Auto Club Inglewood Branch Celebrates 100 Years of Service

The Inglewood branch of the Automobile Club of Southern California will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., marking a century of trusted service and dedication to the Inglewood community.

The centennial celebration will showcase historic photos and Auto Club vintage vehicles, highlighting the branch's evolution over the past 100 years. The event will also feature a special ceremony with guest speakers, including city and state leaders, along with recognition of longtime members and employees who have helped shape its enduring legacy.

"As we celebrate 100 years in Inglewood, we're incredibly proud of the strong roots our branch has built in this community," said Greg Backley, President and CEO of the Auto Club. "For a century, the Automobile Club of Southern California Inglewood branch has grown alongside the families and businesses we serve - providing trusted roadside assistance, insurance, travel planning, and safety programs that support everyday life. This milestone reflects not only our history, but the lasting relationships we've built with generations of local members. We look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen the Inglewood community for the next 100 years."

The Inglewood branch currently serves more than 111,000 members in Inglewood and surrounding areas. It offers a full range of Auto Club services, including DMV services, a full-service travel agency, and passport photo processing.

The branch also provides insurance coverage for auto, home, renters, and life, along with financial and legal services. Members enjoy exclusive discounts and rewards on attractions, hotels, car rentals, entertainment, and more - delivering value both on the road and close to home.

James Smith, an Auto Club member for more than 50 years, said, "I frequently visit our Inglewood Office and the service received is amazingly awesome. Supervisor Solena Frazier and her entire staff continuously provide outstanding service every visit. The Inglewood team is friendly, courteous, helpful, polite, respectful, knowledgeable, and considerate. It's a pleasure to visit this office because we know they care about their members."

The Inglewood branch first opened on April 1, 1926, on Market Street, serving 984 members. Over its 100-year history, the branch has moved several times to reflect the growth of both the community and the organization. On December 15, 1953, it relocated to 1234 Centinela Avenue. In 1967, the building was demolished and rebuilt, while members continued to receive uninterrupted service at a nearby temporary location.

On October 2, 1967, the new AAA building that members visit today officially opened, continuing a century-long tradition of serving families and supporting the Inglewood community.

A key figure in the branch's history is Mark Bell, a pioneering Black executive who began his Auto Club career in 1969. Bell managed the Inglewood branch from 1985 to 1993, overseeing daily operations and membership growth before advancing into corporate leadership roles. In 2005, he became Vice President and General Manager of AAA Texas, the first Black executive in that market and the second in Auto Club Enterprises' history. Bell retired in 2008 after nearly 40 years of service and passed away in 2013.

Today, the Inglewood branch stands on a strong foundation of service, leadership, and a lasting commitment to the community that generations of members and employees have built together. Its long-standing presence reflects the Auto Club's dedication to the region, including advocacy for highway safety, the introduction of roadside assistance in 1924, and the ongoing delivery of essential services to support residents, businesses, and motorists.

"Reaching this milestone is a testament to the loyalty of our members and the hard work of our staff over the decades," said Vinesha Pruitt, branch manager of the Inglewood Auto Club. "We're proud to celebrate our history while continuing to provide the services our community relies on every day. It is truly an honor to serve this community, and being part of a legacy branch that has supported generations of families means so much to all of us."