Your community news source of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce
FEATURED EVENT
Volume 17, Number 2 l April-May 2017
APRIL EVENTS
APR
EARTH DAY FAIR
10 AM – 2 PM
@ MONTEBELLO CITY PARK
APR
3-DAY SPRING CARNIVAL
STARTS 4/28
@ OLMM SCHOOL
APR
HEALTHY KIDS DAY
9 AM – 1 PM
@ YMCA MONTEBELLO
APR
BUSINESS EXPO 2017
12 NOON – 4 PM
@ SHOPS AT MONTEBELLO
22
28
29
ARMENIAN FOOD FAIR
MAY
20
29
MAY EVENTS
MAY
SCORE BIZ MENTORING
@ CHAMBER OFFICE
RSVP (626) 593-1120
MAY
NETWORKING BREAKFAST 3.0
DETAILS T.B.A.
RSVP (323) 721-1153
MAY
DEADLINE TO ADVERTISE
IN JUNE/JULY SPOTLIGHT
RESERVE (323) 721-1153
MAY
ARMENIAN FOOD FAIR
2 PM – 10 PM
HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL
2
Photo: Jake Hagopian
10
MONTEBELLO
Chamber of Commerce
109 N. 19th St.
Montebello, CA 90640
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1105
Whittier, CA
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20
COMING IN JUNE
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15
OR CURRENT BUSINESS
105th INSTALLLATION
DINNER (DETAILS TBA)
RSVP (323) 721-1153
2
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
April-May 2017
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTARY
#P1HſEKCN2WDNKECVKQPQHVJG/QPVGDGNNQ%JCODGTQH%QOOGTEG
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Chairperson of the Board . . . . . . . Stepan Boyajian, Montebello Tire Pros
Vice Chair . . . . . . . . Barbara Risher Welch, Risher Montebello Mortuary
Vice Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Armando Arenas, La Costa Restaurant
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ilma V. Avila, Ilma V. Avila, CPA
Secretary/Past Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Pringle, Esq.,
Roquemore, Pringle and Moore, Inc.
Board of Directors
Denise Campos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SoCal Gas, A Sempra Energy Utility
Ernesto Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camino Federal Credit Union
Humberto Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield
Ralph E. Hansen, D.M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Whittier Palm Dentistry
Darrell H. Heacock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homer R. Heacock Realty
Lidia Kondratuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Century 21 George Michael Realty
Greg Millsap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Shops at Montebello
Jay Nomura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M’s Flowers
George B. Pacheco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CY1HſEGUQH)GQTIG$2CEJGEQ
Martha Snook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $GXGTN[*QURKVCN
Chamber Staff
Jacqueline Derimow . . . . . . . . . . . . Director, Events and Communications
Ani Minasian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director, Marketing
Montebello Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
109 North 19th Street, Montebello, CA 90640
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montebellochamber.org
By Chairman Stepan Boyajian
Most of us in this beautiful country are immigrants. Some
have been here longer than others, but we are immigrants
nonetheless. I am an Armenian who immigrated here with
my family from Lebanon when I was 11 years old in the
early ‘80s. My story is not special, but it is unique to me.
My brother and I completed our education here, earned our
college degrees, and worked for various companies, before
eventually joining forces to open our first of now four Tire
Pros stores.
Like many Armenian immigrants, my family settled in
Lebanon after escaping the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Turks starting on
April 24, 1915. Most Montebello residents have heard similar stories because they
probably have an Armenian neighbor or friend who has told them their story. Others
know it because there is a tall monument sitting atop one of Montebello’s many hills
in Bicknell Park, across the golf course, serving as a reminder of the suffering of the
Armenian people and man’s inhumanity towards man.
It was on January 12, 1967, that the Montebello City Council took a 4-1 decision to
allow the Armenian community of Montebello to erect the Genocide Martyrs Monument in Bicknell Park, forever forging an eternal respect in the hearts of Armenians
in Montebello and across the globe. A monument that has received as its guest many
dignitaries—President Ronald Reagan, many governors, senators, Congressmen, city
councilmembers and foreign dignitaries alike.
The names of the founding members of the Armenian Monument Council are etched
on a plaque by the monument. Most names are not recognizable to most Montebello
residents. Today I will take a sentence or two to recognize one—Michael Minasian,
who left this world just a few months ago—50 years and five days after the referenced
city council decision he and others championed in 1967. He was a local resident,
businessman, philanthropist and servant of the community who also came to this
country as a displaced person after World War II with just pennies in his pocket.
