City of Commerce March 2017 RTTP

INSIDE The Mediterranean Kitchen is a family-owned and operated restaurant that specializes in delicious mediterranean food, a relaxed atmosphere and service with a smile.

Page 2 Business Profile: The Mediterranean Kitchen
styles they have collected and inherited in this restaurant.”
•Council Actions Located in the Commerce Village Center at 2480 S Atlantic Blvd., the The Mediterranean Kitchen is known for its modern interpretation of clas-
Mediterranean Kitchen is a newcomer to the City of Commerce, started sic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.
Page 3-6 by business owner Serooj Shabandari and his family. One of the more popular dishes is the Koobideh Kabob Plate, which is
This family-owned restaurant offers outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, ex- served with saffron rice, warm pita bread (which is made from scratch in
•Miss Commerce cellent customer service and friendly staff. the restaurant), shirazi salad, grilled tomato and grilled pepper. Other spe-
Pageant 2017 Special cialties include: the hummus, which is made fresh daily; the chicken kabob,
Coverage Issue “The Kitchen opened because of the passion my parents had for cooking,” which is cooked using 16 different spices; and, for vegetarians, the falafel
said Shant Shabandari, son of Serooj who helps with the restaurant. “They is made fresh every day.
Page 7 have been cooking since their teens and they decided to open up their first “Not only are we giving back to Commerce, we’re giving a part of our cul-
restaurants. It’s a chance for them to incorporate all the recipes and cooking ture to the community,” Shant said. “These plates are derived from com-
•Calendar bination of my parent’s and grandmother’s recipes, so it’s truly traditional
family style food we’re offering.”
Page 8
The Mediterranean Kitchen has quickly become a fast hit in the com-
•Veterans Resource munity, becoming a culinary cornerstone in the City of Commerce.
Center “It's a real gem of Commerce,” said Golan, a customer from North Holly-
wood. “Everything is fresh, full of taste, hearty & healthy! The service is
Si le interesa recibir un artículo always warm and friendly and I keep going back when I have a chance.”
en español, por favor llama a
la Oficina de Información The Mediterranean Kitchen also offers delivery service and customers
Pública al (323) 722-4805 ext can order online at www.mediterraneankitchencommerce.com or can call
4453. Indica el título del the restaurant at (323) 318-2827.
artículo, la fecha y su domicillio
o correo electrónico. “Our hope is that our customers enjoy a new and pleasant experience,”
Shant said. “We encourage the Commerce community to come try our
delicious food.”

