Commerce, California

Commerce, California
source
Name	Commerce, California
Settlement type	City

Commerce, California is a city located in the southeastern region of Los Angeles County, California, near the cities of Bell Gardens, California, Downey, California, and Montebello, California. The city is situated approximately 10 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Gateway Cities region. Commerce is bordered by the San Gabriel River to the east and is near the I-5 and I-710 freeways, which provide access to nearby cities such as Long Beach, California and Pasadena, California. The city is also close to the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, two of the busiest ports in the United States.

Geography

The city of Commerce is located in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, near the Whittier Narrows and the Rio Hondo. The city's terrain is generally flat, with some gentle slopes and hills, and is situated near the San Gabriel River, which forms the city's eastern boundary. Commerce is bordered by the cities of Bell Gardens, California to the west, Downey, California to the south, and Montebello, California to the north. The city is also near the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism. Nearby attractions include the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and the Huntington Library.

History

The area that is now Commerce was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, who were later displaced by Spanish settlers. The city was founded in the late 19th century as a small farming community, and was officially incorporated in 1960. During the early 20th century, Commerce experienced significant growth and development, driven by the expansion of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the construction of the I-5 and I-710 freeways. The city is also home to the Commerce Casino, a popular destination for poker and other gambling activities, which attracts visitors from nearby cities such as Las Vegas, Nevada and Reno, Nevada. Nearby landmarks include the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and the California State University, Los Angeles.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the city of Commerce had a population of approximately 12,000 people, with a diverse range of ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds. The city has a high percentage of Hispanic or Latino residents, as well as significant populations of Asian Americans and African Americans. Commerce is also home to a number of community organizations and cultural institutions, including the Commerce Library and the Bella Vista Park. Nearby cities with similar demographics include East Los Angeles, California, South Gate, California, and Lynwood, California. The city is also close to the University of Southern California, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Economy

The economy of Commerce is driven by a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service industries, with major employers including the Commerce Casino and the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center. The city is also home to a number of small businesses and entrepreneurs, and has a strong chamber of commerce that supports local economic development. Commerce is located near the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, which are two of the busiest ports in the United States and provide access to international trade and commerce. Nearby economic hubs include the Los Angeles International Airport, the Long Beach Airport, and the Ontario International Airport. The city is also close to the Walt Disney Company, the Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Warner Bros. Studios.

Government

The city of Commerce is governed by a city council-city manager form of government, with a mayor and four city council members elected by the residents. The city has a number of departments and agencies that provide services to residents, including the Commerce Police Department and the Commerce Fire Department. Commerce is also part of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Southern California Association of Governments, which provide regional transportation and planning services. Nearby government institutions include the Los Angeles City Hall, the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration, and the California State Capitol. The city is also close to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Service.

Education

The city of Commerce is served by the Montebello Unified School District, which operates several public schools in the area, including Schurr High School and Montebello High School. The city is also home to a number of private schools and charter schools, including the Commerce Christian Schools and the St. Marcellinus School. Nearby educational institutions include the University of Southern California, the California State University, Los Angeles, and the East Los Angeles College. The city is also close to the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Occidental College. The Los Angeles Public Library and the County of Los Angeles Public Library also provide educational resources and services to residents. Category:Cities in Los Angeles County, California