Business Focus - November 2015

Connecting the business and residential communities.

Business Business FocusFocus

Business Focus

NOVEMBER 2015 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE WHITTIER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VOL. 21 NO. 11

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The East Whittier Y will host a very special ribbon cutting and re-grand opening at 12 noon on

November 14! Turn to page 4 for more YMCA stories and news

Raoul Pascual of WYNK Marketing, Tom Guerrero of Say Cheese Photography, Whittier Mayor Fernando Dutra, and Concept 7’s John Peel greet guests at Wake Up Whittier. Find more photos from

the monthly networking breakfast on page 13

The East Whittier YMCA has had a tremendous 40 year history! Many of the youth involved in Y programs today are here because their parents grew up at the Y themselves, and a number of those parents are here because their parents were involved in the Y as well! These generational bonds speak to the unique strength of the greater Whittier community.

Programming at the East Whittier Y began back in 1970 with its well known Indian Guides, teen camps, youth clubs of all kinds, and, of course,

swim lessons. Members and staff came together each year to raise community support so that all local youth could be involved. Popularity grew with news of travel trips for seniors, and eventually childcare, preschool, and summer camps were added, as well as a robust senior activity program. As time went on, more types of exercise were introduced including specialized sports leagues, dance lessons, gymnastics, and martial arts. Becoming a card-carrying member of the local Y was soon the thing to do! With the installation of state-of-the-

art fi tness equipment, more and more families began to join.

Today, with the East Whittier Y bursting at the seams, the need for a facility enhancement became apparent. After years of planning, fundraising, and much construction, and thanks to the countless heroes in our community, the East Whittier YMCA is ready for its next 40 years of service! With an overall facelift, an additional pool and multipurpose room, as well as new locker rooms, family changing room, and special needs changing area, the

East Whittier YMCA is looking forward to a bright future. The newly renovated branch is fully equipped and ready to serve the community and continue to strengthen those same generational bonds Whittier knows so well. Learn more about the full range of quality youth, exercise, and educational programs now offered at the East Whittier YMCA and stop by for a tour of the newly upgraded facility on Saturday, November 14. The Y thanks you for taking part in the journey toward better health and fuller lives in our community!

GET FIT THIS FALL FOR $1 A DAY!CELEBRATE WITH US.Offer ends November 14, 2015At the East Whittier YMCA Grand Re-Opening

JOIN ONE, BENEFIT FROM ALLAccess 2 locations in Whittier

PERSONALIZED ATTENTION

VALUE YOU CAN TRUSTNo contracts and a money back guarantee

*Must be a new or returning member. Adult membership only. Interested in a family membership? We’ll waive your

joiner fee! Visit the welcome center for details.

Free consultation with our Healthy Lifestyle CounselorsFree childcare while you workout

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NOVEMBER 2015WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUS WWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM2

Whittier Chamber Business FocusOffi cial monthly publication of the

Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce

This publication is mailed monthly to all licensed businesses in the city of Whittier, all Whittier Chamber members and 4,500 Whittier residents in selected areas. Papers are also distributed via various community locations such as Whittier Library, Community Center, Senior Center, City Hall, etc. Total monthly readership is 20,000. We welcome comments, press releases and community interest stories. All submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. The Whittier Chamber reserves the right to approve and edit submitted material. The Business Focus is also an excellent vehicle within which to advertise! For current advertising rates or to submit an article, email Katie Galvin at [email protected] or call (562) 698-9554.

Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce8158 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602(562) 698-9554 • (562) 693-2700 FAX

[email protected]

2015-2016BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS

INDEX

Executive DirectorsCarol Crosby & Lyn Carty

Director of Public RelationsKatie Galvin-Surbatovic

Event & Member Relations CoordinatorNatalie Saenz

ReceptionistJessica Reyes

BookkeeperAmber Lawrence

PresidentRudy Hernandez, RMH Dance & Productions

Immediate Past PresidentShannon Gimbel-Hammer,

Shannon G’s Flowers

President-Elect & VP AdministrationChris Hardeman, DialMED Home Care

VP Community AffairsMelanie Bickley, Whittier Brokers

VP Business InformationElizabeth Martinez, Republic Services

VP Networking and MarketingGary Lee Martinez, The Traveling Traveler

VP FinanceGreg Nicodemus,

Credit Union of Southern California

VP MembershipLaurie Perschbacher,

MAP Property Management

VP Special EventsCarolyn Reggio, CAPC, Inc.

Rudy Hernandez

&

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Leighton Anderson, Bewley, Lassleben & Miller, LLC

Sue Dean, Notary Signing NetworkDr. Ramsey Ezaki, Ezaki Dentistry

Greg Gunter, Greg’s Auto BodyBruce Lazenby,

Rose Hills Memorial Park & MortuaryDebra Legan, PIH Health

Krista Lesa, The Quad at WhittierLa Donna Munier, Friendly Hills Bank

Kim Praster,Lady Bugs Environmental Termite & Pest Control

Tom Rios, Brookdale Uptown WhittierYuki Sato, Kenkou Acupuncture & Wellness

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Disaster Losses: Election to Claim Loss in Preceding Tax Year

A Time of Thanks and Giving

While I hope that you haven’t been a victim of a disaster loss, if you did suffer a loss as a result of the disaster, you may be able to recoup a portion of that loss through a tax deduction. Moreover, you can elect to claim the loss in either of two years: the tax year in which the loss occurred or the immediately preceding year.

Choosing to take the deduction in the preceding year may increase the tax savings from the loss and may enable you to get a refund from IRS before you even fi le your tax return for the year the loss occurred. For example, a loss that

occurs this year can be claimed on this year’s return, which won’t be fi led until early next year. But if you elect to claim the loss last year (on either your original return or an amended return), you can generally expect to receive the refund within a matter of weeks. This can help to pay some of your repair costs.

Losses that qualify. A loss only qualifi es for this tax break if the declared disaster or emergency caused the loss. So keep copies of local newspaper articles or photos that will help prove that your loss was caused by the specifi c disaster. I addition, the loss must have occurred in a federally declared disaster area. I can tell you which areas these are. And I can determine if you have a deductible disaster loss, and make the necessary computations to properly advise you as to the most advantageous course of action.

Which year to deduct. Determining the most benefi cial year in which to claim the loss requires a careful evaluation of your entire tax picture for both years, including fi ling status, amount of income and other deductions, and the applicable tax rates.

The higher your marginal tax rate,

the more valuable the deduction is. For example, a $4,000 deduction saves $1,120 for a taxpayer in the 28% tax bracket, but is worth $1,320 to a taxpayer in the 33% bracket.Ordinarily, casualty losses are deductible only to the extent they exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Where this rule applies, a larger amount of AGI will cut into your allowable loss deduction.

How to claim deduction. To claim a disaster loss on your return, you must itemize deductions. If you choose to claim it on your return for last year, an election statement must be prepared and attached to the return. The statement, which I can draft for you, must include specifi c information about the time, place and nature of the disaster that caused the loss.

Casualty gains. Sometimes, a disaster may actually result in a gain for tax purposes. This may occur where you receive insurance proceeds that exceed your tax basis in the destroyed property. If that happens, there are several ways to exclude or postpone the tax on the gain.

If you have any questions concerning disaster los ses, please do not hesitate to call me at (562) 698-9891.

As families prepare to chow down on turkey, watch football and prepare for Black Friday shopping madness, many often forget to refl ect on the true meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Way before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the NFL were established, the day became an offi cial holiday thanks to President Abraham Lincoln. In an 1863 proclamation, Lincoln stated that Thanksgiving would be observed on the fourth Thursday in November. Later, Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the

third Thursday of November, to give people more time to squeeze in their holiday shopping.

Many believe that this tradition of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving, which began in the 1950s and is now known as black Friday, is an example of how Thanksgiving has lost its meaning.

On a day of gratitude and being thankful for what we have, many people will be rushing out to buy more stuff. Rather than enjoying time with family or friends, they will rush out to battle strangers in an effort to buy more distractions.