From The Desk of Matthew Rodriguez Interim City of Commerce Council Actions

City Administrator Regular Meeting of January 17 Adopted an Ordinance authorizing the Director of Library
Services to administer and manage all library-related mat-
Iam Matthew C. Rodriguez and it is my honor and privi- Celebrated the City’s 57th birthday with a cake cutting cer- ters.
lege to be introduced as the newly appointed interim emony.
City Administrator for the City of Commerce. Most of Approved the modification of equipment and the South Regular Meeting of February 7
you already know me during my time as the Director of Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Permit for
Public Safety and Community Services, where I brought a Futernick Dump's Landfill Gas Collection System. Received and filed a report regarding Exide scheduled drop-
lifetime of knowledge and expertise in public safety to the Approved an agreement with the Gateway Water Man- in hours at Commerce City Hall.
people of this wonderful community. As your leader, I agement Authority for Proposition 84 funded Advanced Received and filed a report on the I-5 Joint Powers Author-
promise to bring the benefit of my 30 years of public serv- Meter Reading units and allocate $47,096.77 for grant ity/Caltrans Urban Reforestation Program.
ice to better serve the Commerce community. match/cost share from the Water Utility Fund. Approved the renewal of additional Civic Organizations for
Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Los the year 2017 as recommended by the Parks & Recreation
We will soon crown a new Miss Commerce at the 57th Angeles Homeless Services Authority to participate in the Commission.
annual Miss Commerce Pageant on March 11 at 5 p.m. Opt-In Program for the 2017 Greater Los Angeles Home- Approved the purchase of portable heavy duty hydraulic bus
Seven young women have entered the pageant and will less Count. lifts for the City's transportation maintenance facility.
have the opportunity to represent Commerce as the City’s Approved an agreement with Integrated Security Incorpo- Approved a resolution declaring that weeds, brush, rubbish
Queen. The Miss Commerce Pageant provides these rated to purchase and install a security camera system at and refuse upon or in front of the specified properties in the
young ladies an opportunity to make friends, create cher- the City's Metrolink Station. City are a seasonal and recurrent public nuisance, and ap-
ished memories, and grow from a wonderful once in a life- Approved listing of Civic Organizations of the City of Com- proved its abatement.
time experience. Residents can contact the Parks and merce for the 2017 calendar year. Authorized the order of seven Outdoor Changing Enclo-
Recreation Department at (323) 887-4434 to purchase Authorized Public Works and Development Services staff sures for the Brenda Villa Aquatic Center.
tickets to the pageant being held at the Crowne Plaza to release a Request for Proposals for a General Plan Up- Approved the request of 50% sponsorship from the City
Hotel. If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to date. Council for the Commerce Dance Team to attend the Hawaii
watch the pageant live on Commerce Cable Channel 3 or Approved a Letter of Agreement with the City of Commerce World Finals 2017 in Oahu, Hawaii, May 25 - 29, 2017.
online at www.ci.commerce.ca.us. Employees Association authorizing revisions to City Per- Approved the sponsorship of the Commerce Crush Volley-
sonnel Policies and changes to the fringe benefits package. ball Teams to attend the Las Vegas Junior National Qualifier
During the Pageant, the City will also select the 2017 Received and filed a status update on Exide related activ- Tournament April 7-9, and April 20-17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Young Man of the Year. The Young Man of the Year award ity by the California Department of Toxic Substance Con- Approved a resolution authorizing the allocation for the 43rd
recognizes young men active in their community. Just as trol. year of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
Miss Commerce serves as a positive role model for young Continued the item to reestablish the Community Union for Fiscal Year 2017/2018.
ladies, the Young Man of the Year is a role model for the Pacific Railroad Task Force.
young men in Commerce. Good luck and congratulations
to all of the participants. *Correction: The February edition of the Report ot the People stated that the election was moved to June 3. The actual date of
the election is June 6. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion it may have caused.
In the January Report to the People, we gave informa-
tion regarding the Commerce Home Security Camera Re- Reusable Bags
bate (HSCR) Program. This popular program is still going
strong, offering a one-time reimbursement of up to $500 In November 2016, proposition 67 ratified Senate Bill 270, policy, the library will give patrons reusable bags in April. In
per household for the purchase and installation of home which was designed to prohibit large grocery stores and addition to giving away reusable bags, the library will also
security cameras. For more information on the HSCR pro- pharmacies from providing plastic single-use carryout host a craft event where patrons can make their own
gram, contact the Public Safety and Community Services bags. While the City of Commerce is not prohibited from reusable bags with past summer reading program t-shirts.
Department at (323) 887-4460. using single-use plastic bags, Commerce public libraries are
transitioning from providing and using single-use plastic bags The libraries will continue to use single-use plastic bags
Don’t forget, the Rosewood Main Library will also be to offering and using reusable bags in support of the envi- until they run out and will inform patrons of the transition.
hosting their Second Annual Commerce Loves to Read ronment and proposition 67. The City urges library patrons to remember to bring reusable
Book Fair on March 18 at 10 am. Come by and meet the bags when coming to the library.
authors of various popular books. In honor of Earth Day and to promote the new reusable bag

Have a great month and remember to set your clocks
ahead one hour on March 12 for Daylight Savings. The
rule of thumb is always “Spring Forward, Fall Back.”

