December 9, Holiday Safety Awareness, Montebello Police DepartmentDecember 15, Hye Cuisine, Ribbon Cutting CeremonyDecember 17, Western Dental, Ribbon Cutting CeremonyDecember 18, “Seven Things Business Owners and Employees Should Know About Obama Care” by Montebello Chamber member Bruce Jugan, quoted in the Los Angeles TimesJanuary 8, Metro Pet Spa, Ribbon Cutting CeremonyFor more information, visit montebellochamber.org

MontebelloChamber of Commerce109 n. 19th St.Montebello, CA 90640

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P A I DPermit No. 236Montebello, CA

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Official Bimonthly Publication of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce Vol. 14, No. 6 / December 2014

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Dr. Ralph Hansen Receives Pride58 Honor

P. 14

Ray Duran Offers Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays!

P. 4

In Memoriam: Andrea WaggAndrea Kay Wagg, 63, was born in Randolph, Ne-

braska on February 28, 1951 and passed away peace-fully at her home in Whittier surrounded by her loving family on October 3, 2014. Andrea was previously employed at the Montebello Chamber of Commerce for 30 years, the past 25 of which she was president and CEO, and had just recently retired. Andrea loved her job, but mostly the long-lasting friendships she made along the way.

First and foremost, Andrea was devoted to her family. She recently celebrated her 43rd wedding anniversary with her high school sweetheart and loving husband,

Marvin. To honor their special day, they vacationed in Pismo Beach—one of Andrea’s favorite places to relax and spend quality time together.

The love and pride Andrea felt for her sons, Jason and Scott, was immeasurable. As young boys, she cheered them on at all of their sporting events. As young men, she taught them to be respectful, and instilled the belief that hard work and dedication would carry them as far as they wanted to go in life. As men (husbands and fathers), she encouraged them to love unconditionally and reminded them how precious family is.

Andrea has been blessed with five beautiful grandchildren that have given her so much pleasure. Julianna, Cassidy, Jacob, Hadleigh, and Lucas are her pride and joy. She thoroughly enjoyed every moment with them, and they did with her as well. She was a wonderful daughter and a great sister.

Andrea loved to travel from Jamaica to Alaska, Hawaii and just up and down the California coast. She loved to shop especially for anything Brighton. She absolutely loved bears and has a great collection. She also enjoyed gardening and re-doing the interior design of her home. She loved spending with her friends and planning events both personally and professionally,

Andrea is survived by her loving husband, Marvin N. Wagg of Whittier, her sons, Jason (Christina) Wagg of Brea and Scott (Marisa) Wagg of Whittier, and her grandchildren, Julianna and Cassidy Wagg of Brea and Jacob, Hadleigh and Lucas

Caltrans’ Montebello Area Cleanup Includes Four PrioritiesBy Pam Wilkinson, ACE

Have you noticed the Caltrans activity along the 60 Freeway from Findlay Avenue to Markland Drive?

On Wednesday, November 12, there was an impromptu meeting and tour with Councilwoman Vivian Romero, City Administrator Francesca Tucker-Schuyler, Di-rector of Public Works Danilo Batson, Montebello Chamber of Commerce President Pam Wilkinson, Whittier Daily News reporter Mike Sprague, Caltrans East Regional Manager Ed Toledo, and a couple of dedicated residents.

Mr. Toledo defined the beautification program for the area. Caltrans crews have already removed the dead vines climbing on the underpass at Garfield and Wilcox and placed 100 concrete slabs on the 60 Freeway between Paramount and San Gabriel Boulevards. Mr. Toledo outlined the priorities for the clean-up efforts in Montebello:1. Remove dead trees (including the stumps), vines and brush;2. Repair and/or replace the irrigation system;3. Plant new vegetation.

Mr. Toledo indicated that the cost of this beautification project is around the $200,000 range. When asked why Caltrans chose this project right now, he credited the tenacity of Councilwoman Vivian Romero. She has been in contact with Caltrans for the last four years. In the last two years alone, she has dealt with three different divisions and seven different directors of maintenance! Her drive and dedication was rewarded when she was notified that the project would begin in July 2014. Work in Montebello started in early November and should be completed by the first of year.

It certainly appears that Montebello is in the councilwoman’s heart and soul. Her vision for our city is clear and residents and visitors will start to see a cleaner and progressive city. The headline of this article indicates four priorities but only three were listed. The fourth priority is as easy as this: thank you to Councilwoman Viv-ian Romero!

Upcoming EvEnts

continued on page 3

Toy Drive and Holiday Lunch with Police Chief McClure

Please join the Montebello Police Department and Police Chief Kevin McClure, Wednesday, December 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a holiday get together. Drop in for a delicious lunch at the Montebello Senior Center, 115 South Taylor Avenue, and kindle the holiday spirit for those less fortunate. What can you do to help? Buy a lunch ticket for only $10 and bring a new unwrapped toy or gift for chil-dren under 12 years old valued at $10. All toys will be donated to Christmas at the Cannon plus event proceeds will benefit Montebello Police Explorers and Canine Unit.

2 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

BON APPETIT, MONTEBELLO! TASTE OF THE TOWN

Taste of the Town CommitteeChairwoman Adriana Dugan, Gardner Insurance Agency

Maggie RiosMartha Alvarez, Funeraria Del Angel

Barbara Risher Welch, Risher Montebello MortuaryRena Garcia, A&C Healthcare

Lidia Kondratuk, Century 21 George Michael RealtyKelly DeVon, DoubleTree RosemeadElizabeth Raygoza, Comfort Dental

Justine Herrera, Cook Hill PropertiesBrenda Castillo, America Traffic School

Jean Robinson, Rose Hills Memorial ParkW. Naka Piohia, Rose Hills Memorial Park

Laura Barragan, Orbit Event RentalsFrancine Ayala, American Cancer Society, Inc.

Bakery 4 Less(626) 482-0345

1440 Arrow Highway, Unit J, Irwindale 91706

Catering by Herach & Ara(323) 728-0573

1460 S. Greenwood Ave., Montebello 90640

CHEF–Culinary, Hospital & Event Management(323) 248-4500

1200 W. Mines Ave., Montebello 90640

Clearman’s Steak & Stein(562) 699-6204

9545 E. Whittier Blvd., Pico Rivera 90660

Crabby’s Seafood & More(323) 888-8652

125 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello 90640

DoubleTree Hotel, Rosemead(323) 722-8800

888 Montebello Blvd., Rosemead 91770

Don Francisco’s CoffeeP.O. Box 58271, Los Angeles 90058

HYE Cuisine(323) 278-0102

2110 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello 90640

Jersey Mike’s Subs(323) 890-0810

535 N. Montebello Blvd., #31, Montebello 90640

La Costa Restaurant(323) 728-7492

854 N. Garfield Ave., Montebello 90640

La Pinata Mexican Restaurant(323) 726-0327

607 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello 90640

Manuel’s Original El Tepeyac(562) 695-2277

13131 Crossroads Parkway SouthCity of Industry 91746

Panera Bread(562) 949-1391

8700 Washington Blvd., Pico Rivera 90660

Polly’s Pies(323) 722-6324

1322 Beverly Blvd., Montebello 90640

Quiet Cannon(323) 724-4500

901 Via San Clemente, Montebello 90640

Salvatore Italian Restaurant(323) 727-2803

125 N. Sixth St., Montebello 90640

Smart & Final(323) 888-4204

855 N. Wilcox Ave., Montebello 90640

Vanilla Cake Shop(323) 720-1147

125 N. Montebello Blvd., Suite A Montebello 90640

San Antonio Winery(323) 223-1401

737 Lamar St., Los Angeles 90031

Coca Cola Refreshments, Industry13255 E. Amar Rd., Industry 91746

Corona Light and Victoria BearConstellationbrands.com

Ninkasi Brewery(541) 344-2739

272 Van Buren St., Eugene, OR 97402

Featured Restaurants, Desserts and Beverages

Thank you for your support of the sixth annual Taste of the Town!A Special Thank You to the Premier Sponsors

Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc Sponsors

Bon Appetit Sponsors

Smart & Final

Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral900 W. Lincoln Ave.

