Commerce Connetion May Magazine

Is a monthly magazine published by the KEEPING YOU C NNECTED
City of Commerce and mailed to Thanks to funds from Measure AA and to
the City’s Pavement Management Plan, a a.m. Congratulations to all of the City’s
Commerce residents. The Connection is number of streets young residents who are taking their first
also available at all City facilities. were repaved in
March and April, steps towards a
Editor including Marianna brighter future. We
Lena Shumway Avenue in the Bris- look forward to
tow area and Con- seeing all the
Staff Writers/Photographers nor and Dennis wonderful things
Daniel Larios Avenues in the we know they will
Marie Hovik Bandini area. Now accomplish in the
that big infrastruc- years to come.
Graphic Design Layout & Illustrator ture projects such
Anthony Aguilar as the award-win- On behalf of the
ning Washington City Council, we
To submit a story idea or a high Boulevard Widen- would like to wish
definition digital photo for ing Project are mothers a happy
publishing consideration, completed, the Mother’s Day,
please contact the City is focusing on which is on
Public Information Office investing funds on Sunday, May 13.
323-887-4453 improving streets Let’s take time to
[email protected] throughout the appreciate our
www.ci.commerce.ca.us City. mothers, grand-
mothers, aunts and
2 Connection The annual other women in our
Cinco de Mayo lives who do so
Celebration will be much for us.
held at Bristow Lastly, this month
Park on Saturday, is the commemora-
May 5 from 12 tion of Memorial
p.m. to 5 p.m. As Day, so let us
always, the celebration will feature local remember all of
entertainment, sports events like the the brave men and
Commerce boxing and Hot Shots Tee Ball women who sacrificed their lives while serv-
exhibitions and a wide variety of ing in the United States Armed Forces. The
Mexican/American cuisine offered by City of Commerce is proud to serve as home
Commerce civic organizations. This is a won- to many Veterans and military families and
derful, colorful celebration of culture and we are forever grateful for their service and
community and we hope you will bring the sacrifice. In observance of this special holi-
whole family to celebrate with us. day, City Hall and libraries will be closed on
Monday, May 28.
Another Commerce tradition happening in The Summer Brochure is coming to your
May is the Preschool Graduation Ceremony home soon! Be sure to check out the many
in Veterans Memorial Park on May 12 at 10 exciting programs, activities and excursions.

How can I find out if I have a red light camera ticket?
The City does not handle red light cameras, they are installed and maintained by
the County of Los Angeles. For information regarding red light cameras, please call
the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Department at (323) 264-4151.

Is there a fee to have a yard sale?
The City does not charge a yard sale fee and no permit is required. Please keep in
mind that only used, personal items can be sold. Also, items must not be placed on
sidewalks or parkways. Signs should not be nailed or stapled to public trees, posts,
poles or utility boxes. All Signs must be removed immediately when the sale is over.

Where can we see photos that were taken at City events?
Visit the City’s flickr page to view and download the images:
https://www.flickr.com/people/commerceca/

MARCH 20, 2018 Declared an emergency for performing modifications to the Veteran's
Park fire sprinkler system for continued fire certification and insurance
Approved additional allocation of $8,000 for the Provisor Building coverage of the building.
Structural Retrofit Project. Extended the moratorium on the raising of rents and temporary meas-
Approved an agreement with EV Connect to install four, dual-port ures protecting residents from eviction for a period of one year.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at City Hall’s west parking lot with Approved an Ordinance establishing a prohibition against illegal dump-
grant funds which are being sponsored by Electrify America as part of ing.
Volkswagen’s diesel emmissions settlement agreement. The grant will Appointed Annelle Grejada to the Planning Commission.
cover installation, service, maintenance, training, warranty work and
software updates. There will be no cost to the City. The charging APRIL 3, 2018
stations are consistent with the City’s Green Zones Action Plan of
helping to reduce greenhouse gases. Rejected all bids for the Senior Center/Library Plaza Improvement Proj-
Received and filed recommendations related to implementation of ect and authorized staff to re-release the plans and specifications for
Green Zones Phase 1. bidding.
Re-established the Senior Rent Subsidy Program and directed City staff
to update all necessary program policies and procedures. The program
provides financial assistance to low- and very low-income residents, who
are at least 57 years old, with their monthly rent.
Authorized staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Architectural
and Engineering Services for the renovation of Veterans Memorial Park
Building.
Accepted the completion of the Malt Avenue Street Racing Mitigation
Improvement Project. The project consists of traffic cushions, restriping
and rumble strips in order to mitigate street racing on Malt Avenue a
popular venue for street racers. These improvements are a part of a pilot
program and, if successful, will become a model for future projects to
deter street racing. The project is one of many new initiatives the City
has adopted in order to combat street racing in the City, including raising
fines, and is an important step towards the security of City residents,
businesses and visitors.
Approve the issuance of a Request for Proposal for the design of the
Transportation Service Center Administration Building Expansion Proj-
ect.

