Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paramount public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
22 issues with medium priority
Mr. J's Bar Live Entertainment Expansion Consideration
Mr. J's Bar at 7824 Alondra Boulevard asked to add DJs and live bands to its karaoke-only permit, running Thursdays through Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The city's six-month review found zero incidents, and the council was set to weigh neighborhood noise and safety concerns.
Mobile Home MOU and Ordinance Update
Staff was set to give an oral update on negotiations and ordinance work affecting mobile home park residents and owners — a matter with direct rent and residency implications.
Bus shelter expansion at high-ridership stops
The city planned to spend up to $64,300 with Studio One Eleven for preliminary designs of alternate bus shelters, funded from Proposition A transit money.
Code enforcement caseload surge
Code enforcement cases are up about 55% since before COVID — over 1,100 a year — and officers are carrying double the old caseloads. Staff credits the city's easy online reporting tools and keeps an education-first approach.
Historic preservation and oral history project
The council got a look at the finished 1970-1999 historic context statement and an overview of historic preservation ordinances, and agreed to keep moving toward a possible local ordinance with incentives like Mills Act property tax relief.
Ballistic shields for sheriff's deputies
Using a federal grant plus a little general fund money, the city is buying three upgraded Vanguard Tri-Grip ballistic shields to protect deputies and bystanders during active shooter incidents. The sworn division itself requested the upgrade.
I-105 Express Lanes Construction Impacts
Freeway construction is starting in Paramount's segment of the I-105 Express Lanes project — retaining walls, new pavement and overnight lane closures through 2029. Residents near Somerset can call a project noise line.
Federal Housing and Community Development Results (CAPER)
The city's annual report to HUD showed strong results: alley improvements served 39,000+ residents over five years, the senior program beat its goal, and fair housing services exceeded targets — and the council signed off on sending it to the feds.
Emergency HVAC Repairs at City Facilities
The gym at Paramount Park and City Hall needed emergency HVAC work, costing about $179,000 pulled from the equipment replacement fund. Expect better climate control at those buildings.
Flock Surveillance Cameras Concerns
Three residents emailed the council expressing concerns about the city's Flock camera program. The comments were distributed to the council but not discussed in detail on the record.
Santa Train Stop Relocation to Orange Avenue
Staff recommended moving the popular Santa train stop from Murray Street to 15328 Orange Avenue, cutting the number of affected homes from 159 to 74 and keeping a lane open for emergency vehicles. The council agreed to try it for the upcoming holiday season.
Homelessness Services Funding via Home-ARP
The city renewed its $150,000 contract with Family Promise of Los Angeles to deliver homelessness services in FY 2026-27 using federal Home-ARP money.
Illegal Fireworks Enforcement — Fourth of July After-Action
This Fourth of July saw 49 illegal fireworks calls, 117 citations, and about 3,300 pounds of fireworks seized, with undercover sheriff operations arresting 49 sellers. Calls were up slightly from last year but below 2023-24 levels.
Delinquent Refuse Collection Charges Placed on Tax Roll
257 households and properties with unpaid 2025 trash bills will have those balances added to their county property tax bills after July 31. Owners got up to six notices and can still pay before the deadline.
2025 Urban Water Management Plan Postponed
The state-required five-year water plan was adopted — and Paramount hit its conservation target, using 89 gallons per person per day against a 114-gallon limit, which strengthens its shot at state water grants.
New Teamsters contracts with pay raises
City Public Works and Public Safety employees get 4%, 4% and 5% raises over three years, plus certification pay, better vacation and sick-leave benefits, and free summer camp for employees' kids. Funding was already in the adopted budget.
Zoom public participation at council meetings
Starting July 14, residents can watch and speak at council meetings over Zoom — cameras off, hands raised to speak. If the feed goes down, the council must recess for at least an hour under the new state law.
World Energy/AltAir community benefits spending
The council put off approving the Year Four spending plan for the World Energy/AltAir community benefits money so the city and company can negotiate further — a decision expected June 23.
SELA Cultural Center progress
A ten-acre arts and cultural center near the LA River in South Gate is moving toward an operations plan in early 2027 and a possible 2028 opening, with community input sessions ongoing.
Paramount Education Partnership Scholarships
PEP gave 59 scholarships worth $189,000 this year — 714 total and $2.2 million since 2004 — funded by local businesses, the school district, and donors. Two students also won Gates Scholarships, which pay for a full four-year education.
CDBG/HOME Federal Grant Spending
The city is redirecting about $77,600 from its senior enrichment program to a new Paramount Shelter Bed Program under its federal grant plan, plus rolling over leftover home improvement money.
SB 1 Street Paving Program
About $1.4 million in state gas-tax money is headed for local streets: Colorado Avenue from Somerset to Alondra gets repaved this year with the 2025-26 funds, and Orange and Century follow next fiscal year.