Sincerely,

Library Book Festival

Published Monthly and Mailed to Commerce Residents “Collectively, these authors remind us that it’s important to
read for many reasons: information, entertainment, es-
Deputy City Graphics Design capism and to better understand the world and each an-
Administrator Anthony Aguilar other,” said Commerce Teen Librarian Erik Jackiw. “Several
Fernando Mendoza of these authors also have books that have been recom-
PIO Staff: mended by the Young Adult Library Services Association for
Editing/Writing: Edward Torres reluctant readers who may need the right book to trigger
Daniel Larios Adriana Torres their love of reading.”
Marie Hovik Darryl Leyden
Joe Sandoval For more information about the Commerce Book Festival,
Alyssa Mendez please contact Teen Librarian Erik Jackiw at (323) 722-6660.

Please call (323) 887-4453 Commerce Public Library is inviting book lovers from all
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. or over the region to its second annual Commerce Loves
Reading Book Festival on Saturday, March 18 from 10
visit us online at ci.commerce.ca.us. am to 2 pm at Rosewood Main Library.

The Book Festival will feature presentations, panel discus-
sions and book signings from the authors. Book vendors will
be on location with merchandise to sell.

2 • March 2017 • Report to the People

A New Queen Will Be Crowned
My journey as Miss Commerce 2016 has been an unforgettable My experience as Miss Commerce 2016 has been stupendous, unforgettable
experience. It seems like just yesterday I was crowned Miss and, most of all, fun. As my reign comes to an end, I can say that I have grown
Commerce on that stage at the beautiful Commerce Casino ball- to be a more assertive and stronger young woman thanks to the wonderful
room, in front of family, friends
support of the Commerce community.
Jazmin Diazand the entire Commerce com- I would like to express my gratitude to

munity. It has been a year of the Pageant Steering Committee, the
Miss Commerce 2016 Honorable Mayor Ivan Altamirano,
Mayor Pro Tem Tina Baca Del Rio and
growth, accomplishments and Councilmembers Hugo Argumedo, Lilia
Leon and Oralia Rebollo for helping to
treasured moments. Serving as make the Miss Commerce program
what it is today.
an ambassador to the City of
I would also like to express my most
Commerce allowed me the op- profound gratitude to Parks and Recre-
ation staff, including Adolfo Marquez,
portunity to make new memories, Tina Fierro, and Lucinda Blancarte for
their hard work, dedication, wisdom, pa-
overcome stagefright, gain confi- tience, understanding and support they
have given me throughout the year. I
dence and build new and lasting can not thank you enough for all the
amazing memories we have created to-
friendships. It has been an once- gether and I will cherish them always
and forever; each one of you will always
in-a-lifetime experience that I will have a special place in my heart.

cherish forever. Words cannot I would also like to acknowledge my
Royal Court, and Young Man of the Year
describe how grateful I am to for all their support, love and friendship.
It has been a pleasure to have shared
have been given the opportunity my reign with such amazing individuals.
Thank you all for the fun times, great
to go on this amazing adventure. laughs and memories.

I am deeply honored to have I would like to say thank you to the
community, staff members, and volun-
been given this opportunity to rep- teers I have met along the way. Your
support and kindness made all the
resent my community. Through- events and programs I got involved with
fun and lively.
out my reign, I have participated
Last but not least, I would like to thank
in countless City events, holiday my parents for their unconditional love,
encouragement and support not only
parades, fashion shows, diverse through my journey as Miss Commerce
but throughout all my endeavors in life.
cultural festivities and excursions. I love you both so much!

Being Miss Commerce has Most importantly, thank you to the City
of Commerce. You have my deepest
helped me grow as an individual, appreciation and gratitude for allowing
me to represent you, in this extraordinary year. It has been the greatest honor
empowered me as a young to serve as your 2016 ambassador!

woman and helped me build my

self confidence. I feel a deep

sense of pride to have been a role

model, a goodwill ambassador

and leader for the City of Com-

merce.

As Miss Commerce, I had the

opportunity to travel to our sister

city of Aguascalientes, Mexico.

