Posted by Gurdip Hari on Apr 19, 2018

 At the April 19, meeting, Rotary members in attendance and guests heard a presentation from Rotary member and previous club president, Ramon Rodriguez. 

Before the presentation,   it was mentioned again that there is a planned Town Hall Event organized by the Century Sheriff's Station on Thursday, April 19, at 6:00 pm.  “Come join Captain Carter, Deputy Personnel and your neighbors in a Community Town Hall Meeting.  Location is Greater Emmanuel Temple, 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood.  It was stated that Daniel and Rotary Club President Elect Barbara Battle will attend the event and Daniel encouraged other Rotary members to also attend.

Club Treasurer, Martina Rodriguez said she received a call from Tila Millan, asking for club members to attend a Youth act event on Friday, Apr 27, at Roosevelt  ES. The event is called  “The Day of the Child”.  It will be from 5pm to 8pm and there will be food and also the movie Coco will be shown.

Rotary guest talked about apparently a non-Rotary event.  Her name is Laura Ramirez and she said she is a parent of students at Cesar Chavez MS.  She said she is involved in an event at this MS on Wed, May 23 at the parent’s center from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.  She said there are 16 needy families.  She requested gift certificates, and Rotary members Ramon and Larry Esparza, each volunteered to fund 8 certificates for a total 16 gifts.

Rotary member Gudiel Crosthwaite and LUSD Superintendent mentioned that the next day, Fri, Apr 20, in the morning he will be involved, along with all other school staff in a planned national day of student organized rallies concerning current events.  At the LHS and FHS at 10am, LUSD will permit students to organize themselves outside the schools.  It will be a learning experience.  LASD staff will be deployed, to ensure safe conditions. 

The speaker, Ramon Rodriguez, talked about his life experiences and his experience in business.  He started by explaining that he was born in Mexico, in Zacatecas (the same place, he noted, as Martina.)  In elementary school years, he moved to the US.  He attended classes at Cerritos College and along the way, married his wife, Lupe, and is the proud parent of 3 sons and 1 daughter.    His business experience involved sales.  In 1986, he decided to own his own business in the hardware industry.  To be competitive, with the large hardware chain stores, he noted that providing expert customer service is a way to be successful.  His hardware store has strong areas in plumbing, electrical and painting, among other products and how to information.    His store currently has 5 employees, but in the past he had 11 employees.  Ramon noted with pride that he always was able to meet his payroll!    He noted the importance of maintaining good paper work to pay all taxes due, noting an incident with a state audit.    Concerning business finances, he noted recently he considered purchasing the building on Atlantic Ave. where is hardware store is located, but decided against it.

One of the questions asked from the attendees, was from Daniel, as to whether an active chamber of commerce would be helpful.  Ramon answered that while it does not exist now, that it could be helpful in promoting businesses within the City of Lynwood.

 Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra

Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club