What’s that got to do with the chamber of commerce you ask?
Well, in my humble opinion, businesses aren’t exclusively about numbers and bottom line, hiring and firing, buying low and selling high. Businesses are also a story—a
story of men and women who do what they do because of the victories and setbacks,
smiles and frowns they’ve faced in their lives. They believe in, and contribute, to
Montebello’s economic future because they are motivated by their past. So that, my
friends, is the connection of this story to the chamber of commerce. As I honor the
work of community leaders like Michael Minasian by making sure that business is
something beyond just numbers and bottom lines.
New Business Mentoring
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In its quest to provide more services to benefit local businesses, the Montebello
Chamber of Commerce is partnering with SCORE to make business mentoring and
guidance available to local business owners. The national nonprofit organization is
manned by 11,000 volunteers who are carefully vetted and selected for their expertise
and dedication to become business mentors.
Starting on May 2, 2017, appointments for consultation with a SCORE mentor
will be available to businesspeople who want to grow their businesses, improve their
business practices, or find solutions to difficult business problems.
SCORE mentors are trained to provide advice on a variety of topics from marketing strategies to the use of technological tools, from managing finances to reviewing
facility lease agreements. When necessary, SCORE’s extensive roster of mentors
can be mined to provide more intensive guidance for specialized issues or industries.
SCORE’s mentoring services are open to chamber members and non-members alike.
Sessions will be held at the chamber’s offices located at 109 19th Street in Montebello.
To book an appointment, please call (626) 593-1120 to reach SCORE’s East San
Gabriel Valley client service manager.
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George B. Pacheco and Gia L. Pacheco, Attorneys at Law
Family Law
Business
Real Estate
Wills & Trusts
Civil
Personal Injury
Workers’ Compensation
Bankruptcy
Landlord/Tenant
Criminal/DUI
(323) 726-1082
1453 West Beverly Boulevard
Montebello, California 90640
Hablamos Español
www.gbp4law.com
E-mail: [email protected]
April-May 2017
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
3
MEMBER NEWS
New Director of Marketing Joins Chamber Staff
At the end of February, the Montebello Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new
and playwriting from Cal Poly Pomona. Over the years,
staff member, Ani Minasian, who came on as the new Director of Marketing. Mishe has worked as a civic theatre publicist, educator, and
nasian brings to the position an eclectic background in entrepreneurship, marketing,
marketing consultant, and built a successful career as a
graphic design, and creative, business and journalistic writing. Raised in Montebello,
licensing specialist for film and television. In addition,
Minasian grew up working in her family’s business, Goldex Fine Jewelry on Whittier
she has launched several entrepreneurial ventures includBlvd., and owned and managed her own retail store, Cameo Bridal Accessories, also
ing an e-commerce website and freelance businesses. She
in Montebello. Both businesses were active Montebello Chamber members, convinchas garnered awards for her creative writing and has had
ing her of the value of
several articles published.
networking and promoIn her role as Director of Marketing, she will be respontion through the chamber.
sible for promoting chamber members through a variety of
Ani Minasian earned
channels, including social media, active networking, advertising opportunities, and
her bachelor’s degree
this publication, Spotlight on Montebello. As the chamber expands its services to
in Theatre Arts with an
its members in the near future, Minasian will play an active role in delivering those
opportunities for exposure to our membership.
emphasis in publicity
The annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion show
presented by the Montebello chapter of the Armenian
Relief Society is set to take place on Sunday, April 30,
at the elegant Friendly Hills Country Club located at
8500 South Villaverde Drive in Whittier. The event will
be preceded by a boutique and social hour beginning at
11:00 a.m. followed by the luncheon and fashion show
at 12:00 noon.
Scheduled just days before Mother’s Day, the event is
meant to honor mothers. The fashion show will feature
fashions by Terri Medina, owner of the popular boutique
in Whittier, Terry Medina’s Really Great Stuff.
The Armenian Relief Society is an international
nonprofit organization, and its local Nairy chapter has
provided charitable assistance to the Montebello community for almost 50 years.
