C o m m e P rc a e g C e o 7 lle g e F a ir
Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition
Volume 52 No.8 August 2012 www.ci.commerce.ca.us In This Issue 2012-2013 Page 2 Partnership Improves BUDGET APPROVED Telegraph Road
BPeaagueti3 fication Work Day Tire Recycling
LPiabgraery4 News American Cancer The City Council approved a $50,477,531 operating budget Society Relay for Life for fiscal year 2012-2013 on June 19, closing a budget gap of approximately $4 million Page 5 Commerce Athlete Miss Fourth of July Jannine Mancilla poses for a photo before the Patriotic March with Miss Commerce, the Royal Court and Cap - and ending up with a small makes Hall of Fame tain America. From l. to r. are Captain America, Miss Dodgers Alyssa Rubio, Mancilla, Miss Commerce Unique Hernandez, Miss surplus of $5,000. Galaxy Karely Ramirez, and Miss Friendship Jennifer Mendoza. Councilmembers closed the Water Polo Update budget gap by approving ap - COMMERCE CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY proximately $1.5 million in re - Thousands of Commerce pa - Rico Gutierrez with a time of 16 members of the Royal Court, ductions to department budgets, programs and staff OPalygmep6 ian Brenda Villa triots gathered together to cele - minutes and 4 seconds. The the Parks and Recreation Com - brate the founding of their menʼs division runner-up was mission, and the City Council. and using $500,000 from the country and enjoy an amazing Oswaldo Hurtado with 16 min - Attendees enjoyed a wide vari - Cityʼs reserves. The deficit fireworks show at the Cityʼs An - utes and 11 seconds. ety of entertainment and activi - was further reduced by a nual Independence Day celebra - In the 8 & Under Division Ali - ties. Residents participated in higher than initially projected tion on July 4 at Rosewood cia Naranjo and Jack Resado an “Old Fashioned Wagon Dec - sales tax and franchise fee Park. finished first, while Louise Bar - orating Contest” and the annual revenues totaling $1,678,530; The festivities kicked off with ragan and Bullet Bales both “Firecracker 500,” which fea - a cost adjustment in Sheriffʼs the annual 5K Freedom Run in grabbed first place in the over tured games that delighted the Department services, which the Rosewood Park area. Ap - 66 division. The oldest female crowd. They were also treated was $66,514 less than pro - proximately 416 runners of all and male runners were Martha to performances from the Cityʼs jected; and the sale of water ages participated in the 3.2 mile Torres and Choe Hoe at 73 and dance programs, which included production rights to the City of mini-marathon. 74, respectively. Tap and Ballet, Jazz, and Folk - Whittier, which generated The womenʼs overall winner The official ceremonies lorico. $345,000 in revenues. was Rosa Del Toro with a time started with a welcome and in - Park staff organized a Patri - Even amid cuts and reduc - of 17 minutes and 35 seconds. troductions by master of cere - otic March, featuring Boy Scout tions, the council gave consid - NPagtioen7 al Night Out The womenʼs division runner up monies Steve Campos from Troop #473, Cub Scout Pack eration to seniors dependent was Lizzy Nelson with 20 min - Parks and Recreation and Miss #473, LA County Sheriffʼs on rent-subsidized housing and voted to fund the Senior YMCA Preschool utes and 56 seconds. 4th of July Jannine Mancia. Independence Day Page 8 The menʼs overall winner was Joining them onstage were Rent Subsidy Program for one year, using $90,000 from the general fund. REVENT THE PREAD OF IGER OSQUITOES Redevelopmentʼs dissolu - P S T M tion eliminated the moderate Commerce residents should and neighborhoods localized geles County Vector Control striped mosquitoes or are bit - housing funds used to pay for take precautions against mos - control measures are being District is encouraging resi - ten by mosquitoes during the the program, essentially elimi - quitoes because mosquito sea - taken. dents to eliminate places water day, they are encouraged to nating it. The councilʼs action can collect, such as the water contact the Vector Control Dis - son is here. Invasive and The mosquitoes can be dis - provides renters 12 months to potentially dangerous Asian tinguished from native mosqui - dishes that sit below potted trict. seek alternative sources of tiger mosquitoes not only sur - toes by their aggressive plants, buckets, containers and For more information or to re - funding. Additionally, the coun - vived the winter, but are growing daytime biting habits, small old tires. port the appearance of black cil approved health care costs in number and spreading. size and black and white The mosquitoes can even and white striped mosquitoes, increases for employees and Asian tiger mosquitoes were stripes. The mosquitoes also breed in the drops of water that contact the Greater Los Ange - extending health coverage to discovered in Northridge, Silver do well in even the smallest collect in the crevices of plants, les County Vector Control Dis - six employees who were laid Lake, South El Monte, Whittier