EYES WIDE OPEN: Shoes, toys, and personal items spread across Bluff Park in Long Beach formed a powerful memorial Saturday during a No Kings Day exhibit, symbolizing lives lost in war as visitors gathered to reflect and pay tribute. Photo courtesy Eyes Wide Open.
Training Camp Prepares Special Olympics Southern California Athletes for National Stage
Athletes sharpen skills, build teamwork, and prepare for national competition in Minneapolis this summer.
By Stepheny Gehrig
DOWNEY — Dozens of athletes from Special Olympics Southern California gathered at Warren High School on March 28 for an intensive Training Camp hosted by UnitedHealthcare, marking a major
national competition. Participants rotated through training in basketball, swimming, track and field, and bocce, while bowling and golf sessions were held at nearby venues.
Organizers said the camp was designed to sharpen skills while also building camaraderie and confidence among the athletes, many of whom will represent California on a national stage later this year.
The training camp served as a key milestone leading up to the 2026 Special Olym -
SPECIAL OLYMPIANS from across Southern California gathered at Warren HS in Downey on March 28 to practice ahead of their trip to the USA Games in MN this summer. Employee-volunteers from UnitedHealthcare, a national co-presenting sponsor of the Special Olympics USA Games, supported athletes by setting up equipment, participating in drills and cheering on athletes at the inspiring event.
step on the road to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
The three-hour session brought together athletes and coaches from across Southern California for sport-specific drills, team building, and overall preparation ahead of the
pics USA Games, where more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states are expected to compete.
The Games will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and showcase athletes competing
State Tries To Kill Cardroom Blackjack, Industry Fires Back With Emergency Injunction
Cities warn collapsing casino revenue could slash police, fire, and parks while pushing voters toward tax hikes to fill widening gaps.
By Brian Hews
A high-stakes legal war that could gut Southeast Los Angeles County city budgets and wipe out thousands of jobs is now headed to a San Francisco courtroom, where California cardrooms are asking a judge to immediately block new state rules targeting blackjack-style games.
The lawsuit, filed by the California Gaming Association and dozens of cardrooms and gaming companies, seeks a preliminary injunction against regulations pushed by Attorney General Rob Bonta that would effectively outlaw the most popular
Long Beach ‘No Kings Day’ Exhibit Highlighted Cost of War
By Brian Hews
LONG BEACH — A coalition of military families, veterans, and local advocacy groups hosted a public exhibit Saturday at Bluff Park highlighting the human cost of war, drawing a steady crowd as part of regional “No Kings Day” demonstrations.
The exhibit, titled “Eyes Wide Open,” took place March 28 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bluff Park at Temple Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach.
Organized by Military Families Speak Out, Veterans for Peace, Long Beach Indivisible, and the Long Beach Area Peace Network, the display served as both a memorial and a call for reflection amid rising tensions involving Iran.
According to organizers, the exhibit honored 13 U.S. service members killed in the conflict, with their photos placed on crosses and other markers. A separate display memorialized 175 children reported killed at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School, represented through personal items such as shoes, backpacks, books, and stuffed animals.
Organizers said the goal was to create a space where
games in California cardrooms.
If the court doesn’t intervene, the industry says the fallout will be swift and brutal: customers gone, workers laid off, and cities like Commerce and Hawaiian Gardens scrambling to replace massive chunks of their budgets.
And that’s not hyperbole— it’s spelled out in the court filing, which cites estimates that the rules could drive away roughly half of all cardroom patrons, a catastrophic hit for businesses that rely heavily on blackjack-style games for revenue.
Some operators warn they could shut their doors within 30 to 60 days, while others say they will survive only after deep staff cuts and scaled-back operations.
This isn’t just about gambling; it’s about the financial backbone of entire cities. Cardrooms across California gen -
See CARDROOMS, Page 7
Cerritos Residents Launch Ballot Fight to Kill Water Rate Increases
By Brian Hews
CERRITOS — What started as more than 6,400 written protests over water and sewer rate increases has now escalated into a formal ballot initiative effort aimed at repealing those hikes altogether.
A Notice of Intention to Circulate Petition has been filed, signaling the official launch of a voter-driven campaign to overturn the rate increases approved by the Cerritos City Council on January 26, 2026.
The proposed measure, titled the Water and Sewer Rate
Repeal and Replacement Ordinance, seeks to scrap the recently approved increases and force the city to go back to the drawing board—this time requiring a full, transparent cost-of-service analysis before any new rates can be adopted. In plain English: voters are attempting to hit the reset button. According to the filing, residents are not only challenging the increases themselves but also the process behind them, arguing that future rates must be backed by “objective, evidence-based
See BALLOT, Page 12
Heritage Park Play Island Renovation Kicks Off
By Brian Hews
CERRITOS — The City of Cerritos officially kicked off the long-awaited renovation of Heritage Park’s Play Island on March 30, with the mayor and members of the City Council on hand to mark the occasion.
Renovations to the Heritage Park Play Island in Cerritos are now underway and are expected to provide children with an upgraded play environment by summer.
The project will renovate a section of the play structures on the island, including playground equipment, surfaces, building elements, roofs, walkways, and waterproofing. Construction is anticipated to take
approximately four months.
“For nearly 50 years, Heritage Park and the Play Island have served as a destination for children, their families, and friends to connect, have fun, and create lasting memories,” said Mayor Frank Aurelio Yokoyama. “With this project kickoff, we’re honored to share in a key park milestone and the promise of more memories for generations to come.”
The renovation is funded in part by approximately $1.2 million from Measure A through the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, with work to be completed by contractor KYA Group.
Heritage Park Play Island has served the community
See PARK, Page 7
Da’ Hawaiian Seniors Club Fills Cerritos Center
With Music, Community and Care Resources
By Edna Ethington
Members of the Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club of Cerritos gathered March 26 at the Cerritos Senior Center for an afternoon that blended music, culture, and valuable community resources.
The meeting opened with President Carmelita Tiongson welcoming attendees, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of Hawai‘i Pono‘i. Members also celebrated longtime member Millie Yoshioka, who recently turned 88, with a group rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
The club, which currently has 109 members—57% of whom are Cerritos residents—also conducted routine business, including financial updates showing a balance of about $8,500. Plans are underway for a September picnic, and members were asked to assist with organizing supplies and preparing entertainment for an upcoming Disney-themed meeting.
The highlight of the afternoon was a series of guest presentations and performances that kept the room engaged.
Representatives from Pathways, a nonprofit serving the Lakewood and Long Beach areas since 1985, outlined
their “Circle of Care” services, including care navigation, hospice care, and grief counseling. Officials emphasized that services are provided at no cost to adults 65 and older.
Club members also received information on memory loss resources from Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, encouraging early outreach when care needs arise.
Music played a central role in the gathering. The club’s Audio Tech Group—Susan McCormick, Cesar Franco, and Carrie Kumabe—led members in singing a mix of Irish classics and Hawaiian favorites in a lively, interactive session.
Guest musician Pete Kahele demonstrated the steel guitar, explaining its origins and unique sound, while members joined in as he accompanied songs.
The meeting wrapped up with raffle prizes and a traditional closing, as members joined hands to sing “Hawaii Aloha” and “Aloha O‘e,” reinforcing the club’s strong sense of community.
The Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club continues to provide a welcoming space for Cerritos seniors to socialize, learn, and stay engaged—proving that a little music and community spirit can go a long way.
ABCUSD Seeks Community Members for Key Property Committee
CERRITOS — ABC Unified is seeking residents for a Surplus Property Advisory Committee, or “7-11 Committee,” to evaluate unused school properties.
Approved March 10, the panel will review enrollment data, identify surplus sites, and recommend options such as leasing or selling land.
Members will hold public hearings
and gather community input before advising the board. The committee will include seven to eleven members from diverse backgrounds.
Applications are due April 30 at abcusd.info/ 7-11CommmitteeApplications
AUDIO TECH GROUP: Carrie Kumabe, Cesar Franco, and Susan McCormick of the Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club’s Audio Tech Group entertain fellow members with live music during the club’s March 26, 2026 meeting at the Cerritos Senior Center.
CicLAvia Returns April 26 With First 2026 Event in West LA
CICLAVIA ROUTE: Map shows the three-mile West LA course linking Santa Monica Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard, with activity hubs and a pit stop, where participants can enter, explore, and enjoy car-free streets throughout the day across the neighborhood corridors safely
Three-mile West LA route opens to pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters for free daylong event promoting community, mobility, and car-free streets
LCCN Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — CicLAvia will launch its 2026 season on Sunday, April 26, converting a three-mile stretch of West Los Angeles into a car-free corridor for the day.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will link Santa Monica Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard, giving residents space to walk, bike, jog, skate, or simply explore the area without vehicle traffic. The event is free and open to the public.
The West LA route marks the first CicLAvia of the year and the 65th event since the program began in 2010. Organizers say the goal is to temporarily reimagine city streets as public spaces while promoting active transportation and community engagement.
Two activity hubs will be set up along the route—one near Santa Monica Boulevard and Centinela, and another near Westwood Boulevard and Le Conte—offering rest areas, water
stations, bike repair, and family-friendly programming. A smaller pit stop will also be available along the route.
Only people-powered transportation is permitted, with limited allowances for certain types of e-bikes and mobility devices.
Since its inception, CicLAvia has attracted millions of participants and opened hundreds of miles of streets across Los Angeles County, connecting neighborhoods and encouraging alternatives to car travel.
The event is expected to draw large crowds from across the region, including families, cycling groups, and firsttime participants curious about experiencing Los Angeles streets without cars. Local businesses along the route typically see increased foot traffic during CicLAvia events, as attendees stop to eat, shop, and explore surrounding neighborhoods. Organizers also emphasize safety, encouraging participants to follow posted guidelines, stay hydrated, and be mindful of others sharing the route. With clear spring weather anticipated, the West LA event is shaping up to be one of the more popular open streets days of the year.
