July 31, 2026 LCCN

LOS ANGELES County Supervisor Janice Hahn

community members during a

ICE enforcement-related deaths.

Millions More Californians Can Now Add Driver’s Licenses to Their Smartphones

DIGITAL ID: California’s expanded mobile driver’s license program allows millions more residents to securely store and present their driver’s license on a smartphone.

California dramatically expands smartphone driver’s licenses, giving millions more residents a faster, more secure way to verify their identity.

By Brian Hews

Millions more Californians can now carry a digital version of their driver’s license or state identification card on their smartphones following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signing of legislation that significantly expands the state’s mobile driver’s license program.

The new law increases participation from 15% of California’s licensed drivers to 60%, making the program available to as many as 21 million residents. Since the pilot program launched in 2023, approximately 3.9 million Californians have enrolled.

A mobile driver’s license allows users to securely verify their identity or age directly from their smartphone at participating locations without hand-

Who’s Up? Who’s

Down? The 2026 Homeless Numbers Are In, How Did Your City Rank?

By Brian Hews

The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count painted a mixed picture across Southeast Los Angeles County, with some cities reporting sharp increases in unsheltered homelessness while others recorded declines or little change from a year ago.

next throughout the region.

Cerritos Homeless Count Jumps 270%, One of Region’s Largest Increases

The number of unsheltered homeless people counted in Cerritos increased dramatically during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, rising from 10 people in 2025 to 37 this year, a 270 percent increase

ing over a physical card, giving users greater control over the personal information they share.

The expansion is part of the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ continuing modernization effort. More than 90% of DMV transactions can now be completed online, while QR code check-ins at field offices have reduced customer wait times by nearly 40%. The department has also introduced digital signature barcodes on driver’s licenses and identification cards to help reduce identity fraud.

Drivers should still keep their physical driver’s license with them while operating a vehicle. State officials emphasized that the mobile driver’s license is intended to supplement—not replace—the traditional card because many law enforcement agencies, government offices and businesses have not yet adopted the technology.

Currently, digital driver’s licenses are accepted at select Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints,

Sup. Hahn Joins MultiFaith Vigil at Knabe Regional Park Calling for ICE Accountability

Interfaith gathering at featured prayers, remembrance, and calls for accountability following ICE-related deaths cited by organizers.

By Brian Hews

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn joined faith leaders and community members at a privately organized multi-faith vigil July 25 at Don Knabe Regional Park honoring people whom organizers said died during encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The gathering was held in front of the 100-foot “Together We Are Stronger: Stop Anti-Asian Hate” mural, commissioned by LA vs Hate, a program of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. Hahn participated in the mural’s unveiling in August 2021.

During the vigil, Hahn read from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-45, quoting the passage, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

According to organizers, Hahn encouraged attendees to seek accountability, transparency, and independent investigations into ICE enforcement actions while urging businesses to protect employees, customers, and surrounding communities during immigration enforcement operations.

Faith leaders representing

The annual Point-in-Time Count, conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, is a one-night census of people experiencing homelessness and serves as the region’s benchmark for measuring year-to-year trends. The data also helps determine how millions of dollars in federal homelessness funding are distributed to local agencies and service providers.

Among the cities covered by Los Cerritos Community News, percentage changes varied widely. Cerritos recorded the largest increase, with its unsheltered homeless population rising 270 percent, while Pico Rivera posted the largest decrease, cutting its unsheltered homeless population nearly in half. Bellflower and Santa Fe Springs reported no year-over-year change.

Although percentage changes can appear dramatic in cities with relatively small homeless populations, the figures provide a consistent snapshot of how homelessness is changing from one year to the

that ranked as the largest percentage increase among cities in the Los Cerritos Community News coverage area.

The annual Point-in-Time Count found no sheltered homeless residents in the city, meaning all individuals identified during the count were living outdoors or in vehicles.

Volunteers documented 70 dwellings associated with homelessness, including 16 cars, eight vans, eight recreational vehicles, 34 makeshift shelters and four tents.

Despite the sharp percentage increase, Cerritos’ total of 37 unsheltered individuals remained below neighboring Norwalk, which recorded 102, and Downey, which counted 98.

The Point-in-Time Count is conducted each year to provide a snapshot of homelessness throughout Los Angeles County and helps determine the distribution of federal homelessness funding.

Homeless Count by the Numbers

Cerritos Homeless Jumps 270%

The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count showed dramatically different trends across Southeast Los Angeles County, with some cities reporting sharp increases in unsheltered homelessness while others experienced significant declines.

Among the cities covered by Los Cerritos Community News, Cerritos recorded the largest

percentage increase. The city counted 37 unsheltered homeless individuals, up from 10 in 2025, an increase of 27 people, or 270 percent.

The annual Point-in-Time Count found no sheltered homeless residents in Cerritos, meaning everyone identified during the survey was living outdoors or in vehicles.

Volunteers documented 70 dwellings associated with home-

See HOMELESS, Page 5

joined faith leaders and

multifaith vigil July 25 at Knabe Regional Park in Cerritos. Held before the “Together We Are Stronger: Stop AntiAsian Hate” mural, the gathering included prayers, scripture readings, and a remembrance ceremony honoring individuals organizers associated with recent

MIXED: Annual homeless count shows different trends across S.E. Los Angeles County, with Cerritos recording the largest increase and Bellflower posting the largest decrease. Graphic by Brian Hews.

Miller Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Celebrates 80 Years with $100,000 Gift for Lifesaving Pediatric ECMO Machine

By Brian Hews

The Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary celebrated its 80th anniversary by presenting a $100,000 donation to fund a lifesaving pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine and installing its 2026–2027 officers during its annual meeting June 16 at the Lakewood Country Club.

An ECMO machine provides advanced heart and lung support for critically ill infants and children whose hearts or lungs are unable to function on their own.

Often described as a temporary artificial heart and lung system, ECMO circulates blood outside the body, adds oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and returns the blood to the patient, allowing the child’s heart and lungs time to heal.

Approximately 50 members and guests attended the Auxiliary’s 80th Annual Meeting, where outgoing President Roxie Hause presented the $100,000 check to the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Foundation.

The gift fulfilled the Auxiliary’s pledge to purchase the pediatric ECMO machine, which will help provide lifesaving care to some of the hospital’s most critically ill young patients.

During the meeting, incoming President Maryann Dilday introduced the Auxiliary’s 2026–2027 theme, “Joyful Hearts,” reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the hospital’s patients, families, and staff.

The Auxiliary also celebrated another successful year of volunteer service and fundraising.

Members donated 15,855 volunteer hours during the past year while raising $17,000 through two bake sales and $84,000 from the organization’s annual

Designer Fashion Show.

The Auxiliary Gift Shop also recorded nearly 15,000 customer transactions during the year.

Four new members were welcomed into the organization, and 22 longtime volunteers received jeweled service pins recognizing their years of dedication and volunteer service.

Hospital leaders attending the event included Laura Khouri, chief executive officer of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital; Rob Gunsalus, president of the Long Beach Medical Center Foundation and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Foundation; Josue Hernandez, director of development for the foundations; and Rita Goshert, director of Child Life at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

The Auxiliary also installed its 2026–2027 executive officers:

• President: Maryann Dilday

• First Vice President (Membership): Glenda Wycoff

• Second Vice President (Gift Shop): Heather Drukker

• Third Vice President (Fundraising): Lisa Maloney

• Recording Secretary: Mary Jo Crites

• Corresponding Secretary: Jane Nielsen

• Finance Officer: Marvel Domski

• Treasurer: Sally Lane

• Parliamentarian: Roxie Hause

For 80 years, the Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary has supported the hospital through volunteer service and fundraising, helping provide equipment, programs, and resources that enhance patient care for children and their families.

THANK YOU: from (l-r) Rita Goshert, Roxie Hause, Laura Khouri, Rob Gunsalus, and Josue Hernandez celebrate the Auxiliary’s presentation of a $100,000 gift to complete funding for a pediatric ECMO machine at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

STEM Program Founded by Students Expands Hands-On Learning Opportunities for Local Children

By Brian Hews

A student-led nonprofit founded during the COVID-19 pandemic is making a lasting impact across Southeast Los Angeles County by introducing hundreds of elementary school students to the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through engaging, hands-on learning.

Founded in 2020 and based in Cerritos, Skits for Youth was created by students who recognized that many children, particularly those from underserved and low-income communities, lacked access to quality STEM enrichment programs. Their mission was to remove those barriers while making science fun, interactive and accessible.

Since its launch, the nonprofit has served more than 400 students with the help of more than 200 student volunteers representing over 100 schools. Together, volunteers have taught more than 210 STEM classes while raising more than $8,000 to support the organization’s educational programs.

