April 24, 2026 LCCN

La Palma’s Legal Troubles Mount as Second Lawsuit Follows $8.4 Million Verdict

Second lawsuit widens scrutiny beyond police, alleging wage violations, ignored complaints, and a growing pattern inside City Hall.

By Brian Hews

Just one week after Los Cerritos Community News first reported on the $8.4 million jury verdict against the City, a second lawsuit has surfaced—this time alleging wage theft, off-the-clock work, and systemic labor violations inside another City department.

Filed April 8 in Orange County Superior Court, the complaint by former Recreation Specialist Misty Torres accuses the City of failing to pay for all hours worked, denying required meal and rest breaks, and issuing inaccurate wage statements over a nearly seven-year span. According to the filing, Torres was officially scheduled for

four-hour shifts but routinely worked full-day schedules— often from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.— to keep the Tiny Tots program running, all while being capped at part-time hours.

The lawsuit claims City management knew about the extra work but imposed strict hour limits anyway, creating what the complaint describes as a “predictable and unlawful result”: either leave essential work undone or perform it off the clock.

Torres alleges she performed roughly 15 hours of unpaid work per week, including overtime, and was frequently unable to take legally compliant meal or rest breaks due to staffing shortages—at times being left alone supervising up to 24 children.

The financial exposure in the case is significant. The complaint seeks more than $48,000 in unpaid straight-time wages, over $50,000 in unpaid

See LA PALMA, Page 16

Central Basin Board Reviews Garza’s Incompatible Office, Finds ‘Nothing’

Army Corps outlines $735 million dam upgrades, potential closures impacting Pico Rivera parks and facilities.

By Brian Hews

In November 2025, Los Cerritos Community News launched High Stakes, Dirty Water, Red Flags, a multi-part

controlling the JPA’s operations, receiving bids, and managing public business through his own private infrastructure, Garza erased the legal separation required between a public agency and a private enterprise.

The investigation found that this private control, combined with Garza’s repeated renewals of his now $6,000-per-month contract as the JPA’s executive director while simultaneously serving as an elected Central Basin director, placed his seat on the Central Basin Municipal Water District at risk of automatic vacancy under the state’s incompatible office laws.

to-day operations were rout ed through Garza’s privately owned firm, which for years was not licensed with the City of Bellflower, where he lived and previously served as mayor, raising immediate red flags under California law governing procurement, transparency, and conflicts of interest. By

Study: E-Bikes Boom, and So Do Brain Injuries

Cerritos Water Rate Recall Already Spending Thousands—But Still No Donors Disclosed

Part One documented how Garza used his personal Six Heron email, company cellphone, and a Bellflower P.O. Box as the JPA’s operational and procurement pipeline, effectively turning a public agency into a one-man operation.

Part Two exposed how that private control collided directly with Garza’s elected authority at the Central Basin Municipal Water District, where he votes

By Brian Hews

E-bikes and scooters are everywhere across Los Angeles and Orange County, but a new study shows the injuries are rising just as fast—and they’re far more serious than most riders think.

Researchers at NYU Langone Health analyzed 914 patients treated at a New York City trauma center between 2018 and 2023. What they found is hard to ignore: e-bikes and scooters now account for 6.9% of all trauma admissions. About 68% of those injured were hospitalized, 30% needed intensive care, and roughly half required surgery or medical procedures. About one in three suffered a traumatic brain injury.

That’s not a small trend—it’s a major category of trauma.

The biggest cause of injury wasn’t falling off the bike. It was getting hit by a car. Nearly half of all cases involved collisions with vehicles, with falls a distant second. The formula is simple: cars, faster bikes, and streets that weren’t built for either.

That setup is easy to spot across Southeast L.A. County— riders weaving through traffic, jumping onto sidewalks, and cutting across busy intersections. The speed is higher, the margins are tighter, and when something goes wrong, the injuries are severe.

The study also found something unexpected: pedestrians are often the ones who suffer

Early recall activity shows organized spending, but delayed reporting laws keep financial backers hidden from public view.

By Brian Hews

CERRITOS — The political committee calling itself “Concerned Citizens of Cerritos” has already spent thousands of dollars advancing the recall effort targeting Mayor Frank Yokoyama and Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Johnson—yet has disclosed nothing publicly about where the money is coming from.

Documents filed with the

California Fair Political Practices Commission show the committee qualified on February 1, 2026, after surpassing the $2,000 threshold required to begin raising and spending funds. Theresa W. Pedace is listed as treasurer, with Carla D. Gilhuys as principal officer.

Despite the lack of public financial disclosures, Los Cerritos Community News can confirm the committee has already spent approximately $5,000 with this newspaper—an adjudicated publication for legal notices in Cerritos—to publish the required

See RECALL, Page 7

Big Beautiful Bill Cuts Sharpen Focus Across California, With L.A. County Hospitals at Risk

By Brian Hews

LOS ANGELES — The impact of sweeping federal healthcare cuts is no longer theoretical in California. New analysis shows the state is among the hardest hit, with 83 hospitals flagged as financially “at risk,” placing nearly one-third of California’s hospital system under potential strain.

The findings stem from a national dataset examining the effects of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Budget Act,” which includes deep reductions in Medicaid funding over the next

decade. Hospitals identified as at risk share a common profile: they rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements and have posted sustained financial losses in recent years. That combination leaves little cushion as federal funding declines.

For California, the implications are significant. The state’s healthcare system is deeply intertwined with Medi-Cal, which serves millions of low-income residents. Hospitals operating in that system often function on narrow margins, balancing high patient demand with lower reimbursement rates. Any disruption

DAIRY VALLEY: Los Angeles County Supervisor Frank Bonelli, a featured speaker at Dairy Valley City Hall’s groundbreaking, is presented with a calf. Pictured with him are Dairy Valley City Councilmembers (left to right) Louis Struikman, Jim Albers, Alex Moore, Joe Gonsalves, Frank Leal, and an unidentified calf handler. Courtesy City of Cerritos.

From Dairy Valley Roots to Modern Cerritos City

By Brian Hews

A 1967 meeting in Sacramento between newly elected California Governor Ronald Reagan and Cerritos city leaders captured a defining moment in the city’s transformation from rural Dairy Valley into a rapidly developing suburban community.

Held March 2, just weeks after Reagan took office, the meeting came as Cerritos formally adopted its new name, signaling a shift away from its agricultural past toward residential growth, commercial expansion, and long-term planning. The name change followed a 1963 voter-backed move to transition land use from dairies to development, setting the stage for what would become one of Southeast Los Angeles County’s most carefully planned cities.

The delegation that met with Reagan

reflected the city’s early leadership and political connections. Joining the governor were Mayor Fred Troost and councilmembers Frank Leal, Tony Cordeiro, and Jim Albers, along with George Deukmejian, then a state senator, and Joe Gonsalves, who represented the area in the Assembly.

The moment symbolized more than a name change—it marked the city’s emergence as a participant in California’s postwar suburban boom. Within a decade, Cerritos would evolve into a model for master-planned development, with parks, neighborhoods, and commercial centers replacing the dairies that once defined it.

That Sacramento meeting stands as a quiet but pivotal milestone—when Cerritos officially stepped onto the state stage and began shaping the city residents know today.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR Ronald Reagan (left) meets with Cerritos leaders in Sacramento on March 2, 1967, marking the city’s transformation from rural Dairy Valley to a rapidly developing suburban community. Pictured (left to right): Councilmembers Frank Leal, Tony Cordeiro, Jim Albers, Mayor Fred Troost, Senator George Deukmejian and Assemblyman Joe Gonsalves.

Families Get Fairy Tale Escape at Lakewood Light Show

ENCHANTED MOMENT: A glowing Beauty and the Beast scene comes to life at Imaginarium’s “Utopia,” where classic fairy tales are reimagined through millions of lights, immersive sets, and storybook magic at Lakewood Center.

A glowing fairy tale world has arrived just minutes from Cerritos as Imaginarium’s “Utopia… Where Fairy Tales Come Alive” transforms nearly three acres of Lakewood Center into a dazzling nighttime attraction through Sept. 7. Featuring more than five million lights, the indoor-outdoor experience invites visitors to wander through illuminated kingdoms filled with storybook characters, towering glowing trees and interactive displays designed for all ages. Organizers say the event blends fantasy and hands-on fun, offering everything from infinity mirror rooms to themed photo spaces and immersive activity zones.

Guests can navigate winding paths through animated gardens, step inside

mirror rooms that create endless reflections, or dive into playful attractions including laser mazes, ball pits and interactive art exhibits. The event also features daily live entertainment, including circus-style performances with aerial acts, fire juggling and motorcycle stunts inside a Globe of Death.

Located at 326 Lakewood Center Mall, the attraction runs six nights a week with varying evening hours. General admission starts at $20, with discounts available for children, seniors and military personnel. Children under two are admitted free, and parking is included. With its mix of spectacle, nostalgia and social media-ready visuals, Utopia offers a colorful spring and summer outing for local families looking for something beyond the usual night out.

Commerce Sets Community Meeting on Sales Tax Measure Amid Revenue Threat

LCCN Staff Report

The City of Commerce will host an informational community meeting on Measure PC, a proposed quarter-cent sales tax aimed at protecting local services, on Wednesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. inside Council Chambers at 5655 Jillson Street. The meeting is part of an ongoing outreach effort to explain the Commerce Essential Services Protection Measure, which will appear on the June 2026 ballot.

City officials say the proposal is designed to ensure tax dollars remain in Commerce to support core services, including public safety, youth and senior programs, and infrastructure maintenance.

The push for Measure PC follows a Feb. 24 City Council decision declaring a fiscal emergency, driven largely by anticipated losses tied to new state gambling regulations. Officials estimate the City could lose up to $18 million annually in casino-related revenue. The Commerce Casino currently generates more than $30 million a year for the General Fund, accounting for over 40 percent of the City’s roughly $80 million budget.

Measure PC would add a quarter-cent to the local sales tax, allowing the City to capture the remaining available increment before reaching the countywide cap of 10.75 percent. Commerce’s current rate stands at 10.50 percent, leaving only a quarter-cent available. swer session with City staff.

Additional information about Measure PC and future meetings is available at www.CommerceMeasurePC.com.