More information is available at www.ciclavia.org.
Pulido Lands Key Endorsement From Rep. Dave Min in 67th Assembly Race
By Brian Hews
CERRITOS — Cerritos Coun
cilmember Mark Pulido has secured a major endorsement from Dave Min as he campaigns for the 67th Assembly District, adding to a growing list of high-profile political and labor support.
Min, who represents California’s 47th Congressional District and previously served in the State Senate, is among several members of Congress backing Pulido. Others include Judy Chu, Mark Takano, and Derek Tran.
At the state level, Pulido has picked up endorsements from Rob Bonta, Fiona Ma, State Senator Bob Archuleta, and Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Josh Lowenthal.
Labor organizations are also lining up behind the Cerritos councilmember, including the California Teachers Association and the L.A./OC Building and Construction Trades Council, signaling strong institutional backing early in the race.
Locally, Pulido’s support includes Cerritos Mayor Frank Yokoyama and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, reflecting a coalition that spans city halls to statewide offices.
Pulido, a former ABC Unified School Board member, has won six elections in Cerritos and is emphasizing his record on infrastructure, public safety, and education as he seeks higher office. The 67th Assembly District includes a large portion of Southeast Los Angeles County, with Cerritos and surrounding communities forming a key voting base.
With these early endorsements, the race for the 67th Assembly seat is beginning to take shape as candidates position themselves ahead of the 2026 election.
I Stood With Thousands in Orange—and Millions Across America
A peaceful protest in Orange swelled with patriotism, emotion, and a sense that this moment is bigger than any one city.
By Brian Hews
I’ve covered protests for decades. I’ve written about them, photographed them, analyzed them. But this time, I wasn’t there as a reporter. I was there as a participant.
OUT IN ORANGE at the March 2026 “No Kings” protest with my better half.
Standing in the heart of Orange alongside my wife, I watched as wave after wave of people poured in—families, seniors, young adults, veterans, parents with kids in tow. By the time the crowd settled, it was clear this wasn’t a small gathering. It was thousands deep—easily over 4,000 by any reasonable estimate. And it felt different. There was no chaos. No tension in the air. Just a steady hum of voices, signs held high, American flags waving, and cars driving by honking in support. For two hours, the crowd held its ground peacefully, with only two coward counter-pro-
testers driving by... then speeding off.
What struck me wasn’t just the size of the crowd. It was the emotion.
At one point, I felt it myself— goosebumps, a lump in my throat. You look around and realize you’re not alone in what you’re feeling. That sense of shared purpose, whether you agree with every sign or every chant, is something you don’t get sitting behind a screen or watching clips online.
This wasn’t my first time experiencing that kind of energy. I was in Seattle during a “No Kings Day” protest, where the crowds were massive and the message unmistakable. But this—this was Orange...in Red Orange County.
A city not typically known for large-scale demonstrations.
And yet here it was.
Even more powerful, my kids were out at protests of their own in Idaho and Massachusetts. Different places, same moment. That’s when it hits you—this isn’t isolated. This is happening everywhere.
What we saw in Orange is part of something much larger: a nationwide wave of demonstrations involving millions of Americans speaking out against former President Donald Trump and the direction they believe the country is heading.
You can debate the politics. People will. They always do.
But standing there, what I saw wasn’t division—it was participation. It was people showing up, using their voices, exercising rights that define this country. And whether you agree with them or not, that’s not something to dismiss.
It’s something to recognize.
Because in that moment, in a city park in Orange, surrounded by thousands of people and the sound of horns echoing down the street, it didn’t feel small.
It felt like America.
From the Mayor’s Desk: April 3, 2026
By Cerritos Mayor
Frank Yokoyama
To the Cerritos community, it has been my distinct honor to serve my hometown as your Mayor. Since launching the From the Mayor’s Desk column 12 months ago, I’m grateful to have had this platform to elevate the City’s accomplishments and inform you of key initiatives that are supporting the longterm vitality of Cerritos.
The gratification that comes with public service cannot be overstated. Supporting the City of Cerritos as Mayor has brought me immense joy, produced countless moments of pride, and left me with many people to thank.
To our residents, thank you for your feedback and collaboration. From your participation at City Council meetings and City events, to your attention and advocacy of City operations, we have made Cerritos stronger together. There are many diverse and passionate viewpoints on how to strengthen our City. With every action I’ve taken, I’ve sought to listen, be informed, and do what I believe to be in all of our best interests.
Residents make up the fabric of our community. Our schools, businesses, and organizations drive learning, commerce, and Cerritos’ reputation. I’ve enjoyed connecting with you, those who you serve, and exploring ways that our City can further support your needs. Thank you for making the investment in Cerritos and for your partnerships over this past year.
To my City Council colleagues and Mayor Pro Tem Lynda P. Johnson, thank you for your support and unwavering dedication to our community. By working together, getting informed, and engaging
in thoughtful discussions on challenging topics, we’ve moved our City forward. Across key projects and external advocacy, we’ve had opportunities to represent Cerritos well beyond just our City. This has established new partnerships, brought light to community needs, and secured significant funding for the City’s future. I was honored to share these experiences with you, my fellow City Council colleagues, to collectively serve our City.
Finally, I extend my gratitude to our City’s amazing volunteers, appointed officials, and employees. Each of you plays a key role in supporting our residents and the needs of our community, and it’s truly rewarding to observe. I’m thankful to have had the pleasure of working with you.
To all of you, your collective service and collaboration these past 12 months have made Cerritos stronger. There are still areas for improvement and challenging decisions to make. Yet we are well-positioned for continued progress.
As the City approaches our 70th year of incorporation, we can look back fondly on our history of steady growth and be excited about the opportunities ahead.
While my time on the City Council will continue, my term as Mayor will conclude at the Mayoral Transition on Wednesday, April 8. This event is part of a Special Meeting of the Cerritos City Council, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. During the meeting, the City Council will make nominations and selections of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. I invite you to join us.
Thank you, again, for your encouragement and support. It has truly been an honor to serve you and my hometown of Cerritos.
Long Beach No Kings’ Rally Protestors
Surge with a Call to Stop the War
Hope rises from the soaring wave of protestors at the No Kings’ rallies held on March 28 across 31 sites in Los Angeles County and 15 in Orange County. The protests swelled like a massive wave at over 3,300 rallies across 50 states, where over 8 million protestors raised their voices against the Trump administration. In peaceful defiance, they protested against a myriad of injustices, including ICE aggression and the unauthorized U.S.-Israel-Iranian war.
At the Long Beach Indivisible No Kings Rally, protestors overwhelmingly denounced the administration’s self-destructive path as anti-ICE, pro-democracy, human rights, and anti-war signs speckled the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Military Families Speak Out displayed an inspiring Eyes Wide Open Memorial on the bluff, where organizers Pat and Jeff from Military Families Speak Out highlighted the true cost of war. Over a thousand protestors flooded Ocean Blvd. and paid homage to the photos of 13 fallen soldiers posted on white memorial markers, and also to the 175 school children killed in the school bombing in Iran. They were represented by 175 pairs of shoes, backpacks, and books. Visitors reflected and thanked the military and veterans’ organizations for honoring these lives, taken much too soon.
K.B., an Indivisible activist, thanked Military Families Speak Out for their powerful and moving installation. She held a sign that read: THIS IS NOT A LEFT OR RIGHT MOMENT. IT IS A RIGHT OR WRONG MOMENT. She elaborated, “This is personal. I’ve had family very recently in the military. I think about those on active duty. Those who are pro-war should think about what military families are going through. They must question the actions of this administration and ask, ‘Is war what we want for our country? What will this war really accomplish? We can do better. We must be better.’”
Affiliated with Military Families Speak Out, activist moms of soldiers on active duty in the Middle East spoke out against the war. Yadira’s son, one of 40,000–50,000 soldiers stuck in the Middle East, has served in the military since the Obama administration. Her son has been deployed to a U.S. military base to do a logistics job since before the U.S.-Israel-Iran war broke out. She worries, “These are the same military bases being bombed by Iran. These are the same bases that cannot intercept missiles. My son is stranded on an abandoned military base awaiting evacuation. But when and how will he come home?”
Yadira further explains, “Thousands of troops have been stationed across military bases in the Middle East even before the war broke out. Where are they?
PROTEST from page 1
the public could confront the realities of war beyond headlines and policy debates. Visitors were invited to leave notes, flowers, and other items as part of the interactive memorial.
Military families connected to currently deployed service members also spoke at the event, sharing personal accounts of uncertainty and concern.
“My spouse and his unit have been left out there in the Middle East and without enough air defense, they are pretty much defenseless targets,” said Jessie, whose partner is currently deployed. “This is my life partner, not someone’s toy soldier for this administration to play with.”
Marine mom Yadira echoed those concerns, saying, “When my son chose to serve in the military it was to protect our country. Our leaders can’t even
When are they coming home? Now more troops are headed to the Middle East. The uncertainty weighs heavily on my heart. It is sad wondering when my son is coming home. I don’t have those answers. All we get is, ‘We’re winning this war.’”
“No, we’re not winning this! It’s all lies!”
Jessica, her son’s partner, fears he is stuck in the Middle East without protection. Now, with the war’s escalation, she realizes the escalating aggression places Yadira’s son in grave danger. She shares, “Nobody really knows our servicemen are stuck out there in the Middle East, in the middle of nowhere. Not even the press covers this. These soldiers are without protection, defenses, and armor. They’re waiting for the government to get them out, but help isn’t coming.”
“Most people are against this unlawful war. It’s an immoral and illegal war. My partner signed up to defend this country, but this country is failing him. We feel betrayed. And for those who voted for Trump and still defend him, it is ok to admit you made a mistake.”
