Commerce Connection Special Edition

CcAampCMomamteLrPce aCkOe AMMrroEwRheCadE

• Enjoy the serenity and majesty
of the San Bernardino
Mountains.

• Camp Commerce is fully
staffed and perfect for
a weekend getaway.

• Camp activities
include fishing,
horseback riding,
hiking trails, sports,
skiing and snow
boarding in the
winter, and so
much more.

TO BOOK A TRIP CALL
Parks and Recreation Department
at (323) 887-4434.

2 Connection

KEEPING YOU C NNECTED
This second special edition of the award- wanted city pride to our residents.
winning Commerce Connection However, the one thing about Commerce
highlights all the special programs,
that makes it unlike anywhere else is the

events, businesses, and people that make people. Every day, our residents work hard

the City of Commerce so special. and do extraordinary things: raising families,

Our world class services are second to working rewarding careers, and so much

none, making more. Our busi-

Commerce known nesses bring

throughout the region consumers, tourists,

as the Model City. For and much needed

58 years, Commerce tax dollars,

has become a guaranteeing that our

shining example of a world class programs

community that are fully funded, that

addresses the needs our children are

of its residents, given the opportunity

businesses and to succeed.

visitors. Commerce is the

The Commerce Model City because

Public Library System we have the

and Parks and resources of a big

Recreation city with the

Department provide atmosphere of a

programs and events small town.

at minimal to no cost In order to help

while Public Safety shape the future and

CITY COUNCIL and Community better serve our
Hugo A. Argumedo, Mayor
John Soria, Mayor Pro Tem Services Department community, we need
Ivan Altamirano, Councilmember
Leonard Mendoza, Councilmember take care of safety your input! Everyone
Oralia Y. Rebollo, Councilmember
and well-being of is invited to
EDITOR
Lena Shumway everyone in the participate at council

STAFF WRITERS AND community. The City or commission meet-
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Daniel Larios is the only municipality in the United States ings, attend events, take part in our city pro-
Marie Hovik
to offer free public transportation throughout grams, or even volunteer your time.
GRAPHIC DESIGN LAYOUT
& ILLUSTRATOR the City and to Downtown LA. As for the When people come together as a
Anthony Aguilar
infrastructure and beatification, the City has community, they can make things happen,
To submit a story idea for publishing
consideration, please call the made great strides by improving our surface and the City of Commerce is where great
Public Information Office
at 323-887-4453 or streets and transportation infrastructure, things happen.

email [email protected] beautifying our streets and bringing much
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
or visit us online at ci.commerce.ca.us

Connection 3

The Castle
on the 5 Freeway

Agrand Assyrian Castle has stood in East Los Angeles for nearly 90 years, surviving
the Great Depression, multiple earthquakes, the Cold War and a lifetime of wear
and tear. Throughout the years, the Castle has served many uses: a tire factory, a
television shooting site, and ultimately Los Angeles’ first factory outlet center. But for
the residents of the City of Commerce, the Citadel Castle is a monument to the spirit and
potential of the community.

The story of Commerce’s most recognizable Six years later, the Trammell Crow Company
monument begins in 1918 with businessman Adolph signed a long-term ground lease with the City to
Schleicher, who made plans for a new tire factory in redevelop the site into a $118 million, 742,000
East Los Angeles, one that would become the largest square foot mixed-use project, which included a
manufacturing facility on the West Coast. The plant factory outlet retail center, five office buildings, a
was modeled after a 7th Century B.C. ancient Assyrian food court and a 201-room hotel. On November 23,
palace, which included a 1,350-foot-long concrete wall 1990, The Citadel opened its doors to more than
decorated with griffins and Babylonian princes carved 19,000 shoppers, with merchandise priced 30% to
into the stone. The plant cost $8 million and was 70% below retail.
designed by architects Morgan, Walls and Clements,
the same firm that designed the El Capitan and Mayan When Trammell Crow Co. defaulted on its ground
Theatres in the 1920’s. lease with the city in 1998, Commerce officials took
back the center and began marketing it to firms that
In January 1931, the US Tire and Rubber Company would double its retail size and make it competitive
(later Uniroyal Tire) purchased and took over the with newer outlet malls in Southern California. Craig
facility and operated the plant until they closed in the Realty bought the Citadel Factory Stores from the
1970’s. For the next several years, the plant changed City of Commerce for $50 million in July 2002 and
ownership as its future use was debated. In 1982, the transformed it into the world’s leading outlet center.
California State Historical Resources Commission The Citadel Outlets has more than 145 brand name
approved the site nomination to the National Register stores that offer 30 to 70 % off retail, including
of Historic Places. To prevent a potential demolition of Armani, Calvin Klein, Coach, Guess, H&M, Hugo
the landmark building, the City of Commerce Boss, Michael Kors, and many others. Because of
purchased the property for $14 million in 1983. the wide selection of high end merchandise at

4 Connection

affordable prices, it’s no wonder the Citadel Outlets While the Citadel has made tremendous advances through-
brings in millions of visitors every year from all over the out the years, the one constant throughout all this is the
world, producing approximately $590 million in sales last historical landmark Castle that greets the Citadel’s visitors
year, and generating approximately $9 million in tax every day, treating all who pass through like royalty.
revenue for the City,
Connection 5
Although the Citadel is already a central economic and
cultural hub and exciting shopping and dining destina-
tion, with each development project, it gets better and
better. The area is in the process of undergoing an
ambitious expansion which will add up to 234,941 square
feet of new retail space, three new hotels, nine new
restaurants, two parking structures, and even a 150,000
square foot, three-level entertainment/movie complex.
Not only will this new proposed development enrich the
area by offering more choices to consumers, it will add
jobs and provide a source of sales tax revenue. The City
is excited about this upcoming expansion project that will
serve to affirm the Citadel reputation as the biggest and
best retail outlet in Southern California!