Connection 3

Princess Profile:

Although the drought crisis has Shandell Espinoza
improved, the next drought may
be around the corner and con- Miss Cinco De Mayo 2018 Shandell
servation should remain a way of life. Espinoza will be hosting the City’s Cinco de Mayo celebration
on Saturday, May 5 at 12 a.m. at Bristow Park.
City of Commerce Water Espinoza was honored to represent the diverse Latino community
Use Restrictions as Miss Cinco de Mayo because she feels that sharing culture, food,
and dance are important ways to bring the community together.
•Customers with even-numbered ad
dresses may irrigate on Saturdays, “Every Latin American country has their beautiful people and
Tuesdays, and Thursdays traditions,” she said. “What I most like about Latinos is that we support
•Customers with odd-numbered each other no matter the circumstance. We are also passionate about
addresses may irrigate on Sundays, their cultures and pass them down to the next generations.”
Wednesdays, and Fridays
•Customers without a street address “Cinco de Mayo is an important day to observe in the City because
may irrigate on Saturdays, Tuesdays, it allows many people to feel like they are back home in Mexico and
and Thursdays. others get to experience the beautiful Mexican tradition,” she said,
•Outdoor watering is prohibited adding that her favorite Mexican food is pozole, mole, and tamales.
between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
During her time on the court, Espinoza hopes to empower other
Other Ways to young girls to get out of their comfort zones and participate in many
Conserve Water city programs.

•Apply for Cal Water conservation
rebates and programs
•Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator,
not under running water
•Don’t let the water run
•Don’t overwater your lawn
•Fix leaks
•Plant drought-tolerant plants
•Repair broken or clogged sprinklers
•Take shorter showers
•Upgrade toilets to more energy-
efficient models
•Use a broom instead of a hose
•Use an adjustable hose nozzle
for outdoor use
•Wash only full loads of laundry
•Wash your car commercially

Every drop counts,
build good habits!

Learn about water rebates and
programs at Cal Water’s website:
www.calwater.com

www.calwater.com

4 Connection

According to Swimming World, Commerce icon and
Olympic Water Polo Gold Medalist Brenda Villa will
be inducted into the International Swimming Hall
of Fame.

“I’m really honored and excited to be among so many
greats in all the aquatic disciplines,” Villa said.

Most Commerce residents know that in 2012 the City
renamed its aquatic center to the Brenda Villa Aquatic
Center to pay homage to the water polo legend for
bringing home an Olympic Gold Medal.

But what they may not know is just how much it meant
to Villa. The March 22, 2018 edition of Swimming World
reports that Villa “has received numerous awards and
recognition over the course of her incredible career, but
none mean more to her than the City of Commerce
naming the pool she grew up swimming in the Brenda
Villa Aquatic Center.”

Water Polo Coach Bobby Contreras began coaching
Villa when she was eight and recalls the young player as
being a fast learner who would emulate both older
teammates and opponents, as someone who was driven
to win at all costs. He thinks it was only a matter of time
before Villa was inducted into the International Swimming
Hall of Fame. “I’m extremely proud of Brenda,” he said,”
and appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of her
journey as a world-class athlete.”

As a water polo player, Villa received much recognition,
especially given that she is only 5’ 4”. “The sport of water
polo historically is affluent, tall, and white,” she said.
Since she is none of those, she feels she was presented
with an exemplary opportunity to show others that
success is not contingent on identifiers.

Bruce Wigo of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
believes that the City enabled Villa’s extraordinary
success. “If Brenda had not grown up in the City of
Commerce, she probably wouldn’t have been a great
swimmer and the greatest women’s water polo player in
history.”

Even today, Villa is quick to acknowledge the City for
helping her attain her water polo aspirations. “I’m forever
grateful for the opportunities the City of Commerce gave
me,” she said.

Villa now resides with her husband Gino and daughter
in northern California where she coaches water polo. Her
busy schedule occasionally prevents her from being able
to get her nearly-two-year-old daughter Gianna into the
water as much as she would like.

