helped to shape the face of this city and who have created opportunities for themselves and others through the founding or running of their own businesses.

geriatric pharmacy, nutrition, and medication therapy management. Shushma received the 2015 Distinguished Women of the Year award from As-

semblymember Cristina Garcia for her vision, commitment and distinguished service to the community.

She was also a regional winner of the 2015 McKesson Pharmacy of the Year award which recognizes independent pharmacies for demonstrating remarkable contributions to their communities and innovation in improving patient care.

She is a member of numerous professional associations and community service organizations, and her pharmacy serves as a preceptor site for several pharmacy schools, providing experiential education and training to pharmacy students.The Prescription Shop is located at 1215 W. Whittier Blvd. in Montebello, (323) 728-8127, www.tpsrx1.com.


Miyo Kishiyama, mother of Masae Nomura, arrived in the United States in the early 1920s from Japan. She settled in Huntington Beach, where their family grew sugar beets.

Masae was second eldest of eight children who were raised and worked on the farm. During this time, Montebello was known to have good soil which drew many Japanese flower grow-ers, including Masae and her family.

Masae prided herself on growing and picking sweetpeas and was coined the “Cham-pion Sweetpea Picker.” As the farming progressed, Masae decided to start selling flowers for five cents per bunch by setting a wooden crate on the corner of Beverly and Poplar. Thus was the beginning of her floral legacy, which withstood the turmoil of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

When the war ended, Masae and her family returned to Montebello and continued the floral business. With her strength, persistence, and undeniable love of her four children, she opened M’s Flowers Montebello in 1957. As the family grew, she opened an additional three locations in the City of Commerce, Whittier, and La Habra.

Masae continued to work until she was 92 years old, instilling in her children an undeniable work ethic that is present to-day, through three generations. Her son, Jay Nomura, currently operates M’s Flowers in Montebello with his wife, Dorothy, and two children, Ryan and Jill.

The Nomura Family attributes 87 years of success to hard work, dedication, and giving back to the community.M’s Flowers Montebello801 West Washington BoulevardMontebello, CA 90640(323) 728-4604msflowers.net

Ilma V. Avila left Guatemala with her parents and three siblings during a period of political upheaval in Central America, and a conflict in Guatemala known as the “Dirty War.”

Ilma’s family settled in the United States in 1983 after leaving everything they possessed behind—home, properties, personal belongings, and pets—and arrived in this country empty-handed, with only the clothes they were wearing.

Her mother, Rosa Maria Gonzalez, was eight months pregnant at the time with Ilma’s youngest brother. Thankfully, the family had relatives already residing in the U.S.

Ilma’s mother had great hopes for the future of her five children in their new country, and instilled in them the value of being hard-working, law-abiding and self-sufficient individuals.

Rosa Maria’s dreams were realized as all of her children graduated from college and built careers in fields such as engineer-ing, nursing, pharmacy sciences and mathematics education. Ilma, who was the eldest child, received her college education at UCLA and trained to become a CPA.

Ten years ago, Ilma opened her accounting practice in Montebello to help small business owners with an aspect of their businesses vital to their growth. She contin-ues today to provide accounting, tax and consulting services to businesses, nonprof-it organizations and individuals, with the same values she learned from her mother. In addition to caring for her clients, Ilma is active in multiple community organizations.

On September 20, 2017, Ilma accompanied her mother Rosa Avila, who proud-ly took her oath of citizenship after living in the U.S. for almost 35 years. The offices of Ilma V. Avila, CPA are located at 1607 Paramount Blvd. in Montebello, (323) 888-2865, www.ivacpa.com.

Ilma V. Avila,C.P.A.

M’s Flowers: 87 Years of Business

Let us plan your banquets

and cateredevents

Mariachi Sunday Brunch Open at 9:30 a.m.

854 N. Garfield Ave. Montebello, CA 90640(one block south of the 60 Fwy.)

323.728.7492LaCostaRestaurant.com

Like us on Facebook

Grilled Shrimp in Garlic Sauce


Sears Event SponsorsCabernet Level Sponsor

Chardonnay Level Sponsors

Sauvignon Blanc Level SponsorsChevrolet of MontebelloThe Shops at Montebello

Southern California Gas CompanyM’s Flowers

UNIFY Federal Credit UnionBank of the West

Ralph & Carol HansenAthens Services

Armenian Cultural Foundation

Jesse Party

Supplies(323) 530-0356801 W. Washington Blvd., #A

Montebello, CA 90640

All Seasonal Supplies•Valentine’s Day•Easter•Graduation•Luau•New Years•Halloween

Costumes and propsMakeup and bloodHairspray, wigs and accessories

Licensed Paper Goods•Batman •Spiderman•Avengers•Mickey & Minnie Mouse•Sofia the First•Disney Princesses•My Little Pony