amounts of water. so residents are encouraged to trict at (562) 944-9656 or visit off due to the elimination of re - and Winnetka. To prevent these With the potential threat of water their yards at ground their website at development. day-biting mosquitoes from spreading West Nile virus by level. If residents notice the ap - www.glacvcd.org . There were no changes in spreading to other properties these mosquitoes, the Los An - pearance of black and white Budget Approved Page 4 MUNICIPAL NOTES CRAIG REALITY , C ITY PARTNER TO IMPROVE TELEGRAPH ROAD Marked improvements were made to Telegraph Road Hyundai, The Citadel, The Double Tree Hotel and the at The Citadel thanks in large part to The Craig Realty Commerce Casino. The Citadel alone generates close to Group. Last November, the City entered into a public/pri - $3 million a year in sales tax revenue. vate partnership with The Craig Realty Group Citadel, Craig Realty paid for $200,000 in road improvements in We invite residents to participate in our 29th Annual LLC to install a double-left turn at Citadel Drive, and advance and was reimbursed for about $163,000 National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Everyone is repave and restripe a portion of the roadway between ($137,000 from sales tax generation from three new welcome to attend one of the barbecue-style block par - Camfield Avenue and Gaspar Avenue. stores and $26,000 from the City). The remaining balance ties hosted by Neighborhood Watch block captains being Urgent repairs were needed, especially since an esti - of $37,000 was paid by Craig Realty. The partnership held throughout the City. Sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, mated 10 million shoppers visit the outlets annually. Tele - helped beautify the City and benefited the entire commu - community safety specialists and city officials will visit the graph Road is essential to the City because it is the main nity. The City would like to commend Steve Craig for his block parties to provide safety materials and listen to your arterial route to revenue generating businesses such as partnership and support to beautify Commerce. concerns. Meet our crime prevention team and take a stand against crime by joining us at National Night Out. Just a reminder that the City Council meeting has been CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET APPROVED rescheduled to 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 6 to enable the City Council to participate in National Night Out activities. The City Council approved a 2012-2013 Capital Im - provements to the Commerce Metrolink Station and Teen Congratulations to the 2012 Commerce Scholarship re - provement Program budget in July, totaling approxi - Center, a geotechnical analysis of the Camp Commerce cipients. This year 65 scholarships, totaling $86,042, mately $6.6 million. Projects approved for funding snow fall drop area, improvements to the Camp Com - were awarded. We thank all the students who partici - included the street reconstruction in the Bristow and merce water line and driveway, a City Hall emergency pated and all the generous donors whose contributions Rosini neighborhoods, the Safe Route to School pro - system upgrade and an emergency dispenser/fuel line in make it possible for students to pursue a college educa - gram, Washington Blvd. improvements, Emergency Op - the Transportation Department. tion. erations Center construction and the Central Library In total, 18 capital improvement projects were ap - I also want to congratulate Margo Miranda and Brenda renovation. proved. State and federal funding will pay for approxi - Villa for their recent achievements in the sport of Other projects and items approved were: Garfield Av - mately $2.6 million of the costs, with the remainder being Women’s Water Polo. Both of these women are interna - enue street improvements (from Telegraph to Malt), the paid out of the Cityʼs general fund. State and federal tional water polo stars. They got their start in the Com - Washington Blvd. median construction, improvements to funded projects have completion deadlines, which have merce Women’s Water Polo program. Miranda, a stop signs city wide, replacement of a bus washer, im - been incorporated into the project schedules. women’s water polo pioneer credited with putting Com - merce Water Polo on the map, was recently inducted into the USA Women’s Water Polo Hall of Fame (story on COUNCIL ACTIONS page 5). Villa is a three-time Olympic water polo medal - ist, who is currently competing in her fourth Olympic REGULAR MEETING REPORTS Games in London. The most decorated women’s water Regular Meeting of June 19 ices for the Washington Boulevard Widening and Recon - polo player in the world, Villa, is captain of the United • Honored Rod Gallegos for receiving the Older American struction Project with RBF Consulting. States Olympic women’s water polo team. We congratu - Recognition Award from the Los Angeles County Commis - • Adjourned in memory of Janie Longoria Sapien, grand - late both of