City of Commerce April 2017 RTTP

INSIDE

Page 2 Teen library patrons go green with environmentally-conscious books and new reusable book bags now available at the Commerce Public Library.

•Council Actions Earth to Commerce: Help Make a Difference
Earth Day is on April 22 so what better time to think about ways we can fronts, cactus, ice plant, or yucca; they belong in your trash bin.
Page 3 protect our planet? Following are just some of the ways residents and Earth Day Art Show
businesses in the City of Commerce can help reduce our impact on the
•Spring Clean Up environment: The library is hosting an Earth Day Art Show on April 22 from 10 am to
•New Sergeant Air Quality 1 pm at the Commerce Senior Center. Local artists can submit artwork
We all need air to live, which means making sure the air we breathe is clean that is inspired by and that use recycled materials by April 8 to Veterans
Page 4 and healthy, which is why the City urges you to: Neighborhood Library. Submission forms are available at all Neighborhood
• Report idling trains: Libraries. Visit www.cocpl.org for more information.
•Library News
•Autism Awareness -BNSF http://www.bnsf.com or Hazardous Waste
1-800-832-5452 Dispose of hazardous waste, which
Page 5
-Union Pacific http://www.up.com or includes chemicals, batteries and
•Young Man of the Year 1-888-877-7267 medication at one of the County’s
•CIF Water Polo Household Hazardous Waste Collec-
-L.A. Junction http://www.bnsf.com tion events. Get more information at
Page 6 1-323-277-2013 www.cleanla.com and 888-253-2652.

•Read Across America • Commute via Metrolink train. Don’t want to wait for one of the
•Queen’s Breakfast • Get around Commerce by riding the County’s Collection events? If your oil
City’s fare-free CNG buses. is not mixed with another fluid, take it
Page 8 to a California State Certified Collec-
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Respon- tion Center for recycling. There is one
•Earth Day sibly such center in Commerce: Commerce
Lube located at 2432 S. Indiana Street,
Si le interesa recibir un artículo The best strategy for reducing waste is 323-261-5100.
en español, por favor llame a to refrain from producing it. However, since that is neither practical nor pos- Conserve Energy
la Oficina de Información sible, we can discard what we use responsibly by knowing which items to re- Did you know that cleaning and transporting water requires energy? Sav-
Pública al (323) 722-4805 ext cycle and which ones to trash. Here is a refresher on what you should put in ing water not only increases the likelihood that we’ll have it when we need
4453. Indique el título del your trash, recycle and green-waste containers: it, but also conserves other energy sources like electricity. Conserving
artículo, la fecha y su domicillio electricity and gas helps reduce pollution caused by non-renewable en-
o correo electrónico. Trash Bin - food waste, soiled toiletries/food containers, cigarette butts, di- ergy sources.
apers, sponges, styrofoam, waxed paper, palm fronts, cactus, ice plant and Although Californians reduced urban water use by nearly 25 percent, an
yucca. executive action by Governor Jerry Brown has established new long-term
water conservation measures and improved planning. For information
Recycle Bin - plastic milk jugs, soda/juice bottles, toiletry bottles, glass, food about the state’s water resources, visit http://www.water.ca.gov/
jars, aluminum/metal cans, coat hangers, foil, empty aerosol containers, junk Learn more about how you can help protect our planet by visiting
mail, cardboard egg cartons, paper shopping bags, and non-metallic wrapping www.ci.commerce.ca.us; keyword: environmental services
paper.

