Commerce Connection March Magazine

CITY COUNCIL KEEPING YOU C NNECTED
Hugo A. Argumedo, Mayor March is Women’s History Month.
John Soria, Mayor Pro Tem a limited time. The Program consists of a
Ivan Altamirano, Councilmember Women have made important contri- one-time reimbursement of up to $500 per
Leonard Mendoza, Councilmember butions to the City of
Oralia Y. Rebollo, Councilmember Commerce, serving as household for the purchase
leaders and role models to and installation of home secu-
EDITOR the residents of the "Model rity cameras. The program
Lena Shumway City." In 1959, 11 women enables residents to obtain
were involved in the Citi- advanced security systems
STAFF WRITERS AND zen's Committee for In- that will provide more
PHOTOGRAPHERS corporation. In 1960, two compressive home security
Daniel Larios women, Kathryn Pahl and and promote neighborhood
Marie Hovik Leone Thornburg, were safety. Applications are
elected to the first ever available on a first come first
GRAPHIC DESIGN LAYOUT Commerce City Council. In serve basis at the Public
& ILLUSTRATOR 1988, former Library Safety and Community
Anthony Aguilar employee and Councilmem- Services Department in City
ber Ruth Aldaco made his- Hall.
To submit a story idea for publishing tory as the City's first female
consideration, please call the Mayor. Since 1960, 11 Don’t forget, the Rosewood
Public Information Office women have held a seat on Main Library will also be host-
at 323-887-4453 or the Commerce City Council. ing their Fourth Annual
Currently, four of the City’s Commerce Loves to Read
email [email protected] seven department heads Book Fair on March 16 at 10
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. are women. Be sure to take am. Come by and meet the
or visit us online at ci.commerce.ca.us time out of your schedule to authors of various popular
thank all of the women in your life. books.
2 Connection The City of Commerce is reoffering the
Home Security Camera Rebate Program for Have a great month and
remember to set your clocks ahead one hour
on March 10 for Daylight Savings. Remem-
ber, “Spring Forward, Fall Back.”

Commerce Welcomes NEW Sheriff’s Captain
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,
The City of Commerce is pleased to wel- started his law enforcement career in 1986.
come Captain Ernest E. Chavez to the After graduating from the Sheriff’s Training
East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station. Academy as a Deputy Sheriff, he was
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Depart- assigned to Men’s Central Jail, Lynwood
ment is one of the finest and largest policing Station, Century Station and Special Investi-
agencies in the country,” said City Adminis- gations Bureau.
trator Edgar Cisneros. “Here in the City of
Commerce, we are proud to be able to work He was then promoted to Sergeant in 2003
hand in hand with Captain Chavez and and was assigned to the Inmate Reception
exchange information that benefits all the Center, Century Station, and Operation Safe
residents and businesses of the city.” Streets Bureau. After being promoted to
Lieutenant in 2009, Captain Chavez returned
Captain Chavez, a 30-year veteran of the to Century Station where he worked as a
Service Area Lieutenant for the City of
Lynwood and as Operations Lieutenant.

In 2014 he was promoted to Captain of
Century Station and then took command of
the Parks Bureau, which polices 177 county
parks, golf courses and special event venues
throughout Los Angeles County.

Captain Chavez, his wife Michele and their
four children reside in Orange County.
Captain Chavez enjoys spending time with
his family and watching his children’s sport-
ing events which include football, baseball,
wrestling and rugby. In his spare time,
Captain Chavez participates in long-distance
running events.

To report crimes, please contact the Los
Angeles County Sheriff's Department at (323)
264-4151. In case of emergency, please dial
9-1-1.

The City celebrated its 59th Anniversary in January

JANUARY 15 To purchase tickets, residents can contact
the Parks and Recreation Department
Authorized use of the remaining funds from FY 2017-18 Pavement at (323) 887-4434.
Rehabilitation for reconstruction of street sections for railroad spur
removals across Commerce Way and across Sheila Street. Watch the pageant live on Commerce Cable
Adopted an ordinance related to the regulation of sidewalk vendors. Channel 3 or online at www.ci.commerce.ca.us.

FEBRUARY 6

Approved the State of California minimum wage for 2019 through
2023. The minimum wage is now $12 an hour for businesses with 26
employees or more due to a November 2016 ballot initiative.
Authorized the allocation for the 45th year of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Fiscal Year 2019/2020.
Approved funding for the 2019 Summer Youth Education and Service
(Y.E.S.) Leadership & Mentoring Program. The Y.E.S. Program is an
annual program designed to teach young Commerce residents how
to apply for jobs and receive work experience with the City. Funding
was approved for 85 applicants.

