LOS CERRITOS
Serving Cerritos and ten other surrounding communities • November 20, 2020 • Vol 35, No. 12 • loscerritosnews.net
Artesia Holds Virtual State of the City
YMCA Expands to La Mirada School
New COVID-19 Restrictions Set to Take Effect BY BRIAN HEWS
BY TAMMYE MCDUFF
Los Angeles County will tighten some restrictions this week to combat a surge in coronavirus cases. Just yesterday Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a curfew limiting the nighttime movements of more than 90% of Californians. The order, intended to deal with a worrying surge in coronavirus cases, requires non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. until Dec. 21. The County will require restaurants, wineries, breweries and non-essential retail businesses to close and ask people to limit gatherings to no more than 15 people from a maximum of three households. Previously the guidance limited gatherings to three households, but there was no limit on attendees. Other measures will include a 50% capacity limit for restaurants with outdoor service and a 25% capacity limit for personal care businesses and offices.
YMCA CEO Curt Ksotnicki officially cuts the ribbon to the new YMCA La Mirada. With him are La Mirada Chamber of Commerce President Richard Trujillo (2nd from right) and Norwalk-La Mirada School District officials. services in La Mirada. The Y of Greater Whittier has been challenged by the pandemic, even though their operations were scaled back, the Y is still considered and essential business. Located at the former Rancho Elementary School campus on San Cristo-
“Thanks to the city staff and our City Council, even in this year we have much to celebrate,” began Mayor Ali Taj at this years’ State of the City, “financial stability is key, allowing us to improve the quality of life for our City and residents. I am happy to report that the City has passed a balanced budget for the seventh straight year.” The Council has also been able to allocate $10 million in reserves. This puts the budget just under 100 percent, even with a $2 million dollar loss due to CoVID-19. The reserve funding has allowed the city to avert major cuts to the City despite the economic downturn due to the pandemic. Another key part of the City’s aggressive pursuit of non-tax revenues. Over 40 percent of the budget is from non-tax revenue. The City has also been able to receive almost $1 million dollars in grant funding and nearly $12 million
See COVID page 15
See YMCA page 13
See ARTESIA page 10
BY TAMMYE MCDUFF Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible-Francis of Assisi The YMCA is excited to announce the opening of their newest expanded childcare
Four Armed Robberies in La Mirada
HOOT! Baby Owl Found in Rockefeller Center Tree After 170 Mile Trip
BY BRIAN HEWS
THE SAW-WHET OWL was found by a technician assembling the massive 75-foot tree cut down last week in Oneonta, New York, with the feathered stowaway. The bird is recovering nicely according to the owners of New York based Ravensbeard Wildlife Preserve, they have named the owl Rockefeller. . BY BRIAN HEWS A tiny owl is recovering after it was found tucked away in the branches of Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree in New York City. The 75-foot Norway spruce was cut down last week in Oneonta, New York, and loaded onto
Virtual Drive Fundraiser for La Mirada based Phantom Projects. Page 2.
a massive trailer before embarking on a 170-mile road trip to Manhattan, along with its feathered stowaway. Wednesday morning, the small non-profit Ravensbeard Wildlife Preserve, based in New York, received a phone call from someone who asked if they take in owls
HMG-CN OP/ED What were you thinking Gov. Newsom? Page 4.
for rehabilitation. The worker replied, “yes we do,” “OK," the caller said," I'll call back when my husband comes home, he’s got a baby owl in a box tucked in for the long ride.” The family thought the owl -now named Rockefeller -- was a
Crime Summaries Cerritos and La Mirada; man beats girlfriend. See page 4.
See OWL page 13
Business owners are concerned and law enforcement is on the lookout after an armed robber targeted locations in La Mirada this week. The business owners are contemplating private security for their area. K and T Donuts, on the corner of Imperial and Santa Gertrudes was hit, the Subway next door to K and T was robbed the night before, Juan Pollo across Santa Gertrudes was robbed, then across Imperial Hwy., the Rite Aid was robbed Thursday. Alberto Calle, who owns Gondola Pizza, said his employees are fearful, and he talked to other business owners who felt the same. There is a video of the man robbing K and T donuts but he was in a hoodie with a facemask so no clear picture of the man was taken. Some of the business owners near K and T said they actually saw the man flee the scene on a skateboard. It's scary that they're hitting so many spots in such a short time," La Mirada resident Tam-
UPS Drivers to don gold bowties to deliver holiday wishes. See page 6.
THE ROBBER, lower right, with a gun at K&T Donuts my Anderson told CBSLA. Anderson, whose daughter works at Gondola Pizza, said the news about what's been happening has left her shaken, and she didn't even want to come out to the shop. "I could understand the nerves of all the employees, so we were like we'll come out here and eat and just give you some moral support and hopefully nothing happens tonight," Anderson said. Calle also contemplated closing down the shop for the day out of concern for his and the employees' safety. No further information was available about the suspect. Anyone with information about the crimes or the man seen in the surveillance video is asked to contact police immediately.
Thanksgiving Staple One of the oldest spices dating back to 1867. See page 9.
Girl's Softball Valerie Jorgensen excelling with Punishers. Page 10.