To put the holiday back into historical perspective, below are some of the best quotes that epitomize the original meaning of Thanksgiving:

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

“Perhaps no custom reveals our character as a nation so clearly as our celebration of Thanksgiving Day.” – Ronald Reagan

The true meaning of Thanksgiving, however, should not end after a prayer or a few seconds of meditation devoted to thanks. The holiday of Thanksgiving has broader signifi cance. Thanksgiving is also a call to action. It is important for us to remember that the word thanksgiving is composed of two words: thanks and giving. Through the holiday of Thanksgiving we are reminded to give thanks and to share and give. The holiday reminds us to share our economic and material wealth, and to share also our time and talents with those about us who could use our help.

So, as you sit down to dinner this Thanksgiving with family and friends, spend a few moments giving thanks and refl ect on ways that you can give back to others. In terms of thought and deed, the holiday of Thanksgiving gives us an enriched perspective on the abundance in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

President’s Massage ............. 2Tax Tips ................................. 2Financial Update .................... 3Mayor’s Message ................... 410-4 Tips from the WPD ......... 5What’s Cool In Your School ..... 6Member Marketplace ............. 8Calendar ................................ 8Restaurant Row ..................... 9Community Celebrations ........ 9Labor Law............................ 10Wake Up Whittier ................. 13Around Town ........................ 14Tasty Tuesday ...................... 15Renewing Members ............. 18New Members ..................... 19

NOVEMBER 2015 WHITTIER BUSINESS FOCUSWWW.WHITTIERCHAMBER.COM 3

BUYING • SELLING • LEASING

LANDLORD REPRESENTATION

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We specialize in Commercial & Industrial Real Estate

When planning for tax season, don’t forget about the taxes that you may owe on any mutual funds you own. Your tax planner or fi nancial advisor can help you organize your paperwork and assess the particulars of your situation.

For mutual fund investors, earnings come f rom two sources : fund distributions -- dividends or capital gains -- and the sale of fund shares.1 Income from these sources may be taxable. Fund companies typically send year-end statements to shareholders that summarize the information used to report investment gains or losses to the IRS. Here’s a look at how taxes on your mutual funds are calculated.

Taxable Distributions:Dividends and Capital GainsAs a shareholder, you must pay

taxes on dividends or capital gains passed on to you in the year they were received, even if they were automatically reinvested to buy additional fund shares. In general, dividends and capital gains attributable to a fund’s underlying investments are taxed as follows:

Long-term capital gains and qualifi ed dividends are taxed at 0% for taxpayers in the 10% and 15% tax brackets, 15%

Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF®

F I N A N C I A L U P DA T E

Calculating Taxes on Mutual Funds

for taxpayers fi ling singly with incomes less than $413,200 ($464,850 for those who are married fi ling joint tax returns), and are subject to a top rate of 20% for single taxpayers with income in excess of $413,200 and joint fi lers with income in excess of $464,850. In addition, net investment income for taxpayers with AGIs in excess of $200,000 (single fi lers) or $250,000 (married fi ling jointly) may be subject to the 3.8% Medicare surcharge.

Regular interest income and short-term capital gains on securities held in a fund for less than 12 months are taxed at your ordinary federal income tax rate. Keep in mind that funds with higher turnover (i.e., funds that buy and sell securities often) can result in higher tax liabilities.

Capital Gains From the Sale of Fund SharesGains can also be realized when you

sell fund shares that have appreciated in value since purchase. Before you can calculate the tax owed on the sale, you have to know your cost basis -- or how much money you paid for the shares, including shares purchased with distributions.

If you sell all of your shares, your cost basis is your total investment (all purchases and reinvested distributions). If, however, you sell some of your shares, determining your cost basis is somewhat complicated. The next section outlines the IRS-approved accounting methods for conducting this calculation.

Calculating Your Cost Basis• Specific shares: You identify

which shares to sell. This method gives you the most control over the amount of gain or loss you report.

Continued on page 18

FREE BUSINESS SEMINARFREE BUSINESS SEMINAR

Attendees will learn about basic earthquake readiness including necessary supplies, evacuation plans, and training programs, as well as gain information on CERT and BERT implementation. Additional resources will be available through partners including FEMA, Cal OES, and Ready.gov. Seating is limited; RSVP to the Whittier Chamber at

(562) 698-9554 or email [email protected].

Thursday, November 19 @ 8:30 a.m.Whittier Central Library, Nixon Room

7344 Washington Ave.

“Emergency Management & Disaster Prepardeness”


City Of Whittier UPDATEUPDATE

MAYOR'S MESSAGEFernando Dutra

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October was an exciting month in Whittier with the successful Dia de los Muertos celebration in Uptown and the annual Spooktacular 5K run. The great crowds at both events highlighted how Whittier has become such a great regional attraction. The Homeless Symposium in mid-October brought together a number of churches with City Council, nonprofits, and other community leaders to explore practical solutions for the community concerns surrounding the increased homeless population in town. Our community is compassionate and well-intentioned but we want to help in effective rather than enabling ways. The City is taking steps to address these issues with coordinated outreach, education, enforcement, and funding for comprehensive housing and other services. Please contact city hall to request anti-panhandling brochures (“There is a better way to give!”) to distribute at your place of business. We know that homeless activity can be concerning to many of our residents and businesses and appreciate your participation in formulating ideas for action.

Whittier continues to grow in leaps and bounds, with a steady stream of activity

in both the approval and construction processes. October saw a number of exciting developments including a public hearing before the Historical Resources Commission for the renovation of the Friendly Hills Bowling Alley into a BevMo and ALDI Market. You will see the old BOWL sign and the building façade preserved as part of the new development. We also issued building permits for both Popeye’s Chicken on Washington Boulevard and the Toyota of Whittier remodel.

Development plans at the former Ford/Cadillac and International Code Council sites were also being fi nalized so we can begin the public hearing process through the Planning Commission. Also, the City continues to move forward with the process of hiring a consultant to assist with the establishment of a Community Benefits Assessment District in Uptown. Over the next several years, the City Council hopes to partner with the Uptown property and business owners by using millions of dollars in remaining redevelopment bonds for infrastructure improvements.

I hope you and your family had a very happy Halloween. I encourage you to take time during the holidays to remember to drive cautiously, especially after dark when children are out enjoying holiday events. As we move into the Thanksgiving season, please keep in mind all of the things for which we should be thankful, not the least of which being the wonderful community in which we live and work. And remember to shop Whittier for all your holiday gift giving!

The Whi t t ier Socia l Serv ices Commission invites applications for funding from local non-profit organizations that provide needed social services for City of Whittier residents for the 2016-17 fi scal year.

“The Social Services Commission encourages innovative programming,” said Fran Shields, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. “This could include agencies submitting joint applications for projects to better the quality of life in Whittier.”

Applications are available online at www.cityofwhittier.org for download, or may be requested via email to [email protected]. Hard copies of the application are also available upon request, but must be submitted either typed of computer generated.

The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, December 11 by email to the above email address or mailed or hand-delivered to: Greg Alaniz, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, 13230 Penn Street, Whittier, CA 90602, ATTN: Social Services Funding Application.

All groups applying for funding must supply proof of non-profit status –

Whittier Social Services Funding Applications Now Available

either 501 (c)3 or 501 (c)6 approval – with the application.

Examples of social services programs which may be eligible of grant funding include employment assistance, crime prevention, child care and education, health services, drug abuse, recreational needs and other services that primarily assist low to moderate income residents, including abused children, battered spouses, senior citizens, those with disabilities, homeless persons and illiterate persons.

Applications requesting large funding amounts, “start-up” funds or total sustainability requests are discouraged.

The Whi t t ier Socia l Serv ices Commission will review all applications to determine eligibility. The Commission’s recommendations regarding funding will be forwarded to the City Council for fi nal approval.

Agencies that receive funding may be required to make presentations at Commission meetings.

For more information on the Social Services funding application process, contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 567-9400.

