To w P S n a ta H g t a e e l 7 o l f M th e e e tin C g ity

Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition

Volume 52 No.10 October 2012 www.ci.commerce.ca.us In This Issue STATE BUDGET Page 2 DECISIONS ARE Council Actions DEVASTATING TO Aquatics Team THE CITY ’S Recognized FINANCIAL FUTURE The November 6 election will Page 3 give us the opportunity to vote Halloween Safety for crucial national, state and local matters. The City of Com - Prevent Parking merce voters are being asked Violations to vote on a very important ordi - nance, referred to as “Measure Page 4 AA”, which will affect the quality Election Information of services the residents and businesses receive and the fi - Cable TV Guide nancial well-being of our City for years to come. Brenda Villa with friends, family and coaches. From l. to r. are 2012 Olympic Womenʼs Water Polo Coach Adam Krikorian, Edgar Based on a public opinion poll Page 5 Villa, Isabella Villa, Rosario Villa, Gino Medina, Brenda, Ines Villa, Uriel Villa, Miss Commerce Unique Hernandez, and former and recommendation by the Olympic Coach Guy Baker. Library News Cityʼs Blue Ribbon Committee, a committee of residents, City Halloween Activities QUATORIUM ENAMED RENDA ILLA QUATIC employees and business lead - A R ‘B V A ers selected by the City Council Page 6 ENTER IN ONOR OF OMMERCE OLD EDALIST to study different City revenue C ’ H C G M options, the City Council voted After leading the US Olympic ment for 12 years and standing as Americans and Californians. Commerce Teens unanimously to place Measure Womenʼs Water Polo Team to a on the podium with my team - Thank you for serving as a role AA before the Commerce voters Gold Medal in the 2012 Summer mates, I thought that I would model to our women and our in the upcoming November 6 Olympics on Aug. 9 in London, cry, but I didnʼt. But how fitting youth,” said Lara. election. If passed by the vot - England, four-time Commerce it is for me to cry here in the The newly renamed Brenda ers in accordance with Califor - Olympian Brenda Villa was wel - City of Commerce where it all Villa Aquatic Center first opened nia law, Measure AA will impose comed back to Commerce for a started,” said the 32-year-old in Feb. of 2001 as the Com - a ½ cent local sales tax for ribbon cutting ceremony at before a crowd of more than merce Aquatorium, which re - every retail dollar spent in the Rosewood Park to dedicate the 1,000 fans that included past placed the Original Aquatorium City, which equates to fifty cents newly renamed ʻBrenda Villa and present employees, mem - built in 1961. It was in the Origi - on every one hundred dollars, Aquatic Centerʼ in her honor on bers of the business commu - nal Aquatorium where Brendaʼs and provide much needed rev - Aug. 26. nity, residents, elected officials love for the sport and the proud enue for the City. At the ceremony, Brenda who and other well wishers. tradition of Commerce Water The approval of Measure AA joined the Commerce Aquatics 50th District Assembly Mem - Polo began. In addition to will allow the City to generate Program at the age of six, ber Ricardo Lara, who repre - Brenda, former Commerce an estimated $4.5 to $5 million shared her feelings. “Itʼs a bit sents Commerce and grew up Water Polo alumni include her annually for the Cityʼs general fund. This estimated revenue Page 7 overwhelming. I was listening to in nearby East Los Angeles, 2008 Olympic teammate Patty the National Anthem and the was among them. “Your ac - Cardenas and recent USA will help us maintain and im - Town Hall Meetings: prove a wide range of services tears just started welling up in complishment means a lot to all Villa Brings Home Gold Page 8 to residents and businesses, in - State of the City my eyes. I dreamt of this mo - of us, not only as Latinos, but cluding fixing streets, maintain - ing parks, libraries and local TATE OF THE ITY RESENTED TO USINESS OMMUNITY facilities, restoring public safety, S C P B C and other vital city services. Economic uncertainty caused tremendous impact on the dedication and an unfailing We would like to take this op - by the recession and the elimi - community from a standpoint work ethic to focus, improve, portunity to provide you with the nation of redevelopment con - of providing programs and and succeed. Whether it was in basic facts regarding this ordi - tinue to pose a challenge, but services,” said the Mayor. the Commerce Aquatorium, at nance (Measure AA): Commerce is well positioned to “My focus here today is to dis - Stanford University or the •An estimated $4.5 to $5 million will be generated annually. not only survive economic dis - cuss where we have been, Olympic games, she has •The sales tax will only be ½ of how we plan to forge ahead, worked hard and then worked asters but to progress, said a cent for every dollar of retail the Mayor during the annual and most importantly how it af - some more to achieve suc - sales made in the City to non- State of the City Address to fects you,” she said. cess,” the mayor said. residents and residents alike. local businesses held Aug. 21 Before continuing, she took a The mayor commended the •The City has had declining at Stevenʼs Steak House. few moments to acknowledge Cityʼs commitment to fiscal re - revenues that have so far been “This has been an eventful womenʼs water polo Olympic sponsibility which resulted in addressed by $6 million in Eddie Tafoya of the Industrial Council in - year, part of a terrible four year gold medalist Brenda Villa. Council members closing a $4 service reduction cuts at li - troduces the Mayor at the State of the City State of the City Page 8 Tax Measure Page 5 address. economic cycle that has had a “Her success is a result of MUNICIPAL NOTES AQUATICS TEAMS RECOGNIZED Bobby Contreras, Head Coach for the Menʼs Water Polo teams, reported the results from the National Junior Olympics in Palo Alto, California held July 27-31. The 18 If you’ve attended the City Council meetings last month or and under Boys Water Polo team earned 1st in the Chal - the recent I-710 public hearings, you know that the pro - lenge Tournament in the silver division for the 49th overall posed freeway expansion will impact our community. The ranking. The 16 and under team gained 3rd place in the City hired PCR Services Corporation consultants to review gold division; the 12 and under team got 7th place in the the I-710 freeway improvement project’s draft Environmen - platinum division; the 10 and under co-ed team took 10th tal Impact Report and draft Environmental Impact State - place in the platinum division; and the 14 and under team ment. The City will use PCR’s findings and public input to earned 21st place in the platinum division. prepare a comment letter to Caltrans, expressing the com - Kevin Larsen, Head Coach for the swimming program munity’s concerns about the project. reported on Commerce swimmers Jesse Barragan and The consultants have reported that construction of the Carlos Herredia, who competed at the Southern Califor - freeway, which Caltrans estimates would take four years The Commerce Womenʼs Water Polo Team and Coaches. The 14 & nia JOs in Thousand Oaks, CA, July 25-29. Barragan and perhaps longer, would significantly