Through fundraising activities such as this upcoming event, ARS Nairy has established and operated the
Award 2016:
award-winning Nairy preschool and day care center
5 Stars on all National Clinical Measures
in Montebello for 19 years and a successful Saturday
Award 2014:
school for 35 years; awarded scholarships to deserving
high school students and provided financial assistance to
Outstanding Diabetes Management
needy students wishing to attend Armenian Mesrobian
Award 2013:
School; provided relief and aid to Armenia, Artsakh,
Outstanding Diabetes Management
Syria and other war-torn countries; and sent children
Award 2010:
to summer camps.
Outstanding Diabetes Management
For more information or to purchase tickets priced
Award 2009:
at $75, contact Heghine at (323) 217-4445 or Pauline
Excellence in Diabetes Care
at (323) 516-9091. arswestusa.org
Fashion Show
to Fund Relief
4
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
April-May 2017
MEMBER NEWS
Ribbon
Cutting
at The
Montebello
Collection
The successful launch of a newly-developed residential community, The Montebello Collection, was
celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 2. The event was attended by city officials, city
council members, Montebello Chamber of Commerce staff, and employees of the developing company,
City Ventures Homebuilding LLC. Mayor Vivian Romero expressed her pride and excitement about
the progress and rejuvenation this development represents for the city’s future.
Located on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Greenwood Avenue, The Montebello Collection
includes 44 townhomes which feature two- and three-bedroom floorplans and are now selling from the
mid-$400,000s. Drawing inspiration from environmentally-friendly living, the Montebello Collection
offers a Green-Key lifestyle, which means all-electric townhomes, solar power and many features to
conserve energy.
In addition, every townhome includes Nest smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances and highefficiency lighting, making for an impressive array of “green” features. The townhomes are estimated
to be between 1,255 and 1,876 square feet.
The sales office and model home are located at 300 South Greenwood Avenue and is currently open
daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information or to tour the model home, visit the sales
office located at 300 South Greenwood Avenue in Montebello or call (323) 530-0151; www.MontebelloCollection.com.
NEW MEMBERS
BEVERLY URGENT CARE
AND INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
401 West Beverly Boulevard
Montebello, CA 90640
(855) 892-9115
(QNNQY7U
MONTEBELLO COLLECTION
315 Mission Road
Montebello, CA 90640
(323) 530-0151
livegreenmontebello.com
@MontebelloCham
@montebellochamber1912
livegreenmontebello.com
CHECK OUT THE MODEL HOME BEFORE IT SELLS!
April-May 2017
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
5
City of Montebello News
Spring Camp
Registration
Opens March 7
Montebello PD Revives
Neighborhood Watch Program
The Montebello Police Department’s newly formed Community Relations Unit,
affectionately known as the CRU has recently reinvigorated the Neighborhood Watch
Program. The CRU hosted its first Neighborhood Watch Seminar on Wednesday,
March 1, that was geared towards teaching residents how to start a program in their
neighborhood.
Officer Howard provided crime prevention tips and resources that are available to
residents to allow them to network and stay connected with one another as well as
share information with their neighbors. The goal of the neighborhood watch program
is to organize recognized neighborhoods throughout Montebello.
Once organized programs are established, it will be the job of the CRU to provide
the necessary training, information and crime prevention tips to ensure a successful
program for the residents of Montebello.
The Police Department will be hosting another Neighborhood Watch Seminar in
Spanish at Chet Holifield Park in the near future. If residents were unable to attend,
they can watch the replay on the Facebook Page and you can email Officer Scott
Howard at [email protected] for more information.
The City of Montebello’s annual
Spring Camp program will take place
the week of April 17-21. The campers
will experience a fun filled week of arts
and crafts, exciting indoor and outdoor
group games and activities, an offsite
field trip and end the week with a pizza
party and movie day!
Camp will be located at the Fremont
Elementary Extended Childcare Bungalow Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. and will accommodate children between the ages of 4–12. Cost for
this program is $90, plus a $25 registration fee for new participants.
Registration will take place at the Recreation and Community Services office
beginning on Tuesday, March 7, and
will continue until camp signups are full.
99 Cents
Only Opens
New Store
On March 2, 2017, 99 Cents Only Store
celebrated the grand opening of its new store
at 2809 Via Campo in Montebello. Several
hundred customers participated in the event,
waiting in a line that stretched out onto the
sidewalk outside the store.
The first nine customers purchased a 32inch flat screen TV for 99 cents, and the next
99 customers were given the opportunity to
purchase a scooter for only 99 cents.
The new store is larger in size than their
previous location in Montebello Plaza, with
an expanded selection including fresh produce, dairy and frozen foods.