Montebello, CA 90640323-721-1115

1900 W. Whittier Blvd.Montebello, CA 90640

(323) 721-7153

500 Citadel Dr., Ste. 200Los Angeles, CA 90640

(800) 501-5589www.whitearrow.com

Chardonnay Sponsors

Best Taste WinnersAppetizer/Entrée: HYE Cuisine

Adult Beverage: San Antonio WineryBaked Goods: Polly Pies

Councilmember Vivian Romero and friend

Councilmember Christina Cortez and friends

Mayor Pro Tem Art Bajaras and Montebello Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Pamela Wilkinson

Pamela Wilkinson with Applied Technology Center CHEF Pathway students Yesenia Garcia and Luis Cobian

The Wiseguys Big Band performing

Dr. Sudha A. Govindarajan, M.D., and her husband

THANK YOU for our live entertainment by The Wiseguys Big Band and

Montebello Performing Arts Center. Décor and flowers by M’s Flowers.

3December 2014 Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

Taking A Stand for Our MembersBy Chairman Albert Napoli

As many of you know, Andrea Wagg, the long-time presi-dent of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, lost her battle to cancer in October of this year. Andrea was the face of the business community for nearly 30 years. She set the tone for the business community, started the chamber’s Political Action Committee, and came up with innovative program and events to help entrepreneurs improve their business acumen. Whether the economy was expanding or contracting, business owners knew that Andrea and her team were always there to help in any way possible.

On a personal note, Andrea was a great friend of mine for her entire 30 years at the chamber. We shared the highs and lows of our personal and professional lives. We would speak to each other at least a couple of times a week to share stories and ask each other for advice. Andrea was truly a student of business and was always trying to keep on the forefront of business models and trends. She would take this infor-mation and see how it applied to the local community and then execute on the idea.

Andrea set the foundation for what is now a thriving business community. Although she is gone, her actions will live on as the city and the chamber grow. Our new president, Pam Wilkinson, has picked up where Andrea left off and is continuing to come up with programs and events that are relevant and will help our business own-ers’ bottom line. I ask that if you have an idea or a concern that you think that the chamber can help implement or solve, please do not hesitate to contact Pam. You will find that she has the same open door policy.

As I reflect on my three-decade long friendship, I can say that I am a better person to have known Andrea Wagg. If there is one regret that I have, it is that I did not say thank you to her one last time. So, thank you Andrea for your friendship.

An official publication of the montebello chamber of commerce

2014-2015 OfficersChairman of the Board . . . . . . . . Albert Napoli, Metropolitan Water DistrictFirst Vice Chairman . . . . . . . . . Ernesto Flores, Camino Federal Credit UnionSecond Vice Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Millsap, The Shops at MontebelloSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Nomura, M’s FlowersTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Byron de Arakal, Cook-Hill Properties, LLCPast Chairman . . . . . . . Ralph E. Hansen, D.M.D, Whittier Palm Dentistry

Board of DirectorsArmando Arenas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Costa RestaurantMarissa Castro-Salvati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southern California EdisonChris Ceausu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Arrow, Inc.Humberto Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal ShieldDarrell H. Heacock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homer R. Heacock Realty Lidia Kondratuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Century 21 George Michael RealtyJohn Pringle, Esq. . . . . . . . . . . . . Roquemore, Pringle and Moore, Inc.Barbara Risher Welch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risher Montebello MortuaryOmar Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X-Igent Printing, Inc.

Chamber StaffPamela Wilkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President/CEOJacqueline Derimow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of OperationsErica Arellano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Business Development

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

323 721-1153 • Fax 323 721-7946www.montebellochamber.org

MontebelloSpotlight on

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTARY

Wagg of Whittier. Andrea also leaves her parents, Frank and Marge Spatz of San Clemente, her sister Joanie (Stephen) Inlow of San Juan Capistrano and her brother, Mark Spatz of San Clemente and her mother-in-law, Audrey Wagg of Whittier. Also surviving Andrea are her nieces and nephews, Jeff (Amanda) Inlow of Irvine, Alana Inlow of Washington, Reina Inlow of San Juan Capistrano, Chelsea (Clay) Campbell of Santa Ana, Samantha Spatz of San Clemente and she is predeceased by her nephew, Christopher Spatz.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help fight breast cancer, which Andrea fought hard against for approxi-mately 15 years. You may donate online at the following web site under memorial donations. https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=5300&5300.donation=form1&scid=1041

Andrea Wagg continued from page 1

4 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

SHOP LOCAL!

Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays; It’s a Great Time to Keep the Momentum Going!By Ray Duran, Broker/Owner, L.A. Real Estate Network ERAMontebello resident since 1971

Attracting homebuyers dur-ing the holidays can be differ-ence between “FOR SALE” and “SOLD”

This is not the “JUST BROWS-ING” time of year. The holiday season from October 31st through January 1st can be mistakenly labeled as the slowest time to put a home for sale, but surprisingly, does have its advantages. The buyers that are looking to buy a home during this time tend to be more serious and usually have a timeline to adhere to such as an expiring lease, job relocation, this year’s tax deduction and not to mention wanting to take advantage of the historically low interest rates that are being offered today with the uncertainty of how long that will last. This creates a great opportunity for sellers to attract that buyer. Additionally, sellers competition between homes for sale at this time is significantly less with fewer homes being actively marketed therefore creating a better opportunity to sell your home and receiving the offer you’re waiting for.

Some simple tips if you decide to take advantage of this time to sell:

Be festive. Decorate, but don’t go overboard. Homes usually look and smell their best during the holi-days, but sellers should be careful not to do too much. Holiday decorations that are too large or too many can crowd your home and distract the buyers from seeing upgrades, the floor plan and the great features you have. Make your home feel cozy and inviting during show-ings by turning on the fireplace, playing soft holiday music and offering homemade holiday treats. This may encourage buyers to spend more time in your home which gives them more time to admire its best features.

Curb appeal also a priority. When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, main-taining the exterior of your home becomes even more important. So touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers’ safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of debris and obstacles..