impact Commerce. Under Team took first place at the Junior Olympics. earned championships in the 50m Breast and the 100m Air and noise pollution, increased traffic, sales tax loss, In August, the Commerce City Council honored the property tax loss, residential and nonresidential relocation Breast, which set new team records and ranked him in Commerce Aquatics Program for the success of the and displacement of local business employees are some of the top 100 nationally. Herredia ranked 8th overall in swimming and water polo teams that participated in the the issues Commerce will have to address if and when the Southern California in the 100m Fly. project proceeds. Although the project may be at least 15 2012 Junior Olympics (JOs). For more information about the Commerce Swimming years from the start of construction and 20 years from com - Gabriel Martinez, Head Coach for the Womenʼs Water or Water Polo Teams, go to www.CommerceAquatics.org pletion, the City Council has to carefully review and docu - Polo teams, reported on the womenʼs teams at the J.Os or contact Head Swimming Coach Kevin Larsen, Head ment its viewpoint on the project-related impacts. in Palo Alto, CA, August 2 – 5. The 14 and under team Menʼs Water Polo Coach Bobby Contreras, or Head As the Report to the People went to press, PCR consult - took the gold for 1st place. The Cityʼs 16 and under team Womenʼs Water Polo Coach Gabriel Martinez at (323) ants were in the process of completing their review of the finished 2nd in the nation and the 12 and under team 887-4404. draft EIR/EIS and creating a draft comment letter for Coun - took 7th, while the 18 and under took 11th in the country. cil’s review. Look for updates on this project in upcoming is - sues of the Report to the People. Next month, City of Commerce residents will vote on Measure AA, a local general tax measure which will be ap - COUNCIL ACTIONS pearing on the November 6 General Election ballot. If REGULAR MEETING REPORTS passed by Commerce voters, the local sales tax would in - crease by ½ cent for every retail dollar spent in our commu - Regular Meeting of August 21 who participated in the inaugural Commerce Relay for nity. The measure is expected to generate $4.5 to $5 million • Honored the Commerce Boy's and Girl's Swimming and Life event on August 3-4, 2012. annually, which would be used to fund projects and services Water Polo Teams for their participation in the Junior • Proclaimed September 9-15, 2012 as Suicide Preven - to our business and residential communities. The revenues Olympics. tion Week. gained from this tax measure will be used to repair local fa - • Received a presentation from the Commerce Sister City • Received a letter of recognition from the Office of the cilities, fix streets, restore public safety, and provide impor - Association President Javier Vazquez honoring the City President of the United States for Commerce Olympic tant City services all through local control and accountability. for the contribution of surplus City vehicles to Com - Gold Medalist Brenda Villa. This measure will play a critical difference in the City’s abil - merce's Sister City of Aguascalientes. • Agreed to use Successor Agency owned real properties ity to meet the future needs of our residential and business The Sister Cities Association presented Stephanie Neri for parking for The Citadelʼs Special and Holiday Events. communities. with the Sister Cities Scholarship. • Approved the construction of a New Emergency Opera - It can sometimes be difficult to find parking in your neigh - • Approved a Request for Proposals for a replacement tions Center for the City of Commerce project. borhood. While it’s tempting to park illegally, it’s not worth bus wash system at the Commerce Transportation Denied claim for damages by the Mayans Development the risk of getting a parking citation or having your car Services Center. Inc./Los Jardines, LLC towed. On page 3 of this month’s RTTP, we’ve listed some • Received and filed a report on the City's Commercial • Received and filed an update on the Capital Improve - of the most common parking violations. Remember, parking Manufacturing (C/M1) Zone. ment Program for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. regulations are designed to improve public safety and effi - • • Declared five City vehicles as surplus and authorized cient traffic flow. Approved the inclusion of a new hazardous materials Halloween is celebrated this month and the Department of booklet with the City's safety manual. the sale of said vehicles. Parks and Recreation has several activities planned includ - • Adopted a resolution finding the City to be in confor - • Approved a reimbursement agreement with the National ing a Costume Parade that begins at 6 p.m. sharp, at all mance with the Congestion Management Program in Forest Association and authorized staff to obtain propos - parks, on Oct. 31. For more information, call the department accordance with California Government Code 65809. als for contractors to trim trees at Camp Commerce. at (323) 887-4434. If you or family members are going trick • Approved an agreement with the LA County Metropoli - • Approved an agreement with C.T. Georgiou Painting or treating this year, be sure to read our Halloween safety tan Transit Authority to receive Proposition C discre - Company to paint the Transportation Service Center tips on page 3. tionary funds for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. Garage and Maintenance Area. The Department of Community Services/ Social Services • Renewed a contract for the Prevention and Intervention • Approved an exchange of Prop. A Funds with the City of Division is collecting donations for this year’s Holiday Cheer Program (PIP) from the LA County Probation Depart - West Covina. program. Donations of funds, food, new toys, gift certifi - ment. • Approved an agreement with Block Environmental for cates, or family sponsoring should be received by Novem - • Received and filed a report on the I-710 Freeway Im - well abandonment services. ber 1 for Thanksgiving. For more information or to make a provement Project draft EIR/EIS Comment letter and • Appointed Ed Miles to the Education Commission. donation, please contact the Community Services Depart - gave direction to staff. • Adjourned in memory of Carmen Rivera Luna, wife of ment at (323) 887-4460. • Approved the renaming of the Commerce Aquatorium former City employee Marcos Luna. It’s “Back to School” time and we should all be just a tad and establishing the Hall of Champions. more careful with kids crossing the streets. • Received and filed a report on Citywide street parking regulations and gave direction to staff. Sincerely, • Approved having the City join the Rio Hondo-Vernon Jorge Rifá Rotary Club. • Appointed Carmen Marquez Cooper to the Education Report to the People Commission. Published Monthly and Mailed to Commerce Residents • Approved an agreement with Trimming Land Co. Inc. Editor: PIO Staff: for Tree Maintenance Services. Jason Stinnett Darryl Leyden • Adjourned in memory of Patsy De La Rosa, mother of Marie Hovik Writer/Photographer: Edward Torres City employee Margaret De La Rosa. Sylvia Rico-Sanchez Joe Sandoval Adriana Torres