these women for the honor and distinction sion on Aging. mother of City employee Rebecca-Lee Longoria; and in they have brought to our City. They are an inspiration to memory of Stephanie Perez Almada, family member of all. City employee Maggie Aguilar. I am happy to report that the City Council adopted a Regular Meeting of July 3 balanced 2012/2013 fiscal year general fund operating • Approved an agreement with the LA County Metropolitan budget of $50,477,531 in July and ended up with a Transit Authority to provide guidelines for the installation, $5,000 surplus. Council members were given the difficult operations and maintenance of Countywide signal priority task of closing a deficit originally projected at $4 million. to support Metro Operations. The demise of redevelopment, coupled with a slow eco - • Approved the MOU with the City's mid-management and nomic recovery, added to the challenge. Meeting the non-management full time employees. needs and concerns of residents, employees and the • Approved the MOU with the City's full-time non-represented business community is always at the forefront of the • management full time employees. Council’s decision making. While tough decisions were • Approved an agreement with LA County to provide mas - made, Council was able to balance the budget with mini - sage establishment inspection services. mal impacts to the community. City Council honored the World Boxing Organization on June 19 for • Approved an agreement with the International Institute of The Senior Rent Subsidy program was extended for donating equipment to the Commerce Boxing Program, whose par - Los Angeles for participation in the Immediate Needs one-year, using $90,000 from the general fund. The pro - ticipants are pictured here with WBO Executive Director Mark E. Reels. Transportation Program. gram was a casualty of redevelopment’s demise. Council • Approved Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Pro - members were concerned for residents dependent on the • Directed staff to explore options for constructing a gram Participation Goals for federal fiscal years 2012-2015. program and sought ways to ease the transition. The City retaining wall at Camp Commerce. • Approved a lease agreement between Structural Materials Council voted to fund the program so that renters would • Approved contracts with the LA County Fire Department Co. and Beacon Sales Acquisition, Inc. be given time to seek alternative sources of funding. and Sheriff's Departments for law enforcement services for • Approved a lease agreement with American International The 2012/2013 Capital Improvement Budget was also Fiscal Year 2012-2013. Industries for the property located at 5901 E. Telegraph Rd. approved and residents will begin to see many projects in Approved an agreement with Transtech Engineering (Wal - • Approved a lease agreement with American International motion including, reconstruction of streets in the Bristow • nut, CA) for public works inspection and material Industries for the property located at 2366 Travers Avenue. and Rosini residential areas, improvements to Washing - testing services for the Safe Route to School Project and • Received and filed a report on the Blue Ribbon Advisory ton Blvd. and renovation of the Central Library. We have Bus Shelter Installation Project. Panel. a busy year ahead of us. • Approved the purchase of an upgraded gate access • Approved use of the City's fitness facilities by the spouses I hope you and your family are having a wonderful sum - control system for the Transportation Center. or significant others of City retirees. mer. See you at National Night Out. • Approved a request for proposals for the I-710 Freeway • Appointed Sandy Cornejo to the Senior Citizens Commis - Improvement Project Draft Environmental Impact sion. Report/Statement review. Sincerely, Approved an Agreement with Hogle-Ireland. Inc. for prepa - Jorge Rifá • ration of digital billboard standards. • Received and filed a report on the re-design of the Central Library Renovation Project. RePubplishoed Mrontthlytanod Maitledhto eCommPercee Roesidpentsle • Received and filed a status report on public safety issues. • Received and filed a report on art in public places. DarrPyIlOLeSytdaeffn : • Approved a revision to Commerce Municipal Code Section EJadsitoonr:Stinnett Marie Hovik 2.10 providing for an increase in the Commerce campaign Edward Torres Joe Sandoval Writer/Photographer: contribution limit from $500 to $1,000 per candidate per Sylvia Rico-Sanchez Adriana Torres ‘ contributor per year. PIO Intern • Received and filed a report from staff on the Blue Ribbon Graphics Design/ Daniel Larios Layout & Printing: Advisory Panel. Anthony Aguilar PrisYcEillSa RVoldurnigtueeezr • Received and filed a report updating the official City of Commerce Handbook for Commissions and Committees. Please call (323) 887-4453 or (323) 887-4447 • Approved an agreement for design and engineering serv - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. or visit us online at www.ci.commerce.ca.us.