In addition to the Commerce website, the City Even if you are not interested in the live
is now using Facebook Live to live stream
City Council meetings. council meetings, it’s a good idea to like and

Technology has become an everyday part follow the Commerce Facebook page to
of our lives and live streaming has become a
valuable tool to increase civic engagement. receive updates on City programs, events,
The Facebook live stream will help our resi-
COUNCIL dents who cannot make it down to City Hall and other information. We are also on Insta-
MEETINGS for every meeting and those who do not have
a cable service provider. The City encour- gram, Twitter, and Flickr. Past Commerce
NOW ON FACEBOOK LIVE ages every resident to watch and become
more engaged with their city government. Council meetings can be viewed on the City’s
Are you interested in watching the Com-
merce City Council meetings but don’t website www.ci.commerce.ca.us under the
have access to the City’s cable channel?
“Agenda” section.

The City Council meets regularly on the first

and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in

the Founders Chambers located at 5650 Jill-

son Street. Connection 3

REACHING FOR THE STARS Marco
While looking up at the night sky, Herrera
most people see a few pretty stars physical and mathematical principles school, the idea of becoming an astro-
through the glare of the city lights, and apply them to projects that fly every naut led Marco to picking up a NASA
enjoy their twinkle then move on with their day,” Marco said. “Being a small part of space program history book from the Bell
life. But one Commerce resident saw a making airplanes and spacecraft safer Gardens High School Library. After
frontier just waiting to be explored and is and more reliable motivates me. Being a reading about the first human space
working on expanding our understanding of manager and leading a team also programs in the 1960s, and about the
the universe. motivates me by being able to see them Space Shuttle program, he was hooked.
succeed and reach their own potential.”
Lifelong Commerce resident Marco A former member of the Commerce
Herrera currently works in Florida as an Marco’s journey towards the stars Education Commission, Marco urges
Aerospace Engineering Manager for began in middle school, when his 6th anyone interested in science and
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems grade pre-Algebra class went to engineering to follow their dreams and
with the hopes of one day becoming an Palmdale to see the space shuttle work hard to achieve them.
astronaut. Earning his Bachelor of Science Columbia as it was preparing for it next
degree in Aerospace Engineering from the mission. “Go to the California Science Center
Florida Institute of Technology thanks in part and see Space Shuttle Endeavour up
to the Commerce Scholarship Program, “At the time, I didn’t really understand close; Talk to the historians and tour
Marco currently leads a team of 12 the significance of that spacecraft, I just guides and ask them about its history,
engineers, focusing on Aerospace Control knew that it had traveled to space, with what it accomplished, and how it accom-
System design for various aerospace seven astronauts, somehow landed plished great missions,” Marco said. “I
vehicle projects. According to Marco, back on Earth, and was now being would also recommend visiting the
aerospace control systems are like the cleaned and prepared for another space Columbia Memorial Space Center in
nervous system and brains of modern launch,” Marco said. “Knowing that Downey and learn about the role that
airplanes and spacecraft. They also ensure people were part of making this possible; Downey and Southern California played
that aerospace vehicles are smooth and from engineers, scientists, managers, in helping launch humans to the moon.
safe for people on-board. welders, technicians, business people, It’ll inspire you.”
electricians, designers, logistics coordi-
“I have always been fascinated by how nators, women, men, like you and I What’s next in Marco’s future? After
math and science shape the world around allowed me to see possibilities that I had applying for NASA’s Astronaut Corps in
us; In my current job I am able to take not been exposed to in the past.” 2016 and not getting chosen, Marco
plans to once again apply to become an
4 Connection As he got older and attended high astronaut, never giving up on his dream
to reach the stars.

AMERICAN
INTERNATIONAL

the Business of BeautyINDUSTRIES
When Zvi Ryzman and a business part-
ner bought the false eyelash brand become a leading one, with products sold such as Beauty Bus Foundation, Cedars-
Ardell, it wasn’t a well-known one. In
1971, Ryzman founded American International in such stores as Ulta,Target, Walmart and Sinai for breast cancer awareness, the Los

Industries with Ardell as the company’s only CVS. Ardell is used by professional Angeles County Mission and the Chamber

brand, in West Hollywood. As is often the case makeup artists as well. of Commerce.

when business owners want to expand their “Beauty is one of the few things in life that This year, American International

businesses, they relocate. can bring a smile to almost anyone’s face partnered with the City to take part in the