Earth Day Fair
on April 22
On April 22, from 10:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m., the City of Montebello will
be hosting the “Think Green, Keep It
Clean” Earth Day Event which will be
held at Montebello City Park.
There will be family fun for everyone! Visit the green exhibitors, water
and energy conservation booths, earth
friendly arts and crafts for the children,
face painting, games, balloon animals,
side walk chalk area, live art demos from
local artist in the community, live music
and much more.
Be sure to bring your recyclables and
donate at out our recycling stations located at the event and receive recyclable
and reusable tote bags, T-shirts, and
other take home goodies.
The E-Waste collections will take
place in the south parking lot from 9:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to safely discard any unwanted
electronics. There will also be a healthy
eating demo area sponsored by the Hearts
of Compassion.
Montebello Bus Lines Expands Services /QPVGDGNNQ(KTG&GRV*QUVU5VCVKQP6QWTU
Montebello Bus Lines, the primary transportation service offered by the City
of Montebello’s Department of Transportation, has recently added seven new
CNG buses to its growing fleet which services 13 local cities, expanding from
Downtown Los Angeles to East Whittier.
Another recent development
is a new kiosk located at the
Shops at Montebello which
allows customers to access
bus schedules in “real time.”
This innovative, touch-screen
kiosk advises customers of
bus times, as well as events
occurring at the Shops at Montebello and within the City of
Montebello. Customers may also access this information online or on their
mobile devices using the newly-renovated transportation website, RideMBL.
com. The website allows users to plan trips and receive alerts for their preferred bus routes.
Serving the local community for 86 years now, Montebello Bus Lines (MBL)
is the third largest municipal bus system in Los Angeles County that transports
passengers in clean energy buses which are environmentally friendly.
In addition to serving its customers’ public transportation needs, MBL also
has forged a partnership with Dial-A-Taxi, which provides transportation at a
discounted rate to elderly and disabled residents of Montebello within the City
of Montebello for their personal needs.
When not out fighting fires, the brave firefighters of the Montebello Fire Department
engage in community relations. Each year, the Montebello Fire Department interacts with
many schools, youth leagues, and various organizations in the community.
Recently, the Montebello Fire Department hosted a station tour for 125 students from La Merced
Elementary School. The students were provided
a tour of the fire station and the opportunity to
view the fire engines and fire trucks. They were
educated in Stop, Drop, and Roll, on how to dial
911 and what to tell dispatchers, and on what to
discuss with their parents about planning for a fire
should one occur at their home.
The students and teachers were able to try
on the firefighters’
turnouts to see how
heavy they are. Fire
personnel also dressed in full protective equipment to show
the students what they would look like during an emergency.
As part of the fire department community outreach, following
the station tour, fire department personnel had the pleasure
of attending the “Read Across America” event at La Merced
Elementary, and to read to the second, third, and fourth grade
children.
To schedule a station tour, please contact the Montebello
Fire Department, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. at (323) 887-4510.
— Paid for by the City of Montebello —
6
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
April-May 2017
MEMBER NEWS
MPD Sgt. Julio Calleros and MFD
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Inspirational Ribbon Cutting at Beverly Urgent Care
It is not often that first responders and emergency
room doctors have the opportunity to be reunited with a
patient whose life they have saved. But then the ribbon
cutting and mixer event for the newly-opened Beverly
Urgent Care and Industrial Medicine center on February
23 was no ordinary event.
The event’s guest of honor was Sgt. Julio Calleros,
a 28-year veteran of the Montebello Police Department
who suffered a heart attack last autumn and whose life
was saved by the combined efforts of his fellow officers, paramedics and Cardiac Cath Lab specialists at
Beverly Hospital.
While chamber members, city officials and Beverly
Urgent Care staff gathered to celebrate the launch of the
new urgent care center, Calleros had the opportunity to
thank his saviors by presenting them each with medals
and shadowboxes assembled with items to honor their
professions.
Among the honorees were Battalion Chief Dan France
of the Montebello Fire Department; Beverly Hospital’s Medical Director of Cardiology, Dr. Peter Fung;
Beverly Hospital Emergency Room doctor, Dr. Raul
Lopez; and Kevin McClure of the Montebello Police
Department whose award was accepted by Corp. Maria
Chavez (Montebello PD’s new Community Relations
Officer) in his absence.