Jenny, another MFSO mom, said her presence at the memorial was personal. She shared, “I want my son to know how steadfast I am regarding this war. I support him, but I do not support this unlawful war. For those who do support this war, I say wake up, wake up, wake up. Have an open heart. Have an open mind. Give truth a chance. Listen. See where and from whom the lies are coming. And there is no reason for the militarization of ICE within our cities. There is no real reason to stoke more hate.”
These military families sit on the edge, fearing for the safety of their loved ones. They are not getting the answers they desperately seek. Despite unanswered questions, they steadfastly hold onto hope. They demand that Congress step up and refuse to further fund this illegal war. They demand all troops come home before more soldiers and civilians are senselessly killed.
These women have a shared purpose—to bring their loved ones home. They heed the warning of a war expert, Professor Robert Pape from the University of Chicago, who warns, “Putting boots on the ground in Iran exponentially heightens the challenge and danger.”
For these courageous women, hope rises when the massive waves of protestors denounce this unlawful war.
HOPE RISES WHEN THE WAVES OF PEACEFUL RESISTANCE SURGE. Let us ride that massive wave right into the November midterm elections, and let us demand an end to this catastrophic, unpopular war. Why? Because peace must prevail. Sandy Mercado
get their story straight as to why we are at war with Iran. We military families demand answers. We are the ones that have to pay the price for these wars of choice. We deserve better.”
Organizers said “Eyes Wide Open” was designed not only as a memorial, but also as a platform to raise awareness and encourage dialogue about the impact of war on both soldiers and civilians. Similar exhibits are planned in Washington, D.C., and Boston.
The Long Beach event was one of several demonstrations held locally as part of broader “No Kings Day” activities taking place across the region. For more information, contact Pat Alviso at 562-833-8035 or Jeff Merrick at 562-522-4241, visitmilitaryfamiliesspeakout.com, or email lbindivisible@gmail.com
Taco Bell Turns 64 — and it All Started in Downey, With a Little Help From San Bernardino
By Brian Hews
DOWNEY — Before the late-night drive-thru runs and Doritos Locos Tacos, Taco Bell began with a single location in Downey in 1962—and a founder who was paying very close attention to what was happening across town.
Glen Bell, a World War II veteran and Southern California restaurateur, had already been experimenting with burgers and tacos throughout the 1950s. But the breakthrough came after he noticed long lines forming outside Mitla Cafe, a small Mexican restaurant in San Bernardino that had been serving hard-shell tacos since the 1930s.
Glen Bell developed Taco Bell after studying the hard-shell tacos sold at Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, where he learned how they were made before adapting the concept into a fast-food model.
That distinction matters.
While some modern retellings try to frame the story as outright theft, most historical accounts—including those acknowledged by Taco Bell itself—describe the relationship as one of inspiration, observation, and adaptation rather than a direct dispute. The family behind Mitla Cafe has, over the years, largely maintained that there was no bad blood, only recognition that Bell saw an opportunity and scaled it in a way a small, family-run restaurant never intended to.
From there, Bell moved fast.
The first Taco Bell opened in Downey selling tacos for just 19 cents. Early customers reportedly didn’t even know how to pronounce them, calling them “taykohs.” Within two years, the company began franchising, opening a location in Torrance and laying the groundwork for
explosive growth. The concept—simple menu, fast service, and low prices—fit perfectly with the post-war Southern California car culture that was reshaping how and where people ate.
By 1970, Taco Bell had expanded to more than 300 locations.
Then came the corporate fuel.
In 1978, PepsiCo purchased hundreds of Taco Bell restaurants for $125 million, accelerating nationwide expansion. The brand continued to grow through the 1980s and 1990s, introducing new menu items and leaning heavily into bold marketing that helped define fast food for a new generation. It eventually became part of Yum! Brands, one of the largest restaurant companies in the world.
Today, Taco Bell operates more than 7,000 locations globally, serving millions of customers each week and continuing to evolve its menu to match changing tastes. Yet despite the international footprint, the company still leans into its Southern California identity, frequently referencing its origin story and early days in Downey.
Still, its roots remain firmly planted in Southern California—split between a modest Downey storefront and a family-run restaurant in San Bernardino that helped shape what would become a fastfood empire.
And while the debate over “inspiration versus appropriation” hasn’t completely disappeared, one thing is clear: without Mitla Cafe, Taco Bell as we know it likely wouldn’t exist.
So yes—your next Taco Bell order comes with a side of local history.
And maybe just a little controversy.
Norwalk to Host Annual “EGG-Stravagant” Egg Hunt at Holifield Park
NORWALK — Families looking for a free, festive way to celebrate spring can head to Holifield Park this weekend as Norwalk hosts its annual “EGG-Stravagant” Egg Hunt.
Organized by the City’s Recreation and Park Services Department, the event will take place Saturday, April 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Holifield Park.
The event will feature age-specific egg hunts, giving kids a chance to scoop up treats alongside others in their age group, along with a variety of games, arts and crafts, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Families can also enjoy interactive attractions, inflatable play areas, and snap photos with the Spring Bunny in a dedicated photo area, a longtime favorite for younger attendees and a highlight for parents capturing seasonal memories.
City officials say the event is designed to bring the community together while showcasing Norwalk’s recreation programs in action, encouraging residents to explore year-round activities offered by the department.
Admission is free, and organizers expect a strong turnout as families from across the area gather for one of the city’s signature springtime traditions, Early arrival recommended due to limited parking near the park.
WATCHDOGS. NOT LAPDOGS.
Holding Local Government Accountable. Los Cerritos News
ORIGINAL ICON: The original Taco Bell building from Downey has been relocated and now sits in a public parking lot outside the Taco Bell corporate office.
Enjoy the fresh-from-thegarden flavor of homegrown tomatoes. Grow one or more in a container, a dedicated vegetable garden or plant them with flowers in garden.
By Laurie Hanson
Purchase transplants from a local garden center if not starting plants from seed at home. Check the tags and select varieties suited to how they will be used. Grow bite-sized cherry, plum or cocktail tomatoes to use in salads, on relish trays, and for snacking. Include a few paste tomatoes, like Romas, with meatier fruit for making sauces and soups. Don’t forget about slicers, like Big Beef, Beefsteak and Better Boy, to enjoy on sandwiches, grilled, or on their own.
Prepare plants that will be moved from under lights indoors or a sunny greenhouse to the growing conditions in the garden. Start the hardening off process one to two weeks prior to planting outdoors. Stop fertilizing the plants and move them outdoors to a shaded location. Each day, increase the amount of direct sun the plants receive. Be sure to cover or move the plants indoors whenever there is a danger of frost.
Once hardened off and the soil is prepared, it’s time to plant. Carefully slide the plant out of the container. Gently loosen the roots of pot-bound transplants to encourage them to grow into the surrounding soil. Remove any flowers or small fruit, allowing the plant to focus its energy on developing a robust root system and a more productive plant.
Plant tall, leggy plants deeper to encourage roots to develop along the
START with healthy transplants suited to your needs, from cherry to beefsteak varieties. Harden plants gradually before planting, then set deep for stronger roots. Use stakes or cages to support growth, water at the soil level, mulch to retain moisture, and monitor pests to ensure a productive, flavorful tomato harvest all season.
buried stem. Dig a trench, remove the lower leaves and set the plant on its side in the trench. Carefully bend the stem upright, then cover the portion in the trench with soil and water.
Set stakes and towers in place at the time of planting to avoid root damage. Training tomatoes keeps the fruit off the ground, reducing insect and disease problems. That means more fruit to harvest and enjoy.
Train tomato plants on to stakes for an earlier, but smaller harvest than those grown in cages. Grow plants with less effort in sturdy towers or cages. There will be more tomatoes to pick, but a bit later with this method. Plants left sprawled on the ground yield the largest harvest, but many fruits are lost to disease, insects and gardeners’ feet.
Shorten the time to harvest and help
manage weeds with the help of floating row cover, clear plastic or cloches. Use these to cover the properly prepared planting space a week or two before planting. Once the soil is warm, lightly cultivate the soil to kill any weeds that have sprouted. Do not dig deep, which brings more weed seeds to the surface to begin growing. Use row covers or cloches to protect plants from early season cold temperatures and frost.
Further shorten the time to harvest by planting early ripening varieties, like Early Girl, Fourth of July, and Fantastico. Check the catalog description or plant tags for the number of days between planting and harvest. Growing these or other early ripening varieties means you’ll be enjoying fresh tomatoes sooner.
Always water plants thorough -
ly when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Avoid overhead watering which increases the risk of disease. Instead, apply water directly to the soil surface, using a watering wand, soaker hose or drip irrigation. Extend the time between watering and increase success with mulch. Spread a two-inch layer of shredded leaves, weed-free straw, or evergreen needles over the surface around plants. This will conserve water, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as the mulch decomposes. Consider companion planting to boost your tomato success. Basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums not only add color to the garden but can help deter pests and improve plant health. Rotate planting locations each year to reduce soil-borne diseases, and avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot where peppers, eggplant, or potatoes were recently grown. As the season progresses, prune lower leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal issues. Regularly check plants for signs of pests like aphids or hornworms and address problems early. A little consistent attention throughout the growing season goes a long way toward ensuring strong plants, healthy growth, and an abundant harvest of flavorful tomatoes you’ll be proud to serve. With proper planting and care there will be a bounty of tasty, garden-fresh tomatoes to harvest and enjoy.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
PARK from page 1
since it was first dedicated on March 6, 1977. Designed to resemble Revolutionary War-era Boston, the themed playground includes features such as a covered bridge, tall ship, and colonial-style village structures that have made it one of Cerritos’ most distinctive recreational landmarks.
Originally developed as part of Cerritos’ effort to create educational and immersive parks, Heritage Park was designed to resemble a colonial American village from the 1700s. The park features replicas of historic buildings, including a town hall, church, and colonial-style shops, many of which were intended to house exhibits and interactive displays offering insight into early American life.