Green-Waste Bin - grass clippings, weeds, leaves, branches under four feet
long and four inches in diameter, and brush/hedge trimmings. Note: Do not
place your green waste in plastic bags. Do not include: bags, rocks, palm

From The Desk of Matthew Rodriguez City of Commerce Council Actions

Interim City Administrator Regular Meeting of March 7, 2017 Power Authority.
Recognized Hector Orozco as Employee of the Quarter for
Spring is in air, which means for the Commerce Recognized Guillermo De La Mora for his Exemplary Per- October-December 2016.
City Council and City staff, its budget season. formance as a Finalist at the Montebello Unified
Fortunately, due to an improving economy and Spelling Bee.
the hard work of all Commerce stakeholders, this
budget season will be less about what we can’t do and Continued the item recognizing the Public Works and De- Recognized City Administrator Jorge Rifa on his retirement
more about what we can do. We will provide updates in velopment Services Department for winning the 2017 Out- and his contributions to the City of Commerce.
upcoming issues of the Report. standing Local Streets and Roads Project Award from the Approved a Resolution reviewing and adopting the policy for
League of California Cities. the investments of the City of Commerce funds.
Recent tragic incidents in Commerce have highlighted Approved the 2017 Commerce Summer Youth Education Received and filed an update report regarding the Central
a particularly important matter within the community: and Service (Y.E.S.) Leadership & Mentoring Program be- Basin Municipal Water District's Board elections for the ap-
the safety and wellbeing of our residents. I would like ginning July 1, 2017. pointment of Directors representing water purveyors.
to take this time to assure our residents that the City of Approved the purchase of a transit planning software sys- Received and filed comments on Draft Environmental Im-
Commerce is one of the safest cities to live in Los An- tem and authorized staff to seek RFPs. pact Report (EIR) for the Draft Remedial Action Plan.
geles County. The City has provided a variety of pro- Approved a letter to support Assembly Bill 210 relating to Approved the abatement order directing Los Angeles County
grams that have been helpful in preventing further homeless multidisciplinary teams. to abate the public nuisance and allow property owners af-
offenders from striking in our neighborhoods. The Se- Approved a resolution amending the Classification and fected by the Weed Abatement Program to protest the inclu-
curity Camera Rebate Program, which consists of a Compensation Plan by creating new classification specifi- sion of their properties within the program.
one-time reimbursement of up to $500 per household cations for the Director of Administrative Services and Received and filed a presentation from Davis Farr LLP on
for the purchase and installation of security systems, Deputy Director of Human Resources. the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fis-
has been a successful program in the prevention and Received and filed a status update on installation of new cal year that ended June 30, 2016.
solving of various crimes throughout the community. Land Management System update. Approved a Resolution amending the Annual Operating and
The program is still active and residents can apply for Approved a Resolution amending the Annual Operating Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2016-2017.
it at the Public Safety and Community Services De- and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. Approved the Beautification Committee selection of artwork
partment in City Hall. In addition, residents can actively Provided staff direction for the City's Holiday Decor Pro- to be installed at various city-owned signal utility cabinets and
participate in keeping our neighborhoods safe by join- gram. authorized payment to artists selected.
ing the City’s Neighborhood Watch Program. For more Authorized Transtech, Inc. to perform additional assess- Received and filed Green Zones Implementation Phase 1
information or to schedule Neighborhood Watch meet- ment of the Veterans Park building and alternatives. status update.
ings for your area, contact Public Safety at (323) 887- Approved the first reading of an Ordinance approving the Continued an item regarding a purchase of equipment for
4460. transfer to Torrance Pipeline Company, LLC, of a pipeline surveying the City from aerial view
franchise to Exxon Mobil Corporation. Approved two community events: Mayor & City Council
By the time you read this column, the City will have Open House Day and Mayor & City Council Coffee with the
crowned its 2017 Miss Commerce and Royal Court. It Regular Meeting of February 21 Sheriff's Captain.
takes a lot of courage to undergo the pageant process. Continued the item regarding reestablishing and making ap-
The fact that they face the challenge head on is ad- Recognized two councilmembers for having served the pointments to the Community Union Pacific Railroad Task
mirable and worthy of the title Miss Commerce. The Re- City for ten years. Force.
port will have a full story next month to introduce our Recognized Haig Papaian for receiving the Commerce In-
2017 Miss Commerce and her Court. In the meantime, dustrial Council's George Tumanjan Philanthropic Award.
I’d like to congratulate our new Young Man of the Year Approved the appointment of Interim City Administrator to
2017 Marcos Mendoza. I wish him nothing but the best Oversight Board, Southeast Water Coalition Joint Powers
for the upcoming year and expect young men all over Authority, Commerce Refuse-To-Energy Authority, L.A.
the City to look up to his example. Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management
Joint Powers Authority, and the I-5 Consortium Cities Joint
Finally, don’t forget to fulfill your patriotic duty and file
your taxes before April 15.
Have a great month.

