GAMBLING: The Commerce Casino is the top employer in the city of 13,000 residents. It is at the heart of one of the controversies to recently hit the city, which has largely avoided the scandals that have plagued other communities in southeast Los Angeles County.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Lawrence K. Ho Los Angeles Times; THRIVING: The city of Commerce has prospered thanks in large part to commercial developments like the Citadel outlet mall -- a former Uniroyal tire plant -- as well as card club revenue, which makes up 40% of the municipal budget.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie Wells Los Angeles Times; BESIEGED: An official says Commerce Casino paid for Councilwoman [Nancy Ramos]' Las Vegas stay. Councilman [Ray Cisneros] is accused of sexual abuse.; PHOTOGRAPHER: City of Commerce; BESIEGED: An official says Commerce Casino paid for Councilwoman Nancy Ramos' Las Vegas stay. Councilman Ray Cisneros is accused of sexual abuse.; PHOTOGRAPHER: City of Commerce