2 • August 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition VEHICLE BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS FROM THE LA C OUNTY SHERIFF ’S DEPARTMENT “Although thieves. crime rates in •Keep all valuables, such as cell phones, computers, Commerce purses/wallets, or items you just purchased, out of have de - view. Use your trunk if possible. All of these items creased over are bait to a thief. the last year, •Donʼt leave spare change exposed in your car. we have seen Loose change can represent “big dollars” to a thief. a rise in some •If you must store valuable items in your vehicle, specific cate - lace them in the trunk. gories, prima - •Always lock your vehicle. rily vehicle For more suggestions on how to keep yourself and burglaries,” said Commerceʼs Dedicated Sergeant Rich your property safe, contact Crime Prevention Coordi - nator Laura Tilley at (323) 887-4460. To report crime USED TIRE Haley of the LA County Sheriffʼs Department. To prevent vehicle burglaries, Sergeant Haley call the East Los Angeles Sheriffʼs Station at (323) recommends the following tips: 264-4151. In an emergency always call 911. •Park your vehicle in a well lighted and well traveled area whenever possible to discourage would be RECYCLING YOUTH INVITED TO COMMERCE CLEAN UP CITADEL FOUNDER PLEDGES $100 TO PROGRAMS FOR EVERY YOUTH VOLUNTEER Steve Craig, President and CEO of Craig Realty, back and be a part of it,” said Craig, explaining the which owns and operates the Citadel Retail Outlets, at - reason for last yearʼs clean up. tended a recent Commerce City Council meeting to in - “You may recall that this kind of came out of a re - vite volunteers 12 and over to help clean up the area in port the State of California did on blight in Com - and around the former Frazee Paint Building located merce and we said, ʻWeʼre going to change that,ʼ on the 5400 block of Telegraph Road next to the and I think we have to a large degree turned it Citadel on Saturday, August 11 from 6:30 am to 1 pm. around. But we want to keep that going, keep the in - For each youth volunteer who volunteers at the Com - volvement going and the enthusiasm for it. Anyone merce Clean Up, Craig pledged to donate $100 to a thatʼs willing to work is on my team,” added Craig. program of their choice, just as he did last year for vol - At the meeting, Craig presented a list of projects unteers from the Commerce Boyʼs Water Polo Team, that included planting bougainvillea, a climbing plant the Commerce Teen Center, and St. Marcellinus with colorful flowers, on the Northwest embankment Church. of the Interstate 5 overpass. He also stated that Last yearʼs Commerce Clean Up resulted in cleaning Craig Realty has set aside $50,000 to help cover up and beautifying the Telegraph Road Corridor sec - material and equipment costs and that they are ask - tion of the City, an effort that filled 14 roll off trash bins ing vendors they do business with for assistance in provided by Waste Management. “We were sweeping the Commerce Cleanup neighborhood improvement the streets and picking up the trash together, making effort. the area look better so that when visitors come here they feel the pride that we have and they want to come Itʼs illegal to stockpile waste tires on HOME ENERGY UPGRADES residential property not permitted for tire storage and itʼs illegal to dispose of them LA C OUNTY ENERGY UPGRADE PROGRAM in public right-of-ways. The Los Ange - 2.Decide whether or not to pursue a Whole-House les County En - Home Energy Rating Waste tire stockpiles pose a threat to pub - ergy Upgrade 3.Find a participating contractor to complete your lic health, safety and the environment. They California program helps upgrade and maximize your savings can cause fires and can collect water, be - you make home im - 4.Get rebates, incentives and financing to help pay provements that can for your upgrade coming a breeding ground for save energy and make your Upgrade Packages mosquitoes (See story on page 1). home more comfortable. Energy There are two upgrade packages: Basic and Ad - WASTE TIRES CAN BE RECYCLED and Upgrade California provides you with the opportunity to vanced. Each offers different rebates and turned into playground covers, floor mats, receive up to $8,000 in rebates from your utility and incentives. You choose the one that works best for drain pipe, mulch, office supplies, and city or county. Rebates vary by city, county and utility your goals and budget. You can add Enhanced Op - provider. tions to either upgrade, including eco-friendly build - roadway material. These rebates reward you for addressing your home ing solutions or solar panels. energy efficiency needs as a system--insulation, air Home Energy Professionals Residents can recycle waste tires (for a ducts, windows, furnace and air-conditioning that work Contractors and Raters nominal fee), used motor oil and filters, and together, instead of piece by piece. An energy upgrade Energy Upgrade California connects you with home car batteries at: makes sure that each piece functions well, so your energy professionals, including participating whole house is more efficient. contractors and Whole-House Home Energy Raters, An energy upgrade can help you… who are trained to make your home as efficient as Walmart Tire & Lube Express •Save energy and money by lowering your bills possible. 8500 Washington Blvd. •Make your home more comfortable in all seasons Rebates, Incentives and Financing •Improve the air quality inside your home Get up to $4,000 back on your upgrade through your Pico Rivera •Conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gases local utility, plus additional rebates in select cities (562) 801-2413 Visit the Los Angeles County Energy Upgrade and counties and financing options to help you pay California website at https://energyupgradeca.org for for your project. a “one-stop shop” guide to giving your home an Who may participate? energy upgrade. Once you are logged on: Eligibility varies depending on your utility provider. 1.Select an upgrade package that suits your needs Contact a contractor or rater to find out more.
Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition Report to the People • August 2012 • 3 The City of Commerce LIBRARY NEWS Public Information Office SUMMER READING PROGRAM ENDING PARTY Cable TV Division Summer Reading Program Ending Party chance to report will be on Saturday, August 4. Those who The City of Commerce Public Library will end their sum - complete the program will have a chance to win our grand mer long reading program with a bang. The Commerce Li - prize—a computer that teens worked together to build during Presents braryʼs Childrenʼs Summer Reading Program Ending the week of July 23. All teens that entered our Summer Celebration this year is a big dance party for children and Reading Program are invited to attend our closing party on their families. Children and their families can “Dream Big – Wednesday, August 8 at 5 p.m in the Emergency Operations Dance!” to music provided by a live DJ. Center. Commerce Men’s The family dance will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 9 in the Veterans Park Gym. Cookies and juice will be served Teen Book Club after the program. Everyone is welcome to attend. Free bus The Teen Book Club will be meeting on August 22 at 5:30 p.m service will be provided to and from Bristow, Atlantic and at the Central Library. The meetingʼs focus will be on John Water Polo Central libraries. Bus space is limited. To sign up for bus Greenʼs The Fault in our Stars. transportation call your local Commerce library. ADULT PROGRAMS TEEN PROGRAMS Adult Summer Reading Program College Fair The last day to report for the Adult Summer Reading Program The City of Commerce Public Library and the Education is Saturday, August 4. Raffles will take place on Wednesday, Commission will host the 7th Annual Commerce to College August 8 at Central Library at 4 p.m. Fair at Veterans Park on Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Library Computer Classes This yearʼs theme is “Iʼm Going to College.” This yearʼs The Library will be offering monthly computer classes. All guest speaker is Jaime Rojas, Jr., Founder of Rojas Com - classes will meet in the Central Library. Sign up forms will be munications. Everyone is invited to participate in college provided at the Central Library. Only 10 students can be ac - workshops, meet with college representatives and partici - commodated per session. For more information or to sign up, pate in a raffle for a computer. visit the Central Library reference desk or call at (323) 722- 6660 x2275 or visit the Library website at www.cocpl.org . All Teen Summer Reading Program session will start at 5:30 p.m and will end at 7:30 p.m. The Teen Summer Reading program will soon be coming to a close, but you may still have time to complete it! The last 2012-2013 B UDGET Replays from ONT FROM G the June 30 Left Coast C . P . 1 International Water Polo Tourna - employee wages and no additional layoffs. The the last four budget cycles. Despite a severe eco - City also approved funding of much needed capi - nomic recession, lackluster economic recovery ment tal outlay items totaling $154,453 such as, com - and the elimination of redevelopment by the gover - On Commerce Cable puter equipment, vehicles, desks and park nor and State legislators, council members have equipment that had been on hold due to budget forged through a difficult and frustrating process to Channel 3 constraints. achieve a balanced budget for fiscal year 2012- The City has faced four consecutive fiscal years 2013 with minimal impacts to the community and of budget challenges, including an operating workforce. Schedule: budget that has been reduced by $6 million over Monday 10 a.m. COMMERCE RELAY FOR LIFE Tuesday 3 p.m. GET INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER Wednesday 5:30 p.m. The City of Com - least $100. In addition to walking, participants merce and the have the chance to camp out and enjoy music, en - Thursday 9 a.m. American tertainment and refreshments as well as build Cancer So - team spirit in the fight against cancer. Friday 4:30 p.m. ciety are Commerce resident cancer survivors are invited giving the to walk the opening Survivor Lap and inspire Saturday 7 p.m. commu - everyone through their courageous participation. Sunday 5:30 p.m . nity an We also urge those who have lost a loved one to opportu - this terrible illness to come out and participate in nity to join their memory. An evening vigil, called the Lumi - DVD copies of the in the fight naria Ceremony, will be held in honor and memo - against riam to those who lost their lives in the battle Commerce Team Games cancer with against cancer. Relay for Life allows our commu - are available for $10 the Relay for nity to grieve for those we have lost to cancer and Life, which is a 24-hour to celebrate the lives of those who have success - and copies of all games walking event to increase cancer awareness while fully survived. It also builds our community by rally - played that day are raising much needed funds