[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE

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                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 17, 2020

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th 
anniversary of the City of Commerce, which I have the honor of 
representing as part of my 40th Congressional District.
  The City of Commerce was incorporated on January 28, 1960, because 
area residents were finding it difficult to obtain basic government 
services such as garbage pickup, recreation facilities, and 
infrastructure development. By the start of 1962, a Los Angeles Times 
article about Commerce reported that ``In little more than two years, 
the city has made remarkable strides.'' Over the years, Commerce has 
continued to evolve into a local economic leader, a popular destination 
for shoppers, businesses, and prospective residents, and a community 
known throughout America as the ``Model City.''
  Even before its official incorporation, the area that eventually 
became the City of Commerce housed various manufacturing businesses. As 
the city grew, the need to create and maintain its infrastructure 
became crucial. In 1962, the Commerce City Council approved $1.5 
million to construct streets, which increased connectivity to 
neighboring cities and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
  With Commerce's location by two of Los Angeles County's major transit 
corridors--the I-710 and I-5 freeways--products from around the world 
are transported through the city every day, and building and 
maintaining city roads remains one of Commerce's main priorities.
  Commerce's rich transportation legacy extends to other matters as 
well. In 1963, Commerce became the first city in the United States to 
offer regularly scheduled, free bus service to its residents. Commerce 
buses were also the first in California to be equipped with two-way 
radios.
  Today, Commerce's bus system remains free to residents and connects 
to other municipal bus lines, MetroLink (the region's community rail 
service), and the emerging network of light and heavy rail lines of the 
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Currently, 
Commerce buses operate on 100% Clean Natural Gas. Eventually, like 
other systems in California, they will be 100% electric and/or hybrid.
  The Model City also prides itself on its other services, including 
four libraries, scholarships for college-bound residents, a Community 
Job Fair, lunches for children during the summer, and an annual book 
festival and comic book convention.
  Early in its history, the city also built four neighborhood parks 
that have included baseball fields, basketball courts, and the 
Aquatorium, which has been the home of world-class Olympic swimmers and 
water polo players, including Olympic gold medalist Brenda Villa.
  Commerce is home to commercial icons including the Citadel Outlets, 
whose historic facade is modeled after an Assyrian castle. Every year, 
the Citadel brings in millions of visitors from around the world to 
shop and dine.
  The city also boasts the Commerce Casino and Hotel. The casino is the 
world's largest card club, and has donated $50,000 in scholarship money 
each year for the past thirty years to help students pursue their 
college educations.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in celebrating 
Commerce's 60th anniversary, and wishing the city residents and leaders 
many more years of success in the Model City.

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