Ryzman moved the business’ headquarters in almost any situation,” says Public Miss Commerce Pageant and Young Man

to Commerce in 1993. Moving to the City Relations Director Tori Matt. of the Year Empowerment Day. The

permitted American International to acquire the Recently, American International made company hosted a Makeup Clinic, complete

space needed to grow the business while also the public smile by holding a parking lot with two professional makeup artists and

supplying an available workforce to fill their sale to sell their overstock of beauty beauty products for the Miss Commerce

personnel needs. These considerations products. The discounted products participants. The Young Man of the Year

became even more important as American included eyelashes, nail polish, skincare participants were given a brief clinic and

International continues to grow. Currently, the products for men and women, gift sets, products such as aftershave.

company has hundreds of employees. The and many others. Savvy shoppers bought “American International Industries did a

move to Commerce provided American large quantities of Ardell lashes and color phenomenal job of showing our Miss

International with other benefits as well; they cosmetics. Commerce Pageant and Young Man of the

became centrally located within Los Angeles Keeping apprised of sales and events is Year participants how to look their best.

County, and would have easy access to free- as easy as following the brands on social They all enjoyed the clinic and their goody

ways, railways and ports to distributing their media such as @ardellbeauty, bags of wonderful products,” said Parks

products. @chinaglazeofficial and @clubmanpinaud. and Recreation Assistant Director Adolfo

American International has done quite well American International’s beauty philoso- Marquez.

in Commerce; they have acquired several phy has compelled them to become proud Learn more about American Interna-

brands, and their flagship brand Ardell has supporters of local and national charities, tional Industries at www.aiibeauty.com.

Connection 5

Miss Commerce 2019 Participants

6 Connection Young Man of the Year 2019 Participants

WhTy hdeo MyouisswaCnot mtombeerMceiPssaCgeoamnmterce?

Every year for the past 59 years, young women munity. The first Young Man of the Year was Sergio Macias.
throughout the City of Commerce have had to an- However, it wasn’t until recently that the Young Man of the
swer this question in the hopes of becoming the Year began taking a more active role as part of the Royal
official goodwill representative for the community. They Court.
compete in a contest that is unlike others in that Miss
Commerce is not chosen based solely on looks, but on To meet the Miss Commerce 2019 contestants, you can
intelligence and communication. It is this empowering visit the City of Commerce online flip book site to view their
aspect of the Pageant that creates a well-rounded role bios by scanning the adjoining QR code in your smart-
model for young female Commerce residents. phone or visit the Commerce website. You can watch the
Miss Commerce Pageant Live on March 30 at 5 pm on
This time honored tradition dates all the way back to Channel 3 or via online streaming on Facebook Live or the
the founding of the Model City. On November 19, 1960, City’s UStream page.
37 young ladies throughout the newly formed City of
Commerce competed in the first ever Miss Commerce Connection 7
Pageant at the Fluor Corporation auditorium. 19 year old
Linda Griffin was crowned as the first Miss Commerce.
A green eyed blonde, Griffin worked as a Southern Cal-
ifornia Gas Company stenographer. Traditionally, 4 run-
ners up of the Miss Commerce Pageant are chosen to
be a part of the Royal Court, taking the titles of Miss
Dodgers, Miss Fourth of July, Miss Clippers, and Miss
Cinco de Mayo. Miss Friendship is a title chosen by the
contestants themselves.

Miss Commerce and the Royal Court serve as the of-
ficial ambassadors for the City, representing the com-
munity during various events throughout the year,
including the Independence Day celebration, Cinco de
Mayo, Community Dodger Night, Community Clippers
Night, and the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Throughout the 59 year history of the City, Miss Com-
merce has become a community leader and role model
for the young ladies of the Model City, serving as a
positive example through charity work and the promotion
of higher education. Every year, Miss Commerce and
her Royal Court participate in community service
through the Ronald McDonald House Charities or-
ganization, which provides a place to stay for fam-
ilies with hospitalized children who are being
treated at nearby hospitals and medical fa-
cilities. Miss Commerce is also a part
of the Commerce delegation to
our Sister City of Aguas-
calientes, where she spends
time volunteering at local or-
phanages and senior living fa-
cilities.

While Miss Commerce
serves as a role model for young
ladies throughout the City of Com-
merce, a Young Man of the Year is
chosen every year to serve as a an ambas-
sador and role model for young men in the
community.