CommerceDoing Business in
goes into establishing world class 605 freeways,” she said. “We would
Whether services and programs that benefit highly recommend Commerce as an ideal
you shop residents. business location for its central location
and dine in and ease of doing business with the City.”
the City or own a What’s more, the City’s prime location
business here, the City makes it an ideal place for businesses Commerce is home to more than 150
of Commerce is the place to be. and tourism. Costco Business Center stores, 70 restaurants and hundreds of
Located in between the I-5 Freeway to Marketing Manager Angela Sandoval other industries. So many options means
downtown LA and the I-710 to the Port of there is something for everyone. Even
Long Beach, the City of Commerce is a touts the City’s accessibility as one of the though Commerce is just 6.6 square
major economic hub within Los Angeles best advantages for the Commerce store. miles, it is truly a shopper’s paradise. The
County. From industries ranging from Commerce Shopping Center, Citadel
manufacturing to retail, Commerce is “The City of Commerce is located in the Outlets and restaurants such as El Taco
home to over 1,800 different businesses heart of Los Angeles County so our Buchon, The Mediterranean Kitchen, Il
employing over 50,000 people, which warehouse is close to the main thorough- Saggio, Xris Burgers, Ozzie’s Diner and
contributes over $1.9 billion in annual fares of the City and the 5, 710, 60 and Stevens Steak and Seafood House and
taxable sales. others await you!
The City has maintained an amazing
balance of meeting the needs of both Getting to any of your shopping, dining
business and residents starting from its or entertainment destinations like the
founding. As a result, Commerce Commerce Casino & Hotel is convenient
residents and businesses do not pay a on the City’s free municipal buses. For
City property tax or utility tax. Businesses your convenience, the City’s six regular
in the City do not pay a gross receipts tax. bus routes, the 26th Street Station Shuttle
In addition, the City’s annual tax formula and the Citadel Outlets Express route,
is based on square footage and number which even stops at L.A. Live, all have
of employees, resulting in a low fee for stops at a Commerce shopping center.
businesses. Revenue from sales tax then
To ensure everyone is able to shop, dine
out and otherwise enjoy Commerce
businesses, residents who are at least 50
years old and other qualified residents
can take the City’s free Dial-a-Ride

6 Connection

service to any destination within 12 miles from City Hall.
With all these routes and venues to choose from, it’s

easy and quick to get to the City’s retail centers,
restaurants and more!

Despite the numerous businesses in the City, Com-
merce has retained its small town, friendly environment
which is cherished by both the residential and business
community. Being a close-knit community also helps
make it a safer one. The City’s Community Services
Officers not only work with the Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Department to keep Commerce safe, they also
have the advantage of knowing the residents and busi-
nesses in the area. This rapport serves to instill trust and
foster a feeling of family.

The City of Commerce and local businesses are
partners that shape the City’s dynamic business
environment and unlock new opportunities, creating
prosperity in the community and making this the Model
City.

Connection 7

ECONOMIC VIBRANCY

General Plan Update Reconstruction project. In addition to
the street repairs, the City will make
All of the development and improvements to the intersection of
infrastructure projects are Garfield Avenue and Washington
implemented in accordance to Boulevard by widening the intersec-
the City’s General Plan, which is a tion to allow dedicated right-turn in the
comprehensive planning document northbound direction of Garfield
that provides a city with a policy frame- Avenue and a dedicated right-turn
work to guide decision-making related pocket in the westbound direction of
to land use, growth and development. Washington Boulevard. Pedestrian
The City initiated a General Plan features will include new 5-foot wide
update and is adding a Sustainability sidewalks along Garfield Avenue and
and Economic Development element Washington Boulevard, the relocation
to ensure that Commerce is not only of a bus stop, high visibility cross-
an environmentally-responsible walks, ADA compliant curb ramps,
community, but also promotes and pedestrian-actuated traffic
continued economic growth. signals.

In order to achieve that balance, the We are also in the design phase of
City is engaging with the community the Ferguson Sidewalk Improvement
through the General Plan Advisory Project, which will include upgrades
Committee and outreach events and is to the sidewalk, ADA compliant curb
actively seeking input from residents. ramps, and making improvements to
Based on Council and community driveways, curbs and gutters.
priorities, certain areas will be identi-
fied as ones appropriate for new
downtown development types with
mixed use including mixed-use,
commercial, housing element, and
much more. Creating solutions for the
lack of connectivity between neighbor-
hoods and places of interest within the
City will also be a major focus of the
plan, as will developing ways to better
connect Commerce with surrounding
communities.

Citywide Pavement
Management Plan

For several years, the City has been
diligently working on improving street
condition and implementing Citywide
Pavement Management Plan. So far,
Washington, Eastern, Telegraph, Slau-
son, Jardine, Mariana, and many other
streets have all been repaved,
improving road conditions throughout
residential and business neighbor-
hoods.

Our biggest project this past year
was the Garfield Avenue Street

8 Connection

REImagine Commerce plan considers adding bike lane paths and
additional walking paths throughout the
Bike Master Plan City. Whether you are heading to work,
school, or just enjoying a day of shopping,
Another improvement project that is in bicycle and pedestrian paths can get you to
the design stages is the Commerce Way where you need to be safely and perhaps
and Sheila Street Connectivity Beautifi- even faster.
cation Project, which includes safety and
beautification enhancements of Mixmaster Redesign
Commerce Way between Sheila Street The City is currently undergoing a study
and Eastern Avenue. This would include to analyze traffic conditions for the Mix
reconfiguration of Sheila Street and Master Intersection connecting Eastern
Commerce Way intersection including Avenue, Atlantic Boulevard, Telegraph
landscaped raised medians, lighting, and Road, Ferguson Drive, Goodrich Boule-
beautification components. vard, and Triggs Street. While the Mix
Master is a vital intersection and connec-
The City is in the process developing a tion for the City, many drivers cannot
citywide Master Plan for bicycle and properly maneuver their movements
pedestrian improvements so that all because of its complexity. This situation is
travelers in the community have an made worse during holidays and shopping
accessible network. The Master Plan days, when many drivers use this
envisions a network for connecting intersection to access the Citadel Outlets.
communities so that walking and With the traffic study, the City will be
bicycling become commonplace. The exploring solutions that will not involve
major reconstruction.