Sincerely,

Published Monthly and Mailed to Commerce Residents

Director of Administrative Graphics Design Resident Inquiry
Services and City Clerk Anthony Aguilar

Lena Shumway PIO Staff:
Edward Torres
Editing/Writing: Adriana Torres
Daniel Larios Darryl Leyden
Marie Hovik Joe Sandoval

Please call (323) 887-4453 Does the City still have an employment referral of- ward e-commerce. The City of Commerce is considering
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. or fice? other companies being pursued by the developer, The
Gatwick Group, to occupy the mixed-use retail center.
visit us online at ci.commerce.ca.us. Although the City no longer has an employment referral of-
fice, the Social Services Division can still provide assistance Does the City still have parenting classes?
to job seekers. Please contact Liz Chavez at 323-887-4468 Yes, the City offers free parenting classes for adults only.
for information.
English classes are held on Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Com-
Is Walmart still coming to Commerce? munity Services Conference Room. Classes in Spanish are
Walmart has pulled out of the proposed development on held at 6 p.m. at Bristow Park. Registration is not required.
For more information, please call the Public Safety & Com-
Washington Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue because they
have changed their business model, which is now geared to-

2 • April 2017 • Report to the People

Code Zone: Spring Clean Up City Welcomes New
Spring is once again upon us and with it the annual guilt exception of hazardous waste and construction debris, most Dedicated Sergeant
trip known as spring cleaning. The long-standing tra- types of refuse will be accepted.* Do you have bulky items
dition is based not just on the desire of cleaning sup- to throw away? Here’s your chance! Remember that com- Joe Hernandez

ply manufacturers to sell their products, but also on puter monitor from 1994 that you’ve been meaning to get rid

necessity. Before of? Bring it to the drop-off

the advent of elec- location at Bristow Park

tricity and central and be done with it. Tires

heating, homes will also be accepted at

were lit with Bristow Park; however

kerosene or whale there is a limit of four tires

oil and heated with per household.

coal and wood. Ac- SAFESHRED will be pro-

cording to an 1864 viding free document

“drudgery journal” at shredding at the event,

the Smithsonian so there’s no excuse for

Museum of Natural the pile of junk mail to

History, this would clutter your desk any fur-

result in rooms cov- ther.

ered in a layer of If you have nothing to

soot and grime. get rid of but would still

Since winters in like to participate, then

most places were come and lend a hand.

too harsh to allow for Spring Clean Up is an excellent way to give back to your Community Volunteers are needed for
thorough cleaning of activities such as cleaning

homes, it was done in spring. tree wells, red curb painting, graffiti removal and assistance

As Californians, we’re lucky to have great weather almost with bulky items. You can sign up at the Public Safety and

year-round, so spring is a perfect time to not only clean our Community Services Department or your local library. For

homes, but to get out and help keep our city clean as well. more information, contact Code Enforcement at 323-887-

The City of Commerce’s Annual Spring Cleanup will be 4460.

held on Saturday April 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., in conjunc- *If you have waste such as paint, pesticides, household

tion with the city’s Volunteer Clean Up Day. Bristow Park will cleaners, used motor oil, batteries, etc., check the L.A.

serve as this year’s main location, but each neighborhood County Department of Public Works website for hazardous

will have dumpsters conveniently located nearby. With the waste events.

