Commerce Councilman Ivan Altamirano Violated FPPC Conflict Of Interest Laws

Commerce Councilman Ivan Altam

By Brian Hews

A Hews Media Group-Community News investigation has found that Commerce City Councilman Ivan Altamirano has violated Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and conflict of interest laws by participating in several Washington Blvd. Construction Project votes while owning property within 500 feet of the boulevard itself.

The Washington Blvd. project, one of the flagship renovation projects in the City, has recently come under a microscope by officials looking at the contract bidding process, payments to vendors, and the mysterious resignation of City employee Wendell Johnson who, as first reported by this newspaper, worked for the city for four months yet received a severance of $35,000.

The severance was approved by Mayor Lilia Leon, Mayor pro tem Tina Baca Del Rio, and Councilmen Ivan Altamirano and Joe Aguilar, with the support of City Attorney Eddie Olivo by hastily adopting a new City Ordinance that approved the large severance payment to Johnson.

Altamirano’s properties are located at 2566 Kurt, 5532 and 5534 Jillson in the City of Commerce.

HMG-CN has confirmed that all three properties are within 500 feet of Washington Blvd, with some as close as 200 feet.

Under FFPC laws, an official who owns real property within 500 feet of a property that is the subject of a “government decision” – for example approving the Washington Blvd. project –  is presumed to have a conflict of interest and may not vote in the decision unless the official obtained a favorable FPPC advice letter stating the official does not have a conflict of interest.

If Altamirano wanted to vote on the project, and knowing his property was within 500 feet of the project, he should have obtained a FPPC advice letter stating he did not have a conflict of interest or recuse (excuse) himself from the vote.

Altamirano did not obtain the FPPC letter and did not recuse himself actually voting on the project several times, placing him in violation of FPPC 18704, which carries substantial monetary penalties.

“It’s just politics as usual in Commerce,” said one resident. “I have seen (Commerce Councilman Hugo) Argumedo follow the rules and recuse himself from voting. Leon, Baca Del Rio and Altamirano do not care about this city or any penalties because they have their Sugar Daddy (Citadel Outlet Mall owner) Steve Craig to hold fundraisers and bail them out. Craig bailed out Baca Del Rio a few years ago with a $26,000 fundraiser and he will probably do it again for Altamirano.”

FPPC spokesperson Jay Wierenga told HMG-CN, “any violation of the Political Reform Act can lead to a fine of up to $5,000. Penalties are generally based on a number of criteria, such as any previous violations by the respondent, complexity and type of case, cooperation of those involved, similar cases and the penalties imposed on those similar cases.”

Emails into Councilman Altamirano went unreturned.

Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Batteries Included, Weighs up to 11 pounds, Black and Stainless Steel

(100844)

$10.49 (as of May 12, 2025 06:30 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2025 Update - 80x100 Monocular Telescope High Powered for Smartphone High Definition Monoculars for Adults with Adapter/Tripod for Bird Watching Hiking Hunting Camping Traveling Outdoor (Black New)

(78)

$29.98 (as of May 11, 2025 17:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Basics Cotton Swabs, 500 Count

(52356)

$2.88 (as of May 12, 2025 06:30 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL™, 100% USDA Biobased Face Towel, Disposable Face Towelette, Eczema Association Accepted, Makeup Remover Dry Wipes, Ultra Soft, 50 Ct, 1 Pack

(33878)

$17.95 (as of May 12, 2025 06:30 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The Tenant

(10744)

$14.39 (as of May 12, 2025 06:30 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless, WMR-CANAS

(21)

$24.99 (as of May 11, 2025 17:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device (newest model) supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite

(52059)

$59.99 (as of May 12, 2025 06:30 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Rain-X 810165 Latitude 2-In-1 Water Repellent Wiper Blades, 22 Inch Windshield Wipers (Pack Of 2), Automotive Replacement Windshield Wiper Blades With Patented Rain-X Water Repellency Formula

(112954)

$36.18 (as of May 12, 2025 06:30 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

ZZU Wireless Earbuds, 2025 Ear Buds with Big Bass Stereo Sound, Lightweight Bluetooth Earbuds with 48 Hours Playtime, in-Ear Fit Earphones, IPX7, Hands-Free Calls with AI for iPhone, Android, Pad

(1203)

$17.99 (as of May 11, 2025 17:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Midea 12,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner–Cools up to 550 Sq. Ft., Ultra Quiet with Open Window Flexibility, Compatible with Alexa/Google Assistant, 35% Energy Savings (Renewed)

$299.99 (as of May 11, 2025 17:26 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)