Commerce Development News
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City of Commerce
Published: Jun 24, 2026
City Council Delays Decision on Easement for EV Charging Stations in Bristol Park
The City Council considered a request for an easement to Southern California Edison (SCE) across a portion of Bristol Park to facilitate the installation of 10 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Los Angeles County is seeking to install these stations at the Dorothy Kirby Probation Center parking lot, with SCE's program subsidizing the installation. The easement area is located on the underutilized southern edge of Bristol Park. Councilmembers raised concerns about public access to the charging stations, as they would be located behind a gate on county property. They also questioned potential impacts on planned park renovations and whether the easement infrastructure could support city-installed EV charging. Due to these concerns and the desire for more information, the council voted to continue the item to the next meeting.
Resident Urges City Action on PPE and Chemical Hazard Preparedness Following Fire
During public comments, resident Isabel Morin expressed concerns about personal protective equipment (PPE) and preparedness for potential chemical hazards, referencing the recent fire in Oil Heights. She highlighted her role as an account manager for Air Gas and her ability to provide discounts on safety products and propane. Morin stated she had tried multiple times to contact city departments regarding information on specific chemical exposures businesses might face and recommended PPE. She emphasized the need for proactive measures to inform residents about appropriate PPE in case of smoke or airborne contaminants. She also mentioned her personal purchase of PPE for her family. The City Manager was asked to follow up on her information.
May Arrests Surge by 198% Amidst Mild Crime Spike, New Follow-Up System Introduced
Sergeant Ozzie Cortez presented the arrest dispositions for the month of May 2026. He reported a mild spike in crime statistics compared to May 2025, but a significantly higher increase in total arrests. In May 2026, there were 149 total arrests, a 198% increase from 50 in May 2025. The District Attorney's office accepted 74 cases, a 428% increase from 14 in the previous year. Of the accepted cases, 21 were felonies and 53 were misdemeanors. Cases not submitted to the DA's office saw a slight increase of 12. The DA's office declined 51 cases. There were 10 juvenile cases handled by the DA's office compared to zero in May 2025. Sergeant Cortez noted that the success of these arrests is due to community participation and cooperation. He also introduced a 'follow-up request card' designed to improve communication between investigators and victims, witnesses, or informants. Councilmembers requested a breakdown of crime types in future reports, citing concerns about vehicle thefts and graffiti. The presentation also touched upon excessive graffiti and gang activity in the Bristow Park area.
City Reports 13.1% Vacancy Rate with 62 Open Positions; Details Recruitment and Retention Efforts
The Human Resources Manager presented the annual vacancy report as required by Government Code Section 35023 (AB 2561). The report details staffing levels, recruitment efforts, and retention strategies. As of the report, the city has 472 authorized positions with 62 vacancies, representing 13.1% of the workforce, which is below 20%. Recruitment efforts include processing applications, using online platforms, attending job fairs, and streamlining hiring. Retention strategies involve training, recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and competitive compensation. Challenges include a limited pool of qualified candidates and turnover due to retirements and employees leaving for other agencies. Key priorities include filling vacancies within 90 days, strengthening retention, enhancing succession planning, and promoting employee wellness. The report was presented to provide transparency on staffing and city efforts to address recruitment and retention.
City Council Approves Biennial Budget for 2026-2028, Establishes Disaster Relief Fund
The City Council reviewed and approved the proposed biennial budget for fiscal years 2026-2028. The budget was developed with a conservative approach due to uncertainty surrounding card room revenues and potential impacts on the general fund. It includes expenditure reductions, elimination of vacant positions, and conservative revenue assumptions. The budget aims to protect the city's financial position and maintain flexibility. Key areas of reduction include contractual services in Community Development, part-time library hours, selected Parks and Recreation events, and public works contractual services. The budget also addresses the transportation fund deficit and supports the community benefits fund. Personnel changes include the elimination of several vacant positions, resulting in approximately $400,000 in annual savings. Additionally, the council discussed and approved the creation of a Community Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, initially allocating $100,000 from the project management fund for immediate relief efforts related to the ongoing fire impact. The budget also outlines proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects for both fiscal years, funded through Measure AA and federal grants, including infrastructure improvements and new facilities like a transit maintenance facility and electric buses. Overall citywide expenditures are projected to decline slightly in the second year of the biennium. The council also discussed concerns regarding the transportation fund's long-term deficit and plans to address it in the future. The budget passed with a unanimous vote.
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