Dr. Carmella S. Franco, Chairperson, YMCA Board of Directors, was delighted to introduce Curt Skotnicki as the new President of the YMCA of Greater Whittier at a reception held October 8th at Friendly Hills Country Club. Offi cials, civic leaders and guests from throughout the community welcomed President Skotnicki as he spoke on how proud the community must be of the extraordinary history of Whittier. His plans include working in partnership with the Board, the Y Staff, and the members who are the Y’s greatest asset in continuing its strong and positive relationship throughout the community.

Join the YMCA as we joyfully ring in the Christmas season with breakfast and a morning of fellowship, scripture reading and an inspirational “message of the season.”

This year’s guest speaker will be Pastor Todd Molter. In 2005, after nearly twenty years of success in the lumber industry, Todd sensed the call of God to full- time vocational ministry. That led him to Bethel Seminary in pursuit of a graduate degree while he served as Lead Pastor of Family Ministries at Whittier Area Community Church. In 2011, he and his wife, Dawn, and their four children moved to La Mesa, California where he currently serves as Teaching Pastor at Legacy Church. Todd has served in several key leadership positions for the southwest region of Converge Worldwide, and is a sought after camp and conference speaker in southern California. Todd is deeply committed to explaining the bad news, while proclaiming the good news through the creative and passionate communication of God’s word.

The YMCA Christmas Prayer Breakfast will be held Friday, December 4, 2015, 7 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Whittier, 7320 Greenleaf Avenue. The cost is $20 per person; $160 for table of 8. (Unwrapped toys/books for the Salvation Army are also welcomed.) Reservations will begin November 6. Please contact the YMCA of Greater Whittier at (562) 907-2727 for additional information.

YMCA of Greater Whittier to Host 36th Annual Christmas

Prayer Breakfast

YMCA of Greater Whittier Introduces New President

I’m thankful for the Whittier Chamber for all their work connecting businesses with other businesses. The Chamber

staff works very hard to create networking opportunities and I try to take advantage as much as I can. I recently attended my fi rst Tasty Tuesday a couple of months ago. I regret not taking advantage of this opportunity sooner. This month, I sponsored my fi rst table ever at Wake Up Whittier. It was so much fun decorating our table to show off our services to those who sat our table. I can’t believe this marketing opportunity is FREE! My membership investment has returned many times over and continues to do so every single month. Thank you Chamber staff. #YouRock

Ross Gile, Digical


City Of Whittier UPDATEUPDATE

For additional questions call (562) 567-9208

10-4 tips from the

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Michael Davis is a Captain with the Whittier Police Department and can be reached at (562) 567-9253 or via email at [email protected].

In light of the recent “Walk to School Day” events several of our schools have recently participated in, I wanted to share with you a number of important safety tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Instruct your children to always take a friend when going places and stay with a group while attending school outings and/or standing at the bus stop. If your child walks to school, practice walking the route with them. Have your children become familiar with your neighborhood by pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they are being followed or need help. Always supervise younger children or make sure there is another trusted adult present to supervise them if you cannot. Teach your children to always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts and never go into isolated areas.

Teach your children the appropriate steps to take if approached or followed. If anyone tries to grab your

Keeping Your Children Safe

children, tell them to draw attention to themselves and loudly yell, “This person is trying to take me,” or “This person is not my father/mother,” or even “Fire!” Instruct your child to make every effort to escape by walking, running, or pulling away; yelling; kicking; attracting attention; and/or otherwise resisting.

Tell your children if they are ever followed by someone to get away from that person as quickly as possible. They should go in the opposite direction than the one in which the person is traveling and quickly try to get to a spot where a trusted adult can help them. Advise your children to tell you or another trusted adult what happened. If they have a cellular phone with them, instruct them to call 911.

Teach your children it is more important to get out of a threatening situation than it is to be polite. Children should be taught just because someone tries to engage them in conversation doesn’t mean they should talk to that person or forget their safety rules. Tell them, if anyone bothers them or makes them feel sad, scared or confused, to trust their feelings and immediately get away

from that person. Remind them it is OK to be impolite and say no.

Talk openly to your children about safety and encourage them to tell you or another trusted adult if anyone or anything makes them feel sad, scared or confused. Teach them it is OK to tell you what happened and they will not be “tattletales” for telling. Discuss safety issues with your children so they will understand the need to take precautions. Advise older children about steps they can take to help safeguard themselves. Pay attention to your children and listen to them. If you don’t, someone else may. And others may have ulterior motives for befriending your children.

Practice basic-safety skills with your children by creating “teachable moments” to make sure they understand the safety messages and are able to use them in real-life situations. Help your children identify trusted adults who may be able to help them if they need assistance. If an incident occurs in your community and your children ask you about it, speak frankly but with reassurance. Explain to your children you want to discuss the safety rules with them so they will know what to do if they are ever confronted with a diffi cult situation. Make sure you have “safety nets,” the plans and people you’ve put in place to contact so your children know there is always someone available to help them.

Be involved in your children’s activities. As an active participant you’ll have a better opportunity to observe how the adults in charge interact with your children. If you are concerned about anyone’s behavior, discuss your concerns with the sponsoring organization. Notice when anyone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or tries to give them gifts. Take the time to talk to your children about the person and fi nd out why that person is acting in this way. Tell your children to never accept money or gifts from anyone unless you have told them it is OK.

Remember to never leave children unattended in a vehicle, whether it is running or not. A child should never be left alone or with an adult the child does not know in a vehicle. The potential dangers to their safety from being left alone in a vehicle outweigh any perceived convenience. Remind children to never approach a vehicle or engage in a conversation with anyone in a vehicle who they do not know and trust and without fi rst getting your permission.

Know where your children are and whom they are with at all times.Tell your children they should never go anywhere with anyone without fi rst getting your permission. Remind your children not to accept a ride from anyone unless you have said it is OK. Know your children’s friends and their families. Be clear with your children about the places and homes they may visit. Make it a rule for your children to check-in with you when they arrive at or depart from a particular location or if there is a change in plans. You should also let them know when you’re running late or if your plans have changed to show them the rule is for safety purposes and is not being used to “check up” on them. Teach your children to never leave school with anyone unless they check first with you or another trusted adult, even if someone tells them it is an emergency.

Know your childcare providers, friends, neighbors, coworkers and employees. Do background screening and reference checks on everyone who works in your home, particularly those people who care for your children. Check references with other families who have used the childcare providers. Make sure you know as much about them as they do about you and your family. Also be cautious about the type of information you share and level of access you give to friends, neighbors, and coworkers. For access to sex-offender registries visit the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website at www.nsopw.gov.

Remember you are your best resource for better safeguarding your family. Stay alert, informed, and focused about personal-security issues. Being available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps build feelings of safety and security.

Source: Know the Rules – Abduction and Harm Prevention Tips for Parents and Guardians, OJJDP.


WHAT’S COOL IN YOUR SCHOOL

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Whittier College Theatre Arts Dept.presents

Big Loveby Charles Mee

Nov. 12-14 at 7:30 pmNov. 15 at 2:00 pm

Inside Latin JazzWed., Nov. 18 at 8:00 pm

NOTE: This is a free event!

Classical MusicThe Felici Piano Trio Sun., Nov. 22 at 2:00 pm

“It’s a Wonderful Life”Join us for a live radio play

of this Christmas classic!Wed., Dec. 2 at 7:30 pm

Celebrate our 25th Anniversary with

Susan Egan & Friends

Sat., Nov. 21 at 7:30 pm

Holding a tablet computer, La Serna High School physics teacher Todd Boschman directed his Environmental Science students’ attention to a peculiar and massive winged insect located in the left hand corner of their electronic and cardboard contraptions – reminiscent of classic stereoscopic viewfi nders of the ‘80s.

Startled, the students echoed a loud chorus of “Whoa!” followed by peals of laughter.

The La Serna students were viewing a cicada in its natural state, as part of a Bornean rain forest ecosystem. Their astonishment came from the way they were viewing the rain forest – peering through a Google Cardboard View-Master, immersed in a panoramic, virtual reality world where it seemed as if they could reach out and touch the fl ora and fauna surrounding them.