One of Skits for Youth’s most visible local efforts has been its STEM programs at Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos, where elementary school students participate in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in science and engineering. The organization has also expanded its reach through programs at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia, Anaheim Public Library branches and Oodles TK-12 Genius Academy in Artesia.

Rather than relying on traditional classroom instruction, Skits for Youth emphasizes learning by doing. Students build, experiment and solve problems through activities that encourage teamwork, creativity and critical thinking.

Its flagship STEM Immersion Program introduces young learners to subjects including coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, biology, mathematics, environmental science and space science. The organization also distributes Science Kits, allowing children to continue experimenting and learning at home with guided activities and educational materials. Another initiative, Discovery Labs, gives students opportunities to collaborate on projects that strengthen problem-solving skills while fostering a love of learning.

The organization is led by co-presidents Stephanie Lin and Audrey Kim, who say the goal is not only to improve STEM education but also to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.

As technology continues to shape nearly every profession, Skits for Youth hopes to expand its partnerships with schools and community organizations while recruiting additional volunteers to reach even more children throughout the region.

For more information or volunteer opportunities, visit skitsforyouth.org.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS with Skits for Youth work alongside elementary school students during a hands-on STEM learning session in Cerritos. The student-led nonprofit uses interactive experiments and activities to inspire curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while mentoring the next generation of innovators.

Cerritos City Council Approves Reserved Parking Program for Veterans

By Brian Hews

The Cerritos City Council has approved a new Veterans Reserved Parking Program that will designate parking spaces at eight City facilities as a tribute to military veterans and their service to the nation.

The program was approved during the Council’s July 27 meeting following a presentation by City staff. Once new signage is installed, two conveniently located parking spaces at each participating facility will be reserved for veterans.

“Our veterans have given so much in service to ensure the freedoms that we all enjoy,” Mayor Lynda Provido Johnson said. “These reserved parking spaces are a simple gesture that carry a big meaning: our community sees you, values you, and thanks you.”

The designated spaces will be located at the Cerritos Civic Center, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos Olympic Swim and Fitness Center/Cerritos Park East, Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park, Cerritos Sports Complex, Heritage Park, Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course, and Liberty Park.

City officials said the program is in -

tended to recognize veterans for their service while providing convenient parking at some of Cerritos’ most frequently visited public facilities.

The Veterans Reserved Parking Program will take effect once the reserved parking signs have been installed at the participating locations.

The action follows a growing trend among California cities to recognize veterans through designated parking spaces and other public acknowledgments honoring their military service.

Opinion: Cerritos Knew the Problems. It’s Time to Move Faster on an EIFD

By Brian Hews

For years, Cerritos has warned residents about aging infrastructure, slowing revenue growth, the loss of redevelopment funding and the growing cost of maintaining a city that was largely built more than 50 years ago. None of these problems appeared overnight. City officials saw them coming. They discussed them in budget workshops and longterm planning documents.

Yet while neighboring cities have moved to action, Cerritos has spent years talking about solutions without taking the next major step. That is beginning to change.

The current City Council deserves credit for recognizing the importance of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, or EIFD, by including it in the City’s Strategic Plan. After years in which the concept received little public attention, the Council has acknowledged that Cerritos needs to explore new ways to finance tomorrow’s infrastructure. Yet recognition alone is not enough.

The City now needs to move from planning to implementation.

Many residents have never heard of an EIFD, and the name itself sounds like something only accountants or lawyers could understand. In reality, the idea is simple.

Imagine you get a raise at work next year. Instead of spending every extra dollar, you decide to save part of that raise to remodel your kitchen. You didn’t work extra hours. You didn’t borrow money. You didn’t ask anyone else to pay for it. You simply decided to use part of your future income growth to pay for something.

That is essentially how an EIFD works.

As property values increase over time, the amount of property tax generated by those higher values also increases. Instead of spending all of that future growth on day-today government operations, a city can dedicate a portion of the increase to paying for major public improvements.

No one’s tax rate goes up. No new tax is created. No homeowner receives a bigger tax bill because of an EIFD.

Instead, the city uses part of tomorrow’s growth to build tomorrow’s infrastructure.

Those funds can pay for roads, bridges, parks, public safety facilities, flood control projects, utility improvements, affordable housing, redevelopment infrastructure and other major public investments that otherwise might wait decades for funding.

California created EIFDs after eliminating redevelopment agencies in 2012. Cities suddenly lost one of their primary economic development tools. EIFDs were designed to replace part of that lost financing authority while steering clear of many of the problems that surrounded redevelopment.

One misconception deserves to be cleared up.

For decades, Cerritos has promoted itself as a “No/Low Property Tax City.” That slogan has helped attract businesses, but it has also led many residents to believe Cerritos somehow doesn’t receive property tax revenue. It does.

Under California’s AB 8 property tax allocation system, every city receives a negotiated share of the countywide one-percent property tax established after Proposition 13. Some cities receive larger shares than others, but every city’s allocation is different.

The County’s most recent AB 8 report shows Cerritos received approximately $4.7 million in general city property tax revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year, in addition to revenues dedicated to special districts.

Why does that matter? Because an EIFD is built on future property tax growth.

As redevelopment occurs and property values rise, a portion of that additional property tax revenue can be invested back into the community. That means infrastruc-

ture improvements can be financed without increasing tax rates on residents or businesses.

In other words, an EIFD isn’t about collecting more taxes. It’s about creating smarter use of future economic growth.

That brings us back to Cerritos.

The City’s own Strategic Plan identifies an EIFD as an important opportunity for future economic development. The same plan recognizes that redevelopment funding is gone, infrastructure continues to age, replacement costs keep increasing, and the City’s financial future will require new approaches to funding capital improvements.

Those aren’t criticisms from outside observers. Those are the City’s own conclusions. The difference is that other cities have already begun acting on them.

Norwalk has completed the formation of an EIFD and now has another financing tool available for future public improvements. Artesia and Santa Fe Springs are actively moving through the formation process with infrastructure financing plans, public hearings and regional partnerships already underway. Other Southern California cities—including Pasadena, Covina, West Hollywood and others—are evaluating, proposing or implementing EIFDs as part of their long-term economic development strategies.

This is no longer an experimental idea. It is rapidly becoming one of the primary tools California cities use to finance infrastructure in the post-redevelopment era, and Cerritos has every reason to be part of that conversation.

In fact, Cerritos may have even more to gain than many neighboring cities.

With major commercial corridors including Los Cerritos Center, the Auto Square, Towne Center and other significant retail and employment centers, Cerritos possesses redevelopment opportunities that many communities would envy. As those areas continue to evolve over the coming decades, the growth in assessed property values could become an important source of infrastructure funding if an EIFD is in place.

Timing matters.

An EIFD captures future property tax growth beginning from the time it is established. Every year that passes without one is another year of future tax increment that cannot be captured for roads, public facilities, and other community improvements.

Once that opportunity is lost, it cannot be recovered.

None of this suggests Cerritos should rush into an EIFD without careful planning. Residents deserve public meetings, financial projections, clearly defined district boundaries and complete transparency before any decisions are made.

But planning should not become an excuse for endless delay. For years, Cerritos knew those financial challenges were coming. Now, to its credit, the current City Council has acknowledged that reality by placing an EIFD in its Strategic Plan. That deserves recognition.

The next step is to accelerate the process.

If staff is already evaluating potential district boundaries, residents should see that work. If discussions have begun with Los Angeles County about participating in an EIFD, the public should hear about those conversations. If additional studies are needed, establish a timeline and share it.

Cities don’t build their future by waiting for perfect conditions; they build it through recognizing opportunities before they disappear.

Cerritos has long been recognized as one of Southern California’s best-managed cities because it planned ahead. An EIFD represents another opportunity to do exactly that. The City has identified the challenge. It has identified a solution.

Now it’s time to move from talking about the future to building it.

From the Mayor’s Desk: July 31, 2026

Editor’s Note: Beginning with this edition, the Mayor’s column will appear monthly. Future columns will be published in Los Cerritos Community News on the last Friday of each month.

I am excited to launch the first edition of our now-monthly From the Mayor’s Desk, published on the final Friday of each month. While this column will appear monthly, we are expanding the ways we keep residents informed. In addition to this column, we have introduced our new Employee Spotlight video series. Beginning next week, I will launch Mayor’s Minute, a short video update highlighting City initiatives, community events, and projects shaping Cerritos. Together with our digital newsletters, social media channels, and the City’s website, these communication tools will provide more frequent opportunities to stay connected.