Get it Together: Preparing Your Family’s Emergency Kit The City of Commerce would like to welcome our new
•Current list of family phone numbers and email addresses dedicated sergeant, Sergeant Joe Hernandez. He will
including someone who can be reached if local lines be coordinating the Sheriff’s Department resources
are down from the East Los Angeles Station to provide public safety
•Map (mark your evacuation route on it) and law enforcement services to Commerce.
•Extra cash in small bills
•Spare keys for house and vehicle Sergeant Hernandez says he is enjoying working in a city
•Spare glasses and/or contacts and solution that is proactive in its approach to public safety. The City has
•Books or toys a relatively low violent crime rate which Sgt. Hernandez be-
lieves is largely due to the City’s familial environment. Being
Week 2 a close-knit community helps law enforcement combat
crime, he said, because residents look out for one another.
•1 gallon of water He often hears the adage that “Commerce is an island,”
•1 jar of peanut butter which he thinks helps foster a safer community. “Everyone
•1 box of crackers knows each other; it’s important,” he said.
•Save $1.75 for a weather radio
Another Commerce advantage that helps combat crime,
April is Earthquake Preparedness Month and the City of Week 3 according to Sgt. Hernandez, is the numerous opportunities
Commerce’s Emergency Preparedness Office is re- to keep busy and engaged with the community. He cites the
minding residents to prepare for an earthquake or •1 gallon of water many activities and sports programs available as another
other disaster by putting together an emergency kit with •2 cans of meat/fish way that brings residents and families together and keeps
enough supplies ready for the first 72 hours. •2 cans of fruits/vegetables them involved.
•1 manual can opener
In order to put less strain on the finances, the City recom- •Save $1.75 for a weather radio Sgt. Hernandez said he intends to “bring back the old feel
mends shopping for emergency kit items using the American of community policing” that will focus on good relations and
Red Cross’ “21 Weeks to Prepare” shopping list. As items are Week 4 more involvement. He would like the community, especially
acquired, they should be placed in a large backpack or tote the residents, to be on a first name basis with each officer.
bag. •1 gallon of water He also wants to ensure everyone in the City feels protected.
•1 bottle of juice “If kids feel safe, parents do, too.”
Assistant Emergency Preparedness Officer Ernie Fierro •1 bottle of hand sanitizer
stresses the importance of having an emergency kit. •1 antibacterial soap The City’s existing public safety strategies, such as the
•Save $1.75 for a weather radio Community Services Officers and Comcats are, the sergeant
“Immediately following a disaster, residents may have to said, “a very helpful and tremendous asset” to law enforce-
fend for themselves for a few days,” Fierro said. “Having an Week 5 ment, residents and businesses.
emergency kit with necessary supplies will make those days
easier to handle.” •1 gallon of water Sgt. Hernandez encourages residents to take advantage
•1 bottle of liquid dish soap of the City’s camera rebate program because cameras serve
Below is the list of items to gather or buy for the first five •2 rolls of toilet paper as a great deterrent and any video footage can greatly assist
weeks. The list is based on a family of four so adjust accord- •1 box of facial tissues in providing information to help solve crimes. Sgt. Hernandez
ingly. •Save $1.75 for a weather radio advises residents to get the most out of their security cam-
era systems by understanding how to use every aspect of
Week 1 For more information, visit the Emergency Preparedness them.
Office’s webpage at www.ci.commerce.ca.us for an entire
•Container or bag for your items list of supplies and other helpful information. Learn more about the City’s security camera rebate pro-
•Set of clothes and shoes for each family member gram by visiting or calling the Public Safety and Community
•Copies of important papers (birth certificates, ID, insurance Services Department at 323-887-4460.
policies, passports, home lease/deed, etc.)
•3-day supply of medicines Report to the People • April 2017 • 3

AApwrailreisnAeustsisMmonth Cinco de Mayo

The Cinco de Mayo Celebration features fun activities and entertainment,including performances by the City’s various Dance pro-
grams, such as the Folklorico program.