Hire a reliable and experienced real estate agent. Hire a REALTOR with a good reputation, who knows the neighborhood, has a recent sales track record, is experienced and won’t disappear during this holiday

season. A good agent will work with the seller to schedule the best agent hosted time slots for show-ings that will give you peace of mind and some control of the schedules that are set. Also visit the agents Real Estate Company and speak to their broker /manager; ask your friends and family for referrals, they will usually recommend someone that they have had a good experience with that will go above and beyond to get your home sold. Picking the right agent will help ease your holiday

stress and give you more time to enjoy your family and holiday activities.

Price it to sell no matter what time of the year it is. Serious buyers and experienced agents know the neighborhood prices, especially due to the vast informa-tion now found on the internet. No matter what time of year, a home that’s competitively priced will attract the serious buyers and best agents. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, it is recommended to set you’re initial list price as aggressive as possible before putting a home on the market. It’s always better to have a few offers to negotiate than none at all.

Create a quality video tour. Getting less foot traffic during the holidays can easily be addressed by shoot-ing a quality video tour of your home and posting it on the Web. This will also benefit the house hunters who don’t have time to physically see every home and want to preview the pictures first before they actually choose the homes to preview. Remember the choice and quality of your pictures can affect the buyer’s decision of the homes they choose to see.

The New Year is just around the corner. The holidays keep you busy with gifts to buy, dinners to prepare and relatives to entertain. It’s also O.K. if you weren’t able to sell your home now. There’s always next year, which luckily, is only a few days away which will continue to be a good time for buyers and sellers.

Enjoy the holidays, be safe, make great memories and enjoy every single day with family and friends. Time flies by, so don’t get stuck wishing you had.

Happy Holidays from broker/owners Ray and Betty Duran and our TEAM. L.A. Real Estate Network ERA, 1200-A West Beverly Boulevard, Montebello, CA 90640; (323) 724-2420.

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5December 2014 Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

— Paid for by the City of Montebello —

City of Montebello NewsCity Celebrates First Annual Mariachi 5K Run/Walk and Salsa Fest

Armenian Relief Society–Montebello Nairy Chapter

A Salute to Raymond MorenoIn March of this year, fol-

lowing a courageous battle, long-time Montebello resident Raymond Moreno, 56, suc-cumbed to cancer.

Active in the community, Moreno served as a parliamen-tarian on the Alliance for a United Montebello board.

“He cared about important city issues and did what he could to make a difference and raise awareness,” said nephew John Paul Garcia, Jr.

Garcia has fond memories of his uncle as a strong man, “the glue that held the family together.”

“I would always wait for the weekend because I knew my uncle would be in town. He would take my cousins and I to Frisco’s or Chuck E. Cheese. We would attend truck drags at LA County Raceway and go to car shows. No matter what we did, we would always have a good time,” he said. “During the summer months before we got a pool, Uncle Raymond would rent a room at a hotel with a pool just so we could go swimming.”

A music lover, Moreno started taking lessons while attending Greenwood Elementary School. A 1975 Montebello High School graduate, he played saxophone in the Oiler band and later became band president.

After graduation, Moreno earned his commercial driver’s license and worked as a truck driver. Upon selling his rig, he went to work deliver-ing plumping supplies

A member of the Lifestyle Car Club, he was known as “Spy.” According to Garcia, Moreno got his nickname because “he had friends in another car club and some of the Lifestyle members thought he was a spy.”

Garcia remembers when his uncle became involved in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in 2012.

“He had just had a titanium rod placed in his hip, but he made it a point to go to the Relay. From that day on, he got involved in the Relay and became the fundraising chair,” he said.

“He made it his mission to raise awareness and money and do all that he could to help the cause.”

Moreno never let his physical limitations hold him back.“It made no difference that he had lost his vision and could no longer

drive. He would walk or take the bus to help out at various fundraisers,” said Garcia. “He had a big heart and was always there to lend a helping hand.”

Although Moreno knew he would not live to see a cure, according to Garcia, “he did it for all of us left behind, that someday we would win the fight against cancer.”

Moreno passed away with his mother, Violet Moreno, and sister, Vivian Garcia, at his bedside.

Over 600 participants registered for the First annual Salsa Fest and Mariachi 5K Run/Walk which was held on November 1, 2014 at the City Park. Despite the unexpected rain showers, over 400 enthusiastic runners and walkers gathered at City Park in the early hours to kick off the Mariachi 5K Run/Walk wearing commemorative T-shirts and many donning face art in celebration of El Dia Del Los Muertos (day of the dead).

The runners/walkers headed down Whittier Boulevard where they were serenaded by three Mariachi bands stationed along the route. “The mission of the Mariachi 5K Run is to invite the community to take part in a fun run event that promotes health and safety, fitness and culture,” said Carlos Gaspar, director of the race and owner of the Mariachi 5K Run.

Over 70 volunteers, many of them teens, were on hand to help with registration, water stations and the setup of the vendor booths. Danilo Batson, Public Works Director, who ensured that the streets were properly delineated, said “this is a great event for the community.”

The conclusion of the race was only the start of the day’s festivi-ties which went on through the early evening hours and included two great Salsa Bands, Orquesta Guayao and L.A. Picante. There were novelty booths, wrestling matches, music, dancing, food trucks and a beer garden sponsored by the Montebello Lions Club.

Vicente Gutierrez, Communication Management Analyst, thanked the City Council and all the City Departments for mak-ing the event a success.

“The Mariachi 5K Run/Walk was made possible by the collec-tive efforts of all city departments including Parks and Recreation, Administration, Public Works, Police, Citizen’s Patrol, Fire, Transit, Community Development/Planning and Finance.”

The Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A. (ARS) is a philanthropic non-profit or-ganization dedicated to community and cultural service. With 96 chapters, including Monte-bello Nairy, the ARS “serves the social, health and welfare needs of the community, promotes the Armenian language and culture, provides financial assistance to students, assists victims of natural disasters and wars, fosters the spirit of good fellowship among ARS members and community, and advocates human rights and social change in civil society.”

“We have been involved in our community for over 46 years,” said Montebello Nairy Chapter President Arpik Najarian. “We send children to summer camp, participate in toy drives with the Montebello Police Department to benefit less fortunate children in our com-munity, and through our Saturday school, edu-cate our children in the Armenian language, culture and history.”

“We are especially proud of our Nairy Day Care, an LAUP (Los Angeles Universal Pre-school) school with a five star rating,” said Recording Secretary Hasmig Ourfalian. “The student population is comprised of all ethnic groups in Montebello with only 50 percent of our students being Armenian.”

While the women can recall many inspi-rational moments, one emerges as especially close to their hearts—the 1987 Armenia earthquake.

“The ARS brought injured children, many of them homeless and orphans, to the United States for medical attention,” said Najarian. “To be able to help them recover and go on with their lives was the least we could do as a humanitarian organization and fellow Arme-nians. We were humbled to have been able to provide some comfort to them.”

With many hardworking members in the Montebello Nairy chapter, Najarian makes mention of “ungerouhi” Alice Madenlian. Ungerouhi, being the Armenian equivalent of “friend.”

“Alice has been the backbone and the inspiration of our chapter throughout the past decades, as well as our mentor,” she said. “She has touched each and every one of us in her own special way, made us better ARS members and inspired us to be better Armenian-American women.”