As July comes to a close, I am reminded of the many accomplishments that reflect our engaged community and Cerritos’ bright future. Our annual Let Freedom Ring Celebration brought residents together in reflection and celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. We also celebrated the graduation of the inaugural L.E.A.D. Cerritos Civic Leadership Academy, where 56 participants gained a deeper understanding of local government and discovered new ways to become involved in our community.

The City Council also approved two exciting projects that represent significant

LICENSE

Continued from Page 1

including Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, allowing travelers to verify their identity by tapping or scanning their smartphone rather than presenting a physical license.

The credentials are also accepted by participating retailers and businesses equipped with compatible identity verification technology. Rather than displaying every piece of information contained on a driver’s license, the system allows users to share only the information needed for a transaction, such as confirming they are over the legal age to purchase alcohol without revealing their home address.

According to DMV officials, the digital credential is protected through encryption and biometric security features built into modern smartphones, including fingerprint and facial recognition. If a phone is lost or stolen, the credential can be remotely disabled through the device’s digital wallet.

Californians interested in participating must have a valid California driver’s license or identification card and complete identity verification through the DMV’s mobile application. Once approved, the digital credential can be added to a compatible smartphone wallet and used wherever mobile driver’s licenses are accepted.

The DMV stressed that carrying a physical driver’s license remains a legal requirement when operating a motor vehicle, and motorists should continue to keep their traditional license with them until mobile credentials receive broader acceptance by law enforcement and other organizations.

investments in our City’s economic future. The addition of DICK’S House of Sport at Los Cerritos Center will bring a unique retail experience to Cerritos, attracting visitors from throughout the region while strengthening our position as a premier shopping destination. The City Council also approved a significant remodel of a portion of the Carmenita Plaza North shopping center. This investment will modernize the shopping center, create opportunities for new businesses, and continue the revitalization of an important commercial corridor.

As we begin August, I invite you to join us for National Night Out on Thursday, August 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Heritage Park. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen partnerships between residents and law enforcement while building safer, stronger neighborhoods.

Meet the deputies and personnel behind our City’s public safety programs, connect with your neighbors, enjoy safety demonstrations, children’s activities, and live entertainment by the Bruno Mars tribute band, “That’s What I Like.”

The City of Cerritos is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. We are grateful for the dedicated service of the deputies at the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station and our Community Safety Division staff. While the City Council continues to make public safety its highest Strategic Plan priority, safe communities are built by residents who know their neighbors, look out for one another, and stay engaged.

Whether you have lived in Cerritos for years or recently made it your home, I encourage you to bring your family and join us at Heritage Park. Thank you for your continued engagement and support. It is an honor to serve as your Mayor, and I look forward to sharing more of the great things happening throughout Cerritos each month.

FAITH

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Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Buddhist, and Christian traditions also participated, reading passages from their respective sacred texts emphasizing compassion, justice, and care for others. Members of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) led attendees in a calland-response prayer of “No more, no más” against violence.

A central part of the ceremony was what organizers called the “Litany of Victims,” during which they recognized eight individuals whose deaths they associated with ICE enforcement actions between 2025 and 2026. Organizers read each person’s name and shared brief details about their lives before attendees observed moments of silence marked by three strikes of a crystal bowl.

Among those recognized were Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, whom organizers identified as a 52-year-old construction worker who died in Houston on July 7, and Johan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-yearold Colombian immigrant who organizers said was fatally shot in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13. Following the readings, participants placed long-stem flowers before photographs honoring those remembered while hymns and reflective music played.

The mural overlooking the ceremony was created by Japanese American artist MariNaomi during the COVID-19 pandemic following a series of anti-Asian hate incidents.

Organizers also invited attendees to support the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and highlighted LA vs Hate’s continuing efforts to combat hate incidents throughout Los Angeles County.

Cerritos Mayor Lynda Johnson

lessness, including 16 cars, eight vans, eight recreational vehicles, 34 makeshift shelters and four tents.

Although Cerritos recorded the region’s largest percentage increase, its total remained below Norwalk, which counted 102 unsheltered individuals, and Downey, which recorded 98.

The annual Point-in-Time Count is conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to provide a one-night snapshot of homelessness and help guide the distribution of federal homelessness funding.

Santa Fe Springs Homeless Triples

The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count found one of the region’s most dramatic increases in Santa Fe Springs, where the number of unsheltered homeless individuals climbed from 23 in 2025 to 75 this year.

The increase of 52 people represented a 226.1 percent jump, ranking second only to Cerritos among cities covered by Los Cerritos Community News.

Santa Fe Springs recorded no sheltered homeless residents during the count.

Despite the sharp increase, Santa Fe Springs remained below Norwalk and Downey in total unsheltered population.

The Point-in-Time Count provides an annual snapshot of homelessness across Los Angeles County and helps determine federal funding allocations.

Downey Homeless Surges Past 200 Percent

Downey experienced one of the largest year-over-year increases in unsheltered homelessness during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

The city counted 98 unsheltered homeless individuals, compared with 32 in 2025,

an increase of 66 people, or 206.3 percent.

Downey also reported one of the largest sheltered homeless populations in the region, with 69 people staying in temporary shelters.

Combined, the figures made Downey one of the largest concentrations of homelessness in Southeast Los Angeles County.

Norwalk Homeless Doubles to 102

Norwalk recorded the largest number of unsheltered homeless individuals among cities in the Los Cerritos Community News coverage area during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

The city counted 102 unsheltered people, up from 48 a year earlier, an increase of 54 individuals, or 112.5 percent.

No sheltered homeless residents were reported during the annual count.

Norwalk’s total exceeded every neighboring city, including Downey with 98 and Santa Fe Springs with 75.

The annual Point-in-Time Count provides a one-night snapshot of homelessness throughout Los Angeles County and is used to help determine federal homelessness funding.

Commerce Homeless Doubles in One Year

Commerce experienced one of the largest percentage increases in unsheltered homelessness during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

The city recorded 27 unsheltered homeless individuals, compared with 14 in 2025, representing a 92.9 percent increase.

No sheltered homeless residents were reported during the annual count.

Although Commerce’s total remained below larger neighboring cities, its percentage increase ranked among the highest in the region.

Hawaiian Gardens Homeless Up 89%

The 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count found 17 unsheltered homeless

individuals in Hawaiian Gardens, up from nine counted a year earlier.

The increase of eight individuals represented an 88.9 percent increase.

No sheltered homeless residents were counted.

Volunteers identified 10 dwellings associated with homelessness, including four cars, two vans, one recreational vehicle, two makeshift shelters and one tent.

Despite the increase, Hawaiian Gardens continued to have one of the smaller homeless populations among neighboring communities.

Lakewood Homeless Rise 24 Percent

Lakewood recorded 41 unsheltered homeless individuals during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, up from 33 in 2025.

The increase of eight people represented a 24.2 percent increase.

The city reported no sheltered homeless residents during the annual count.

Lakewood remained below Norwalk, Downey and Santa Fe Springs in total unsheltered population.

Artesia Homeless Up 22 Percent

Artesia recorded 11 unsheltered homeless individuals during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, compared with nine in 2025.

The increase of two people represented a 22.2 percent increase.

No sheltered homeless residents were counted.

The city reported 15 dwellings associated with homelessness, including two cars, five vans, three recreational vehicles, five makeshift shelters and no tents.

La Mirada Homeless Declines 14 Percent

La Mirada recorded 12 unsheltered homeless individuals during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, down from 14 a year earlier.

The decrease of two people represented a 14.3 percent decline.

No sheltered homeless residents were reported during the count.

La Mirada continued to have one of the region’s smallest unsheltered homeless populations.

Pico Rivera Homeless Falls 50 Percent

Pico Rivera recorded one of the region’s largest improvements during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

The city counted 19 unsheltered homeless individuals, down from 37 in 2025, a decline of 18 people, or 48.6 percent.

No sheltered homeless residents were counted.

The decrease contrasted with increases recorded by many neighboring communities.

Whittier Homeless Drops 50 Percent

Whittier recorded 51 unsheltered homeless individuals during the 2026 Greater

Los Angeles Homeless Count, down from 100 in 2025.

The decline of 49 people represented a 49 percent decrease.

Despite the reduction, Whittier continued to have one of the larger unsheltered homeless populations in the region.

Bellflower Homeless Drops 53 Percent

Bellflower recorded the largest percentage decrease among cities in the Los Cerritos Community News coverage area during the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count.

The city counted 44 unsheltered homeless individuals, down from 94 in 2025, a decline of 50 people, or 53.2 percent.

Bellflower also reported 53 sheltered homeless residents staying in temporary shelters.