Beautification
The I-5 Freeway on and off ramps on
Washington Boulevard have been given a
complete makeover, with a visually stun-
ning walkway with beautiful trees and land-
scaping. This officially completes the
years-long award-winning Washington
Boulevard Project, allowing us to set our
sights towards other ambitious projects
currently in the pipeline.

One such project is the Atlantic Boulevard
Safety and Beautification Improvements
Project, which will improve pedestrian and
vehicular safety as well as improve traffic
conditions along Atlantic Boulevard
between Washington Boulevard and Como
Street. The City expects to go to construc-
tion on Atlantic Boulevar d immediately
after the holidays. The work includes reha-
bilitation and beatification including con-
struction of median and median
landscaping, decorative street lights, signal
installations and pavement rehabilitation
along the segment from Washington Blvd.

The City of Commerce is undergoing a
transformation that will benefit residents
and businesses, ensuring that our commu-
nity continues to move forward and that we
are meeting our obligations towards our
stakeholders. It is through our development
mechanisms, such as the Capital Improve-
ment Program and General Plan Update,
that we are able to reimagine the City of
Commerce as the Model City of the 21st
century.

Missy Elliot’s Music Video
“I’m Better” was filmed at
the Aquatics Center.

FILMING IN

COMMERCE
California is the Barrio Boy, The Biggest Loser, Germany’s
largely Next Top Model, Missy Elliot’s music video “I’m
known for Better,” and commercials for Subway, Kellog and
its presence within Proctor and Gamble.
the film industry, with
the perfect weather and The City is also home to the Citadel Outlets and
scenic locations providing the beautiful Assyrian Palace façade built in the
endless backdrops to early 20th century and the Commerce Casino and
millions of classic films. Hotel, which has been featured in the hit
However, what some people don’t television show Twin Peaks as the Silver Mustang
realize is that the Model City has a Casino.
history of being in film and television and is
an amazing location for prospective filmmakers to Filming in Commerce is easy and quick. The
shoot their projects. For example, the Academy Award- City of Commerce has streamlined its film permit-
winning film Ben Hur, episodes of the hit television ting process, designed to save filmmakers time
shows Knight Rider, Columbo, and Glee, and the iconic and money. Film permit fees are $500, making the
Michael Jackson music video “Thriller” were all shot in City of Commerce one of the most affordable
the Model City. cities to film in.
Located six miles away from Downtown Los
Angeles in between the I-5 and I-710 freeways, the City “Our shooting went amazingly well. There are a
of Commerce has many advantages that production great group of people in the City of Commerce,”
companies look for when choosing a location. said David Lapidus, Location Representative of
Whether a production needs a commercial or residen- John Wheeler Film Permits Inc. “The permit
tial element, Commerce has it all: tree lined residential process went well too. We got what we need in a
streets; four beautiful parks for outdoor shots; four shorter amount of time than we were originally
state of the art libraries; a major railroad yard; vast told.”
warehouses for indoor shooting; and so much more.
The Brenda Villa Aquatics Center is an indoor aquatic Production companies need to contact the
facility complete with two heated swimming pools. The Business License Division at least 10 business
Aquatics Center is a popular facility for filmmakers and days before filming starts and submit all paper-
has been featured in a number of movie, television and work.
commercial film projects, including
Castle, the Princess and Check out the film permit guidelines on the web-
site at www.ci.commerce.ca.us or call (323) 722-
4805 ext. 2327.

10 Connection ABC’s Castle featured an
episode in the Brenda
Villa Aquatics Center.

The Academy Award-winning
film Ben-Hur was filmed at
the Citadel in 1959.

Michael Jackson’s Thriller
music video was shot in the
streets of the Model City.
Connection 11

MCeoamnmesrceSustainability

Here in the Model City, we are determined to create a
welcoming and healthy place to live, work and visit.
This includes eco-friendly policies that will help the
environment and create a healthier and safer Commerce
community. In addition to the Green Zones Action Plan,
which specifies certain sustainable economic development
strategies for businesses, the City of Commerce also
contributes by adopting environmentally conscious initiatives
and practices.

12 Connection

Community Choice Aggregate

The Commerce City Council recently approved a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program.
Community Choice Aggregation is a program that allows cities and counties to buy and/or generate
electricity for residents and businesses. By combining the electricity supply of both residential and
businesses into a single collective not-for-profit program, a Commerce CCA program would be able to
create large contracts with energy generators resulting in lower costs for consumers and allowing
greater control over our energy concerns, mainly by offering more environmentally friendly energy
production than local utilities. This means that the City’s energy grid will be overseen by the City, giving
our community more control over our electrical needs and carbon footprint. The City of Commerce
CCA will provide a base product with 50% renewable energy and an option of a 100% renewable
energy to our residents. This will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase local renewable
energy efforts, and increase local job creation. This is a huge undertaking for the City of Commerce,
which is set to include a comprehensive community outreach effort and the program is estimated to
go into effect in 2020.

Fuel and Energy Needs

One major way the City has helped lower our carbon footprint was through
converting the City’s transit fleet from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
fuel. This has had a positive impact for the environment and air quality over the
years, for residents, businesses and surrounding cities. The switch from diesel
to CNG reduced emissions by 99%. The City operates the CNG/LNG fueling
station located at 5926 Sheila Street that is also open to the public.
The City is also excited to announce the installation of four electrical vehicle charging stations that
will be located at the Commerce City Hall Parking Lot. Each station will be able to charge up to two
vehicles at the same time. With the rise of electric cars and the increased innovation of clean technol-
ogy, the City has recognized that electric vehicle charging stations are an asset that will urge members
of the community to invest in electric vehicles and ultimately help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The City is also listed in the EV Connect smartphone app, which will bring in visitors and potential tax
dollars to the city.

