Cudahy businesses form new chamber

The announcement was among various updates given by city officials at a recent community meeting.

CESAR ARREDONDO You may not know it, but this small city of South East L.A. now has a Cudahy Chamber of Commerce. That was one of several reminders and announcements made during a recent gathering connecting city officials and staff with residents at a local business at Cudahy Plaza. Other topics included a city digital application, bulky items collection and renters' rights.

Dubbed playfully "Wing It With the City Manager," the event took place appropriately at Epic Wings, which is relatively new in the city. (Opened in mid-2023, the restaurant is reportedly one of only two franchise locations in L.A. County, according to the restaurant chain's website, which lists more than 30 locations in Orange and San Diego counties.)

Assistant City Manager Juan Arauz, left, speaks at the February 11 community meeting at Epic Wings restaurant. Photo: Cesar Arredondo.

However, at the last minute Tuesday, City Manager Alfonso Noyola did not attend the gathering because he "was under the weather," according to Public Information Officer John Peraza. So Assistant City Manager Juan Arauz spoke on behalf of Noyola.

BUSINESSES GET ORGANIZED Arauz encouraged attendees to support the newly formed Cudahy Chamber of Commerce.

The news about the creation of the chamber stood out because the city lacked a proper business association for years. The municipal government has the Economic Development Division to encourage business investment opportunities, job creation and supporting business attraction and retention. Chambers of commerce, on the other hand, are independent, member-based nonprofits that support their communities and businesses.

Until recently, Cudahy business owners looking for additional resources and support were referred by EDD to the Bell Chamber and Commerce and the Southeast Los Angeles Collaborative.

Now there is more local help for businesses at home. Established this past summer, the Cudahy Chamber of Commerce "was created by small businesses to promote growth and foster community empowerment," announced the organization on its Instagram page. Since its inception, the chamber has held meetings at the establishments of its members, with free admission for members but also open to nonmembers for a small fee. The group has also joined the Cudahy Business Watch meetings sponsored by City Hall to address public safety, crime prevention, economic development, and fostering partnerships within the business community.

According to the U.S. Census, there were nearly 200 businesses in the city in 2022, the last year it had figures. The chamber has its work cut out to recruit more members, most small businesses.

The city also seems committed to make it easier for residents to connect with City Hall. AN APP FOR CUDAHY At the Feb. 11 meeting, Arauz reminded residents to use the MyCudahy digital app. Launched three years ago, the application lets people report issues and make payments, among other things, from the convenience of their mobile phones. It also features sections like government and news and updates, mirroring the city's official website. The app is available on Android and iPhone.

A BULKY ISSUE The city is also stepping up enforcement of rules for the disposal of bulky items, said Arauz. Discarded furniture, appliances and electronics weighing up to 60 pounds can be collected free of charge every Wednesday, trash pickup day, but they must be set out Tuesdays after 6 p.m. Also, residents must call 1-800-299-4898 to schedule service requests.

Leaving bulky items out any other day could result in a citation. Also, unacceptable items include hazardous waste and chemicals and car parts. Violations can be fined $50. For more information on bulky items, click here.

RENT & TENANT RIGHTS Additionally, Arauz reminded the audience about renters' rights under two ordinances passed in the summer of 2023 limiting rent increases and enacting tenant protections. One sets a maximum annual rent increase of 3% for protected units through June 30, 2025. The other protects tenants from retaliatory evictions and landlord harassment.

More than 80% of the population of Cudahy are tenants, says Peraza, the city's PIO. 

Other city officials and executive staff attending the Feb. 11 gathering included Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez, councilmembers Daisy Lomeli and Martin Fuentes, Finance Director Joshua Calhoun, Public Works Director Raul Diaz and Community Services Director Brenda Rodriguez.

Below is a slider made with photos of the event posted by City Hall on social media.