Graphics Design/ ‘ Regular Meeting of September 4 Layout & Printing: PIO Intern • Recognized Steve Craig, Craig Realty Group-Citadel Anthony Aguilar Daniel Larios

Outlets, City staff, participating businesses, and youth Please call (323) 887-4453 or (323) 887-4447 volunteers that participated in the Commerce Cleanup. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Recognized the volunteers, City staff, and City Council or visit us online at www.ci.commerce.ca.us.

2 • October 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition BE SAFE , B E SEEN ON HALLOWEEN ! SAFETY IS THE KEY TO A SAFE HALLOWEEN Halloween said Tilley. See page 5 of this issue of Report to the is a fun People for Parks and Recreation Halloween activi - holiday, but ties. Here are some additional tips offered by the it can also National Crime Prevention Council: be danger - •Make sure older kids go out with friends. Younger ous. Families children should be accompanied by an adult. need to take pre - •Set a time limit for children to trick-or treat. cautions to keep Together, map out a safe route so you know where trick-or-treaters theyʼll be. Remind them not to take shortcuts safe. through backyards, alleys, or playing fields. “Be safe and •Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they seen on Hal - get home. One way to keep trick-or-treaters from loween,” said Laura Tilley, interim digging in while theyʼre still out is to feed them a public safety supervisor. meal or substantial snack beforehand. Tilley offers these Halloween Safety tips: •Eat only unopened candies and other treats that -Kids should carry flashlights or mark their costumes are in original wrappers. with reflective tape so motorists can see them. •Donʼt forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies -If kids go trick or treating without an adult, they should for anything suspicious. travel in large numbers and only go to familiar house - •Check that costumes are flame-retardant so the holds. little ones arenʼt in danger near candlelit -Kids should never go inside someoneʼs home and jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards. should only go to houses with the porch light on. •Keep costumes short to prevent trips, falls, and -Parents should check all treats thoroughly before kids other bumps in the night. eat them. •Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes. “We also want to remind parents that all Commerce Following a few safety tips will ensure that Hal - Parks have a wonderful and safe Halloween Program,” loween will be a “howling” good time for all.