LED Lighting

One of the most reliable ways to help the environment is by reducing energy
needs. The best way to reduce energy consumption is by decreasing power
plant emissions, since most power plants burn coal, crude oil or other fossil fuels
to generate electricity. Commerce has changed street lamps and park lights
throughout the City to LED lighting, which is more energy efficient and longer
lasting than regular lighting. According to Consumer Reports, LED light bulbs can last anywhere from
20,000 to 50,000 hours, or up to five times longer than any comparable bulb on the market. Besides
energy savings, this will also put less of a strain on the power grid in the area.less of a strain on the
power grid in the area.

Green Initiatives

While these activities are designed to help save and conserve energy, the City
is also incorporating more fundamental ways to help the environment. With the
assistance of the County of Los Angeles, the City of Commerce planted 583
new trees and replaced over 100 ficus trees over the past year citywide. Last
April during the City’s Earth Day festivities, the City of Commerce installed a
rain garden in front of the Brenda Villa Aquatics center. The rain garden contains native shrubs,
perennials, and flowers designed to temporarily hold and soak in rain water runoff that flows from roofs,
driveways, patios or lawns. Also, the City regularly plants drought friendly landscaping when completing
major infrastructure and beautification projects, such as the Washington Boulevard Widening Project.
The City of Commerce believes we have a responsibility to act as stewards of our environment, which
is why we are enacting eco-friendly policies that will not only help combat climate change but also
create a healthier and beautiful environment for our children.

Connection 13

The City of Commerce is proud to offer
numerous, outstanding programs that
enrich the quality of life for its residents.
Through such programs, residents receive
funds to help pay for college, see a
professional sports team play live, receive toys
and much more. Many of these programs are
greatly enhanced by the generosity of the
City’s businesses that are committed to making
Commerce an even better place to live.

Justman Packaging & Display, a Commerce OUR GENEROUS
company that creates point-of-purchase
displays, folding cartons, digital printing and
boxes, always cares about people. The
company, which has been in Commerce since
1989, is dedicated to supporting the CHP,
Sheriff’s Department and a variety of
note-worthy charities for cancer research,
veterans, animal rights and more. The City has
also been a recipient of the company’s
benevolence.

“We have been here so long we feel we are
part of the fabric of the city,” CEO Morley
Justman says. “We are proud to support the
Miss Commerce Pageant, special events,
Christmas toy donations, the athletic programs
and other worthwhile causes.”

To Commerce resident and small business
owner Martin Villarreal, a worthwhile cause
means fostering children’s love of bicycle
riding. When the City purchases bicycles from
his shop, Martin’s Bikes, he donates helmets.
Villarreal also fits riders to their bikes and
makes needed adjustments, also without
charge. His daughter Karina said her dad
always likes to help the community.

For many years, the Commerce Casino and
Hotel has been an ardent supporter of several
of the City’s programs, with countless residents
benefitting from scholarships, meals, Clippers
games and more.

A few years ago, when the Library stopped

14 Connection

receiving donated Los Angeles Dodgers tickets
to raffle for the Summer Reading Program, the
Commerce Casino began donating the funds to
purchase tickets for a busload of local children,
teens and adults to attend a game.

Donations from the Casino augment several
other programs such as the City’s 4th of July
fireworks show and the empowerment day for
the Miss Commerce Pageant and Young Man
of the Year participants. The participants are
given an opportunity to practice their table
etiquette during a formal dining experience,
courtesy of the Casino.

BUSINESSES Making the holidays brighter for children is one
of the Casino’s specialties. They continue to
donate nearly 300 meals to the Library for the
Children’s Holiday Program. In addition, they
also provide approximately 200 meals to the
Holiday Cheer Program and make the party
even more special by providing toys, crafts,
magician, balloon artist and Santa Claus. The
parents and children who attend these parties
are touched by the Casino’s substantial contri-
butions.

The Casino has been very good to Commerce
seniors, providing meals, gift cards and more.
In fact, the Casino’s donations to the City’s pro-
grams have been so substantial that they can’t
all be mentioned.

“We support all senior and youth programs be-
cause it is important to invest in our future. The
seniors in this city are instrumental to how we
began. And the youth is our future,” explains
Director of Business Development John Griffo.

The City is immensely grateful to all of the
businesses, civic organizations and individuals
who have donated funds, goods or services to
the City’s various programs. If you would like to
make a donation, please call the Social
Services Division at 323-887-4460.

Connection 15

16 Connection

A Culture of Caring

For decades, AltaMed has proven that when it comes to
providing quality health care, caring goes a long way.

Ever since AltaMed opened its first clinic in the late 1960s nities they serve.
in East Los Angeles, the health network has been hard
at work rendering care to the community while “Some of the major health conditions that affect our

community are obesity and diabetes. Obesity has been a

establishing deep ties to it as well. As the neighborhood grew, growing problem in our nation, and it’s a precursor to chronic

so did AltaMed; currently illnesses such as heart

they have close to 50 disease, stroke, type 2

accredited health centers diabetes, which are among

and service facilities. The the most common, costly,

two clinics in the area offer and preventable of all

area residents primary and health problems,” said

specialty care: pediatrics, AltaMed’s Senior Public

women’s health, senior care Relations Manager

and services, dental care, Veronica Orozco.

youth programs, HIV/AIDS Since prevention is their

care, obesity prevention, ultimate goal, AltaMed has

urgent care, nurse hotline, established programs for

health education, and onsite adults that focus on weight

pharmacies. control, diabetic manage-

In addition, Commerce is ment and even those which

home to two of AltaMed’s identify pre-diabetes. Other

corporate facilities which are wellness objectives focus

staffed by more than 700 on nutrition such as

employees. shopping, understanding

Those 700 employees, along with the 200 or so who work food labels and cooking. AltaMed knows that helping parents

at the nearby clinics, are generally hired locally which maintain a healthy lifestyle will benefit the entire family.