Initially, the Young Man of the Year pro-
gram started in 1999 as a way to provide
scholarships to young men in the com-

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

STAFF EARNS GRANT

Commerce Libraries continually strive to provide patrons with the
tools they need to learn and flourish. However library staff is also
given opportunities for development via the Library’s Create,
Discover, Connect (CDC) grants.

Created by the library a few years ago, the CDC grants are funded
using donations and are open to all library staff to apply. This
program teaches staff to grant writing, budgeting, teamwork,
marketing and program planning. Contenders for the grant are
required to give a presentation to promote their idea. The community
ultimately benefits from the grant by getting another outstanding
program.

Librarian Janet Garcia and Library Assistant Jannine Mancilla were
recently awarded CDC grant funds to implement their idea: the
library’s first-ever program for millennials.

Garcia admits it can be challenging to draw millennials, those
adults born from 1982-2004, to the library.

“The millennial generation is always on the go,” she explained.
Garcia and Mancilla, both millennials, thought patrons ages 18-25
would enjoy spending time together playing Millennial Loteria, a spin-
off of regular Loteria. Millennial Loteria is actually a parody of Loteria;
spaces on the cards are La Selfie, El Uber, La Hashtag and other
millennial era references. Even the markers are fake bitcoins! Using
the game was a great way to keep the millennial patrons entertained.
The clever millennial version of the game was the brainchild of
Guatemalan-born, Orange County-raised Mike Alfaro, who said his
goal was to create a “fun way of showing Latino millennial life.”
Through Instagram, Garcia and Mancilla decided to invite Alfaro
to their event and he accepted! Not only did Alfaro share his
experience with getting the game manufactured, he also called out
the Loteria cards for the games.
Garcia and Mancilla worked with a staff advisor to plan the program
and bought prizes such as coffee mugs, t-shirts and key chains. One
lucky patron won a Millennial Loteria game in the raffle.
Even though it can be overwhelming to write a grant and provide
the requisite details, staff would do it again as it was a great learning
experience.
Director of Library Services Beatriz Sarmiento said the community
benefits from her staff’s creativity. “What has been surprising to me
is how many of the program ideas come about because staff listened
to the community or saw an opportunity to be of service to a segment
of the population like the Millennial Loteria, for example.”

8 Connection

EMleakcingttrhie cSwVitchehicles

If you need a new car and are tired of high gas prices, spending It’s been almost four years since the closing of the Exide Technolo-
time at gas stations, and not being as environmentally respon- gies battery recycling plant in Vernon and thousands of properties
sible as you could be, consider buying a plug-in electric vehicle. around the area have been identified in need of clean up. This
remediation effort means cleaning up yards, inside homes, and even
There are actually two types of plug-in electric vehicles: replacing contaminated paint in the outside of houses.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) run entirely on batteries which According to the California Department of Toxic Substances
need to be recharged via plugging them in to an available charger Control, as of January 31, 2019, there have been a total of 38 Exide-
at home, work or other location. contaminated properties cleaned in the City of Commerce, with an
additional 81 properties scheduled for cleaning in the upcoming year.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) require both electricity
and gasoline, and have the ability to be plugged in for a charge. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), there is now federal funding to implement
According to the California Air Resources Board, electric vehicles programs that identify and repair lead-based paint hazards in homes
have several advantages over their gas-guzzling counterparts. occupied by low-income families with children under the age of six.

• Electric vehicles are more cost effective; the cost of a The funding of $3.4 million will be used to identify and remove lead-
based paint hazards from 180 units in communities impacted by the
gallon of gasoline is more than $3.50 whereas electricity Exide battery recycling plant, including the Bandini and Bristow areas
costs approximately 12 cents per kilowatt hour. If you of Commerce. A licensed professional will test the walls inside and
charge your vehicle at night or during off-peak hours, you outside of the home to assess if there is a lead-based paint hazard
could save even more. What’s more, if you purchase a on the property. Eligible homes will have contaminated materials
vehicle that runs entirely on electricity, you will never have removed and a cleanup confirmation will be completed in order to
to worry about filling up your tank! You also save time meet the HUD clearance standards.
because while your vehicle is charging, you will be doing
something else. In addition to federal funding, the state government is also identi-
fying sources of revenue to invest in the cleanup effort. In January,
• Besides not having to buy gasoline (or not as much if you Governor Gavin Newsom proposed an investment of $50 million to
accelerate the cleanup of approximately 700 properties affected by
own a PHEV), battery-powered cars also have lower lead contamination around the Exide plant.
maintenance costs because there are fewer moving parts
to service and repair. Lead contamination is a very serious matter as it can cause
neurological damage, especially among children. Lead poisoning can
• Plug-in electric cars have all the standard safety features be easily detected and treated by a doctor, which is why the LA
County Department of Public Health is conducting free blood lead
that regular gasoline cars do. testing for concerned residents. Call the LA County Department of
Public Health at (844) 888-2290, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00
Plug-in electric vehicle owners will soon have another place to pm or visit www.bloodleadtesting.com.
charge their vehicles when the City of Commerce finishes installing
electric vehicle charging stations in the west parking lot, near the Connection 9
Emergency Operations Center. The stations are expected to be
available this month.