DID YOU KNOW ? YES worker Vania Amezcua PARKING VIOLATIONS ARE PREVENTABLE Finding a through the apron section--the sloping part between parking spot in the sidewalk and street. The driveway apron and YES Program Gives your neighbor - sidewalk are in the public right-of-way. Parking in the hood can be a apron section is considered blocking a driveway. Teens Valuable Work challenge. Technically, you can even be cited for blocking your Some older own driveway. Experience homes donʼt Parallel Parking Distance (22502(a) CVC PAR - This summer, 85 Commerce youth gained ALLEL PARKING): Vehicles should be parked within have enough real world work experience by volunteering in 18 inches of the curb line in the direction of travel. space for larger the City of Commerce Youth Education and cars and some So, not only do you have to be near the curb, you Service (YES) program. households need to be faced in the right direction. This applies have multiple car owners. As a result, there are more even in a cul de sac, where many drivers like to park “The YES program was such a wonderful cars than parking spaces. Street sweeping is particu - nose into the curb. experience for me. I had the opportunity of larly challenging because cars can only park on one Overnight Parking Time Limits (10:44.170 working at the East Los Angeles Sheriffʼs Sta - side of the street. CMC): Certain streets have restrictions on overnight tion. I was welcomed as one of their own. I While itʼs tempting to park illegally, itʼs unsafe and vio - parking. Pay attention to restrictions and avoid get - appreciate this program and want to thank the lators risk receiving a parking citation. ting cited. City for this wonderful opportunity,” said YES Parking on public streets in Commerce is regulated Parking Restrictions- City Parking Lots worker Vania Amezcua, 17. She said the pro - (10.44.050 & 10.44.150 CMC): No Parking Between by the California Vehicle Code and the Commerce Mu - gram helped her gain valuable work experi - the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Vehicles may be nicipal Code. Below weʼve provided information on ence. Because of her participation, she is common parking violations so residents know what to Towed/Stored per section 22658 CVC (California Ve - optimistic about employment opportunities for do to prevent being cited. hicle Code). Blocking a Sidewalk (22500 CVC-SIDEWALKS): Parking of Vehicles for Sale- Prohibited the future. Cars parked in driveways cannot extend more than 10 (10.44.060 CMC): No person shall park a vehicle The Youth Education and Service (YES) inches over the length of the driveway onto the side - upon any city street for the purpose of displaying or Program was developed to enhance the self- walk. Parking halfway out of a driveway and onto a advertising for sale. confidence, skills, knowledge, and abilities of sidewalk creates an obstruction to pedestrians. If hav - Also remember not to park in front of red curbs, fire Commerce youth by providing training and ed - ing your car extended onto the sidewalk causes an ac - lanes or fire hydrants. For more information, call the ucation in a structured work setting in various cident, you would be liable. Community Services Departmentʼs Public Safety Di - City departments, as well as agencies con - vision at (323) 887-4460. Blocking a Driveway (22500 CVC-SIDEWALKS) : tracted by the City. Most homeowners assume that their driveway extends Commerce residents, ages 14-19 are eligi - ble for a maximum of two years of participa - tion in the program, which has been held BACK TO SCHOOL BASICS FOR A GREEN COMMUNITY every summer since the program was estab - RETHINK , R EUSE AND REYCLE DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR lished in 1996. Participants that complete the programʼs 200 hours received a $500 stipend. Protect our environment and go Green by using: content. The YES program has helped hundreds of 1.Reusable lunchboxes, as well as reusable food and 4. Pencils with replaceable lead. drink containers instead of plastic disposable bags. Remember to recycle all used paper and donate out - Commerce residents enhance their work skills 2.Tote bags for all those extra items children take to grown school clothes and shoes in good condition. and find employment, many of them with the and from school. Visit the Cityʼs Environmental Services Division at City. Congratulations to all 85 youth on com - 3.School supplies such as backpacks, binders, www.ci.commerce.ca.us for more information. pleting the program. pencils, pens, and paper made with recycled

Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition Report to the People • October 2012 • 3 ElEeLEcCtTioIOnN RIUnLfEoS rANmNaOUtiNoCn ED