The Montebello Nairy chapter is located at the Armenian Center, 420 West Washington Boulevard.

“Our goal is to serve all fellow community members whenever and wherever we are able to,” said Ourfalian. “We reach out to all di-saster struck areas here in the United States or anywhere in the world.”

“We are a volunteer organization available whenever the need arises,” added Najarian.

First Annual Mariachi 5K Run/Walk and Salsa Fest

Armenian Relief Society–Montebello Nairy Chapter Thanksgiving fundraiser and recognition of Montebello City Administrator Francesca Tucker-Schuyler

6 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

SHOP LOCAL!

Happy Holidays, or Is It?

Family is visiting from out of town? Don’t worry. Here are places for your guests to stay:Hilton Garden Inn Montebello801 N. Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640(323) 724-5900DoubleTree Hotel-Rosemead888 Montebello Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770(323) 722-8800Crowne Plaza Hotel at Commerce Casino6121 E. Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040(323) 728-3600

Prepare your home with decorations from:M’s Flowers Montebello801 W. Washington Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640(323) 728-4604

Sears Montebello1401 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640(323) 889-5600Four Seasons General Merchandise825 S. Vail Ave., Montebello, CA 90640(323) 582-4444Heavenly Choice Balloons, Flowers & Events534 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640(323) 728-2728BJ Party Supplies245 W. Pomona Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754(323) 726-0152The Shops at Montebello2134 Montebello Town Center Dr., Montebello, CA 90640(323) 722-1776

Costco Wholesale1345 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640(323) 890-1901 Orbit Event Rentals, Inc.12021 East Slauson Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670(562) 696-8875

After all the preparations, treat yourself with a facial and/or a massage at:Rejuvenating Skin Care Medical Aesthetics709 W. Beverly Blvd. Suite 202, Montebello, CA 90640(323) 726-9692

Dr. Martha Sanchez Celebrates Opening of New Office

Dr. Sanchez is a graduate of the Uni-versity of California, Berkeley School of Optometry and has been in private practice for over 25 years.

Dr. Sanchez is deeply committed to providing the most professional and comprehensive eye care available.

With a dedicated and professional staff, Dr. Sanchez provides:•computerized assisted eye exams•preventative eye care•diagnosis and treatment of ocular

disease•complete contact lens services•specialty contact lenses•co-management for laser and cataract

surgeries•OPTOMAP, the latest in retinal im-

aging that provides a great step in checking the overall health of the eye for ocular and systemic disor-ders and diseases.

It is that wonderful time of year. The holidays are upon us and we are just a few weeks shy of the start of the New Year. It’s meant to be a joyous and happy time but for many, it is a time of deep reflection and questioning of self-worth. This also represents for some, a difficult time to get through due to the loss of a loved one, pet, relationship (ie.,marriage, friendship), loss or change in job, move or loss of secure finances to name a few.

What is harder than having to face such losses, while others are enjoying the holiday spirit with festivities?? Thinking you are alone in this process.

Often times we mask our true feelings by putting them on the “back burner,” or immersing ourselves into an activity that may not prove to help us process the loss/grief in a healthy manner. Ask yourself this: am I drinking or eating in excess? Am I shopping when I know I don’t have the extra funds to do so? Am I exercising in excess to avoid having to think about

or talk about my true feelings? If this sounds familiar, it may be time

to consider the best invest or gift you can give yourself during this gift giving season, and that is the gift of therapy. Allow yourself the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings pertaining to the loss and difficulties you are encoun-tering at this time in a safe environment where you can learn healthy ways of processing your grief.

Contrary to popular belief, “time does not heal all wounds!” Only you can control the healing process and why not start now? Start your New Year ahead of the game and in a much healthier state of mind. Mention this article and receive $10 off your initial intake appointment. Happy Holidays and Have A Safe New Year!Tara A. Hernandez, MA, LMFT 813 West Whittier Boulevard, Suite 212Montebello, CA 90640(323) 487-9515

The City of Montebello, Montebello Chamber of Commerce, and friends and family of Dr. Martha Sanchez celebrate the opening of her new location on 1818 West Beverly Boulevard, Suite 105, Montebello CA 90640; (323) 888-2020.

7December 2014 Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

SCHOOL NEWS

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Sending warm wishes to the Montebello community on a joyous Holiday Season.It’s that time of year again to reflect on all the good things and appreciate all our family and friends who continue to inspire us. It has been a true honor to serve and represent you in the City Council.

May the New Year bring health and happiness to all.

Mayor Jack Hadjinian

Paid by Jack Hadjinian for Montebello City Council 2015

Montebello High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame Induction

Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary Students Stage First Musical Production of the Year

Beginning January 2015, the Monte-bello High School Alumni Association will begin accepting nominations for induction into the MHSAA Hall of Fame. Induction is open to distinguished Oiler alumni that graduated prior to 2001. The induction ceremony will take place at the end of October 2015.

The Association looks at the follow-ing categories: community service, politics, civic leadership, the humanities, philanthropy, academia/education, the military, science/technology, the arts (visual and performing), and business.

When making your nomination, please consider the following: nominee must be a Montebello High School graduate prior

to 2001; nomination must be accom-panied with a written biography of the nominee that includes awards, specific recognitions and/or leadership positions, humanitarian deeds, positions of respon-sibility, and philanthropic contributions.

The cutoff date for accepting nomina-tions is March 31, 2015. You can mail your nominations to the Montebello High School Alumni Association at 1012 West Beverly Boulevard, Box 104, Monte-bello, CA, 90640, Attention: Kathy Nighswonger. If you prefer to email your biography, contact knighs@sbcglobal.net. If you have any questions, please call Kathy Nighswonger at (323) 721-8658.

By Anne Donofrio-HolterAs family and friends waited with

anticipation, the lights came up and the curtain was raised as student actors took to the stage at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School for their rendi-tion of Aladdin, the first production of the school’s 2014-15 theatre season, “Dream, Discover, Explore.”

According to drama teacher Joannarae Ibanez, Aladdin was selected “because it embraces all aspects of our theme while dazzling our audience with magic, love and friendship.”

The first performance was a special one for local eighth grade students at no charge. “We hosted a question-and-answer session and gave them a sneak

peek of how our tech crew changed sets behind the curtain,” said Ibanez. “It was an amazing experience for everyone, es-pecially some of our eighth graders who had never seen a live theatre performance and were very excited.”

Ibanez cites teamwork, confidence and self esteem as just some of the benefits of theatre, adding “students are challenged to be responsible, punctual, dedicated and passionate.”

“Students conquer stage fright and their personal insecurities and bravely take on the stage,” said Ibanez. “They learn to work as a team and come to understand that every cast and crew member is valued and crucial to our creative process.”

8 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

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9December 2014 Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

BUSINESS NEWS

CalChamber Releases List of New Employment LawsThe California Chamber of Commerce has released a

list of new employment laws scheduled to take effect in 2015 or earlier that will have an impact on businesses in California.

Some of the new laws for 2015, such as mandatory paid sick leave, make significant changes to California’s legal landscape. Other new laws make changes to differ-ent parts of existing law or may affect only employers in specified industries, such as farming.

