THE LATEST IN CARSON

• Swine Flu Cases in the U.S. on the Rise
  
  A new variation of the influenza virus known as swine flu (H1N1) has infected nearly a hundred people in the U.S.. According to Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health and Health Officer for the County of Los Angeles, there are no confirmed cases of this new strain in Los Angeles County, but it is expected that this type of flu will spread.
  
  Fielding said that in the U.S., the good news so far is that those with this virus have had only mild or moderate symptoms. However, in Mexico, preliminary data suggests this may cause a more severe pattern of infection.
  
  “We do not suggest any changes in what you would normally do to avoid either getting sick yourself or passing illness to others: if you are sick, stay home; if your child is sick, do not send him or her to school; cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom; and do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands,” he said.
  
  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is on alert, and surveillance has been activated surveillance to identify cases of this strain that may surface in LA County. The agency is also working with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on control measures.
  
  For more information, please refer to the fact sheets and links below.
  
  
  SWINE FLU PREVENTION TIPS

  	Wash your hands often. This will help protect you and others against germs. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wash or gel sanitizers.
  	When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
  	Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  	If you are sick, stay home and away from other people as much as possible, to protect them from getting sick as well; get plenty of rest and check with your doctor.
  	Get an annual flu shot.

  
  
  
  SWINE FLU - TIPS AND FAQS

  Frequently asked questions about Swine Flu (English) Frequently asked questions about Swine Flu (Spanish) Wash your hands! - Protect yourself against the flu. Cover your Cough! - Stop the spread of germs that makes you and others sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates World Health Organization (WHO) Updates

• Residents Advised to Take Precautions Against West Nile Virus
  
  A mosquito trapped on April 15 in the Sepulveda Boulevard and Figueroa Street area in Carson has tested positive for West Nile Virus. In light of this news, residents are advised to take the following tips to protect themselves and their families.
  
  
  
  
  • Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
  • Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when engaging in outdoor activities during these hours
  • Apply approved insect repellants containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picardin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home
  • Eliminate all sources of standing water around your home and property and properly maintain ornamental ponds, pools and spas
  • Request FREE mosquito fish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas and ponds to control mosquito breeding
  • Contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 to report any significant mosquito problems in your neighborhood. The District strongly encourages you to report any mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes and abandoned swimming pools in your neighborhood
  
  The public is encouraged to report dead birds to help with West Nile virus surveillance and control efforts, as birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading the virus. The California Department of Public Health’s toll free hotline is 877-WNV-BIRD or visit online at www.westnile.ca.gov

• When to Call 911
  
  The Los Angeles County Fire Department is asking the public not to abuse the 911 emergency system, as it is only for emergencies. Use your phonebook or call 411 to find a non-emergency business number, and if possible, use a landline instead of a cell phone when calling 911.
  
  The Fire Department defines an emergency situation where the safety of people or property is at risk. This situation may include fire, chest pain, trouble breathing, excessive bleeding, loss of consciousness or seizures.
  
  It is not an emergency when the situation is not dangerous and immediate action is not necessary. Children should also be taught that the emergency 911 number is for emergencies only.
  
  If you accidentally dial 911, do not hang up! Stay on the line and tell the 911 operator that you dialed accidentally. If you dial then hang-up, the 911 operator will trace your call to determine if you have an actual emergency. This process takes away time that could be used in handling true emergencies.
  
  Remember that abuse of 911 may delay someone else’s access to emergency assistance and abusers may be prosecuted.

• City’s Website Outlines Steps to Start a Business
  
  If starting a business is in your plans, check out the City of Carson’s website, where you can find a wealth of information and local, state and federal assistance, and best-of-the-web resources to start and grow a business.
  To access the information on starting a business, click on http://carson.toolsforbusiness.info and on the tools homepage, look for the “just starting out” button and access the 10 tools for new businesses. The website’s highlights include:
  
  
  • Preparing a Business Plan: This is the most important step in starting a business. On the City’s Tools for Business website, you will find a link to a free Business Plan Workbook, which will take you step-by-step through all the elements of a business plan. This workbook is provided courtesy of MasterCard.
  • Predicting Cash Flow: You will find a cash flow calculator where you can see how offering customer credit, purchasing inventory, and changing pricing will affect your cash flow. There are also other free financial calculators provided by the James J. Hill Library.
  • Legal Requirements: Once you have decided that your business can make a profit, you are ready to legally form your business. The website includes an entity wizard tool to help you decide whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability, or corporation is best for you. Once you have decided, you will find a Business Start-up Kit with all the forms you need to create that business entity.
     
  If you need some help with marketing, you can also choose one of several free marketing courses designed by the Famee Foundation for busy entrepreneurs. There is a 31-day Marketing Primer for Start-ups, in which you will receive a daily e-mail for 31 days with marketing assistance. There is also a 14-day course to develop a Marketing Plan and a 26-week Implementation Program for in-depth help.
  
  The website also offers a variety of online classes and a bookstore.
  If you need personal assistance with any of these steps, the website also has a link to free counseling from the Small Business Development Center and SCORE counselors, along with a live chat to help you find resources for your business.
  
    
  For more information, please contact Denise Marrufo at the City of Carson Business Development Department at (310) 233-4824 or via e-mail at dmarrufo@carson.ca.us
   

UPCOMING  CITY  EVENTS / SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

• FORECLOSURE CRISIS WORKSHOP
  4/30/2009
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• CINCO DE MAYO
  5/3/2009
  [ Flyer ]
• NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
  5/7/2009
  [ Flyer ]
• YOUTH CONFERENCE
  5/23/2009
  [ Flyer ]

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