La Serna High was one of only a handful of schools across the country chosen to participate in the virtual journey as part of a special one-day preview of Google Expeditions, a new

education app that brings the world to a student’s fi ngertips and allows teachers to zero in on specifi c topics of instruction the whole classroom can view simultaneously.

“You could see all around, as if you were actually there,” said senior Sung Kim, whose class spent time observing Big Ben, Kings Cross railway station and other points of interest in London.

The intuitive, teacher-driven app includes software that can be loaded onto any electronic tablet or device in the classroom, while students view 360-degree photo spheres through viewfi nders. Teachers can swipe a panel on their tablet to reveal information about what the students are viewing, can point to spots on the screen or hit a prompt button to display a circle of special interest.

“I think it’s a great tool to engage students and immerse them in worlds that they are exploring and studying in class,” Boschman said. “It’s relevant to curriculum, it’s technology-based and it will attract the interest of the students.”

With Google Expeditions, students view their virtual worlds from every conceivable angle – up, down, left, right, even twirling around in a circle – and explore subjects as divergent as Borneo animal adaptation and inter-tribal dancing in Montana to a London literary tour and even a trip to the moon.

Ideally, the pictures on the screen lead to questions, comments and spirited discussions on visually vibrant material ordinarily only covered one-dimensionally in textbooks.

“With programs like these, more students will be motivated to keep learning, studying and exploring,” Kim said. “It’s a great way to get students involved and excited about coming to class.”

Once the program o ff i c ia l l y launches, school educators hope to integrate the technology in a variety of subjects and classroom lessons.

“The level of classroom interaction was amazing. Many students couldn’t put down the viewfi nders,” Principal Ann F i t zgera ld sa id . “Goog le Expedit ions is easy to use and it would be a nice fit for a wide range of curriculum at La Serna and throughout the Whittier Union High School District. We feel honored to be chosen for such an exclusive demonstration.”


SSHHOOPPFOR THEFOR THE

...and keep the ...and keep the cheer cheer here!here!

Why shop locally?Why shop locally?If every household pledged to redirect $100 of planned holiday spending from outside of the area to local stores, studies show that this would keep more than $25 million in our local economy. By taking the #unwrapwhittier pledge you will:

How do I participate?How do I participate?• Spend $20 or more at any of over 500 Whittier Chamber businesses between

November 20 and December 18, 2015

• Bring your receipt to the Whittier Chamber offi ce to get stamped

• Each receipt (valued at $20 or more) will receive one entry into the weekly and grand prize drawings

• Weekly $25 gift card drawings will be held every Friday

• Grand Prize drawing for $1,000 will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2015

• Winners will be notifi ed by phone and need not be present

• Must be 18 or over to participate

Turn in your receipts Turn in your receipts

and be entered for and be entered for

a chance to a chance to

win win $1 ,000!1,000!

For more information visit www.whittierchamber.com/shophomefortheholidays

Turn in receipts to the Whittier Chamber of Commerce offi ce

8158 Painter Ave., Whittier, CA 90602Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The “Shop Home for the Holidays” program is co-sponsored by

Pledge to Pledge to #unwrapwhittierunwrapwhittier and keep the CHEER here!and keep the CHEER here!

• Put more dollars back into our community• Create and preserve local jobs• Save money and time

Visit www.whittierchamber.com for a list of eligible local businesses

Nov. 20Nov. 20th th - Dec. 18Dec. 18thth


MEMBER MARKETPLACE

Cheryl Estep, LUTC, Agent Lic. #0D29004

State Farm®

Providing Insurance andFinancial Services

[email protected]. cherylestep.com

8022 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602-2507

Se Habla Español

Bus 562.693.7788Fax 562.394.0304

isGREENER THAN EVER

Currently, reclaimed water accounts for 60% of Rose Hills’ total water usage, and we are in construction to increase

this percentage.By the fi rst quarter of 2016, Rose Hills will use recycled water for 100% of its irrigation and landscape maintenance.

Rose Hills Memorial Park 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601

NOVNOV

www.whittierbrokers.comHome for the Holidays!

The Whittier Chamber’s Business Focus is Whittier’s premier community publication providing information on Whittier Chamber

networking events, helpful tips for local business owners, important legislative information and special interest stories on local

organizations other great things happening in our city.

PROMOTE YOUR PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSBUSINESSWITH THE BUSINESS FOCUS

(562) 698-9554

Want to see YOUR STORY on our

FRONT PAGE? Contact Katie for more information on a business spotlight article and other marketing opportunities to

grow your business!

To advertise in theMEMBER MARKETPLACE

contact Katie at (562) 698-9554

NOV 4Ribbon Cutting @ The Whole Child Satellite Offi ce (9255 S. Pioneer Blvd. SFS) 4 p.m. Join us for networking and light refreshments. Free. For more information call (562) 698-9554

NOV 6Rio Hondo Symphony Concert Preview @ First Fr iends Church (13205 Philadelphia St.) 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. “Invitation to the Dance.” Johann Strauss, Jr., Offenbach and Bernstein will be featured. Free. For more information call (562) 698-7394

NOV 720th Annual Fall Street Faire @ Uptown Whittier (13000 Philadelphia St.) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will include the Miss Uptown Whittier competition, raffl es, art, and food vendors. Free admission. For more information call (562) 696-2662

Every Monday:Zumba Gold and Lunch @ Brookdale – Central Whittier (8101 Painter Ave.) 10 to 11 a.m. Enjoy a Zumba Gold class, lunch, and tour of the property. Free. For more information contact Terri Torres at (562) 698-0596

Every Wednesday: Tai Chi and Lunch @ Brookdale – Central Whittier (8101 Painter Ave.) 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy relaxing Tai Chi in Brookdale’s courtyard and stay for lunch after. Free. For more information call Terri Torres at (562) 698-0596

November 4 through 28“A 3-D Point of View” Show @ The Whittier Art Association and Gallery (8035 Painter Ave.) Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. View the exhibit featuring all things 3-D. Free. For more information call (562) 698-8710

November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, & 21Diary of Anne Frank @ The Whittier Center Theatre (7630 Washington Ave.) 8 p.m. Presented by Whittier Community Theatre. Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students & military with ID. For more information call (562) 696-0600

NOV 8Rio Hondo Symphony Concert @ Vic Lopez Auditorium (12417 E. Philadelphia St.) 3 to 5 p.m. “An Invitation to the Dance” Free. For more information call (562) 698-8626

NOV 11WHITTIER CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED. HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

2015 Veterans Day Ceremony @ Whittier City Hall – front lawn (13230 Penn St.) 9 to 10 a.m. This annual event honors all who served our country and community members are invited. Free. For more information call (562) 567-9400

“SHOUT” Open Mic @ Half Off Books (6708 Greenleaf Ave.) 7 to 9 p.m. Local talent sings, dances, does poetry, comedy, and even magic. Free. For more information call (562) 945-6708

NOV 12Ribbon Cutting @ ARCpoint Labs (8620 Sorenson Ave. Suite #4 SFS) 4 to 6 p.m.; ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m. Join the Whittier and Santa Fe Springs Chambers of Commerce for networking and light refreshments. Free. For more information call (562) 698-9554

NOV 13Club Parnell @ Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Rd.) 6 to 10 p.m. “Motown Night,” with Motown hits from the 1960’s. Join Rudy and Maria Hernandez for an evening of dance lessons and fun. $10. For more information call (562) 567-9450

From Maddi’s Closet Annual Dinner and Fundraiser @ Friendly Hills Country Club (8500 Villaverde Dr.) 6:30 p.m. “Butterfl y Wishes and Golden Dreams” $75 per person. For more information call Donna at (562) 943-3684

NOV 14Arts and Crafts @ The Wonder Emporium (2436 W. Whittier Blvd.) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day with fun activities for the family. Free. For more information call (562) 691-2360