Villa is the fourth women’s water polo player to be
inducted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Connection 5

Of Commerce’s four parks, only Bandini Park has a fully-operational ceramics room, complete with kilns,
pottery wheels, slab roller and more. Don’t know what any of that equipment is? No worries, class Instructor
Beatriz Jaramillo teaches just that and more.
Although Jaramillo has an MA in Art Education and an MFA in Studio Art and has taught at a university, she
does not tell her students what to do, nor does she assign them specific projects. She provides her students
with technical guidance and a safe environment, but they must transform their block of dull clay into works
of art. Seeing her students gain confidence and apply skills that help them bring their ideas to fruition is
very rewarding. “It’s beautiful to see them blooming,” she said.

The City offers ceramics classes to both children and adults. Regardless of their age, the students may
think they are merely having fun in the class, but Jaramillo says they are also learning, and not just
about ceramics. She uses art to teach auxiliary skills such as analytical and critical thinking and even
how to collaborate with others. Her strategy is successful: Her students need little guidance and work
well together in a harmonious environment that cultivates their creativity.

Ceramics is a centuries-old practice which Jaramillo says was initially taught as a craft. Today,
it is taught as an art, and while her students do produce bowls, vases, and plates, they also
make figurines and other decorative items.

Even though Commerce resident Gina Fierro describes herself as an outdoors type who is
not artistic, she said she had always wanted to take the class. When she finally did, she was
pleasantly surprised to discover that she was capable of creating works of art. Fierro’s most
treasured creation is a decorative piece she fashioned with the likeness of her parents which
she made to memorialize her father who passed away a few years ago. She is currently
working on a similar piece.

Rosa Zambrano said she gives away the majority of the objects she makes in the
class and relishes the opportunity to share her art with others. Her classmate Robert
Gutierrez also gives away his pieces, but for a different reason. While adding color
to a sangria carafe, he boasted that he has backorders. “I have four sisters,” he
explained of the high demand for his art.

Jaramillo marvels that Commerce has its own designated space and classes to
advance the art of ceramics. The nominal fee is a bargain for all the clay, glazes
and equipment that are available for students to use when creating their works of
art. Jaramillo believes everyone can learn how to make unique ceramic objects. “It’s
very rewarding,” she said.

6 Connection

Keep Your Dog Out
of the Animal Shelter

The City’s four animal control officers seize a lot
of animals in Commerce; in the summer, they
can catch more than 150 animals per month.
The animals wearing an ID tag and that have a mi-
crochip implant have the best chance of being reunited
with their owners. In fact, such animals are often re-
turned to their owners without ever being taken to the
shelter.

Animal Control Officer Josh Swisher wishes this was
always the case. “Sadly, a lot of animals that we take
to the shelter are not claimed by their owners,” he said.

When lost pets cannot be reunited with their owners,
Animal Control Officers work to find homes for
animals via the Adopt-A-Pet show produced by the
City’s Cable TV division. The program has been
successful in getting approximately 90% of the pets
adopted.

One way residents can keep their dogs from ending
up in the Los Angeles County animal shelter is to
follow the City’s leash ordinance. A dog is only allowed
to be off its leash when it is on private property behind
a secure fence or in an automobile with its owner.
Other than that, dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Keeping dogs on leashes helps keep them and the
public safe, and under control as required. Leashes
must be strong, no longer than six feet and must be
held continuously by a competent person.

“The long retractable leashes that are very popular
today are not compliant with the Commerce leash law,”
Swisher added.

When staff patrols the City, they look for stray
animals but they mostly rely on the public to report
violations. In addition to capturing animals, Animal
Control Officers are dedicated to educating residents
about animal welfare, investigating animal neglect and
cruelty, and removing deceased animals from
roadways and properties. In 2017, many pets were
attacked or even killed by coyotes so residents still
need to remain vigilant in protecting their pets. Visit the
City’s website for information about keeping pets safe
from coyotes or contact the Animal Control Division at
323-887-4460.

Dogs are required to have licenses and rabies
vaccinations. Owners can get both at the annual
Rabies Clinic on Wednesday, June 6 at 6:30 pm at
Rosewood Park. Rabies shots are just $5, thanks to
Dr. Juan Casillas, the neighborhood veterinarian who
has been administering the shots at the event for more
than 30 years. The dog license fees are: unaltered
dog: $25 and altered dog: $15. Senior residents pay
$7.50.