Unless specified, the following list of new legislation goes into effect on January 1, 2015.

More details are available in a free CalChamber white paper, available at www.calchamber.com/new-laws2015.Leaves of Absence•MandatoryPaidSickLeave.AB1522,theHealthy

Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to any employee who worked in California for 30 days. The effective date for employers to begin providing the paid sick leave benefit is July 1, 2015.

The law contains many different nuances, such as detailed recordkeeping and notice requirements, includ-ing a new poster requirement. The law also contains penalties for noncompliance.

More information in the HRCalifornia white paper.•TimeOffforEmergencyDuty:ExpandedCatego-

ry. AB 2536 adds new personnel to the list of employees eligible for protected time off for emergency duty.Employee Protections•ProtectionsforUnpaidInternsandVolunteers.AB

1443 adds unpaid interns and volunteers to the list of individuals protected from harassment under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).•Nondiscrimination:Driver’sLicensesforUndocu-

mented Persons. AB 1660 makes it a violation of FEHA for an employer to discriminate against an individual because he/she holds or presents a driver’s license is-sued to undocumented persons who can submit satisfac-tory proof of identity and California residency. These driver’s licenses are scheduled to start being issued on January 1, 2015.•Immigration-RelatedProtections.AB2751expands

the definition of an unfair immigration-related practice to include threatening to file or filing a false report or complaint with any state or federal agency. Current law extended the protection only to reports filed with

the police.•ProhibitionofDiscriminationAgainstPublicAs-

sistance Recipients: Public Reports. AB 1792 prohibits discrimination and retaliation against employees receiv-ing public assistance, which is defined as meaning the Medi-Cal program.•Harassment Prevention Training: Prevention of

Abusive Conduct. AB 2053 requires employers that are subject to the mandatory sexual harassment prevention training requirement for supervisors to include a com-ponent on the prevention of “abusive conduct,” begin-ning January 1, 2015. “Abusive conduct” is specifically defined by the new law.•Harassment Prevention Training: Farm Labor

Contractors. SB 1087 imposes specific sexual harass-ment prevention training requirements on farm labor contractors, including a yearly training requirement for supervisory employees and training for nonsupervisory employees at the time of hire and every two years thereafter. The required content for the training is not as involved as AB 1825 training.Wage and Hour

Several new laws will increase employers’ wage-and-hour obligations in 2015. Many of the new laws in the wage-and-hour arena deal with increasing penalties and expanding liability, instead of imposing significant new obligations on employers.•IncreasedLiabilityforEmployersThatContract

for Labor. AB 1897 imposes liability on employers who contract for labor. The purpose of the law is to hold companies accountable for wage-and-hour violations when they use staffing agencies or other labor contrac-tors to supply workers. For more information, see the October 24 Alert. •RestandRecoveryPeriods.SB1360confirmsthat

recovery periods that are taken pursuant to heat illness regulations are paid breaks and count as hours worked. SB 1360 reiterates what is already in existing law in this area and was passed simply to clear up any confusion employers may have had.•WaitingTimePenalties.AB1723expandsavail-

able enforcement mechanisms for assessing waiting time penalties when an employer willfully fails to timely pay wages to a resigned or discharged employee. AB 2743 provides a waiting time penalty if unionized theatrical and concert venue employers violate any agreed upon timeframe for paying final wages contained in a collec-

tive bargaining agreement.•ProtectionsforComplaintsUndertheLaborCode.

AB 2751 clarifies that the $10,000 penalty against an employer who discriminates or retaliates against an employee who complains of Labor Code violations will be awarded to the employee or employees who “suf-fered the violation.”•Timeframe forRecovery ofWages: Liquidated

Damages. AB 2074 states that a lawsuit seeking to re-cover liquidated damages for minimum wage violations can be filed any time before the expiration of the statute of limitations that applies to the underlying wage claim, which is three years.•ChildLaborLawViolations:IncreasedRemedies.

AB 2288 provides additional penalties for violations of California laws regarding employment of minors, in-cluding a penalty of $25,000 to $50,000 for “Class A” violations involving minors 12 years of age or younger.•ForeignLaborContractors.SB477isnoteworthy

for employers that use foreign labor contractors to recruit foreign workers for California assignments. In part, it requires foreign labor contractors to meet registration, licensing and bonding requirements by July 1, 2016.•PrevailingWages.BillssignedincludeAB1939,

allowing a contractor to bring an action against “hir-ing parties” to recover any increased costs incurred because the work was performed on a covered public work subject to prevailing wage laws.Background Checks•CriminalHistoryInformationinPublicContracts.

AB 1650 requires contractors who bid on state contracts involving on-site construction-related services to certify that they will not ask applicants for on-site construction-related jobs to disclose information concerning criminal history at the time of an initial employment application.•ServicestoMinors.AB1852requiresabusiness

that provides specified services to minors to provide a written notice to the parent or guardian of the minor receiving those services. The written notice should address the business’s policies relating to employee criminal background checks.Workplace Safety•PenaltiesforFailuretoAbateSafetyHazards.Cal/

OSHA can require an employer to abate (fix) serious workplace safety violations and also issue civil penal-

continued on page 10

10 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

BUSINESS NEWSFoundation Report Highlights Economic GrowthLabor Law corner

Holiday Pay for Exempt Employees Depends on Employer’s PolicyBy Gary Hermann, HR Adviser Does an exempt employee have to be paid for a holiday for which the employer closes?

Perhaps.California law does not require an

employer to pay anything for holidays, when the employer is closed. Anything paid beyond an employee’s regular rate for work on a holiday is not required by law and is governed only by an em-ployer’s policy.

The salary basis test for an exempt employee requires that the employee must receive payment of his/her salary for any day that the employee otherwise makes him/herself available to work and the employer chooses for the exempt employee not to work.

In the case of a holiday closure, it is the employer’s choice for the exempt employee not to work, and therefore the employee is due his/her prorated salary for that day.

This would not be the case for closures of a full workweek or more.

Employers should be aware, however, that if there is a deduction from the employee’s salary for a week, which reduces the employee’s salary below the minimum requirements of the law, the exempt status of that employee may be jeopardized for that pay period.—CalChamber Alert, November 21, 2014

Nail Bar & Spa is Now Open!Visit the Nail Bar & Spa on 104 West Beverly Boulevard, Montebello CA 90640.

Call for an appointment (323) 721-9999. Walk-ins are welcomed. There are so many options to choose from—a matte color manicure/pedicure, variety of gel polishes, creative nail designs and more!

ties. An employer can appeal the citation. AB 1634, in effect, prohibits the state Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board from modifying civil penalties for abatement or credit for abatement unless the employer has fixed the violation.•Email forWorkplace Safety Re-

ports. AB 326 allows employers to email their reports of a work-related serious injury, illness or death to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. •Workplace Violence Prevention

Plans: Hospitals. SB 1299 requires Cal/OSHA to adopt standards by January 1, 2016, that require specified types of hospitals, including general acute care hospitals or acute psychiatric hospitals, to adopt workplace violence prevention plans as part of the hospitals’ injury and illness prevention plans.