California’s Broken Promise to Native Communities and Taxpayers

By Dr. David Gonzaělez, Jr., President of the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce

When California voters legalized tribal casinos under Proposition 1A in 2000, we were promised it would create opportunity and self-sufficiency for Native American communities across the state. Two decades later, that promise has fractured into a tale of a select few tribes growing wealthy beyond belief while most Native communities only receive scraps from the table.

The transformation of tribal gaming over just 25 years has been staggering. What began as limited gaming operations has evolved into billion-dollar Las Vegas-style casino resorts operated by a handful of ultra-wealthy tribes like Pechanga and San Manuel. Meanwhile, non-gaming tribes who actually need tools for developing their local economies remain locked into the same flat $1.1 million annual stipend they received 25 years ago, watching as their wealthy neighbors expand ever larger empires.

This tale of extreme winners and losers is far from the vision sold to voters. It’s not just other tribes that have been victims of broken promises. Taxpayers have been left wondering what happened to the billions of dollars we were assured would help support critical services for Californians in exchange for letting the big tribes expand their casinos.

The most egregious example of broken promises to taxpayers came in 2008, when Propositions 94, 95, 96, and 97 appeared on the ballot during the height of California’s budget crisis. The wealthy gaming tribes raised more than $100 million, including more than $40 million from Pechanga, to blanket the airwaves and convince voters to back these measures. Voters ultimately approved the measures, which allowed Pechanga and three other tribes to expand their casino operations dramatically. During the campaign, voters were told the expanded gaming “will provide hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenues each year, billions in years ahead to help pay for public safety, education, and other services,” according to the state’s official voter guide.

Turns out those promised billions were for naught.

That’s because even as they were making big promises to taxpayers under Propositions 94-97, the wealthy gaming tribes knew a favorable lawsuit was working its way through the courts that could invalidate their requirement to pay that money to the state. It’s unlikely voters would have supported those propo-

sitions without the promised revenue for state services that the tribes’ campaign heavily touted in their advertising.

Just a few years later, tribes won that case, which conveniently meant that California could not enforce the requirement that tribes pay into the state’s General Fund, which finances most core state services. The ruling meant that the casinos expanded with thousands of additional slot machines, and the tribes became wealthier than ever. But the promised windfall for California taxpayers? That never quite materialized as advertised.

Now, taxpayers are left in the unfortunate situation where some of the nation’s most profitable casinos pay virtually no state income taxes. While the well-connected tribes get a sweetheart deal, regular Californians are left paying more and more of their money in taxes.

But they don’t stop there. These wealthy gaming tribes have spent millions in attempting to close down any competition including local cardrooms that have operated for over 100 years. If these tribes succeed in shutting cardrooms down, there will be a huge loss of jobs and communities will be left with a huge budget deficit with little recourse to fund critical services such as public safety.

What’s perhaps most troubling is how these mega-wealthy tribes now use their vast resources to deny the original promise of tribal gaming. When the North Fork Rancheria, a small tribe in Madera County, sought to build its own casino to lift its community out of poverty, wealthy tribes mobilized against the project. Pechanga contributed $1 million to oppose the project. These actions reveal an uncomfortable truth: the wealthiest tribal gaming operations have become less about uplifting Native communities and more about protecting market dominance.

This is not the vision California voters endorsed. When we approved tribal gaming, we imagined modest operations that would provide economic self-sufficiency for struggling Native communities not sprawling resort complexes that rival anything in Las Vegas while smaller tribes are frozen out of opportunity. Meanwhile, the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, meant to help non-gaming tribes, has remained essentially frozen at levels set decades ago while the wealth of gaming tribes has exploded exponentially.

It’s time for an honest conversation about whether this system serves the public interest or the original promise made to voters. Native communities without gaming deserve a fairer revenue share to support their tribal members along with a path to economic opportunity that isn’t blocked by wealthy tribes protecting their turf. And voters deserve to know whether future gaming expansion proposals will actually deliver on their promises to taxpayers or simply repeat the pattern.

The promise of tribal gaming was an opportunity for all Native communities and fair compensation for California taxpayers. What we got were broken promises. That’s not what we voted for, and it’s not a system we should continue to accept without serious reforms.

The opinions in this section are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions of LCCN. Email editor@cerritosnews.net or mail PO Box 788 Artesia Ca. , 90701.

From the Mayor’s Desk: April

From dairy roots to a model city, Cerritos celebrates 70 years of growth, community pride, and a weekend packed with events.

By Lynda Johnson Mayor, City of Cerritos

Seventy years ago, on April 24, 1956, a small community voted to incorporate as the City of Dairy Valley. With nearly 3,500 people at the time, cows outnumbered residents by nine to one. When we officially became Cerritos in 1967, the City was well on its way to becoming one of the fastest growing communities in California. The growth we’ve experienced since then has been truly amazing. This weekend, I’m honored to serve as your Mayor as we celebrate this extraordinary platinum anniversary together.

Cerritos has been my hometown since 1971, when the City adopted its first General Plan.

This plan laid out a vision for the Cerritos of today; a park-like community with acres of green open space, beautiful neighborhoods, and a smart mix of commercial and industrial development.

In 2026, more than 48,000 residents and our many visitors benefit from world-class parks and amenities, a stateof-the-art library, the renowned Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos Auto Square, and so much more.

You’re invited to join us for a series of events to commemorate our 70th

24, 2026

anniversary. Beginning tonight, it’s the premiere of the Cerritos Resident Talent Showcase. The event features singing, dancing, and musical performances from Cerritos residents ages four and older.

The event will air on Cerritos TV3 at 7 p.m. on April 24, with rebroadcasts at various times this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The event will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel. Saturday morning, April 25, join us for the dedication of a new sculpture, Milking Time — A Tribute to Dairy Valley, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cerritos Civic Center.

The artwork reflects Cerritos’ agricultural roots and the enduring values of family and community. The dedication will be followed by a petting zoo with farm animals, craft activities, and storytimes for children. The City will also unveil StoryCorps: Voices of Cerritos — A Celebration of 70 Years. These recorded interviews will be held by appointment in the Cerritos Library Board Room.

Our anniversary celebrations continue Saturday evening with Cerritos’ annual Spring Fling & Fireworks Spectacular. Admission to the event is free and runs from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cerritos Sports Complex. A dance recital, local talent show, line dancing, and professional acts will be featured, along with gourmet food trucks offering food for sale. A fireworks display will be presented at 8:30 p.m.

These events are not only a celebration of our history and progress, but they are also the City’s way of saying thank you for your contributions to our community.

The City Council and our staff look forward to continuing partnerships with residents, businesses, and visitors to strengthen Cerritos for years to come. See you this weekend!

a “critical, modifiable factor”—in other words, an easy fix that most people ignore.

the worst injuries. People hit by e-bikes had higher rates of brain trauma—about 56.5% compared to roughly 30% for riders—and were more likely to end up in intensive care. When electric bikes are involved, the injuries are even more severe.

That shifts the issue from a rider problem to a public safety problem.

Helmet use isn’t helping. Only 31.7% of riders were wearing one at the time of injury. Those who skipped helmets had much higher rates of brain and facial injuries. Researchers called helmet use

Alcohol is another piece of the puzzle. About 20% of injured riders were intoxicated. Those riders had worse brain injuries, lower levels of consciousness, and were less likely to be wearing helmets. It’s the same risky behavior seen in car crashes—just now happening on two wheels.

The timing tells a story too. Most injuries happen in the evening, especially between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and many occur at night. Lower visibility, fatigue, and alcohol all play a role.

The biggest shift, though, is how fast e-bikes have taken over. In 2018, electric bikes and scooters made up about 8% of injuries. By 2023, they accounted for more than half. Even if each crash isn’t worse, there are simply far more of them.

That’s why hospitals are feeling it.

Back in Southern California, the conditions are similar—crowded sidewalks, delivery riders moving fast, and very little helmet use. Cities have added some bike lanes, but most streets still force riders to mix with cars or pedestrians.

The study doesn’t blame e-bikes. It says the system hasn’t caught up. Infrastructure is lagging, and behavior—no helmets, riding under the influence—is making things worse.

The fixes are straightforward: build protected bike lanes, increase helmet use, and crack down on intoxicated riding.

Until then, the trend is clear—more e-bikes on the street means more serious injuries in the ER.

Cerritos Mayor Lynda Johnson

Cerritos-Artesia Young Women Earn $7,000 In Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS: From left, Lauren Ma, DYW East and scholarship winner; Vishakha Sabat, DYW Central; and Anoushka Rajeev, DYW West and winner of Self Expression and Talent, pose following the Distinguished Young Women of Cerritos-Artesia awards program, where top participants were recognized for excellence in academics, performance, and leadership.

Annual Distinguished Young Women program honors students for academics, talent, fitness, interview skills, and self-expression.

LCCN Staff Report

CERRITOS — Distinguished Young Women of Cerritos-Artesia held its annual scholarship program April 18 and 19, recognizing local high school juniors for achievement in academics, talent, fitness, interview skills, and self-expression while awarding a total of $7,000 in scholarships.

The program, which serves students in the year they graduate from high school, has been part of the Cerritos-Artesia community since 1975. Originally known as Junior Miss, the scholarship program encourages participants to “Be Their Best Selves” by building confidence, improving interview and public speaking skills, staying physically fit, performing on stage, and developing strong interpersonal relationships.

Organizers said the three-week program is designed to help high school juniors reach their full individual potential through a fun and transformational experience that ends with a public showcase of their accomplishments. Practices were held at First Christian Reformed Church in Artesia.

Interviews took place Saturday, April 18, at Chugh, LLP in Cerritos, while the formal program was held Sunday, April 19, at Cerritos Park East. The event was

emceed by Dr. Maria Silva-Palacios, who has two decades of experience in health and safety leadership, including a lengthy career in the utility industry.

Participants were judged using standards consistent with local, state, and national Distinguished Young Women programs. Those standards emphasize scholastic achievement, community involvement, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Judging categories included scholastics at 25 percent, interview at 25 percent, talent at 20 percent, fitness at 15 percent, and self-expression at 15 percent.

Top scholarship winners included Lauren Ma of Whitney High School, who earned the DYW Winner East award and the Scholastics award; Anoushka Rajeev of Whitney High School, who won DYW Winner West as well as awards for Talent and Self Expression; and Vishakha Sabat of Whitney High School, who received the DYW Central award. Katherine Low of Whitney High School was named DYW Alternate.