For decades, the park has served as both an educational destination and a peaceful recreational space, with open green areas, picnic spots, and playgrounds drawing families from across the region. The site also holds historical significance, including a 1988 campaign stop by then-presidential candidate George H. W. Bush.
At the center of the park sits Play Island, once a signature attraction modeled after a 1770s Boston setting, complete with references to Paul Revere’s midnight ride. The themed playground features bridges, tunnels, elevated walkways, and a surrounding moat with shallow streams, along with a docked tall ship that has long been a favorite for families.
But over time, that once-celebrated attraction fell into disrepair.
The last major refurbishment took place in 2002 to meet updated playground safety standards. Since then, the condition of Play Island steadily declined. Residents have re-
peatedly raised concerns about termite damage, graffiti, trash, and unsafe structures throughout the area.
A recent visit by Los Cerritos Community News confirmed those complaints. While much of the surrounding park remains in relatively good condition—aside from the ever-present goose droppings—the Play Island itself has deteriorated significantly.
Large portions of the attraction were fenced off with plastic barriers and “Area Closed” signs, including the main colonial structure. Inside, visible trash, graffiti, and rusted equipment painted a stark contrast to the park’s original design.
Some slides remained accessible, but many features were either blocked off or no longer functional. Fencing showed clear termite damage, and visitors boarding the tall ship had to navigate splintered wood. The once-interactive cannons no longer moved, and much of the play area had lost its intended functionality.
The March 30 kickoff now marks a shift from years of neglect to active restoration.
With construction underway and completion expected in roughly four months, city officials are aiming to reopen a revitalized Play Island in time for summer, restoring a landmark that has been a centerpiece of Cerritos community life for generations.
CARDROOMS from page 1
erate billions in economic activity and employ more than 20,000 workers, with some municipalities relying on cardroom taxes for more than half of their general fund revenue—paying for public safety, parks, and basic city services.
Pull that revenue and cities don’t
just tighten belts—they go into crisis mode. Several municipalities have already backed the lawsuit, warning the court that the regulation could trigger fiscal emergencies, force layoffs, and lead to new taxes on residents just to maintain services. Welcome to Sacramento’s version of “economic development.”
At the center of the fight is a new regulation that bans any game resembling blackjack, with state officials arguing those games are illegal “twenty-one” under an 1885 law. Cardrooms call that claim absurd, arguing modern blackjack is fundamentally different from the 19th-century game the law targeted, with player-driven decisions replacing dealer control and entirely different rules and odds.
Even more striking, the same state agencies approved these games for decades, only to reverse course without any change in law and now declare them illegal—translation: what was legal yesterday is illegal today.
The lawsuit also targets the Bureau of Gambling Control, arguing the agency is acting far beyond its authority. Under California law, only the Gambling Control Commission can impose statewide bans after a formal hearing process, yet the Bureau is attempting to revoke approvals without hearings, independent review, or due process— actions the lawsuit calls unlawful.
Timing is everything here, and it’s working against the industry. Enforcement ramps up this summer, forcing cardrooms to begin modifying or eliminating games immediately, with full compliance deadlines looming in the coming months. That means layoffs, lost revenue, and operational chaos are already underway before a judge rules on the legality of the regulation.
That’s why the injunction is critical: if granted, it freezes enforcement and
preserves blackjack-style games while the case proceeds; if denied, the industry begins taking damage that may be irreversible even if it ultimately wins.
And those customers aren’t just disappearing—they’re going somewhere else. Many will head to tribal casinos that are not subject to the same restrictions, while others may turn to underground gambling, taking jobs and tax revenue with them.
So the real question heading into the May 19 hearing isn’t just legal—it’s political: is this regulation about enforcing the law, or about reshaping the gambling landscape by picking winners and losers? From where Southeast Los Angeles County cities are sitting, the answer looks painfully obvious.
SPECIAL from page 1
for gold across a wide range of sports.
UnitedHealthcare, a co-presenting partner of the upcoming Games, organized the event as part of its ongoing support for the Special Olympics movement. The company also provided volunteers who assisted with drills and logistics throughout the morning.
“We are excited for the opportunity to see these great players practice before the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games this June,” said Tami Adams, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Southern California. “At UnitedHealthcare, we are incredibly honored to support the Special Olympics USA Games and celebrate the skill, resilience and achievements of these inspiring athletes.”
Kelly Pond, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California, emphasized that the camp went beyond competition.
“Training Camp is about more than preparing for competition. It’s
605 LEAGUE BASEBALL:
John Glenn welcomes newest addition to team in blowout win over Whitney
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
The sit out period for baseball transfers in the CIF-Southern Section ended last Friday, just in time for John Glenn High to head to Cerritos Park East to face Whitney High in the back end of a 605 League home and home series. It was the debut of Glenn sophomore right fielder David Segura, a transfer from La Serna High, and he made the most of his first game with his new school.
Segura doubled in his first two atbats, drove in four runs, scored once and pitched the bottom of the sixth inning, striking out all three batters he faced on 14 pitches as the Eagles blanked the Wildcats 14-0. Glenn only got eight hits, but was aided by seven errors, six walks issued by Whitney hurlers and four hit batters.
“I knew that we had the potential,” said Glenn head coach Ken Mason. “We’ve been playing really good defense; we’ve had really good pitching, [but] our offense hasn’t been there. We’ve been working on it; being more aggressive at the plate and attacking. So I knew we had this potential. I don’t think it was Whitney’s day today; I think they’re a much better team. Just a lot of credit to them. I took this series really seriously.”
Mason was quick to remember that last season’s league opener was a 9-4 loss at Whitney before the Eagles bounced back with a 10-0 win later in the week on a combined no hitter from then-juniors Bert Alvarado, who worked the first four innings, and James Alvarez, who pitched the fifth.
“I don’t think it affected the players that much; they’ve got a short-term memory,” said Mason. “But for me, I knew
High junior shortstop Jacob Nunag steals second base in the bottom of the first inning in last Friday’s 605 League contest against John Glenn High. Nunag, who would end up at third base on a wild pitch, was one of three players to reach base in the game as Glenn blanked the Wildcats 14-0. Photo by Hsiang-Lu Chen.
Whitney was getting better. So I wasn’t really concerned on that loss last year. I just knew that this team this year…that we were facing was a much better team.”
Whitney fell to Glenn 4-3 on Mar. 24 in the league opener despite a complete game from junior Jacob Nunag. This was the first time the Wildcats had not scored this season and the worst loss they have suffered in 2026.
“Honestly, it’s very hard to explain,” said Whitney head coach Tristan Chen. “I’ve been telling these guys all year, you have to nut up. This is a completely different team than the ones I’ve seen. In the sixth inning, we’re a completely different team. But after that, when there’s pres -
sure on, it’s a completely different team.
“That’s why I think baseball is greatest sport in the world,” he continued. “Because there is no other sport that teaches you how to nut up; how to man up, how to perform when there’s pressure. And today, instead of the pressure coming in the sixth or seventh inning, it came in the first.”
With one out in the top of the first inning, Segura doubled to left field on the third pitch he saw from sophomore Titus Fernando. Two pitches later, senior pitcher Evan Perez doubled him home and an error allowed Alvarado, the left fielder, to reach first base as Perez made it 2-0.
freshman designated hitter Jeremy Metz with two outs in the fourth. Only Nunag was able to advance past first base as he stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Evan Perez threw 72 pitches, 48 being strikes, and struck out eight batters.
“Even is elevating his game also,” said Mason. “We need him to be a guy for us and over the past couple of starts, he’s really starting to lock in. His hitting is starting to lock in as well.”
“I respect Glenn a lot and they adjusted,” said Chen. “After Tuesday, I was expecting a lot of the same Glenn where I could just run out there and call the same pitches I was calling, basically pitch all over. But this is an entirely different Glenn. They were expecting, but they just weren’t expecting, they were adjusting, and that came as a huge shock to me.”
Chen continued to give praise to the pitching staff and was expecting to see Alvarado instead of Evan Perez.
“He’s dog, he’s dog; that’s all I have to say about him,” said Chen of Evan Perez. “He came out there and made his pitches. I mean he was pumping, spotted the fastballs and spotted the curveballs. That’s all you really have to do, and he did it.”
The Eagles added a run in the fourth and put the game away with half a dozen tallies in the sixth as 11 batters came to the plate. No other player had more than a hit, but senior pinch hitter Brandon Castello came off the bench to drive in two of those six runs in the sixth inning, and junior pinch hitter Andre Romo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the sixth.
The Eagles, who are now 7-1 lifetime against the Wildcats, having outscored them 78-14 with four shutouts, will face Artesia High this week. The Pioneers swept Glenn last season, halting any postseason chance Glenn may have had.
Monday thru Saturday6 pm to 12 Midnight
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In the next inning, again with one out, junior catcher Marcos Quiroz was hit by a pitch, sophomore center fielder Michael Perez singled and senior third baseman Jonah Mason beat out an infield hit to load the bases. That set the stage for Segura, who roped a double to deep center to clear the bases as the Eagles increased their score to 5-0.
“It was exciting to get back here after the sit out period to help the team,” said Segura. “I just want to help out the team in any way.
“I didn’t really know what to expect after coming off a month of not playing,” he later said. “I just wanted to hit the ball hard.”
“We know David is a stud,” said Mason. “He’s a humble, young man, has a 4.0 [grade point average] and is quiet. You could barely get anything out of him. But he’s just excited and is a great teammate. He was a spark plug for us today. Getting that double early gave us some breathing room with the two runs. Then when he hit that laser [in the second], it was like ‘okay, we can compete’. We just talked all week about compete; be a lion, not a gazelle.”
Despite the early game woes Fernando showed he could also dominate opposing hitters as he struck out six of the first seven outs he recorded. But after walking Quiroz with one out in the third and seeing two more runs score on errors, Chen replaced him with junior Darsh Maheshwari.
