THE MANNING BEEF facility in Pico Rivera is headed to a court-supervised sale following the company’s bankruptcy filing, triggering a pivotal moment for the future of the long-controversial site. City officials have announced plans to participate in the sale process in an effort to block any return of slaughter operations, citing years of community concern, protests, and regulatory scrutiny. The outcome of the sale will determine whether the property is acquired by the city or repurposed by a new owner under strict limitations.
Community Sports:
Success in Cerritos Basketball Programs Lies Within the Family
By Loren Kopff
In athletics at any level, the word family is used constantly, but at Cerritos High, it literally is a family affair when it comes to the boys and girls basketball programs. Not only are boys head coach Jonathan Watanabe and girls head coach Marcus Chinen among the most prolific mentors
league was formed, Chinen and Watanabe have won a league title in the same season three times, including this season. The other two came in the 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 seasons.
Chinen’s father, Lawrence, and Watanabe’s mother, Margo, grew up on the island of Oahu. They moved out to Southern California, and when the house next door to the Chinens went up
in the area, as well as the CIFSouthern Section, they are family members.
The two successful coaches are cousins and have combined for nearly 600 victories since the 2001-2002 season. Watanabe has produced 40 percent of the wins amongst the seven head coaches in school history and was the first 605 League champion at the conclusion of the 2018-2019 season. Since the
for sale, Lawrence called Margo to try to purchase it. They bought the house and to this day, the families are still neighbors.
Watanabe has been the head coach of the Dons since the 2001-2002 season, except for the 2021-2002 season when Lance Convento took over the varsity team. Watanabe is in his 24th season as the head coach,
Cerritos City Council Approves New Water and Sewer Rate Schedules
By Brian Hews
In front of a raucous crowd of residents that filled the City Council chamber and spilled into the hallway, the Cerritos City Council approved a water and sewer rate increase Monday night. After Frank Yokoyama opened the agenda item, city staff delivered a presentation outlining what they described as aging water infrastructure needs and the city’s outreach efforts related to the proposed increases. Following the staff presentation, Yokoyama opened the public hearing, prompting a lengthy and often heated round of public comment, with the overwhelming majority of speakers opposing
By Brian Hews
Pico Rivera announced this week it will participate in the court-supervised sale of the long-controversial Manning Beef slaughterhouse property, with city officials making clear the objective is to permanently prevent the site from ever resuming slaughter operations.
The city said it is exploring whether it can acquire the property outright. If the site is ultimately purchased by another party, Pico Rivera said it will ensure the facility does not reopen as a slaughterhouse.
“This moment presents a rare opportunity for Pico Rivera to thoughtfully reimagine the future of a long-standing industrial site in the heart of our community,” Mayor Gustavo Camacho said. “Our priority is to ensure that whatever comes next truly benefits our residents, protects public health, and aligns with our values as a City.”
Camacho added that the city’s involvement in the sale is intended to permanently close the door on the site’s past use.
Officials said future uses under consideration include affordable housing, public open space, or plant-based food or sustainability-focused development, though any redevelopment would depend on the outcome of the bankruptcy sale and available funding.
City Manager Steve Carmona described the bankruptcy as a rare opening for the city to exert influence over a property that has drawn years of controversy and protest. Whether through direct ownership or coordination with a future buyer, Carmona said the city’s goal is straightforward: ensure the Manning Beef site never again operates as a slaughterhouse and is instead converted into a community asset.
the rate hike.
A total of 36 residents addressed the council during the hearing. Of those, 31 spoke against the proposed increases, three spoke in support, and two offered mixed or neutral comments. Several speakers accused the city of inadequate outreach, questioned the legality of including long-term capital projects in the rates, warned of financial hardship for seniors and fixed-income households, and threatened political consequences. One speaker criticized local media coverage, claiming residents were not adequately warned, a claim contradicted by prior reporting on the proposed increases.
During council comments,
Kaiser Slammed With a $556 Million Medicare Settlement, Medicare Advantage Under Scrutiny
By Brian Hews
Affiliates of Kaiser Permanente have agreed to pay $556 million to resolve federal allegations that they submitted improper diagnosis information to inflate payments from the Medicare Advantage program, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Announced January 14, 2026, the settlement is the largest Medicare Advantage fraud settlement reached to date under the False Claims Act.
Federal prosecutors alleged that from 2009 through 2018, Kaiser entities encouraged the addition of unsupported diagnoses to patient medical records, often through addenda entered months or even years after office visits. Those diagnoses increased patients’ risk scores, which directly determine how much Medicare
[ See RATES, page 7 ] pays private insurers for each enrollee under the Medicare Advantage system administered by the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The Justice Department said the practices resulted in hundreds of thousands of questionable diagnoses and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in overpayments. The settlement resolves civil allegations involving Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of
[ See KAISER, page 5 ]
Rep. Sánchez Secures $11.7 Million for Community Projects Across Southeast L.A. County
By Brian Hews
Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez announced that she secured more than $11.7 million in federal funding for 15 community projects securing investments in water infrastructure, public safety, transportation, parks, and broadband access.
“I fought hard to secure funding for all 15 of my requested community projects because our communities deserve real results,” Sánchez said. “This funding will bring safer drinking water, better transportation and infrastructure, stronger
public safety, and meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of working families across our district.”
Projects benefiting cities covered by LCCN include:
In Pico Rivera, $850,000 was secured for the Durfee Avenue Community Center. The funding will support the design and construction of a new community center, converting a long-vacant former Veterans of Foreign Wars building into a usable public facility.
In Downey, $250,000 was allocated for the Water Treatment
[ See SANCHEZ, page 4 ]
Pico Rivera Moves to Block Slaughterhouse’s Return in Court Sale
COUSINS: Marcus Chinen (left) and Johnathan Watanabe have been keeping the Cerritos High basketball programs among the strongest in the CIF-Southern Section. Photo by Loren Kopff.
Artesia Launches New Resident Engagement Program With Flashvote
LCCN Staff Report
The City of Artesia is rolling out a new resident engagement program aimed at making civic participation quicker, easier, and more accessible, partnering with FlashVote to gather community input through short monthly surveys.
The program poses a simple question to residents: do you have one minute a month to help make Artesia better? City officials say that small investment of time can translate into more responsive decision-making and policies that better reflect community priorities and day-today concerns.
FlashVote works by sending residents brief, statistically valid surveys that typically take about one minute to complete. Surveys remain open for 48 hours and can be completed online, by phone, or by text message. Responses are completely anonymous, allowing participants to provide candid feedback without concern about public attribution or pressure.
Unlike traditional public meetings, which often draw a limited and selfselecting group of participants, FlashVote is designed to broaden civic engagement by meeting residents where they are. City officials say the platform helps capture input from people who may not have the time, schedule flexibility, or ability to attend council meetings but still want their voices included in local decisionmaking.
“Artesia is at its best when our
Cunard’s Flagship Queen Mary 2 Reunites with Her Namesake
The Queen Mary for the First Time in 20 Years
CUNARD’S FLAGSHIP Queen Mary 2 anchors in Long Beach alongside her legendary namesake, the historic Queen Mary, marking their first reunion in 20 years during Queen Mary 2’s 2026 World Voyage. The rare maritime rendezvous brought together the storied ocean liner and the iconic retired liner, now a Long Beach landmark celebrating her 90th anniversary, offering a once-in-a-generation sight honoring Cunard’s past, present, and enduring legacy of ocean travel.
community’s voices are heard,” said Mayor Rene Trevino. “FlashVote makes it easy for residents to share their thoughts, and we’re proud to use that input to make thoughtful decisions that reflect the priorities and values of the people who call Artesia home.”
Survey topics will vary throughout the year and may include quality-of-life issues, city services, community programs, and long-term planning efforts. City staff will use aggregated survey results to identify trends, measure strengths, and better understand resident concerns before policy or budget decisions are made.
The first FlashVote survey is scheduled
to be available beginning Wednesday, February 4. Additional surveys will be distributed periodically to residents who register for the program.
Residents can sign up by visiting flashvote.com/ArtesiaCA or by calling or texting 775-235-2240. More information about the program is available at cityofartesia.us/FlashVote.
City officials say the goal of the initiative is straightforward: make participation easy, increase transparency, and ensure that Artesia’s decisions are informed by a broader and more representative cross-section of the community.
Cerritos College Launches NASA STEM Pathway
CERRITOS COLLEGE students pose with faculty and mentors during a NASA on Campus experience in Norwalk, where nearly 40 students participated in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program, designing and testing Mars rover prototypes as part of a four-day immersive STEM challenge.
Cerritos College is giving students a hands-on runway into aerospace and other high-demand STEM fields through a growing partnership with NASA, offering real-world experience that boosts career readiness, accelerates degree completion, and improves transfer outcomes.
Nearly 40 Cerritos College students recently participated in a four-day NASA on Campus experience as part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program. The immersive program placed students in team-based engineering environments where they designed, built, and tested Mars rover prototypes, managed project budgets, and solved complex mission challenges—mirroring the pace and expectations of industry and research settings.
Aerospace major Fabian Garsilazo served as a test engineer for his team, helping ensure their rover met mission specifications. He said the exposure to professional standards and collaboration sharpened his goals. “Seeing the dedication and passion of professionals in this field inspired me to push myself and pursue a career in STEM,” Garsilazo said.
Since launching the NCAS program in 2019, Cerritos College has steadily expanded access to high-impact STEM pathways. This year’s cohort was 77 percent Latinx, and participants consistently outperform non-participants, earning higher success rates in STEM coursework, completing degrees more quickly, and transferring to four-year universities at higher rates.
The program’s results have drawn national attention. Cerritos College was selected as a 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalist, recognizing its leadership in building equitable, high-wage STEM career pipelines that connect community college students directly to advanced fields.
College officials say partnerships like NCAS strengthen the region’s STEM workforce while opening doors for students who might not otherwise have access to aerospace and engineering careers. Through sustained collaboration with NASA and other organizations, Cerritos College continues to position more graduates for high-demand roles in aerospace, engineering, and technology.
Commerce Expands Support for Residents Impacted by ICE Raids
Commerce has moved purposefully to assist residents impacted by federal immigration enforcement, launching and sustaining an organized set of legal, housing, food, and education resources to help families remain supported. “As a City, we didn’t wait to react, and instead we acted,” said Mayor Lainez. “We remain committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our residents through unprecedented times.”
To date, the City has invested $50,000 in direct resident assistance, allocating $25,000 to legal consultations through the Support for Households in Immigration Emergencies and Legal Defense (SHIELD) program and $25,000 to short-term rental assistance for
residents financially impacted by ICE activity. Since last year, the City has delivered multiple legal workshops with immigration attorneys and public safety experts, provided monthly emergency food distributions, distributed free Know Your Rights Red Cards citywide, offered ongoing citizenship support through our Commerce Public Library’s Literacy Center, and organized a donation drive through by our Teen Center.
The SHIELD program was developed at the recommendation of City Manager Ernie Hernandez, who prioritized the allocation of City resources to ensure families impacted receive timely legal support.
La Mirada City Council Election to be Held June 2
LCCN Staff Report
La Mirada will hold its General Municipal Election on June 2, 2026, to fill two City Council positions. One resident each from District 1 and District 2 will be elected to serve four-year terms.
All candidates must be 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a registered voter residing within the City limits at the time nomination papers are issued. Candidates must also reside within their Council District.
The nomination period for the June 2, 2026 General Municipal Election opens at 7:30 a.m. on February 9, 2026, and closes at 4:30 p.m. on March 6, 2026. To make an appointment to pull papers during the nomination period, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (562) 943-0131.
There is no cost to be issued nomination papers or to receive a Candidate Handbook, which is provided free to all persons considering becoming a candidate. If a candidate chooses to submit a candidate statement to be printed in the Voters Information Pamphlet, a $500 fee is due at the time of filing the nomination papers and candidate statement.
Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) committee and campaign reporting requirements. For FPPC information and advice, call (866) ASK FPPC or visit www.fppc.ca.gov.
General questions about the election may be answered by the City Clerk’s office at (562) 943-0131.
Monday thru Saturday6 pm to 12 Midnight
Doors open at 4pm Sunday 2 pm to 9 pm
Doors open at 12pm
3 SESSIONS PER DAY!!!
25 Games per Session
Crime Report
January 27-February 2, 2026
Welcome to LCCN’s new weekly crime report, which tracks incidents reported by law enforcement across LCCN cities with an emphasis on repeat locations and emerging patterns rather than isolated events. By organizing activity by city and street, the report highlights where crime continues to concentrate, giving readers a clearer picture of ongoing issues in their communities.
Artesia
Artesia logged a concentrated run of burglaries and a serious assault, with activity clustering along the same corridor.
Aggravated Assault, 16700 blk St & Pioneer Blvd
Burglary, 11600 blk 186th St
Burglary, 18800 blk Grayland Ave
Burglary, 16600 blk Pioneer Blvd
Repeat crimes: Pioneer Blvd appears multiple times for burglary-related activity.
Bellflower
Bellflower’s week was dominated by domestic violence calls and auto-related theft, a pattern that continues to repeat.
Assault, 9800 blk Arkansas St
Assault, 9500 blk Mayne Ave
Assault, 9400 blk Harvard St
Assault, 16600 blk 1/2 Clark Ave
Assault, 9500 blk Cedar St
Assault, 8800 blk Ramona St Assault, 10200 blk Artesia Blvd
Auto Parts, 9500 blk Walnut St
Auto Parts, 9500 blk Heiner St
Auto Parts, 9400 blk Heiner St
Auto Parts, 9200 blk Dalberg St
Auto Parts, 13800 blk Cowley Ave
Auto Parts, Lakewood Blvd & Rose St
Grand Theft Vehicle, 10000 blk Ramona St
Grand Theft, 15700 blk Faculty Ave
Auto, 8700 blk 1/2 Rose St
Repeat crimes: Heiner St hit twice for auto parts theft; Ramona St shows up for both
assault and vehicle theft.
Cerritos
Cerritos continues to see a heavy concentration of crime tied to shopping and parking areas, with Los Cerritos Center
once again leading the list.
Robbery, 17200 blk Norwalk Blvd
Burglary, 19300 blk Harvest Ave
Assault, 16500 blk Knoll Stone Cir
Burglary, 12900 blk Lucas St
Burglary, 17800 blk Holmes Ave
Burglary, 10800 blk Alondra Blvd
Auto, 11200 blk 183rd St
Auto, 12300 blk Rose St
Petty Theft, 12600 blk Artesia Blvd
Petty Theft, 18700 blk Bechard Pl
Petty Theft, 12900 blk Park Plaza Dr
Petty Theft, 20200 blk Bloomfield Ave
Petty Theft, 100 blk Los Cerritos Ctr
Petty Theft, 300 blk Los Cerritos Ctr
Petty Theft, 400 blk Los Cerritos Ctr
Grand Theft, 200 blk Los Cerritos Ctr
Grand Theft, 100 blk Los Cerritos Ctr
Grand Theft , 200 blk Los Cerritos Ctr
Grand Theft Vehicle, 12700 blk Aclare St
Grand Theft, 13900 blk Bettencourt St
Grand Theft, 13200 blk Alondra Blvd
Repeat crimes: Los Cerritos Ctr appears repeatedly across petty theft, grand theft, and vehicle theft cases; Alondra Blvd shows up in both burglary and grand theft incidents.
Hawaiian Gardens
Hawaiian Gardens logged violent incidents and vehicle-related theft within a tight area, with activity clustering on the city’s east side.
Robbery, 12300 blk 223rd St
Assault, 21500 blk St & Horst Ave
Assault, 21400 blk Horst Ave
Auto Parts, 12000 blk 226th St
Repeat crimes: Horst Ave appears in both aggravated and non-aggravated assault cases, indicating a short-term violence cluster.
La Mirada
La Mirada’s activity this week leaned
heavily toward theft and vehicle-related crime, with catalytic converters remaining a prime target.
Residential Burglary, 14900 blk Woodbay
Auto, 15000 blk Rosecrans Ave
Auto, 14300 blk Firestone Blvd
Grand Theft, 15500 blk La Barca Dr
Grand Theft, 11900 blk Singleton Dr
Grand Theft, 13100 blk Bona Vista
Grand Theft, 13000 blk Clearwood
Grand Theft, 16400 blk Omally Ct
Grand Theft, Firestone Blvd & Phoebe Ave
Grand Theft, Biola Ave & Cortina Dr
Grand Theft, 14200 blk Bora Dr
Repeat crimes: Firestone Blvd appears in both vehicle burglary and theft activity; catalytic converter thefts reported across multiple residential streets.
Norwalk
Norwalk’s crime log reflects a wide mix of burglaries, robberies, domestic violence calls, and vehicle crimes, with several corridors appearing more than once.
Burglary, 14600 blk Thornlake Ave
Robbery, 10600 blk Rosecrans Ave
Robbery, 10900 blk Rosecrans Ave
Assault, 11100 blk Ferina St
Assault, 12100 blk Hayford St
Assault, 13500 blk Curtis & King Rd
Assault, 12100 blk Foster Rd
Assault, Imperial & Norwalk
Auto, 10900 blk Firestone Blvd
Auto, 12000 blk Imperial Hwy
Burglary, 11300 blk Firestone Blvd
Grand Theft, 15100 blk Roseton Ave
Grand Theft, 15600 blk Shoemaker Ave
Petty Theft, 10900 blk Firestone Blvd
Petty Theft, 12000 blk Imperial Hwy
Repeat crimes: Rosecrans Ave logged multiple robberies; Firestone Blvd appears in burglary, vehicle burglary, and theft reports.
Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera saw repeated shoplifting along major retail corridors, mixed with violent and vehicle-related crime.
Petty Theft, 8500 blk Washington Blvd
Assault, 4300 blk Rosemead Blvd
Assault, 3500 blk Durfee Ave
Robbery, 6000 blk Rosemead Blvd
Robbery, 5000 blk Paramount Blvd
Petty Theft, 8800 blk Whittier Blvd
La Palma Community Center
7822 Walker St La Palma Intercomm.
Hospital
Liberty Park 9211 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach Memorial
2801 Atlantic Ave
Massage & Stone
13247 South St.
Medipost
13299 E South Street
Norwalk Arts/Sports 13000 Clarkdale
Norwalk SR. Center
11000 New Falcon Way
Goodyear Auto 19404 Norwalk Blvd. Gardens Casino 11871 E Carson St. Hawaiian Gardens City Hall, Rec. Center, Library 21815 Pioneer Heritage Park 18600 Bloomfield Holy Family Church, Artesia 18708 Clarkdale IHop La Mirada 15140 La Mirada Blvd
Imperial Healthcare Center 11926 La Mirada Blvd
Kindred Hospital 14900 Imperial Hwy. Kristens Beauty Salon 13952 Valley View Ave La Casa de Concinera 15711 Imperial Hwy, UCI/Lakewood Regional 3700 South St. La Mirada City Hall, Library, Resource Center, Sheriff’s
Splash! La Mirada
13700 La Mirada Blvd
LA Nails
13239 South St La Palma City Hall
7822 Walker St
cerritosnews.bsky.social
14040 San Antonio Dr.
Norwalk City Hall
12700 Norwalk Blvd, Olive Lawn
13926 La Mirada Blvd
11832 E Carson St
Pico Rivera Chamber
5016 Passons Blvd
Pico River City Hall and Sheriffs 6615 Passons Blvd
Rosewoods 10769 South St. State Farm
12616 South St LAFD Station 30 19030 Pioneer Blvd Santa Fe Springs City Hall
Silverlake Ramen 11103 183rd St
Sophia Hair Salon
13243 South St.
Tacos San Pedro
11832 E Carson St
Tour Le Jour
13359 South St VI Pharmacy
12610 South Street
WRD 4040 Paramount
Ramona St, Bellflower — shows up in both assault and grand theft vehicle cases, signaling overlapping violent and property crime.
Rosecrans Ave, Norwalk — multiple robberies reported along different blocks of the corridor.
Firestone Blvd, Norwalk — appears in burglary, vehicle burglary, and theft reports during the same reporting window.
Washington Blvd, Pico Rivera — repeatedly tagged for shoplifting incidents along retail stretches.
Rosemead Blvd, Pico Rivera — linked to both violent crime and vehicle theft, marking it as one of the city’s most volatile corridors this week.
Firestone Blvd, La Mirada — shows up in both vehicle burglary and theft activity, with nearby residential streets reporting multiple catalytic converter thefts.
Horst Ave, Hawaiian Gardens — appears in multiple assault cases within a short time frame, marking a concentrated violence hotspot. Source: Crimemapper.com
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Plant–North project to address PFAS contamination.
In Norwalk, $500,000 was awarded for the Holifield Park parking lot project, which will add 74 new parking spaces along with fencing, walkways, landscaping, and driveway improvements. An additional $250,000 will fund advanced traffic controllers near the future L Line Norwalk and Lambert Station areas to modernize signal systems and improve traffic flow.
In La Mirada, $1.5 million was secured for improvements at Neff Park, including grading, drainage, and landscaping work to address recurring flooding following moderate rainstorms.
In Santa Fe Springs, $850,000 will be used to develop the River Parcel Passive Park, transforming nearly three acres of vacant city-owned land into a multi-use recreational space.
Petty Theft, 9200 blk Whittier Blvd
Petty Theft, 8600 blk Whittier Blvd
Petty Theft, 8700 blk Washington Blvd
Petty Theft, 8500 blk Washington Blvd
Petty Theft, 8200 blk San Luis Potosi St
Grand Theft Vehicle, 7200 blk Rosemead
Grand Theft Vehicle, 5200 blk Rosemead
Auto Parts, 4700 blk Calada Ave
Repeat crimes: Washington Blvd repeatedly targeted for shoplifting; Rosemead Blvd appears in both assault and robbery cases.
HOT STREETS THIS WEEK
Los Cerritos Ctr, Cerritos — repeated petty thefts, grand thefts, and vehicle thefts across multiple days, making it the most active location in this reporting period.
Heiner St, Bellflower — hit twice for auto parts theft, indicating targeted vehicle stripping.
In Whittier, $250,000 was allocated for a broadband connectivity project between City Hall and Uptown Whittier to improve internet reliability and speed.
Additional projects funded across the district include $1 million for a new Montebello Fire Department brush fire station, $1.4 million to upgrade Montebello Police Department radio communications, $1.09 million for the Foothill Zone Consolidation Water Project in La Habra, $250,000 for park and gymnasium improvements in La Habra Heights, $1.2 million for upgrades at Suzanne Park in Walnut, $850,000 for Walnut Valley Water District’s Emergency Operations Center and cybersecurity resilience project, $1.03 million for a public safety training unit at Rio Hondo Community College, and $850,000 for Foothill Transit’s zeroemissions bus program.
SANCHEZ
From the Mayor’s Desk: February 6, 2026
By Cerritos Mayor Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
City of Cerritos staff continually work to provide the highest quality service for residents and businesses. Effective two-way communication plays an important role, from sharing details on key government functions to receiving feedback on a variety of topics. Which is why I’m excited about the City’s new civic Leadership Academy, L.E.A.D. Cerritos.
This free, seven-session program is run through the Cerritos City Clerk’s Office. Sessions for our first cohort of approximately 60 residents began last month. L.E.A.D. stands for Learn, Educate, Act, and Discover. It is designed to educate and empower Cerritos residents by deepening their understanding of local government operations, decision-making processes, and community priorities.
The first session provided L.E.A.D. attendees with information about the organizational structure of our City, such as our council-manager
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Colorado, The Permanente Medical Group Inc., Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and Colorado Permanente Medical Group.
Kaiser Permanente said it did not admit liability or wrongdoing as part of the settlement and agreed to resolve the matter to avoid prolonged litigation. The organization characterized the dispute as involving documentation standards rather than patient care and noted that Medicare Advantage risk adjustment practices across the industry are under increased regulatory scrutiny.
Before this settlement was announced, Los Cerritos Community News ran an opinion column, based on a report from John Oliver’s This Week Tonight, warning that Medicare Advantage’s risk-adjustment system rewards overbilling, distorts medical records, and creates powerful incentives to inflate diagnoses at taxpayer expense.
LCCN also pointed out that for many seniors, traditional Medicare — Part A and Part B paired with a standalone Part D prescription drug plan — is often a safer and more transparent choice than Medicare Advantage. Unlike Advantage plans, traditional Medicare does not rely on private insurers gaming risk scores to increase federal payments. Coverage decisions are clearer, provider choice is broader, and patients are not locked into narrow networks or forced to navigate prior authorization roadblocks that delay or deny care. While Medicare Advantage aggressively markets “extra benefits,” those perks often come at the cost of restricted access, surprise denials, and opaque medical decision-making driven by corporate cost controls rather than patient need.
The Kaiser settlement is not an isolated scandal or a management failure. It is a textbook example of why Medicare Advantage is fundamentally broken.
For years, insurers and their defenders have insisted that inflated risk scores are simply the byproduct of “better documentation.” The Justice Department’s al-
form of government and status as a Contract City with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department. The session included presentations by our three Council-appointed employees, the Cerritos City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney. The group also engaged in fun trivia about our City, such as the name of the T-Rex inside the Cerritos Library (Stan) and our Strategic Plan motto (Cerritos in Progress).
Our L.E.A.D. cohort will hear from staff across each City department over the seven-session academy. In accordance with the City of Cerritos Guidebook for Elected and Appointed Officials, all future appointees will be required to attend and participate in the L.E.A.D. Cerritos program. We look forward to their attendance and welcoming additional residents into future cohorts. Learn more about the academy at cerritos.gov/lead.
Whether you’re a L.E.A.D. Cerritos attendee or active at our Council meetings, City events, or engage in other ways, we appreciate the opportunity to connect and work together to advance Cerritos. Learn more about the naming contest at cerritos.gov/cow and the City’s history at cerritos.gov/history.
legations cut through that narrative. When physicians are pushed to mine charts for diagnoses that were never treated, never discussed, and never followed up on, documentation becomes a financial weapon, not a clinical tool.
Medicare Advantage is designed to pay insurers more when patients are sicker on paper. That incentive does not disappear with oversight or better compliance training. It is built into the model. When billions of federal dollars hinge on diagnosis codes, the pressure to overcode is not a bug. It is the feature.
The damage goes beyond wasted public funds. Inflated diagnoses permanently alter patient medical records, saddling seniors with conditions they may never have had. Those records can affect future care, insurance decisions, and even how patients are perceived by providers. In many cases, the government has found that these high-value diagnoses come with little or no actual treatment, exposing the truth that the coding exists for payment, not care.
Kaiser is often held up as the gold standard of nonprofit healthcare. Yet even here, the logic of Medicare Advantage turned clinical judgment into a revenue stream. A $556 million settlement may sound enormous, but for a system with tens of billions in annual revenue and reserves, it functions as a cost of doing business, not a deterrent.
This is why repeated enforcement actions have failed to fix Medicare Advantage. The program privatizes Medicare while socializing the risk, allowing insurers to extract more public money while regulators chase fraud after the fact. Seniors are promised coordinated care and savings, but taxpayers foot the bill for inflated payments, and patients inherit corrupted medical records.
The Kaiser case confirms what critics have argued for years: Medicare Advantage does not need better guardrails. It needs fundamental reform or replacement. As long as insurers are paid more for making patients appear sicker, fraud enforcement will always lag behind financial incentives.
You ICE Bastards! My
daughter
was in the Portland, Oregon crowd
I am writing this as a parent, not a pundit, not a partisan, not a protester looking for a headline. I am writing this as someone who had to sit with the sickening knowledge that my daughter was standing in a crowd when the government decided that fear, gas, and impact weapons were an acceptable way to answer dissent. If that sentence doesn’t make you stop and feel something, you’ve already lost the plot.
Before I say another angry word, let me be clear about something that matters more than my rage. People across this country have been hurt. Some have been permanently injured. Some have been killed. Parents have buried children. Children have watched parents die. Communities have been scarred in ways that don’t show up in police reports or press releases. This op-ed is not just about my daughter. It is about every family that has felt that same cold drop in the stomach when a peaceful gathering turns into chaos because someone with authority chose force first.
Now for the part I refuse to sanitize.
You ICE cowards/bastards fired into a crowd. Not a battlefield. Not an armed standoff. A crowd of human beings. Families. Young people. Older adults. People who believed, foolishly it seems, that exercising a constitutional right wouldn’t make them a target. When the gas canisters fly and the pepper balls start snapping, you are not controlling a situation. You are creating one. You are unleashing panic and hoping luck cleans up the mess you started.
My daughter did nothing to deserve that. Neither did the people next to her. Neither did the people in cities across this country who have been beaten, gassed, run down, or shot while standing up and saying they mattered. You don’t get to label them “crowds” or “agitators” or “subjects” to make it easier to pull the trigger. They are people. Someone’s kid. Someone’s parent. Someone who was supposed to make it home that night.
What enrages me almost as much as
the violence itself is the casual way it’s justified afterward. The sterile language. The talking points. The shrug that says, “Well, that’s what happens.” No. That’s what happens when institutions forget they exist to serve the public and start acting like they exist to dominate it. That’s what happens when accountability evaporates and force becomes routine instead of extraordinary.
Empathy isn’t weakness. It’s the bare minimum. If you cannot look at the injured, the traumatized, and the dead and feel the weight of that harm, then you should not be anywhere near a badge, a weapon, or a command post. If your response to a parent saying “my child was there” is to check a policy manual instead of your conscience, then something inside you is broken.
This country is better than this, or at least it used to pretend to be. We used to agree on one simple line: the government does not terrorize its own people to prove a point. It does not treat dissent as an enemy to be crushed. It does not accept collateral damage as the cost of doing business.
I am furious because I am grieving for people I have never met. I am furious because next time someone’s daughter might not make it home. And I am furious because none of this is inevitable. These are choices. Ordered by someone. Approved by someone. Defended by someone.
So hear this plainly. My daughter was in that crowd. Other people’s daughters and sons were in crowds all over this nation. Some of them are hurt. Some of them are gone. You do not get to wash that away with statements or excuses. You own it. And until there is real accountability, real restraint, and real humanity restored to those who wield power, parents like me are not going to calm down, look away, or shut up.
Brian Hews~Editor and Publisher
KAISER
Grant Brings WRD Groundwater Facility Field Trips to Local Students
WRD board members, WRD General Manager and representatives from Marathon Petroleum pose with a $15,000 grant check supporting student field trips to the WRD Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning in Pico Rivera, aimed at expanding groundwater and recycled water education.
LCCN Staff Report
The Water Replenishment District of Southern California has received a $15,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum Corporation to expand groundwater and recycled water education for students across southern Los Angeles County.
The funding will support student field trips to the District’s Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning in Pico Rivera, an education facility focused on groundwater sustainability, water recycling, and conservation. The program is open to schools located in communities near the Los Angeles refinery’s operations.
The Albert Robles Center features a full-scale advanced water purification facility, an interactive learning center, and a demonstration garden designed to highlight climate-friendly landscaping. Through staff-led field trips, students and educators receive hands-on instruction
about the region’s groundwater system, how recycled water supports long-term water reliability, and the role conservation plays in protecting local water supplies.
District officials said the program is designed to build on students’ existing understanding of the water cycle while introducing them to groundwater management and career pathways in the water industry. The experience also aims to connect environmental education with workforce development and long-term economic mobility.
“We are deeply grateful to Marathon for their generous grant, which enables us to expand our educational outreach to priority communities,” said WRD Board President Sergio Calderon. “This funding supports our mission of promoting sustainability and resilience in groundwater management while empowering young people to become future leaders in environmental stewardship.”
Annual Festival of Friendship at CCPA on February 7
Cerritos annual Festival of Friendship starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, located at 18000 Park Plaza Drive.
The 27th annual event will feature a variety of cultural entertainment in the CCPA’s main theater. Local groups will perform, offering spectators an educational experience. The event is free to attend, and seating will be general admission.
Performers will include the JC Culture Foundation, Filipino Seniors of Cerritos Association, Global Culture
RATES from page 1
Council Member Hong focused on Proposition 218 compliance, questioning whether capital improvement projects and reserve funding could legally be included in the rate increase and urging deferral, transparency, and alternative funding.
Council Member Tse acknowledged resident frustration, said the issue should have been addressed years ago, and emphasized her duty to consider the entire city while supporting moving forward with the option to revisit rates later. Council Member Pulido praised the grassroots opposition as unusually effective, acknowledged past councils failed to act decisively, and framed the proposal as a necessary response to aging infrastructure rather than a capacity issue. Mayor Pro Tem Johnson forcefully defended the increase, arguing residents benefited for years from artificially low, subsidized water rates funded through redevelopment and the General Fund, warning that continued subsidies would threaten public safety and city maintenance, and calling for a future report on alternative revenues. Yokoyama moderated the discussion, enforced decorum amid repeated
Education Foundation, Shakti Dance Company, Adaptive Recreation – Dance & Movement, Formosa Seniors Association, Inc., Hanabi Taiko, Da’Hawaii Seniors Club, Ray Shine Foundation, The Original Happy Seniors of Cerritos, Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society – Orange County, Cerritos Ivy Club, Angklung Group of Cerritos, Cerritos ChineseAmerican Senior Citizens Association, Na Ipo Hula, Chinese Culture Association of Southern California, and Paso De Oro Dance Company.
disruptions, confirmed the absence of a majority protest under Proposition 218, and oversaw the 3–2 vote approving the staff recommendation, noting the council could revisit rates through future budget cycles if circumstances change.
Former Cerritos Mayor Carol Chen, who urged the council to delay the rate increase and explore alternative revenue options, even floated the idea of a sales tax. Cerritos residents may recall that Chen—along with former Mayors Bruce Barrows and Naresh Solanki—personally campaigned against and rallied residents to defeat sales tax measures on two separate occasions. Some residents were waiting for Chen to propose closing the Sheriff’s Station to pay for the repairs.
In addition to approving the rate increase, the City Council also approved a low-income water and sewer utility assistance program that will provide eligible customers with a $40 discount on their bimonthly utility bills. City staff said the program is intended to help offset the impact of the increases for qualifying households.
The newly adopted water and sewer rate schedules take effect February 1, 2026. Utility customers will receive notice of the changes on their upcoming bills.
605 LEAGUE BOYS BASKETBALL: Lai’s fourth quarter performance rallies Cerritos past Artesia
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
Another chapter was written in the longstanding boys basketball rivalry between Artesia High and Cerritos High last Friday night and Cerritos junior Noah Lai was a big part of it. Held without a point through the first three quarters and
defense,” said Cerritos head coach Jonathan Watanabe. “We’ve told our guys, you’ve got to defend, you’ve got to defend, you’ve got to defend. The second round [of league], our defense has gotten a little bit loose. We’ve had guys injured and I think our practices have not been intense because we’re trying to make sure that we don’t get injured in practice. Credit to [junior] Rocco [Chua], who turned his
only four shots taken, Lai erupted for 13 points in the fourth quarter, including going nine for 10 from the free throw line as the Dons rallied for a 61-58 road victory.
Cerritos, once down by five points late in the first half, improved to 16-11 overall but more importantly, stayed tied with Pioneer High for first place in the 605 League with one game remaining in the regular season. Both teams are 8-1 in the circuit.
“Honestly, the energy was high, everyone came to play, and it was just the team that brought it,” said Lai.
“It always comes down to our
ankle in practice yesterday, but suited up today. He said, ‘I’m taping it up; I’m ready to go’. He came up big and knocked down a few big shots. But all our guys stepped up, and I thought…that’s what we have. We have a really good team.”
After scoring the first five points of the game, the Dons saw Artesia respond with seven straight points as an offensive putback from senior Christian Stewart gave Artesia the lead with 4:40 left in the stanza. Then in the second quarter, an 8-0 run by the Pioneers put the hosts up by five
[ See CERRITOS, page 12 ]
LEGAL NOTICES- YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW!
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO. CU 25-01
TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the modification of an existing bank building to establish a café with a drivethrough component within The Downtown Bellflower Transit-Oriented Development Specific Plan area on real property commonly known as 15908 Bellflower Boulevard.
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed Resolution 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”). CEQA Guideline § 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) provides an exemption for the conversion of small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. The proposed Project consists of converting an existing bank building into a café with a drivethrough component with minor exterior improvements to the structure and other necessary site improvements. The Project would not result in significant negative effects related to queueing and it can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services. Accordingly, no further environmental review is required.
The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. Copies of the staff report and supporting documents regarding this matter may be inspected by the public on the City’s website at www.bellflower.ca.gov, or by appointment in the Planning Division’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California, telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2314. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to Kathryn Brun at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706; or by email at kbrun@bellflower.ca.gov.
If you wish to challenge this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at or before the Public Hearing.
ELIZABETH C. OBA DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES
at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 2/6/26
Longstanding boys basketball rivalry to pause at least for a season
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
It began with names like Amaury Fernandez, Jason Kapono and Jack Martinez on one side and Anthony Alexander, Peter Chun and Ziad Dahdul on the other side. Nearly three decades later, it ended, at least for now, with names like Jordan Heredia, Christian Stewart and Kobe Young on one side and Noah Edwards, Devon Hardy and Noah Lai on the other side.
The best boys basketball rivalry in the 605 League the past eight seasons, which began on Jan. 20, 1999 when Cerritos High joined the Suburban League from the Mission Valley League temporarily ended when the Dons held on to defeat Artesia High 61-58 last Friday night.
With the new 20-school Suburban Valley Conference beginning next season, five teams will each be put into four leagues. The longtime rivals will not be in the same league for the 2026-2027 season, but that may change two seasons for now, or a little bit longer. For Cerritos head coach Jonathan Watanabe, he has seen the highs and lows of the rivalry and has been the head coach for all but two of those games.
“I think it’s been awesome for both programs,” said Jonathan Watanabe. “Obviously in the beginning with [Jason] Kapono and James Harden, they dominated the beginning part [of the rivalry]. But with us having Aaron Wright and Evan Leonard kind of balance it out. The last few years we’ve had some big name players, like Alex Archer, Shay Pema, Tobenna Ozoagu. So we’ve had guys going back and forth and we’re right with them, and it’s been fun.
“I really think it keeps you on that edge,” he continued. “In the offseason, I’m sure he watches…we’re watching what each other do. So we have to make sure we’re putting in the work because of what they’re doing, and that just makes you better.”
In the first Artesia-Cerritos game as Suburban League members, the Pioneers easily won 92-34 behind 26 points from Martinez and 16 points from Franklin Matos, a freshman at the time. Artesia would go onto a 32-3 season while Cerritos,
which got 13 points from Chun in that first meeting, would lose the next 17 straight to the Pioneers.
The last of those 18 straight games came on Jan. 24, 2007 when Harden scored 29 points in a 73-46 win. The next season, Cerritos posted a 70-63 victory on Jan. 7, 2008 and was the first of 16 wins over the next 20 meetings between the rivals.
Artesia head coach Jeff Myles has coached his team in the last 14 meetings, going 6-8 against Watanabe. In fact, since the 605 League was formed, it has been owned by these two teams with Watanabe claiming five league titles and Myles the other three, which came in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
“It’s been fun; it’s one of those games that no matter the records, all the students come out,” said Myles. “You saw the student section come out [tonight] and it was packed, probably as packed as it’s been all year. It’s packed when you go [to Cerritos], so it’s a heated rivalry. Last year, we beat them twice and this year, they kind of got us twice. We’ll see where we fall next year in league.”
“Coach Myles has done a great job,” said Watanabe. “Last year he did an awesome job, but this year, he’s doing another great job developing these young guys. I got to see their lower levels play today; they have some guys coming up. So, their program is on the up and up. It’s all the credit to him. We’ve butted heads a lot and we’ve gotten at it, but it’s part of the rivalry. You compete against each other, and it makes both of us better. But I enjoy it. I hope we’re able to be in the same league or play each other in a single [game]. But let’s keep [the rivalry] going. It’s been a great eight years in this league.”
While Myles may not have as many memories of the rivalry as Watanabe, the one game that stands out the most for the 24-year veteran head coach of the black and gold came on Feb. 5, 2013 when the Dons defeated the Pioneers 39-31 at Artesia in what is still the lowest scoring game in the 56 games.
“I honestly did not think we would make the playoffs that year,” said Watanabe. “That was the first year we played at the Staples Center because I
[ See RIVALRY, page 12 ]
CITY OF BELLFLOWER NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING NONCONFORMITY ABATEMENT
TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to consider a Nonconformity Abatement related to the automobile repair shop use within the General Commercial (“C-G”) zone on real property commonly known as 17207 Clark Avenue.
The request was reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Res. Code § 21000, et seq.; “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 14, § 15000, et seq.). The proposed action is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to 14 Cal. Code Regs. 15061(b)(3), 15321(a), and 15378(b)(4-5) because it does not involve any commitment to a specific project which could result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, it involves an enforcement action of a specific use on the property, and it does not constitute a “project” that requires environmental review.
The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. Copies of the staff report and supporting documents regarding this matter may be inspected by the public on the City’s website at www.bellflower.ca.gov, or by appointment in the Planning Division’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California, telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2011. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to Jaliza Reynaga at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706; or by email at jreynaga@bellflower.ca.gov.
If you wish to challenge this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at or before the Public Hearing.
ELIZABETH C. OBA DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND
CERRITOS HIGH SOPHOMORE Kaleb Duag scores on one of his two baskets in the first half against Artesia High last Friday in a 61-58 victory. Duag came off the bench to score seven points along with picking up a couple of steals. Photo by Makoa Bocalan.
CITY OF LA MIRADA
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Notice is hereby given that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of La Mirada on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the purpose of electing two Members of the City Council from Districts 1 and 2 for the full term of four years.
The candidate nomination period is February 9 through March 6. During this period, a candidate may submit the nomination form, candidate statement and other documents required by the City.
For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (562) 943-0131.
Leticia Revilla, City Clerk City of La Mirada
Published at La Mirada Lamplighter 2/06/26
CITY OF LA MIRADA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of a public hearing to be held by the City Council of the City of La Mirada on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California to consider the following items:
ORDINANCE NO. 748: THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE WOULD ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODES, INCLUDING TITLES 26 (BUILDING), 27 (ELECTRICAL), 28 (PLUMBING), 29 (MECHANICAL), 30 (RESIDENTIAL), 31 (GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS), AND 33 (EXISTING BUILDING CODE) OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE. UPON ADOPTION, THESE CODES WOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO TITLE 17, CHAPTERS 17.04 THROUGH 17.19 OF THE LA MIRADA MUNICIPAL CODE AND WOULD SERVE AS THE CITY’S ENFORCEABLE BUILDING REGULATIONS. THE PROPOSED ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3), AS IT CAN BE SEEN WITH CERTAINTY THAT THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY THE ACTIVITY MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
At the hearing, the City Council will consider staff’s recommendation, as well as all testimony and public input prior to final action. This ordinance was first introduced and scheduled for public hearing at the City Council Meeting on January 27, 2026. The documents being considered are available for review at the City’s Community Development Department offices located at City Hall, 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California. You may contact the Manuel Muñoz, Community Development Director at (562) 943-0131 or manuelmunoz@cityoflamirada.org should you have any questions concerning this item.
If you wish to be heard concerning the items identified in this Notice, you may appear in person at the public hearing, or you may submit your comments in writing to the City prior to or at the public hearing. Mailed comments should be addressed to the City of La Mirada, Community Development Department, 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California 90638.
Please notify the City Clerk’s office at (562) 943-0131 at least four days prior to this hearing should you require disability-related accommodation (e.g. sign language interpreter).
IF YOU CHALLENGE ANY OF THE FOREGOING ACTIONS IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR FINAL ACTION DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Manuel Muñoz
Community Development Director
Dated: February 6, 2026
Published at La Mirada Lamplighter 2/06/26
CITY OF LA MIRADA NOTICE INVITING BIDS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 2025-04
WINDERMERE AND GARDENHILL FLOORING REPLACEMENT AND INTERIOR PAINTING
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. 2025-04, Windermere and Gardenhill Flooring Replacement and Interior Painting. Work includes flooring replacement at Windermere and Gardenhill Park and interior painting at Gardenhill Park 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 February 11, 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 1/23/26
CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2026-623
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS AMENDING SECTION 18.90.080 OF THE HAWAIIAN GARDENS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE § 21080.17
Notice is hereby given that on January 28, 2026, the City Council of the City of Hawaiian Gardens introduced for first reading, Ordinance No. 2026-623, amending Section 18.90.080 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code to comply with recent changes to state law that impose new limits on local authority to regulate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs).
A copy of Ordinance No. 2026-623 is on file with the City Clerk, and available for public review at City Hall, 21815 Pioneer Blvd., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716. Also, a copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.hgcity.org.
The City Council will hold the second reading and adoption of the ordinance on February 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the City Council Chambers, 21815 Pioneer Boulevard, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk
Published: February 6, 2026
Los Cerritos Community News
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 2/6/26
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL CASE NO. 1017
MODIFICATION PERMIT CASE NOS. 1375 AND 1376
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Fe Springs will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following:
DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL CASE NO. 1017: For exterior improvements including one new 24’ tall cooling tower, one new wastewater treatment system within a new 28’ tall metal canopy structure, two new 31’-2” tall and two new 19’-5” tall metal tanks for the storage of milk, and one new metal canopy extension over the tankers; and
MODIFICATION PERMIT CASE NO. 1375: To allow partial screening of the proposed tanks; and
MODIFICATION PERMIT CASE NO. 1376: To temporarily deviate from the minimum required number of parking stalls
PROJECT LOCATION/APPLICANT: 12809 Busch Place, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 / Rex Creamery
CEQA STATUS: The Planning Commission will determine whether the project qualifies for a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303 – Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and Section 15311 – Class 11 (Accessory Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines.
THE HEARING will be held before the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Fe Springs in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to participate in the Public Hearing and provide input on the items listed above. Please note that if you challenge these items in judicial proceeding, you may be limited to issues raised during the Public Hearing or submitted in writing to the office of the Commission, on or before the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC COMMENTS may be submitted in writing to the Community Development Department at City Hall, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs CA 90670 or e-mail the Planning Commission Secretary at esmeraldaelise@santafesprings.gov. Please submit your written comments by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the Planning Commission meeting. You may also contact the Community Development Department at (562) 868-0511 ext. 7550.
FURTHER INFORMATION on this item may be obtained from Laurel Reimer, Planning Consultant, via e-mail at laurelreimer@santafesprings.gov or by phone at: (562) 868-0511 ext. 7354.
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 2/6/26
CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2026-624
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTION 1.12.050 (C) OF CHAPTER 1.12 OF THE HAWAIIAN GARDENS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE CITATIONS
Notice is hereby given that on January 28, 2026, the City Council of the City of Hawaiian Gardens introduced for first reading, Ordinance No. 2026-624, amending Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code Section 1.12.050 (C) to add “Parking Enforcement Officer” to the list of classifications of officers and employees of the City who are authorized to issue citations. This is a new position in the Public Safety Department. The City desires to authorize Parking Enforcement Officers to issue citations pursuant to Penal Code Section 836.5.
A copy of Ordinance No. 2026-624 is on file with the City Clerk, and available for public review at City Hall, 21815 Pioneer Blvd., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716. Also, a copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.hgcity.org.
The City Council will hold the second reading and adoption of the ordinance on February 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the City Council Chambers, 21815 Pioneer Boulevard, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk
Published: February 6, 2026
Los Cerritos Community News
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 2/6/26
persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of LAN PING CLARK. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CHARLES H. BROWN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CHARLES H. BROWN 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 with limited authority. (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 in this court as follows: 02/18/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 67 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 file with the court a Request for Special
Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner
STEPHANIE COOK - SBN 319472
VARELA LAW, PC (DBA: THE WAGON LEGACY)
3040 SATURN STREET, SUITE 201 BREA CA 92821
Telephone (714) 451-5766
BSC 227932
1/23, 1/30, 2/6/26
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LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWS
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:
HERBERT L. MILLER
CASE NO. 26STPB00576
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of HERBERT L. MILLER.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by VICKIE YOUNG-OMORDIA in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that VICKIE YOUNG-OMORDIA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
If there are any questions regarding this project, please upload all questions to: City’s portal on PlanetBids. Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 1/29 and 2/5/26 City of La Mirada
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 in this court as follows: 02/20/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 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 file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner
NICOLE T. DERDERIAN, ESQ. - SBN 358006 THE PACELLA LAW GROUP, APC 5000 N. PARKWAY CALABASAS, #219 CALABASAS CA 91302
Telephone (818) 614-9245
1/30, 2/6, 2/13/26 CNS-4006610# LA MIRADA LAMPLIGHTER
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MICHAEL F. CALDERON CASE NO. 26STPB00486 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MICHAEL F. CALDERON. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JEFFREY SCROGGIN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JEFFREY SCROGGIN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with limited authority. (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 in this court as follows: 02/18/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 2D 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
PUBLIC AUCTION
Auction on Thursday, February 26, 2026 - 7:00 a.m. @ 14555 Alondra Blvd. La Mirada, CA 90638
Items will be sold as is where is without warranty Published at LCCN 2/6 and 2/13/26
NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS
DEMOLITION OF CITY BUILDINGS AT 5819 TELEGRAPH RD & 2366 TRAVERS AVE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITY OF COMMERCE, referred to as “CITY”, invites sealed bids for DEMOLITION OF CITY BUILDINGS AT 5819 TELEGRAPH RD & 2366 TRAVERS AVE PROJECT and will receive on PlanetBids, up to the hour of 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 12, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud online. Late submittals will not be considered. It is the bidder’s responsibility to upload the bid proposal file by the due date to City’s portal on PlanetBids.
Electronic files of the Contract Documents are available for download on the City’s portal on PlanetBids.
Working hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The work shall be completed within 30 working days after the City’s Notice to Proceed.
Each Bidder shall possess a valid Contractor’s license for the project issued by the California State Contractors License Board at the time of the Bid submission. Contractor or subcontractor performing the asbestos abatement activities must have a California C22 Contractor’s License in good standing with the Contractor’s State License Board, be registered with the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (‘DOSH’ or ‘Cal/ OSHA’), and must have a Hazardous Substance Removal Certification. The successful Contractor must also possess a current City business license.
This project is subject to the requirements of SB 854. No prime contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal and may be awarded for a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5.
NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY
Notice is given pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial Code, Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607, that Norwalk Self Storage at 11564 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a Lien imposed on said property. The undersigned will be sold at public auction conducted on www. storagetreasures.com (bond #63747122) ending on or after Tuesday, FEBRUARY 17th, 2026, at 9:00AM.
NAME UNIT #
NICOLAS ACOSTA B313
CRYSTAL REBECCA CORDOVA B135
MIGUEL A. DIAZ B613
CHARLES JERMAINE JONES B485
JOSHUA MARCOS MORALES A321
MILTON ALEXIS TORRES A214
LUCIANA LOERA MARTINEZ B476
This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 21700 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. Storage Treasures’ Principal Auctioneer and Auctioneer on Record: Auctioneer License Numbers for Christopher Paul Rosa California #3112562 Sales subject to prior cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and obligated party Published at LCCN 1/30 & 2/06/26
NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY
Notice is given that pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial
Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607,
storagetreasures.com (bond #63747122) ending on or after Tuesday FEBRUARY 17th, 2026, at 9:00AM.
NAME UNIT
JULIO CESAR ESPARZA C244
JULIO CESAR ESPARZA G112 JOSE ALBERTO MONNEY DE LA ROCA
HONORED: from (l-r) Diane Searer, Adrian Ayub, Gregg Florence, Councilmember Jennifer Hong, Sgt Tre Burkett, Jeri Florence, George Ray, and Laurie Forward.
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one more than one of his mentors, Ian Desborough, who was in charge from the 1971-1972 season through 1986-1987 and again from 1995-1996 through 20012002 and is one of seven head coaches the school has had. Watanabe is the winningest boys head coach at Cerritos with a 371-301 record, which includes the 17-11 mark the Dons currently have as the playoffs begin next week.
“I think it started just by playing and then by watching my coaches kind of teach the game,” said Watanabe of his love for coaching. “One of my first coaches was Joe Getherall; he coached in the SEYO (Southeast Youth Organization) League, and he coached us from second grade through at least eighth grade and kind of built the foundation of discipline and structure. So, I kind of learned a lot from that.”
He has 76 more victories than Desborough, who he has routinely commented about over the years and credits him for how he has learned to be the head coach he is today. The two were co-head coaches for the 2001-2002 season.
“I coached my brother’s team and also in the SEYO League and just really developed the love for the whole idea of organizing drills in practices and starting to run different systems and learn different plays and structure,” Watanabe added.
Chinen is in his 12th season as head coach for the girls team and is the second most tenured girls basketball head coach in school history. He currently owns a record of 212-130, also the second best in the program’s history, trailing Ann Dena Sjoersdma, who coached the Dons from the 1983-1984 season to the 1988-1999 season and left with a record of 282-146.
Chinen recently won his seventh league title and will make his 12th trip to the playoffs, both top marks in the program’s history. His love for coaching the sport was nearly the same as that of Watanabe. He too started in the SEYO League, and his coaches put him in a situation where they strived heavily on structure and fundamentals.
“A lot of the things that we do here fundamental-wise is still going,” said Chinen. “Going through high school, and I played a little bit over here, my coach was Joey Yezbak and was the one who gave me the opportunity to play. I wasn’t the biggest kid out there … and I learned a lot from him. After that, and years [went by] and my [former] assistant coach Richard Villeza had a club team, and I started coaching club for a while. After that, it led into Holly Matchett, who asked me one year when I was doing cross country and track if I wanted to do a lower level.”
Matchett was Cerritos’ head coach for 10 seasons, compiling a 166-127 record. After her was Ariel Adams for two seasons before Chinen took over the varsity reins.
Chinen and Watanabe obviously have different styles of coaching, but the latter sometimes gets under the skin of
certain opponents or certain coaches. For example, when facing a team where the stakes are high, he’ll yell out, “that’s one, that’s two,” in reference to the number of fouls the opposing team’s top player has. Or he’ll engage in some type of banter with the opposing coach if that person is complaining about the way Cerritos plays.
“Not on purpose,” joked Watanabe. “I’m just coaching our guys. I went to Cerritos, and I know that there’s this reputation at Cerritos that we’re trying to build; that we’re a good basketball program. I know that when I first took over, that was not the case, and Cerritos was not looked at as a basketball school. So, there’s always this battle for respect, and I think every time we step on the floor, I want to lead our guys to know that every time we step on the floor, it’s business.
“If I’m not leading that charge, I don’t feel like they have anyone to follow,” he continued. “I want to make sure that they understand this is important to me. It’s important to the school; it’s important to the program that we show up, and we compete every single game. So there is a little bit of fire there.”
Watanabe’s first year, in which he shared the duties with Desborough, the Dons went 12-15. The next season, Watanabe went 17-10 but would not have another winning season until the 20072008 season when Cerritos went 16-12.
After six first-round exits in his first nine years as the head coach, Watanabe finally reached the quarterfinals in the 2010-2011 campaign and won his first Suburban League title eight years later.
One of the many highlights in his career came two seasons ago when the boys program advanced to its first CIF-SS divisional championship game where the Dons defeated Yeshiva University of Los Angeles.
This may be Watanabe’s 24th season as a varsity head coach, but he looks at it as 30 years because of the seasons he spent at the lower levels. He took a break in the 2021-2022 season and coached the freshmen team while Convento, a former Cerritos player and Whitney High head coach, was the varsity coach. He says it doesn’t matter what level you’re coaching at because coaching is the same whether it’s at the freshmen level, or junior varsity level, or even in the SEYO League.
“Coaching is coaching, and you would think that after I coached varsity, I really thought that I could take a step back and kind of ease my way and the freshmen would be a little bit more relaxed,” said Watanabe of the 2021-2022 season. “Other than not having to watch film, it was just as fun and exciting at those freshmen games as any other team. I think it’s the joy of coaching; creating bonds with the players and the teams and seeing them compete and trying to get them to be better. Seeing the players evolve as players and people is the biggest joy.”
Unlike Chinen, who was recently recognized for picking up his 200th career victory, Watanabe went on to say that those
Cerritos Honors Marine Sgt. Tre Burkett for Exemplary Service
This past Saturday Cerritos formally honored U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Tre Burkett of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion during a public recognition ceremony celebrating his service, leadership, and continued commitment to the nation.
The ceremony was held at the Sheraton Fountain Court and was attended by city officials, community members, and representatives connected to Cerritos’ long-standing relationship with Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton. Cerritos adopted the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion in 2007, maintaining an ongoing tradition of recognizing individual service members for exemplary performance.Cerritos Councilmember Jennifer Hong was among
milestones aren’t as important to him as winning championships are.
“We’re not here to win games; obviously you have to win games, but we’re here to win championships,” he added. “We schedule tough, and so there’s years where we’re struggling in the preseason, but it’s all to prepare us to get better and to try to make our players and our team the best we can be, and to ultimately win championships. You can win 20, 30 games in a season, but if you don’t win a championship there’s nothing to show. You want to ultimately strive to win a league championship, a CIF championship, a state championship. Those are goals to go after every year.”
Including this season, Watanabe has won at least 15 games a dozen times and has reached the 20-win mark three times. On the other hand, Chinen has won at least 17 games 10 times in his 12 seasons with two losing seasons. His record in the Suburban League and the 605 League is 104-19 with three seasons of an undefeated league slate. Oh, by the way, Chinen has reached the CIF-SS finals three times in the last four seasons, still seeking the program’s first title, and has two other trips to the quarterfinals.
“I agree with the same that John said; you’re there to build a program, you’re there to bond with these kids and have them have the greatest experience they can during high school,” said Chinen. “That’s the number one thing. We have to kind of sometimes think before we react to certain things that this is for them. This is to have fun. If they’re not having fun, somebody might quit. If they’re not having fun, they’re going to go out and tell someone, ‘hey, why do you want to go to Cerritos to play basketball?’ You have to have a balance in there.”
Both agreed that coaching at the same school where they attended is different than coaching at a school that you may not have as much knowledge of or didn’t attend. Before coaching at Cerritos, Chinen coached at La Habra High for a year and Kennedy High for another year. He says coaching at Cerritos means a lot because he’s giving back to the community and the school that took care of him for four years when he was a student.
“That’s one of the things that I think any student-athlete that comes to this school should look at in the future,” said Chinen. “We do have a lot of kids who come back and volunteer and want to come back to help, and I think that’s the greatest thing. I know we’re doing our job [as coaches] because they can pop up here and there.”
“I love my experience at Cerritos High School,” said Watanabe. “That’s what I want for these kids; I want them to have the full experience. Not just my players, but my students in the classroom. You see how many alumni come back to teach and coach at our school. But it’s to have them have that same feeling that I did coming into Cerritos and going like, ‘man, my four years was awesome.’ Not just the sports part of it, but going to dances, meeting
those participating in the ceremony. In a second presentation, the Southern California Quilt of Valor organization honored Burkett with a handmade quilt recognizing both his veteran status and his continued service. The quilt was presented by Gregg Florence and Jeri Florence on behalf of the organization.
As part of the weekend recognition, Sergeant Burkett and his guest were hosted in Cerritos with lodging and meals provided by community sponsors.
Over the course of his career, Burkett has earned two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He was promoted to Sergeant in April 2025.
friends and getting to know everybody. It was just an awesome experience.”
One of the best days in the school’s history came on Feb. 24, 2024, when Chinen and Watanabe coached their respective teams, back to back, in the CIFSS Division 3AA and 4AA finals at Edison High. Chinen’s team fell to Oak Park High 71-41 while Watanabe was victorious over YULA 60-51. That season, the cousins combined for a 46-22 record, the best combined mark in the same season since 2017-2018 when they had a 44-13 mark.
“It was amazing to get to that point and be in that situation,” said Watanabe. “It was also one of those things not just doing it for our school, but for all those other schools and coaches. We always talk about doing it the right way. We don’t recruit; we just coach the guys who come into our doors and we just try to coach them up.”
“That was a fun night,” said Chinen. “It didn’t come out the way we wanted it to, but we had the opportunity to watch the boys get the job done. It was one of those years where we came in and the girls were locked in. They always asked every day, ‘what can we do, how can we get better, how are we going to shut this girl down or that girl down’ as the season went through the playoffs. When we got to the finals, we thought we were ready and prepared for that. It’s one of those things, I have to say, will be a memory forever. That was just one amazing night.”
Watanabe has coached well over 350 players in his 24 seasons and Chinen close to 200 in his 12 seasons. Asking them what their respective Mount Rushmore would be isn’t an easy task. But for Watanabe, it would be Evan Leonard, Tobenna Ozoagu, Joseph Vitug and Aaron Wright. If there was a fifth player, it would be Shay Pema.
For Chinen, it’s a lot harder because he has always had a one-two punch. But his Mount Rushmore would be Tatiana Fominyam, Alyssa Movchan, Onyeka Nwanze, and Minh-Thy Vo.
One phrase that has been used at the high school for over two decades is “The Cerritos Way,” which is defined as the dedication, discipline and determination that an athlete puts in. Watanabe says from the tryout meeting in the spring, they are to know that it’s just not something they can show up every now and then; they need to be fully committed. The players and parents sign a commitment contract saying, among other things, that the athlete is going to be at practices and games in the summer, during winter break, during fall league and on Saturdays.
“It’s a big commitment,” he added. “The coaches have to do it; I can’t decide I’m going to take off winter break and go on vacation with my family. At that point, I probably couldn’t coach because I need to have that same buy-in where I’m going to do the same thing that they’re going to do.”
While Chinen and Watanabe are far from cracking the top five, or even top 10, in coaching victories among CIF-SS coaches, they are keeping the Cerritos High programs among the strongest around.
FAMILY
points with 2:04 left in the half.
“It’s always a good rivalry, no matter whether it’s back in the Suburban League or this game right here,” said Artesia head coach Jeff Myles. “But congrats [to Cerritos]; they played well. We couldn’t make shots in the first quarter. We maybe missed seven wide open threes that we couldn’t make. It sucks for the guys who wanted to be in the playoffs. But it is what it is, unfortunately. The good thing is we have seven or eight underclassmen on the team, so the future looks bright.”
In fact, the first three quarters would see the game change hands 10 times and be tied nine times with neither team holding more than a two-possession advantage. Then in the fourth quarter, a three-pointer from senior Jordan Heredia with 5:39 left in the game gave the Pioneers their last lead of the game at 43-42. Just over a minute later, two free throws from Lai put Cerritos
in front for good, which ignited a 12-0 run over the next 2:06. Lai, who had a careerhigh 23 points against Artesia on Jan. 14, also had six rebounds and three steals.
“I just trusted the training my coaches put me through,” said Lai. “It’s just second nature to me. Honestly, it was just the team spacing out the floor for me and I just got to my spots.”
“We need him; he’s one of our big time returners and one of our captains,” said Watanabe. “So, he had to step up and when the game’s on the line, you have to be ready for it and he’s ready. The floor opened up, especially with Rocco Chua shooting beautifully.”
Artesia began to chip away at its deficit, but Cerritos was up 61-51 with 22.6 seconds left when freshman Jaycob Gomez grabbed an offensive rebound and scored 12 seconds later. Then with 5.5 seconds left, senior Kobe Young sank a desperation three-pointer and was fouled, in which he made to make it a one-possession game.
However, the two components that
plagued the Pioneers were the turnovers and the free throw shooting, in which they were 10 of 21 whereas the Dons missed four of their 19 free throws.
“We haven’t been turning the ball over lately,” said Myles. “I don’t know how many we had today; it seemed like we had 20. We had a couple of late turnovers in the end. I don’t know if the guys were tired. Maybe I should have subbed more, but it just came down to free throws in the end. You can’t be a good team when you miss 15 free throws or whatever it was.”
Heredia did all he could to keep Artesia in the game with a career-high 27 points while Stewart and Young each had nine points with the former adding 11 rebounds and the latter pitching in with half a dozen boards. Heredia has reached double digits in scoring in 20 games after just scoring a point in 14 games last season.
“He played great; he made some big shots and kind of kept us in the game,” said Myles. “I thought he took a couple of illadvised shots, and we talked about that in
the locker room. I think he had one where he could have had a lay-up but instead, he settled for a three. It [came] at a crucial part of the game; I think we were down by four or five at the time. But he’s been playing great for us lately, so hats off to him. He’s a great shooter, probably one of the best shooters in the league.”
“He’s amazing,” said Watanabe. “I talked to him after the game and he’s definitely going to be playing next year. I know he’s a senior this year, but he’ll be playing somewhere, and some college coach is going to be happy.”
Junior Devon Hardy and freshman Jace Ribac each scored a dozen points for the Dons while Chua added eight points, and junior Noah Edwards grabbed six rebounds. But the bench play continues to be solid as sophomore Kaleb Duag pitched in with seven points and junior Jeremiah Ju had seven rebounds and five points.
“I really think the injuries early were kind of a blessing in disguise,” said Watanabe. “Obviously, you don’t want to go through the injuries. But other guys got experience; they got minutes early that they may not have gotten at that time. At the beginning of the year, if we suited up 10 guys, it was a good day. Even though it was frustrating early, in the long run, those guys are way further along than they would have been had everyone been healthy. It’s just made our team better.”
Cerritos hosts Oxford Academy to end the regular season, while the Pioneers (1017, 3-6) entertains last place John Glenn High at home.
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called up [Downey High head coach] Larry Shelton and said, ‘hey, can we play at the Staples Center, because we have a group and I love them; they’re not basketball players, but I love them and I don’t know if we’re going to make the playoffs this year.’ We won [at Artesia] to clinch a playoff spot and I was literally in tears in the [Artesia] weightroom over there because I was so happy for those guys and so proud. It was the lowest scoring team I think we’ve ever had in the history of the school, but they were guys who showed up every day and worked hard. They helped build the culture that we have today.”
Cerritos finished with an 11-16 record, 6-6 in league and in fourth place. That would be Leonard’s freshman season as he would go on to have a stellar high school career. Another top memory in the history of the rivalry wasn’t a pleasant one for Watanabe, the program or the school. On Feb. 11, 2000, it was Artesia’s senior night, and the Pioneers rolled to a 144-53 victory behind 24 points from Fernandez, Matos and Martinez, and 22 from Andre Hazel. It was one of 11 games that season in which the red and black scored over 100 points. and because of that game, last Friday’s win was a sentimental one for Watanabe as it leveled the series at 28 wins and 28 losses. On Artesia’s court, the Dons are 15-13.
“This one in particular is for coach Desborough,” said Watanabe. “Coach Desborough was here in the beginning of this rivalry; I happened to be here as a freshman coach on the bench when they ran up the score and it was 144-53. They pressed the whole game, they fouled all our guys out and they kept going and going and going. [Former Artesia head coach] Wayne Merino did not shake our hands; he walked straight to the locker room.”
While the rivalry may be temporarily halted and the memories continuing, both coaches have agreed that they would like to find a way to play a non-league game until they are in the same league.
“I’m always one for playing them,” said Myles. “It’s a great game; it’s a fun game. I know the kids always get up for it. I know they know each other. A lot of them went to middle and elementary school together.”