supports the area economically. Likewise, patients also reap One of AltaMed’s most exemplary endeavors is the

the benefits when they receive care from staff administration of the Program of All Inclusive Care for the

that possesses an understand- Elderly (PACE) that has as its goal keeping senior citizens

ing of both the culture and healthy and preventing them from needing to stay in a nursing

needs of the community. home. The program provides medical, social, nutritional and

Besides being cognizant rehabilitative services to participants ages 55 or older who

of the community, AltaMed have been certified by the state as needing nursing care.

employees care about the people AltaMed is certainly doing its part to help seniors live with

they serve. Through a program called GIVES, dignity and pride in their own homes.

generous AltaMed employees demonstrate AltaMed’s certified enrollment agents assist the public year-

their philanthropy by donating funds to provide round determine eligibility for Medicaid or Covered California

necessities or other needed items to patients. Re- health plans. For more information about AltaMed, please visit

cently, 900 backpacks and supplies were purchased www.AltaMed.org or call 888-499-9303.

and distributed to families in need throughout Al-

taMed’s service area. Furthermore, these al- AltaMed Medical and Dental Group

truistic employees have pledged more than $240,000 for 972 Goodrich Boulevard
primary care, pediatrics, dental services, urgent care
the 2018-2019 fiscal year!
The AltaMed Medical Group
Another way AltaMed supports the community is by holding
5427 Whittier Blvd.
youth employment workshops, citizenship workshops, free HIV/AIDS services

health education classes and health fairs. They have been

very effective in addressing the specific needs of the commu-

Connection 17

SERVICES
and
B E N I T S
EF
Senior’s Place

Federal statistics shows that a quarter of the country’s senior
citizens are living in poverty, which makes it hard to meet
monthly expenses and creates housing problems. Social
Security checks top out at around $2,500 a month for a fully
qualified recipient drawing at age 66, but many low-income
people don’t qualify for much more than $1,000. As such, the
Model City offers several programs, services and benefits to
seniors living in Commerce in an effort to help the elderly who
live on a fixed income while offering opportunities for social
interaction and engaging in a healthy lifestyle.

HOUSING

The City’s Senior Rent Subsidy Housing Program helps Com-
merce seniors by alleviating the burden of their monthly rent.
The Senior Rent Subsidy program was created in the 1980s but
ended in 2011 when the State took away cities’ redevelopment
funds. To help seniors, the City reestablished the Senior
Subsidy program using City funds to cover the cost of the
program.

“The program has been very good to me, I’ve got no
complaints,” said Louis Arellano, who receives $200 a month
from the program that goes towards his rent. “Thanks to the
program, I get to stay here in my home, Commerce. I’m not
going to move anytime soon.”

As part of a package deal to address the housing crisis here
in Commerce, the City has also established a moratorium on
rent increases and is in the middle of drafting an historic rent
control ordinance that will protect low-income senior renters.

18 Connection

The Moratorium provides measures to protect senior tenants
from being evicted or be displaced due to rising rent. One of
the avenues taken was partnering with the Legal Aid Founda-
tion of Los Angeles to provide free legal services to seniors for
housing matters.

SOCIAL SERVICES

In addition to housing needs, the City provides a number of
social services to those who need it. The City in partnership with
Los Angeles County Food Bank offers food for low income
seniors every second Wednesday of each month. The Com-
merce Senior Center also presents a Nutrition Lunch Program
and Social Recreation Activities every Monday through Friday
from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. For those who live alone, the
Telephone Reassurance Program gives regular telephone
contact to check on the safety and well-being of a senior adult
living alone.

RECREATION

The Commerce Senior Center keeps seniors busy and
entertained all year long, offering a place to socialize with
friends and neighbors, celebrate special occasions, and engage
in endless activities, programs and exercise classes. The
Senior Center is the place to feel young again. Whether its
social clubs, arts and crafts, or bingo, the Senior Center staff is
more than willing to accommodate any interest you have. There
are seasonal dances and events, such as the annual Senior
Luau, where older residents can hula the day away and enjoy
authentic Hawaiian music and food. These dances are so
popular that there’s hardly any room on the dance floor. For
more active seniors, the Center offers its very popular monthly
excursions to places like Old Town San Diego, Redondo Beach,
and San Juan Capistrano where they can go to concerts,
museums, and wine tastings. And the Senior Softball Team,
the Commerce Eagles, are always looking for new players to
help defend their championship status. To sign up for any of
these programs, contact the Commerce Senior Center at (323)
887-4430.

TRANSPORTATION

The City understands that seniors can have a problem with
mobility and getting transportation to doctor’s appointments,
shopping, and other important activities. One of the recent
improvements to the City’s transportation services was the
replacement of the City’s Medi-Ride services with a Dial-A-Ride
service, which provides free curb-to-curb transportation service
to qualified special needs patrons and senior citizens who are
50 years or older.

The Dial-A Ride service is available Monday through Friday
from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. only, and it does not operate on holidays
or weekends. Although destinations are not prioritized; in other
words, passengers going to medical appointments do not bump
others going to non-medical locations, reservations are
accepted up to 30 days in advance. To register for the Dial-A-
Ride service, visit the Transportation Department. Registration
forms are also available online.

The City of Commerce is a close-knit community and a city
such as ours has a responsibility to take care of its citizens, from
childhood to the golden years.

Connection 19

COMMERCE’S WATER POLO Commerce’s water polo program has been
around since the 1970s and is perhaps best
known for producing high-caliber water
polo players, particularly Olympians Brenda Villa

and Patty Cardenas. The program’s phenome-
nal success began while it was still in its infancy,
with the teams’ efforts leading them to compete
nationally. Then, it just kept getting better.

What makes the women’s water polo and men’s water polo
teams’ continuous victories even more astonishing is that the odds
were never in their favor.

Traditionally, water polo team players are tall; being shorter is
not an advantage. Women’s Water Polo Coach Gabriel Martinez
admits his players aren’t nearly as tall as their competitors, but
they’ve been taught not to dwell on it. “Our girls don’t worry about
body image. They have goals they want to reach. They know they
have to be fit and strong. You can’t be too thin or you’re going to
get thrown around,” he said.