for cancer research. ing around a common cause. available for $15 from The event is being held on Friday, August 3 at the Residents are asked to participate, sponsor or Veterans Park field starting at noon and will con - volunteer for this event. If you or someone you the Public Information Office. tinue until Saturday, August 4 at noon. know would like to contribute to this important The event will consist of teams of 10 to15 peo - event, please call Francine Ayala of Popular Com - ple who will walk or run around a track in shifts. munity Bank at (323) 724-8801, Pat Monroy at the For more information, Teams can be made up of friends, family, local Commerce Industrial Council at (323) 728-2222 or call PIO at (323) 887-4453 business establishments, and other organizations. by visiting the American Cancer Societyʼs website Each team is asked to keep one member on the at www.relayforlife.org/commerce.ca . track at all times. The team registration fee is $150 and each team member is encouraged to raise at
4 • August 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition MARGO MIRANDA INDUCTED TO HALL OF FAME USA W ATER POLO RECOGNIZES MARGO ’S ACHIEVEMENTS
in acknowledgment of her legacy in the sport and the Cityʼs Water Polo program. An early member of the Commerce Water Polo program, Margo was a pio - neer in the sport of womenʼs water polo who helped pave the way for the successes of future womenʼs water polo athletes, including Commerce Olympians Patty Cardenas and Brenda Villa. Not the most physically imposing athlete, Margo made up for a lack of size with pin point accuracy on August 2012 Featured Highlights the offensive end and a knack for converting power plays. A member of the Women's Senior National Team from 1983-1992, Margo helped the team to AWARD WINNING CABLECASTS OF THE Bronze at the 1986 and 1991 World Championships. CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Margo was also part of the Silver Medal winning squad at the 1983, 1984, and 1989 World Cups, and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. (Live every 1st and 3rd Tues.) the Bronze Medal winning team at the 1991 World Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Thursdays at 5 p.m. Margo Miranda at the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame Induction Cere - Cup. & Saturdays at 9 a.m. mony (photo provided courtesy of USA Water Polo). Margo competed at a time when the status of both The City of Commerce is now the proud hometown the sport and women playing it received less support “IN A COUNCIL MINUTE” A ONE MINUTE of a Hall of Famer. Commerce Water Polo alumnus and official recognition. She did it for the love of the Margo Miranda was inducted into the USA Water Polo sport, often having to sacrifice so much in order to RECAP OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Hall of Fame at the 2012 USA Water Polo Olympic keep playing. Having to sleep on floors and in Send-Off Party and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on churches, she is one of the pioneers of the game Mondays at 4 p.m., Tuesdays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays July 7 at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City. and helped make womenʼs water polo popular in the at 1 p.m., Thursdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at 3 p.m., Margo was honored by members of the City Council City of Commerce and the United States. Saturdays at 11 a.m. & Sundays at 5:30 p.m. at the ceremony for her career accomplishments and COMMERCE WOMEN ’S WATER POLO CLUB CHAM - COMMERCE CITY NEWS 14 & U NDER TEAM BRINGS HOME GOLD Mondays at 9 a.m., Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at 3 p.m., Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., The City of Commerce Womenʼs Water Polo teams Coach Gabriel Martinez was proud of his teams. Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. brought their A game to the 2012 United States Club “With the conditions, having to commute everyday, & Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Water Polo Championships in San Diego held their performance and determination was excep - July 5-8. tional. I am very happy with the 14 and under team COMMERCE MEN'S WATER POLO TOURNA - The Cityʼs 14 and under girls water polo team took and how they played.” home their divisionʼs gold medal, beating out a For more information about the Commerce Water MENT number of tough teams, such as Laguna and Santa Polo Team, go to www.CommerceAquatics.org or Monday 10 a.m., Tuesday 3 p.m., Wednesday 5:30 Barbara. The 18 and under girlʼs water polo team contact Head Womenʼs Water Polo Coach Gabriel p.m., Thursday 9 a.m., took 4th place and the 16 and under girlʼs team took Martinez at (323) 887-4404. Friday 4:30 p.m., Saturday 7th place. 