“A 3-D Point of View” Reception @ Whittier Art Association and Gallery (8035 Painter Ave.) 3 to 6 p.m. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show and meet the artists. Free. For more information call (562) 698-8710

NOV 15Diary of Anne Frank @ The Whittier Center Theatre (7630 Washington Ave.) 2:30 p.m. Presented by Whittier Community Theatre. Tickets: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and students & military with ID. For more information call (562) 696-0600

NOV 18Wake Up Whittier @ East Whittier YMCA (15740 Starbuck St.) 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. FREE for Whittier Chamber members; $20 for non-members. Call (562) 698-9554 for more information

NOV 19FREE “How-To” Business Seminar Series @ Whittier Public Library (7344 Washington Ave.) 8:30 to 10 a.m. Emergency Preparedness: How To Manage Disasters in Your Business and Community. FREE & open to the public. To RSVP call (562) 698-9554

NOV 20Club Pa rne l l @ Pa rne l l Pa rk (15390 Lambert Rd.) 6 to 10 p.m. “Latin Night,” featuring the Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, Cha-Cha and more. Join Rudy and Maria Hernandez for an evening of dance lessons and fun. $10. For more information call (562) 567-9450

NOV 2129th Annual HBIC Gala and Auction @ Westridge Golf Club (1400 S. La Habra Hills Dr.) 5 to 9 p.m. For more information call (562) 694-5655

NOV 24Tasty Tuesday @ Crepes & Grapes Café (6560 Greenleaf Ave.) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy business networking and great food! $10 for chamber members; $20 for non-members. Call (562) 698-9554 for more information

NOV 26-27WHITTIER CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

NOV 28Bingo Bonanza @ Brookdale - Central Whittier (8101 Painter Ave.) 2 to 4 p.m. Play bingo and enjoy refreshments and raffl e prizes. Regular round: $0.25 per card; Blackout round: $0.50 per card. For more information contact Terri Torres at (562) 698-0596

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

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COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Whittier Chamber board member Greg Gunter of Greg’s Auto Body celebrated 45 years in business alongside community supporters last month

Michael Seril of MSF Fitness arm wrestles Whittier Mayor Fernando Dutra at CAPC, Inc.’s annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner & Dance which raises funds to support services for adults with developmental disabilities

Whittier Chamber members gathered among staff and friends at Keystone Montessori School in Whittier for their recent grand opening

13131 Crossroads Parkway South • City of Industry, CA 91746(562) 695-2277 • www.manuelseltepeyac.com

Home of the Original Hollenbeck & Manuel’s Special Burrito! Visit our City of Industry location and receive $2.00 off any purchase $10.00 to $20.00 or $4.00 off any purchase $20.00 or more.

Manuel’s Original Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac CaféEl Tepeyac Café

Just bring in this Ad!(One coupon per visit; Expires December 31, 2015; Alcoholic

beverages excluded; Not valid with any other coupon)

HOLIDAY CATERING NOW AVAILABLE

Call Debbie Duran-Wade to book your next event!

Congratulations to our Congratulations to our Milestone Members this month!Milestone Members this month!

40 years:Berkshire Hathaway • (562) 943-7266

25 years:REACH • (562) 946-0467 x403

5 years:Ezaki, Ramsey, D.D.S. • (562) 947-9958

Michaels Furniture • (562) 696-2999


L A B O R L AW

The required California and federal employment notices include:• Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act of 2014 - Paid Sick Leave• Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW• Notice to Employees (EDD: UI, DI and PFL)• California Minimum Wage• Federal Minimum Wage• Your Rights Under USERRA• Safety and Health Protection on the Job (Cal/OSHA)• Notice to Employees-Injuries Caused by Work

(Division of Workers’ Compensation)• California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and

Harassment (DFEH)

2016 Compliance Alert:

Mandatory Updates to Workers’ Compensation and Whistleblowers Notices

The Whittier Chamber is making it easy for your business to comply with California’s labor laws. No matter how many employees you have in California, your business is required by law to post a current California and Federal Employment Poster in a central location. As part of a special partnership with the CalChamber, the Whittier Chamber is currently taking pre-orders for the updated 2016 California and Federal Employment Poster. The CalChamber’s all-in-one poster contains the 17 required state and federal employment notices every California employer must post. CalChamber is a trusted source for California and federal compliance products, with more than 120 years of experience helping California business do business.

Order mandatory 2016 California and Federal Employment Poster from the Whittier Chamber and avoid costly fi nes and penalties

Failure to comply and have a current poster posted in a central location at your workplace could result in signifi cant fi nes and penalties. Posters must be displayed in a conspicuous place where all employees can easily read it, such as a break room, common hallway, payroll offi ce or other common location. Employers must also display posters in each company location.

The Whittier Chamber wants to make sure your business is in compliance and urges you to place your 2016 poster order today to ensure delivery by January 1. Posters will be shipped in mid-December or as orders are received. Please call Jessica at the Whittier Chamber at (562) 698-9554 or email [email protected] to place your order today.

• Your Rights and Obligations as a Pregnant Employee• Family Care and Medical Leave (CFRA Leave) and

Pregnancy Disability Leave• Employee Rights and Responsibilities Under the Family and

Medical Leave Act• Whistleblowers Are Protected• Time Off to Vote• Employee Polygraph Protection Act• Emergency Contacts• Payday Notice


WHITTIER REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED

is reaching out to all who want to become better informed voters!

Saturday Meetings coming soon! Join our club!Email [email protected] for details!

Guest speaker Dr Barbara Stone will begin at 12:45 p.m.

Please RSVP to Carol at (626) 698-2125

Join us for a special lunch meetingFriday, November 6, 2015 • 12 noon

Friendly Hills Country Club (8500 Villaverde Dr, Whittier, CA 90605)

Celebrate Nonprofi t Awareness Month

Did you know that nonprofi ts comprise more than 10% of all private sector employment in the country, accounting for 11.4 million employees according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics? For over a hundred years, California nonprofi ts have been in the forefront of important social movements including the women’s suffrage campaign of the 1900s, the free speech and black liberation movements of the 1960s, and the birth of the environmental movement in the 1980s. Today’s nonprofi ts continue to advance these initiatives, as well as working on our behalf on issues affecting public health, social and civic concerns, and educational research. California’s 80,000 nonprofi ts are key reasons why the state continues to be an economic driver, a leader in innovation, a champion for hope and opportunity, and is always looking toward a better future.

In honor of Nonprofi t Awareness Month, here are just a few ways individuals and nonprofi ts can continue to gain awareness and thrive in our communities.

1. Share. Your state nonprofi t association may have ideas on how you can support nonprofi t awareness via social media. Share stories and images about a nonprofi t you work for or volunteer with using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms.

2. Volunteer. Get involved in the success of local nonprofi ts and share your experiences with others. Go to www.volunteermatch.org to fi nd the type of volunteering project that works for you.

3. Give. Find a charity you care about, make a donation, and encourage others to give too. Don’t forget, donations are usually tax deductible!

4. Learn. Explore the groups in your area and fi nd out how they are working tirelessly to create positive change. What can you do to help extend their reach or further their mission?

5. Advocate. You can fi nd your elected offi cials online and make your cause known. Write a letter, email, or call and take your messages and concerns directly to them.

The Whittier Chamber wants to honor our nonprofi t chamber members that make a difference every day, all year long—and the amazing individuals that lead them. Please visit their websites to learn more about their mission and the services they provide within our community. For a complete directory of California’s nonprofi t organizations, as well as resources including information and guidelines on how to start your own nonprofi t, please visit www.calnonprofi ts.org.