The inspiring evening also featured a presentation by
Dr. Fung about the hospital’s Stemi program, and Beverly Urgent Care medical and management principals—
Larry Calonzo, Nancy Dear and Ronald Baumgart-
ner—were presented with certificates and proclamations
from the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, City of
Montebello, and the offices of Congresswoman Linda
Sanchez and California Senator Tony Mendoza.
Attendees enjoyed catered food, festive music, tours
of the new facility and impressive health-related raffle
prizes such as Fitbit trackers and a bicycle. The evening
was concluded with the participation of Alice Cheng,
President and CEO of Beverly Hospital, in the symbolic
cutting of the ribbon.
The new urgent care center, which is in a partnership with Beverly Hospital, features 12 exam rooms
to provide walk-in care for non-life-threatening conditions and ailments, such as colds and flu, fevers, minor
cuts, injuries, and sprains that require prompt medical
attention.
Located at 401 West Beverly Boulevard, the center
will also be able to provide basic imaging, X-ray and
laboratory procedures, and care for work-place injuries
and industrial accidents as part of a comprehensive plan
to serve area employees and employers.
Three-Day Carnival at OLMM
School Starts April 28
The season for family festivals is picking up again and Our Lady of
Miraculous Medal Parish School will be the site of a three-day annual
Spring Carnival on April 28-30. This year will mark the event’s 40th year
providing family fun for the community while raising funds for the school.
This event’s profits will benefit the school’s technology program as well as
facility improvements.
Features of this year’s carnival are new rides, new games, a beer/wine
garden, and live entertainment, including a performance on Sunday evening
by a local favorite, The Wiseguys Big Band Machine. The school hall will
host bingo and loteria games, while spins of the Cake Wheel can reward
participants with home-baked goods. Raffle tickets will be sold and every
hour, winners will have the opportunity to go home with prizes ranging from
cash prizes up to $3,000 or gifts from local businesses, including gift cards,
movie passes or tickets to special events.
Businesses and individual sponsors are invited to support this event by
donating a raffle item, hosting a vendor booth, or advertising at the carnival.
For more information, visit the school website at olmmschool.com.
April-May 2017
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
MEMBER PROFILE
Hearing for Life
By Christopher Medina, Hearing Aid Specialist
The sounds of life form part of our day-to-day experience.
When we hear children laughing, birds chirping or a song
on the radio we love, we are using our auditory sense and
connecting with the world around us. With age and different types of illnesses, our hearing starts to diminish and we
start losing contact with the sounds that matter.
Having a hearing check is not something many people
Christopher Medina,
prioritize. However, it is important and recommended to
hearing aid specialist
check your hearing once a year as loud noises, diabetes, high
blood pressure, vertigo (dizziness), and ringing in the ear may cause hearing loss.
A few indications that you may be losing your hearing include asking others to
constantly repeat themselves, raising the volume more than usual when watching TV,
and trouble understanding conversations while there is simultaneous noise.
Virtue Hearing Aid Center conducts free hearing screenings at their offices in
Montebello and Lynwood and works with the latest in hearing aid technology. They
offer a 30-day risk free hearing aid trial to allow for a real-world test of hearing aids
at home and in regular, daily life.
For more information or to schedule a free hearing screening, please call (213)
909-7382.
La Costa Restaurant ‘Cash-Mobbed’
by Montebello Chamber Members
Montebello Chamber members massed at La Costa Restaurant on February 3 for
a Cash Mob event, bringing their appetites and their support to the family-owned
restaurant for a prix fixe luncheon.
Attendees were served a four-course meal along with an explanation of each recipe’s
origin by members of the
Arenas family—Armando
and sister Maribel.
The culinary experience
was topped off with dual
desserts of pistachio ice
cream and flan.
La Costa Restaurant
is located at 854 North
Garfield Avenue in Montebello; (323) 728-7492;
lacostarestaurant.com.
Cinco
de Mayo
Happy
Hour Party
with $4 house
margaritas
4–7 p.m.
Live music
starts at 8 p.m.
Make your Mother’s Day reservations now.