Other award recipients included Anushka Zumale of Cerritos High School, who received the Spirit of DYW, Interview, and Fitness awards.

Lauren Ma, Anoushka Rajeev, and Vishakha Sabat will now move on to represent the local program at the Distinguished Young Women state competition in Bakersfield in July.

Awards during the showcase were presented by several community dignitaries, including Cerritos Mayor Lynda Johnson, Cerritos City Councilmember Sophia Tse, Annie Kim of Soropti-

mist International Artesia-Cerritos, Joann Witt of the Women’s Club of Artesia-Cerritos, State DYW Chairman Susan Finch, and Madison Marks-Noble, representing State Senator Tony Strickland.

Judges for the program included Brittany Lundeen of Cerritos College for scholastics, along with Ming Chen, Eden Escobedo, Thomas Philips, Brianna Reyes, and Valerie Saragosa. Larry Frum served as chair of the judges and as chair of the DYW Board of Directors.

Sponsors included Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the City of Cerritos, Chugh, LLP, MSI Corporation, attorney Patrick Stacker, Dr. David DeKriek, Dr. Terrisa Ha, former Cerritos Mayor Carol Chen, the Cerritos Optimists, Soroptimist Artesia-Cerritos, the Women’s Club of Artesia-Cerritos, Gloria and Sherman Kappe, George Ray, Gene and Rhonda Burd Realty, Alexander Perez Realtor, First Christian Reformed Church of Artesia, Print Media Designs, Joyce’s Flowers, and True Essence Photography.

The Distinguished Young Women program traces its national roots to 1958 and promotes itself as a free program aimed at helping young women reach their full potential through scholarship opportunities, life skills workshops, and a nationwide support network. Notable alumnae include Diane Sawyer, Deborah Norville, Kim Basinger, Debra Messing, and Kathie Lee Gifford. National finals are scheduled for June 2026 in Mobile, Alabama.More information is available at DistinguishedYW.org

Cerritos Ends Bus Service, Shifts Fully to Dial-A-Ride for Seniors

and Disabled Riders

LCCN Staff Report

CERRITOS — The Cerritos City Council has voted to eliminate the city’s long-running Cerritos on Wheels (COW) bus service, marking a major shift in local transit policy as officials move to a demand-based model focused primarily on seniors and residents with disabilities.

The decision, approved April 13, will end fixed-route COW service effective May 31, 2026. In its place, the City will rely exclusively on its Dial-A-Ride program, operated under a newly awarded contract with MV Transportation, Inc. beginning July 1.

City officials framed the move as a financial necessity. A recent Transit Assessment found long-term cost challenges in maintaining fixed-route service, prompting the Council earlier this year to begin planning for its elimination.

Under the new model, Cerritos will operate only a demand-response system, a shift that significantly narrows who the transit system is designed to serve.

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The Dial-A-Ride program is limited to residents age 55 and older and individuals with disabilities, a population of about 1,700 registered users.

Trips within the primary service area—covering Cerritos, Artesia, and parts of La Palma and Norwalk—will remain at $1 each way. However, fares for medical trips outside the core zone will increase to $5 and $7 depending on distance.

The City says the program will offer improvements, including a mobile app and online booking system, while maintaining phone reservations. Service will continue seven days a week with wheelchair-accessible vehicles available.

But the elimination of COW raises broader questions about access for the general public.

Fixed-route service, while more expensive, provided predictable transportation for all residents, including commuters, students, and those without access to a car. With its removal, those riders will now have to rely on regional providers such as Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority or other nearby transit systems.

City officials note that Dial-A-Ride funding comes from restricted transportation funds that must be used for transit purposes, but the shift underscores a growing trend among smaller cities moving away from traditional bus routes in favor of targeted, lower-cost services.

In practical terms, Cerritos is trading broad access for financial sustainability.

Whether that tradeoff works will depend on how many riders are left behind.

For more information, residents can call the City’s Community Development Department at (562) 916-1201 or visit cerritos.gov/transit.

Aerospace Boom, California Style — No, They’re Not All Leaving

NAYSAYERS: California takes a beating in the national narrative—taxes too high, regulations too tough—but while the critics keep talking, the cranes keep moving and the startups keep arriving. Across Southern California, a new wave of aerospace and defense companies is quietly doing the opposite of “leaving,” expanding into massive facilities and hiring like crazy, drawn by what insiders say is an unbeatable mix of engineering talent and deep-tech infrastructure. From El Segundo to Long Beach, firms building next-generation spacecraft, hypersonic vehicles, and AI-driven defense systems are doubling down on the region, reinforcing a reality that doesn’t fit neatly into the talking points: yes, some big names pack up for cheaper pastures—but thousands more companies are being born right here, powering a $4.25 trillion economy.

La Mirada ublic Hearing on Proposed Trash Rate Increases

LCCN Staff Report

City officials have scheduled a public hearing for June 9 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, where they will consider changes to the trash fee structure and overall rate schedule for both residential and commercial refuse services.

The proposed adjustments are part of the city’s ongoing review of its waste management program, which includes contracts with service providers and the cost of main-

taining collection and disposal services. While specific rate increases have not yet been publicly detailed, the hearing will allow city staff to present the proposal and gather input before any decisions are made.

Trash service rates are typically influenced by a range of factors, any changes approved by the council would directly impact monthly bills for households and businesses across the city.

The June 9 meeting will provide the first detailed look at how much rates could increase and when those changes might take effect. Residents attending the hearing will have the opportunity to comment before the council takes action.

By Lydia E. Ringwald

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has experienced many incarnations during its long history as a cultural art center for the City of Los Angeles.

From art exhibits originally confined to the upper floors of what is now the Museum of Natural History, to the William Pereira-designed buildings on Wilshire Blvd. in the 1960s, to the addition in the 1980s of the Art of the Americas Building, to the Japanese Pavilion opened in 1988, to the Eli Broad Contemporary Art Museum building in 2008 and, in 2010, the Resnick exhibition space; each expansion represents a step forward in the development of Los Angeles as a world-renowned cultural haven.

The vision for Los Angeles in the arts has continued to expand in our time, with a monolithic project on the LACMA Wilshire Blvd. site that razed more nondescript conventional structures and replaced them with a new, innovative, unique, and futuristic “one of a kind” museum building that is emblematic of Los Angeles—a true landmark.

That mission was accomplished this year with a site-specific new art museum by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, whose breathtaking design features rows of floorto-ceiling windows and spans Wilshire Blvd. with soaring lines 30 feet above the iconic Miracle Mile.

It is a building so stunningly beautiful that it is itself a work of art.

The new Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which includes some of the world’s greatest works of art, is itself a sculpted architectural masterwork.

LACMA celebrated its inaugural events with a gala dinner and ribbon-cutting and opened to museum members and the public this week on April 20.

Museum patrons may now wander through intriguing corridors lined with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Wilshire Blvd. and surrounding land-

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art Opens New Innovative Exhibition Space

scaped gardens, leading into a maze of interior galleries warmed by muted coloration and carefully controlled lighting that displays rare works from the museum’s extensive permanent collection of over 155,000 art objects.

Individual galleries are arranged to explore the art of cultures that evolved around maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Pacific Ocean, showcasing unique works that illuminate the many facets of the human experience.

The installations of art from ancient civilizations, along with works from Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and European cultures, honor the myriad ethnicities and cultural expressions across time.

Museum visitors may linger in a European historical art gallery before Georg-

es de La Tour’s The Magdalen with the Smoking Flame and be transported to 17th-century France, or view an ancient Greek statue and reflect on a civilization that has continually influenced and empowered the world.

The thoughtfully curated exhibits, which include rare historical treasures, also feature contemporary works that reflect, respond to, and reinterpret past cul-

tures through modern artistic expression.

Museum patrons have the opportunity not only to experience original works of art, but also to gain insight into their lasting cultural impact on later generations. Designed benches strategically placed along the large glass windows of the museum corridors create spaces where patrons may reflect on the diverse art treasures or simply gaze out at the streetscape and gardens below.

A café, bookstore, and restaurant add ambiance and create an inviting museum complex—a place to linger, reflect, and appreciate art.

The monumental new Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers opportunities for repeated visits and now welcomes visitors to enjoy an inspiring collection showcased in a uniquely immersive museum experience.

For more detailed visitor information, please visit lacma.org.

it.

recall notices.

In other words, the campaign is not theoretical. It is active, organized, and already spending money. What are they hiding?

Although the committee could file financial expenditures at any time, no filings have appeared in any public campaign finance reports.

Under California law, committees are not required to disclose detailed financial activity until their first semiannual filing, due July 31. Unless a recall election is formally scheduled, there is no requirement for real-time reporting of contributions or expenditures.

The result is a familiar gap in transparency: voters may see recall activity—legal notices, signature gathering, messaging— without any visibility into who is funding

Legal notice publication is often one of the first required expenses in a recall effort, but it is rarely the last. Political consultants, who are paid at the formation of the committee, paid signature gatherers, and campaign materials can quickly drive costs far higher.

The committee’s name suggests a grassroots effort, but the early expenditure raises the obvious question: who is financing it?

At this point, no donors have been identified in public records, and no campaign finance reports have been filed detailing contributions or additional spending.

What is known is this: a committee has formed, money has already been spent, and the financial backers of the recall effort remain undisclosed.

That information may not become public for months.

RECALL from page 1

DAVID GEFFEN Galleries at LACMA; exterior view from East West Bank Commons southeast toward Wilshire Boulevard with Tony Smith’s Smoke (1967) in foreground.

Images by Iwan Baan.

Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden with Auguste Rodin’s Monumental Head of Pierre de Wissant (1884–85) in foreground.

Traffic Calming Comes to Lakewood: Roundabouts, Lane Reductions Set to Reshape

City tests roundabouts, lane reductions, and quick build fixes aiming to slow drivers, cut crashes, and reshape how major corridors function long-term.

By Brian Hews

Major Streets

Drivers in Lakewood are getting a preview of what the city hopes is a safer, slower future—backed by hard data showing the changes could dramatically cut serious crashes.

On April 20, Lakewood rolled out a pair of traffic-calming pilot projects on Studebaker Road and Palo Verde Avenue—two major corridors where wide lanes and fast-moving traffic have long raised safety concerns.