Linda Kay Olivieri, Commerce City Clerk, recently an - election Statement, is due January 24, 2013; the sec - nounced the rules governing municipal elections for ond, a Pre-election Statement, is due February 21, general law cities in the State of California. The Com - 2013, and the third, a Semi-annual Statement is due merce election for three (3) Council seats is set for July 31, 2013. A Semi-annual Statement is also due Tuesday, March 5, 2013. The term of office for each January 31, 2013. of the three seats is four years. WRITE-IN CANDIDATES – The filing period for any The following calendar of events outlines the elec - person desiring his or her name as written on the bal - October 2012 Featured Highlights tion process for the City of Commerce: lot counted for a particular office to file a statement of write-in candidacy and nomination papers is January AWARD WINNING CABLECASTS OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION – In order to vote at the 7, 2013, to February 19, 2013. March 5, 2013, election, voters must be registered in CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Commerce by February 18, 2013. Registration forms SAMPLE BALLOTS AND POLLING PLACE NO - may be picked up at the City Clerk's Office. TICES – The City Clerk will mail to each registered Tuesday 6:30 p.m. (Live every 1st and 3rd Tues.), voter a sample ballot and polling place notice showing Wednesday 10:00 a.m., Thursday 5:00 p.m. & Saturday 9:00 a.m. CANDIDATES' NOMINATION – Filing of nomination the location of the precinct polling place of the voter by papers will begin November 12, 2012, and end De - February 12, 2013. “IN A COUNCIL MINUTE” FEATURING cember 7, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. THE PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS – Between February 4, If an incumbent does not file by 6:00 p.m. on Decem - 2013, and February 26, 2013, a voter may file his or HIGHLIGHTS ber 7, 2012, voters shall have until 6:00 p.m. on her written application with the City Clerk for a vote-by- Wednesday, December 12, 2012, to nominate other mail ballot. Monday 4:00 p.m., Tuesday 9:00 a.m., Wednesday 1:30 p.m., candidates, other than the incumbent who did not file Thursday 4:30 p.m., Friday 3:00 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. & by December 7, 2012. Requests for further information regarding the 2013 Sunday 10:00 a.m. General Municipal Election should be directed to City It is recommended that you schedule an appointment Clerk Olivieri at (323) 722-4805, ext. 2252. COMMERCE CITY NEWS with the City Clerkʼs Office if you plan to take out nomination papers in order to provide sufficient time ANYONE INTERESTED IN WORKING ON A Monday 9:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m., Tuesday 2:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m., to review the information. PRECINCT BOARD FOR THE UPCOMING ELEC - Wednesday 1:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Thursday 9:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m., TION OR UTILIZING THEIR HOME AS A PRECINCT Friday 9:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m., CAMPAIGN STATEMENTS – A minimum of three POLLING PLACE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY & Sunday 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. campaign statements is required. The first, a Pre- CLERK'S OFFICE AT (323) 722-4805, EXT. 2252.

“BRENDA VILLA AQUATIC CENTER DEDICA - NORMAS ELECTORALES ANUNCIADAS

TION CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS” Linda Kay Olivieri, Actuaria Municipal de la Ciudad de 24 de enero del 2013; la segunda, una Declaración Monday 2:00 p.m., Tuesday 4:00 p.m., Wednesday s 4:00 p.m., Commerce, recientemente anunció las normas que Pre-elección, se requiere el 21 de febrero del 2013, y Thursday 6:00 p.m., Friday 4:00 p.m. rigen las elecciones municipales para ciudades que la tercera, una Declaración Semestral se requiere el Saturday 3:00 p.m. & Sunday 1:00 p.m. se conforman al derecho general en el Estado de 31 de julio del 2013. Una Declaración Semestral tam - California. La elección de Commerce para tres (3) bién se requiere el 31 de enero del 2013. escaños del Concilio esta fijada para el martes, 5 de COMMERCE MEN’S WATER POLO marzo del 2013. El plazo del cargo para tres escaños CANDIDATOS CUYOS NOMBRES NO ESTAN IM - TOURNAMENT – BELL GARDENS VS. CARLSBAD es de cuatro años. PRESOS EN LA BOLETA (“Write-in”) – El plazo de presentación de candidatura para toda persona que Monday 10:00 a.m., Tuesday 3:00 p.m., Wednesday 5:30 p.m., El siguiente calendario de eventos resume el pro - desea que su nombre sea escrito en la boleta para un Thursday 11:00 a.m., Friday 4:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 p.m. & ceso electoral para la Ciudad de Commerce: cargo en particular debe de presentar una declaración Sunday 5:30 p.m. de candidatura como un “write-in” y documentos de INSCRIPCION AL REGISTRO DE VOTANTES – nombramiento es del 7 de enero del 2013 hasta el 19 COMMERCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS Para poder votar en la elección del 5 de marzo del de febrero del 2013. 2013, votantes deben de inscribirse en Commerce a “CREDIT CARD FRAUD” no más tardar del 18 de febrero del 2013. Formula - BOLETAS DE MUESTRA Y NOTIFICACIONES DE Monday 11:00 a.m., Tuesday 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 3:00 p.m., rios de inscripción pueden ser recogidos en la oficina CENTROS ELECTORALES - A no más tardar del 12 de la Actuaria Municipal. de febrero del 2013, la Actuaria Municipal va a mandar Thursday 8:00 a.m., Friday 2:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. & por correo a todo votante registrado una boleta de Sunday 4:00 p.m. NOMBRAMIENTO DE CANDIDATOS – La pre - muestra y la notificación de centros electorales indi - sentación de documentos de nombramiento va a em - cando la ubicación del centro electoral del votante. TWILIGHT DANCE SERIES “KIM CHURCHILL” pezar el 12 de noviembre del 2012 y concluye el 7 de SANTA MONICA PIER CONCERT diciembre del 2012 a las 6:00 p.m. BOLETAS DE VOTAR POR CORREO – Entre el 4 de febrero del 2013 y el 26 de febrero del 2013 un Monday 1:00 p.m., Tuesday 12:00 p.m., Wednesday 8:00 a.m., Si un titular del cargo no presenta sus documentos de votante puede presentar su solicitud de boleta de Thursday 7:00 p.m., Friday 6:00 p.m., Saturday 4:00 p.m. nombramiento para el 7 de diciembre del 2012, los votar por correo con la Actuaria Municipal. & Sunday 8:00 a.m. votantes tendrán hasta las 6:00 p.m. del miércoles, 12 de diciembre del 2012 para nombrar otros can - Solicitudes para más información sobre la Elección didatos, además del titular que no se presentó para Municipal General de 2013 deben de ser dirigidas a la de 7 de diciembre del 2012. Actuaria Municipal Olivieri al (323) 722-4805, ext. 2252. Commerce City Channel 3 offers DVD copies of Es recomendable programar una cita con la Oficina local programs broadcast on channel 3 & 32 for de la Actuaria Municipal si planean sacar documentos ALGUIEN INTERESADO EN TRABAJAR EN UNA $10. Original shows include City Council Meetings, de nombramiento para poder tener suficiente tiempo MESA DE UN DISTRITO ELECTORAL PARA LA para estudiar la información. PRÓXIMA ELECCIÓN O SI SE PUEDE UTILIZAR SU Public Affairs, Commerce City News, Commerce HOGAR PARA UNA MESA DE UN DISTRITO ELEC - Park Concerts, Commerce Teen Plays and more. DECLARACIONES DE CAMPAÑA – Se requiere un TORAL, FAVOR DE COMUNICARSE CON LA OFIC - See the city channel replay schedule or go to mínimo de tres declaraciones de campaña. La INA DE LA ACTUARIA MUNICIPAL AL (323) www.ci.commerce.ca.us for more information. primera, una Declaración Pre-elección se requiere el 722-4805, EXT. 2252.