“I knew that he was good; he’s got a really good curveball, and we were really having trouble with the curveball,” said Ken Mason of Fernando. “David was a spark plug; he’s a really good hitter and he kind of energized us and helped us see that, ‘hey we can compete, we can hit this kid’. But then just for our batters to be a little more disciplined; they just had to sit, sit and expect curveball, and then adjust to the fastball.”
With Glenn (5-7, 2-0) comfortably up 7-0 after three innings, the other story of the game was Evan Perez, who walked Nunag to open the bottom of the first, gave up a two-out single to junior right fielder Kavi Stris in the second and walked
“I have huge respect for Artesia,” said Ken Mason. “The last two years, we’ve been swept by them and that’s kept us out of the playoffs. We think we can compete with them. We’re on a threegame winning streak and I think the boys are starting to believe that they belong. But we’re taking Artesia very seriously [and] being swept the last two years is definitely in the back of our heads.”
Meanwhile, Whitney (4-9, 0-2) will face Pioneer High this week after a nonleague tilt against St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy. Despite the blowout loss Chen, who graduated from Cerritos High in 2024, knows the Wildcats are improving as a program. Half of their previous eight losses have been by a combined five runs. Whitney also has a milestone or two it could reach by the end of the season. The program has not won seven games since 2019 and n=has not reached 10 wins since 2017.
“I don’t want them thinking about the big picture,” said Chen. “I told them that’s for me and coach Henry [Harms] to think about. [The coaches] need to think about the big picture. But for you as a player, you need to worry about winning the pitch and winning the play.
“Oh yeah, 100 percent,” he later said of the improvement. “Just look at the OPS and look at the team ERA. Before I came, the team OPS was about .500, .530 and when I came last year, it was in the .800 range. I know that for sure and I know my system works; coach Henry’s system works. He’s done a great job on defense. You could look at the errors from last year to this year and they have almost completely gone, at least errors before [this game]. I know my system works; I can develop them. But the problem is on the mental side. I would say we have made huge strides, absolutely huge strides. But coming into this year, the mentality has changed. These guys are hitting; these guys are staying in the box, taking pitches and they know what to do.”
WHITNEY
52nd ANAHEIM LIONS BASEBALL TOURNAMENT: Valley Christian’s altered lineup with newcomers aid Defenders in victory over Schurr
By Loren Kopff
Coming off a series win over Village Christian High to begin Olympic League action, Valley Christian High began its Spring Break with three straight games in as many days. The first was against Schurr High this past Monday in the second of four scheduled games in the 52nd Annual Lions Baseball Tournament.
It was also a chance for V.C. newcomers Brody Beck, a junior transfer from Calvary Chapel Santa Ana High, to get his first start at his new school, and for sophomore Hunter Deeble, a transfer from St. John Bosco High, to get some late inning action.
Both responded as Beck, who was the starting third baseman batting in the sixth spot, went three for three and drove in a pair while Deeble threw six pitches in the top of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and got the final two outs for his first save as the Defenders knocked off the Spartans 6-2.
“Having that, to be able to come in and help us score some runs…we scored six today and he’s responsible for three of them,” said V.C. head coach Eric Slater of Beck. “That’s a big component; it adds another bat to an already very, very hot lineup that we already have. We have a lot of guys who are having a pretty good year so far. So if we add another wrinkle to that equation, we’re looking pretty good to score some runs.”
“I just tried to [be] calm; get all the nerves out,” said Beck. “After the last game, I just tried to
do what I could to help the team.”
Beck appeared as a pinch hitter last Friday against Village Christian, drew a walk and was replaced by a pinch runner. Also making an impact in his first start of the season was junior pitcher Lincoln Slater, who allowed one run, no hits and struck out two as he worked into the fifth inning. And if it wasn’t for a slight movement on the mound before he threw the first pitch to Joseph Tapia in the first inning, he wouldn’t have allowed the one run.
On the third pitch of the game, Slater hit Ivan Quintero, who then advanced to second on a sacrifice and went to third on a groundout from Isaiah Trevino. But then Slater was called for a balk and five pitches in, it was 1-0. Slater would allow three more runners to reach base before he was replaced by sophomore Shae Delahanty with one out in the fifth, retiring the last seven he faced.
In the bottom of the first inning with two outs and junior center fielder Quintin Ekstrom standing at second, junior designated hitter Mack Lynott singled to center to tie the game. After senior third baseman Cole Hefner reached on an error, Beck singled to the right field gap on the second pitch he saw for the go-ahead hit.
“Usually, I was looking in the middle away because that’s mostly what I see being a bigger guy,” said Beck. “When I saw [the pitch] go down and away, I just went with it and took it to right.”
In the third, senior shortstop Lucas Witt was safe on an error and two batters later, Hefner singled to left before Beck doubled to the right field corner to make it 3-1. Senior right fielder Derek Hofius followed with a base
hit up the middle to bring in Hefner.
The score would balloon to 5-1 in the fifth inning when Lynott led off with a single to the left field gap and scored on a sacrifice fly from Hofius shortly after Beck’s third hit of the game on a 3-0 count. The last V.C. run came in the sixth when senior second baseman Nico Villafana doubled to center, moved to third on a groundout from Ekstrom and touched home plate after Witt singled to right.
“We’re getting healthier every single day,” said Eric Slater. “We’re adding some more offense to our team and the bottom line is that the players are playing together as a team and making the adjustments necessary to score runs. In practice, we work a lot on situational hitting to make sure we can get runners on, get runners over and get runners in. Right now, that’s starting to be the equation. We’re getting a lot more efficient than we were [at the beginning of the season].”
“I turned my head and coach Slater was nodding his head at me,” said Beck of the 3-0 count. “Then I got in the box, and I looked back over, and he was still nodding his head. [I was thinking] if I was going to get my pitch, I might as well do it now. I got jammed a little bit but still got it in the outfield.”
As stellar as Lincoln Slater’s pitching was, it didn’t stop there with Delahanty or Deeble. After completing a perfect top of the fifth inning, Delahanty gave up a leadoff single to Elias Villalpando in the next inning and a two-out single to Trevino. But with a pair of runners on base, she got Tapia to line out on the first pitch.
In the final inning, Delahanty loaded the bases by hitting Joshua Talavera on the first pitch, walking Javion Bryant and
giving up a one-out single to James Borbon to load the bases. That was followed by a first-pitch single from Villalpando before Deeble came to shut the door.
“You always go into a game with a plan and what you want to accomplish, and this is what we had set up to work on,” said Eric Slater. “We had a couple of other guys ready to go just in case things went sideways. But the three people we wanted to rely on today all performed and got exactly what we wanted them to do. The goal was to get Lincoln through four, and he went four and a third. The goal was to have Shae throw two, and she got through two, then it was to have Deeble clean it up.”
The Defenders were all over Santa Barbara High 11-3 this past Tuesday in the third game of the tournament as Hefner worked four innings on the mound before Deeble got his second save with three innings of action. Offensively, V.C. pounded out 14 hits, marking the ninth straight game it has recorded at least 10 hits.
After rallying for a 13-11 victory over Ocean View High this past Wednesday in which they scored four runs in the top of the seventh the Defenders (10-4) are on a five-game winning streak and have won nine of their last 10 games. They will make up a game with Sunny Hills High on Wednesday before travelling to Cerritos High on Thursday. The game with Sunny Hills, originally scheduled for Mar. 17, is another contest from the Anaheim Lions Tournament and was postponed because of the excessive heat wave that rolled through the Southland.
605 LEAGUE BASEBALL: Cerritos avenges last season’s series sweep with walk-off victory over Oxford Academy
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
When the 605 League opened for operations to begin the 2018-2019 school year, a new baseball rivalry was formed between Cerritos High and Oxford Academy. The Dons swept the Patriots that season in the weekly home and home series by scores of 2-1 and 4-2 and have been dominating the league since then, winning 52 of 56 contests in the circuit entering this past Tuesday’s home meeting.
On an overcast, damp afternoon with thoughts of last season’s Oxford Academy sweep over Cerritos still fresh in the heads of the Dons and head coach Matt Joyce, the 13th meeting took eight innings. And a two-out, bases loaded single from senior right fielder Eli Sarno plated junior catcher Jeremiah Ju, sending the black and yellow into a frenzy as Cerritos came away with a 3-2 victory.
“It was just a great league game,” said Joyce. “The reality is everybody always thinks Cerritos is the class of the league and even Oxford’s coaches will tell you that. But in reality, they swept us last year. I didn’t think of us as the favorite at all; we had to prove that we could beat those guys. Last year was the first year we didn’t win league, so yeah, we’re on a mission for sure.”
After Jayden Sun struck out the first two batters of the eighth, he hit Ju on the first pitch, yielded an infield single to senior pinch hitter Ethan Martiz on a 1-0 count and hit junior second baseman Alex Laurin on the first pitch to load the bases before Sarno’s base hit on a 2-2 count.
Early on, it was a pitching duel between senior Jacob Hoosac, the team’s top pitcher, and Aaron Villagomez. But it was Oxford Academy which struck first, and early as Sora Suzuki tripled
to center on the game’s second pitch and scored three pitches later a double from Elliot Chung. After walking Adrian Mejia, Hoosac would retire six straight before Suzuki reached on a wild pitch after striking out to open the top of the third inning.
But Suzuki would get caught trying to steal second, and Hoosac wouldn’t allow another runner to reach base until Suzuki doubled to the left field gap to begin the sixth. Hoosac, who threw a complete game one-hitter against Artesia High on Mar. 24, pitched seven innings, striking out seven, allowing four hits and walking two in his third no decision in six starts.
“He’s the heart and soul of our team,” said Joyce of Hoosac. “As far as I’m concerned, Jacob Hoosac…we live and die with him; we go with him. I love that kid and he’s awesome, and he’s been a bulldog on the mound. The most impressive inning to me was the inning after he gave up that second run when they took the lead.”