Men’s Water Polo Coach Bobby Contreras, who has been
coaching water polo for the City since 1988, concurs. “Undersized
and underestimated has always been characteristic of the men
and boys that play for Commerce.”

The City of Commerce’s water polo program has been
recognized for bringing diversity to a sport that historically did not
see a large percentage of Hispanic players. Although not

common occurrences, both Contreras and Martinez say their
teams have faced discrimination while competing in tourna-

Men’s Water Polo Team

20 Connection

ments away from Commerce. Contreras expects his athletes to Jordan Rodriguez
rise above any hostility aimed at them and not to let their emotions Alexa Gimenez
get the best of them. ”We hope that by playing the sport with
dignity, we will change the opinions of biased individuals,” he said.

Martinez emphasizes that Commerce’s water polo players are
generally well respected, but recalls an incident when one parent
could not resist yelling insults about Mexican Americans.
Deservedly, that parent was compelled to leave and missed seeing
Commerce beat the competition.

According to Martinez, the cost of heating and maintaining a
swimming pool, facility, and paying referees and lifeguards could
have made water polo a prohibitively expensive sport in
Commerce. In other cities, these costs are typically passed along
to the participants, but not in Commerce. Contreras and Martinez
are grateful to the City for subsidizing the majority of the program’s
expenses. Any remaining costs are largely covered through
fundraising efforts.

Many Commerce water polo players also receive financial
assistance for college as the program has a reputation of providing
incredible scholarship opportunities. While not all players get
100% of their tuition paid, many get a significant portion paid while
they are playing water polo in college. Both coaches are to be
applauded for motivating their players to seek a college education.
Contreras can name more than 20 of his former players who are
currently playing water polo in college. Martinez boasts that 100%
of the women who join the team, and remain on it, advance to
playing water polo for a college or university, most of the time on
scholarships

The City of Commerce’s water polo program has been
instrumental in producing accomplished athletes and college-
bound students. Contreras credits the program’s enduring success
with instilling a strong work ethic in every player. “We have a ‘never
quit’ attitude and the desire and hunger to achieve more, no matter
what the odds are.”

Women’s Water Polo 14 & Under Team

Connection 21

22 Connection

with PizazzLibraryPrograms
If you think of the library as nothing more than a basic exceeded expectations and since its inception patrons have
resource center, think again. Libraries have become made a variety of crafts, including bird feeders, homemade
places of bustling activity and are the place for patrons to bath salts, God's eyes, wine charms and even a paracord.

learn and discover a variety of useful, timely Commerce Today, Hecho a Mano is still going strong and
subjects like preparing to become a US library’s is available at all the libraries.
citizen, managing finances, preparing for
One-time programs such as Guys Night Out
“college, eating nutritious meals, etc. Trivia Night, Seinfeld Trivia Night and Escape
A few years ago library has always the Library had contestants pitting their
staff began offering even knowledge and critical thinking skills against

more innovative had programs other patrons in some friendly competition.
Other special programs have had patrons
programs to that engage the participating in activities not usually

meet

patrons’ community,”Beatriz Sarmiento, associated with libraries. In a Container
evolving Director of Library Services Gardening class, patrons made containers,
interests filled them with soil and planted seedlings.
and to The Reading Movement program took place

increase adult at Bristow Park where the children sat on the

participation. As a result, our grass and listened to a story, completed activities and

libraries have become more simulated the action words in the book by walking, running,

than places that just offer climbing and even slithering in the park. Different, indeed!

books; they have Teens have also benefited from the library’s lively

become social programs which include Star Wars Day, Comic Book Inva-

sion, Book Festival and more. The dynamic teen programs

invite teens to cosplay, play videogames, draw their own

comic strips and do so much more. Thanks to input and

participation from the Teen Advisory Group, the programs

are relevant and interesting.

Teens and adults are encouraged to explore the virtual

world around them via virtual reality. The new equip-

ment and software programs, which the library

secured with a grant, are rotated throughout the

branches so that all patrons can experience this

marvelous technology.

With all the exciting programs and resources, the

Bandini, Bristow, Rosewood and Veterans libraries are

places for children and adults to create, discover and

centers connect. “The library is the heart of the community,”

of commu- Sarmiento said. “And with so much going on that we have

nity engagement something for everyone.”

offering approximately

1400 programs annually for

patrons of all ages.

In 2015, the library began Hecho a

Mano (handmade) for adults to get together

and get creative. In a matter of months, attendance

Connection 23

The City of Commerce plays an
important role in supporting the
needs of veterans. In 2016, the
Commerce Public Library
launched the Commerce
Veterans Resource Center funded
through a grant from CalVet and
the California State Library.
Knowledgeable and trained volun-
teers focus on providing informa-
tion to reintegrate California
veterans into the workforce and,
more importantly our communities.
They do this by connecting service
members and veterans with
information and resources on
employment and training opportu-
nities, housing and healthcare
benefits.

24 Connection

The Model City for

Veterans

The Veterans Resource Center provides computer War. During a battle in Satae-Ri, Korea on December
equipment for Commerce veterans to complete online 13, 1952, Private Cardoza was struck by shrapnel from
applications, do research while assisting with the a mortar shell explosion and by a bullet while
application process and finding right resources. defending his unit’s position from an enemy charge.

