Judge Strikes Down Bogus Bonta State Cardroom Regulations, Ruling Bureau Exceeded Authority
Ruling protects thousands of jobs and millions in city revenue for Hawaiian Gardens, Commerce, Bell Gardens and other cardroom communities.
By Brian Hews
SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco Superior Court judge has invalidated controversial gambling regulations adopted by California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Bureau of Gambling Control, ruling the agency exceeded its legal authority in attempting to restrict certain card games offered at licensed cardrooms throughout the state.
In a decision issued Monday, Judge Richard Darwin concluded the Bureau lacked the
authority to impose statewide restrictions on table games that have been offered by California cardrooms for decades. The ruling prevents the regulations from taking effect and preserves the current operation of licensed cardrooms while any appeals are considered.
The regulations would have significantly limited or prohibited several popular card games played at licensed cardrooms across California. Cardroom operators argued the changes would have cut revenues dramatically, forcing some businesses to reduce operations or close entirely while threatening thousands of jobs.
The lawsuit was brought by the California Gaming Association, which contended the Bureau had attempted to rewrite
[ See RULING, page 5 ]
Costco Project Would Reshape Firestone Corridor, But Major Financial Questions Remain
to
but so are millions in public subsidies, future tax-sharing agreements and unanswered financial questions. The shopping carts may arrive before taxpayers know exactly what’s in the deal.
By Brian Hews
DOWNEY — What began as an announcement of a highly anticipated Costco warehouse quickly evolved into a discussion over millions in public funding, future sales tax sharing agreements, and unanswered questions surrounding one of the largest economic development projects in Downey’s recent history.
At its June 23 meeting, the Downey City Council approved a Master Development Funding Agreement that city officials say will open the door for a two-phase redevelopment of the Firestone Boulevard corridor anchored by a new Costco warehouse and gas station.
Mayor Claudia Frometa set the mood before the meeting’s business even began, describing Costco as a game-changing investment that would create quality jobs, generate more
than $3 million annually in new city revenue, strengthen the City’s finances, and help sustain public services while reinforcing Downey’s commitment to balanced budgets.
During the City’s budget presentation, finance officials acknowledged the agreement would reduce General Fund reserves from approximately $33.5 million to about $22.9 million. Staff emphasized that reserves would remain above the Government Finance Officers Association’s recommended minimum and projected that Costco-generated sales tax revenue would replenish the reserves over time.
Under the agreement, Downey will contribute approximately $10.5 million toward the project, consisting of a $10 million lease cancellation payment to Downey Nissan and $500,000 for environmen-
Improved pathway celebrated with marker, community celebration and recognition of leaders who helped bring the project to fruition.
By Brian Hews
ARTESIA — The City of Artesia celebrated the completion of improvements to its Historic District Trail with a community re-dedication ceremony recognizing the trail’s past while looking toward its future as a recreational and community gathering place.
The half-mile paved trail stretches between Corby Avenue at 187th Street and Gridley Road at 183rd Street along a former rail corridor. The trail is open to walkers, runners, bicyclists, inline skaters and wheelchair users.
During the ceremony, city officials unveiled a commemorative trail marker recognizing completion of the improvement project and honoring the decades-long effort that transformed the former rail corridor into one of Artesia’s signature community amenities.
Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Ramoso thanked residents and community organizations for attending the celebration and acknowledged former city leaders whose vision helped bring the project to completion.
“We were thrilled to see so many residents and community members come together to celebrate the completion of improvements to this community asset,” Ramoso said.
The city also recognized former Mayors Miguel Cana-
Seven New California Laws Now Affecting Shoppers, Diners, Drivers and Students
SIMPLER LABELS: Beginning July 1, California standardized food expiration labels, replacing confusing date terms with “Best if Used By” and “Use By” to reduce food waste statewide.
food waste and help shoppers better understand when food is still safe to eat.
Beginning July 1, several new California laws took effect that will affect the daily lives of millions of residents, from the way food is labeled at grocery stores and allergens are listed on restaurant menus to student cellphone policies, housing development and even the volume of streaming television commercials.
Perhaps the most noticeable change for consumers will be at the grocery store. California has become the first state in the nation to standardize food date labels, replacing confusing phrases such as “Sell By,” “Expires On” and “Freshest Before” with just two labels: “Best if Used By,” indicating product quality, and “Use By,” indicating food safety. State officials hope the simplified labels will reduce
Dining out will also be different. Restaurant chains with 20 or more locations are now required to identify the presence of the “Big 9” food allergens— including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and sesame—on menus or through other readily available information, making it easier for customers with food allergies to make informed choices. Students will also see changes when they return to class. School districts throughout California, including those in Southeast Los Angeles County and Orange County, are now required to adopt policies limiting student cellphone use during the school day in an effort to reduce distractions and improve stu-
BIG BOX, BIG QUESTIONS: Costco is coming
Downey,
Photo courtesy city of artesia
LCCN Staff Report
Hahn Sets Record with 430 Firearms Collected at Long Beach Gun Buyback Event
LCCN Staff Report
LONG BEACH — A record 430 firearms were collected last Saturday during a gun buyback event hosted by L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn in partnership with the Long Beach Police Department, marking the largest single-day gun collection since Hahn launched the program in 2022.
The event, held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, brought the total number of firearms collected and destroyed through Hahn’s 17 gun buyback events to 3,397.
“I am so grateful to everyone who took us up on this offer today and made today’s buyback such a remarkable success,” Hahn said. “We even had people turn in guns in exchange for nothing, after we’d run out of gift cards. That really drives home how much people recognize that these deadly weapons have no place in their homes and around their families.”
Of the 430 functioning firearms collected, 153 were pistols, 149 were rifles, 50 were shotguns, 50 were privately manufactured “ghost guns,” and 28 were classified as assault rifles.
LBPD officers removed firearms directly from vehicle trunks, documented each weapon and ensured they would be destroyed. Representatives from the L.A. County Office of Violence Prevention also distributed free gun locks to gun owners who chose to keep firearms in their homes, promoting safe storage to help prevent accidental shootings and unauthorized access, particularly by children.
“I want to express my appreciation for
Supervisor Janice Hahn’s partnership and every community member who participated in this year’s Gun Buy Back event. Together, we took another meaningful step toward creating a safer Long Beach,” said LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish.
Participants received Amazon gift cards based on the type of firearm surrendered. Working handguns, rifles and shotguns earned $100 gift cards, ghost guns earned $200, assault rifles earned $300, while non-functioning firearms or firearm parts received $50.