American Cancer Society(562) 437-0791 • www.cancer.org

Assistance League of Whittier(562) 693-6533

www.whittier.assistanceleague.org

Boys & Girls Club of Whittier (562) 945-3787 x104 • www.bgcw.org

Bridge of Faith(562) 322-5265 • www.bridgeoffatih.org

Calhi Market Place(714) 310-8205 • www.swapmeetla.com

CAPC, Inc. (562) 693-8826 • www.capcinc.org

DG Therapy Foundation, Inc.(562) 693-5449 • www.dgtherapy.com

East Whittier Arts Education [email protected] • www.ewaef.org

East Whittier Education Association(562) 696-5879 • www.eweaonline.org

Easter Seals Southern California(714) 834-1111

www.southerncal.easterseals.com

Emmy Doo’s(562) 945-0150 • www.emmydoos.org

Friends of Pio Pico(562) 567-7651 • www.piopico.org

From Maddi’s Closet(562) 943-3684 • www.frommaddiscloset.org

Help For Brain Injured Children, Inc.(562) 694-5655 • www.hbic.org

Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT)(562) 789-0550 • www.hotoutreach.org

Interfaith Food Center(562) 903-1478 • www.interfaithfoodcenter.org

L.E.A.R.N.(562) 945-0150 • www.learnla.org

REACH(562) 946-0467 x403 • www.wapadh.org

Remembrance Candles(562) 692-9956

www.theremembrancecandles.com

Santa Maria’s Children & Family Center(562) 907-0777 • www.santamarias.org

Shelter’s Right Hand

(562) 692-3358 • www.sheltersrighthand.org

SKILLS Organization(562) 325-5620 • www.skillsfoundation.org

Sons of Italy – Hacienda Lodge #2168(626) 917-5962

SPIRITT Family Services(562) 903-7000 x121 • www.spiritt.org

Studio “Danza Folklorica de Colores”(562) 777-4944 • www.studiodanzausa.com

The Linda & John Belsito Childhood Disease Research Foundation

(562) 407-1000 • www.belsitofoundation.org

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, Inc.(562) 696-3965 • www.whvvd.org

Whittier Community Foundation(562) 567-9400 • www.whittiercf.org

Whittier Conservancy(562) 693-5853

Whittier Cultural Arts Foundation(562) 464-3360

Whittier Elementary Teachers Association(562) 693-8411 • www.whittiereta.org

Whittier High School Alumni Association(562) 698-8121 x1227

www.whittierhighalmuni.org

Whittier Police Offi ces Assn.(562) 696-1121

Whittier Pony BaseballTony Chiazza

[email protected] • www.whittierpony.org

Whittier Public Library Foundation(562) 567-9922 • www.whittierplf.org

Whittier Republican Women Federated(562) 691-2419 • www.wrwf.org

Whittier Secondary Education(562) 698-8121 x1260

Whittier Uptown Association (562) 696-2662 • www.whittieruptown.org

Whittier’s First Day(562) 945-4304 • www.whittierfi rstday.org

Women’s & Children’s Crisis Shelter(562) 945-3937 • www.wccshope.org

YMCA of Greater Whittier (562) 907-6530 • www.ymcawhittier.org

ARCpoint Labs is a Greenville, SC-based national third-party provider and administrator of drug, alcohol, DNA and steroid testing, as well as screening for employment/background checks and wellness and corporate wellness programs. It’s a franchise Tony and Theresa Oliver of Santa Fe Springs were attracted to once they’d decided to strike out on their own in business. The married couple was working corporate jobs at Staples when they met and later added still more business experience -- he in retail, she in real estate -- as well as two children to their lives before opting to go the franchise route. With their kids now grown, the Olivers are looking to expand across the three California franchise territories they’ve already purchased.

How long have you owned a franchise?

We decided to join ARCpoint Labs in December of 2014. We had been looking at franchise opportunities for over a year, and working with some franchise industry consultants. After doing our research and due diligence, we ultimately landed on ARCpoint Labs. We both worked in the retail industry for years and had always talked about owning our own business, but the timing was never right.

We opened up our location in Santa Fe Springs in June 2015, and it’s been exciting getting things up and running ever since.

Why franchising?Franchising gave us the best

opportunity to make the leap into business ownership with the partnership and support of the expert team at ARCpoint Labs. We had guidance in choosing our location, best practices and a model that’s been proven and duplicated across the country. Plus, the way the ARCpoint model works, there are constantly new and cutting-edge revenue streams available, so there is a lot of opportunity to grow and evolve the offerings for the Santa Fe Springs location, as well as Whittier and surrounding communities.

Franchise ‘Tested Positive’ for a Couple Seeking to Start Their Own Business

Local Whittier Chamber member ARCpoint Labs was recently featured in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise Players column which puts a spotlight on franchisees. Enjoy an exerpt from the

Q&A interview below and read the full article from September 14, 2015 at www.entrepreneur.com/article/250578.

What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?

The most unexpected challenge for us was fi nding the right location and negotiating a good lease agreement. That process took a little bit longer than we anticipated. We had some specifi c metrics we wanted to meet before signing any deal -- demographics, working population, competition, industry mix, visibility, size. So many things are involved. It took us nearly three months, which was a little longer than I expected, but taking the right amount of time to fi nd the best location was key to setting us up for success.

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?

Don’t rush it. Do your due diligence. Spend as much time as you need to feel comfortable with your decision. There’s a tendency, once you make the decision that you want to buy a franchise, to go full-speed ahead, but it’s important to spend the right amount of time to talk it through, research as much as possible and then double-check everything you’ll want and need to be happy in your decision.

What’s next for you and your business?

We bought three territories total, so we’re looking to open in Anaheim and then later on in the Lakewood area down the road. But for now, we’re just focused on getting our fi rst location off the ground. Personally, we’re looking forward to heading out to see Bryce at Linfi eld College for the upcoming football season. We are also very active in the La Serna High School scene, where our daughter Jourdin will be a senior, so we’re looking forward to enjoying her fi nal year in high school and getting in a lot of family time.

To learn more about ARCpoint Labs and their services, please contact Theresa Oliver at (562) 696-3033 or visit www.arcpointlabs.com/santafesprings.


FALL INTO SAVINGS AT

Affordable Portables (AT&T) • Big 5 • Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza • Burlington Coat Factory Chili’s • China Wok • Dollar Tree • Don Roberto’s Jewelers • Famous Footwear

Fantastic Sam’s • Fashion Q • GameStop • GNC • G-Stage • H&R Block • Hallmark Hawaiian Island BBQ • HeaRx • Hi Top Nails • Maki Yaki Japanese Grill

Maya Threading and Beauty • Michaels • Old Navy • OnandOn Hats & More • Payless Shoes Petco • Quad Dental • Rite Aid • Ross Dress for Less • Rubi’s Frosty Freeze Sally Beauty Supply • Staples • Starbucks • Subway • T-Mobile • The Avenue

The Olive Garden • The Quad Cleaners • The UPS Store TJ Maxx • Vallarta Supermarkets • Weight Watchers • Yogurtland

Whittier Boulevard & Painter Avenue • Whittier


WAKE UP WHITTIER

Mary with the Whittier Art Gallery & Association dined with Ms. Mary Ann Pacheco of the Rio Hondo Board of Trustees during the Chamber’s monthly networking breakfast

These ladies know how to mingle in the morning and enjoyed their breakfast with a side of networking during Wake Up Whittier last month

Chamber president Rudy Hernandez thanked Family Church Whittier’s Oscar Gil for hosting such a warm and welcoming networking event on behalf of the Chamber and

the local business community

Tom Rios of Brookdale Uptown Whittier, Olivia Rios with the Whittier Uptown Association and Vas Samarasinghe of Jeunesse Global shared conversation over coffee at

Family Church Whittier

Whittier Chamber ambassadors Sara Watje of ACRO Printing, Inc. and Scott Radcliffe of RAD Custom Signs welcomed new members Karolynne and Vincent of Merry Maids

to the Chamber’s monthly breakfast

Whittier Chamber members enjoy building their businesses over breakfast for free each month at Wake Up Whittier


AROUND TOWN

The Whittier Art Association and Gallery is pleased to present its 3D Group’s 10th anniversary show, A 3D Point of View. The Show will run Wednesday, November 4 through Saturday, November 28 wi th a reception on Saturday, November 14 from 3 to 6 p.m.