4 • October 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition The Department of Parks and Recreation ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO UPDATE DAY BITING MOSQUITOES POSE CONTINUED RISK FOR WNV Even though mosquito season has ended, tiger atures allows the virus to replicate faster within in - mosquitoes still pose a problem because unlike most fected mosquitoes. The increased West Nile virus mosqutioes that are active in the evening, they are ac - cases throughout California show that the disease tive throughout the day. At present, this dangerous continues to be a public health problem. Residents species of mosquito has been limited to the San are encouraged to take precautions to prevent mos - Gabriel Valley, specifically the cities of El Monte and quito bites and remove standing water around their South El Monte. However, Greater Los Angeles property to prevent mosquito breeding. County Vector Control District officials urge residents For more information or to report the appearance throughout LA County to report suspected sightings of of black and white striped mosquitoes, contact the black and white striped, day-biting mosquitoes. Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Residents should take increased precautions during at (562) 944-9656 or visit their website at times of extreme heat in guarding against the West www.glacvcd.org . Nile virus (WNV), particularly because higher temper - Activities for 2012 Registration for Halloween park activities begins LIBRARY NEWS Monday, October 22 at your local park SRP E NDING PARTY / U PCOMING EVENTS Summer Reading Program Ending Party ʻN Out Burger “Cover to Cover Club” Reading Pro - Itsy Bitsy Halloween The 2012 Summer Reading Program Ending Party gram. Registration for the program begins October 8 Friday, October 26, 2012 was held in the Veterans Park Gym on August 9. More at all four Commerce libraries. When a child regis - 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Veterans Park than 260 children, parents and family members at - ters, they will receive a reading log to keep track of Cost: $2.00 per child Ages: 2-5 tended the “Dream Big – DANCE! Family Dance the books they read. Once they have read five Join us for Halloween activities for the little ones! Party.” books, they can return to the library and receive a No costumes please. Adult supervision The top readers from all four Commerce libraries reading certificate and a coupon for a free ham - is required. Space is limited. were honored and received a backpack with school burger or cheeseburger from In ʻN Out Burger. Chil - supplies at the program. The Top Readers were Clau - dren may read up to 15 books and receive three Family Fright Night dia Torres (Atlantic), Jessen Cruz and Jonathan Cruz coupons. The program ends November 17. Friday, October 26, 2012 (Bristow), George Fernandez (Central) and Jasmyn 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park Viveros (Greenwood). Hispanic History Month Film Festival Bring the family to see the movie “Casper” Children and their families enjoyed familiar dances The City of Commerce Public Library invites you to on the big screen. such as the Macarena and the limbo to popular songs participate in the continuing month long Spanish and childrenʼs music provided by a live DJ. Library Film Festival celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, staff and volunteers gave away glow necklaces and now through Oct. 15. Some movies may contain 13th Annual “Dia de Los Muertos bracelets to the children. After the program everyone English subtitles. Dates, times and locations are as Celebration” enjoyed cookies and juice and children received a follows: Saturday, October 27, 2012 coupon for a free taco, courtesy of the Commerce Del Central Library 5:00-10:00 p.m. Taco. October 2 and 11. Events start at 6:00 p.m. Hollywood Forever Cemetary This year 1,170 children registered for the Summer Atlantic Library $2.00 registration fee. $10.00 event entrance Reading Program at the Commerce libraries with 598 Pedro Infante Film Festival fee. children completing the program and earning a t-shirt, October 5 5:00 p.m. and 310 children continuing to read over the summer October 6 3:00 p.m. to earn a trophy. October 11 6:00 p.m. Somethingʼs Brewing Monday, October 29, 2012 Starbucks Puppet Show and Storytime READ-IN October 12 5:00 p.m. 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Starbucks and the Library will be co-sponsoring the October 13 3:00 p.m. Come see what we have cooking in the Starbucks “READ-IN” program at the Starbucks on At - cauldron! Space is limited. lantic and Washington Boulevards from 10 a.m. to 11 Bristow Park Library a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Library staff will perform a Every Friday through October 12, at 5:00 p.m puppet show and read stories for children. Starbucks Creepy Craft will provide free refreshments for everyone. Greenwood Library Tuesday, October 30, 2012 In N Out Burger “Cover to Cover” Club Every Friday through October 12, at 5:00 p.m 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Children ages 4-12 are invited to read five books to For more information please call the Library at We will be making a Spooktacular craft! earn a free hamburger or cheeseburger during the In (323) 722-6660 or visit www.cocpl.org . Space is limited.