Open Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
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8
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
April-May 2017
MEMBER NEWS
AV RATED IN MARTINDALE-HUBBELL
JOHN P. PRINGLE,
PARTNER
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Ribbon Cutting Welcomes
Dr. Veronica Obregon
On February 2, the local community and civic leaders gathered over lunchtime
food and refreshments to welcome and congratulate Dr. Veronica Obregon as she
launched her therapeutic practice, Obregon Psychological & Educational Services at
215 W. Pomona Blvd., Suite 210, in Monterey Park.
Among the attendees were Montebello Mayor Vivian Romero, Christina Asadourian
from the office of Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (58th District), Griselda Ortiz
from the office of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, staff and fellow members of the
Montebello Chamber of Commerce, and Officer Scott Howard and Corp. Maria
Chavez from the Montebello Police Department’s new Community Relations Unit.
In a heartwarming gesture, Obregon’s family from Mexico and dearest friend from
New York traveled long distances to participate in the event.
Dr. Veronica Obregon is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who has
earned graduate degrees from UCLA and USC, including a doctorate degree in educational leadership with a concentration in educational psychology. She specializes
in treating women’s issues, depression and parenting issues. She also treats patients
coping with anxiety, chronic illness, grief, domestic violence, and career and life
transitions. For more information about Dr. Obregon’s practice or services, please
contact (323) 633-0585.
Discounts
We are a debt relief agency.
We help people file for bankruptcy
relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
TELEPHONE: 323-724-3117
6055 E. WASHINGTON BLVD., SUITE 500
LOS ANGELES, CA 90040-2466
rpmlaw.com
MUSD Pathways
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!!!!
www.montebello.k12.ca.us/pathways
(323) 887-7900 ext. 6161
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER
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APPLIED SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
‡ACE – Architecture Construction Engineering
‡CHEF – Culinary Hospitality Educational Fundamentals
‡Health Sciences and Medical Technology
‡PALS – Public and Legal Services
SCHURR HIGH
‡Global Business and Logistics
‡Engineering and Design
MONTEBELLO HIGH
‡CATS – Creative Arts Technology
‡DRIVEN – Transportation Technology
BELL GARDENS HIGH
‡GREEN – Environmental Science/Engineering
‡iCARE – Child Development, Social Sciences and Psychology
‡CHOP – Culinary/Hospitality
DID YOU KNOW?
‡Pathways provides rigorous
academics that satisfy the
course requirements for entry into
California Community Colleges
and universities.
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technical education that
emphasizes the practical use of
academic learning and prepares
youth for high-skill, high-wage
employment.
‡Pathways provides work-based
learning that allows students to
learn through meaningful workbased experiences including
internships and school-based
enterprises.
‡Pathways provides
comprehensive support
services that help students
master the advanced academic
and technical content necessary
for success in and outside of
sc
chool.
school.
April-May 2017
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
MEMBER PROFILE
Golden Skewer Serving Up Quality
It was a fateful visit to the
Social Security Administration 13 years ago for their
son’s social security card
that brought Greg and Karine
Hovanesian, owners of Golden Skewer restaurant, face to
face with their future—a vacant space within the office’s
shopping center that would
later come to house their
restaurant and banquet hall.
Now over a decade later,
they are an institution in this
community, serving up Armenian, Russian and Middle Eastern delicacies in a warm,
welcoming environment where all diners are treated like family. The family-run
restaurant cooks up all their menu items from scratch using fresh ingredients—never
pre-manufactured, never microwaved.
The highlight of the business is its beautifully-appointed banquet facility which
seats up to 150 guests and is continually booked throughout the week for everything
from weddings and baptisms to fundraising events and memorial dinners. In fact,
the entire restaurant received a complete facelift about a year ago, complete with
contemporary crystal light fixtures and a waiting area featuring an elegant fireplace
which has become a favorite backdrop for diners’ photos.
While locals are drawn here by the food and facilities, what diners do not know is
that the meticulous attention the owners give to the preparation of their food is also
lavished on cleanliness and safety. From frequently sanitizing menus to cleaning
crevices with a toothbrush, the restaurant owners adhere to strict cleaning protocols.
What is the most rewarding part of their business? “We love it when customers
acknowledge our food saying ‘this reminds me of my mom’s pilaf’ or ‘my grandmother’s dolma,’” recalls Karine. “It’s the highest compliment we can receive. It
inspires us to maintain our high standards, to never serve anything unless we would
serve it proudly to our own family.”
Golden Skewer Restaurant is located at 2212 W. Beverly Blvd. in Montebello, open
Tuesday-Sunday; (323) 727-2952.
Tri-Chamber Event
Triples Networking
Opportunities
A Montebello Chamber of Commerce networking
event is always a great opportunity to mix and mingle
with fellow Chamber members, to build partnerships,
find new clients and obtain leads for your business.