The sharp decline represented the largest year-over-year reduction in unsheltered homelessness among the cities surveyed.

SUMMER IN

Escape the heat and discover Southern California’s favorite mountain getaway, where cool alpine air, sparkling Big Bear Lake, towering pines, and endless outdoor adventures make every summer weekend unforgettable.

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

DON’T MISS

Shops, dining, entertainment and mountain charm

BOULDER BAY

Scenic views and the best sunset on the lake.

MOONRIDGE Quiet, forested, and perfect for a cabin escape.

EAGLE POINT

SUGARLOAF

Peaceful mountain living and hiking trails. BIG BEAR VILLAGE

Lakefront luxury and stunning views. Sunset Cruise

ELEV. 6,752 FT.

BIG BEAR

CALIFORNIA

DID YOU KNOW?

Elevation 6,752 feet cooler by 15° to 20° then the desert.

Summer highs 75° to 85° with cool evenings.

Big Bear Lake is approximately 2,971 acres.

A perfect getaway for families, couples, and adventure seekers!

WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO STAY

BREAKFAST

Grizzly Manor Cafe

Legendary mountain breakfast and huge portions.

LUNCH

Santana & Mavericks

Lakefront dining and fresh American favorites.

DINNER

Oakside Restaurant & Bar

Classic Mountain Lodge, atmosphere with outstanding steaks and seafood.

SWEET TREATS

North Pole Fudge Company

Homemade fudge and mountain sweets.

Gold Mountain Manor

Bluegreen Club at Big Bear Village

Robinhood Resort

Noon Lodge

Sessions Retreat Hotel

TOP FREE THINGS TO DO

Walk the Village

Boulder Bay Photos

Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk

Alpine Pedal Path

Woodland Trail

Visit the Discovery Center

Boulder Bay

Juniper Point

Alpine Pedal Path

Pine Knot Marina

Big Bear Dam

CHECKLIST BEST TIME TO VISIT

June through September

Warm sunny days, cool evenings, beautiful lake, conditions, hiking, boating, and mountain festivals make the summer a perfect season.

BEST SUNSET SPOTS KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

About 2 hours from L.A.

• Summer afternoons are warm

• Nights cool into the 50s

• Parking fills early on weekends

• Bring sunscreen and layers

• Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends

• Reserve boat rentals early

Cerritos to run with the big boys in first season of new conference, league

Over the past eight seasons of the original 605 League, Cerritos High dominated the four-team circuit to the tune of a 18-6 league record.

However, what the Dons did the past two seasons had a lot to say about the 2026 season which includes the debut of the new 20-school Suburban Valley

that the Dons can build from heading into the regular season, it’s the fact that they recently won the Ocean View Seahawks seven on seven passing tournament.

Conference. Now, Cerritos will spend at least this season in the top league of the conference, facing five league opponents who also were among the best of the best the past two seasons based off power rankings.

“It’s a huge jump,” said Cerritos head coach Demel Franklin. “I mean, you can’t even compare where we were in, to what we’re going into. We’re playing big boy football now, and we’re in the big boy league, and we have to prove that we belong. I know that we belong there. Where we’ll finish…that will all play out, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The Dons went to the playoffs for the fifth straight season, reaching the quarterfinals for the second time in the last three seasons. However, the program must deal with the reality of losing a good chunk of who made the program where it is today.

“Last season was incredible,” said Franklin. “We had the best offensive line, I think, we’ve ever had here with Chidubem [Ozoagu], with [Devion] Stinson, with Jonathan [Avendano] and with Luke [Bocanegra]. Losing those four all in one year is huge; absolutely enormous. But we have some returners coming back. That’s going to be the biggest challenge.”

OFFENSE

If there is anything from this summer

LOREN KOPFF

Sports Editor @LorenKopff

on X

“You can’t put a lot [of stock into it] but I just like how we competed against teams we’ve never seen or have never played before,” said Franklin. “The fact that our athletes can match up with their athletes… yes, it’s T-shirts and shorts and everything changes with a helmet on. It gives is a small sense of confidence that we can at least run with these guys.”

Despite the Dons having graduated or lost 2,346 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns worth of talent from last season’s team. Franklin admitted that the biggest loss on this side of the ball is LaBrenten Wilson, who led the team with 1,432 all-purpose yards. But filling in the shoes of the offensive stars who graduated will be seniors Terrance Grissom and Sam Reeves, the latter rushing for 322 yards on 48 carries and finding the endzone three times in seven games. Grissom had 42 receptions for 461 yards and caught four touchdowns while scoring on his only carry, which went for 53 yards. Both are expected to play both ways and as Franklin added, will ‘provide electric plays for us and be that spark’.

Because of what he did last season in seven games, and a full offseason with the program since coming over from John Glenn High, Reeves is expected to be the featured back this season and will catch a lot of passes as well.

“He’s going to have his work cut out for him,” said Franklin. “He has to be in the best shape of his life, which he is. He’s as big as he’s ever been, as strong as he’s ever been and is fast as he’s ever been. He’s a captain and we expect him to lead us.”

Cerritos may have other returners coming back, and Franklin admitted the Dons are in rebuilding mode with their skilled athletes, but at the same time, he’s confident in what he has this season, and it begins with junior quarterback Evan McDonald, a transfer from St. Paul High,

See CERRITOS, Page 12

The Suburban Valley Conference, more specifically the Rio Vista League, isn’t the only thing making its debut for the 2026 football season.

Longtime Artesia High assistant E.J.

Ashby is now the new head coach, replacing Connor Crook who had three successful seasons, finishing seven games over .500. Ashby was officially named the head coach on July 9 but is no stranger to the program.

“It’s definitely not my first opportunity at having to be the head coach at this school because I started here in 2010 with [former head coach Joe] Veach,” said Ashby. “When he stepped down, I had the opportunity to take over the program, and I just didn’t want to; I liked being the assistant. So, [former head coach Don] Olmstead took over because Olmstead was on staff, and I helped him for years. For this to happen now is a surprise because I wasn’t expecting it. But I have been an assistant for years.”

The Pioneers scored at least 35 points in two of their first three games and defeated Estancia High 28-21 to move to 3-3 but totaled 56 points in their last four games of the season.

For the most part, Artesia started as many as eight sophomores in any game, which Ashby thought was a big deal because there was a lot of inexperience.

Ashby was an assistant for 10 seasons until 2020 when Covid hit. He stopped working on campus and wasn’t coaching for three seasons until 2023 when he was on Crook’s staff. He said it’s a thrill to be a head coach for a program he’s been familiar with for over 10 seasons, citing it’s ‘more comfortable’.

“The kids do know me, I know them, and I know how the school works,” he added. “I’ve been working on campus for years, also. It’s not like the kids only see me during practice because they also see me on campus. So, having that relationship with them is huge because they trust me. They were sad that Coach Crook had to leave, but they also felt good knowing that Coach E.J. is in charge and I’ve been here the whole time. Knowing them; knowing how we do things and the system and all that does make it a lot easier. I’m more excited about how we can take advantage of the season rather than how am I going to do this.”

OFFENSE

Last season was only the second time since the 605 League was formed that the Pioneers missed the playoffs, but they were the first league team to advance to a CIFSouthern Section Division championship game. Both non-playoff teams resulted in the red and black sporting records of under .500 and Ashby had a feeling last season would be a challenging one. He remembered going into spring ball last year that he had questions about the leadership because the senior class didn’t have enough leaders.

“We had one good leader, but we didn’t have enough good leaders, and that senior class, when they were freshmen, were 0-10,” said Ashby. “They got used to us winning because when they were sophomores, we made the semifinals. When they were juniors, we made the quarterfinals. So, I think they had this idea that [they] were the big dog, and we were winning, and it was just going to come easy.”

But with that inexperience and what they gained last season hopefully will pay off this season.

The Pioneers will have a new quarterback as junior Zyir Lewis replaces junior Jorge Velazquez (29 of 42, 334 yards, two touchdowns, one interception last season). Lewis was the freshman signal caller last season and played a little at the wide receiver position.

“With Jorge, he was our freshman quarterback when he was a freshman, and then last year, he played quarterback for us as a backup sophomore,” said Ashby. “He’s very talented; he can still play quarterback to this day. But he just felt more comfortable being a skilled player, and we noticed it.

“With Zyir, he’s just really good at being able to make a mistake and not letting it faze him, and that’s what you need in a quarterback,” he added. “He has it; he can mess up, and we can get on him, and he’ll be like, ‘you’re right coach, I got you, next play’. And the kids see that. So, when he’s able to stay even-keeled whether it’s a good or bad play, it helps our offense run better.”

