Ruben C. Batres; Councilman, Former Mayor of City of Commerce

Ruben C. Batres, 63, councilman and twice mayor of the City of Commerce. Born in Los Angeles, Batres attended Lincoln High School and Rio Hondo College and spent his career in the manufacture and finishing of furniture. He served on the Planning Commission for nine years and was a member of the board of directors of the Southern California Planning Congress. Batres, active in the Model City Democratic Club, was elected to the City Council in 1988 and reelected in 1992. During his work in city government, he helped develop the Citadel shopping complex and initiate a new civic center. Praised by colleagues for going into politics to help others, Batres was also active in St. Marcellinus parish, the Holy Name Society and the Commerce Evening Lions Club. On Tuesday in City of Commerce of cancer.