Balloons• Balloon designs• Latex Balloons: bagged or loose•Mylar Balloons: all sizes: 9”, 14”, 18”, 36”• Air machines: helium, valves, valves with gauges• Curling ribbon and streamers

Decorations• Piñatas, piñata sticks, rope• Assorted bags of candy, popcorn and cotton candy

Catering Supplies• Plastic tumblers, champagne and wine glasses

Located next door to M’s Flowers (323) 728-9138www.msflowers.net


Taste of the Town Participants


OLMM Preschool Celebrates Grand Reopening October 22

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish School will celebrate their preschool’s grand reopening with a community Pumpkin Patch and Festival on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Children of all ages in attendance will en-joy games, prizes, bounce houses, facepainting, music and holiday treats. Children dressed in their Halloween costume will receive a free treat.

During the summer months, both of the preschool’s buildings were renovated with a new roof, new stucco, and fresh paint on both the interior and exterior of the build-ings. Classrooms were refurbished with new flooring, carpet, furniture and toys.

OLMM School is located at 840 North Garfield Avenue in Montebello, (323) 728-5435, olmmschool.com.

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Mayor Romero Presents State of the City AddressOn September 25, Mayor Vivian Romero hosted two

State of the City events in the Quiet Cannon’s Skyview Room accompanied by complimentary luncheon and dinner for the residents and business representatives in Montebello.

Every seat in the room was filled during both sessions of the address which opened with passionate remarks by the mayor and was followed by a series of audiovisual-enhanced presentations by the city manager, the assistant city manager and all the department heads.

In her opening remarks, Mayor Romero informed attendees about SB649, a bill which was recently ap-proved and which will allow wireless carriers to place “refrigerator-sized” cells in the public right-of-way.

She urged residents to become educated about the is-sues and legislation which impacts our city. Explaining the importance of budgeting for city officials’ travel to Sacramento, Mayor Romero cited their success in re-ducing the city’s Finance Department debt from $19.3 million to $1.9 million.

After reviewing the city’s overall budget and ex-plaining how the city receives only 10% of property taxes paid and only 1% of sales taxes collected, City Manager Francesca Tucker-Schuyler surprised Mayor Romero and Assistant City Manager Danilo Batson with news of $4 million in funding to help repair Montebello Boulevard.

Due to decreased funds from federal sources, the city has struggled to avoid a deficit in the budget and has been forced to lay off staff, implement a hiring freeze, and put off repairs such as replacing the 15-plus-year-old roof on the City Hall buildings.

Director of Planning and Community Development Ben Kim gave an overview of recent, ongoing and up-

coming development projects including the Rivergate Townhomes, 500-block and 700-block Whittier Bou-levard multiuse projects, City Ventures’ second 35 Olympic development, and new drive-through Starbucks coming to the corner of Garfield and Whittier.

Despite the impending move of Costco to the new Monterey Park Marketplace, Kim revealed that 50% of sales taxes collected by Costco over the first five years would come to Montebello, and that a shared sales tax agreement with Monterey Park would bring in 18% of sales taxes from the Marketplace in perpetuity.

Police Chief Kevin McClure reported a 14% overall drop in crime in the city since last year, and described the impact of the department’s Community Relations Unit on solving problems and freeing up officers to be more effective in fighting crime.

However, the police department buildings are in serious need of repair including the replacement of the chronically leaking roof and dysfunctional HVAC system. Interim Fire Chief Kurt Norwood talked about the difficulty in retaining firefighters after training and outfitting them as they were being lured to other agen-cies by higher salaries, benefits or more opportunities.

Director of Transportation Tom Barrio unveiled plans to introduce three all-electric buses and replace bus shelters throughout the city with newly designed shelters, some of which would feature “child safety zone” cameras which in the case of dangerous situations, could be activated to photograph the surrounding areas and upload them to the department.

Assistant City Manager Danilo Batson gave an overview of public works projects planned throughout the city including a dedicated left-hand turn signal to be added at the Garfield Avenue/Whittier Boulevard intersection.

David Sosnowski, Director of Recreation and Com-munity Services, estimated that $100,000 per year or 4,000 personnel hours were required to clean up after illegal dumpers in the city and announced that a Com-munity Beautification Day would be held on October 7.

Overall, attendees left inspired by the dedication and professionalism of our city’s government officials and staff, and looking forward to the new developments planned for the city.

However, they were also left with the clear message that due to the disappearance of federal redevelopment funds, essential maintenance in every area of the city had been deferred for too long and the sales tax increase which will be voted on at the November 7 election could bring much-needed income into the city.

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Two New Events with Mayor Vivian Romero!


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