The Gallery is home to some of the most acclaimed 3D artists in the area. These artists produce award winning sculptures, pottery, assemblage, jewelry, mosaics, and fabric art— in fact, virtually any thing that doesn’t lie fl at!

In addition to the twenty two member artists in the show, the Group has invited metal sculptor D. Lester Williams to be its featured artist. You’ve seen his exciting and innovative sculptures all around the Southland, as well as at the Los Angeles Arboretum.

There will also be a silent auction and every item is one of a kind and perfect for holiday giving. The public is warmly invited to attend the reception and meet the artists. There is no admission charge.

10th Anniversary of A 3D Point of View at the Whittier Art Association and Gallery

Whittier Community Theatre continues their 94th season in November with the compelling classic drama, The Diary of Anne Frank. This classic dramatization of a young girl’s diary, the story of Anne Frank and her family, hiding in the attic of an Amsterdam business building during the Nazi Occupation of The Netherland, has touched the souls of audiences since it fi rst premiered in 1955. In this, the 70th year since the end of that terrible confl ict, WCT is proud to present their story once again, a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

The show opens on Friday, November 8 at 8 p.m., and continues Friday and Saturday nights through November 21 at 8 p.m., with one matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 15. All performances will be at the Center Theatre located in the Whittier Community Center, 7630 Washington Avenue.

In conjunction with the performances, Whittier Community Theatre is sponsoring a food drive benefi ting the Interfaith Food Center in Santa Fe Springs. Individuals who bring donations of nonperishable food items prior to each performance will be entitled to one free refreshment item at the Hospitality Booth during intermission.

Tickets for The Diary of Anne Frank are $15, with discounted tickets available at $12 for seniors, students, military and groups. They may be purchased online at the theatre website or in person 30 minutes before each performance at the theatre. To make reservations, call the theatre’s message phone line at (562) 696-0600. For more information, visit the theatre’s website: www.whittiercommunitytheatre.org.

Whittier Y Service Club Annual Christmas Wreath Fundraiser to Benefi t the YMCA of Greater Whittier

November kicks off the annual Whittier A.M. Y Service Club Christmas Wreath fundraiser. Four wreath designs are being offered this year for the upcoming holiday season. The wreaths range in price from $20 to $32.50. The Whittier A.M. Y Service Club can send you a color brochure, with the price list, to fi nd the right wreath for your home or business.

All wreaths are hand-crafted from fresh, fragrant evergreens from the Pacifi c Northwest. Their wreaths are shipped refrigerated from the supplier to preserve freshness. Final assembly of each wreath is performed by their members at the Wreath Chairman’s Whittier yuletide residence prior to distribution to their customers.

Enhance the magic of the season with an order of a ready to hang wreath for your Whittier home or business. For your added convenience, expect delivery of your handcrafted wreath to your Whittier home or business by December 5. Payment is accepted upon delivery. All proceeds benefi t the YMCA of Greater Whittier.

To request a color brochure and to place an order, please contact the Whittier Y Service Club Wreath Chairman Terry Roznos by email at [email protected] or phone at (562) 693-5693.

Whittier Community Theatre Presents The Diary of Anne Frank

Who didn’t love to snuggle with a soft, plush teddy bear when you were sick as a child? Brenda Trujillo, Senior Partner for Bowen-Meyers & Associates, is participating again this year in helping Alexandra “Alex” Munoz, a cancer survivor who is now attending Charles Drew School of Medicine, to collect new teddy bears for children undergoing chemotherapy during the holidays. At the young age of 17, Alex was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With the will to fi ght the deadly disease, chemotherapy, and her family’s support, she is now cancer free. Her experience changed her outlook and inspired her to begin collecting new teddy bears for kids receiving chemo treatment and deliver them to local hospitals in the Orange and LA Counties during the

6th Annual Teddy Bear Drive to Support Cancer Patients at Local Children’s Hospitals

Save the Date for Annual Christmas Concert

The Wonder Emporium Celebrates Neighborhood Toy Store Day November 14

Whittier Soroptimists Seek Applicants for “Live Your Dream” Awards

These days, those in the know “shop local” when stocking the kitchen pantry. Restaurants boasting locally sourced ingredients, meanwhile, increasingly draw crowds.

But support for local resources doesn’t have to end at the refrigerator door. This holiday season, consumers everywhere can support their communities by shopping locally for the best holiday toys. In return, those neighborhood independent toy stores support parents, grandparents and other gift-givers with expert advice on encouraging creative play among the children in their lives.

On Saturday, November 14, The Wonder Emporium will join hundreds of locally owned stores across the country to celebrate the sixth national Neighborhood Toy Store Day, an annual celebration in which independent toy shops kick off the holiday season with special events to introduce consumers to the benefi ts of shopping local. The Wonder Emporium will offer fun, child-friendly activities such as free arts and crafts and science experiments.

Specialty toy store owners are the real experts when it comes to choosing toys for kids, said Kimberly Mosley, president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), a non-profi t organization dedicated to promoting local toy shopping and creative open-ended playtime for children. “These store owners spend time with kids day in and day out. They understand the value of play, and what types of toys encourage active, open-ended and creative playtime.”

As a result, neighborhood toy stores offer a carefully curated product selection and provide trusted recommendations on quality toys that offer good value. Because they needn’t adhere to a national sales plan like major chains, they can customize their offerings to specifi c community needs. And because they source products from both big-brand manufacturers and small, entrepreneurial companies, they introduce children to a world of toys that, often, can’t be found elsewhere.

“Local stores also make holiday toy shopping easier, by offering a personalized approach and additional customer service that contrasts with the sometimes frazzling experience of shopping large retailers,“ said Dana Chavez, owner or The Wonder Emporium.

In addition, shopping locally supports the community by creating jobs and preserving neighborhoods. Compared to chain stores, independent local businesses put a signifi cantly larger share of revenue back into the local economy in the form of taxes, salaries and more. They also support environmental sustainability, by helping to maintain vibrant, walkable town centers, essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

For more information on Neighborhood Toy Store day, visit ASTRA at http://www.astratoy.org/neighborhood-toy-store-day.asp or contact Dana Chavez at The Wonder Emporium at (562) 691-2360.

Soroptimist International of Whittier is seeking applicants for the annual Live Your Dream Award, their signature award, giving women funding to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.

The Live Your Dream Award gives women a chance to make a better life for themselves and their families through increased access to education and better career opportunities, a chance they have not previously had, or may never otherwise have. Live Your Dream Awards applicants have faced economic and social barriers and personal hardships that have prevented them from pursuing and achieving their educational and professional goals until now. Applications must be received by November 15, 2015. All applications should be sent to [email protected] or P.O. Box 246 Whittier, CA 90601. Please contact club president, Mary Venegas with any questions at (562) 447-7462. You can access the application at www.soroptimist.org/awards/live-your-dream-awards.html.

New Century Singers Whittier welcomes the community to their annual Christmas concert, “God Bless Us, Every One,” December 13 at 3 p.m. at First Friends Church on the corner of Washington and Philadelphia Avenues in Uptown Whittier.

Also at the GalleryLife Drawing Group: Meets at

the Gallery the 1st Friday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. All artists are welcome. The fee is $20 and both male and female models are provided. For further information call John Williams at (951) 236-0862.

The Gift Shop: Textiles, jewelry, cards, prints, paintings, and more one of a kind treasures by the Gallery’s award winning members are available for purchase. Prices are deliberately kept low to enable the community to own fi ne art work at reasonable prices.

Ongoing Book Sale: Exciting art and other books are available for the donation you choose to make.

The Whittier Art Association is a non profi t organization and memberships and donations to the Gallery are tax deductible. For further information, stop by the Whittier Art Association and Gallery located at 8035 Painter Avenue or call (562) 698-8710. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.