—CalChamber Alert, November 21, 2014

Employment Laws continued from page 9

Do you need 2015 California and Federal Employment Poster?

Contact us!(323) 721-1153

www.montebellochamber.org

The U.S Chamber of Commerce Foun-dation, in conjunction with the American Action Forum, recently released a new report, The Growth Imperative: How Slow Growth Threatens Our Future and the American Dream, which underscores America’s dismal GDP growth rate and its implications for the nation’s citizens and overall competitiveness.

As the report highlights, the Congres-sional Budget Office (CBO) forecasts annual growth of under 2.5 percent through 2024, significantly lower than the 40-year historical average of more than three percent annual growth per year. The result: trillions in additional debt and unsustainable annual deficits.

“The reality of America’s current and

forecasted growth is both a struggling middle class with limited opportunity and job creation, and a federal government that continues to record immense annual deficits,” said John R. McKernan, presi-dent of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The report proposes that increasing economic growth by at least one per-centage point a year would significantly expand opportunities for all Americans. If the average annual rate of growth were one percentage point higher during the next 10 years, $3 trillion of debt would be eliminated, the middle class’ standard of living would increase by 10 percent, and more than 2.5 million additional jobs would be created.

“Economic growth means more jobs, increased family incomes, and less debt being passed on to our children,” said Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of American Action Forum. “With one percentage point of additional annual economic growth, we can reverse many of America’s economic challenges and build a future of opportunity for all Americans.”

The Foundation is looking for oppor-tunities to publicize the results of their report. If you are interested in hosting an engaging presentation on this important topic, contact us at the regional office.

—U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The City of Montebello, Montebello Chamber of Commerce members, and friends and family of owner Christina Adzhinyan of Nail Bar & Spa celebrate the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

There are several benefits of using Instagram for your business, but among the simplest are—it’s easy and fun to use. New to Instagram or hesitant to start? Here are 10 Instagram questions most often asked by small business owners and some practical tips posted by other business owners on how to use it successfully.

What is Instagram? Instagram allows users to take pictures and videos from a mobile device, apply digital filters and a caption, and then share the image on a va-riety of social networking services, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr. Instagram makes it easy to create stunning photos that make you, and ultimately your business, look professional and creative. Tip #1 Make an Emotional Connection: Visuals are a great way to showcase your connection to your community, your business mission, and values.

What is the difference between Instagram and Pinterest? Similar to a search engine, users can use Pinterest to search for specific content or products. They can then create visually appealing boards by pinning and grouping the content they discover. On Pinterest, every pin is a link to the source of the image, usually an external site. One of the common goals for businesses is generating website traffic using Pinterest for SEO purposes. Pinterest is also a proven sales generator for retail businesses. On Instagram, users want a personal experience with the brands they follow. For a great visual on differences to be aware of visit: http://conta.cc/1urOlrT. Tip #2 Introduce your Employees: Show the human side of your company.

Why would a business want to use Instagram? In-stagram gives you the opportunity to show customers a personal side of your business, tell your business story and connect with the people who matter most to your business. It helps build a level of trust and familiarity that allows people to build a long-lasting relationship with your business. Tip #3 Offer Inspiration: Share quotes or a personal anecdote so others can associate positivity with your business.

What should I share on Instagram? Small busi-nesses have an advantage over big brands when it comes to using Instagram for visual storytelling. Small busi-ness owners know every detail of their business and are present every day to capture authentic, timely content. Adding a personal touch, you can humanize your busi-ness, show off your values and personality, and foster customer loyalty faster. Tip #4 Have Fun: Through engaging and lighthearted posts, businesses can create a personal connection between its brand and followers.

How can I grow my following on Instagram? Le-verage all of the social channels you currently use to tell customers and supporters about your account. Let your contacts know you’re on Instagram in your next email newsletter, include your Instagram username so people without a smartphone can check you out on the web. Find your customers on Instagram with this social media trick (see #3) to see who is sharing photos while visiting your business or access Instagram’s ‘Find People to Follow’ feature within your Account Settings. Help your customers find you by adding an Instagram badge to your website or blog. Tip #5 Get Customers Involved: Encourage the use of a specific hashtag, by capturing your customers in the moment; you create authentic content that truly connects your audience to your business. http://conta.cc/1urOlrT

How can a business measure their success on Instagram? Iconosquare (formerly Statigram) is an easy-to-use, free analytics platform for Instagram that easily allows you to check which of your photos are generating the most engagement, track your likes and comments and more. You can also install the Icono-

square app as a stream in your HootSuite account to manage your Instagram presence more easily. Tip #6 Provide a Glimpse of the Past: Include the hashtag #TBT for ‘Throwback Thursday’ or #WayBackWednesday with an image that highlights a milestone or a good time from an earlier time.

Can you connect your Instagram account to your Facebook Business Page? Yes! Under Share Settings in your Instagram Account Setting, you can connect to your Facebook Business Page making it easier to share your Instagram photos on Facebook and for people on Facebook to connect with you on Instagram. Tip #7 Show the Steps: Let your audience get involved by of-fering a sneak peak at a new product.

I don’t have a smartphone; can I still use Instagram from my computer? Unfortunately, you can’t post to Instagram from a computer, but you can use the web browser version to look at profiles, follow people, and comment on photos. Tip #8 Go Behind the Scenes: This will leave a lasting impression on current and future customers.

How do I create a collage on Instagram? Pic Stich and Pic Collage are both great for making beautiful collages. Repost for Instagram and Repost & Regram for Instagram allow you to repost your favorite photos or your customers’ photos from your account. Tip #9 Capture a Real Moment: Instagram is an effective so-cial media tool for conveying emotive content that can inspire someone to act.

Is there a way to switch back and forth from your personal Instagram account and business account? Not yet. If you’re looking to monitor your Instagram feeds, you can use Iconosquare’s integration with HootSuite, and monitor multiple Instagram feeds and analytics from the HootSutie mobile app. Fotogramme is another app that allows you to switch between mul-tiple accounts for monitoring, but not posting. Tip #10 Promote Your Events: Show your followers the excite-ment your events create, they won’t want to miss out!The Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network; 866-588-SBDC; www.smallbizla.org

10 FAQs About Instagram for Your Business

11December 2014 Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

COMMUNITY NEWSEstablishment of a 20th Century Montebello History Collection to Capture Even More of Montebello’s MemoriesBy Anne Donofrio-Holter

The Montebello Historical So-ciety revealed plans to establish a 20th century Montebello history collection to showcase even more of Montebello’s memories.

“This new 20th century col-lection will include highlights of Montebello’s early beginnings when it was known as the City of Flowers because of its many nurseries,” said Montebello Historical Society President Rosie Vasquez. “We want this collection to highlight individual contributions as well as the city’s oil-rich history through pictures and artifacts.” The collection will be housed at the museum located in the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe, which currently showcases architecture of the mid-1800’s with furnished rooms from the time period.

“The Historical Society took immediate action on moving forward with its plans to establish this collection,” said Vasquez. Currently, Sanchez family artifacts, along with historical photos of the city, are on display. The adobe, located just north of the intersection of La Merced and Lincoln Avenue in the heart of the old Rancho La Merced, is the city’s oldest standing structure, dating back to 1845. “For now, we will begin the new collection with Simons brickyard memorabilia,” said Vasquez.