This was my first time visiting

Mexico and it was a wonderful

and humbling experience, to say

the least. I had the opportunity to

visit and learn about the culture

and traditions in the 441-year-old

city. During my stay, I had the op-

portunity to interact with bright

children at orphanages and energetic elders at nursing homes. Despite

their circumstances, they are happy. It was then when I realized that we

take things for granted and do not understand the importance of every-

thing we have in our lives.

Report to the People • March 2017 • 3

2017 Miss Commerce Pageant Participants

ROSA Rosa Moreno is attending Pasadena City College to pursue a career in teaching because she wants to inspire the next gen-
MORENO eration of leaders and scholars. “I want my students to look at me and say ‘because of you, I didn’t give up,’” Rosa said. She
is currently a City of Commerce Youth Advisory commissioner, a volunteer tutor and an assistant coach for the Girls 11 and
Daughter of under Travel Soccer Team. What the 19-year resident likes best about Commerce is the closeness of the community and
Leticia and people’s willingness to help each other.
Ramiro Moreno
19 years of age Running for Miss Commerce: “Being Miss Commerce is such an amazing opportunity to give back to my city and just
Pasadena City College overall a chance to be a voice for the young ladies in our community,”
5 ft. 11 in. tall
Brown hair Childhood Memories: “When I was little, I loved taking part in the sports program, which motivated me to play soccer out
Brown eyes of the program.”

GABRIELA Gabriela Gomez attends Schurr High School and plans to pursue a career as a counselling psychologist to help families re-
GOMEZ solve their conflicts. An avid music lover, Gabriela plays piano and guitar and belongs to a band that plays for her church
and performs at weddings. The 14-year resident is also a part of her school’s jazz ensemble. The YES Program is one of
Daughter of Gabriela’s favorite programs because it gave her the opportunity to work at the Veterans Library, where she spent much
Eugenia Chamorro and of her childhood receiving help with her education.
Walter Gomez
17 years of age Running for Miss Commerce: “Growing up in this city of opportunities has given me the advantage to become a well-
Schurr High School rounded person. For this, I am very thankful and would like to give back to my city for everything it has done for me, and
5 ft. 1 1/2 in. tall I believe that I could best achieve this through my service as Miss Commerce.”
Brown hair
Brown eyes Childhood Memories: “As a little girl, my demand for crayons was very high, as I loved coloring.”

VIVIAN Vivian Bautista is a student at Rio Hondo College where she is majoring in Chicano studies and is focused on becoming a
BAUTISTA teacher. Her desire is to learn more of the history of her family’s Hispanic roots and to teach Chicano history. The two-year
Commerce resident spends her spare time dancing or cooking. She also likes spending time with her cousins and travel-
Daughter of ing with them. Vivian loves the small town atmosphere of the City. “The best thing about living in Commerce is being in a
Francesca and tight-knit community and meeting such great people at all the park events,” Vivian said.
Marios Bautista
20 years of age Running for Miss Commerce: “I want to be Miss Commerce because I want to be able to be a role model to little girls,”
Rio Hondo College
5 ft. 2 in. tall Childhood Memories: “When I was a little girl, I loved to dance and sing. Ballet was my favorite because I was able to
Brown hair wear a tiara all the time and I felt like a princess.”
Light Brown eyes

WILEY M. Wiley Canjura is attending East Los Angeles College to become a registered nurse. “I’m in love with the idea of making a dif-
CANJURA ference in this world,” Wiley said. “I have a passion for helping people and this career goal will allow me to pursue that pas-
sion.” She has lived in Commerce for 20 years and is a professional makeup artist, having taken part in many fashion
Daughter of shows such as The Ballroom Bang with designs by Leotine Collection Fashion Showcase and Latina Beauty Convention
Moyra Garcia and Fashion Show. In her spare time, she sharpens her artistic skills by experimenting with color, fashion and style. She be-
William Canjura lieves the City of Commerce’s programs provide great opportunities for residents and she applauds the City’s skill in
20 years of age being able to unite families and offer them comfort and happiness.
East Los Angeles College
5 ft. 5 in. tall Running for Miss Commerce: “I would love to be Miss Commerce because it would be an honor to be a role model for
Brown hair today’s youth.”
Brown eyes
Childhood Memories: “Growing up, I enjoyed participating in the folklórico classes at Bristow Park and taking part in my
grandmother’s hosting of family gatherings.”