7 p.m. & Sunday 5:30 p.m. COMMERCE MEN ’S WATER POLO TOURNAMENT 12 & U NDER TEAM TAKES 1ST IN THEIR DIVISION COMMERCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS SHOW "CAMP COMMERCE" their performance at the tournament, Menʼs Water Polo Head Coach Bobby Contreras had a positive Monday 2 p.m., Tuesday 4 p.m., Wednesdays 4 p.m., outlook for the teamʼs future. “Weʼre looking to go to Thursday 6 p.m., Friday 4 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. the Junior Olympics this year and I think we have a & Sunday 1 p.m. shot at a medal.” The 10 and under mixed water polo team took TWILIGHT DANCE SERIES "OLIO" 2nd place for their division, making the fight for first SANTA MONICA PIER CONCERT a tough one for the rest of the field. “This is their best finish all year. Theyʼre a very inexperienced Monday 1 p.m., Tuesday 12 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m., team so this is huge for them to walk out with medals. Theyʼre very excited so I want them to Thursday 7 p.m., Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. & come back and get the community excited,” said Sunday 8 a.m. Contreras. The 14 and under boys water polo team took 4th CHEAP EATS FEATURING: KIM CHUY, EMPRESS place in their division, out of 27 teams, while the 16 PAVILION, PHOENIX INN and under and the 18 and under boys water polo The Commerce Menʼs 12 & Under Team hold their first place trophy teams each ranked in the top 50th percentile for Monday 8 a.m., Tuesday 8 a.m., Wednesday 9 a.m., aloft at the Los Altos High School pool in Hacienda Heights. their respective divisions. Thursday 10 a.m., Friday 8 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. The competitiveness of Commerceʼs water polo The Commerce Menʼs Water Polo teams turned in & Sunday 9 a.m. strong performances with strong finishes in the Left teams is a testament to the success of the Cityʼs water polo program, which has had tremendous Coast Water Polo International Tournament held at Commerce City Channel 3 offers DVD copies of support from the City. The program has produced a seven different locations, including the pools at the local programs broadcast on channel 3 & 32 for Commerce Aquatorium and Mt. San Antonio College number of Olympic athletes, making the Commerce $10. Original shows include City Council Meetings, over two weekends, June 23-24 and June 29-July 1. Water Polo Program renowned nationwide. The Cityʼs 12 and under Menʼs water polo team took For more information about the Commerce Water Public Affairs, Commerce City News, Commerce 1st place for their division, beating out 13 other com - Polo Team, go to www.commerceAquatics.org or Park Concerts, Commerce Teen Plays and more. petitors from all over the Southern California area. contact Head Menʼs Water Polo Coach Bobby Con - See the city channel replay schedule or go to treras at (323) 887-4404 ext. 2804. The most valuable player was Carlos Herredia and the www.ci.commerce.ca.us for more information. most valuable goalie was Erik Villapondo. Based on
Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition Report to the People • August 2012 • 5 COMMERCE GALLERY
Giving Back to the Community Keeping Commerce Beautiful
Commerce Olympian and Silver Medalist Brenda Villa spoke, participated in a shootout, posed The Commerce Community Development Departmentʼs Public Services Division staff recently conducted a for pictures, and signed autographs for young athletes in July. Brenda is competing in her fourth clean-up effort in the Veterans Park area to keep the City looking clean and attractive. Olympics this month with the USA Womenʼs Olympic Water Polo Team. For game dates and times go to www.nbcolympics.com. Commissioner Honored Home Depot Children’s Safety Fair The Basics of Home Improvement
Miss Commerce Unique Hernandez, members of the Royal Court and City Commerce residents Angelina and Isabella Leon learned the officials attended Home Depotʼs Childrenʼs Safety Fair in June that fea - basics of doing it yourself in one of the craft activities at the tured popcorn, refreshments, vendors, safety information, and craft ac - Home Depot Childrenʼs Safety Fair held on June 30. tivities for children. Crushing the Competition Commerce Optometry
Outgoing Youth Advisory Commissioner Joseph Alvarado was re - The Commerce Industrial Council/Chamber of Commerce, Miss Com - The Commerce Crush Volleyball 14-1 team beat the top cently honored by the Youth Advisory Commission for his service to merce and City officials welcomed Commerce Center Optometry to the seeded team and finished in 16th place out of 120 teams at the community. City with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 13. the 2012 Volleyball Festival held in Phoenix, AZ from June 26- July 1. YES Program In Action Commerce 5K Freedom Run Library Serving Families
A favorite event of recreational and serious runners in Commerce and The Acero family enjoys the Central Libraryʼs book col - throughout the region, the Annual 5K Freedom Run held on July 4 drew lection, as well as arts and crafts activities. Commerce YES Program volunteers are ready to help children more than 400 participants. choose books for this yearʼs Summer Reading Program.