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex develop- The Battle of Puebla during the 1862 French interven- offered by fundraising groups from Commerce’s teen and
mental disability that can affect a person’s ability to tion in Mexico ended with a victory for the Mexican pre-teen clubs, competitive sports teams and civic organi-
communicate and interact with others. Signs typi- army against the larger and better equipped French zations like the United Family of Bristow. There will also be
cally appear during early childhood which are defined by Army. carnival rides, piñatas and plenty of other fun activities for
a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” the whole family to enjoy.
that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. To commemorate this historical victory, the City of Com-
There is no known single cause of autism, but increased merce will host the Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Early afternoon highlights include a handball tournament,
awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access Bristow Park on Saturday, April 29 from 1 pm to 5 pm. This amusement rides and the Hot Shots Tee Ball exhibition
to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly im- annual celebration highlights Mexican culture and heritage, game.
proved outcomes. featuring fun activities, events and local entertainment. Don’t forget to register when you arrive to participate in the
There will be a wide variety of Mexican and American cuisine raffles being held throughout the day.
According to the Autism Society, the nation’s leading
grassroots autism organization, some of the behaviors as- National Library Week
sociated with autism include delayed learning of lan- proved college, university or trade school. Interviews will
guage; difficulty making eye contact or holding a be scheduled for June.
conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which The City of Commerce Scholarship Program began in
relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense inter- 1980. In its earliest years, donations were given from local
ests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities. Again, a civic organizations and service clubs. Scholarships ranged
person on the spectrum might exhibit many of these be- from $50 - $300. The program proved to be very suc-
haviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diag- cessful and well received. Before long, contributions
nosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on began coming in from the business community, as well as
analysis of all behaviors and their severity. from civic groups. Scholarships increased both in the size
of the award and in the number given. In 2016, scholar-
According to Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated ships ranging from $200 - $4,500 were awarded to 78
to raising money for research and awareness through its Commerce residents.
“Light It Up Blue” campaign, Autism spectrum disorder
can also be associated with intellectual disability, difficul- National Library Week is a national observance spon- Meet Gaming Champion
ties in motor coordination and attention and physical sored by the American Library Association (ALA) and li-
health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal distur- braries across the country each April. This year, April Commerce employee Victor Delgado holds multiple world records for
bances. Some persons with autism excel in visual skills, 10-15, Commerce Libraries will celebrate the contributions of video games.
music, math and art. our libraries and library employees and to promote library use
and support. Commerce employees are extremely talented, but did
Although autism appears to have its roots in very early you know one Library employee holds several Guinness
brain development, the most obvious signs of autism and During the week, library staff will visit local restaurants and World Records in video games. Come meet Library Page
symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 businesses to promote and share the wonderful services Com- and multiple World Recordholder Victor Delgado on April
years of age. Research continues in an effort to find ef- merce Library offers. 14 at 3 p.m at the Rosewood Library. Delgado holds mul-
fective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early interven- Also, on Thursday, April 13 at 11 am and 5 pm, Library Direc- tiple gaming records in video games such as Tatsunoko
tion with proven behavioral therapies can improve tor Beatriz Sarmiento will host a Meet and Greet with the Di- vs. Capcom, Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
outcomes. rector, while enjoying coffee and donuts. Hope to see you at and many more. For more information on Victor’s
the library during National Library week! achievements in the gaming world, visit
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and https://www.twingalaxies.com.
Prevention (CDC), 1 in 68 American children is identified In addition to celebrating National Library Week, Commerce
on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence Libraries will host adult craft days throughout the month of April.
in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is In honor of Earth Day, come learn to make your own beautiful
only partly explained by improved diagnosis and aware- tote bag from an old shirt.
ness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times
more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out For more information on Library events and programs, con-
of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in tact the Rosewood Neighborhood Library at (323) 722-6660 or
the United States. visit www.cocpl.org

Autism affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. and Library Scholarship Applications Due
tens of millions worldwide. There is no established expla- The Commerce Scholarship application deadline is Thurs-
nation for this continuing increase, although improved di-
agnosis and environmental influences are two reasons day, April 20 at 5 p.m. Applications are available only on the
often considered. Commerce Libraryʼs website at www.cocpl.org or the Library
section of the Cityʼs website at www.ci.commerce.ca.us. The
For more information about Autism, please visit the application requires two letters of recommendation, an autobi-
autismspeaks.org website. ographical essay, financial need analysis, school transcripts, a
Commerce resident card, and proof of admission to an ap-
4 • April 2017 • Report to the People