So when THREE Chambers of Commerce join
forces to organize an event and bring together their
membership in one place, the opportunities for networking are increased exponentially.
That was the source of the electricity that crackled throughout the elegant banquet room of the luxurious Bicycle Club Hotel and Casino in Bell Gardens for the
Networking Breakfast 3.0 held on March 8 when the Commerce Industrial Council
came together with the Montebello and Bell Gardens Chambers of Commerce for an
upbeat morning of mingling and relationship-building.
In conjunction with a St. Patrick’s Day
theme, attendees who wore green, who
brought guests or who registered early were
entitled to additional entries into the day’s
raffles which reaped valuable prizes for the
winning tickets, including a complimentary
stay at the hotel.
The room buzzed as attendees partook of a
generous buffet and met new acquaintances
over breakfast. A staff member from each
chamber then introduced the members of
their respective boards of directors and
Ambassadors who were in attendance and
shared information on upcoming events.
The management staff of The Bicycle
Club Hotel and Casino was acknowledged
with a certificate from the Bell Gardens Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Salazar, executive director of the Bell Gardens Chamber of Commerce, and
Francine Ayala, ambassador chair for the Commerce Industrial Council, delivered a
presentation on how to build an effective network including developing an “elevator
pitch” and identifying Power Partners.
A few attendees then offered testimonials about how their membership and participation in a chamber of commerce had contributed to their success in business.
At the invitation of the property’s management, after the event concluded, small
groups of attendees toured the hotel rooms and facilities. But all left invigorated by
the quality of connections they made that morning and inspired to continue to actively
build their professional and personal networks.
The Montebello Chamber’s next networking breakfast is scheduled for May 10, so
mark your calendars and come prepared to trade your business cards!
Newly Remodeled
Restaurant and Banquet Hall
Lunch & Dinner
Shish Kebab
Steaks
Chops
BOOK YOUR
PARTY
WITH US!
WEDDINGS
BIRTHDAYS
SHOWER PARTIES
BUSINESS MEETINGS
BAPTISMS
ANNIVERSARIES
QUINCEAÑERAS
CATERING
AVAILABLE
(323) 727-2952
2212 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello CA 90640
www.goldenskewer.com
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Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
April-May 2017
CHAMBER NEWS
2017 Business Expo: ‘Building Business Beyond Tomorrow’
The Chamber is proud to be able to
promote the business community through
our annual Business Expo. It not only
provides networking opportunities for
our participating members, but also
helps build a strong local economy. This
dynamic event will be held on Saturday,
April 29, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
at The Shops at Montebello, and is
sponsored by Southern California Edison, Guerra Gutierrez Mortuaries, Beverly Hospital, UNIFY Financial Credit
Union, and The Shops at Montebello.
It has become the largest of its kind in
the area and it is attended by hundreds of
businesses and residents in Montebello
and surrounding areas, offering the opportunity of many new prospects for
business and consumers.
The Expo features more than 50 ex-
hibitors including healthcare facilities,
banks schools, pet groomers, and law
offices to name a few. This event sells
out every year and is a great marketing
event for local businesses. It is also a
very effective way to showcase your
products and services to hundreds of
potential customers. For information
or reservations, contact Jacqueline
Derimow at (323) 721-1153 or email
[email protected] or
visit montebellochamber.org. Space is
on a first-come, first-served basis, so
get your reservation in today!
Denise Campos of SoCalGas
Joins Chamber Board
The Board of Directors of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce is honored to welcome Denise Campos of Southern
California Gas Company (SoCalGas) as a new board member.
Ms. Campos serves as the Public Affairs Manager for the
Greater Los Angeles area, covering 12 cities in the Southeast
Los Angeles region, including Montebello. SoCalGas is the
nation’s largest natural gas distribution company, serving 21.1
million customers across 12 counties.
Most recently, Campos was charged with creating and managing the SoCalGas Community Resource Center in Porter Ranch, following the Aliso
Canyon gas leak. She handled all aspects of office operations including oversight of
over 50 staff, where critical resources were provided for over 25,000 residents from
December 2015 to March 2016. Campos serves on the California State Architect’s
Board and on the El Pueblo Historic Monument Authority Commission.
Campos is a graduate of the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)
Leadership Institute, Southern California Leadership Network’s Leadership LA, and
Environmental Leadership Academy at Cal State San Marcos Temecula campus.