GIANNA J. Gianna Solorzano currently attends Schurr High School and is set on becoming a pediatrician because she loves babies. “I
SOLORZANO hope that someday I can provide care with empathy, kindness and reassurance to the parents of my young patients,” Gi-
anna said. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and reading with her nieces Ava and Emma, spending time with her sis-
Daughter of ter Alanna and watching boxing and football with her grandfather. The 12-year Commerce resident also loves swimming,
Yvette Gaytan playing water polo and paddle boarding. Gianna appreciates the fact that Commerce offers residents free sports pro-
16 years of age grams.
Schurr High School
5 ft. 7 1/2 in. tall Running for Miss Commerce: “I have enjoyed participating in the Commerce programs. I always had coaches that I
Brown hair looked up to. They have been kind, understanding, knowledgeable, approachable and so very patient. It would be an
Brown eyes honor to represent our great city in the same way my coaches have.”

Childhood Memories: “When I was a little girl, I loved playing Barbies with my sister and going to Disneyland.”

4 • March 2017 • Report to the People

2017 Miss Commerce Pageant Participants

Natalie Magallon attends Rio Hondo College and plans to combine her love of helping people with helping them prevent in- MANGAATLALLOINE
juries so she is majoring in kinesiology to become a trainer of athletes. During her spare time, she volunteers to help coach
girls volleyball, spending time with family and friends, listening to music and dancing via “Dance Central” or “Just Dance” Daughter of
video games. She thinks the best part about living in Commerce is that the City has something to offer residents of all Guillermina Maldonado
ages. The lifelong resident appreciates the collaboration involved in producing the City’s major events. and Guillermo Magallon Jr.

Running for Miss Commerce: “I want to be Miss Commerce because I believe that I am a great role model for young 18 years of age
girls and would love to give back to the community that has given me so many great opportunities and memories doing Rio Hondo College
the things I love.”
5 ft. 3 in. tall
Childhood Memories: “When I was a little girl, I loved playing sports at the park, going to Camp Commerce, spending time Brown hair
with my second family (Crush Volleyball teammates), and attending the arts and crafts classes, especially for holidays.” Brown eyes

Mayra Olivas Silva is majoring in kinesiology at Cal State University, Long Beach so she can continue to help people as much MAYRA
as she can in her future career as a doctor. She enjoys helping people with homework, cleaning and whatever else they OLIVAS SILVA
may need. She also likes discovering new restaurants, especially their desserts. She loves being involved in organized
sports because she enjoys being part of a team. Mayra has lived in Commerce for approximately five years, and applauds Daughter of
the City for providing so many opportunities that foster a feeling of community and family. Myrna and

Running for Miss Commerce: “I want to be able to represent the City of Commerce in the best way possible and it is Rafael Olivas
an excellent opportunity to better and develop myself as a person.” 18 years of age
California State
Childhood Memories: “I used to like to put on dance shows, be in the water, and do gymnastics. They were and are my
getaway.” Long Beach
5 ft. 4 in. tall

Brown hair
Brown eyes

I H O WN IS WN ORDS BY YOUNG MAN OF THE YEAR 2016 MARK ANTHONY JIMENEZ

Becoming Young Man of the Year is a great opportunity to meet people and become involved in
the community. People might think that they could never speak in front of a large audience. That
is false; you can do anything you put your mind to! It’s okay if you mess up as long as you try.
For example, during the Preschool Graduation I had one job: all I had to do was say, “Congratula-
tions, class of 2016,” but when I said it my voice sounded like a dying whale. It was horrible but it did
not stop me from speaking the rest of the year. Always remember no one is perfect, everyone makes
mistakes.