OTERS TO ECIDE ON ALES AX EASURE Halloween Parade and Games V D S T M All Parks CONT . FROM PG. 1 Wednesday, October 31, 2012 service reduction cuts at libraries, City parks, Camp •The spending of funds generated by Measure AA will Parade and games begin @ 6 p.m. Commerce, the Senior Center, the Teen Center, and be overseen by an oversight board made up of City All ages are welcome and trophies awarded for police services, as well as an increase in fees residents and business representatives who will pro to various age groups. for recreational and sports programs. vide local control and accountability for the use of •The Cityʼs revenue shortfalls were caused by the the funds by advisory recommendations to the City economic downturn and the elimination by the State Council. Goblin Give-Away Legislature and the Governor of redevelopment pro We are very interested in hearing your opinion on Wed. October 31, 2012 grams, the Cityʼs most important economic tool for the proposed local sales tax and strongly encourage 8:30 p.m All Parks economic development and funding for police and fire you to attend one of the upcoming community infor - Ages 3-12 years services, infrastructure repairs and other vital servic mation meetings (dates, times and locations on page Names will be drawn and children who are home es. The state has taken tens of millions of dollars 7) where you will have an opportunity to ask questions by 8:30 p.m. if the ʻCommerce Goblinʼ calls on away from the City and our residents that will never and express your concerns. Halloween night, Wed., Oct. 31, will receive a be returned. If you have any questions, or would like more infor - special prize. Goblin winners may pick up their •The City also faces an estimated $30 million in short mation on Measure AA or the community information prize on Thursday, November 1 between 10:00 term unfunded costs required to maintain and make meetings, please contact the City Administratorʼs Of - a.m. – 8:00 p.m. badly needed repairs to our streets and roads due to fice at (323) 722-4805, extension 2215, or come to an the impacts caused by large trucks driving through upcoming City Council meeting. For more information, call the Department our industrial City. of Parks and Recreation (323) 887-4434.

Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition Report to the People • October 2012 • 5 COMMERCE GALLERY ‘Commerce Clean Up’ Volunteers Rewarded Adventure Club Explores Central California

At the Sept. 4 Council Meeting Commerce Clean Up volunteers from Commerce Soccer, Boxing, Baseball The Teen Center Adventure Club, pictured here in San Simeon, recently went on a five-day adventure that and Crush Volleyball were presented with donations by Steve Craig of Craig Realty Group for their vol - included horseback riding, kayaking and visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Morro Bay. unteer work to helping keep Commerce beautiful in August. Gold Medal Memories Suicide Prevention Commerce’s Number One Athlete

The City Council proclaimed Sept. 9-15 Suicide Prevention Week. Pictured with the Proclamation are Social Services Co - Brenda Villa with mom Rosario and dad Ines, show off a commemorative ordinator Moyra Garcia and Gina Found of the Didi Hirsch collage of her water polo career presented to her by The City Council. Mental Health Services Suicide Prevention Center. SRP End of Summer Celebration Teens Raising Funds for Charity

Commerce Olympian Brenda Villa shows off her Gold Medal with 50th District Assembly Member Ricardo Lara. Lara presented her L. to R. YES Workers Kathryn Grijalva and Anna Espinoza, Sr. Commerce Teens are collecting pennies and aluminum can tabs to raise with a commendation from the State of California at the Brenda Villa Library Page Melissa Garcia and Sr. Library Assistant Josue funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charity. To assist by dropping off Aquatic Center ribbon cutting and dedication. Martinez gave glow sticks to children at the Summer Reading Program End Party in August. pennies or tabs, contact the Teen Center at (323) 838-4246. Residents Join the Fight Against Cancer Relay for Life Organizers Honored

The Council honored organizers of the Commerce Relay for Life, which was sponsored by the City, the Industrial Council and the American Cancer Society. From l. to r. are Larry Sandoval Commerce resident Vilma Moran registers her team at the Relay for Life event held at Veterans Park in August. of the American Cancer Society, Event Chair Francine Ayala of Popular Community Bank, Joe The event raised more than $10,000 for the fight against cancer. Zarahy of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Eddie Tafoya of the Industrial Council.

6 • October 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition Providing Help for Commerce Families this Holiday Season

Residents can register for the Annual Holiday Cheer Program which includes holiday parties, food donations, holiday gifts and more.