But instead of diving straight into expensive, permanent construction, the city is taking a different approach:

test it first, watch what happens, then decide what stays.

The result is a series of temporary—but highly visible— changes that will put drivers in the middle of a real-time experiment.

On Studebaker Road, work begins Monday near Centralia, where crews will install a temporary roadway configuration that includes lane reductions, new striping, and roundabouts at three intersections. The goal is to immediately change driver behavior on a corridor where speed has been the norm.

Studebaker’s width has long encouraged higher speeds, making it a prime candidate for intervention. City officials say the redesign is intended to slow traffic, improve pedestrian crossings, and create a more predictable driving environment.

And the safety argument is strong.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, converting traditional intersections to roundabouts can reduce severe injury and fatal crashes by as much as 78%, while overall

crashes drop roughly 35%.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data shows similar results, with injury crashes reduced by about 75% after roundabouts are installed.

The reason is simple: slow-

AERIAL VIEW of Studebaker Road between Del Amo and Centralia showing the roundabout at Lemming Street.

er speeds and fewer conflict points. Drivers should expect temporary lane shifts, possible parking impacts, and traffic control in key areas, especially near intersections and park access points. The project will also include ADA ramp upgrades, temporary curb elements, and a new parking lot adjacent to Rynerson Park—signaling a broader rethink of how the roadway functions beyond just moving cars.

If the pilot performs as expected, permanent improvements could follow, including concrete curbs, roadway resurfacing, and long-term striping changes.

A second pilot project is expected to begin next month along Palo Verde between South Street and Carson Street, with particular attention on the intersection at Candlewood Street. There, the city will install a temporary roundabout and reconfigure lanes to evaluate how traffic flows through one of the area’s more complex intersections.

The Palo Verde project will feature quick-build elements such as painted curb extensions, a center median to guide turning movements, and updated striping for parking and bike

lanes. Unlike Studebaker, some components—like resurfacing and new curb ramps—will be permanent from the outset, even as the rest remains under evaluation.

City engineers will monitor

AERIAL VIEW of Palo Verde Avenue showing the roundabout at Candlewood Street.

EXAMPLE of a temporary roundabout, like the one that will be placed at the intersection of Candlewood Street and Palo Verde Avenue.

the site closely for at least 30 days, collecting traffic data, measuring vehicle speeds, and even reviewing video footage to understand how drivers adapt to the changes.

And speed is the key factor.

Studies consistently show that the risk of a pedestrian dying in a crash jumps dramatically as speeds increase— from about 10% at 23 mph to roughly 50% at 42 mph. Traffic calming measures like lane reductions and roundabouts are designed to keep speeds in that lower, survivable range.

At the center of both projects is a feature that tends to divide drivers: the roundabout.

Lakewood is leaning into roundabouts as a core traffic-calming tool, citing their ability to reduce the severity of crashes by forcing vehicles to slow down. Instead of the

stop-and-go pattern of traditional signalized intersections, roundabouts keep traffic moving at lower speeds—typically between 15 and 25 miles per hour—while reducing conflict points.

The design is simple in theory. Drivers slow as they approach, yield to traffic already inside, and travel counterclockwise around a central island. Miss your exit, and you simply circle around again—no abrupt lane changes, no risky turns.

For pedestrians, the addition of median islands allows crossings to be made one direction at a time, improving safety. Bicyclists can either ride through the roundabout as vehicles or use crosswalks.

City officials acknowledge that roundabouts can feel unfamiliar, particularly for drivers used to traditional intersections. But they emphasize that modern roundabouts are designed specifically to reduce confusion and improve safety, not create it.

The broader strategy behind the projects reflects a growing trend in cities across Califor-

nia: using temporary, low-cost materials to test roadway changes before committing to permanent infrastructure. Known as “quick-build” projects, these pilots allow cities to adjust designs based on real-world performance rather than relying solely on planning models.

In Lakewood’s case, that means flexibility. If a design doesn’t work, it can be modified or removed. If it does, the city can move forward with confidence—and with data to support the investment.

For residents, the next few months may bring some inconvenience, along with a learning curve behind the wheel. But the numbers suggest the payoff could be significant.

Fewer crashes. Slower speeds. And streets that are designed not just to move traffic—but to keep people alive.

The message is clear: slow down, pay attention, and get used to the new layout—because if these pilots succeed, they won’t be temporary for long.

Palo Verde Avenue is next.

GATEWAY LEAGUE SOFTBALL:

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

As schools were coming back from Spring Break and league action was resuming, a twist was put into the Gateway League race when La Mirada High was knocked off by Warren High 5-1 on Apr. 14, snapping a 19-game league winning streak the Matadores had. The loss created a four-way tie for first place when the Matadores hosted Gahr High last Thursday which featured a classic pitching matchup between juniors Bella Gonzalez (Gahr) and Alison Ortega (La Mirada).

But it was a fielder’s choice and an unfortunate bounce in the bottom of the seventh inning that allowed La Mirada to rally with two outs and come away with a hard fought 2-1 victory at Jennie Finch Field. The Matadores improved to 19-3, 3-1 while the Gladiators dropped to 12-10, 2-2.

“We always know we’re going to get everyone’s best; everybody’s up to play us and it was just a great game,” said La Mirada head coach Brent Tuttle. “It’s an oldschool game; a 2-1 ballgame. You don’t see very many of those anymore, and it was just two great pitchers out there dealing.

“I’m proud of our defense; we got a couple of double plays where they got us out of some big jams,” he continued. “Ali kept us in the game and we just grinded and grinded and grinded.”

“First of all, there’s no way Bella deserves a loss in this game,” said Gahr head coach Rey Sanchez. “She was dialed in since Monday. We knew we had a tough week playing Mayfair [on Apr. 14] and obviously La Mirada is always a battle. So there’s no way she deserves…really either pitcher deserves to lose the game. I think Bella had her best stuff, and she executed pitches. It [came] down to we misplayed a

La Mirada bounces back from rare league loss with seventh inning rally against Gahr

fly ball, and we misplayed a ground ball. If we don’t misplay a fly ball, then we’re in a different position. As a defense, you can’t take a pitch off.”

Freshman second baseman Fatima Serna began the bottom of the seventh with a double to left field on a 1-1 count and was still at second with two outs. That’s when Gonzalez walked senior center fielder Bettie Mae Acevedo. That turned the lineup over to the top of the order where freshman left fielder Alanna Adams was safe on a fielder’s choice, made possible when Acevedo just beat the throw to second from Gahr sophomore shortstop Hazel Anglo, tying the game.

Then on a 1-2 count, junior shortstop Reese Hilliard lined a shot off senior first baseman Maryah McElroy’s leg, allowing Acevedo to score the game-winning run.

same time, we had to be careful because she got a hit earlier in the game.”

As well as the two pitchers were dealing, both teams had multiple opportunities to score more than the three combined runs, and credit goes to Ortega for bouncing back after the Matadores lost to Warren. Ortega was wrapping up her Spring Break by flying back from Paris on the day of the game and was late arriving to Warren as she went straight from Los Angeles International Airport to the high school. By the time she entered the game, the Matadores were already trialing 2-1.

“We wanted to get the one because if we only got one, I liked where we were at in the lineup [as opposed to] where they were in their lineup in the eighth [inning],” said Tuttle. “Once we got the one and with Reese up and some of those girls [at the top of the lineup], it was like, okay now let’s look to win this thing right here.”

“The approach was we didn’t want to get to the leadoff hitter and turn the lineup over,” said Sanchez. “We wanted to attack [Acevedo] and make sure we got that hitter out. Unfortunately, she had a nice battle, and we lost her on a base on balls. At the

“That Warren loss was really hard, and it was hard for myself because I hadn’t pitch in nine days,” said Ortega. “I was just loose and obviously they were able to hit off me because I obviously wasn’t prepared. I was able to warm up, but I just got off an 11-hour plane ride, and I was so sleep deprived.”

Against the Gladiators, Ortega yielded a one-out double to junior center fielder Kayleigh Allen but would be stranded at third. In the next inning, junior right fielder Leah Magana singled to center with two outs and could not advance. Gahr’s lone tally came in the third and again, it was another two-out rally.

Allen singled to left and stole second and after sophomore second baseman Mylah Burrowes was intentionally walked, the first pitch Ortega threw to junior designated player Cierra Contreras went to center.

Gahr’s next big chance to add on came in the fifth as sophomore pinch hitter Maya Moreau singled and was forced at second on a fielder’s choice from sophomore third baseman Megan Wong. Allen then reached on an error and again, Ortega intentionally walked Burrowes to load the bases. But on the next pitch, Contreras hit into a 1-2-3 double play to keep it a 1-0 contest.

“It was a similar situation we were in before, other than the first situation was first and second,” said Sanchez. “We had bases loaded and Cierra, our [number] four hitter…she always takes good at-bats. Her timing was a little bit off; she was just a little bit late, enough to get over the ball to hit a comebacker [to Ortega].”

“You just have to play softball the way it is,” said Tuttle. “In that situation, it almost doesn’t matter who it is because they have speed. We don’t want to make a play at the plate; we just want to catch and throw

and I told Riley [to] give me a ground ball back to third or first and you’re going to catch and throw [Contreras] out. That’s exactly what happened; Alison wore it like a champ. That play kept us in the game.”

Gahr would get two more runners on base in the sixth, but that rally came to an end when Ortega struck out freshman catcher Rylee Jackson. Meanwhile, Gonzalez was doing her part in handling a potent offensive attack that entered the game batting close to .400.

In the bottom of the first, Adams reached on an error and after striking out Hillard, walked junior catcher Riley Hillard. But a strikeout and a fielder’s choice ended La Mirada’s first chance of scoring. Gonzalez would allow two more singles and walked Riley Hilliard over the next five innings while striking out half a dozen more hitters.

“This game was pretty stressful as you can tell,” said Ortega. “It’s kind of hard for me as a pitcher because I like getting ahead in the game, and since they got ahead in the game, it really made me realize I needed to lock in for my team and to push through since they rely on me.”

For the game, Gahr had 12 baserunners, half reaching off hits with Allen collecting a pair while the Matadores, who were held to just three hits, had 10 baserunners with six reaching base before the seventh inning.