“The Center is a great success and His heroic actions helped his unit
we are honored to be able to offer this hold their position until
service to all our Veterans,” said reinforcements arrived, thus saving
Circulation Desk Supervisor Olivia lives and routing the attack by enemy
Audoma, who oversees the center. “As soldiers.
Americans and as a community, we
need to provide as much support as At the age of 82, Private Cardoza
possible to help our brave military men received the Purple Heart, one of the
and women transition back to civilian oldest military awards given to
living and to ensure that veterans have member of the military, as well as a
the tools and support to help them marksmanship medal thanks to
achieve their dream.” seven years of painstakingresearch
by his nephew Fernando Galarze,
Veterans are invited to the Center who located copies of original military
every Tuesday of every month from 5 records destroyed in a fire. He is just
pm to 7 pm for refreshments and good one of many American heroes the
conversation with fellow veterans. The City of Commerce recognizes
Center provides a comfortable, through the Military Banner Program.
welcoming area for veterans to relax,
converse, read a book and enjoy their The City also recognizes our serv-
time. ice members with two annual
ceremonies: The Annual Armed
It is extremely important to help Forces Day Recognition Ceremony is
veterans reintegrate into civilian life, but in May to commemorate Memorial
it is equally as important to Day, and the Veteran’s Day
commemorate and honor their service. Ceremony that brings the entire
This year marks the inauguration of the community together to recognize
Military Banner Program, which placed banners up sacrifice and honor heroism of individuals who fought
along City streets with the names and pictures of for their country and community.
Commerce service members, both past and present. For information on veteran benefits and resources,
please contact the Veterans Resource Center at (323)
One of the military banners honors Private First Class 507-1857.
Lorenzo Cardoza, Jr. of the 224th Infantry, Company
A, who served in the armed forces during the Korean

Connection 25

Stars
IN THE MAKING

26 Connection

nown for his eight-year run on little of everything,” Torres
Law & Order and various movie explained.

Kroles, Julliard School graduate First, though, the kids

Jesse Perez had the good fortune of must audition for their

growing up in Commerce. It was the parts, which is why

City’s Teen Center Performing Arts considerable time is

Program that started the prolific actor’s spent on teaching

foray into show biz. He taught at Julliard them the audition

for many years and even presented an process and how to

acting workshop at the Teen Center. prepare for it.

Recently, Perez became the director of Auditions are

the Old Globe and University of San intensive: all aspiring

Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre actors must read their

Program. lines and sing a song for

The City’s Program has also ignited a five-judge panel. The

the spark in others who went on to audition process, while

pursue careers in theatre and dance; stressful for some, is a

dancer Jaime Rodrigues has performed worthwhile experience and is

all around the world, including in the the only way to earn a part.

musical, “Wicked” in Japan. ”When I first started Unplugged, I

Today, the Teen Center has three had terrible anxiety and confidence is-

Performing Arts troupes: Unplugged sues, especially around performing any-

Performing Arts for 5-11 year-olds, thing, including singing. But thanks to

Unplugged Junior and Unplugged this amazing environment and my par-

Dance for 11-18 year-olds. Performing ticipation in a full production, I was able

Arts Program Specialist Amber to do what a lot of teens don’t

Chavez oversees all of have many opportunities to

them with one goal in do: I was able to

mind. “I aim to explore a newfound

keep the kids love in performing

interested in arts and I was

the arts, and able to step

to unplug out of my

from the TV, comfort

video zone and

games, learn great

phones, new les-

and elec- sons,” said

tronics,” Daniel

she said. Ortega.

Both of the The Teen is life-changing
for many of the
performing Commerce’s own Jesse Perez enjoys a Center’s teens who believe that
arts troupes successful career in theatre arts. musical produc- their participation in the program helps
them mature and learn.
perform and tions are created
“As a team, you learn responsibilities,
rehearse year- in a supportive weaknesses and your actual potential as
well, and with this you put on a show, a
round, but the bulk of environment and are full production that you are happy to
present amongst family and friends,”
their energy is dedicated to community affairs, with as said Jaquelyn Sandoval.

producing their musical produc- many as 50 performers, staff and

tions which are generally performed volunteers, such as the parents who

over three days. Past musicals have help make the costumes, working on

been Grease, Annie, Hairspray and one show. The musicals require a

Mary Poppins. “Musical theater brings commitment from the performers who

all the arts together: visual arts, music, spend six months rehearsing and

dance and drama. We are able to do a preparing for the show. The experience

Connection 27

If you’ve ever attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting, graffiti, etc.
you’ve undoubtedly seen members of the Commerce
Community Assistance Team (ComCat) setting up tables, “It’s always a pleasure working with residents who give

so much back to the City. Some of the original ComCats

providing information to residents, and otherwise offering have been volunteers for nearly 30 years,” Code

assistance in a variety of capacities. At other City events, they Enforcement Supervisor Ralph Vivero said. “This

administer Operation Kid Print, fingerprinting children so that commitment is the foundation of the ComCat Program.”

parents can have a set of their children’s fingerprints should Georgina Escalera, an original ComCat, became a

they ever be public safety

needed. advocate to

ComCats’ help prevent

responsibilities crimes such

don’t end there; as the one she

before these experienced

volunteers earn when her car was

their namesake, broken into. She

they are trained to stresses the

use the City’s two- importance of

way radios, learn reporting crimes

first aid, sheltering so that the

operations, patrol, Sheriff’s Depart-

damage ment can compile

assessment and accurate

many more useful statistical data to

functions. help address

All ComCats are problem areas.

certified disaster “If you live near

workers, making a ComCat,” she

them valuable says, “know that

assets in the event of a disaster when resources may be there’s someone who will report things.”

scarce. Mary Gibson recalls being talked into becoming a ComCat

The ComCat program is nearing its 20th year anniversary! when the program first started. Regardless of what tasks she

Established in 1999 to enhance the Community Services and was performing, she says she has enjoyed everything about

Public Safety Department’s other safety programs, it was seen her experience.

as a way to involve the community in combatting crime and Joe Lozano, who is also celebrating his 20th year as a

helping to ensure that Commerce remains a safe City for ComCat, cites loyalty as the motivating force that makes him

everyone. and his fellow ComCats want to serve their City.