The City encourages residents to report any suspicious Report Suspicious Activity Young Man of the Year:
activity and persons to the Sheriff’s Department by
calling 323-264-4151. Suspi- joining the Neighborhood Watch program as block captains. Mark Mendoza
cious activity can include unusual Neighborhood Watch block captains are residents who are
items such as packages or unat- the extra eyes and ears of the City
tended bags, vehicles that do not be- and work with the Public Safety Divi-
long at a location, etc. sion and the Los Angeles County
Sheriff's Department to report crimi-
Callers should be prepared to de- nal activity and/or safety concerns.
scribe the activity, the reason it is Becoming a block captain is a re-
suspicious, descriptions of anyone warding experience and it doesn't
involved (clothing, hair color, etc.) take a lot of time, just a willingness to
and any other helpful information be the spokesperson and contact for
which includes the time and location your block. Remember, crime pre-
the activity occurred. Callers can vention is a team effort. This program
make these types of calls anony- works because neighbors know each
mously. Emergency situations are other and report crimes and/or suspi-
still reported by calling 9-1-1. cious activities when they occur.
Even if an arrest does not result
Do not jeopardize your safety by from reporting suspicious activities or
approaching or confronting anyone persons, almost getting caught or
who may be committing or have al- being questioned by deputies can
ready committed a crime. serve as deterrents and sends a
message that our community is vigi-
Interim City Administrator Matthew lant in reporting suspicious activity in
Rodriguez says that reporting suspi- order to keep Commerce safe.
cious activity is crucially important. For more information about Neigh-
borhood Watch, contact Public Safety
“Sheriff’s deputies can’t be every-
where,” he said, “so residents who at (323) 722-4805, ext. 2970.
serve as extra eyes and ears and report suspicious activity
are an invaluable resource in helping fight crime.”

One way residents can help keep our streets safe is by

With a healthy dose of Commerce residential spirit, Baca, a sophomore who is also involved with the Com- Why did you apply to be Young Man of the Year?
the Schurr High School Girls Water Polo Varsity merce Aquatics program, made 20 saves, including numer- I applied to be Young Man of the Year because I saw it as
Team has earned their first CIF water polo title at ous game-saving stops. She stopped a penalty shot and a the perfect opportunity to be a role model for the kids in
the CIF Southern Section Division 2 title game against River- one-on-one fastbreak in the first half. Baca blocked a penalty the community and to show my passion for community
side Poly at the William Woollett Aquatic Center at Irvine shot by Riverside Poly player Sara Dempsey 58 seconds service. Community service has been a big part of my life
High on Saturday, February 18. into the second quarter and then stopped a point-blank one- and I really want to show how important it should be to the
on-one shot. Dempsey scored after a foul in the fourth quar- kids of Commerce. There is no better way to convey your
Schurr, who trailing 3-2 in the final quarter, rallied and ter, but was not enough to beat the Commerce-led Spartan love for the less fortunate and express how grateful you
scored three consecutive goals to take a 5-3 lead with 4:44 squad. are for the things you have than by giving your time back
to play. to the community and serving in any way you can.
Commerce resident and Commerce Aquatics athlete
“At the start of the fourth quarter I heard the girls say to not Stephany Velazquez delivered the final goal for Schurr, What do you hope to get out of this experience?
give up, that it’s not over,” Schurr coach David Argumosa catching and shooting on her back to beat the shot clock with I hope that I can be more involved with the community as
told the Whittier Daily News. “They kept fighting. And then I 1:53 to play. the Young Man of the Year. I wish to be more involved
reminded them that since August we have been working for through service, being involved with city events and be-
this moment. It’s all worth it.” The entire Schurr High School Girls Water Polo Varsity coming a better public speaker. All in all, I hope to be the
Team were honored by the Commerce City Council during best Young Man of the Year possible to inspire the next
Schurr made similar fourth quarter comebacks during their the March 21 City Council Meeting. generation of kids to do their part in the community and to
games against La Cañada and Agoura in the quarterfinal spark their interest; to maybe be the Young Man of the
and semifinal games, respectively. The entire Commerce Community congratulates the Year or Miss Commerce themselves one day.
Schurr High School Girls Water Polo Varsity Team on their
“In the fourth quarter we all took a time out and said we historic win and look forward to many more championships Are you furthering your education/working?
have to do this; we’ve worked so hard,” goalkeeper and to come. Right now, I am furthering my education, as I am currently
Commerce resident Itzahiana Baca told reporters. “We had a junior at Loyola High School. I intend to graduate and go
to keep pushing ourselves.” on to a university. Where to exactly? I am not 100% sure
but I have about ten schools that I am interested in. Of
those schools, whichever I am fortunate to attend, I hope
to major in political science and eventually become a
lawyer.