Simons Brick Company Plant Number 3 opened in 1905 with general boundaries of Vail Avenue on the northwest, Greenwood Avenue on the southeast, the Santa Fe rail line on the southwest, and Date Street on the northeast. At its peak in the 1920s, the brickyard expanded to 350 acres with a population of over 3,000 residents.

“We are looking to tell the story of the families that lived and worked there,” said Vasquez. “The complex had its own church, school and Mexican baseball team and we are working on obtaining a uniform worn by a student in the Simons brickyard school band.”

Vasquez feels much of Montebello’s history has been overlooked and perhaps, even neglected. “We should be proud of our contributions, achievements and progress,” she said. “Our history needs to be recorded and preserved for future generations.”

Vasquez would like to see more people get involved with the Montebello Historical Society. “All organizations need new members to help the organization get to the next level. New members bring enthusiasm, knowledge and fresh ideas,” she said. “We need caretakers of the adobe and museum for years to come. As Montebello Historical Society members, we protect the adobe, its history and our organization.”

Vasquez encourages everyone to come and visit the Adobe along with their families. “We have a priceless gem in our own city and yet many people do not know we ex-

ist,” she said. “Everyone needs to experience the oldest existing house in Montebello.”The Sanchez Adobe historic site and museum is committed to expanding the public’s

sense of community through understanding Montebello’s history by collecting and preserving artifacts and historic archives that document the city’s history and heritage.

Museum hours are Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with docent tours available.For additional information, contact the Montebello Historical Society at 946 Adobe

Avenue or call (323) 887-4592.

Nail Bar & Spa

Now opeN104 w. Beverly Blvd.

Montebello, CA 90640(323) 721-9999 Celebrate all your

occasions at‘Ozzie’s Hide-Away

Bar & Grill’Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

7780 E. Slauson Ave., Commerce(323) 726-0300

JIMMIE WELCOMES YOU TO...

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

Banquet Room Available for Any Occasion

Business Hours (323) 727-2803

Closed Monday (323) 727-2804

Tuesday–Thursday 11 AM – 9 PM 125 N. Sixth Street

Friday–Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM Montebello, CA 90640

Sunday 2 PM – 9 PM www.SalvatoreItalian.com

Owners, Joseph and Anthony

SalvatoreItalian Restaurant

Est. 1975

12 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

COMMUNITY NEWSBeverly Hospital Community Calendar DecemberFREE COMMuNITY HEALTHY CONNECTION LECTuRES Diabetes Wellness Hour Diabetes and Depression: What’s Depression Got to Do with It?Thursday, December 18, 11 a.m. to 12:00 noonWomen’s Pavilion & Breast Center Conference Room, 101 E. Beverly Blvd., Ste. 104/105. Free admission. For reservations, call, (800) 618-6664 or register online at www.beverly.org.ZumbaMonday, December 1 and 15, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.Beverly Hospital, Tower Basement, 309 W. Beverly Blvd, MontebelloAdvance Chair AerobicsTuesday, December 9, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.Beverly Hospital, Tower Basement, 309 W. Beverly Blvd, MontebelloThis advanced class will include weight training. Please bring a 1-3 pound weight or 16-ounce can.FREE SuPPORT GROuPSBereavement Support GroupSecond and fourth Thursday of the month, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.Women’s Pavilion & Breast Center, Conference Room, 101 E. Beverly Blvd., Ste. 104/105. Our Bereavement Support Group provides emotional support, a safe environ-ment to share feelings, resources, and companionship with people who understand the challenge of suffering a loss. Free admission. For reservations, call, (800) 618-6664 or register online at www.beverly.org.Caregiver Support GroupEvery Wednesday, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.Women’s Pavilion & Breast Center Conference Room, 101 E. Beverly Blvd., Ste. 104/105. Caring for a loved one or friend with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, or other chronic diseases, can be life changing. Meet other people who are in the same situa-tion as you. Learn how to cope, ease stress and maintain your health as a caregiver. Free admission. For reservations, call (800) 618-6664 or register online at www.beverly.org.Dementia-Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support GroupEvery Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.Women’s Pavilion & Breast Center Conference Room, 101 E. Beverly Blvd., Suite 104/105. Caring for a loved one or friend with Dementia-Alzheimer’s disease can be life changing. Meet other people who are in the same situation as you. Learn how to cope, ease stress and maintain your health as a caregiver. Free admission. For reservations, call: (800) 618-6664 or register online at www.beverly.org.CHILDREN’S SERvICESKidsfit ProgramDesigned to help overweight children ages 7-18 develop good eating and exercise habits. A Beverly Hospital Registered Dietician provides group classes on proper nutrition, while a YMCA Youth Health Fitness Instructor teaches kids different exercises. The 12-week program is a partnership between Beverly Hospital and the Montebello-Commerce YMCA. Program is held at the YMCA Montebello-Commerce. Free Admission. For schedule and reservations, call (323) 726-1222.ImmunizationsFree childhood immunizations. All vaccines, including hepatitis series. Bring im-munization record with you.2:30 to 4:00 p.m.Women’s Care CenterFor appointment, call (323) 725-1519.

Gunny’s Griddleand

Elks Lodge #2051

Veterans Feeding Veterans

FREE BRUNCHJanuary 11, 201511 AM to 2 PM

506 W. Whitter Blvd.Montebello, CA 90640RSVP (323) 721-8506Music, Door RaffleBring the Family!

13December 2014 Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Chevrolet of Montebello Joins in the Fight Against Breast CancerBy Anne Donofrio-Holter

Just as it stepped up to the plate this past summer in the fight against ALS, Chevrolet of Montebello Dealer-Principal Chris Teague, along with dealer-ship staff, went to bat in the fight against breast cancer.

With the exterior of the dealership adorned with pink ribbons, and breast cancer awareness flags on the front lawn waving in the breeze, Chevrolet of Montebello kicked off October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“My mother-in-law passed away from breast cancer in 2011, after a 15-year fight with the disease,” said Teague. “Breast cancer awareness, and finding a cure, is something that is very important to my family.”

Throughout the month, employees raised funds in a variety of ways. “We participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at the Nokia

Plaza, securing donations from people who wanted to walk with our team,” said Teague. “We had 25 participants.”

In addition, a tri-tip lunch, cooked by service technician John Shields, raised $650.“And for every test drive during the month of October, we donated $10 to the

American Cancer Society,” added Teague. Pink polo shirts, along with pink Chevrolet breast cancer awareness pins, were

purchased by the dealership and worn by employees every Friday of the month.“We have all been touched in some way by this terrible disease,” said one employee.

“While much progress has been made, it’s time to find a cure.”“While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget about the importance

of early detection,” said a female employee. “Get those mammograms!”“The dealership raised $5,000 which was matched by Chevrolet of Montebello,

along with the Teague Family Foundation, for a total $15,000 donation,” said Teague. “We were all happy to do our part and contribute in some way to finding a cure.”