Backing up Lewis will be juniors Justin Pettus, who led the Pioneers with 688 rushing yards on 92 carries and scored eight times and Andrew Quarles, who led the team with 20 receptions for 275 yards last season. Velazquez will be summoned in an emergency situation, but last season, he ran the ball 51 times, gained 371 yards and found the end zone five times.

The backfield is solid with seniors Izayah Carranza (31 carries, 122 yards, one touchdown), Fermin Duran (21 carries, 126 yards, three touchdowns), Jamorie Mitchell (eight carries, 31 yards, one touchdown), who will be one of the fullbacks, and of course Pettus.

“Justin is really hard worker,” said Ashby. “He didn’t know anything about

of JOUNG SIK PARK A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Juhyun Park in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Juhyun Park be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.

(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on August 25, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 240 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: STEPHEN CHAI ESQ

SBN 324214 LAW OFFICE OF STEPHEN CHAI

4801 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 308 LOS ANGELES CA 90010 CN129339 PARK Jul 31, Aug 7,14, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Government Code Section 53398.66, the Artesia EIFD Public Financing Authority (“Public Financing Authority”) will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers located at 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701 at 6:00 p.m., on Monday, August 10, 2026. The Public Financing Authority will meet at the time and place stated above to answer questions and hear written and oral comments and objections related to the proposed Artesia Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (“Artesia EIFD”) and the draft Infrastructure Financing Plan (“IFP”) prepared pursuant to Government Code Section 53398.63. This Public Hearing will be the second and final of two public hearings to consider the draft IFP, and the Public Financing Authority will consider any written or oral protests before the close of the public hearing. Each landowner and resident within the Artesia EIFD has the right to submit an oral or written protest before the close of the public hearing. The protest may state that the landowner or resident objects to the Public Financing Authority taking action to implement the IFP. If there are protests from fewer than 25% of the landowners and residents within the EIFD boundary, then the Public Financing Authority may consider adoption of a resolution adopting the IFP and forming the Artesia EIFD.

The proposed Artesia EIFD encompasses approximately 324 acres of land, representing approximately 31% of the total acres of land in the City limits. The Artesia EIFD includes several, non-contiguous development opportunity site areas, including underutilized parcels with significant potential for private investment where current and planned land use guidance support a diversity of uses promoting economic development of, and enhancement of quality of life within, the boundaries of the EIFD and the surrounding community. Documentation related to the Artesia EIFD, including a copy of the draft Boundary Map, draft Infrastructure Financing Plan (“IFP”), and the Resolution of Intention, are available online at https://cityofartesia.us/EIFD and at City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701. Documentation may also be requested by emailing czambrano@cityofartesia.us or calling (562) 865-6262 extension 262. The purpose of the Artesia EIFD is to help address the shortfall in funding for the provision of public capital facilities of communitywide significance that provide significant benefits and promote economic development within the boundaries of the Artesia EIFD or the surrounding community, and for those facilities located outside the Artesia EIFD boundaries which also have a tangible connection to the work of the Artesia EIFD. Public facilities to be financed include, but are not limited to, transit, parking, parks and recreation, police, water collection and treatment, storm water conveyance and collection, solid waste transfer and disposal, childcare, and nonprofit community organization facilities. The draft IFP describes the proposed Artesia EIFD, the facilities, the City’s and County’s proposed allocations of tax increment, the plan for financing the facilities and for issuing debt, the proposed fiscal impact and other items required by Government Code Section 53398.63. EIFDs are created to pay for infrastructure and other public amenities from incremental property tax revenues, and do not increase property taxes or any other taxes for landowners within or outside the EIFD boundaries.

The public hearing will be open to the public at the City of Artesia, Council Chambers, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701. All persons having any comments or objections on the draft IFP, the proposed EIFD, or the regularity of any of the prior proceedings, may appear before the Public Financing Authority at the aforementioned time and place to provide written or oral comments or objections to the adoption of the proposed IFP or formation of the proposed EIFD by the Public Financing Authority. Each landowner and resident within the EIFD has a right to submit an oral or written protest before the close of the public hearing. The protest may state that the landowner or resident objects to the Public Financing Authority taking action to implement the IFP. Any person having any comments on the proposed Artesia EIFD may do so as follows:

1. Attend In Person: Members of the public may participate in the Public Financing Authority hearing by attending in-person at the City of Artesia, Council Chambers, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701.

2. Submit Written Comments: Written comments can be submitted to the Public Financing Authority before or during the Public Financing Authority hearing. Those written comments will be made a part of the written record. Comments may be submitted via email to czambrano@cityofartesia.us, via mail to ATTN: Carmen Zambrano, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701, or dropped off in person at the City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall. Please identify “Artesia EIFD” in your comments.

NOTE: Any and all members of the public are invited to attend the Public Financing Authority hearing at the City of Artesia Council Chambers.

This Notice constitutes the notice pursuant to Government Code Sections 53398.66(b), 53398.66(c), and 53398.66(i).

Published: July 31, 2026

Posted: July 30, 2026 Published at Los

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 Cherry Carson RV Storage Inc. at 4160 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807 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

NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY

Notice is given pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the

conducted on www.storagetreasures.com (bond

NAME UNIT #

MARTINEZ, LUCIANA LOERA B476

COSTA, MINDREE M. B140/A147

LAGUNAS, ALAN ANDRES B658

MCKNIGHT, JOHN JAMES B307

SANCHEZ, BOBBY A280

TORRES, MILTON ALEXIS A214

This notice is given in accordance with

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA ENMIENDA AL TEXTO DE LA ORDENANZA DE ZONIFICACIÓN N.º 25-02 A NIVEL DE TODA LA CIUDAD

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA: El Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Commerce llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre una solicitud presentada por Jennifer Oden, de la firma Dedeaux Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson, relativa a la Enmienda al Texto de Zonificación (ZTA) N.º 25-02 y al Permiso de Uso Condicional (CUP) N.º 2512 (denominados conjuntamente el “Proyecto”) para la propiedad ubicada en 6100 E. Washington Boulevard (APN: 6334-026-009), Commerce, CA 90040 (la “Propiedad”), dentro del distrito de zonificación C/M1 (Comercial/Manufactura)

El proyecto incluye: 1) un proyecto de ordenanza para modificar la Sección 19.31.100(2) del Código Municipal de Commerce, la cual establece un requisito de separación de 500 pies para ciertos usos relacionados con bebidas alcohólicas a lo largo de Washington Boulevard y Atlantic Boulevard; y 2) una resolución de aprobación de un permiso de uso condicional para permitir la venta de cerveza y vino para consumo fuera del establecimiento (licencia ABC Tipo 20) en la tienda de conveniencia AM/PM existente. El proyecto se limita a un cambio de uso dentro de la huella actual de la edificación; no se propone ninguna ampliación exterior del edificio. Hay copias de la ordenanza propuesta disponibles para su consulta en el Ayuntamiento de Commerce y en nuestro sitio web, en: https:// cityofcommerce.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

DE CONFORMIDAD con la Ley de Calidad Ambiental de California (Código de Recursos Públicos §§ 21000 y siguientes, “CEQA”) y los reglamentos promulgados en virtud de la misma (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000 y siguientes, las “Directriz de la CEQA”), la Ciudad evaluó los impactos ambientales de la Ordenanza propuesta. No se requiere ninguna evaluación ambiental adicional para esta Ordenanza en virtud de las secciones 15060(c)(2), 15378(b)(5), 15301, 15303 y 15061(b)(3) de Directriz de la CEQA. La Ordenanza propuesta está exenta de la CEQA por tratarse de una enmienda a la normativa de zonificación (ZTA) que regula los usos relacionados con bebidas alcohólicas en toda la ciudad; dicha medida no provocará cambios físicos directos ni indirectos razonablemente previsibles en el medio ambiente y no califica como «proyecto» según la CEQA, ya que no conllevará modificaciones físicas del entorno. Asimismo, la Ordenanza propuesta está exenta de la CEQA en virtud de la exención de «sentido común», dado que no afectará al medio ambiente. Todas las propuestas futuras relativas a césped artificial requerirán su propia evaluación ambiental, conforme a lo establecido en las Directrices de la CEQA. y a través de este enlace: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81182319546?pwd=VDQaiB 0XHllfeyRG8YvabUPyyPXGsn.1

En este momento se escuchará a los partidarios y opositores de la ordenanza. Se podrán presentar comentarios, objeciones u otra información en persona, por teléfono o a través de una plataforma audiovisual durante la audiencia, o bien por escrito antes de la misma. Recomendamos enviar comentarios por escrito —ya sea a favor, en contra o con observaciones sobre algún punto del orden del día— para que se distribuyan al Concejo Municipal antes de la reunión. Envíe sus correos electrónicos a cityclerk@commerceca. gov; La correspondencia por escrito puede enviarse a:

City of Commerce - 2535 Commerce Way Commerce, California 90040 Phone: (323) 722-4805

De conformidad con la Sección 65009 del Código de Gobierno, si usted impugna esta Ordenanza, es posible que se limite a plantear únicamente aquellas cuestiones que usted u otra persona hayan expuesto durante la audiencia pública descrita en este aviso, o bien en la correspondencia escrita entregada al Concejo Municipal en dicha audiencia o con anterioridad a la misma.

Eduardo Sarmiento

Secretario Municipal

Fecha de publicación: Los Cerritos Community News, 31 de Julio de 2026

REGARDING Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Case No. ZOTA 26-01

TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to consider Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Case No. ZOTA 26-01 amending Chapter 17.66 (Housing Opportunity Overlay Zone – HOOZ) of the Bellflower Municipal Code to address uses and development standards as it relates to the Housing Element implementation programs. Pursuant to the authority and criteria of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an environmental assessment was conducted for this project. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA regulations (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.), this project has been determined to be exempt pursuant to 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemption) because it is for general policies and procedure-making, and it is anticipated to not have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. Resolution No. 22-04 was adopted by the City Council on January 20, 2022, approving Mitigated Negative Declaration No. MND 21-01, which analyzed the Housing Element Update. At that time, future land use regulation changes were contemplated and the Initial Study and MND 21-01 determined that there will be no significant adverse effect on the environment with implementation of mitigation measures.

The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. Copies of the staff report and supporting documents regarding this matter may be inspected by the public on the City’s website at www.bellflower.ca.gov, or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California; telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2220. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706; or by email at cclerk@ bellflower.ca.gov.

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

MAYRA OCHIQUI, CITY CLERK

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 7/31/26

CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF BELLFLOWER

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 7/31/26 CITY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Hawaiian Gardens (“City”) will hold a public hearing, pursuant to Government Code Section 66018, on August 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon as the matter may be heard thereafter, in the City Council Chambers, located at 21815 Pioneer Boulevard, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716, to hear public testimony of all interested parties for the purpose of:

Considering a Resolution Amending the City’s Administrative Citation Schedule to Update Fines for Vehicle and Traffic Violations of Title 10 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code, Title 15 of the Los Angeles County Code and Specified Portions of the California Vehicle Code

At the public hearing, members of the public will be afforded an opportunity to make oral or written presentations concerning the proposed fees.

REVIEW OF INFORMATION: The supporting documents regarding the basis for establishing the amount of the fee is available for public review at City Hall, City Clerk’s office, during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). For further information regarding this matter, please contact Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, at (562) 420-2641 or cityclerk@hgcity.org.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The District as lead agency has determined that the proposed fees are not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, sections 15060, subdivisions (c)(2)-(3) and 15378.

COMMENTS: Any interested person may attend the meeting and be heard or present written comments to the City Council at or prior to the conclusion of the public hearing. Any person challenging the City Council’s action in court or at an administrative proceeding may be limited to raising only the issues that were raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence submitted to the City at the following address: 21815 Pioneer Blvd., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716. Written correspondence may also be submitted to Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, at cityclerk@hgcity.org.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Pablo Rubio, City Clerk, at (562) 420-2641 or cityclerk@hgcity.org.

Published: July 24, 2026, and July 31, 2026

Published At Los Cerritos Community News 7/24/26 and 7/31/26

CITY OF BELLFLOWER

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

REGARDING CONSIDERATION OF A CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMIT

TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to consider issuing a Cannabis Business Permit (CBP) to operate a cannabis dispensary with delivery at 9535 Artesia Boulevard (Conditional Use Permit Location No. CU-CAN 17-14). The location has a City-issued Conditional Use Permit for cannabis use.

Pursuant to the authority and criteria of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an environmental assessment was conducted for this project. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Res. Code §21000, et seq.; “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, §15000, et seq.) the City determined that the application for the CBP consists of a request to operate a business in an existing commercial building and therefore meets the definition for classes of projects exempt from additional environmental review under CEQA Guidelines §15301 (Existing Facilities) and §15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction).

The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. Copies of the staff report and supporting documents regarding this matter may be inspected by the public on the City’s website at www.bellflower.ca.gov, or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California; telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2220. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706; or by email at cclerk@bellflower.ca.gov.

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

MAYRA OCHIQUI, CITY CLERK

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PARTICIPATION IN THE STATEWIDE COMMUNITY

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM OF THE CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Public Hearing:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on August 10, 2026, a public hearing will be held so that the City of Bellflower may consider participating in the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program of the California Statewide Communities Development Authority. Participation in said program will enable property owners to finance public capital improvements and/or development related fees for public capital improvements imposed on new development. Said public capital improvements, if financed, will be among the public capital improvements required in connection with a given development project. Said development related fees, if financed, will be used by the City of Bellflower to pay for public capital improvements which will serve the City. All such public capital improvements, including those eligible for payment from development related fees, will be of a type and nature authorized under the “Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982,” being Chapter 2.5, Part 1, Division 2, Title 5 (beginning with Section 53311) of the Government Code of the State of California and/or of the type and nature authorized under the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 (Streets and Highways Code Sections 10000 and following). Participation in said program does not in itself authorize the City of Bellflower to impose additional public capital improvements or new or additional development related fees on any property owner.

The hearing will commence at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, and will be held at the City Council Chambers, Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706. Interested persons wishing to express their views on the Agency’s participation in the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program and the financing of public capital improvements and/or development related fees as described above will be given an opportunity to do so at the public hearing or may, prior to the time of the hearing, submit written comments to:

City of Bellflower Economic Development Department

Attn: Aaron Peña, Economic Development Specialist I 16600 Civic Center Drive Bellflower, CA 90706.

Comments may also be submitted by email to apena@bellflower.ca.gov.

CITY OF BELLFLOWER NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING BUILDING PERMIT USER FEE SCHEDULE - FEE UPDATES

TAKE NOTICE pursuant to Government Code Section 66016 that the Bellflower City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to consider the proposed updates to the building permit user fee schedule that adds some new fees and increases, decreases, or maintains at the same level fees for specified existing services to reflect the City’s current actual costs. In general, the City provides two types of services: 1) general services provided to or for the benefit of the entire community; and 2) special services provided to and for the private benefit of a limited number of persons to whom such services are of value or from which they may derive profit. In the case of special services, the City seeks to protect general taxpayers from the financial burden of providing these services by the imposition of appropriate user fees designed to recover actual costs. Following the public hearing, the City Council may adopt the proposed fees in accordance with applicable law.

The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. At any time before or during the public hearing, any person or organization may file a written statement with the City Clerk, of his or her opinions with respect to the user fee study report and proposed fee adjustments. Any person or organization desiring to be heard will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the User Fee Study are available and open to public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA. Arrangements for reviewing this material and/or obtaining copies of the documents may be made by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (562) 804-1424, extension 2220 or cclerk@bellflower.org. Additionally, the User Fee Study will be available on the City’s website at www.bellflower.org.

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

MAYRA OCHIQUI, CITY CLERK

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 7/31 and 8/7/26

CITY OF LA MIRADA NOTICE INVITING BIDS

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.: 2026-01

PUBLIC WORKS ADA CREW RESTROOM REMODEL

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. 2026-01, Public Works ADA Crew Restroom Remodel. Work includes providing all materials, labor, tools, supplies, equipment and all other services necessary to complete the renovation of the restroom facilities at the La Mirada Public Works Office located at 15515 Phoebe Avenue, per the plans and specifications 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 September 2, 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

MAYRA OCHIQUI CITY CLERK

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO. 860

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Fe Springs will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following:

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO. 860: To establish, operate and maintain a used cooking oil rendering facility use within the M-2, Heavy Manufacturing, Zone

PROJECT LOCATION: 8707 Sorensen Avenue, Santa Fe Springs, CA, 90670

APPLICANT: Phoenix Pumping LLC

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 15301 – Class 1 (Existing Facilities) 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 Monday, August 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to participate in the Public Hearing and express their opinion on the item listed above. Please note that if you challenge the aforementioned item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the Public Hearing, or in written correspondence to the office of the Commission at, or prior to 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, Esmeralda Elise, 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 Alejandro De Loera, Associate Planner, via e-mail at alejandrodeloera@santafesprings.gov or by phone at: (562) 868-0511 ext. 7358.

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 7/31/26

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

TIMOTHY J. ALDER

CASE NO. 25STPB03362

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of TIMOTHY J. ALDER.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JANA M. STONER in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JANA M. STONER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 11/17/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 236 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.

In Pro Per Petitioner

JANA M STONER

13217 CORLEY DR LA MIRADA CA 90638

7/24, 7/31, 8/7/26

CNS-4060122# LA MIRADA LAMPLIGHTER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ANITA CALLENDER CASE NO. 26STPB07663

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ANITA CALLENDER.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CORLISS GRAHAM in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CORLISS GRAHAM be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 08/13/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 615B 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

ROBERT E. PEARSON II, ESQ. - SBN 231302

ROBERT E. PEARSON, APLC 1254 IRVINE BLVD., SUITE 240 TUSTIN CA 92780 Telephone (714) 544-4760 BSC 228766 7/24, 7/31, 8/7/26 CNS-4061274# LA MIRADA LAMPLIGHTER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: PAUL L. REDDEN AKA PAUL L. REDDEN JR. CASE NO. 26STPB06540 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of PAUL L. REDDEN AKA PAUL L. REDDEN JR..

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CHEYNE TYE REDDEN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS

ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CHEYNE TYE REDDEN 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. (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: 08/14/26 at 8:32AM in Dept. 600 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ZONING ORDINANCE

AMENDMENT NO. 25-02 CITYWIDE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: the City of Commerce City Council will conduct a public hearing on a request from Jennifer Oden of Dedeaux Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson to the City Council regarding Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 25-02 and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 25-12 (collectively, the “Project”) for the property located at 6100 E. Washington Boulevard (APN:6334-026-009), Commerce, CA 90040 (the “Property”), within the C/M1 (Commercial Manufacturing) zoning district.

The Project includes: 1) a Draft Ordinance to amend Commerce Municipal Code Section 19.31.100(2), which requires a 500-foot distance separation requirement for certain alcoholrelated uses along Washington Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard; and 2) a Resolution of approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the off-sale of beer and wine (ABC Type-20 License) at the existing AM/PM convenience store. The project is limited to a change in use within the existing footprint; no exterior expansion of the building is proposed. Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for review at the Commerce City Hall and on our website at: https://cityofcommerce.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

PURSUANT to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”), the City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed Ordinance. No additional environmental review is required for this Ordinance pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15060(c)(2), § 15378(b)(5) § 15301 § 15303 and § 15061(b)(3). The proposed Ordinance is exempt from CEQA because it is a ZTA which regulates alcohol uses Citywide, which will not have a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and does not qualify as a “project” under CEQA because it will not make physical changes to the environment. The proposed Ordinance is also exempt from CEQA under the common sense exemption that it will not affect the environment. All future artificial turf proposals will require their own environmental review as outlined by CEQA guidelines.

Said public hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Commerce in the Council Chambers, 5655 Jillson Street, Commerce, CA, 90040, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. and via this link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81182319546?pwd=VDQaiB0XHllfeyRG8YvabU PyyPXGsn.1

At this time, proponents and opponents of the ordinance will be heard. Any comments, objections, or other information may be offered in person and via phone or audiovisual platform at the time of the hearing or in writing, prior to the hearing. We encourage submittal of written comments supporting, opposing, or otherwise commenting on an agenda item, for distribution to the City Council prior to the meeting. Send emails to cityclerk@commerceca. gov; written correspondence may be sent to:

City of Commerce - 2535 Commerce Way Commerce, California 90040 Phone: (323) 722-4805

Per Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge this Ordinance, 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 Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Eduardo Sarmiento City Clerk

(Publish date: Los Cerritos Community News, July 31, 2026)

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 7/31/26

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CITYWIDE MORATORIUM PROHIBITING THE APPROVAL, ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, OR RELOCATION OF BLOOD BANKS, PLASMA CENTERS, AND OTHER SPECIMEN DONATION FACILITIES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Fe Springs will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following:

PROJECT: An Interim Urgency Ordinance establishing a temporary citywide moratorium for a period of 45 days prohibiting the approval, establishment, expansion, or relocation of blood banks, plasma centers, and other specimen donation facilities, and declaring the urgency thereof, in accordance with Government Code Section 65858.

PROJECT LOCATION/APPLICANT: Citywide, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

APPLICANT: City of Santa Fe Springs

CEQA STATUS: The Interim Urgency Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Res. Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq.) Section 15061(b)(3) because the actions do not approve any construction or development. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that the proposed action would not create any environmental impacts, and no additional action under CEQA is required.

THE HEARING will be held before the City Council of the City of Santa Fe Springs in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to participate in the Public Hearing and express their opinion on the item listed above. Please note that if you challenge the afore-mentioned item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the Public Hearing, or in written correspondence to the office of the City Council at, or prior to 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, otherwise, e-mail your comment to the City Clerk at cityclerk@santafesprings.gov. Please submit your written comments by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the City Council hearing. You may also contact the City Clerk at 562-868-0511 Ext. 7014

FURTHER INFORMATION on this item may be obtained from Cuong Nguyen, Director of Community Development, via e-mail at cuongnguyen@santafesprings.gov or otherwise by phone at: 562-868-0511 Ext. 7550.

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 7/31/26

who is expected to be the starting quarterback over returning senior Alexander Laurin (11 of 14, 131 yards, one touchdown, one interception last season).

Getting some carries besides Reeves will be senior Jaffeth Ortiz, but even with that said, the Dons are lined up to be more of a passing team as seniors Uriah Archie, juniors Roman Bateman, who is expected to have a huge year, according to Franklin, Noah Sarno, and sophomore Blake Takakawa are the guys expected to pick up a good chunk of yards. However, Franklin isn’t admitting an edge as to whether the black and gold will be a running team or a passing team.

Senior Matthew McCoy, a transfer from Bishop Montgomery High, who has had a big summer, has attracted a lot of college interest and program’s winningest head coach from the past 25 season predicts he will play collegiate ball.

“It’s going to come down to leadership,” said Franklin. “I still don’t have a defined ‘this is my number one leader’ on this team. I have three really good leaders-[senior] Noah Schaffer, Terrence Grissom and Sam Reeves.”

The area of concern on offense lies with the five players up front who will protect the other six with junior left tackle Jared Fernandez, junior left guard Julian Cazares, a transfer from Warren High, senior center Jayden Marcos-Mena and senior right tackle Noah Edwards. Yet to be determined is the right guard position where several players are vying for that spot. In the mix are sophomores Nicolas Hsu and Nathan Martinez.

According to Franklin, assistant coach Cesar Moreno, who has been developing the offensive linemen, feels good about what he has.

“How I do my offense is I never want my cupboard to be bare,” said Franklin. “If you are an underclassman and you’re not ready for the spotlight, I’m going to keep spoon-feeding you. By the time you become a senior, it’s your time; you’ve seen that guy do it and now it’s your time. I’ll have three guys in that role, and the lead guy will take it while the other two will evolve in the secondary. If one of them fall away, I already have two backups. There’s just too many unpredictable things in coaching to where you always have to have the next guy ready. If not, it will eat your entire season and it’s not fair to all those kids who trust you.”

DEFENSE

The line stacks up with Fernandez and Schaffer, who will be the key guy of the front four, at the ends and Marcos and junior Damian Rodriguez locking down the inside spots. Grissom, who had 29 tackles and one interception last season, and junior Dominic Najera, a transfer from Santa Fe High, are slated to be the starting cornerbacks with senior Jordan Ju (30 tackles) and juniors Trishun Smith or Jameir Thomas playing the safety positions. Archie (51 tackles, one sack), Reeves and Schaffer are expected to be the main linebackers.

SCHEDULE

There will not be an easy contest this season for Dons despite one non-league opponent and three from the Gateway League having losing marks from last season. In fact, only Cypress High did not make the playoffs, and the Dons will be seeking to avenge last season’s 17-14 loss to the Centurions. After that, Cerritos goes back to back with city rivals who like the Dons, have recent division championship appearances. Cerritos won the CIF-SS Division 12 title three seasons ago, Gahr High fell in the Division 13 finals the next season and Valley Christian High claimed the Division 9 crown last season.

Since the rivalry was renewed in 2022,

Cerritos has defeated Gahr in three of the past four seasons after having fallen to the Gladiators 13 straight times. Since 1998, Gahr leads the series 15-9 while against V.C., the Dons have dropped all five meetings since 2013. Cerritos faces Marina High for the first time since at least 1997 before concluding the non-league portion against a CIF-Los Angeles City Section team.

“First five games, we start with a tough one,” said Franklin. “They beat us last year; we made a ton of mistakes, and we still had chances to win, and we didn’t. They executed and we didn’t. That’s a thorn still stuck in my paw right now. We have to make sure we exercise that.”

Because of the expanded and revamped Suburban Valley Conference, and how the schedule shaped out, the Dons are not playing longtime rivals Artesia High and John Glenn High for the first time since at least 1998, at least for this season.

It will jump into the lion’s den with three straight road league contests followed by home encounters with the top two teams from the Gateway League last season. Cerritos has an all-time record of 1-35 against La Mirada High and Mayfair High from 1999-2017 when those two former Suburban League combatants ended those rivalries and has not played Downey High, La Serna High or Warren High since at least 1997. Cerritos did knock off La Mirada 28-17 in 2001 when it claimed a share of the Suburban League title.

“Hopefully by then, we will have hit our stride,” said Franklin of the new league. “We will have already had five games to somewhat prepare us to go into [league]. Based on what we’ve been playing the last two years, it’s going to be eye-opening. [The league opener] against La Mirada is going to be a great test for our team.

“End of the year with Downey and Warren…we’re not going to play a better opponent then them in the playoffs,” he later said. “Definitely not better than Downey; they’re Division 2, so there’s no way we’re going to play anybody, it seems like that, if we are fortunate to get into the playoffs. I just hope that we’re healthy. If we’re healthy, I like our chances.”

HOMECOMING

For the first time probably in the history of the program, the Dons will face a CIF-L.A. City Section school for their homecoming. Miguel Contreras Learning Center opened in 2006 and the Cobras from the Central League.

After falling under .500 during its first two seasons, Contreras posted a 6-4 mark in 2010 and 5-5 in 2012. The Cobras would not enjoy a winning season until 2017 when they went 7-4, the first of three seasons (also in 2021 and 2024) of finishing 7-4 before last season’s school record of eight victories.

The Dons defeated Wilson High from Hacienda Heights 53-17 in their homecoming game last season exactly a year ahead of their bye week this season. It was the first of three games where Cerritos scored at least 50 points and marked the most points the program has scored in a homecoming game since at least 1998 and over the past 26 seasons, the Dons are 8-18 when hosting their homecoming contest.

FINAL COMMENT

“We’re a really tight knit group.” said Franklin. “It’s different from any other team; like every other team I’ve had, it seemed like we bought in sooner at an earlier date. So I’m curious to see how that’s going to pay off for us at the end of the season. They’re really, really tight; not to say that the other teams weren’t tight, it just seems like we clicked a little bit sooner than other seasons.”

football when he got here as a freshman. He’s been on the rugby team in Hawaiian Gardens, and he didn’t even know that sport before he joined that. He’s always in go mode, he’s always in shape, he loves lifting weights and he wants to break out this season. We’re going to have some fun with him in the backfield.”

Even though Pettus led the Pioneers in rushing, Ashby plans to use him in various roles thus allowing Carranza to get a lot more carries. Don’t be surprised if Artesia doesn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher this season. Also expecting to see some time in the backfield is sophomore Talitua Fonoimoana, most likely as a fullback. In fact, Ashby played with his uncle on the Long Beach Poly High defensive line.

Catching the ball will be seniors Ismael Felix (eight receptions, 63 yards, one touchdown),

Makei Fitzgerald, who couldn’t play last season because of health reasons but is the fastest athlete on campus and Kingston Waller, plus junior Amir Lewis, the twin brother of Zyir Lewis, Pettus (12 receptions, 109 yards), Quarles and Velazquez.

“I think we’ll be balanced; I think we’re going to be 50-50 this year because Zyir is more of passer than a runner,” said Ashby. “I can honestly say this, since I’ve been here since 2010, this is the best receiving corps I’ve ever coached. Usually, we’ve had one to two receivers we could rely on who could catch the ball. This year, we have five guys that we know will catch the ball.”

The offensive line took a major blow as senior right tackle Jonathan Foster, junior guard and linebacker Antony Amaya and junior starting left tackle Leyon Brown, who transferred to St. John Bosco High, are no longer with the program.

“Losing our only three returning offensive linemen…we felt good in the offseason,” said Ashby. “So, our O-line this year is fresh; all fresh bodies.”

With the offensive line still a competition battle, the leading candidates figure to be junior left tackle Noah Nunez, junior left guard Mateo Flores, junior center Joseph Hallam, junior right guard William Alvarez and senior right tackle Aiden Marquez. DEFENSE

Last season wasn’t the best defense the program has had, allowing at least 26 points in six games while yielding zero, seven and 14 points in three other games. Senior Giovanny Martinez (12 tackles, one sack in six games) has been labeled as the team’s best defensive lineman, according to Ashby and junior Jhovanny Ramirez will lock down the interior positions of the defensive line while senior Jonathan Garcia (36 tackles last season) and junior Jacob Cortez will handle the end spots.

The secondary is expected to be Carranza (strong safety), Fitzgerald, Amir Lewis (cornerback), Quarles, and Velazquez (12 tackles, two interceptions last season at strong safety).

Felix and Fonoimoana will solidify the interior linebacker positions while senior Jamorie Mitchell (37 tackles, three interceptions, one sack) and junior Robert Talkington will handle the outside spots.

“I think we’re going to be more aggressive up front with the D-line, and our linebackers are faster and more experienced than last year,” said Ashby. “Last year we had Angel Lagunas, who was a beast; he was the big body in the middle, but it was just him. Our other linebacker was Jamorie, and Jamorie did a lot of the clean-up. We want more of a special unit to be able to not have our DB’s having to worry about trying to make all the tackles.”

SCHEDULE

The expanded league schedule should give Artesia a better chance of making the playoffs as the top three teams will advance to the postseason instead of only

two. But the Pioneers will have their work cut out for them in the first five games, playing teams who either had a winning record or advanced to the playoffs. They face Gabrielino High and Hacienda Heights-based Wilson High for the first time in at least 28 seasons before hosting ABC Unified School District rival Gahr High. The two did not face each other last season, but the Gladiators have owned the Pioneers since 1998, winning 14 of 20 games. Artesia’s last win over Gahr came in 2013, a 29-27 affair.

The final two games before the bye week are rematches from last season and the Pioneers hope to avenge a 14-0 loss to Buena Park High and a 34-21 defeat to San Gabriel High.

“I like it because it’s going to show our players what it’s like to play good teams,” said Ashby of the first five games. “Sometimes when you start the season off with an easy team and a win, yeah, it kind of gets the morale up. But is that really reality? I like being able to come out of the gates and be able to play teams that have been to the playoffs. Going into summer practice, these kids know that we have to bring our ‘A’ game from day one.

“Buena Park is definitely a game that I want us to be able to show out because we had such a good defensive game against them, but we couldn’t get our offense going,” he added. “Just like in any football game, when your defense has been playing so good for so long, they still will get tired, especially if your offense is doing three and outs.”

After facing Pioneer High for its Rio Vista League opener, Artesia goes on the road for three straight games against teams with a cumulative record of 8-22 from last season before rounding out the regular season against Lynwood High, whom the Pioneers have not faced since at least 1998. While in the former San Gabriel Valley League, Lynwood was predominately towards the bottom of the six-team league. However, the Knights played for a Division 14 title in 2022 and 2023 and lost in the semifinals two seasons ago.

Artesia has a 22-6 record against John Glenn High dating back to 1998 and has faced Whittier High four times, splitting that series, but the teams have not met since 2012.

HOMECOMING

In last season’s homecoming game, the Pioneers were walloped by Rowland High by 50 points, it’s worst loss of the season. This season, Artesia is seeking revenge against Pioneer, which posted a 26-21 victory on the last game of the regular season which decided the second and final automatic playoff berth from the 605 League. Artesia split a pair of games with the Titans in 2015 and 2016, then went 5-2 against them in the former 605 League. Artesia is 12-13 in its homecoming game since 1999, but 2-5 since 2018 after crushing Cerritos High 87-32 in 2017.

“That’s going to be huge,” said Ashby of the first league game. “Our last two [games] against Pioneer have been so dramatic because when they came here the year that we got bumped up to the Division 13 playoffs, they ended up winning [the Division 14 championship]. That left a sour taste in our kids’ mouths. They were bitter about that, and then last year, they stopped us from getting into the playoffs.”

FINAL COMMENT

“I’m excited about the new faces that we do have, and I’m even more excited about the balance that we’re going to have on both ends; on offense and on defense,” said Ashby. “I think we have a lot of balance this year, which is something we definitely needed in order to not only win league, but to get into the CIF playoffs and win CIF. I feel special about this group. We’ve been working hard with them on just all the little things prior to spring ball as far as lifting and stretching. I think this will be another good year after having the dip we had last year.”