“Overall, I liked our battle against Alison, and I felt we came in with a pretty good gameplan,” said Sanchez. “We wanted the girls to make sure that they were calm in the box and be able to get the right pitches.

“I feel the intensity that we had in this game always elevates us and it gives us a little springboard into the playoffs,” he added. “I know what our at-bats can be like in intense situations. We could have gotten a few more hits, but I don’t mind facing tough pitchers like [Ortega] because it gets our kids ready. I think we’ll be fine; we’ll bounce back.”

The Gladiators have five games remaining in the regular season, four coming in league action, and the rematch with the Matadores will be on May 5. Gahr and La Mirada will each host Downey High and visit Mayfair High before the rematch. La Mirada also hosts Warren while Gahr makes a trip to Warren.

“They can go either way,” said Tuttle of the upcoming league games. “It’s going to be fun, and Warren is a decent team; they’re capable and Downey is capable. It could be fun when we play Gahr down at the end for [the league title] at their place.”

Beginning with the 2018 season when La Mirada was back in the Suburban League, it has gone 61-4 in league games and has had stretches of 35 straight and 19 straight league victories. The loss to Warren was the second of those four league setbacks to the Bears. The first was on Apr. 6, 2023 in a 3-1 affair.

“The sky can’t be falling over one loss,” said Tuttle. “It was just the perfect storm; we had a kid in Paris; and she came back right at game time from LAX. We had 21 outs and 20 of them were to the defense. The left fielder made some really great plays and we hit some shots to the shortstop. It was just one of those games; the bus was late, and we showed up late. Nothing went right for us that game.”

“I just need to work on communication and make sure everyone’s on the same page and just make sure there’s positive vibes because I feel like going into this game, there were a lot of negative [vibes] from our loss to Warren,” said Ortega. “Just getting that positive mindset and aligning myself to hit my spots and communicating with Riley on what pitch is best to those batters…I think that will get us to win these next games.”

Perez buzzes through Oxford Academy’s lineup as Artesia remains in second place

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

If there was one player who could help guide Artesia High’s young team of seven freshmen, four juniors and three sophomores, it might be senior pitcher Abbygail Perez. The Gahr High transfer, affectionately known as ‘Bee’, had to sit out half the season and did not make her Artesia debut until the league opener on Mar. 27 at Cerritos High.

With five returning players, one of whom is the other senior on the team, second baseman Mia Soto, head coach Johnathan Shapiro was hoping to get the most out of Perez over the final half of the season. So far, Perez has not disappointed anyone as she picked up her second league shutout in her sixth start with her new team as the Pioneers took care of Oxford Academy 5-0 last Friday. Perez struck out 13 batters, walked two and allowed two hits as none of the six baserunners got past second base.

in league competition, all at home, making the Oxford Academy contest her last home regular season game on senior day.

“Right now, I’m feeling really, really at ease knowing our position in [league] right now,” said Perez. “I think going into [the season], knowing that I didn’t have half my season, I was going to do everything it took to make up for what I missed; something I couldn’t control. But everything now, and all the games I’ve played have more than made up for what I missed.” corded the first two outs in the top of the first and second innings before hitting Shay Tiettmeyer and walking Elina Pattahaik, respectively before working a perfect third inning. Her bid for a no-hitter was broken up when Tiettmeyer led off the fourth with a booming double to the center field fence.

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff

605 League Baseball

Cerritos moves closer to 605 League title with victory over John Glenn

on X

It was a year and 10 days ago since Cerritos High saw its dreams of a fifth undefeated 605 League campaign in six seasons ended when John Glenn High scored twice in the top of the third to defeat the Dons and then-junior pitcher Jacob Hoosac 4-1. The teams met again this past Tuesday with Hoosac on the mound and host Cerritos made sure there would not be a repeat of what happened on Apr. 11, 2025.

Hoosac, the team’s ace hurler all season, labored through five innings tossing 90 pitches, but gave up four hits and walked four as the Dons posted a 7-1 victory, improving to 14-6, 7-0. For Hoosac, he improved to 4-1 and helped Cerritos to get to within a game of clinching at least a share of the league title with three league contests remaining.

Aragon had a double and a single. He’s a senior and I’m really happy for him. I’m really excited to see him to that. I’ve known he could do that all year; he’s just had confidence issues. So today was great. And then [senior] Isaiah Sanchez had a base hit today playing third base and made a nice play. Then [sophomore] Michael Perez threw 84 pitches today and actually was really effective.”

Aragon and Sanchez entered the game with a combined three hits in 29 at-bats while Perez, who worked the final five innings, came into the contest having pitched in just over nine innings in nine appearances.

“She’s leading by example,” said Shapiro. “Not only is she a staple on the team now, because pitching is everything, but she leads by example. She has a work ethic that she brought in and is teaching these young girls how it is to be in a high school program, because a lot of them haven’t had that. And it’s showing [our] younger pitcher [freshman Danika Vega] what’s it’s like.” Ironically, four of her starts have been

But Perez, who had a season-high 15 strikeouts against Yucca Valley High on Apr. 7, bounced back to strike out the next two hitters and got Sophia Tran to ground out. Perez struck out two batters in six of the seven innings and got seven groundouts but worked a three-ball count to eight batters. Of those eight, she finished off five of them with strikeouts. Of her 117 pitches thrown, 46 were balls.

“I think my performance could have went a little bit better,” said Perez. “Even in my hitting aspect, I think that I’ve been hitting pretty well in previous games, and

See ARTESIA , Page 12

“They had a lefty up there that was, I guess the nice thing to say would be to say under-hitting speed, and that kind of shut us down,” said Cerritos head coach Matt Joyce. “I’m not going to get mad at any of my guys offensively for not being successful against him.”

Cerritos was coming off a home and home sweep against Pioneer High in which it outscored the Titans 36-1 with both games ending before the sixth inning. Glenn head coach Ken Mason was just pleased his team could keep it competitive enough to where it would go into the seventh inning.

“Absolutely, there are some real bright spots,” he said. “[Right fielder] Hector

The Dons were flustered by sophomore Ryder Perez, who was making his third start of the season. Perez faced 12 batters, walking seven and giving up a pair of hits. Four of the seven he walked would score as the Dons built a 4-0 lead before Mason replaced him with sophomore Michael Perez with none out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the second inning.

Cerritos added to its lead in the third when junior left fielder Uriah Archie led off with a first-pitch triple to the right field corner and scored on a sacrifice fly from junior catcher Jordan Ju. After senior center fielder Jacob Johnson reached on an error, a base hit from senior shortstop Jayce Aragon increased the score to 6-0.

Michael Perez would walk senior first baseman Ryan Salas to lead off the fourth and scored later in the frame on Ju’s second hit. Senior third baseman Justin Sagun collected a pair of hits while Aragon, Archie,

See CERRITOS, Page 13

Spring season winding down for baseball, softball as playoffs arrive for other sports

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

While most of the focus has been on the baseball and softball league races, the first CIF-Southern Section spring sport began playoffs this past Tuesday with girls beach volleyball. This is the fourth season the sport has had playoffs and one area team advanced but fell in the first round. Gateway League champion Gahr High (17-4) lost to visiting Greak Oak High 3-2 in Division 3 action. Only two area teams have fielded a girls beach volleyball team since the sport was introduced. In 2023, the CIF-SS had 21 playoff teams in Division 1 and 46 teams in Division 2. Artesia High, which was in Division 2, was swept by Warren High 3-0 in a wild card match.

The next season, five more teams advanced to the Division 1 playoffs while Artesia and Gahr were two of 46 teams fielded in Division 2. Artesia dropped a 4-1 decision to Palm Desert High in a wild card match while Gahr was edged by El Segundo High 3-2, also in a wild card match. Last season, the CIF-SS expanded to three divisions with 16 teams advancing to the Division 1 playoffs while 30 teams were in Divisions 2 and 3. Gahr was swept by Thousand Oaks High 5-0 in a Division 2 first round match.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

The regular season ended this past Wednesday, and the playoff brackets will be released on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Oxford Academy won the 605 League mark with a 9-1 record followed by Whitney High (14-10, 8-2) and Cerritos High (14-10, 7-3). John Glenn High (9-10, 4-6) finished in fourth place while Artesia went winless in 14 overall matches.

In the Gateway League, Norwalk High (12-17-1, 3-5) finished in a tie for third place with Bellflower High with both teams splitting their regular season matches. Gahr lost all 11 regular season matches to finish in last place.

In the Mid-Cities League, La Mirada High (14-14, 5-5), Lynwood High and Mayfair High were tied for third place and the final automatic berth. Ironically, all three split their regular season matches with each other, and all were at least .500, which is a requisite for at-large consideration.

Valley Christian High (14-11-1, 6-2) finished in second place in the Olympic League behind Village Christian High (80) and ahead of Maranatha High (4-4).

BOYS TENNIS

Apr. 23 marks the last league contest with the playoff brackets being released on May 2 at 11:00 a.m. Of the area schools who fielded a boys tennis team this season, four have earned postseason berths.

Cerritos (13-8, 9-0) hosted third place Oxford Academy while second place Whitney (12-8-1, 7-2) entertained fourth place Valley Christian (8-10, 4-5) in 605 League action with Artesia finishing in fifth place at 3-10, 2-8.

In the Gateway League, La Mirada (11-4, 5-3) is the second place representative while Gahr (9-7, 8-2) also claimed second in the Mid-Cities League. Finishing in fifth place in the league is Norwalk (2-14, 2-8).

BASEBALL

With two weeks remaining in the regular season, six of the area teams have all but either clinched a playoff berth or is on the verge of winning their respective league. The last regular season contest is May 6 with the release of the brackets

coming on May 9 at 1:00 p.m.

The top three teams in the 605 League have separated from the other three teams as Cerritos (14-6, 7-0) needs one more win to clinch no worse than a tie for first place. The Dons travel to Glenn (7-13, 2-5) on Friday before going to Cerritos Park East to face Whitney (5-14, 0-7) on Tuesday and Los Alamitos High on Wednesday in a non-league tilt.

Artesia (8-12, 5-2), which blanked Pioneer High 9-0 this past Tuesday, is tied with Oxford Academy for second place. After visiting Pioneer on Friday, Artesia will travel to Wiseburn-Da Vinci High on Saturday ahead of its battle for second place with Oxford Academy on Tuesday at home.

