Residents press council on underage alcohol deliveries, park safety and term-limit concerns during public comment

During the May 26 public-comment period, three residents addressed public-safety and community-concern issues and asked the council for follow-up actions.

Leslie Navarro, representing a youth‑counseling nonprofit and the Southeast Community Alliance, urged support for a "responsible alcohol delivery" project that began during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Navarro told council the coalition is seeking signs and materials to remind delivery drivers and retailers to check identification; she cited local crash data and said many liquor stores near parks and schools have not adopted the campaign signage. She asked for council support and staff coordination to expand education and prevention measures for retailers that do not use third‑party deliveries.

Victor Martinez, who identified himself as a long-time Commerce resident, urged stronger public-safety measures around parks—specifically Bandini Park—and called for better use of existing public-safety infrastructure to deter crime and improve resident perceptions of safety.

Leonard Mendoza raised election-related concerns and alleged that a councilmember was preparing to run in 2026 despite local term-limit provisions; he argued that changes to election timing had produced situations where officeholders could serve beyond 12 years. Mendoza urged increased transparency and expressed frustration with council decisions and spending; he made multiple broad allegations about past council actions and contract decisions.

Council members thanked the speakers, asked staff to follow up with Navarro on campaign materials and noted public-safety priorities and planned coordination with the Sheriff's Office. The transcript records the comments and council responses; no formal actions were taken during public comment.