Connection 7

Spanish Language Workshops Children’s Book Week Puppet Shows

Money Smart Week Series The City invites everyone to come celebrate Children’s Book
Week with puppet shows by Franklin Haynes Marionettes.
Selling Your Home Tuesday, May 1, 6 p.m. @ Bandini Library
Wednesday, May 2, 6 p.m. @ Veterans Library
This workshop will give you tips on selling your home effectively Thursday, May 3, 6 p.m. @ Bristow Library
and get the most profit.
Monday, May 7, 6 p.m. @ Rosewood Library Yoga Storytime

Probate, Wills, and Trusts Library patrons ages 4 – 9 are welcome to listen to stories
and try yoga poses on Thursday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at Bandini
Presented by Lawyer, Ilana Madrigal Library. Parents invited to participate. Wear comfortable
Learn how to plan and prepare for the future and establish ways to pass clothing.
on assets to future generations.
Monday, May 14, 6 p.m. @ Rosewood Library Mother’s Day Celebration

Emotional Empowerment Workshop Patrons ages 4 and up can make Mother’s Day cards on
Thursday, May 10, at 4 p.m. at Bandini Library. Also, mothers
In this illuminating workshop, women learn to be the masters of their are invited to spend the morning at a special program in their
lives, and learn about the various roles they play in personal and honor on Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at Bandini Library.
professional settings. Mothers and up to two children (ages 6 to 14) may register
Monday, May 21, 5:30 p.m. @ Rosewood Library to participate. Priority will be given to mothers who did not
have an opportunity to attend the 2017 program. Space is
Opening a Business Workshop limited. Register at any Commerce library or call (323) 887-
4494.
Interested in opening your own business? In this rudimentary
workshop, participants will learn what steps they need to take to open “Maker May” Programs
their own business.
Tuesday, May 22, 5:30 p.m. @ Rosewood Library The Commerce Public Library presents hands-on activities
to encourage children ages 5 and up to explore, think, tinker,
Managing Your Finances play, design, and build.
Monday, May 14, 4 p.m. @ Rosewood Library
Take control of your finances! Learn how to maintain a budget and how Tuesday, May 15, 4 p.m. @ Bandini Library
to manage both your expenses and your family’s. Wednesday, May 16, 6 p.m. @ Veterans Library
Wednesday, May 23, 11 a.m. @ Commerce READs Center Thursday, May 17, 6 p.m. @ Bristow Library

8 Connection Star Wars Day

Come celebrate the classic Sci-Fi movie on Friday, May 25
@ 5 p.m. 7 p.m. at Rosewood Library.

Hecho a Mano

Adults, come learn to make paper flowers! Use them to
decorate walls, your table, or even as a cake topper!
All supplies will be provided.
Tuesday, May 1, 11 a.m. @ Rosewood Library
Wednesday, May 2, 6 p.m. @ Rosewood Library
Thursday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. @ Veterans Library
Wednesday, May 9, 6 p.m. @ Bristow Library
Thursday, May 17, 5:30 p.m. @ Bandini Library

BUSINESS PROFILE:

Datapage Inc.
5577 Sheila St,
Commerce, CA 90040
(323) 621-6726

DATAPAGE INC. Jack Barton

www.datapageinc.com

The City of Commerce is considered “The Barton’s daughter Barbara Martine, a sufficient enough contribution to City
Model City” because we have outstand- President of Datapage believes that the busi- services, Datapage wans to do more to help
ing city services and programs, a very ness community in Commerce is doing every- the city it has called home for more than 41
close-knit community, and businesses that thing they can to create a better Model City for years, including being involved with the
make an impact on a national level. While residents, either through job creation, Commerce Cares Program, which raised
some of these businesses are flashy and contributing tax dollars for infrastructure proj- money for catastrophe relief efforts, and, most
service-oriented, there are businesses in ects, and philanthropic donations. While most importantly, the Commerce Scholarship
Commerce which make a profound impact companies would likely see its tax dollars as Program, which helps Commerce students to
while still maintaining a small business pursue their college education.
attitude.
Martine, who has served on the Commerce
If you have never heard of a company called Scholarship appeals panel for the past 10
Datapage Incorporated, it could be because years, says that “Providing resources for
they’re a digital print and mail shop specializ- education is extremely important and this is an
ing in monthly statements and direct mail investment in the future of Commerce.”
services, serving the retail, healthcare,
financial services, legal and nonprofit Datapage is also embracing the mission of
industries throughout the country. the City’s Green Zones Action Plan,
committing to eco-friendly business practices
The company was started in 1977 in the City in order to lower their carbon footprint. These
of Commerce by entrepreneur Jack Barton practices include companywide recycling
whose business acumen ensured the com- programs and environmentally responsible
pany would prosper and it has; today its list of paper disposal.
clients includes prestigious companies such
as FedEx, UPS, Bell Howell, Doculynx, Satori For more information on Datapage, please
Software, and many others. visit their website at www.datapageinc.com.