La Mirada is in good shape to win the Gateway League despite falling to Downey High 8-6 this past Tuesday. The Vikings scored seven runs in the top of the third inning and while the Matadores (18-5, 7-1) answered with five runs in their half of the inning, they were held scoreless over the last four frames. La Mirada will visit Downey on Friday, then host last place Bellflower on Tuesday before going to Bellflower on Wednesday.

Gahr used an eight-run bottom of the third to rout Warren 9-1 this past Tuesday, all but locking up second place. The Gladiators (12-9-1, 5-3) moved ahead of Warren in the standings with the Bears hosting Gahr on Friday in their last league game of the season. Gahr has won the season-series, so even if it falls to Warren on Friday, Gahr needs at least one win against Downey to keep the Bears behind the Gladiators.

Norwalk (9-7, 7-5) whitewashed Lynwood High 10-0 this past Tuesday to remain in third place in the MidCities League. The Lancers are three

games behind Mayfair with three to play and Monsoons hold the tiebreaker. Norwalk goes to Lynwood on Friday, and Firebaugh High on Tuesday in a battle for third place. The Falcons are two games behind Norwalk.

One way or another the Olympic League will be settled next week as Valley Christian (15-6, 6-2), which knocked off third place Heritage Christian High 6-2 this past Tuesday, will face league-leading Maranatha for three games beginning with a road game on Tuesday against the Minutemen, who current own an 8-1 league mark. Before that, the Defenders hosted Heritage Christian on Apr. 23. SOFTBALL

The last regular season contest is May 6 with the brackets being released on May 11 at 9:00 a.m. At least two area teams will be assured of calling themselves league champions, but six of the eight area teams are currently league leaders or

LOREN KOPFF’S NEWS AND NOTES FROM PRESS ROW

this game didn’t go as well for me. I’m semi-okay with my performance today on the mound. I think my walk count could have been lower.”

“It’s just me and her building that chemistry; it’s her learning and trusting my pitch calls, and me trusting her, also,” said Shapiro. “I have all the faith in her; she’s the one out there, so she’s the one seeing the [strike] zone better than I am. She likes to get her pitch count up; she likes to work the count. So it’s not surprising that she’s getting in those situations. She’s not one that just wants to go one-two-three.”

Offensively, the only run the Pioneers needed came in the bottom of the first when Kaylee Rebutoc hit junior shortstop Paulina Nava on the first pitch, who then stole second and scored when sophomore center fielder Brisyeda Munoz reached on an error. In the fourth, Munoz led off with a double to deep center and scored with two outs when freshman catcher Sofia Garcia was safe on a throwing error.

Despite three long ball outs to Tiettmeyer in the third, fourth and fifth innings, and a stellar double play started by Libby Denkers in the fifth to save at least a run, Artesia (8-9, 3-1) put the game away in the sixth with three runs.

Vega led off the frame with a single, followed by a double from freshman left fielder Sophia Campos and a walk to freshman right fielder Brenda Reyes. After a sacrifice from Nava, a two-run base hit to right from Munoz capped off the scoring. Perez, normally a good hitter, was hitless

SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF

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in four at-bats, seeing a combined seven pitches while Soto was the one who was thwarted by Denkers, who dove forward to catch a potential bunt, then threw to third to double up Munoz who had thoughts of scoring.

“She’s getting better and better, and her bat is getting better and better,” said Shapiro of Perez. “The last two games, she’s had home runs before today. Then today, she’s getting warning track [fly balls]. She’s seeing the ball well; she’s making her approach at the plate different and it’s paying off.”

Although her time at Artesia will be short-lived regardless of how far the Pioneers go in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, Perez is glad she made the right choice to transfer. Had she stayed at Gahr, where she started three games and appeared in eight others, she probably would have been behind junior Isabella Gonzalez, who had nearly 100 more innings of action last season.

“I really did love Gahr; I loved the girls there,” said Perez. “I have nothing against Gahr. They gave me a CIF championship title [in 2024]. I think going into my senior year, I just wanted a lot more playing time, which I didn’t receive at Gahr. But that’s okay because my performances weren’t the best when I did get the opportunity. But Artesia is my home school and maybe I thought maybe I would be happier here, academically as well.”

Artesia will visit Pioneer High on Tuesday and go to Oxford Academy two days later before wrapping up the regular season on May 5 at Cerritos. The Pioneers missed

AGAINST YOU, YOU

A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, or cash equivalent if deemed acceptable to the trustee, cashier's check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): VAN BICH LU, A WIDOW, AND YEN MY TRAN, A SINGLE WOMAN, AS JOINT TENANTS Recorded: 10/8/2021 as Instrument No. 20211528265 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California; Date of Sale: 5/28/2026 at 09:00 AM Place of Sale: At the Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles-Norwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650, in the Vineyard Ballroom Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $272,282.60 The purported property address is: 20050 FILMORE AVE #202, CERRITOS, CA 90703 Assessor's Parcel No. : 7055-024-017 All bidders, at the date, time, and place of the scheduled sale, will be required to show satisfactory support to the auctioneer of their ability to pay the amount they intend to bid, unless arrangements have been made with the trustee prior to the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder's office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800-280-2832 for information regarding the trustee's sale or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-251025028-NJ. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an "eligible tenant buyer," you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an "eligible bidder," you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 619-645-7711, or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-25-1025028-NJ to find the date on which the trustee's sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee's sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee's sale. If you think you may qualify as an "eligible tenant buyer" or "eligible bidder," you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any prospective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee's sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee's sale or shall have it delivered to QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION by 5 p.m. on the next business day following the trustee's sale at the address set forth in the below signature block. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE POST-SALE OVER BIDDERS: For post-sale information in accordance with Section 2924m(e) of the California Civil Code, use file number CA-25-1025028-NJ and call (866) 645-7711 or login to: http://www.qualityloan.com. The above statutorily mandated notices to Tenant, Prospective Owner-Occupant, and Prospective Post-Sale Over Bidders are brief summaries of what may be required under Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. Compliance with all relevant provisions will be required. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser's sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary's Agent, or the Beneficiary's Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right's against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 800-280-2832 Or Login to: http://www.qualityloan.com Post-Sale Information (CCC 2924m(e)): (866) 645-7711 Reinstatement or Payoff Line: (866) 645-7711 Ext 5318 QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION TS No.: CA-25-1025028-NJ IDSPub #0314225 4/24/2026 5/1/2026 5/8/2026

the playoffs last season after advancing to the postseason the previous five seasons. Two seasons ago, Artesia finished in second place in the 605 League.

“Because we’re so young, we’re adjusting our lineup; we’re trying to find out who fits where best,” said Shapiro. “I think we were good one through nine today. We all saw the ball well; we’re all putting the ball in play, and it paid off for us.”

“I’m really happy with where we are at right now,” said Perez. “There’s a chance [we could win league]. Our game with Cerritos was really close. It was a 3-0 game until the sixth inning. I think that if we get our bats a little bit more active these next four games, I think it’s possible and hopefully we’ll either end up in second or tied for first. But I’m really happy with what’s going on right now.”

NOTES from page 11

within a game of first place.

In the 605 League, Cerritos (8-5, 5-0) and Artesia (9-9, 4-1) are playoff locks and face each other on May 5. Before that, Cerritos hosts third place Pioneer High on Friday and last place Glenn (3-10, 0-5) on Tuesday while Artesia goes to Pioneer on Friday and Oxford Academy on Thursday.

Another tight race hails from the Gateway League where La Mirada (20-3, 4-1), which blasted Mayfair 14-0 this past Tuesday, leads Warren (3-1 in league) and third place Gahr (13-10, 3-2), a 4-3 winner over Downey in eight innings this past Tuesday. La Mirada hosts Downey on

Tuesday and Warren on Thursday while the Gladiators went to Warren on Apr. 23 and will visit last place Mayfair on Tuesday.

Norwalk’s 18-0 win over Bellflower this past Tuesday moved the Lancers to 12-8-1, 5-1 in the Mid-Cities League as they are chasing league-leading Paramount High. Those two teams face each other on May 5 at Paramount. Before that, the Lancers visited Dominguez High on Apr. 23 and will host Legacy High on Wednesday before going to Firebaugh on Thursday.

Valley Christian posted a 7-3 nonOlympic League victory over Yorba Linda High this past Tuesday to improve to 9-6, 3-1. The Defenders are in second place, a game behind Whittier Christian High and those teams face each other on Wednesday at Valley Christian. Before that, the Defenders went to Heritage Christian on Apr. 23 and will welcome Village Christian on Tuesday.

SWIMMING

AND DIVING

The CIF-SS diving championships will be held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Marguerite Aquatic Complex in Mission Viejo while the swimming preliminaries and finals will be May 5-9 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

T.S. No. 092119-CAAPN: 7033-001-020NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 11/23/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On 5/27/2026 at 10:30 AM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 12/1/2005 as Instrument No. 05 2932433 and later modified by a Loan Modification Agreement recorded on 7/26/2011, as Instrument NO. 20110997387, of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: SYLVIA A DESIONGCO, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN AND BRYON L THOMPSON, A SINGLE MAN, AS JOINT TENANTS WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED IN CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, POMONA, CA 91766 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: Lot 60 of Tract No 25406, in the City of Cerritos, County of Los Angeles, State of California, as shown in Book 761, Pages 59 and 60 of Maps, in the Office of the County Recorder of said County The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 17315 IBEX AVENUE, CERRITOS, CA 90703-2739 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be held, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, condition, or encumbrances, including fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to pay the remaining principal sums of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $996,012.83 If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned or its predecessor caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (855) 3133319 or visit this Internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 092119-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855) 313-3319, or visit this internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 092119-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer”

Ju and Salas all accounted for the rest of the hitting. However, both Glenn pitchers combined to walk 10 batters, and the Dons stranded 10 runners on base.

“The pitching was tough…but we were in control the whole game,” said Joyce.

Meanwhile, the Eagles were being patient at the plate, getting five runners on base through the first two innings and stranding a dozen for the game. The lone run for Glenn came in the seventh when senior Dylan Davis walked freshman pinch hitter Adrian Sanchez, who would move to second on a wild pitch and score on a single from sophomore left fielder David Segura.