Eligibility based on income requirements. Applicants must have a valid City Resident Card(s) and proof of household income. Pro - gram runs from November to December. Registration begins Oct. 4

Assistance provided by donations from local businesses, organizations and individual contributors.

If you would like to contribute to the Holiday Cheer Pro - gram, please call Community Services at (323) 887-4460.

The Department of Parks and Recreation Presents

Saturday, November 17 Check-in: 6:30 – 7:45 a.m. 5K Run begins at 8:00 a.m.

Members of the public of all ages are invited to participate in the City of Commerce Annual 5K Turkey Trot run through the resi - dential area of Rosewood Park. Souvenir T-Shirts on sale for a nominal fee. Registration begins Oct. 29 For more information, call the Sports Office at (323) 887-4432

Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition Report to the People • October 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

STATE OF THE CITY PRESENTED TO BUSINESS COMMUNITY BRENDA VILLA CONT . FROM PG. 1 CONT . FROM PG. 1 responsibility which resulted in Council the City provides businesses and resi - development, revenue growth, im - mate Patty Cardenas and recent USA members closing a $4 million budget dents. proved infrastructure, the development Water Polo Hall of Fame inductee Mar - deficit. Throughout her speech, she thanked of environmental mitigation and strate - got Miranda. A two-time captain of the US “Through a combination of budget re - local businesses, organizations and gic communication plans. Olympic Womenʼs Water Polo Team, ductions, a lease of water rights to the agencies that contributed to the City in - Carried out successfully, this strate - Brenda has also earned three other City of Whittier, the use of reserves and cluding, the Commerce Casino, the In - gic plan can enhance quality of life for Olympic medals; a Bronze in 2004 and improvement in our local economic pic - dustrial Council and the Los Angeles business and community residents in a Silver in 2000 and 2008. Referred to by ture, we were able to close that gap and County Sheriffʼs and Fire departments. healthier and more prosperous City. former coaches as the “Wayne Gret - approve a $50 million dollar operating She discussed the upcoming general These efforts can spur the economic zky” and the “Magic Johnson” of her budget,” said the mayor. “In addition to tax measure that will be placed before growth that will create new job opportu - sport, she is the most decorated approving a balanced budget, we have the voters of Commerce in the upcom - nities and revenues in a vibrant, busi - womenʼs water polo player in the world also been able to remain committed to ing Nov. 6 ballot ness-friendly environment. and was named the FINA Aquatics high quality public safety services from “If passed by Commerce voters, the “What these goals have in common World Magazine Female Water Polo the Los Angeles County Fire and Sher - local sales tax measure would increase is that they require innovation, dedica - Player of the Decade in 2010. iffʼs Departments.” by one-half cent for every retail dollar tion and hard work. Our City Council, Throughout her storied career She added that the Cityʼs Public spent,” said the mayor. “The measure is staff, residents and businesses pos - Brenda has remained thankful to the Safety Division would continue the suc - expected to generate $4.5 to $5 million sess these qualities and we are mak - City of Commerce. “I canʼt even put cessful Business Watch program which annually that could be used to repair ing the commitment to you that we are into words what it means to finally have offers local businesses safety presenta - local facilities, fix streets, restore public going to move the City of Commerce this wrapped around my neck. The tions, extra patrol, crime prevention tips safety, and provide important City serv - forward,” the mayor said. journey has been unbelievable and I and security evaluations. ices.” don't think it would have been what it was without the City of Commerce.” The mayor went on to describe the The mayor concluded by sharing many transportation, parks and recre - goals that the City hoped to accomplish ation, library and employment services over the next few years including staff

OCTOBER DATES TO NOTE 1 8 22 31 English Book Club, 6 p.m. Education Commission Meeting, 6 p.m. Adult Computer Class, Central Library Halloween 5:30 p.m. Parade at all parks, 6 p.m. Youth Advisory Commission 9 Meeting 7 p.m. I-710 Local Advisory Committee (Ad Hoc) Library Commission Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Meeting, 6:30 p.m. 2 22-26 November 6 City Council/Successor Agency Meet - Traffic Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Red Ribbon Week ing, 6:30 p.m. General Election 10 23 3 Community Task Force Meeting, 3 p.m I-710 Local Advisory Committee (Ad Hoc) Senior Citizens Commission Meeting, Meeting, 6:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 11 RTTP Artículos en Español Community Services Commission 24 4 Meeting, 6 p.m. Teen Book Club, 5:30 p.m. Si le interesa recibir la versión en Español de Parks and Recreation Commission Meet - algun artículo, por favor llame a la Oficina de In - formación Pública al (323) 887-4447. ing, 6 p.m. 16 Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Cuando llame, indique el título del artículo, la City Council/Successor Agency fecha y la dirección de su domicilio o correo 6 Meeting, 6:30 p.m . 29 electrónico. La versión traducida se le man - Starbucks Read-in, Starbucks Spanish Book Club, 6 p.m. - EOC dará. Atlantic & Washington 10 a.m. Library Embajadores Meeting, EOC 6 p.m.

8 • October 2012 • Report to the People Where Quality Service Is Our Tradition