Gun buyback programs are intended to reduce the number of unwanted firearms in homes and communities by providing residents with a safe, anonymous way to surrender weapons without questions or background checks. Supporters argue the programs help prevent accidental shootings, suicides and thefts; critics question whether the events significantly reduce violent crime .Despite the debate over their effectiveness, Hahn’s buyback program has now removed nearly 3,400 firearms from circulation across communities in her district over the past four years.
Medicare Opens Door to $50-a-Month Weight-Loss Drugs for Millions of Seniors
By Brian Hews
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries who have been unable to afford popular weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound may finally have access to them for just $50 a month under a new federal pilot program that began July 1.
The temporary initiative, known as the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge pro-gram, marks the first time Medicare is broadly covering GLP-1 medications prescribed solely for obesity, rather than only for conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or certain heart and liver dis-eases. The program runs through Dec. 31, 2027, and could benefit millions of older Americans who formerly faced outof-pocket costs exceeding $1,000 per month.
For many retirees, the change could be life-changing.
GLP-1 medications function by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite. Clinical studies have shown patients often lose 15% to 20% of their body weight while taking the medications while also improving blood pressure, cholesterol and other obesity related health risks.
Eligible Medicare beneficiaries will pay a flat $50 monthly copay, with the federal government covering the remaining negotiated cost. The medications included in the pilot are Wegovy, Zepbound and Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 medication, Foundayo. The program is
not open to every Medicare enrollee.
Participants must have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and meet specific medical criteria. In general, beneficiaries must have obesity or be overweight with qualifying health conditions. Those already receiving Medicare coverage for GLP-1 medications because of diabetes or certain other diseases are not eligible for the pilot because they already have another pathway to coverage. Prior authorization from a physician is required before prescriptions can be filled.
Doctors say patients should not view the medications as a standalone solution.
Experts recommend combining GLP-1 therapy with healthier eating habits, increased physical activity and, particularly for older adults, resistance training to help preserve muscle mass while losing weight. Physicians also caution that stopping the medication often results in regaining much of the lost weight, raising questions about what will happen when the pilot program expires at the end of 2027.
Some physicians and pharmacists also expect delays during the program’s rollout because millions of eligible seniors could seek prescriptions at the same time. The required prior authorization process and increased demand could initially create longer wait times at doctors’ offices and pharmacies.
For seniors struggling with obesity, however, the program represents the most significant expansion of Medicare weight-loss coverage in the program’s history.
For many beneficiaries, paying $50 a month instead of more than $1,000 may finally make one of medicine’s most effective obesity treatments financially attainable.
LBPD OFFICER with collected rifles.
California Budget Delivers More School Funding While Delaying
$3.9 Billion in Required Education Payments
By Brian Hews
SACRAMENTO — California’s newly approved state budget delivers increased funding for K-12 schools and community colleges. At the same time, it delays billions of dollars in constitutionally required education payments, setting up what could become one of the state’s most closely watched education funding disputes.
The 2026-27 budget provides $86.2 billion through the Local Control Funding Formula, California’s primary funding mechanism for school districts. The package includes a $2.2 billion cost-of-living adjustment designed to help districts cope with rising operating expenses and inflation.
The Local Control Funding Formula accounts for roughly two-thirds of most school districts’ unrestricted operating budgets. The formula provides a base amount for every student while directing additional funding to districts serving larger numbers of English learners, low-income students plus foster youth.
While overall education funding is increasing, the budget also withholds $3.9 billion in Proposition 98 funding that schools would normally receive this fiscal year. It then postpones repayment until as early as the 2027-28 fiscal year, depending on future state revenues.
Education organizations have criticized the move, arguing that delaying constitutionally required funding creates uncertainty for school districts that must continue paying salaries, utilities, health benefits and other operating expenses regardless of when state reimbursements arrive. Some organizations have suggested the funding delay could face legal obstacles.
Adding to the debate, the state’s growing Proposition 98 Rainy Day Fund now contains $9.2 billion. The reserve, formerly known as the Public School System Stabilization Account, is intended to help protect schools and community colleges during future economic slumps.
State officials note the reserve has grown rapidly after being nearly depleted two years ago. The long-term goal is to build the account to approximately $12.5 billion, or about 10 percent of annual Proposition 98 funding.
Supporters of the reserve argue that upholding a strong education savings account will help cushion schools during future recessions. Critics counter that withholding billions from school districts while simultaneously building reserves forces districts to rely on their own savings or borrowing to meet current obligations. or local districts,
Archuleta Recognizes Pico Rivera Native Cristian Roldan During FIFA World Cup
LCCN Staff Report
PICO RIVERA — State Sen. Bob Archuleta recently recognized Pico Rivera native Cristian Roldan for representing the United States on the world stage as a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
An El Rancho High School graduate and veteran midfielder for Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC, Roldan has become one of the community’s most accomplished athletes, earning the opportunity to compete against the world’s best soccer players while proudly representing both his hometown and the United States.
“On behalf of myself and the residents of the 30th Senate District, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Cristian Roldan on this extraordinary achievement,” Archuleta said. “As a proud native of Pico Rivera and a constituent in the city that I also proudly call home, Cristian
including ABC Unified, Bellflower Unified, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified, and others throughout Southeast Los Angeles County, the budget provides both opportunities and challenges. These districts will receive higher base funding through the Local Control Funding Formula and additional support for special education, but delayed Proposition 98 payments could strain cash flow and affect day-to-day operations.
School finance experts say districts with healthy reserve balances will likely weather the delay with minimal interruption, while those with limited reserves could face more difficult budget decisions if repayment is postponed beyond the current schedule.
The budget reflects California’s effort to balance increased investments in public education with continued concerns regarding long-term fiscal stability. It leaves school districts hoping the delayed funding arrives on schedule as state revenues recover.
represents the very best of our community. His dedication, humility and determination have inspired countless young athletes, and we are honored to see one of our own represent the United States on the world’s biggest soccer stage.”
Archuleta said Roldan’s success demonstrates that hard work, discipline and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
“Cristian’s story is a powerful reminder that dreams can become reality through hard work, discipline and perseverance,” Archuleta said. “He has become an outstanding ambassador for Pico Rivera, our Senate District and our nation. We are proud to see him representing the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
Roldan’s accomplishments continue to inspire young athletes throughout Southeast Los Angeles County while bringing national and international recognition to
CRISTIAN ROLDAN during a Pico Rivera event. Pictured, from left, are Sen. Archuleta Field Representative Fred Zermeño, Cristian Roldan’s parents Cesar and Ana Roldan, Roldan, and Pico Rivera Councilwoman Monica Sanchez.
From the Mayor’s Desk: July 3, 2026
There is a fresh look and enhanced user experience awaiting Cerritos seniors and those with disabilities using our Dial-ARide program. Updates were unveiled this week and I am pleased to share what is new for our residents who depend on this important service.
Dial-A-Ride is now served by a new provider, MV Transportation, bringing with it a modernized experience from the ground up. Perhaps the most exciting addition is the new Cerritos Dial-A-Ride mobile app, which allows participants to book, manage, and track their rides in real time; right from their phone or the City’s website. For those who prefer to call, phone reservations do remain available, ensuring our residents have choices. Phone reservations can be made by calling (562) 402-7433 during Dial-A-Ride operating hours, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Dial-A-Ride program serves Cerritos residents age 55 and older, as well as those with disabilities, providing curb-tocurb transportation across Cerritos, Artesia, and portions of La Palma and Norwalk. Medical trip options extend beyond these
boundaries. Program registration is required prior to your first ride. Registration forms and full program details are available at cerritos.gov/dialaride.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge that our Cerritos on Wheels (COW) fixed-route service concluded in May. This difficult decision followed a comprehensive transit assessment that identified long-term financial challenges with maintaining fixedroute service. Consolidating around Dial-ARide allows the City to serve our most mobility-dependent residents more effectively and sustainably. The elimination of COW resulted in meaningful cost savings that are reflected in the recently approved City budget. For residents who relied on fixed-route options, alternative regional transit providers continue to serve the area. Visit cerritos. gov/transit for more information.
This updated Dial-A-Ride program is a great example of how Cerritos continues to deliver quality services to our community while being thoughtful stewards of public resources. I encourage eligible residents to register and experience the new look and features for themselves.
Guest Commentary: A Reason to Celebrate?
To commemorate our nation’s semiquincentennial, two organizations have been tasked with organizing the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration. America 250, the official U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, was authorized by Congress to launch a bipartisan, nationwide commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. Its mission is to unite states, schools, libraries, museums, and civic and historical organizations across the country in recognition of the nation’s founding and its democratic ideals. However, a separate organization, Freedom 250, commissioned by President Trump, has taken the anniversary celebration in a completely different direction.
What should have been a nationwide, bipartisan celebration has become partisan. What should have been an expression of patriotism on a broad scale has instead become a self-serving political enterprise. What should have celebrated the historical significance of a nation still striving toward its ideals of freedom and equality is now constrained by this administration’s political agenda and priorities.
This is yet another example of our nation’s deepening polarization as we reflect on what this 250th anniversary means to each of us. In surveying my circle of educator friends and family, I sense a great deal of ambivalence. Some people believe they have little reason to celebrate, while others would rather ignore the significance of the moment.
“I don’t feel much like celebrating when our democracy is being dismantled on a daily basis.”
“If our nation is not living up to its ideals, then we have little to celebrate.”
“If our nation remains so polarized that it falls short of showing compassion for those who are suffering, then who are we as a nation? Our nation is barely recognizable.”
“If billionaires are pulling the strings at every level of government while enriching themselves, then how does that benefit working families?”
“If people turn a blind eye to the corruption of this administration, then how will we ever restore the institutions that once supported the needs of the people at both the national and global levels?”
“If our government leaders and the Supreme Court answer less to the people and increasingly to President Trump and the billionaire class, then how will our democratic system survive?”
“I have little control, so I won’t worry about it.”
“I’m not going to lose sleep over our nation’s problems.”
Now more than ever, under the current administration, our nation has fallen short of
living up to its ideals. Our nation’s 250th anniversary should have been a celebration of an enduring democracy. Instead, it has fallen short of that patriotic mission under a president who, in my view, has exploited this historic moment. “Freedom 250” has become an oxymoron because freedom is precisely what many believe we are losing.
We must ask ourselves: Is this administration truly honoring our nation’s founding ideals? Is Freedom 250 another opportunity for President Trump’s personal financial gain?
According to his official financial disclosure, President Trump reportedly earned approximately $1.6 billion during the first year of his second term. The conflicts of interest are glaring.
Moreover, is Freedom 250 simply another platform for a divide-and-conquer strategy that further deepens the nation’s polarization?
Is it a pretense for undermining our democracy through what some view as an unprecedented oligarchic takeover of government?
This became especially clear to me a few days ago when I noticed a young child holding two books that caught my attention: The Declaration of Independence and We Are All Born Free. She and her mother had chosen these books to better understand the significance of this moment in history.
I caught a glimpse of the young girl as she previewed one of her books and read:
“We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety. Nobody has any right to hurt us or to imprison us without a good reason.”
She then read a passage from The Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
She read these passages fluently and with conviction. I trust that her mother will discuss the ideals expressed in both books—ideals that will ultimately shape her daughter’s understanding of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
I also trust they will discuss the challenges facing our nation and the direction they believe it is headed. Most of all, I trust her mother will instill in her a sense of hope for the future.
This young child represents a promising generation—one that I hope will do a better job of holding its leaders accountable to our nation’s founding principles. If we value freedom, equality and the pursuit of happiness, and if we believe in a strong democracy that serves all people, then our votes in November will surely matter.
Sandy
Mercado
An Open Letter to My Fellow Cerritos Residents from Cerritos Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
For most of my life, for 50 years, I have called Cerritos my home.
I write to you today not just as your City Councilmember and former Mayor, but also as a lifelong resident, a husband, a father, a businessman, and a neighbor who has spent decades raising a family, working, and investing in the community we all love.
Like you, my family pays water bills.
Like you, I feel the impact of rising costs.
That is precisely why I did not take the water and sewer rate adjustments lightly. It was one of the most difficult votes I have cast as your Mayor.
But leadership isn’t measured by whether a decision is popular. Leadership is measured by whether it is responsible.
For many years, Cerritos kept water and sewer rates artificially low by relying on large subsidies from the City’s General Fund. While that helped keep bills down, it also meant using taxpayer dollars that could have gone toward public safety, parks, road maintenance, recreation programs, the library, and other services that benefit our entire community.
That approach to water and sewer rates could not last forever.
Eventually, the City reached a point where continuing to subsidize water and sewer meant asking all taxpayers to shoulder costs that should be paid through the water and sewer system itself.
I believe in a simple principle: we should all pay our fair share for the water and sewer services we receive.
Keeping rates below the true cost of providing service isn’t sustainable. The costs don’t disappear—they are simply shifted onto the General Fund, leaving less money for the programs and services that make Cerritos one of California’s premier communities.
No one likes paying more. I certainly don’t. But lower bills should not come from large taxpayer subsidies that cannot continue indefinitely.
The reality is straightforward.
Water and sewer systems don’tmaintain themselves.
Pipelines age.
Water wells require repairs.
Pumps wear out.
Equipment must be replaced.
Emergency repairs happen.
State and federal regulations continue to evolve.
These are not optional expenses. They are the cost of providing the most essential public service any city delivers.
Some believe repealing the rates will solve the problem.
It won’t.
Repealing the rates does not repeal the costs.
It does not repair aging infrastructure.
It does not create new revenue.
It does not reduce the City’s responsibility to provide safe, clean, reliable water and sewer service.
It simply cuts the revenue needed to meet those obligations.
I’ve also heard suggestions that the City should simply cut spending instead.
The reality is that the City has already begun making difficult budget decisions. The City Council reduced its regular meeting schedule from twice a month to once a month. The library is now closed
The opinions and views expressed in this section are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of LCCN. Submissions are published as a forum for community dialogue and are the sole responsibility of their authors. Email editor@cerritosnews.net or mail PO Box 788 Artesia Ca. , 90701
one day a week. Departments throughout City Hall have been asked to identify efficiencies, reduce spending, and make difficult choices about programs and services.
None of those decisions were easy.
Yet even after taking those steps, they are not enough to permanently fund an aging, deteriorating, and failing water and sewer system.
There is a difference between finding efficiencies and paying for critical infrastructure. No realistic combination of routine budget reductions can replace the ongoing revenue required to operate and maintain our water and sewer system while preserving the quality of life our residents expect.
Then there is the recall.
The recall campaign and the repeal effort are two different issues.
One seeks to overturn a policy decision.
The other seeks to remove two elected officials.
Neither answers the most important question:
How will Cerritos responsibly pay for its water and sewer system?
Changing councilmembers does not change the math.
A recall does not lower water and sewer costs.
A recall does not repair pipelines.
A recall does not replace wells or pumps.
A recall does not create new revenue.
It simply asks Cerritos taxpayers to pay for costly special elections while leaving the next City Council with the exact same financial obligations.
I also believe residents should ask an important question.
If this recall is truly about the water rate decision, why are only two councilmembers being targeted?
That is a fair question every resident should consider before signing the petitions.
I understand that reasonable people can disagree with my vote.
I respect those differences of opinion. You deserve transparency. You deserve accountability.
You deserve leaders who explain their decisions.
That is why I am writing this letter. Next year, every voter will have the opportunity to evaluate my record and the records of every candidate on the ballot. That is the appropriate time to decide who should lead our City into the future.
Recalls are an important safeguard in our democracy, but they should be reserved for extraordinary circumstances— not disagreements over difficult fiscal decisions that voters will soon have the opportunity to judge in a regular election.
I have never believed leadership means choosing the easiest path.
I have always believed it means choosing the responsible path.
That is what guided my vote.
That is what guides my service.
And that is why I respectfully ask you to not sign the recall petitions.
Instead, let’s have honest conversations about the future of our City. Let’s ask difficult questions. Let’s debate respectfully. And when Election Day arrives next March, let every voter make an informed decision based on facts, not misinformation.
I remain committed to serving Cerritos with integrity and transparency, and to protecting the community my family has proudly called home for so many decades.
Respectfully, Frank Aurelio Yokoyama Lifelong Cerritos Resident • Husband • Father • Former Mayor • City Councilmember
state gaming policy through regulation rather than legislation.
The court agreed, finding the Bureau’s role is to enforce California’s gambling laws, not create new statewide restrictions beyond those authorized by the Legislature.
“This case is about whether the Attorney General and his regulators can bypass the Legislature and unilaterally rewrite decades of established law,” California Gaming Association President Kyle Kirkland said following the ruling. “The Court delivered a clear answer: they cannot.”
The association argued the regulations would have had broad economic consequences for cities that depend on cardroom tax revenue to help fund public safety, parks, libraries, youth programs and other municipal services.
Several California cities, including Commerce, Hawaiian Gardens, Bell Gardens, Gardena and others, receive substantial revenue from licensed cardrooms operating within their jurisdictions.
Supporters of the regulations, including several California gaming tribes, have argued tighter restrictions are necessary to ensure cardrooms comply with state gambling laws governing banked games and to preserve the exclusive gaming rights granted to tribes under California law.
The Bureau of Gambling Control had maintained the regulations were intended to clarify existing law and strengthen oversight of licensed gambling establishments.
Judge Darwin’s ruling concludes that such policy decisions must come
from the Legislature rather than through administrative rulemaking by the Bureau.
The California Department of Justice has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision. An appeal could delay the final resolution of the dispute, which has become one of the state’s most closely watched legal battles involving California’s gaming industry.
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dent learning and mental well-being.
Housing construction could also accelerate in some communities under a new law intended to streamline approval of multifamily residential developments near major transit stations, including areas served by rail and bus systems in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Several other consumer-focused laws also took effect. Self-driving vehicles can now receive traffic citations under California law, and streaming services must keep the volume of commercials at roughly the same level as the programs viewers are watching.
California drivers will also notice another increase at the pump. The state’s gasoline excise tax increased by approximately 1.6 cents per gallon on July 1, bringing the tax to about 61.2 cents per gallon as part of the state’s annual inflation adjustment.
According to ABC7 Los Angeles, the new laws taking effect July 1 are designed to improve consumer protections, public safety and transparency while addressing issues ranging from food waste and housing shortages to student learning and transportation.
Moderna Flu Vaccine Clears Major
Hurdle, Could Be Available This Fall Nationwide
By Brian Hews LCCN Editor and Publisher
A new flu vaccine developed by Moderna has moved one step closer to approval and could become available for the 2026-27 flu season if federal regulators give final approval later this summer.
The vaccine, known as mFluSiva, recently received unanimous support from an independent advisory committee that reviews vaccines for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The committee voted that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks for adults age 50 and older.
If approved, it would become the first mRNA-based influenza vaccine available in the United States. The same mRNA technology was used in Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines.
According to Moderna, clinical trials showed the vaccine produced strong immune responses against seasonal in-
TRAIL
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les, Sally Flowers, Tony Lima, John Lyon and Dr. Victor Manalo for their contributions to the Historic District Trail project over the years.
Several local organizations were recognized for their ongoing support of the trail, including the Artesia Historical Society, Artesia Friends of the Library, and the Artesia-Cerritos Rotary Club. Following the ceremony, members of the Social Hour Run Club led a community run along the newly improved trail.
City officials said the improvements
fluenza strains and may provide better protection than some currently available flu shots for adults ages 50 to 64.
The FDA has not yet granted final approval. A decision is expected by Aug. 5.
Health experts note that influenza remains a significant public health concern, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year, particularly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
The advisory committee’s recommendation does not guarantee approval, but such recommendations are often influential in the FDA’s final decision-making process.
If approved, the vaccine could be offered alongside traditional flu shots during the upcoming fall vaccination season.
For now, health officials continue to recommend that eligible individuals receive an annual flu vaccination as the best protection against seasonal influenza.
ensure the Historic District Trail will continue serving residents for generations while preserving an important piece of Artesia’s history.
The Historic District Trail is approximately one-half mile long and provides a safe, landscaped route connecting neighborhoods while offering recreational opportunities for walking, running and bicycling.
Ramoso said the city looks forward to seeing residents continue to enjoy the trail and create lasting memories along the community landmark for years to come.
Monday thru Saturday6 pm to 12 Midnight
Doors open at 4pm
Sunday 2 pm to 9 pm
Doors open at 12pm
Friends of 1st CEB Car Wash Raises $3,000
Lakewood Rotary Club Presents
3rd Annual BBQ & Brews
The Rotary Club of Lakewood is inviting the community to enjoy an evening of outstanding food, local craft beer, live entertainment, and community recognition at its annual BBQ & Brews fundraiser on Saturday, August 15, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Roxanne’s, located at 1115 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach.
The event raises funds that support the Rotary Club of Lakewood’s ongoing service projects throughout the community.
BBQ & Brews will feature BBQ from Big Brian’s Meats, local craft beer from Syncopated Brewery, bluegrass music provided by Foxfire and an exciting auction.
LCCN Staff Report
CERRITOS — The annual Friends of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (1st CEB) Car Wash raised approximately $3,000 to support Marines, sailors and their families through the Cerritos-based nonprofit organization.
Held at Los Cerritos Center, the community fundraiser brought together volunteers, Marines and local supporters who spent the day washing vehicles while raising money for programs that benefit active-duty service members assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Friends of the 1st CEB is a Cerritos-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting Marines and their families by helping provide resources, morale-boosting activities and assistance that may not otherwise
Los Cerritos Community News • March 27, 2026
3
be available through military funding.
The 1st Combat Engineer Battalion traces its history to World War II and has served in conflicts around the globe, including Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Based at Camp Pendleton, the battalion’s mission is to provide combat engineering support to the 1st Marine Division, including mobility, countermobility, survivability and general engineering operations in support of Marine Corps missions.
Organizers thanked the event’s sponsors and the many residents who stopped by to have their vehicles washed or made donations. Sponsors included Los Cerritos Center, the City of Cerritos, Chick-fil-A and Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing.
Funds raised during the event will help Friends of the 1st CEB continue its mission of supporting the Marines and their families throughout the year.
The evening will also feature the 2025 Service Above Self Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on the Lakewood community.
Officals stated that additions to the event include a bluegrass band to set the tone and a great auction.
Sponsors for the evening include The Law Offices of Tania Whiteleather, Ron Piazza, Republic Services, Los Cerritos News-Hews Media, Syncopated Brewery Company, 2H Construction, On the Mark Advertising Network, Lakewood Family YMCA, Rudy’s Plants, Basiago Family Dentistry Lakewood Center, and more great supporters.
Tickets for BBQ & Brews are $85 each and available at bbqnbrews.eventbrite.com
For more information, please visit rotaryoflakewood.org or call the BBQ & Brews Hotline at (522) 270-4460
MARINES with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion prepare to wash vehicles during the fundraising car wash at Los Cerritos Center. The annual event raised $3,000 to support Marines and their families through the Cerritos-based nonprofit organization.
Award-Winning Chefs at OCVIBE’s Katella Commons Food Hall
ANAHEIM — OCVIBE has announced the latest lineup of chefs and restaurant concepts coming to Katella Commons, as part of the $5 billion mixed-use entertainment district surrounding Honda Center.
Scheduled to open in early 2027, Katella Commons will feature 21 chef-led kitchens, six bars and a central gathering space.
Danielle Duran Zecca and Alessandro
Zecca are the husband-and-wife team behind Los Angeles’ acclaimed Amiga Amore, a James Beard Award semifinalist celebrated for its inventive “Mexitalian” cuisine blending Mexican and Italian flavors.
Chef Alberto Bañuelos is the founder of Burritos La Palma, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant known for its hand-pressed flour tortillas and Zacatecan-style burritos filled with slow-simmered beef birria and other traditional family recipes. Burritos La Palma has become one of Southern California’s most respected Mexican eateries and will bring its signature burritos to Anaheim.
Alex “Pobre Diablo” Garcia and Elvia “La Bruja” Huerta are the husband-and-wife founders of Evil Cooks, a Los Angeles fa-
vorite that blends heavy metal culture with bold Mexican street food. Their innovative tacos and creative menu have earned James Beard Award recognition and a place on the Los Angeles Times’ 101 Best Restaurants list. Evil Cooks will open its first Orange County location at Katella Commons.
Kanate Ungkasrithongkul and Anita Lin built a loyal following through Manaao Thai Comfort Food in Tustin and Irvine. Their new concept, Khao Soi, will specialize in Northern Thailand’s iconic curry noodle dishes and other regional curries, bringing authentic Thai flavors to OCVIBE. Manaao has earned Thailand’s prestigious Thai SELECT Signature certification and recognition from the Los Angeles Times.
Chef Zach Scherer, co-founder of Santa Ana’s acclaimed DARKROOM Restaurant and Wine Bar, will introduce two separate concepts at Katella Commons. One will specialize in elevated New York-style pizza crafted with artisan dough techniques and premium ingredients, while the second will feature globally inspired fried chicken sandwiches influenced by American, Asian, European and Latin American flavors. DARKROOM was recently named to the Los Angeles Times’ 101 Best Restaurants list.
Katella Commons is expected to open in early 2027 as the culinary centerpiece of OCVIBE, the 100-acre mixed-use entertainment district taking shape around Honda Center. The market hall will feature 21 chefled kitchens, six bars and a central outdoor plaza designed for live entertainment, community gatherings and special events. Additional restaurant concepts are expected to be announced in the coming months as OCVIBE continues the phased rollout of what is expected to become one of Southern California’s premier destinations for dining, entertainment and year-round community experiences.
La Mirada Resident Turns Front Yard Into World Cup Celebration
LCCN Staff Report
LA MIRADA — As the FIFA World Cup enters the knockout stage, one La Mirada resident has transformed his front yard into a colorful tribute to the world’s most popular sport.
Josh Brooks, a longtime soccer coach and World Cup enthusiast, has lined his front yard with more than 30 national flags representing every team still alive in the tournament. After each knockout match, Brooks removes the flag of the eliminated team, creating a living World Cup bracket that changes throughout the competition.
“When the World Cup first started, everybody was grouped all across my lawn in the proper groupings,” Brooks said. “It wrapped all the way around.”
A lifelong soccer fan who has coached the sport for 35 years, Brooks said the display is his way of combining his love of soccer with the elaborate holiday decorations he is already known for.
“I do an unbelievable Halloween display, an unbelievable Christmas display, and I just figured this is something that I
like to do and show my creativity,” he said.
This is the second World Cup Brooks has decorated his yard for, but he says this year’s version is larger, brighter and even more interactive for neighbors who stop by to follow the tournament.
While Brooks enjoys building the display, he says the greatest reward has been seeing the community’s reaction.
“I’m out here working on it or just out in front, and people are waving at me and honking their horns,” Brooks said. “Many of my neighbors come by and say thank you.”
Although he roots first for Team USA, Brooks predicted a 3-1 American victory in the knockout round and said he believes Portugal has the talent to win the World Cup championship.
When the tournament concludes, the flags will come down, but Brooks already has plans for the next World Cup.
“This will be back up in 2030,” he said. For Brooks, the display is about more than soccer.
“Soccer just brings a whole bunch of people together, and it’s really cool.”
WORLD CUP PRIDE: La Mirada resident Josh Brooks has transformed the front yard of his home into a World Cup celebration, displaying more than 30 national flags representing every team still alive in the tournament.
JAMES BEARD FINALISTS: Danielle Duran Zecca and Alessandro Zecca of the acclaimed Amiga Amore.
THE MOTHER ROAD
CENTURY ON THE ROAD
1940s
Military transport corridor during World War II. 1950s Golden, age of motels, diners, and family vacations.
1985
Officially removed from the U.S. highway system.
2026
The Mother Road turns 100.
For generations, Route 66 carried dreamers west in search of adventure, opportunity, and a better life.
2,448 miles
8 states
3 TIMES ZONES
HUNDREDS OF NEON SIGNS
MILLIONS OF TRAVELERS
YEARS OLD BY THE NUMBERS
CALIFORNIA’S BEST ROUTE 66 STOPS
Santa Monica pier
Symbolic western terminus of Route 66.
roy’s motel & cafe
One of the most photographed roadside icons in America.
Elmer’s bottle tree ranch
A uniquely California roadside attraction.
wigwam motel Classic Route 66 Americana.
Route 66 End of Trail
Official terminus marker near Olympic Blvd. and Lincoln Blvd.
Area players having success in the Rocky Mountain state during top tournaments
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
Colorado has always been a hotbed of travel softball tournaments for about a week and a half every summer in late June and through the Fourth of July holiday, and this summer is no different as several area players have been representing their teams in multiple tournaments. The slew of showcase events in the Rocky Mountain state began last Thursday with the Triple Crown International Challenge in Westminster, CO at the Christopher Fields and the P5 Patriot Games in Fort Collins followed by the Triple Crown Sports Colorado Fourth of July Sparkler and Fireworks event throughout the Denver metropolitan area and finally the Louisville Slugger IDT Tournament in Longmont, CO.
Valley Christian High pitcher and right fielder Rachel Zhang, who has one more season left with the Defenders, represented Team Chinese Taipei/Taiwan in the TCIC where it went 1-2 in pool play action, falling to Team Japan 9-3 before edging Team Central America 8-7 last Friday and losing to Team Israel 12-9 last Saturday.
Zhang, who also plays for the (Buena Park) USA Athletics-RML travel team along with V.C. teammates Choyce Chambers (California State University, Sacramento) and Aubrielle Ramirez (Long Beach City College), started in right field and went hitless in one at-bat against Team Japan before picking up a hit and driving in Madelyn Hu with a base it in the bottom of
the first inning to give her team a 4-2 lead. Zhang pitched the first two innings, allowing seven runs on four hits, walking four and striking out two. In the final pool play game, Zhang, who came in as a pinch hitter in the top of the fourth inning, grounded out in her only at-bat.
In Team Chinese Taipei/Taiwan’s first playoff game in the 18-Under Silver Division last Saturday morning, Zhang drew a walk as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the third as her team had no problems with Team Africa, 11-4. That was immediately followed by a 12-2 win over Team Native America in the semifinals. Zhang came in as Hu’s replacement in right field in the bottom of the third and grounded out in the top of the fourth in her lone at-bat.
The win set up a meeting against Team Spain for the Silver Division championship where Zhang started in the circle and surrendered a pair of runs in the bottom of the first thanks to a two-out, two-run home run from Dakota Gaball. Team Chinese Taipei/Taiwan would score solo runs in the third and fourth inning before Team Spain pushed across a pair of runs in the fifth to post a 4-2 victory. Zhang went the distance, allowing seven hits, striking out six and walking a pair of batters, and of her 96 pitches, 63 of them went for strikes.
P5 PATRIOT GAMES at the Barnes Complex in Fort Collins 16-U
Julianna Rivera, La Mirada High (Riverside) BSC Bengals-Briggs 16R
The Bengals defeated the (Los Alamitos) Wildcats-Holcomb/Knight Premier 9-2 last Thursday before taking two of the next three games to finish in second in their pool. The team then defeated the (Weatherford, TX) Buzz Gold NTX 14-3 last Saturday morning in the first game of the 16-U Wild Card Championship bracket before falling to the (Phoenix) Arizona Storm-Mathis 7-6 in a semifinal contest. In the six games, Rivera went five for 13 with six RBI, three runs scored, a pair of solo home runs and a
double.
Hazel Anglo and Megan Wong, Gahr
High
(Hacienda Heights) Firecrackers RTY
Select
The team split its first two pool play games last Thursday, then lost its two games on Friday before losing to the (Bonner Springs, KS) Select Fastpitch-Byrn 17-2 last Saturday in its lone playoff game. 14-U
Alanna Adams and Fatima Serna, La Mirada Corona Angels-Tyson
The Angels defeated the (Kennesaw, GA) Athletics Gold -Tambora/Olson 11-5, then won the first two pool play games on Friday by a combined score of 22-3 before tying the (Wonder Lake, IL) Indiana Magic Gold 5-5 to end pool play action later that night. Last Saturday, the Angels defeated the (Chattanooga, TN) Fury Platinum X-Helton/Higdon 10-2 before falling to the (Orland Park, IL) Beverly Bandits-Chow/ Hardin 8-3.
Brianna Samano, La Mirada (Hacienda Heights) Firecrackers RTY
Premier Red
The Firecrackers finished in second place in their pool by going 2-1, then lost to the (Alexandria, LA) Impact Gold NationalHolmes 7-1 last Friday in a game that had no bearing on the standings. In the playoffs, the team fell to the (Chattanooga, TN) Fury Platinum X-Helton/Higdon 7-6.
Colorado Fourth of July 18-U National Power Pool Division
Kayleigh Allen, Gahr and Peyton Kingery, Valley Christian (Yorba Linda) BSC Bengals-Briggs
The Bengals began action this past Tuesday against the (Glendale, AZ) Rogue FC Kaye, losing 5-4 and the (Beech Grove) Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard, a 4-1 victory. Allen had a base hit and scored against the Rogue while both area players went hitless in a combined five at-bats in the
next game. The Bengals then faced the (New Braunfels) Texas Bombers the next day and lost 9-1 before getting a run in the bottom of the fifth inning to edge the (Oklahoma City) OK Athletics-Madden/Davis 7-6. The Bengals faced the (Vista) Breakers Labs Gold-Bobby and the (Bensenville, IL) Chicago Cheetahs-Connolly on July 2. In 17 games since June 6, Allen, a University of Kansas commit, is currently eight for 29 with four RBI and three doubles while Kingery, who will be taking her talents to the University of North Texas next month, has seven hits in 30 at-bats with seven RBI, three doubles and a pair of home runs.
Alison Ortega, La Mirada (Huntington Beach) Firecrackers-Rico/ Brashear
The Harvard University commit and her travel team faced the (Lees Summit, MO) Aces Fastpitch this past Tuesday and came away with a 2-1 victory as she pitched all five innings, scattering five hits and striking out seven. The team would drop a 12-6 affair to the (Carmel) Indiana Magic GoldBennett/Goddard later in the day and had three games this past Wednesday, defeating the (Phillipsburg, NJ) Unity-Torres/Slezak 7-3 and the (Carmel) Indiana Magic Gold-Bennett/Goddard 13-6 before tying the (Fairfax Station) VA Glory NationalWillemssen 8-8. The Firecrackers faced the (Vacaville) Sorcerers Gold-Walling and the (Boerne, TX) Bombers Gold American on July 2.
Ortega, the workhorse of the team so far this summer, starting half her teams’ 10 games and pitching over 30 innings, has pitched in four of the five games so far in Colorado, allowing 16 hits and four earned runs while striking out 17 and walking one. 18-U Fireworks Power Pool Division Leah Magana, Gahr (Carson) Firecrackers-Chavez/Moreno
See TRIPLE, Page 14
This is the fourth in a series of stories on the new Suburban Valley Conference which involves 20 schools from the 605 League, Del Rio League, Gateway League and Mid-Cities League. The SVC will begin with the 2026-2027 school year and over the next month and a half, I will be getting comments from the athletic directors of the area schools on what it has been like the past year and the effects the new SVC will have on their respective schools this upcoming school year and beyond.
GAHR HIGH-INSIDE THE NUMBERS OF THE EIGHT MAJOR SPORTS SINCE THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR WHEN THE ORIGINAL SUBURBAN VALLEY CONFERENCE OF 11 SCHOOLS WAS FORMED
Football: 13-5 league record, one league title, second place twice, third place once
Girls volleyball: 14-20 league record, one league title. third place once, fifth place twice
Boys basketball: 21-15 league record, second place once, third place three times
Girls basketball: 16-18 league record, first place once, third place once
Boys soccer: 20-16-2 league record, first place once, third place once Girls soccer: 24-12-2 league record, first place once, second place once, third place once
Baseball: 36-12 league record, second place four times
Softball: 21-11 league record, second place three times, third place once
CIF-Southern Section divisional championships: One
CIF-Southern Section divisional finalists: Two
CIF-Southern Section semifinalists: Two
CIF-Southern Section quarterfinalists: Four
While the six-school 605 League was getting settled after beginning a new era at the start of the 2018-2019 school year, Gahr High was still in the San Gabriel Valley League until the end of the 2022 spring season. That league then merged with what was left of the old Suburban League and added Firebaugh High to create the original Suburban Valley Conference, which was divided into the Gateway League, or upper league, and Mid-Cities League, or lower league.
Now that the new SVC has been molded and created to put 20 schools from four leagues into where they seemed to be better suited, at least for the upcoming school year, another change recently took place at Gahr. Longtime athletic director Greg Marshall has stepped aside and handed the reins to longtime baseball head coach, Gerardo Perez. Marshall, who will be entering his 24th season as the head coach for Gahr’s football team, will still be around as a consultant and provide more guidance for Perez.
“At the end of the [school] year, there was a lot of discussion because Greg is on the tail end and Iris [Najera] is the assistant A.D. who does a different role,” said Perez. “She handles a lot of the administrative paperwork stuff.
“I’m kind of blessed that Greg is still kind of here and serving as a mentor,” he continued. “He’s not far, so in the transition, I’m blessed and fortunate to be able to ask him any question regarding anything that goes with the job because there is a job description and then there’s a billion other things that have nothing to do with the job description.”
For the first year of the new SVC, the Gladiators will be in the Gateway League for girls flag football, girls golf, girls
SUBURBAN VALLEY CONFERENCE:
Change in athletic directors highlights Gahr’s first year in the Suburban Valley Conference
LOREN KOPFF Sports Editor @LorenKopff on X
volleyball in the fall, boys basketball and boys soccer in the winter and baseball and softball in the spring. Boys cross country, football, boys golf and swimming will be situated in the Mid-Cities League while the other athletic programs will be in the lower two leagues. Yet to be decided as far as placement goes are boys and girls wrestling in the winter and girls beach volleyball and boys and girls track and field in the spring.
Even though Perez attended the monthly meetings with the other athletic directors towards the end of school year, he said the biggest thing about the SVC for Gahr is the excitement for all the athletic programs to be able to have competitive equity which leads to more teams having a chance to reach the CIFSouthern Section playoffs.