For more advantages about making the switch to a plug-in
electric vehicle, read the California Air Resources Board’s Drive
Clean Buying Guide at https://www.driveclean.ca.gov.

CITY CONDUCTS

HOMELESS COUNT

For the fourth consecutive year, City staff, with the help of two commissioners and two vol-
unteers, participated and completed a homeless census count. The count is done in
conjunction with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Maintaining sta-
tistics on the homeless population helps secure outreach efforts, allocate funding
and direct resources to where they are most needed in the Los Angeles area.

Throughout California, homeless issues are becoming
more prevalent and more of a concern as homeless-
ness continues to rise. Most complaints related to
homelessness in the City are regarding noise
and litter. Over the past four years, the
homeless count in Commerce has shown
a steady increase. In 2016, the count
was 40; this year, it was 160.

An individual or a family is
considered homeless if they are living
in a temporary dwelling, such as an
RV, car, van, tent, makeshift shelter,
etc.

“The City’s goal is to apply for
funding, continue outreach efforts,
provide resources and enforce laws,
ordinances, and policies, to keep the
residents and the business community in
Commerce safe; that’s the ultimate goal,”
Social Services Coordinator Ed Saucedo said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and
Commerce Public Safety Officers continue to collaborate and
enforce laws regarding parking violations, illegal dumping and
crimes such as drug use and theft throughout the City. The City
Council has taken steps to combat homelessness, directing
staff to offer temporary resources, referrals and social
services. In addition, the City Council recently approved an
ordinance that will prohibit overnight parking as well as
dwelling in vehicles, allowing for easier enforcement.

The rights of homeless inhabitants are also considered.
“The City has an interest in protecting those renting campers
and RVs from predatory owners. RV’s must be operable and
have a current DMV registration tag,” Saucedo said.

For referrals to agencies that assist with housing, please call
the Commerce Social Services Division at 323-887-4460.

10 Connection

Sister City Visit

Delegates from our Sister City Aguascalientes, Mexico visited the Model City to experience
everything we have to offer.

Aquatic Excellence

Senior Winter Dance Several swimmers and water polo players were honored at the annual Aquatic Awards Banquet.

Commerce Seniors celebrated the winter season with a dance at the
Senior Center Bandini Park.

Happy Birthday!

Children get ready to dance at the City’s 59th birthday celebration at Bandini Park. Resolutions and Goals

Veterans Library patrons created vision boards to remind them of their personal
goals.

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 Superhero
Public Safety 323-887-4460 Day
Animal Control 323-887-4460
Weekend/Evenings 562-940-6898 Has moved to April 6
Calmet 562-259-1239 Veterans Memorial Park
SCE St. Lights Out* 800-611-1911
10-11:30 a.m.
Mayor Hugo A. Argumedo *Provide Light Pole # for Report Ages: 3-10 years
Mayor Pro Tem John Soria Sign up at your local park
Councilmember Ivan Altamirano E.L.A. Sheriff’s Dept. 323-264-4151 beginning on March 7.
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

MARCH CHANNEL 3 CITY CABLE GUIDE JOIN
THE
City Council Meeting TEAM
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. SUPERVISORY AND
NON-SUPERVISORY POSITIONS
Annual Miss Commerce Pageant Live Broadcast on March 30
Live streaming on the City’s Facebook page and Ustream live available in L.A. County.
@the City of Commerce $21-$23 per hour

In A Council Minute •Paid training •Weekly Pay •Flexible Hours
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. APPLY ONLINE:

Commerce City News 2020census.gov/jobs
Mondays at 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 a.m., Wednesday at 3 p.m., Thursdays at For help applying or for more information, please call
9:30 a.m., Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
855-562-2020
Adopt A Pet
Mondays at 12 p.m., Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Federal Relay Service
Thursdays at 3 p.m. Fridays at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., Sundays at 8 p.m. 800-877-8339 TTY/ASCII

Annual Twilight Dance Concert series www.gsa.gov/fedrelay
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.