Compton Chamber of Commerce

10/19/2026

🛒 LA County Expands Sidewalk Vending Cart Program — Free Food Carts and Financial Assistance Available!

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has expanded its Sidewalk Vending Cart Program, offering eligible food vendors free, health-code-compliant vending carts, financial assistance, and technical support to help establish legally permitted businesses.

📢 What's Available?

🌮 FREE Food Vending Carts: Five cart types are available, including fruit, cold-holding, hot-holding, integrated grill, and newly introduced raw-to-cooked food carts.

💵 $5,000 Grants for Food Vendors: Financial assistance toward permitting and operating expenses for qualifying cart recipients operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Raw-to-cooked carts are excluded from this grant.

🛍️ $500 Grants for Merchandise Vendors: Assistance with business registration and compliance costs for eligible nonfood vendors operating in unincorporated County areas.

📋 Permitting Assistance: Multilingual technical guidance and a 75% subsidy for qualifying Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) health permits.

📍 Who Is Eligible?

The free cart program is available to qualifying Los Angeles County residents who operate sidewalk food vending businesses in UNINCORPORATED Los Angeles County or the City of Los Angeles.

⚠️ Important for Compton Residents: Check Your Vending Location Before Applying. Vendors operating exclusively within the incorporated City of Compton are NOT ELIGIBLE based solely on those operations. However, Compton residents conducting qualifying vending activities in eligible jurisdictions may apply.

These are county communities outside incorporated city boundaries. LA County Planning: https://planning.lacounty.gov/long-range-planning/capital-improvement-plans/metro-south-bay-and-westside-cips/

A “Compton” mailing address does not necessarily mean the location is within the City of Compton. For the vendor programs, check the actual vending location using the county’s Jurisdiction Lookup, available on the LA County Planning website.

Several communities immediately around Compton are unincorporated LA County:
East Rancho Dominguez, also called East Compton: Along Atlantic Avenue, on Compton’s eastern side
West Rancho Dominguez, often called West Compton: West of Compton, toward Gardena
Willowbrook: North and northwest of Compton
Rancho Dominguez: South of Compton, between Compton, Carson and Long Beach

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet applicable business documentation, permitting, and operational requirements.

⏳ Applications Are Open!

Carts and grant funding are limited, and awards are subject to eligibility and availability.

🔗 Learn More & Apply:

https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/sidewalkvendingcarts/

📞 Questions or Application Assistance?

LA County Office of Small Business

☎️ (844) 432-4900

📧 [email protected]

🏢 Shared by the Compton Chamber of Commerce as part of its ongoing efforts to inform local entrepreneurs and small-business operators about available economic opportunities and business resources.

10/18/2026

Compton Air & Space Fair Returns to Compton/Woodley Airport on October 24!

The 2nd Annual Compton Air & Space Fair returns to historic Compton/Woodley Airport on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM, bringing aviation, aerospace, technology, and family entertainment together for a day of exploration and discovery.

Hosted by the Fly Compton Foundation, the event builds on last year's successful gathering of more than 5,000 registered attendees.

Aviation, Innovation & Hands-On Experiences

Visitors can look forward to aircraft displays, interactive STEM exhibits, aerospace activities, aviation demonstrations, and opportunities to meet industry professionals and explore educational and career pathways.

Inspiring Compton's Next Generation

Southern California's aviation and aerospace industries offer career opportunities in engineering, aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, technology, and aviation operations. The fair introduces young people to these possibilities through direct experiences while celebrating Compton/Woodley Airport's century-long aviation heritage.

Event Details

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Compton/Woodley Airport
901 W. Alondra Boulevard, Compton, CA 90220

Registration and additional information:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/casf2026

The Compton Chamber of Commerce encourages families, students, and community members to attend and discover the educational and career opportunities aviation and aerospace can offer.

10/18/2026

Opening Doors to Aviation and Aerospace Careers for Compton's Youth!

An encouraging development in local education: Fly Compton Foundation is expanding its aviation training opportunities through a collaboration with California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), bringing ground-school instruction to the university's Innovation Center.

With 100 students returning for another semester, this initiative demonstrates how community organizations and educational institutions can work together to introduce young people to aviation, aerospace, and STEM careers.

But the significance goes beyond learning to fly. It's about building technical skills, confidence, and pathways into industries that help shape Southern California's economy.

Read the Chamber's latest article to discover how this initiative is helping connect Compton's young people with new educational and career opportunities.

Fly Compton Foundation welcomed 100 returning students for a new semester of aviation education, with ground-school instruction now held at CSU Dominguez Hills' Innovation Center. Through flight training, STEM education, and mentorship, the program introduces young people to careers in aviation and....

