Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paramount public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues
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.
20-MPH School Zones
Ordinance 1221 would drop speed limits to 20 mph when children are present on fifteen two-lane streets near schools across Paramount — Lincoln, Wirtz, Tanner, Los Cerritos, Keppel, Roosevelt, Jackson, Gaines, Paramount High and others. Limits take effect when new signs are installed.
Proposition 1 Endorsement
The council was asked to formally back Proposition 1, a $11.25 billion state bond for veterans and affordable housing on the November 3 ballot, including $1.25 billion for veteran housing.
ADU/JADU Regulation Update (Text Amendment No. 44)
Ordinance 1220 rewrites the city's accessory dwelling unit rules to comply with state law, covering design matching, separate entrances, height allowances near transit, and a declaration that ADUs don't count against residential growth limits. It could make it easier for homeowners to add backyard homes.
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.
Street Resurfacing and Civic Center Project Closeouts
The council was scheduled to formally accept completed work on the 2025 arterial street resurfacing project and the Civic Center Fountain, releasing the final retention payments to Onyx Paving and ARC Construction.
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.
Safe routes to school and neighborhood flooding
Mayor Olmos acknowledged recent robberies at and around Paramount High School and said the city is working with the Sheriff's Department and School District on safety.
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.
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.
Paramount Gateway tenant-mix agreement
The city will reimburse the Paramount Square developer up to $400,000 for street improvements, but in exchange Sprouts must stay as the anchor for ten years and the city gets approval rights over replacement tenants. If Sprouts closes for six months, the developer repays the money with interest.
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.