This was my second time running for Young Man of the Year; when I lost the first time I was crushed
but that is normal. What matters is how you pick yourself up after a fall: you keep trying and never
get discouraged.

As my time as Young Man of the Year is about to end I would just like to say THANK YOU to every-
one who made my experience the best it can be: Adolfo Marquez, Robert Lipton, Tina Fierro, Lucinda
Blancarte and Council members for the hard work and dedication towards the program. I had such
a great time being your 2016 Young Man of the Year. Thank you.

Excerpted from the original text; to read the entire version, visit www.ci.commerce.ca.us

Report to the People • March 2017 • 5

BABY SHOW SUMMER END CELEBRATION

The Force was strong with Miss Commerce and her Royal Court as they attend the Kids are Cute The Commerce Royal Court are photobombed by the singer of the band “The Pacmans” during the
Baby show, their first city-wide event as official ambassadors of the City. Summer Ending Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PRESCHOOL GRADUATION

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

The Royal Court paid their respects to the dearly departed at the annual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration in Bristow Park. The Royal Court congratulated dozens of graduating preschoolers.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY ROYAL TEA PARTY

The City’s facilities maitnenance staff worked in the Miss Commerce Jazmin Diaz, Miss Cinco de Mayo Kassandra Carbajal and Young Man of the Year Mark Jimenez hosted
early hours of the morning to give the Bristow Park the Queen’s Tea Party for all the young princes and princesses of Commerce.
Boxing Gym some much needed TLC.

Miss Commerce and the Royal Court attended the Veterans Day Ceremony where they
saluted and thanked the men and women who served their country.

6 • March 2017 • Report to the People

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

April 2017 May 2017 1 2 3 4

SMTW T F S SMTW T F S Ash Wednesday Thursday Night Movie Teen Video Games “Your battles in-
1 1 Rosewood Library 5 p.m. Rosewood Library 3:30 p.m. spired me - not the
Senior Citizens Commission
2 34 5 67 8 2 34 5 67 8 12:30 p.m. Hecho a Mano obvious material
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Veterans Library 5:30 p.m. battles but those
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Video Games that were fought
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Bandini Library 3:30 p.m. Parks & Recreation Commission and won behind
30 30 6 p.m. your forehead.” –
Video Games
Bristow Library 4 p.m. Read Across America James Joyce
Bristow Library 6 p.m.
Read Across America
Veterans Library 6 p.m.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

“Today you are You, Teen STEM Activity Teen STEM Activity & Task Force 3 p.m. Community Services Commis- Teen Video Games Miss Commerce Pageant
that is truer than Bristow Library 4 p.m. Teen Advisory Group sion 6:30 p.m. Rosewood Library 3:30 p.m. The Commerce Hotel and
Teen STEM Activity &
true. There is no one English Book Club Rosewood Library Video Games Teen STEM Activity Casino 5 p.m.
alive who is Youer Bandini Library 6 p.m. 4 p.m. Bandini Library 4 p.m.
than You.” - Veterans Library 4 p.m.
Dr. Seuss Curso de Computación City Council/Successor
Rosewood Library 6 p.m. Agency 6:30 p.m. Hecho a Mano
Rosewood Library 6 p.m.
Youth Advisory Commission
7 p.m. Traffic Commission 6:30 p.m.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Daylight Saving Time Education Commission 6 p.m. Teen Advisory Group & Video Games Hecho a Mano St. Patrick’s Day Book Festival
Teen Book Club Bandini Library 3:30 p.m.
(Turn clocks ahead 1 hour) Curso de Computación Bandini Library 5:30 p.m. “You can’t just sit Rosewood Library 10 a.m.
Rosewood Library 6 p.m. Rosewood Library 4 p.m. Hecho a Mano there and wait for
Bristow Library 6 p.m. people to give you
Coffee with Veterans that golden dream.
Rosewood Library 5:30 p.m. You’ve got to get out
there and make it
Crochet Circle happen for yourself.”
Veterans Library 6 p.m.
- Diana Ross
Measure AA 6 p.m.