What are your hobbies, extracurricular
activities, interests?
My hobbies at school include running. I was on the Cross
Country team this past fall, and I am currently on the Track
and Field team. As far as clubs at school, I am in the
Peace and Justice Coalition, a club in which we discuss
current affairs headlining the news, talk about them from a
Catholic standpoint, apply social justice teachings to every
situation and maybe discuss how the event could have
been handled better, keeping in mind those who were in-
volved. As I mentioned before, community service is a big
part of my life and I am working on completing at least 40
hours of service through my school and plenty of other
hours outside of school.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future include working for a law degree.
My dream in life is to become a lawyer so that I can defend
the rights of immigrants who are incapable of defending
themselves. I want to be a lawyer simply to help others
who cannot protect themselves.

Report to the People • April 2017 • 5

DRIVE IN SENIOR VALENTINES DANCE

Young library patrons created cars out of carboard boxes so that they could go to the Bandini Commerce seniors cut a rug at the Senior Valentine’s Day Dance held at the Commerce Senior Center, where
Neighborhood Library Drive In to watch a movie. they participated in a number of Valentine’s Day activities.

READ ACROSS AMERICA QUEEN’S BREAKFAST

The City’s facilities maitnenance staff worked in the
early hours of the morning to give the Bristow Park
Boxing Gym some much needed TLC.

Senior Library Assistant Josue Martinez reads to a captivated audience at Rosewood School dur- Miss Commerce 2016 Jazmin Diaz and her Royal Court pose with ABC reporter Anabel Munoz at
ing the annual Read Across America celebration. the Queen’s Breakfast, where she served as the keynote speaker.

ADVENTURE CLUB AQUATICS AWARDS

The City’s facilities maitnenance staff worked in the The Commerce Swim and Water Polo teams were honored for their hard work and dedication during their annual Aquatics Awards Ban-
early hours of the morning to give the Bristow Park quet.
Boxing Gym some much needed TLC.

The Commerce Teen Adventure Club out enjoying a beautiful day outside.
Adventure Club meetings are every Friday at 5 p.m.

6 • April 2017 • Report to the People

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

May 2017 June 2017 July 2017 1

SMTW T F S SMTW T F S SMTW T F S "The world as we
12 3 4 56 1 23 1 have created it is a
process of our think-
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 34 5 67 8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ing. It cannot be
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 changed without
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 changing our think-
30 31 ing." -Albert Einstein

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

"The way to get English Book Club City Council/Successor Senior Citizens Commission Hecho a Mano Teen Video Games Relay for Life Walk
started is to quit Bandini Library Agency 12:30 p.m. Veterans Library Rosewood Library Veterans Park
talking and begin 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
doing." -Walt Disney Video Games 5:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Volunteer Spring
Youth Advisory Commission Bandini Library Clean Up
7 p.m. Parks and Recreation Com-
3:30 p.m. mission Bristow Park
6 p.m. 8 a.m.
Hecho a Mano
Rosewood Library

6 p.m.