10/17/2026

What is the Compton Chamber's role in employment and workforce development?

We regularly share job fairs, hiring events, and employment resources with our community. But who organizes these opportunities, and what role does the Chamber actually play?

Our latest article explains how we support experienced workforce organizations serving the greater Copmton region. Most importantly, it explains why we believe connecting people with established employment resources is more valuable than duplicating the work of organizations already doing an excellent job.

We invite job seekers, employers, and community partners to read more about our approach.

Read the full article below.

The Compton Chamber of Commerce supports workforce development by promoting job fairs, hiring opportunities, and employment resources offered by experienced regional organizations. Rather than duplicating their services, we focus on expanding public awareness, simplifying event announcements, and pr...

10/17/2026

DOWNEY FALL JOB FEST — OCTOBER 22, 2026

Meet employers, explore job opportunities, and connect with recruiters at this regional fall hiring event.

The Compton Chamber of Commerce encourages local residents and job seekers throughout the surrounding communities to attend the upcoming Fall Job Fest, taking place Thursday, October 22, at Stonewood Center in Downey.

The event brings together prospective employers and workforce resources from across the Southeast Los Angeles region, offering job seekers an opportunity to explore employment possibilities in healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, technology, public services, and other industries.

Our regional Chamber partner, the Downey Chamber of Commerce, is among the event's supporting partners.

Whether entering the workforce for the first time, returning to employment, or considering a career change, participants will have an opportunity to meet prospective employers and learn about career opportunities in person.

We also thank Elisabeth Gutierrez, a follower of the Compton Chamber's page, for sharing the event flyer with us and helping bring this opportunity to the attention of our community.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Stonewood Center
251 Stonewood Street
Downey, CA 90241

Event Registration and Information:
https://www.hiringspreeLA.org/

Official Event Announcement:
https://www.shopstonewoodcenter.com/Events/Details/580930

JOB FAIR PREPARATION SEMINAR — OCTOBER 20

Job seekers who preregister for Fall Job Fest can receive VIP access to a Job Fair Preparation Seminar scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 2:30 PM.

The seminar is offered ahead of the October 22 hiring event to help participants prepare for their interactions with prospective employers.

Seminar Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Access: VIP access through event preregistration

Registration and Additional Information:
https://www.hiringspreeLA.org/

POTENTIAL PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS

☕ Starbucks — District 353: Retail, customer service, food and beverage operations, and store management.

🛍️ Stonewood Center: Retail stores, restaurants, and shopping center services.

🏬 Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County: Retail operations, administration, and employment services.

🏥 AltaMed: Healthcare, medical services, patient support, and administration.

🍗 Chick-fil-A: Restaurant operations, customer service, food preparation, and management.

🎰 Parkwest Bicycle Casino: Hospitality, gaming operations, food service, and guest services.

🎓 Norwalk–La Mirada Unified School District: Education, school administration, and support services.

👗 Cotton On: Fashion retail, sales, merchandising, and store operations.

👚 Charlotte Russe: Fashion retail, customer service, and store management.

💻 GST: Information technology, audiovisual systems, technical services, and support.

🧺 American Textile Maintenance Co.: Commercial laundry, textile processing, logistics, and operations.

🏭 Medico Professional: Commercial linen services, textile processing, distribution, and operations.

🏢 The Aptus Group: Professional and business services.

🤝 ARC: Community services and organizational support.

👮 Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD): Law enforcement, public safety, and civilian support services.

🏛️ Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS): Public administration and social services.

🎓 Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE): Education, administration, and support services.

🏙️ City of Downey: Municipal government and public services.

Interested job seekers are encouraged to contact the event organizers directly to confirm the participating employer lineup.

COMPTON CHAMBER RESOURCE — PRACTICAL EMPLOYMENT GUIDE FOR JOB SEEKERS

To help residents prepare for hiring events and navigate the employment process, the Compton Chamber of Commerce has published a Practical Employment Guide for Job Seekers.

The guide provides information and practical guidance for individuals entering the workforce, seeking new employment, or exploring opportunities for professional advancement.

Prospective Fall Job Fest participants are encouraged to review this resource ahead of the event.

Read the Compton Chamber's Practical Employment Guide for Job Seekers:
https://www.comptonchamberofcommerce.org/post/practical-employment-guide-for-job-seekers

HELP SPREAD THE WORD

The Compton Chamber encourages residents seeking employment or considering a career change to take advantage of this regional hiring opportunity.

Please share this announcement with friends, family members, neighbors, and anyone who may benefit from connecting with prospective employers throughout Southeast Los Angeles County.

10/16/2026

Remembering Meah Bordenave-Jenkins — A Young Life Cut Too Short

As we remember Eric Washington following the recently announced increase in the reward for information concerning his murder, we should also remember another young life tragically lost to gun violence in Compton — Meah Bordenave-Jenkins.

On July 4, 2026, 19-year-old Meah lost her life in a shooting during a holiday gathering in Compton.

A suspect was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with her death. Court proceedings followed, but the current status of the case could not be established from the publicly available information we reviewed.

While the circumstances of these two cases differ, both represent lives lost, families left grieving, and a community deeply affected by violence.

As time passes and public attention turns to other matters, we want to take a moment to remember Meah and the future that was taken from her.

Our thoughts remain with her family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

Meah Bordenave-Jenkins has not been forgotten.

10/16/2026

We've surpassed 5,500 Facebook followers! Thank you, Compton!

But here's where the story gets interesting. Who is actually reading our posts? Where do our readers live? Which stories attract the most attention?

We took a closer look at our Facebook audience statistics, and some of the findings surprised even us.

Did you know that more than 90% of our content views come from people who don't even follow our page? Or that nearly three-quarters of our audience is 45 or older?

Our latest article goes beyond celebrating a milestone to explore who we're reaching, what interests our readers, and what the numbers reveal about Compton's community information landscape.

Curious to see where you fit into the picture? Take a look at what we discovered.

The Compton Chamber surpassed 5,500 page followers, growing more than 37.5% since midsummer 2026. Driven by relevant, engaging, well-designed content, its publications reach audiences far beyond Compton, with 91.1% of views coming from non-followers. Audience insights reveal strong interest...

10/16/2026

Water Replenishment District Invites Compton Students to Participate in 2026 Art Contest

Chamber strategic partner offers prizes and recognition for young artists exploring water conservation and groundwater protection.

The Compton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Water Replenishment District (WRD), a valued Chamber strategic partner and key sponsor of the annual Compton Veterans Stand Down, in promoting its 2026 Student Art Contest.

The contest invites students in kindergarten through sixth grade throughout WRD's service area, including Compton, to explore the importance of water conservation and groundwater protection through original artwork.

The annual program encourages environmental awareness and creativity among young students while helping families better understand the importance of protecting Southern California's groundwater resources.

Three Creative Themes

Students may submit artwork reflecting one of three themes:

💧 1. Every Drop Counts
Small Actions, Big Water Savings
Show how small everyday actions can save water.
Drawing ideas:
- A child turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth.
- A family collecting rainwater to water their garden.
- Someone fixing a dripping faucet.
- A garden with drought-tolerant plants that need less water.

🌎 2. Guardians of Our Groundwater
Protecting the Basin for Generations
Show how water is stored underground and why keeping it clean matters.
Drawing ideas:
- A picture showing rain soaking into the ground and filling underground water supplies.
- A neighborhood keeping trash and pollution out of waterways.
- A cutaway picture showing trees, soil, rocks, and water beneath our feet.
- Children protecting a clean underground water supply for future generations.

🌱 3. Nature's Water Heroes
Plants, Animals, and People Working Together
Show how people, plants, and animals help keep water and nature healthy.
Drawing ideas:
- Bees, butterflies, and birds living around a healthy garden.
- Trees and plants helping rainwater soak into the soil.
- Children planting trees and caring for a neighborhood garden.
- A clean pond where fish, birds, plants, and people share a healthy environment.

Children are encouraged to use their imagination. These are just a few ideas to get started—every original drawing that connects to one of the three themes is welcome, subject to WRD's contest rules.

PRIZES & RECOGNITION

WRD will select 23 student winners, each receiving a $75 gift card, recognition at a school assembly, and the opportunity to have their artwork featured in WRD's 2027 Water Awareness Calendar.

Teachers may also qualify for $100 gift cards by encouraging classroom participation, with at least 10 student submissions required per participating class.

Who Can Participate?

The contest is open to kindergarten through sixth-grade students who reside in or attend school within WRD's 43-city service area.

Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Parents, teachers, and participating students can review the requirements and submit artwork directly through WRD's official online submission page.

Submit Artwork Online:
https://www.wrd.org/art-submissions

A Valued Community Partnership

The Water Replenishment District's commitment to community education complements its broader engagement with the communities it serves. As a strategic partner of the Compton Chamber and a key supporter of the Compton Veterans Stand Down, WRD has demonstrated its commitment to initiatives benefiting local residents, families, and veterans.

The Chamber appreciates WRD's continued partnership and encourages Compton schools, teachers, parents, and community organizations to share this opportunity with young artists before the November 1 deadline.

10/16/2026

LA County Workforce Training Grants Now Open — Applications Due October 30

COMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | FUNDING ADVISORY

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is accepting applications for its High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) Fund, Cycle 3, offering workforce-development grants to qualified partnerships that provide job training and employment opportunities for underserved Los Angeles County residents.

Funding opportunities cover several industries and workforce priorities, including preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, infrastructure improvements, wildfire recovery, artificial intelligence, and social services.

Available Grants and Qualified Programs

The following six funding opportunities are identified in the County's Request for Applications:

🏗️ Wildfire Recovery, Rebuilding and Resilience — $3,350,000 available for up to 3 grants. Workforce training in construction, skilled trades, rebuilding, wildfire prevention, and recovery of fire-impacted industries.

💧 Water Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance — $680,000 for 1 grant. Training for careers maintaining public water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

🏟️ LA28 Olympics and Major Events Workforce Development — $1,202,000 for 1 grant. Training underserved residents for employment in transportation, retail, hospitality, food services, tourism, arts, media, entertainment, event operations, and related industries.

🤝 LA28 Workforce Training for Justice-Involved Individuals — $792,000 for 1 grant. Employment preparation and training for justice-involved residents in industries supporting the Olympic Games and other major events.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence Workforce Training — $957,000 for 1 grant. Practical training in the ethical use of AI and preparation for careers that incorporate artificial intelligence into everyday work.

🏥 Social Services and Homeless Services Careers — $755,000 for 1 grant. Training for individuals with lived experience of homelessness or justice involvement, leading to employment in social and homeless services.

Please note: These amounts represent the funding available for each category, not guaranteed awards to individual applicants. The wildfire recovery category may support up to three projects, while the remaining categories anticipate one award each. Final grant amounts are subject to the County's selection and contracting process.

Who Can Apply?

This funding is intended for organized workforce-training partnerships rather than individual businesses seeking general operating grants.

Each application must include commitments covering five core partnership roles:

A lead applicant and fiscal agent
An industry or sector intermediary
Participating employer or employers
A labor organization or worker representative
An education or workforce-training provider

One organization may fulfill more than one role, provided all partnership requirements are satisfied.

Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed training programs will prepare participants for quality employment, respond to industry workforce needs, and advance the County's workforce-development objectives.

TODAY - October 16 — Deadline for Applicant QUESTIONS

Friday, October 16, 2026, is the deadline for prospective applicants to submit written questions about Los Angeles County's High Road Training Partnership funding opportunity.

Organizations seeking clarification about eligibility, available funding, qualified training programs, partnership requirements, application documents, or submission procedures should send their questions by email to:

📧 Email: [email protected]
Subject line: HRTP Cycle 3 Fund – Questions

The County's program administrator is scheduled to publish official responses to submitted questions on October 23, 2026, allowing applicants to review the clarifications before completing their proposals.

Important: October 16 is only the deadline for submitting applicant questions. Organizations that have no questions do not need to take any action on that date. The actual deadline for submitting completed grant applications is Friday, October 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon Pacific Time.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE

📅 FRODAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026 — 12:00 NOON Pacific Time

Completed applications must be submitted by email to:

📧 Email: [email protected]
Subject line: HRTP Cycle 3 Fund – Application

Required application materials include the completed application form, partnership commitments, proposed budget, and program logic model.

Applicants should carefully review the official Request for Applications and supporting instructions before submitting their proposals.

Official application information:
https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/hrtp/rfa3/

The County's funding portal provides the Request for Applications, required templates, submission instructions, and applicant resources.

Why This Matters to Compton

The Compton Chamber of Commerce encourages eligible employers, workforce-training organizations, educational institutions, labor representatives, and community-based organizations to review this funding opportunity.

Of particular interest to Compton businesses are the workforce-development programs connected to LA28, transportation, hospitality, retail, food services, entertainment, and emerging AI-related occupations.

Local businesses may have opportunities to participate as employer partners in qualifying workforce-training proposals, helping develop employment pathways for Compton residents while addressing workforce needs in their respective industries.

Participation does not necessarily require a business to serve as the lead applicant. Employers may contribute industry expertise, identify training needs, and help create employment opportunities through a qualifying partnership.

The Chamber encourages interested organizations to review the program requirements promptly, particularly given the partnership commitments and supporting documentation required before the October 30 application deadline.

Compton Chamber of Commerce
Supporting Local Business, Workforce Development, and Economic Opportunity

Source: Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity — High Road Training Partnership Fund, Cycle 3, Request for Applications, September 2026.