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

“We can do no great Curso de Computación Library Embajadoras Planning Commission Curso Bancario Teen Video Games Holiday Faire
things, only small Rosewood Library 6 p.m. READs Center 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Bandini Library 5:30 p.m. Rosewood Library 3:30 p.m. Senior Center 10 a.m.
things with great
love.” - Mother City Council/Successor Garden Show
Teresa Agency 6:30 p.m. Rosewood Park

1 p.m.

Super Hero Day
Veterans Park

1 p.m.

26 27 28 29 30 31

Database Fair Video Games Database Fair Database Fair Teen Video Games
Rosewood Library 5:30 p.m. Veterans Park 4 p.m. Veterans Library 5:30 p.m. Bristow Library 5:30 p.m. Rosewood Library 3:30 p.m.

Library Commission 6 p.m. Database Fair “Life is not meas- Spanish Reading Club
Bandini Library 5:30 p.m. ured by the number Rosewood Library
Curso de Computación of breaths we take, 6 p.m.
Rosewood Library 6 p.m. Crochet Circle but by the moments
Veterans Library 6 p.m. that take our breath
City Hall &
Libraries Closed I-710 Advisory Committee away.” -Maya An-
6 p.m. gelou

City of Commerce

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

Report to the People • March 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

Aquatorium (323) 887-4404

Code Enforcement Ext. 2293

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 Office (323) 264-4151

Councilmember Lilia R. Leon Graffiti Hotline (323) 887-4444
Councilmember Oralia Y. Rebollo
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

Veterans Resource Center: 3LANDMARK
TV CHANNEL
Helping Veterans Succeed
CABLE GUIDE

Since opening its doors in January 2016, the Veterans Resource Center, lo- MARCH 2017
cated in Rosewood Library, has been helping veterans and their families find
answers to their questions regarding claims, utility bill and other financial as- FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS
sistance, military funerals, lost medals, transportation, jobs and more.
Award Winning Cablecasts of the Commerce City Council
“Many people do not know that there are private, non-profit organizations that pro- Meeting
vide free services and resources to veterans,” said Olivia Audoma, who oversees
the Center’s operations. Audoma believes there is a need for having a place vet- Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. (Live every 1st and 3rd Tues.) Mondays 8 a.m.
erans can turn to for help in the City of Commerce. Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Thursdays at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 9 a.m.

For the past few months, Army veteran Ron Medina has been taking advantage “In A Council Minute”
of the Center’s free computer training. He admits he is far from computer savvy but
his confidence is growing. 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.,
“I’m so much better off than what I was and I hope to get better,” he said. Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
Like many veterans, Medina is having difficulty finding employment.
Commerce City News
“I’m trying to get a job that’s respectable,” he said. “I have a two-year degree but
I still can’t get a job.” Mondays at 12 p.m., Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 4 p.m., Thurs-
days at 3 p.m. Fridays at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., Sundays
Audoma provided Medina with a valuable resource, but thinks more could be at 8 p.m.
done, which is why she would like to partner with local businesses that are hiring.
The 57th Annual Miss Commerce Pageant
Audoma does not run the Center alone; she has a team of dedicated volunteers, (Beginning March 16)
most of whom hold full-time jobs. Although most of the volunteers are veterans or
are related to one, they are required to receive specialized training so they can Mondays at 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 12 p.m., Wednesdays at 8 a.m.,
provide the best assistance possible. Thursdays at 6 p.m. or after City Council Meeting, Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays
at 11:30 a.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
For the Veterans Resource Center’s hours, volunteer and other information,
please visit cocpl.org or call Olivia Audoma at 323-722-4805 ext. 2851.

8 • March 2017 • Report to the People