6 • August 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition
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Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition Report to the People • August 2012 • 7 Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition PRESORTED STD. COMMERCE CITY COUNCIL U.S. Postage PAID Los Angeles, CA 90040 Permit No. 23291 Lilia R. Leon, Mayor Tina Baca Del Rio, Mayor Pro Tem Joe Aguilar, Councilmember Ivan Altamirano, Councilmember Denise M. Robles, Councilmember Residential Customer
The Public Information Office welcomes your story ideas, suggestions, and opinions. Deadline for submission is the first of each month for publication the following month. For more information, call 323•887•4447 2535 Commerce Way • Commerce, CA 90040
INDEPENDENCE DAY CONT . FROM PG. 1 Royal Court, and members of the city a winner by the esteemed and patriotic The day culminated in a visually stun - council. panel of judges. ning fireworks show provided by Pyro One of the dayʼs main attractions was The food and refreshments featured a Spectaculars. The spectacle ran for the ʻCommerceʼs Got Talentʼ show, wide selection of delicious American and nearly 30 minutes, with patriotic music which featured participants from the ethnic food. Some of the dishes being in the background enhancing the sights community showing off their particular served by the Cityʼs civic and service or - and sounds of the pyrotechnic display. talents. Special surprise guest judges ganizations included ceviche, kettle Colorful explosions of red, white, blue, included Uncle Sam (Dance Instructor corn, tacos and green chicken enchi - and other colors filled the night sky. Anthony Gutierrez), Betsy Ross (Senior ladas. Raffles included great prizes, in - This yearʼs celebration was made Citizens Commissioner Sharon Rowe), cluding a bicycle donated by Martinʼs possible through sponsorships from the the Statue of Liberty (Dance Instructor Bike Shop in East Los Angeles. Commerce Casino, which contributed Jessica La Cheminant), and newcomer The event was highlighted by the 4th of $15,000 and the .99 Cents Only Captain America (Recreation Leader July carnival. Children of all ages en - Stores, which donated $4,999.99 to the Raymond Zamora, Jr.). joyed the attractions, like the Ferris event. The City would like to thank the Local talent included singers, wheel, carnival games, and a funhouse. Commerce Casino and .99 Cents Only dancers, and other exciting performers, The celebration also featured face paint - Stores for their generous donations. including a double jointed dancer who ing, balloon animals, and raffle prizes. The Annual Independence Day Cele - amazed the crowd with his unorthodox Live music was provided by R&B/clas - bration was coordinated by the Depart - dance moves and a theatrical perform - sic rock band Boxcar 7 and funk/R&B ment of Parks and Recreation and The City hosted a four day carnival complete with ance from Dorothy and the Wicked band The Reel Band, whose musical televised on Channel 3 by the Cityʼs rides, food, and games for all ages as part of the In - Witch from The Wizard of Oz, who were stylings brought residents on the dance Cable TV staff and volunteers. dependence Day Celebration. actually Commerce teens Mariah Pino floor, where they grooved the day away. Scout Troop #473, Cub Scout Pack and Marena Castillo. Everyone who In the evening, music was provided by #473, LA County Sheriffʼs Deputies, the participated in the contest was declared DJ Boogie Night Entertainment.
UGUST ATES TO OTE A1 D Youth Advisory CNommission, 7 p.m. 17 27 Senior Citizens Movie Night: “Dr. SeussC Horton Hears A Spanish Book Club, EOC room, 6 p.m. Commission, 12:30 p.m. English Book Club, EOC Room, 6 p.m. Who!”, Bandini Park, 8 p.m. Adult Computer Classes, Central Library, 5:30 Traffic Commission, 6:30 p.m. 7 19 p.m.
2 National Night Out, 6 p.m. I-710 Public Hearing, Rosewood Park 28 Parks and Recreation Commission, 9 4 pm to 8 pm Library Commission 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Community Services Commission, 6 p.m. 21 I-710 Local Advisory Committee (Ad Hoc), Library Movie Night 10 City Council/Successor Agency, 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Central Library, 6 p.m. Movie Night: “Puss in Boots”, Library Embajadores Meeting, EOC room, Bandini Park, 8 p.m 7:30 p.m. 29 3 Planning Commission, 6:30 p.m. Movie Night: “E.T.” Bristow Park, 8 p.m 13 22 Education Commission, 6 p.m. Teen Book Club, Central Library, 7 p.m. 31 6 SummerCs End Celebration, Rosewood Park 7:30-10:30 p.m. City Council/Successor Agency, 14 24 (6T:o3 b0e phe.mld .in place of the 8/7 adjourned regular I-710 Local Advisory Committee (Ad Hoc), Movie Night: “Lo Mejor del Chavo del 8,” meeting due to National Night Out activities) 6:30 p.m. Rosewood Park, 8 p.m.
8 • August 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition