In 2004, the Commerce Casino donated $10,000 to the campaign for Measure A, a Baca-led initiative that would have raised the sales tax to fund law enforcement in Los Angeles County. A Baca spokesman said the permits were originally approved by Sheriff Sherman Block and were renewed by the department because of ongoing threats at the casino. Three Commerce Casino executives - Ralph Wong, Harvey Ross and Haig Papaian - hold concealed weapons permits approved by the Sheriff’s Department.
