State Agency Offers to Help Retain Rams

The California Trade and Commerce Agency, the state’s lead organization for business attraction and retention, has offered to assist the city of Anaheim in negotiations to keep the Rams.

The Rams have announced that they plan to invoke the 15-month notice on their escape clause with Anaheim Stadium in May. The NFL team has been courted by ownership groups in other cities, including Baltimore, St. Louis and Memphis.

The Trade and Commerce Agency has contacted Anaheim Mayor Tom Daly’s office about forming a committee of local, state and corporate officials to help design a financial package to keep the Rams, agency spokesperson Mike Marando said.

“We have extended our hand to the mayor, and we are waiting for a call back,” Marando said. “The Rams have been an institution for years, and we certainly don’t want to see them leave Southern California.”

Marando said the agency could help the city negotiate with the team on such issues as the stadium lease and skybox sales. The agency assists California businesses in dealing with workmen’s compensation costs and obtaining building permits.

Asked if state funds might be used to help keep the Rams in Anaheim, Marando said: “I can’t comment on that. It’s still in the early stages. We must first see if a (committee) is feasible for this situation. That’s why we’re waiting for a call back from the mayor’s office.”

Daly was in meetings Tuesday and did not return phone calls.