Working closely with City staff, ComCats also serve as the “We care, and like the people,” he said. “Being a ComCat

extra eyes and ears in the City, reporting potential safety- helps us, our families and our city.”

related problems such as hazards, suspicious persons,

28 Connection

Connection 29

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
2018-19 GENERAL FUND $62.38 MILLION

2018-19 GENERAL FUND ADOPTED REVENUE BUDGET $62,579,710

Commerce Casino 42% Sales Tax 32% Other Taxes/Fees 26%

GFOA Certificate of Achievement for PERS Actuarial Analysis
Excellence in Financial Reporting
Due to action taken in December 2017 by the CalPERS board, there
For the 33rd year, Commerce was awarded the Government was a substantial increase in pension costs for FY 2018-19. In
Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement keeping with the City Council’s objective of fiscal responsibility, the
for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-17. City opted to prefund its unfunded pension liability which reduced
The Award demonstrates the City Council’s ongoing commitment the total annual cost by $60,000. City staff carefully monitors and
to transparency and fiscal responsibility, and recognizes that the continuously looks for options to reduce pension costs. In addition,
year-end financials reflect the adherence of budgeting principles the City implemented a Pension Rate Stabilization Program Trust to
and policies throughout the fiscal year, while embracing address rising pension costs and the unfunded pension liability. An
transparency, efficiency and accountability. initial deposit of $2.6 million was made to eventually extinguish the
City’s Net Pension Liability. The City Council is committed to future
Dissolution of Redevelopment deposits in order to protect their employee base.

The Finance Department was very successful in securing City’s Financial Reserves Policy
financial solvency during the Great Recession and the loss of the
City’s redevelopment economic development tools. Just recently, The most important financial responsibility the City has to its
the Finance Department secured the State Department of residents is the safeguarding and managing of public funds. Sound
Finance’s approval to repay the City’s 17.8 million (plus $10 million financial management includes the practice and discipline of
in accrued interest) in loans to the Commerce Community Devel- maintaining adequate general fund reserve funds for expected and
opment Commission (aka the Commerce Redevelopment Agency) unexpected contingencies. A formal Financial Reserves Policy was
with interest! As a result, the City’s General Fund will receive a adopted by the City Council to aid in maintaining a prudent reserve
repayment of $27 million total over 7-8 years. fund with 15% in Working Capital Reserve and 5% in a Designated
Emergency Reserve Fund.
30 Connection

QUALITY OF LIFE

Community Services Special Needs Commission new gym lighting, and a new state of the art
Code Enforcement: The establishment of the Special Needs flooring system. While normal operations
193 cases opened; 173 cases closed Commission has increased the number of
events, programs, and services available of the Park are being handled by staff in
Senior Rent Subsidy: to residents with special needs. Thanks to the temporary bungalows, the City is in the
25 participants a recommendation made by the middle of rehabilitating the recreation
Commission, the Commerce Parks and building into a facility that will best serve the
Social Services Case Recreation Department constructed a full community.
Management/Crisis Counseling: support swing set designed for children
with special needs at Rosewood Park in Transportation
180 individuals order to promote a more enriching play ex- A new Purple Route was added to the
Food Distribution: periences for all children. existing Commerce transit system
schedule in order to improve the on-time
300 households The Commission also does community performance for the Red and Blue Routes.
Bus Tokens: outreach to bring awareness to various This route connects the Bristow Park,
50 participants different conditions, such as Cerebral Palsy Ferguson and Rosewood neighborhoods
awareness, Down Syndrome Awareness, with the Citadel Outlets to better serve the
Parenting Classes: Autism Awareness, and much more. residents of these areas.
1,044 participants
Animal Control: The Commission also helps raise funds The City received four low-floor, 40-foot
for organizations who work with members CNG buses, which were 100% federally
840 requests handled; 450 animals of the special needs community, such as funded. Currently the City has a fleet of 12
transported to shelter taking part in the Together is Better full sized buses and 5 paratransit buses
Walkathon in Pasadena. The Commission that serve over 500,000 passengers every
Urban Search and Rescue helped raise money for Club 21 Learning year through 7 separate transit routes and
Established in 1990, the City of and Resource Center, an organization that the Dial-A-Ride service.
Commerce’s Urban Search and Rescue helps individuals living with Down
program has the distinction of being the syndrome. Connection 31
first one in Los Angeles County. The USAR
program is a team of 20 City employees Recreation
who receive ongoing, comprehensive Parks & Recreation introduced Food
monthly training in rescue operations so Truck and Family Game Night featuring
they can act as first responders in the event outdoor games, movies, and a fleet of food
of a disaster. The team participates in City trucks serving delicious food. Participants
events, promotes awareness, and teaches can enjoy the night with neighbors and
residents to become more capable of help- friends and relax with their family. The
ing their families and neighbors during an event is used to promote community and a
emergency. better relationship with our fellow residents.

The re-opening of Veterans park gymna-
sium for use now includes: air condition,

CITY OF COMMERCE PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, CA 90040 U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
******ECRWSSEDDM******
PERMIT NO 3428
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER LOS ANGELES, CA

COMMERCE, CA 90040

Important Phone Numbers

Aquatic Center 323-887-4404

Public Safety 323-887-4460

Animal Control 323-887-4460

Weekend/Evenings 562-940-6898

Calmet 562-259-1239

SCE St. Lights Out* 800-611-1911

Mayor Hugo A. Argumedo *Provide Light Pole # for Report
Mayor Pro Tem John Soria
Councilmember Ivan Altamirano E.L.A. Sheriff’s Dept. 323-264-4151
Councilmember Leonard Mendoza
Councilmember Oralia Y. Rebollo Graffiti Hotline 323-887-4444

Vector Control 562-944-9656

Union Pacific 888-877-7267

BNSF 800-832-5452

EMERGENCY 911

City of Commerce 2535 Commerce Way Commerce, CA 90040 • (323) 722-4805 Fax (323) 888-6841 • ci.commerce.ca.us

Shop ‘til Take the Purple Route to travel to and from popular stops
such as City Hall, the Citadel Outlets, and the Commerce

Shopping Center.

You’re 10:30 a.m. – 6:05 p.m. (Monday-Friday).
Transportation Department
323-887-4419
Purple