The Dons, who swept Artesia High last week, outscoring the Pioneers 12-1 with senior pitcher Jayce Aragon and Hoosac throwing complete games and holding them to just three hits, tied the game in the bottom of the third when Sarno singled to left with one out, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and later scored on a wild pitch. They had a chance to potentially take a 2-1 lead when senior first baseman Ryan Salas led off the sixth with a would-be double. However, the first base umpire ruled that he did not touch first base.
“Surely, that almost was a heartbreaker because surely, we would have bunted him to third and got it done,” said Joyce.
Although Cerritos was creating traffic throughout the game, it could only generate one run until the bottom of the seventh. That’s when senior center fielder Jacob Johnson led off with a base hit to
right and went to second on a wild pitch.
Two outs later, Logan Lavoie walked Aragon before junior designated hitter Julian Diaz greeted Sun with a base hit to center, allowing Johnson to tie the game. Aragon then pitched the eighth, striking out Suzuki, Chung and Mejia.
The Dons would strand a runner on base in every inning; 12 for the game, but only two of them were at third. Sarno went three for five with five other players accounting for the other five hits.
“Today seemed like the day of the lazy fly ball,” said Joyce. “We didn’t hit a whole lot of stuff on the ground. Our team weapon is speed, so we didn’t have a ton of great at-bats early. But it’s a testament to the boys; they worked hard, they played hard and didn’t give up and that’s awesome. It came down to the last out.”
Cerritos was back to work this past Wednesday and blasted Buena Park High
24-10 to improve to 9-4. The Dons visited Oxford Academy on Apr. 2 and will go to Bellflower High on Wednesday in a game that was rained out on Feb. 18 before entertaining Valley Christian High on Thursday. The next league game won’t be until Apr. 14 when the Dons visit Pioneer High.
“We’re in the driver’s seat now because we took this first game with Oxford,” said Joyce. “If we handle business the rest of the way, which I’m confident we should…we’re not going to overlook Glenn; they beat us last year, and we won’t overlook anybody,” said Joyce. “But with our pitching, I’ve got two guys who are probably better than everybody else in the league. So, we’re just going to ride them. We feel good; getting this one was huge.”
Los Cerritos Community News • April 3, 2026
CITY OF BELLFLOWER NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER THE AWARD OF ONE LOAN THROUGH THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER’S BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO KWANG JA KIM DBA KOAM PHARMACY TO FINANCE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS AT THEIR LOCATION ON 16827 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD IN BELLFLOWER, CALIFORNIA
TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA, 90706 to consider the award of one loan through the City of Bellflower’s Business Assistance Program to Kwang Ja Kim DBA Koam Pharmacy, to finance building façade improvements at their location on 16827 Bellflower Boulevard in Bellflower, CA.
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 City Clerk’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA; telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2220. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA, 90706; or by email at cclerk@bellflower.org. For more information, please contact Annika Miyashiro-Ruiz, Senior Project Manager, at (562) 804-1424 ext. 2249 or via email at amiyashiro@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.
MAYRA OCHIQUI, CITY CLERK
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/3/26
CITY OF LA MIRADA NOTICE INVITING BIDS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2025-06 NEIGHBORHOOD SLURRY SEAL AREA 7
Notice is hereby given that the City of La Mirada, California invites sealed bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, and services for Capital Improvement Project No. 2025-06, Neighborhood Slurry Seal Area 7. Work includes roadway slurry seal including providing traffic control, crack sealing, weed abatement, type II latex slurry seal, removal and reconstruction of failed AC pavement, and installation of pavement striping and markings in the City of La Mirada.
Project Documents are available online from American Reprographics Company (ARC). Bidders may obtain free copies of the Plans, Specifications and other Contract Documents online by visiting the ARC Southern California website: https://customer.e-arc.com/ arcEOC/PWELL_Main.asp?mem=29. Look under PUBLIC PLANROOM and click GO, then search for City of La Mirada from the dropdown list titled “in all company”. You can also contact ARC at (949) 660-1150 or costamesa.planwell@e-arc.com to request Plans and Specifications.
Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Clerk at or before 11 a.m. on May 4, 2026. Bids must be submitted on the blank forms, prepared and furnished for that purpose and included in the Plans and Specifications. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or delete portions of any or all bids, or waive any informality or irregularity in the bid or the bid procedures.
Leticia Revilla, City Clerk
Published at La Mirada Lamplighter Newspaper 3/27 and 4/3/27
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN/BUILD SERVICES FOR THE CITY HALL AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Bellflower will receive Proposals for qualified Audio-Visual (AV) System Integrators to design, furnish, install, program, commission and train staff on a modernized audio-visual and broadcast system for the City Council Chambers and several associated meeting and operational spaces located at City Hall.
Proposals will be received at the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall located at 16600 Civic Center Dr., Bellflower CA 90706 until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. POSTMARKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Failure of, or disturbances in, any mail service is not a legitimate reason for the Proposals to be submitted after the above due date. Electronic mail or facsimiles will not be accepted. The City may extend the deadline at its option. All Requests for Proposals must be clearly marked, “PROPOSALS FOR CITY HALL AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, PROPOSAL NO. PW-2026-01 –DO NOT OPEN WITH REGULAR MAIL” and shall be delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall located at 16600 Civic Center Dr., Bellflower CA 90706 during the business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every other Friday. City calendar is posted on the City’s website www.bellflower.ca.gov
A MANDATORY pre-proposal meeting will be held at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA on April 15, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.
Submit one (1) original, three (3) printed copies, and one (1) electronic version on CD/Memory Stick in Word or PDF format
All submitted proposals will be reviewed and analyzed by City staff and the proposals which best meet the City’s needs will be selected for further analysis.
The City of Bellflower reserves the right, in its sole discretion during the selection process, to reject any or all submittals or any portion without exception or explanation.
Parties interested in obtaining a Request for Proposals (RFP) package (at no cost) should contact the: Public Works Department at (562) 804-1424, ext. 2285 or via email at kgonzalez@bellflower.ca.gov
For questions regarding this RFP, you may contact Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works, at lgorecki@bellflower.ca.gov
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/3/26
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
CASE NO. 26LBCP00087 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JOCELYN ORIAS MALLARI filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: JOCELYN
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 25-09
E. WASHINGTON BLVD. & TELEGRAPH RD. (APN: 6336-010-030)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce will conduct a public hearing to consider a request from Taco Bell for Conditional Use Permit (“CUP”) No. 25-09 to allow a drive-thru lane in conjunction with the construction of a new Taco Bell restaurant at E. Washington Blvd /Telegraph Rd. (APN: 6336-010-030) in the C/M-1 (Commercial-Manufacturing) zone (“Project”). The proposed CUP must meet the required findings under Section 19.39.420 to be approved.
PURSUANT to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”), the City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed Project and has determined that the Project is exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, Class 32 Categorical Exemption. Class 32 exemptions apply to infill developments within an urbanized area on sites no more than 5 acres if the project is consistent with the General Plan, zoning regulations, and development standards. No additional environmental review is required for this Project.
The public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce in the Council Chambers, 5655 Jillson Street, Commerce, CA, 90040, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. At that time, proponents and opponents of the proposed CUP will be heard. Any comments, objections, or other information may be offered in person at the time of the hearing or in writing, prior to the hearing. We encourage submittal of written comments supporting, opposing, or otherwise commenting on an agenda item for distribution to the Planning Commission prior to the meeting. Send emails to planning-division@commerceca.gov. Written correspondence may be sent to: City of Commerce – Community Development Department, 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, California 90040; Phone: (323) 722-4805. These comments will not be read out loud but will be entered into the record and submitted to all members of the Planning Commission. Additional information related to the Planning Commission meetings can be located on the City’s webpage.
Per Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge this CUP 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 Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Jessica Serrano
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/3/26
CITY OF PICO RIVERA
NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND CUSTOMER POWER GENERATION RATES
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City of Pico Rivera City Council to consider amending customer power generation rated for Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy, PRIME, a community choice aggregation program. The public hearing will be held as follows:
WHEN: Tuesday. April 14, 2026
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: City Hall Council Chambers 6615 Passons Boulevard Pico Rivera, CA 90660
MAIL: PO Box 1016
TELEPHONE: 562.801.4389
If you wish to submit a public comment on this matter, you may do so in advance by e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office at publiccomments@pico-rivera.org prior to 1:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Please provide your full name and reference this subject matter. “Public hearing and adoption of Resolution amending customer power generation rate schedule for Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME).” 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 of Pico Rivera City Clerk at or before the public hearing.
Cynthia Ayala, CMC City Clerk City of Pico Rivera Hearing: April 14, 2026
In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, the City of Pico Rivera is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability. Please contact Anna M. Jerome at (562) 801-4389 if special program accommodations are necessary and/or if program information is needed in an alternative format. Special request must be made in a reasonable amount of time in order that accommodations can be arranged. Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/3/26
BIDS
NOTICE INVITING
FOR
HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP) AND TRAFFIC CALMING
PROJECT
BID NUMBER: 2026-003
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Artesia, California (“City”) invites sealed Bids for the Project. The City will receive such Bids at City Hall, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, California 90701 up to 3:00 p.m. on May 1, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.
All Bids must be made on the form furnished by the City. Each Bid must be submitted in a sealed package addressed to the City Clerk with the Project name and Project number typed or clearly printed on the lower left corner of the package. Bids must remain valid and shall not be subject to withdrawal for sixty (60) calendar days (“Days”) after the Bid opening date.
INCORPORATION OF STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
The "Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction" (“Standard Specifications”) latest edition as amended by the Contract Documents, is incorporated into the Contract Documents by reference.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Project includes, without limitation, furnishing all necessary labor, materials, equipment and other incidental and appurtenant Work necessary to satisfactorily complete the Project, as more specifically described in the Contract Documents. This Work will be performed in strict conformance with the Contract Documents, permits from regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, and applicable regulations. The quantity of Work to be performed and materials to be furnished are approximations only, being given as a basis for the comparison of Bids. Actual quantities of Work to be performed may vary at the discretion of the City Engineer.