According to Teague, next year’s plans to raise funds include a golf tournament.“So be on the lookout for that,” he added.

Montebello Lions Hold Eye Clinic The Montebello Lions Club recently

held an eye clinic in conjunction with the California Lions Friends in Sight. Three hundred and thirty three people, which included 107 children, had their eyes exam-ined and were given eye glasses. The event was held at the Applied Technology Center in Montebello. The Lions thank the Mon-tebello Unified School District for their assistance and all who attended the clinic.

Stay tuned for the 2015 BUSINESS ExPO in March 2015!

Would you like to see your name here? We are now opening advertising to non-members. Call the Montebello Chamber of

Commerce! (323) 721-1153

Montebello Chamber of Commerce

Announces Education Series Titled

‘Business 101’ Business 101, a monthly educational series,

a tool we believe will help our small businesses learn best practices used by very successful en-trepreneurs.

All sessions are held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Participants must register at http://www.monte-bellochamber.org/pages/EducationalSeriesBusi-ness101.

The schedule of programs is:•December 9: Holiday Safety Awareness•December 18: Seven Things Business Owners

and Employees Should Know About Obama Care

•January 23: Getting Social: How to Monetize Your Social Media

•Febuary 19: Microsoft Office 365 for PCs, Macs, and iPads

•March 19: Branding Your Business and Image•April 23: Cyber Liability: Coverage and Expo-

sures for Local Businesses•May 21: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Busi-

nesses Information Session•June 18: Learn about the Small Business De-

velopment CenterAll sessions will be held at the Montebello

Chamber of Commerce office. For more informa-tion, visit www.montebellochamber.org.

14 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

George B. Pacheco and Gia L. PachecoAttorneys at Law

Family Law Business Real EstateWills & trusts civil personal injuryWorkers’ compensation Bankruptcy

Landlord/tenant criminal/DUiHablamos Español

(323) 726-1082 1453 West Beverly Boulevard www.gbp4law.comMontebello, California 90640 E-mail: general@gbp4law.com

Follow our blog on Facebook

Montebello Elks Lodge #2051By Rick Gutierrez, Elks Lodge Editor

Our lodge held its annual appreciation event on Veterans Day. After the festivities at the Montebello Park to honor veterans, Elk members handed out flyers inviting everyone to our lodge for a complimentary barbecue and dancing to the music of the L360 band. We did have a full house and there was plenty of food and dancing. Our lodge does the same type of event for Memorial Day, so keep that in mind.

If you haven’t heard about or experienced our unique form of “remote caller parimutuel bingo” you need to come out to our lodge on Tuesday evenings. There are three sessions every Tuesday—4:30, 6:30, and 8:30 p.m. Our form of bingo is not like the other bingo games. There’s no limit to the amount of money that can be won at each game. The best part of this is that the total revenue we’ve been able to generate is distributed among our charity events.

Also, every Thursday afternoon, we have our senior citizens appreciation day between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. There’s $3 burgers and dancing to DJ Pate.

So, come on by or call for more info at (323) 721-8506. We’re located at 506 West Whittier Boulevard.

By the way, we’re always looking for new members.

Montebello Dentist Dr. Ralph E. HansenReceives #Pride58 Award from Assemblymember Cristina Garcia!

#Pride58 is a campaign to highlight the positive contributions happening every day in our community, the 58th Assembly District.

“Dr. Hansen works in the community as a dentist carrying his family’s legacy of dentistry. In addition to striving to im-prove the oral health of his patients, Dr. Hansen is committed to his community. He is involved in the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, where he has served twice as chairman. He is also an active board

member and former chair of the Montebello-Commerce YMCA. He also serves on a leadership position on the Beverly Hospital Foundation. Dr. Hansen also spends his time volunteering at preschools and health fairs promoting healthy dental care.

Dentistry is Dr. Hansen’s passion, which is why he continues to serve as program chair for the 900 dentists who are members of the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society. He has always been involved in all capacities of that organization, including former president.” —Pride58

‘Wiseguys’ Celebrate 25 YearsFor 25 years, “The Sons of Montebello” have been entertaining audiences all over

the southland. Known as The Wiseguys Big Band Machine, they are the official City Band of Montebello.

In December of 1989, founding member Art Barajas (drummer), along with his school mate Robert Villalobos (lead trumpet), and his kid brother Frank Barajas (vo-calist) turned to their mentor, Montebello High School band director Larry Covellone for help in starting a band. That was the beginning of The Wiseguys.

They quickly developed a reputation for solid chops and were soon playing local venues around the holidays, including the Montebello Town Center (now, The Shops at Montebello) and the Quiet Cannon, and in 2000 the Montebello City Council voted unanimously to make them the official city band.

Today, the Wiseguys Big Band Machine is a fixture in the Southern California music scene, with multiple television appearances, headlining and selling out top venues such as the House of Blues in Anaheim and Hollywood, The Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip, Conga Room in downtown Los Angeles, and they are very popular at Disneyland, with crowds gathering to reserve a good spot to see the band hours before their scheduled performance. They’ve recorded multiple CD’s and have played on the same bill with music superstars like Poncho Sanchez, Tierra and jazz legend Maynard Ferguson.

The boys celebrated their 25th anniversary as a band with a concert at The Quiet Cannon on November 21. That show sold out one whole month before! This is a true testament to the popularity of the band—25 years and still selling out shows! There’s no end in sight. The Wiseguys Big Band Machine continues to be the pride and joy of the city of Montebello and Southern California.

Shop Montebello for the Holidays!

15December 2014 Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

COMMUNITY NEWSMontebello Historical Society Annual Fundraiser a Huge SuccessBy Anne Donofrio-Holter

Over 200 supporters at-tended this year’s Monte-bello Historical Society’s An Evening in Italy fundraiser in support of ongoing to efforts to preserve Monte-bello’s Juan Matias Sanchez adobe and museum. The over $9,000 raised has been des-ignated for capital projects to refurbish the adobe, includ-ing a fresh coat of paint and the establishment of a 20th century Montebello history collection to capture even more of Montebello’s memories.

Montebello Historical Society President Rosie Vasquez welcomed the sold-out crowd and thanked them for their support of and interest in preserving Montebello’s history.

“Through your attendance here tonight, you are helping us achieve the goals of the Montebello Historical Society and the preservation of a piece of Montebello’s his-tory, the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe,” she said. Montebello Mayor Jack Hadjinian pledged his commitment to the organization’s goals.

Highlights of the evening included the unveiling of a land grant map which will be on display at the museum, and a special presentation to Montebello Historical Society past president Gary Brougher for his many years of service. The City of Montebello was recognized for its longtime commitment to the adobe as was the Montebello Rotary Club.

The evening concluded with a lively raffle of prizes, many donated by local busi-nesses and sponsors.

“Please continue to support us through membership in the Montebello Historical Society, docent service at the museum or donations to the Adobe Museum Fund,” said Vasquez. “We truly appreciate your support as we move towards our next century.”

For additional information, call (323) 887-4592.

February 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Montebello City Hall

Save the date for the Red Walk bringing awareness of heart disease among

women. More details to follow.

16 December 2014Spotlight on Montebello – www.montebellochamber.org

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