Antonovich would like City of Commerce to annex Vernon

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich has contacted the City of Commerce about the possibility of it annexing Vernon, in large part because he said he wants to prevent a similar move by the city of Los Angeles.

Several state and local politicians in recent months have discussed the possibility of disincorporating Vernon following the revelation of outsized compensation and other benefits paid to top officials and attorneys, and the indictment of former City Administrator Donal O’Callaghan on conflict-of-interest charges.

In October, Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn proposed that the city of Los Angeles explore the possibility of annexing Vernon.

“I know L.A. is very anxious; they’re trying to latch on to any way of pumping money into their treasury,” Antonovich said. “But they have a poor record in dealing with business because of their excessive taxes and regulations.”

There are about 1,800 businesses in Vernon -- including Farmer John, Gavina Gourmet Coffee and True Religion Jeans -- many of which praise the city for its low utility and tax rates.

Antonovich said he fears that Vernon businesses might leave L.A. County.

He wrote to Commerce Mayor Tina Baca Del Rio on Thursday to urge the city to consider annexing or increasing its sphere of influence in Vernon. He said he expects to discuss the matter with Commerce officials next week.

Vernon and Commerce share a border along the 710 Freeway. Antonovich said the Vernon Chamber of Commerce already has a “working relationship” with the City of Commerce.

“I think the city of L.A. would look at Vernon as a cash cow to pay off their deficits,” Antonovich said. “Commerce is the one that’s most compatible.”

Antonovich said he was unsure of the likelihood of an annexation but wanted to make sure the City of Commerce “wasn’t left out of the discussion.” Disincorporation would typically require a vote of residents, but experts say it also could be accomplished through the state Legislature.

Antonovich added that he supports Supervisor Gloria Molina’s motion to pursue a constitutional amendment that would restrict who could live in houses owned by the city of Vernon, but added that there needed to be a “short-term” option as well.

Molina’s motion targets Vernon’s control of houses and apartments within the city, stating that “a permanent solution is required so those that vote for the city’s future, or the city’s future leaders, are independent voters not beholden to the Vernon city government.”

Antonovich said he was most troubled by the compensation received by former Vernon City Administrator Eric T. Fresch, which was as high as $1.65 million in 2008. Fresch now works as a $525-hour legal consultant to the city.

“Every board member is concerned and wants to see this resolved in the best interests of the citizens of the county and the citizens of Vernon,” Antonovich said.

Baca Del Rio said she was caught off guard by Antonovich’s statement, and that she has yet to receive his letter. She said Commerce officials had had no discussions about annexation before Friday, when they learned of Antonovich’s comments.

The Commerce City Council now plans to address the issue at its next meeting, she said.

“I wouldn’t be able to give a comment yet” about annexation, she said. “It’s more a matter of, does this even make sense for our community… It’s something that is really going to have to be talked about.”

sam.allen@latimes.com