OBTAINING BID DOCUMENTS
Bidders may obtain free copies of the Plans, Specifications and other Contract Documents online by visiting the City of Artesia website at the following link: https://www.cityofartesia.us/bids.aspx
Potential Bidders may also obtain the Bid Documents by coming person to City Hall at 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701 during regular business hours.
EMAIL ADDRESS
Bidders shall supply the City with an email address to facilitate transmission of Addenda and other information related to these Contract Documents. Failure to provide such email address may result in late notification. The City does not guarantee that it will provide any information email. A Bidder shall be responsible for all Addenda regardless of whether Bidder received any such email, and a Bidder shall have no recourse due to not receiving such email.
REGISTRATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
In accordance with Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, no contractor or subcontractor shall be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions for bid purposes only under Labor Code Section 1771.1(a)].
PREVAILING WAGES
In accordance with Labor Code Section 1770 et seq., the Project is a “public work.” The successful Bidder (“Contractor”) and any Subcontractors shall pay wages in accordance with the determination of the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) regarding the prevailing rate of per diem wages. Copies of those rates are on file with the Director of Public Works, and are available to any interested party upon request. The Contractor shall post a copy of the DIR’s determination of the prevailing rate of per diem wages at each job site. This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR.
BONDS
Each Bid must be accompanied by a cash deposit, cashier’s check, certified check or Bidder’s Bond issued by a Surety insurer, made payable to the City and in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total Bid submitted. Personal or company checks are not acceptable. Upon Contract award, the Contractor shall provide faithful performance and payment Bonds, each in a sum equal to the Contract Price. All Bonds must be issued by a California admitted Surety insurer using the forms set forth in the Contract Documents, or in any other form approved by the City Attorney. Failure to enter into the Contract with the City, including the submission of all required Bonds and insurance coverages, within fifteen (15) Days after the date of the mailing of written notice of contract award to the Bidder, shall subject the Bid security to forfeiture to the extent provided by law.
REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION
If you discover any error, omission, ambiguity or conflict in the Project Plans or Specifications and wish to have a clarification, please email your request for clarification to Ron Ibarra at engineering@ cityofartesia.us. Request must be received no later than five (5) Days before Bid opening. Requests for clarification received after this date will be disregarded. Please indicate the Project and Project number in your request for clarification.
INSURANCE AND WARRANTY
The Contractor shall provide insurance in accordance with Section 5-4 of the Standard Specifications, as modified by the General Provisions. In addition, the Contractor shall guarantee and warranty all Work against defective workmanship and materials furnished by the Contractor for a period of one (1) year from the date the Work was completed and accepted by the City.
LICENSES
Each Bidder shall possess a valid Class A Contractor’s license issued by the California State Contractors License Board at the time of the Bid submission, unless this Project has any federal funding, in which case the Contractor must possess such a license at the time of the Contract award. The successful Contractor must also possess a current City business license.
RETENTION SUBSTITUTION
Five percent (5%) of any progress payment will be withheld as retention. In accordance with Public Contract Code Section 22300, and at the request and expense of the Contractor, securities equivalent to the amount withheld may be deposited with the City or with a State or federally chartered bank as escrow agent, which shall then pay such moneys to the Contractor. Upon satisfactory completion of the Project, the securities shall be returned to the Contractor. Alternatively, the Contractor may request that the City make payments of earned retentions directly to an escrow agent at the Contractor’s expense. No such substitutions shall be accepted until all related documents are approved by the City Attorney.
TRADE NAMES OR EQUALS
Requests to substitute an equivalent item for a brand or trade name item must be made by written request submitted no later than five (5) Days before the Bid submission deadline. Requests received after this time shall not be considered. Requests shall clearly describe the product for which approval is requested, including all data necessary to demonstrate acceptability.
LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
Liquidated damages shall accrue in the amount of $1000 for each Day that Work remains incomplete beyond the Project completion deadline specified in the Contract Documents.
BIDDING PROCESS
Bidders must satisfy themselves by personal examination of location of the proposed work and by such other means as they may prefer as to the actual conditions and requirements of the work and shall not at any time after submission of the bid dispute, complain, or assert that there was any misunderstanding in regard to the nature or amount of work to be done.
The City reserves the right to reject any Bid or all Bids, and to waive any irregularities or informalities in any Bid or in the bidding, as deemed to be in its best interest.
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/3/ and 4/10/26
County of Los Angeles Department of the Treasurer and Tax Collector Notice of Divided Publication
Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) Sections 3702, 3381, and 3382, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Online Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell in and for the County of Los Angeles, State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.
Notice of Online Public Auction Tax-Defaulted Property
Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell (Sale No. 2026A)
Whereas, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, directed the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC), to sell certain tax-defaulted properties at the online public auction.
TTC does hereby give public notice, that unless said properties are redeemed, prior to the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the last business day prior to the first day of the online public auction, TTC will offer for sale and sell said properties on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to the highest bidder, for not less than the minimum bid, at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles.
Free computer access is available at public libraries located throughout Los Angeles County. The County and its employees are not liable for the failure of any electronic equipment that may prevent a person from participating in an online auction.
The minimum bid for each parcel is the total amount necessary to redeem, plus costs, as required by R&TC Section 3698.5.
If a property does not sell during the online public auction, the right of redemption will revive and remain until Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
The TTC will re-offer any properties that did not sell or were not redeemed prior to Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for sale at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles beginning Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Information regarding this sale is available at ttc.lacounty. gov. Bidders are required to pre-register at www.govease.com/ los-angeles and submit a deposit of $5,000 or 10 percent of the spend limit that is set by each registered bidder, whichever is greater. Bid deposits must be in the form of a wire transfer, cashier’s check, electronic check (eCheck), or bank-issued money order at the time of registration. Registration will begin on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time and end on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Pursuant to R&TC Section 3692.3, TTC sells all property ``as is`` and the County and its employees are not liable for any known or unknown conditions of the properties, including, but not limited to, errors in the records of the Office of the Assessor (Assessor) pertaining to improvement of the property.
If TTC sells a property, parties of interest, as defined by R&TC Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any proceeds from the sale, which are in excess of the liens and costs required to be paid from the proceeds. If there are any excess proceeds after the application of the minimum bid, TTC will send notice to all parties of interest, pursuant to State law.
Please direct requests for information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property to the Treasurer and Tax Collector, at 225 North Hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California 90012.
Phone calls can be directed to (213) 974-2045, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, visit TTC’s website at ttc.lacounty.gov or email at auction@ttc.lacounty.gov.
The Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) in this publication refers to the Assessor’s Map Book, the Map Page, and the individual Parcel Number on the Map Page. If a change in the AIN occurred, the publication will show both prior and current AINs. An
2839 AIN 6254-009-014 8211 FIRESTONE LLC LOCATION CITY-DOWNEY TD#1 $284,815.00
2841 AIN 6261-006-025 BEGAZO,ERICK LOCATION CITYDOWNEY $15,128.00
2881 AIN 6361-006-006 ORTIZ,SERGIO TR LA REINA FAMILY TRUST LOCATION CITY-DOWNEY $3,916.00 2882 AIN 6362-010-009 SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT C/O C/O PEMCO LTD LOCATION CITY-DOWNEY $108,179.00
2896 AIN 7009-012-007 MAGANA,JORGE A AND JENNY AND HERNANDEZ,NYDIA M LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $16,221.00
2897 AIN 7009-028-025 MENDOZA,JOSE F AND GUADALUPE G AND LOPEZ,RUBEN LOCATION CITYNORWALK $8,328.00
3121 AIN 8017-015-019 ROBINSON,VANESSA AND MAXIE,CHRISTOPHER D LOCATION CITY-SANTA FE SP $25,556.00
3122 AIN 8020-008-012 NUNEZ,LUIS A AND LUIS,JOSEFA D LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $11,265.00
3123 AIN 8021-037-021 RODRIGUEZ,BERGELINA AND BARRAGAN,ILEANA LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $63,251.00
3136 AIN 8073-027-027 REYES,LLESENIA C AND CORNEJO,GLADIS R LOCATION CITY-NORWALK
$7,442.00
3138 AIN 8075-039-028 LE,MINH TAM C/O C/O GLADYS LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $8,370.00 3139 AIN 8080-015-029 MAGANA,MIGUEL LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $3,808.00 3141 AIN 8080-021-025 TELLEZ,LINDA M AND MURILLO,SEBASTIANA LOCATION CITY-NORWALK
$9,887.00 3674 AIN 6283-018-032 EAST DOWNEY CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAHS WITNESSES LOCATION CITY DOWNEY TD # $13,800.00 3707 AIN 8037-047-140 RIGGINS,LLEWYN W LOCATION CITY-LA MIRADA $29,161.00 3708 AIN 8056-009-034 LAMORE,GARRETTA S AND STRYKER,GEORGE B LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $3,967.00 CN125316 607 Mar 20,27, Apr 3, 2026
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ES-TATE OF IRENE GOMEZ aka IRENE M. GOMEZ
Case No. 26STPB01791
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be inter-ested in the will or estate, or both, of IRENE GOMEZ aka IRENE M. GOMEZ
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Alicia Miller in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Alicia Miller be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held on June 30, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 44 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may
cost-of-service analysis” and subjected to full public scrutiny.
The initiative would require the City Council to adopt replacement rates within 180 days of voter approval. If the city fails to do so, the ordinance mandates a fallback—reverting to the previous rate structure on an interim basis until compliant rates are adopted.
Translation: no more blank checks.
The measure also requires the city
to publicly release financial data, assumptions, and methodologies used to justify any future increases, opening the door to independent review and significantly more transparency than residents say they received during the original approval process. And there’s more.