NCSW is a non-profi t women’s chorus which performs at community venues to raise funds for scholarships available to college students. The Christmas concert is free however donations are graciously accepted. For concert information, contact Jean Sponsler (562) 941-7373.

holiday season. Brenda would like your help in achieving Alex’s goal of collecting 2000 stuffed animals by dropping off your donation at one of their collection sites from November 1 through December 15. As you’re out shopping this year, please purchase a new teddy bear for a young cancer patient that won’t be home for the holidays. *Due to compromised immune systems, only new stuffed animals can be accepted. Brenda and Alex thank you in advance for your generous donation and continued support! Teddy bears can be dropped off at Bowen-Meyers & Associates, 10858 Norwalk Blvd. in Santa Fe Springs or at the Whittier Chamber offi ce, 8158 Painter Ave., Whittier. For more information contact Brenda Trujillo at (562) 888-9191.


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Thank you to Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac

for hosting a great networking event!

Bhavan Singh of Legal Shield photo bombs the nice folks of In2Vision Supported Employment Programs during the Tasty Tuesday networking lunch at El Tepeyac in September

Ladies from The Whole Child enjoyed an authentic Mexican buffet while exchanging business cards with fellow chamber members at Tasty Tuesday

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at Manuel’s El Tepeyac Café in the City of

Industry welcomed Chamber guests to the

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RENEWING MEMBERSThank you for your investment in your

business and the community!

Boys and Girls Club of Whittier (562) 945-3787 x104

Concept 7(562) 236-8200

Dakara Sushi (562) 698-0707

Edible Arrangements(562) 943-8151

HAAS Business Service(562) 698-9538

Herbie’s Rock Pile(562) 781-4760

Interfaith Food Center(562) 903-1478

Jones & Mayer(714) 446-1400

Keller Williams Whittier(562) 902-5100

McDonald’s(562) 693-3590

Mericle, Joe. C. MBA, CPA(562) 698-3566

Mom’s Apparel(562) 646--6008

Perri, Bigley & Parvizpour Dental Corp.

(562) 698-8272

Rad Custom Signs(562) 325-8303

Rasmussen Iron Works, Inc.(562) 696-8718

REACH (562) 946-0467 x403

Roadrunner Specialty Towing and Transport

(562) 692-8260

Russ Bassett Corporation(562) 945-2445

Tri-Cities Regional Occupational Program

(562) 698-9571

Valvate Associates, Inc.(562) 633-4300

Whittier Museum / Whittier Historical Society

(562) 945-3871 x102

Whittier Police Offi cers Association(562) 696-1121

Whole Child, The(562) 692-0383

Woodruff Properties(562) 693-0941

WYNK Marketing(626) 376-4599

I’m thankful to be a part of such a beautiful, caring, and generous community. It truly warms my heart to see the Whittier Area Chamber so

freely and genuinely giving back to those in need in our community.

- Rose Drielsien, Americana Tax Prep

• First-in, First-out: This method assumes the fi rst shares purchased are the fi rst to be sold. If you do not indicate otherwise, the IRS assumes you use this method.

• Average cost, single method: With this method you calculate your gain or loss based on the average price you paid for all shares, regardless of how long you have held them. This is the method most mutual fund companies use to provide information to you.

• Average cost, double method: This is the same calculation as above, except shares are divided into short-term and long-term categories and a separate average cost is computed for each.Keep in mind that net losses incurred

from fund investments may be deductible from your income taxes, and that investments in tax-deferred retirement plans, such as a 401(k)s, traditional IRAs, or variable annuities, allow you to defer taxes on all investment earnings until the funds are withdrawn.2

Because federal tax laws are complex and fast changing, consult a tax advisor to determine how they apply to your situation.

This information is general in nature and should not be construed as tax advice. Always consult a qualified specialist regarding tax affairs.

Source/Disclaimer:1Investing in mutual funds involves risk,

including loss of principal. Mutual funds are offered and sold by prospectus only. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges of the investment company before you invest. For more complete information about any mutual fund, including risks, charges and expenses, please contact your fi nancial professional to obtain a prospectus. The prospectus contains this and other information. Read it carefully before you invest.

2Withdrawals from qualifi ed plans taken before age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% additional federal tax -- on top of any regular income taxes owed -- although there are a few exceptions to this rule.

Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF® is an investment adviser representative with over twenty-nine years of experience in the fi eld. He designs and coordinates investment portfolios to help clients in seeking to achieve their fi nancial goals and objectives. He is highly knowledgeable in the areas of investments, risk management, retirement and estate planning, and the analysis of escrow, endowment and corporate benefi t plans. He handles the multi-dimensional fi nancial affairs for a select group of families and businesses in Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Valley. (562) 945-7787 or (800) 441-0136.

rowand@ceteranetworks.comwww.rowanassetmanagement.comwww.quantumecon.comSecurities and advisory services offered

through Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

November 2015 — This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association, the membership organization for the fi nancial planning community, and is provided by Douglas M. Rowan, CFP®, CMFC, AIF®, a local member of FPA.

Financial UpdateContinued from page 3


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L.A. Estate Services Lisa Gonzalez 13104 Philadelphia St. Suite 201Whittier, CA 90601Phone: (562) 331-3394Email: [email protected] Website: www.laestateservices.com

L.A. Estate Services specializes in professional cleaning. They prepare houses for sale, especially probate and trust estates. They can handle the sale and removal of all personal property left in the home and they also handle minor repairs, painting and landscaping. They provide full service residential and commercial maid service. L.A. Estate Services is licensed, fully bonded and insured. They service all of L.A., Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Give them a call to deep clean your home or offi ce after a renovation, fumigation or for your annual spring cleaning.

MRC – Smart Technology Solutions Jason Madsen17890 Castleton St. Suite 138City of Industry, CA 91748Phone: (858) 573-6300Email: [email protected]: www.mrc360.com

MRC was founded by Bob Leone in January 1994 and has since grown into an $80+ million dollar business with employees in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Pleasanton and the San Francisco Bay Area. MRC is known for having a strong management team that focuses on “taking care of the customer” and being involved in the community. With the utilization of a performance-based benchmarking model, they provide an environment for their employees that allow them to grow and move their lives forward while providing clients a level of service and support that cannot be matched by their competition. They provide state of the art document technologies with integrated service and solutions that improve their clients’ productivity and increase their profi ts. MRC does all of this at an extremely competitive price and is always fi nding new ways to help their clients reach their company’s goals while having a positive experience.

Whittier Hornets, LLCLawrence JoshuaPhone: (800) 551-5607Email: [email protected]: www.whittierhornetsllc.com

Whittier Hornets is a semi professional football team created in the city of Whittier. Coach Joshua and Richard Terrazone, VP of Operations, aim to inspire and motivate athletes of all cultures to pursue their dreams on and off the fi eld and become positive role models in their communities by giving back. Whittier Hornets believes in showcasing talent to the highest level while maintaining professional attitudes. The football players and cheerleaders provide family fun entertainment for all ages.

The Tutoring CenterAlan Kan11869 Whittier Blvd.Whittier, CA 90601Phone: (562) 699-0218Email: [email protected]: www.tutoringcenter.com

The Tutoring Center in Whittier aims to help students catch up and get ahead in school. Founded in 1994 by Dr. Thalheimer Ph.D., The Tutoring Center has helped thousands of students across the nation succeed. The Whittier location was opened in January of 2015 to serve Whittier and its nearby communities. It is the mission of Alan Kan, the Center Director in Whittier, to help students from K-12 succeed in school and in life. Having helped his two daughters get into full-time university at the ages of 14 and 15, he found it most rewarding to help students succeed in school and possibly change their lives for the better. The individualized approach taken by the Tutoring Center is unique and highly effective. Students not only improve rapidly in their academic skills but also in their concentration and attitude towards learning. Many students, including those with learning disabilities and special education, get the help to catch up, and their parents are relieved to fi nd that their children can get back to a solid foundation for their future. Check out the many parent testimonials on their website or give Alan a call for more information about their academic programs and SAT/ACT preparation courses.

13304 Philadelphia Street, Whittier, California 90601

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For Information, including Pre-Arrangements, Contact Us:

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Business Focus - November 2015

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