“We felt confident; we beat [Hoosac] here last year,” said Mason. “We were obviously a bit undermanned [today] with [senior catcher and third baseman] Jonah

NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY

[Mason] not being in the lineup. That really hurt us, but I was really proud of the players. We’re going to start looking at the younger guys; getting them a few more atbats for next year.”

Glenn (7-13, 2-5) was up against the wall when the team arrived at Cerritos as the Eagles needed to win their final five games of the regular season and get some help if they were to get at least a share of third place or become eligible for an at-large bid in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. Those dreams are now dashed as the best Glenn can do is finish the regular season with a 11-13 overall record and 5-5 in league. The Eagles will host Pioneer on Tuesday in the final week of league action.

“We really had expectations for making the playoffs one way or another,” said Mason. “So that was a disappointment. It’s unfortunate; I feel sad for these kids and the eight seniors. I was hoping it would

Notice is given that pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial Code, Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607, that Mission Hills Self Storage 15241 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills, CA 91345 intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a Lien imposed on said property. The undersigned will be sold at public auction conducted on www.storagetreasures. com (bond #63747122)

of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California.

look a little different for them.”

Cerritos will go for the season sweep on Friday when it goes to Glenn, then will wrap up the final week of league action on Tuesday when the Dons face last place Whitney High, Cerritos will also travel to Los Alamitos High on Wednesday in the first of three remaining non-league contests. Keeping his players motivated for the non-league games while playing the two last place teams in league isn’t easy for Joyce.

“It’s probably the toughest thing we do out here, is through these tough league games like this to keep them motivated in

NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY

the dugout,” he said. “That’s why I schedule the non-league games. But it’s probably the biggest challenge. I’ve only been a part of the 605 League for three years and it’s been a lot of fun. But one of the challenges and negative parts of it are some of these games are not competitive, and it does take a toll on the team. It’s hard for us to stay focused for sure.

“It is hard, but we’re doing our best; we’re happy,” he continued. “The league title is all but ours and they all know it. It’s just staying focused and finishing. We still have to play the game and we have to show up.”

Notice is given pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial Code, Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607, that Norwalk Self Storage at 11564 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a Lien imposed on said property. The undersigned will be sold at public auction conducted on www.storagetreasures.com (bond #63747122) ending on or after Tuesday, MAY 12th, 2026, at 9:00AM.

NAME UNIT #

CHARLES JERMAINE JONES B485

MILTON ALEXIS TORRES A214

This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 21700 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. Storage Treasures’ Principal Auctioneer and Auctioneer on Record: Auctioneer License Numbers for Christopher Paul Rosa California #3112562 Sales subject to prior cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and obligated party. Publication Dates: 04/24/26 & 05/01/26

NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-984

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA, REGARDING AMENDING SECTION 9-2.3203(l) TO TITLE 9 OF THE ARTESIA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO ALCOHOL SALES AT AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATIONS IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) ZONE

Notice is hereby given that on April 13,2026, the City Council of the City of Artesia will consider the adoption of Ordinance No 26-984 making amendments to the Artesia Municipal Code related to alcohol sales at automobile service stations in the General Commercial (CG) zone. The following is a summary of the proposed Ordinance: •This Ordinance amends Section 9-2.3203(l) to Title 9 of the Artesia Municipal Code to remove the prohiibtion of alcohol sales at automobile service stations in the General Commercial (CG) zone.

Please note that the above is simply a summary of the Ordinance. To obtain a full understanding of the Ordinance it should be read in its entirety. A copy of the full text of the Ordinance is posted in the City Clerk’s office at 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701

Date: April 24, 2026 Jennifer Alderete, City Clerk

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/24/26

A.P.N.:7005-010-049

T.S. No.: 2025-00025-CA

Property Address: 16403 HOLMES PLACE, CERRITOS, CA 90703

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE § 2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER:

YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/08/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

Trustor: Mona D. Hawkins and Marlon Hawkins, wife and husband as joint tenants Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC Deed of Trust Recorded 04/20/2005 as Instrument No. 05 0916475 in book ---, page--- and further modified by that certain Loan Modification Agreement recorded 06/25/2013, as Instrument No. 20130943675 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 05/28/2026 at 11:00 AM

Place of Sale: IN THE COURTYARD OF THE CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, POMONA, CA 91766

Estimated amount of unpaid balance, reasonably

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE THE TRUSTEE WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S

OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, A SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE: All right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described as: More fully described in said Deed of Trust. Street Address or other common designation of real property: 16403 HOLMES PLACE, CERRITOS, CA 90703

A.P.N.: 7005-010-049

The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or

INITIATIVE MEASURE TO BE DIRECTLY SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS

The City Attorney has prepared the following title and summary of the chief purpose and points of the proposed measure:

INITIATIVE TO REPEAL WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASES AND TO SET NEW WATER AND SEWER RATES BASED ON A NEW RATE STUDY / COST-OF-SERVICE ANALYSIS

On April 1, 2026, a voter initiative was submitted to the City Clerk related to the water and sewer rate increases recently adopted by the City on January 26, 2026. The Initiative seeks to repeal the City’s water and sewer rate increases adopted on January 26, 2026. The Initiative also requires the City to conduct a new rate study based on a cost-of-service analysis or other substantial evidence in compliance with California Constitution Article XIIID, Section 6 governing water and sewer rates and other property-related charges. The Initiative requires the rate study to be completed within 180 days of certifying the election results on the Initiative. The Initiative allows for an independent review or audit of all financial data, methodologies, and allocations used in preparing the cost-of-service analysis for the rate study. Additionally, the Initiative requires the City Council to adopt new water and sewer rates within that same 180-day period, based on the rate study. If the City does not adopt new water and sewer rates prior to the expiration of that 180-day period, the water and sewer rates in effect prior to February 1, 2026 will apply on an interim basis until new rates are adopted. Prior to adopting any new water and sewer rates, the Initiative requires at least a 45-day publicly noticed protest hearing, in compliance with California Constitution Article XIIID, Section 6.

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/24/26

more than one mortgage or deed of trust on this property. Please be advised that the trustee may require entity or trust bidders at this trustee’s sale to provide information, documentation and/ or certification of the vesting instructions and the data required to be reported pursuant to FinCEN regulations effective for transfers of residential real property to covered transferees on or after March 1, 2026. The required information must be provided to the trustee before a trustee’s deed upon sale will be issued for covered transfers. Additional information regarding these regulations and the required transferee information and certifications can be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/29/2024-19198/ anti-money-laundering-regulations-for-residential-real-estate-transfers and https://www.fincen.gov/rre-faqs#d_5

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https://www.altisource.com/loginpage.aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2025-00025-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may

TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow accessory off-site alcohol sales with instructional tasting at a proposed 49,000-square-foot grocery store within the General Commercial (“C-G”) zone on real property commonly known as 14317-14339 Clark Avenue.

Pursuant to the authority and criteria of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an environmental assessment was conducted for this project. This project was determined to be Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines § 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities), which exempts activities that involve negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. This activity would allow accessory off-site alcohol sales with instructional tasting at a proposed grocery store within an existing building with minor alterations and no addition of floor area. Accordingly, this activity involves a negligible expansion of the proposed use, and no further review is required.

The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. Copies of the staff report and supporting documents regarding this matter may be inspected by the public on the City’s website at www.bellflower.ca.gov, or by appointment in the Planning Division’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California, telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2228. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to Rowena Genilo-Concepcion at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706; or by email at rgenilo@bellflower.ca.gov.

If you wish to challenge this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at or before the Public Hearing.

ELIZABETH C. OBA DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/24/26

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

DOMINIQUE GUZMAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing name as follows: DOMINIQUE GUZMAN TO DOMINIQUE MOANA LEOTA. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any per-son objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant a petition without a hearing. Court date 6/8/2026, 8:30 am, Dept D, RM 310 AT NORWALK COURTHOUSE, 12720 NORWALK BLVD. NORWALK CA., 90650. Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15/26, Case number 26NWCP00144

CITY OF CERRITOS, NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Project Identification: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT (CWA) ADMINISTRATION SERVICES, RFP NO. 1571-26. Project

Description: The City of Cerritos is requesting proposals from qualified Consultants to provide Community Workforce Agreement (CWA) Administration Services on an asneeded basis for projects covered under the City of Cerritos Workforce Agreement. Project Specifications: A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) details is available by contacting the City of Cerritos, Engineering Division via email at Aerdelji@cerritos.gov. For additional information, please call (562) 916-1219. Sealed Proposals must be received on or before: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Place of Sealed Proposal receipt: Sealed proposals must be physically received at the: Office of the City Clerk, 1st Floor, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal is properly labeled and received at the specified location by the deadline. Proposals not received by the deadline will not be considered. Sealed Proposals must be marked: (1) PROPOSAL – COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT (CWA) ADMINISTRATION SERVICES, RFP NO. 1571-26- DO NOT OPEN; (2) HOURLY FEE SCHEDULE – DO NOT OPEN. Each item listed above must be submitted in separate sealed envelope and clearly labeled. Selection Procedure: The City may select one or more firms. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following: Understanding of the scope of work; qualifications and experience of the firm; qualifications and experience of proposed staff; experience with similar public agency CWA programs; quality and completeness of the proposal; proposed approach to compliance monitoring, local hire reporting, and dispute resolution; ability to provide optional Skilled and Trained Workforce (STW) administration services. The City reserves the right to: reject any and all proposals; request additional information; conduct interviews; negotiate with one or more firms; waive minor irregularities in the proposal process. Any requests for information regarding submitted proposals must be directed to the Office of the City Clerk through a formal Public Records Act request. The City has determined that proposals are confidential until the completion of the evaluation and negotiation process, as permitted under Government Code § 7922.000. By order of the City of Cerritos.

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/24/26

NOTICE AND SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-985

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARTESIA ADDING

CHAPTER 16 TO TITLE 8 OF THE ARTESIA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING COMMMUNITY FACILITY DISTRICTS

Notice is hereby given that on May 11, 2026, the City Council of the City of Artesia will consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 26-985 making certain amendments and additions to the Artesia Municipal Code related to Community Facilities Districts. The following is a summary of the proposed Ordinance:

• Adding Chapter 16 To Title 8 of the Artesia Municipal Code Relating to New Developments and Annexation into Financing Districts and Setting Alternatives and Exemptions.