Any future rate adjustments would have to strictly comply with Proposition 218 requirements, including formal notice, public hearings, and the ability for residents to protest—rules critics argue were technically fol -
lowed last time but ignored in spirit.
The filing names three Cerritos residents as proponents of the initiative, officially kicking off the signature-gathering phase needed to place the measure on a future ballot.
This development comes amid growing political fallout from the January vote, which has already sparked a recall effort targeting Yokoyama and Johnson—two of the councilmembers who supported the increases.
Taken together, the recall and now the repeal initiative represent a one-
LEGAL NOTICES-YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW!
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CIRCULATE PETITION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that proponents of the following proposed ordinance intend to circulate a petition within the City of Cerritos to place the proposed measure on the ballot for approval by the voters, pursuant to Article XIII C, section 3 of the California Constitution and Elections Code§ 9202. Pursuant to Elections Code section 9203, the proponents hereby request that the City Attorney prepare a ballot title and summary of the proposed measure.
STATEMENT OF REASONS
Residents of the City of Cerritos recognize the necessity of maintaining safe, reliable, and financially sustainable water and sewer systems. On January 26, 2026, the City Council adopted a multi-year water and sewer rate increase schedule following a Proposition 218 protest process. Approximately 6,400 written protest fonns were submitted during that process, reflecting significant public participation and concern regarding the magnitude and structure of the proposed increases. Following the protest hearing, the City Council adopted the rate increase schedule without modification. The California Constitution reserves to voters the power of initiative to adopt, amend, or repeal local ordinances, including ordinances relating to utility rates. This measure exercises that authority by repealing the January 26, 2026 rate increases and requiring replacement rates supported by objective, evidence-based cost-of-service analysis consistent with Article XIII D. The measure is intended to preserve lawful and financially sustainable utility operations, maintain constitutional compliance, and ensure that future rates are supported by objective evidence-based cost-of-service analysis.
Proponents of the Proposed Initiative
The printed names, signatures, and residence addresses of the proponents are as follows:
Carla Gilhuys 19921 Ibex Ave.
Cerritos, CA 90703
Signature of Proponent:
Kiritkumar K. Chauhan 13135 Acorn Place Cerritos, CA 90703
Signature of Proponent:
Dipa Gandhi 13042 Essex Lane Cerritos, CA 90703
Signature of Proponent:
The original notice and proof of service will be filed with the Cerritos City Clerk Attached to this Notice oflntention is the written text of the Initiative.
TITLE OF PROPOSED MEASURE
Water and Sewer Rate Repeal and Replacement Ordinance
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED MEASURE
This measure repeals water and sewer rate increases adopted by the City Council on January 26, 2026. Following voter approval, the City must establish replacement rates supported by a cost-of-service analysis or other substantial evidence consistent with Article XIII D of the California Constitution.
Within 180 days after certification of election results, the City Council shall prepare or obtain a cost-of-service analysis, or other substantial evidence, sufficient to support lawful water and sewer rates consistent with repeal of the January 26, 2026 increases while maintaining lawful utility operations. The City shall make publicly available the financial data, assumptions, methodologies, and allocations used to support any such analysis, and shall present such information at a duly noticed public meeting to allow for public review, independent evaluation, and scrutiny of the accuracy and reasonableness of such data. Any such replacement rates shall be adopted only after full compliance with the written notice, public hearing, and majority protest procedures required by Article XIII D, section 6 of the California Constitution, including providing affected property owners the opportunity to submit written objections and participate in the public hearing process. Within the same 180-day period, the City Council shall adopt replacement rates supported by such analysis or evidence and compliant with Article XIII D and applicable law.
If replacement rates are not adopted within 180 days, the water and sewer rates in effect immediately prior to February 1, 2026 shall automatically apply on an interim basis until lawful replacement rates are adopted. Interim rates may be modified only to the minimum extent necessary for legal compliance, and only following compliance with applicable Article XIII D procedures, based on substantial evidence and written findings adopted by resolution at a public meeting. Interim increases must be limited to revenues reasonably necessary to provide utility service and may not include unrelated governmental costs or unreasonable reserve amounts.
Nothing in this measure requires rates that violate constitutional cost-of-service requirements, impairs contractual or bonded obligations, or prohibits lawful base charges for services actually used or immediately available. The City retains authority to adopt future lawful rates.
This ordinance shall be liberally construed to preserve implementation consistent with Article XIII C, section 3 of the California Constitution. If any provision is invalid, remaining provisions remain in effect.
TEXT OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS REPEALING CERTAIN WATER AND SEWER
RATE INCREASES PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIII C, SECTION 3 OF THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to Article XIII C, section 3 of the California Constitution. Its purpose is to repeal water and sewer rate increases adopted January 26, 2026 while preserving lawful utility operations consistent with Article XIII D. This ordinance is intended to preserve continuity of utility service while ensuring compliance with Article XIII D.
SECTION 2. REPEAL OF RATE INCREASES
The water and sewer rate increases adopted January 26, 2026 are repealed subject to
two punch from residents who appear increasingly unwilling to accept rising utility costs without deeper explanation. The message from voters is becoming harder to ignore: You raised the rates. Now explain them—or we’ll repeal them. Whether the petition gathers enough signatures to qualify for the ballot remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—what began as a protest has now evolved into a full-scale political movement in Cerritos.
implementation as provided herein. The repealed rates shall not remain effective solely due to failure to adopt replacement rates.
SECTION 3. OPERATIVE DATE
This ordinance becomes operative upon certification of election results approving this measure. For purposes of this ordinance, the operative date is the date of certification of election results.
SECTION 4. CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS
Pending adoption of replacement rates under this ordinance, the City shall continue operating the water and sewer systems under existing lawful procedures and authorities.
SECTION 5. NEW PROPOSITION 218 RATE ANALYSIS
Within 180 days after the operative date, the City Council shall prepare or obtain a cost-ofservice analysis, or other substantial evidence, sufficient to support lawful water and sewer rates consistent with Article XIII D, section 6 of the California Constitution.
Any such cost-of-service analysis or other substantial evidence shall be sufficient to:
1. Comply with Article XIII D of the California Constitution;
2. Evaluate lawful rates consistent with repeal of the January 26, 2026 increases;
3. Maintain lawful and financially sustainable utility operations; and 4. Be presented at a duly noticed public meeting.
Independent Financial Review and Cost Verification.
The City shall make publicly available all financial data, assumptions, methodologies, and allocations supporting any cost-of-service analysis or other substantial evidence used to establish water or sewer rates. Such infonnation shall be sufficiently detailed to permit public review and independent evaluation of the accuracy, completeness, and reasonableness of the data and assumptions used.
The City may obtain, or rely upon, an independent review or audit of such financial data, including review by a licensed Certified Public Accountant or other qualified professional not involved in preparation of the analysis. Any such independent review shall evaluate the financial inputs used in the analysis, including operating expenses, indirect cost allocations, administrative overhead, reserves, and transfers or charges affecting the water or sewer enterprise funds.
The results of any independent review shall be presented at a duly noticed public meeting and shall be included in the administrative record supporting adopted rates. All financial data and materials relied upon by the City shall likewise be included in the administrative record.
Any cost-of-service analysis or other substantial evidence shall be supported by documented financial data demonstrating that revenues derived from water or sewer charges do not exceed the funds required to provide the service, consistent with Article XIII D of the California Constitution.
RATES
SECTION 6. ADOPTION OF REPLACEMENT
Within 180 days after the operative date, the City Council shall adopt replacement water and sewer rates supported by the cost-of-service analysis or other substantial evidence and compliant with Article XIII D and applicable law. Replacement rates shall be adopted only after full compliance with the notice, public hearing, and majority protest procedures required by Article XIII D, section 6 of the California Constitution. The City may rely on any cost-ofservice analysis, independent review, or other substantial evidence prepared pursuant to Section 5 in adopting replacement rates.
SECTION 7. AUTOMATIC INTERIM BACKSTOP
If replacement rates are not adopted within 180 days:
1. The water and sewer rates in effect immediately prior to February 1, 2026 shall automatically apply on an interim basis; and
2. Interim rates may be modified only to the minimum extent necessary to comply with Article XIII Dor other applicable law, as supported by substantial evidence, including any cost-ofservice analysis prepared pursuant to Section 5. Any such modification shall comply with the notice, public hearing, and majority protest procedures required by Article XIII D, section 6 of the California Constitution.
Any modification requires:
(a) adoption of a resolution at a duly noticed public meeting;
(b) written findings; and (c) reliance on substantial evidence, including any cost-of-service analysis prepared pursuant to Section 5.
Any interim increase shall be limited to revenues reasonably necessary to provide utility service and shall not include costs for general governmental purposes or costs not directly attributable to providing such service. Any reserve or contingency amount included in interim rates must be reasonable, directly related to utility operations, specifically quantified, supported by objective evidence of anticipated utility needs, and not based solely on generalized policy targets or industry benchmarks.
SECTION 8. CONSTITUTIONAL COMPLIANCE
Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to:
(a) require rates inconsistent with Article XIII D;
(b) impair contractual obligations, bond covenants, or other legally binding financial obligations; (c) prohibit lawful base charges or fees for services actually used or immediately available; or (d) prevent minimum adjustments necessary for legal compliance.
SECTION 9. FUTURE RATE AUTHORITY
Nothing in this ordinance limits the City’s authority to adopt future water or sewer rates consistent with the California Constitution and applicable law.
SECTION 10. LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION
This ordinance shall be liberally construed to effectuate voter intent and preserve implementation consistent with Article XIII C, section 3 of the California Constitution.
SECTION 11. SEVERABILITY
If any provision or application is held invalid, remaining provisions remain in effect.
SECTION 12. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance takes effect upon voter approval and certification of election results and shall be implemented as provided herein.