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Palm Sunday Education Commission Passover Task Force Dinner & Movie Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt
3 p.m. Rosewood Library Location TBD
6 p.m. Computer Class Meet Library Gaming Cham- 10 a.m.
Rosewood Library Video Games 6 p.m. pion
Veterans Library "Life isn't about find-
6 p.m. Community Services Com- Rosewood Library ing yourself. It's
4 p.m. mission 3 p.m.
Crochet Circle 6:30 p.m. about creating your-
Veterans Library Traffic Commission self." -George
6:30 p.m. Bernard Shaw
6 p.m.
16 17 19 20 21 22
Measure AA
Easter Sunday "Life is either a dar- 6 p.m. Video Games Scholarship Teen Video Games Earth Day
ing adventure or Bandini Library Applications Due Rosewood Library
nothing." -Helen 18 Earth Day Art Show
Keller 3:30 p.m. All Libraries 3:30 p.m. Rosewood Library
City Council/Successor 5 p.m.
Agency Hecho a Mano 10 a.m.
6:30 p.m. Bristow Library Hecho a Mano
Bandini Library
6 p.m.
5:30 p.m.

23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
Library Commission Video Games Planning Commission Spanish Reading Club Teen Video Games Cinco de Mayo
6 p.m. Veterans Library 6:30 p.m. Rosewood Library Rosewood Library Bristow Park
6 p.m.
City Hall & 4 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 1 p.m.
Libraries Closed
Crochet Circle Mother & Son Date Night
Veterans Library Senior Center
6 p.m.
6 p.m.

I-710 Advisory Committee
6 p.m.

City of Commerce
2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, CA 90040

(323) 722-4805 Fax (323) 888-6841
ci.commerce.ca.us

Report to the People • April 2017 • 7

CITY OF COMMERCE ******ECRWSSEDDM****** PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
2535 Commerce Way RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Commerce, CA 90040 U.S. POSTAGE
COMMERCE, CA 90040 PAID
www.ci.commerce.ca.us
PERMIT NO 1806
LOS ANGELES, CA

Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition

Important Phone Numbers

Aquatic Center 323-887-4404

Code Enforcement 323-887-4460

Animal Control 323-887-4460

(weekends/evenings) 562-940-6898

Calmet 562-259-1239

SCE St. Lights Out* 800-611-1911

Mayor Ivan Altamirano *Provide Light Pole # for Report
Mayor Pro Tem Tina Baca Del Rio
Councilmember Hugo A. Argumedo E.L.A. Sheriff’s Dept. 323-264-4151

Councilmember Lilia R. Leon Graffiti Hotline 323-887-4444 CELEBRATION
Councilmember Oralia Y. Rebollo
Vector Control 562-944-9656 April 29th Bristow Park 1 p.m.

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

3LANDMARK
TV CHANNEL

CABLE GUIDE

APRIL 2017

FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS

Award winning cablecasts of the Commerce City Council Meeting

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. (Live every 1st and 3rd Tues.) Mondays 8 a.m.
Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Thursdays at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 9 a.m.

“In A Council Minute”

Mondays at 4 p.m., Tuesdays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Thursdays at
4 p.m., Fridays at 3 p.m., Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., Sundays at 5:00 p.m.

Adopt a Pet

Mondays at 12 p.m., Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Thursdays
at 3 p.m. Fridays at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., Sundays at 8 p.m.

Commerce City News

Mondays at 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 12 p.m., Wednesdays at 8 a.m., Thursdays at
6 p.m. or after City Council Meeting, Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., Sun-
days at 5:30 p.m.

“Lights Out” concert

Mondays at 5 p.m., Tuesdays at 3 p.m., Wednesdays at 5 p.m.,
Thursdays at 3 p.m., Fridays at 3 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

The 57th Annual Miss Commerce Pageant

Mondays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 5 p.m., Wednesdays at 3 p.m., Thursdays at 7 p.m.,
Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 12 p.m., Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

8 • April 2017 • Report to the People