Campos is on the boards of the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, Boyle Heights
Chamber of Commerce, and now, Montebello Chamber of Commerce.
Denise Campos is passionate about building relationships within her region and
bringing resources to the local community, while serving as a conduit for open communication between the public and SoCalGas.
Funeraria del Angel Announces New Management Team
Funeraria del Angel began as Moritz Funeral Home and has been serving the city
of Montebello for over 70 years. We are proud of our rich history of service to
Montebello and surrounding cities. We serve families, locally and throughout LA
County, the Inland Empire and beyond. We are grateful to each family has placed
their trust in us and in our compassionate and caring staff.
Mr. Alfredo Sandoval, throughout his 30 years of service in his profession, was
instrumental in delivering this service with excellence. Being able to assist everyone
who walked through our doors in their time of need, with a commitment he lived
up to up until his passing on June 30, 2010. We are fortunate however to have
Kevin Sandoval, Alfredo’s son, to carry on his legacy of commitment to excellent
service for everyone who comes through our doors.
Kevin’s commitment comes from his admiration of his father as a true professional. Realizing the significance of his father’s career while having vague ideas
of what he wanted to do, Kevin began to understand the vast role his father played
in the community. Kevin began his career as a Funeral Arranger, later becoming a
licensed Funeral Director, and now he has been given the opportunity to step into
his father’s role—Kevin was recently promoted to location manager of Funeraria
del Angel, Montebello.
In Kevin’s words, “The day my father passed away, he not only left behind a loving family but also an extraordinary legacy of caring and serving everyone who
stepped through our doors with dignity and respect. I was filled with such great
admiration. I knew I could not just sit and let it be forgotten. I decided to take the
initiative of choosing the same route, and now I am grateful for the opportunity to
serve the community he so lovingly served.”
323-728-2133
No two of us are alike.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE
SHOULD REFLECT THAT.
Rely on your Funeraria del Angel® provider to capture the
essence of a person’s life in a single ceremony.
FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL
MONTEBELLO
FD-373
323-728-2133
FunerariaDelAngel.com
Members of the DIGNITY
Your Guardian Angel Serving
Those Whom Have Guarded Us.
MEMORIAL® network
FD-373
April-May 2017
Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
MEMBER NEWS
Armenian
Mesrobian
School Hosts
Open House
On Saturday, March 11, Armenian Mesrobian School hosted an open house on its
campus to familiarize the local community
with its facilities and programs. The school,
which is located at 8420 Beverly Road in Pico Rivera, educates students in grades ranging from preschool
through high school, aged two years and up.
Prospective parents and students enjoyed a petting zoo, face painting, games, and activities as they explored
Mesrobian’s Ron and Goharik Gabriel Preschool with its own dedicated playground. A student art exhibit and
live vocal performances took place throughout the morning, and classrooms were opened to the public with
students’ work on display, some projecting a slideshow of photos taken throughout the school year on the walls.
Winners of the school’s annual science fair were announced, and presented with certificates. All the
students’ science exhibits were on display in the school hall, showcasing a wide range of experiments that
involved everything from Tesla coils to cleaning products. The exhibits were a result of the school’s STEAMcentered activities (STEAM stands for a curriculum emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art,
and Mathematics.)
Established in 1965, Armenian Mesrobian School
is fully accredited by the Western Association of
Schools and Colleges and the high school curriculum
is certified by the University of California.
The school provides transportation to its students
from the Pasadena/Greater San Gabriel Valley,
Glendale and Orange County areas.
The school’s campus encompasses the Ron and
Goharik Gabriel Preschool (which serves students
2-5 years old), elementary, middle school and a college preparatory high school—an especially convenient feature for parents who have children of diverse ages.
Armenian Mesrobian School offers an intimate learning environment which provides students the opportunity
to receive the attention and nurturing they need in order to be successful in school and in life.
Mesrobian’s Alumni Network and Mentorship Program connect students with over five decades of alumni
who have distinguished themselves in a diverse array of fields including education, science, business, medicine,
music, law, dentistry, chiropractic, politics, art, marketing, engineering, veterinary medicine, and psychology.
If you are interested in scheduling a campus visit or enrolling your child, please contact the school at (562)
699-2057 or (323) 723-3181 or email [email protected].
800-810-0272
1460 S. Greenwood Ave. Montebello CA 90640
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Spotlight on Montebello – montebellochamber.org
April-May 2017
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