Connection 9

Superhero Day

Spring Craft

DoubleTree Hotel staff provided seniors with cookies and assistance in making a craft.

Young superheroes practice their rock climbing at Superhero Day held at Traveling Soccer Team
Veterans Park.
Soccer players perform hopping agility drills at Bristow Park.

Spring Festival Easter Egg Hunt

Among the many activities that children enjoyed during the City’s Annual Spring Festival Miss Commerce Emily Valle helps a future Miss Commerce collect eggs during the City’s
was a petting zoo complete with bunnies, goats, chickens, and other friendly animals. Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

10 Connection

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

JUNE 1 2 3 4 5

SMT W T FS Teen Craft Hour Senior Citizens Parks and Recreation Teen Book Club Cinco de Mayo
12 Veterans Library Commission Commission Rosewood Library Celebration
12:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Bristow Park
34 5 6 7 8 9 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 12 p.m.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Teen Video Games Hecho a Mano
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 City Council Meeting Bandini Library Veterans Library Teen Advisory Group
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 6 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Rosewood Library
5:30 p.m. 5 p.m.
Teen Video Games
Bristow Library Puppet Show Puppet Show
4 p.m. Veterans Library Bristow Library

6 p.m. 6 p.m.

67 8 9 10 11 12

Selling Your Property Summer Day Camp Task Force Committee Yoga Storytime Teen Video Games Preschool Graduation
Workshop (in Spanish) Registration 3:00 p.m. Bandini Library Rosewood Library Veterans Park
City Hall 10 a.m.
Rosewood Library 8 a.m. Hecho a Mano 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
6 p.m. Bristow Library Mother’s Day program
Teen Craft Hour Mother’s Day Card Teen Book Club Bandini Library
YAC Meeting Rosewood Library 6 p.m. Making Bandini Library Rosewood Library 11 a.m.
7 p.m.
4 p.m. Traffic Commission 4 p.m. 4 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Measure AA Meeting Community Services Teen Advisory Group
6 p.m. 16 Commission Rosewood Library
6:30 p.m. 5 p.m.
15 Little Explorers
13 14 Rosewood Library 17 18 19
Maker May
Mother's Day Maker May Bandini Library 11 a.m. Hecho a Mano Kids Are Cute
Rosewood Library Bandini Library Rosewood Park
4 p.m. Maker May
4 p.m. Veterans Library 5:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m.
City Council Meeting
Probate, Wills, & Trusts 6 p.m. 6 p.m. Maker May
Workshop (in Spanish) Bristow Library
Special Needs
Rosewood Library Commission 6 p.m.
6 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Education Commission
6 p.m.

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Emotional Empowerment Opening a Business Managing Finances Star Wars Day
Workshop (in Spanish) Workshop (in Spanish) Workshop (in Spanish) Rosewood Library
Rosewood Library
5:30 p.m Rosewood Library Rosewood Library 5 p.m.
5:30 p.m. 11 a.m.

I-710 Local Advisory Community Job Fair
Committee Rosewood Park Mtg Rm
6 p.m.
2 – 5:30 p.m

Planning Commission
Meeting 6:30 p.m.

27 28 29 30 31

Memorial Day Library Commission
City Hall and Libraries 6 p.m.

Closed

City Hall &
Libraries Closed

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

Connection 11

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

MAY FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS

Channel 3 City CABLE Guide

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

2018 Pre School Community Graduation
Mondays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Wednesdays at 8 p.m.,
Thursdays at 8 a.m., Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.,
Sundays at 11 a.m.

“In A Council Minute”
Mondays: 4 p.m., Tuesdays: 9 a.m., Wednesdays: 1 p.m.,
Thursdays: 4 p.m. Fridays at 3 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m.,
Sundays at 5 p.m.

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

Commerce City News
Mondays: 6 p.m., Tuesdays: 12 p.m., Wednesdays: 8 a.m.,
Thursdays: 6 p.m. or after City Council Meeting, Fridays at 6 p.m.,
Saturdays: 4 p.m., Sundays: 5:30 p.m.