Please note that the above is a simply a summary of the Ordinance. To obtain a full understanding of the Ordinance it should be read in its entirety. A copy of the full text of the Ordinance is posted in the City Clerk’s office at 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, California 90701.

Date: April 24, 2026

Jennifer Alderete, City Clerk

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/24/26

ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE CALLING FOR BID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ABC Unified School District will receive up to but not later than 11:00 AM on the 28th day of April, 2026 Bids for:

ABC Bid # 1700 Asphalt Paving

All bids shall be made and presented on a form furnished by the District. Bids submitted shall conform to the terms and conditions stated on said form. Bids shall be received in the office of the Purchasing Department at 16700 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703 and shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the above-stated time and place. Bidders may request for Bid Documents by calling (562) 926-5566 x 21218 Wendy Wall. All public works are subject to prevailing wage payments, Valid License valid Class C12 Contractor’s License and DIR Registration will be required.

Cerritos Community News April 10, 2026 April 17, 2026

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/10 and 4/17/26

ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE CALLING FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ABC Unified School District will receive up to but not later than 10:00 AM on the 7th day of May 2026 sealed bids for:

Bid # ABC–1701 - School Pizza

All bids shall be made and presented on a form furnished by the District. Bids submitted conform to the terms and conditions stated on said form. Bids shall be received in the

of the Purchasing Department at 16700 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA., 90703 and shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the above stated time and place. Debarred vendors shall be disqualified. Federal Requirements shall apply.

Los Cerritos News

April 172026

April 24, 2026

Published at Los Cerritos Community News 4/17 and 4/24/26

ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE CALLING FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ABC Unified School District will receive up to but not later than 11:00 AM on the 22nd day of May 2026 sealed bids for:

Bid # ABC–1702 - Bus Charter Services

All bids shall be made and presented on a form furnished by the District. Bids submitted conform to the terms and conditions stated on said form. Bids shall be received in the office of the Purchasing Department at 16700 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA., 90703 and shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the above stated time and place.

Los Cerritos News

April 17, 2026 April 24, 2026

Published at Los Cerritos Community News 4/17 and 4/24/26

T.S. No. 142414-CA APN: 7054-002-021 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 10/19/2021. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE

PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER On 5/12/2026 at 10:30 AM, CLEAR RECON CORP, as duly appointed trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 10/26/2021 as Instrument No. 20211604534 of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County, State of CALIFORNIA executed by: WALTER N. LABIER, A WIDOWER WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK DRAWN ON A STATE OR NATIONAL BANK, A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR A CHECK DRAWN BY A STATE OR FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, OR SAVINGS BANK SPECIFIED IN SECTION 5102 OF THE FINANCIAL CODE AND AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THIS STATE; BEHIND THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED IN CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA,

for the sale of this property, you may call (855) 313-3319 or visit this Internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 142414-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant

to that funding structure creates immediate financial pressure.

The data also highlights a broader shift in the healthcare landscape. Contrary to early political messaging that focused on rural hospital closures, the risk in California is concentrated in urban areas. Facilities serving dense, working-class populations—particularly in major metro regions—are now among the most exposed.

Nowhere is that more evident than in Los Angeles County.

A cluster of hospitals across L.A. County appears on the at-risk list, including PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital, L.A. Downtown Medical Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital in Willowbrook, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital, Adventist Health Glendale, and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.

These hospitals serve as critical access points for millions of residents, particularly in communities with high Medi-Cal enrollment. Areas such as East Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, Lynwood, and Huntington Park rely heavily on these facilities for emergency care, inpatient treatment, and specialty services.

That risk now maps directly into congressional districts.

In Los Angeles County, several at-risk

hospitals fall within districts represented by Rep. Linda Sánchez, Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, and Rep. Derek Tran—covering Southeast Los Angeles County, East Los Angeles, and central Los Angeles, where reliance on safety-net healthcare is highest.

The connection does not mean closures are imminent. But it does show where financial pressure is most concentrated— and which elected officials represent the communities most exposed if conditions worsen. The financial model for these hospitals is particularly vulnerable. High volumes of Medicaid patients mean lower reimbursement rates compared to private insurance, while demand for services remains high. When funding is reduced, hospitals are left with few options beyond cutting costs.

Those cuts can take many forms—staff layoffs, delayed upgrades, or reductions in high-cost services such as maternity care or emergency departments. Across the country, early signs of strain are already emerging, with some hospitals reducing services, 0ffering a preview of what could follow if funding pressures intensify.

The data also challenges the broader political narrative. While the legislation has been framed as primarily impacting rural, Republican-leaning regions, California’s at-risk hospitals are largely concentrated in urban, Democratic-held districts—especially in Los Angeles County.

CITY OF PICO RIVERA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the project described below. You are receiving this notice because your property is located near the project or because you have requested to be notified.

Project Location: 5201/5211 Paramount Boulevard and 8528/8534 Fishman Road Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 6348-022-040, -028, -020, and -041 (Attachment A)

Project Description: Conditional Use Permit No. 763 to operate a contracting equipment storage and rental yard.

Environmental Review: The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301– Existing Facilities. None of the exceptions to the exemptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.

The Planning Commission Public Hearing will be held:

DATE: Monday, May 4, 2026

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers 6615 Passons Boulevard Pico Rivera, CA 90660

If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing, described in this Notice, or written in correspondence delivered to the City of Pico Rivera City Clerk prior to or at the public hearing.

Additional information online or in person can be obtained here:

Project Planner: Aneli Gonzalez, Assistant Planner aneli.gonzalez@pico-rivera.org 562-801-4307 Community & Economic Development Department 6615 Passons Boulevard, Pico Rivera, California https://www.pico-rivera.org/our-city/city-commissions/planning-commission/ Email public comments to aneli.gonzalez@pico-rivera.org prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

*******************************************************************************************************

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Pico Rivera is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability. Please contact City Clerks Office at (562) 801-4389 if special program accommodations are necessary and/or if program information is needed in an alternative format. Special requests must be made in a reasonable amount of time in order that accommodations can be arranged.

Attachment “A”

Classified Listings

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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on water rates, infrastructure, and other decisions affecting the very cities that fund his JPA executive-director salary — including Hawaiian Gardens, a JPA member city located within his own Central Basin division, and Bell Gardens, Commerce, and Compton, all of which are within Central Basin’s service area and therefore subject to his official authority.

Part Three moved from conflicts to consequences, examining the legal trigger created by Garza’s JPA arrangement and repeated contract renewals. Garza has served as Executive Director of the California Cities for Self-Reliance Joint Powers Authority since March 2020 and joined the Central Basin Municipal Water District board in December 2020. Since taking office, he has repeatedly renewed his paid JPA employment contract

while continuing to vote as a Central Basin director and as Central Basin’s delegate to the Metropolitan Water District.

Part Four shifted the focus from Garza’s conduct to Central Basin’s response — or lack of one. Despite extensive reporting by LCCN, public notice, and repeated questions, Central Basin leadership, including then-President Nem Ochoa and Director Joanna Moreno, along with counsel Victor Ponto of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, took no action to determine whether Government Code section 1099 had been triggered, requested no independent legal review, and made no referral to an enforcement authority. Instead, the board continued operating as if the issue did not exist, even as votes, contracts, and major personnel decisions moved forward.

Because Garza’s authority at the Metropolitan Water District flows from his Central Basin seat, any finding that

his Central Basin office was forfeited would call into question the legal basis for his participation in MWD decisions. If the Central Basin seat falls, the MWD seat — and every vote tied to it — would come under scrutiny.

Recently, Central Basin Director Art Chacon, citing LCCN’s reporting, called for an investigation into whether Garza is holding incompatible public offices. He also called for an investigation into whether Directors Moreno and Ochoa are lawfully seated.

The board agreed to an investigation but conducted an extremely limited review, then addressed the issues in closed session and concluded, according to sources, that no action was warranted against Garza. The board did not report out that determination, as required by the Brown Act.

No public explanation, no independent legal review, and no open-ses-

sion analysis followed. What followed was not resolution, but continuation — votes cast, contracts approved, and decisions made after the board was on notice and chose not to act. Under California law, disputes over whether an individual lawfully holds a public office are resolved through quo warranto proceedings — civil actions brought in the name of the People of the State of California. Such actions are initiated by the Attorney General or by a private party granted permission by the Attorney General to proceed. Quo warranto is not punitive. It answers one question: does the individual lawfully hold the office, or has it already been forfeited by operation of law?

That question now sits outside the Central Basin boardroom.

California courts and Attorney General opinions have repeatedly applied these principles to local and special district officials, including water agencies.

In People ex rel. Chapman v. Rapsey (1940) 16 Cal.2d 636, the California Supreme Court confirmed that when two public offices are incompatible, acceptance of the second operates to vacate the first by operation of law.

Attorney General Opinion 90 Ops. Cal.Atty.Gen. 49 (2007), addressing a water district director, further makes clear that incompatibility is determined by actual duties and potential divided loyalties, not job titles, and that forfeiture occurs automatically when those conflicts exist.

Courts have said that quo warranto is the only way to decide who legally holds a public office. That means these questions must be settled in court, not by the agency itself.

If Garza lost his seat when he renewed his JPA contract, the impact goes beyond just his position. Actions the board took while he was still voting can be challenged. Votes by someone who is not legally in office do not become valid just because no one spoke up or time passed. Public agencies cannot ignore state law by doing nothing. When a law works automatically, waiting does not fix the problem — it makes it worse. Every new vote taken without settling a director’s legal status increases the risk and the consequences.

overtime, and nearly $40,000 combined for missed meal and rest breaks, along with penalties and attorneys’ fees.

Taken together with the Byer verdict, the new lawsuit widens the scope of concern beyond the police department and into City Hall’s broader management practices.

One case involves sworn testimony that complaints were allegedly ignored. The other alleges management knowingly allowed work to go unpaid.

Different departments. Same underlying question: who’s in charge—and who’s watching?

City officials have not publicly commented on the Torres lawsuit.

As the City appeals the Byer verdict and prepares to respond to the new claims, the Public Records Act request filed by LCCN could prove pivotal—potentially revealing whether internal complaints across departments were documented, investigated, or quietly buried.

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