“You’re always going to be in a division you probably should be in,” said Perez. “And for whatever reason, if it goes really well, you have an opportunity to move up and if it doesn’t go very well, you have an opportunity to drop down, gather your breath, and catch yourself.
“I think you have some programs that are pretty established who are consistent; that’s why they are in the Gateway [League],” he added. “You have some programs that are up and coming, like flag football. You have a little bit of that and I’m pretty excited for that group and then you also have some equality coming across the board. On top of that, we’re pretty culturally diverse, which is a good thing.”
In the few monthly meetings that Perez attended with the other athletic directors of the SVC, he said he was most impressed with the ability to communicate, the ability to have a little compassion or understanding for the voices involved. He pointed out there’s tons of respect for the league and the ones who have been there for a long time, using Downey High athletic director, Mark Rand and Marshall as prime examples who have been around much longer than others.
“You have some people who have been around for years, and the ability for them to be able to communicate and voice their wisdom and to have all the other sports to have a respectful approach to the whole thing is really nice to see,” he added. “It’s kind of a team effort.”
Even though he wasn’t at as many meetings as the other athletic directors because of his recent hiring in the new position, Perez didn’t believe there were any issues with the placement of teams in their respective leagues; saying that it ‘feels pretty true to where everybody was supposed to be’. He went on to add that he thinks the Gahr athletic situation is good and that ‘everybody is good’ for right now. In addition, he said that everyone will evaluate the programs as the year progresses and see where everyone falls and go from there.
“I don’t have an opinion on ‘hey, this team should have been here and that team should have been there’,” said Perez. “I think sometimes you have to look at a body of work from a coach. Sometimes you have a new coach. We kind of live in the day of age of free agency too; kids move too. Kids can impact a program
and stuff like that. We’ll just kind of take a look at where we’re at at the end of the year and see how things shake out.”
Perez said it was too soon to determine if there’s anything wrong with how the SVC will look like in its first year, stating that you have to go through a full year before thinking about what changes need to happen for the 2027-2028 school year and beyond. He did acknowledge that it will be different geographically, going from Firebaugh to Whittier High in football or Oxford Academy to Whittier in boys soccer. Perez added that the different facilities that the 20 schools have will eventually come into play, as will the transportation.
The makeup of the leagues in several sports will seem unchanged or close to unchanged from the past several seasons. For example. In baseball, Gahr will still be league opponents with Downey, La Mirada High and Warren High with La Serna High now in the same league. In softball, Gahr remains league rivals with Downey, La Mirada and Warren while welcoming California High as a new league foe.
“I think in talking to [Gahr softball head coach] Rey [Sanchz], I think it’s a little bit different; maybe a little bit more difficult with Cal High,” said Perez. “I think they’ve been pretty established; they’ve had some pretty good years. For baseball, I don’t think it’s going to be that much of a difference. I think for Rey, it might be a little bit more of a competitive fight with Cal.”
Perez believes the one sport that could have the biggest challenge with new league opponents is girls flag football. The Gladiators are in the Gateway League for the first season with Bellflower High, California, Downey, La Serna, Mayfair High and Warren. Last season, Gahr finished in third place behind league champion Warren and second place Downey while Bellflower was a game behind the Gladiators. Over in the former Del Rio League, California and La Serna were the top two teams and overall, the seven flag football teams in the Gateway League this season had a composite overall record of 100-41-1.
“I think they’re going to be challenged more than they’ve been used to, because usually it’s been them, Downey and Warren,” he said. “I’m excited to see how they do in addition to the other teams.”
One area of concern with the athletic directors, especially with the schools coming over from the original 605 League and Del Rio League centers around the traveling of the boys and girls basketball and boys and girls soccer teams. Not too long ago, it was customary to have girls and boys doubleheaders against the same team while one of the two soccer teams would be home against the same opponent as their basketball counterparts. Now, that won’t be a guarantee for every league team. In fact, the Gahr and Mayfair basketball teams, while in different leagues, will be playing a traditional doubleheader, thus saving a bit of a transportation nightmare.
“We were just going through this,” said Perez. “It just creates, obviously, the organizational part and the arbiter part; the [referee] part and the transportation
part…it creates a little bit of a differing road. That’s going to be, definitely, one of the challenges. But at the end of the day, it’s going to be a lot better for the student athletes. At least when you travel, it should be somewhat of a competitive game, every game. You’re not just playing a game just because a varsity game is playing here.”
Since joining forces with the remaining four ex-Suburban League schools-Bellflower, La Mirada, Mayfair and Norwalk High, the Gladiators have won one CIF-SS championship, been to the divisional finals twice, lost in the semifinals twice, and fell in the quarterfinals four times in the eight major sports. In the previous 23 seasons before that, mostly in the former San Gabriel Valley League, Gahr won a pair of CIFSS divisional championships, lost in the finals four times, the semifinals 10 times and the quarterfinals 11 times.
The disparity in those numbers can mostly be attributed to the CIF-SS revamping its playoff divisions recently to make things more competitive, hence the phrase ‘competitive equity’ that has been used recently.
“I think [the CIF-SS] now has a better handle on the way it should be more than anything else,” said Perez. “So I would expect that if you’re where you’re supposed to be, you have a better opportunity to advance [in the playoffs].”
As two city rivals who are in the same school district, one of the questions has been why haven’t Gahr and Cerritos High played each other more often in all, or most of the sports? Their football programs have faced each other pretty much every season as the Silver Milk Barrel is up for grabs and the boys basketball programs, who at one time cohosted an early December tournament, have played each other every season. There have been other sports in which the schools have squared off against each other, but not every season.
In fact, the two city foes will be league rivals for the first year of the SVC in girls golf and girls volleyball with boys and girls track and field, girls beach volleyball and boys and girls wrestling yet to be determined. But don’t expect Gahr’s baseball team to face Cerritos anytime soon. Even if Cerritos were to win the Mid-Cities League sometime in the future, which is an invitation to move up to the Gateway League in place of the last place team from the Gateway League, the move may not happen. One of the big issues with baseball, especially with the Gateway League sticking with three league games in the same week and the other three leagues going with a first round, then a home and home series, centers around the pitching depth the teams have, among other things.
“I don’t know [if that would happen]; there’s so many variables for that one,” said Perez. “But if it does happen, I would more than welcome it. I think it would be good for the area. In a perfect world, you want to make sure it’s highly competitive, and if it lands that way, that’s even better. I don’t know if it’s going to happen for all the sports. But I think it would be exciting for the community.”
As it relates to the other two ABC Unified School District rivals, Gahr is in the same league with Artesia High for boys volleyball, boys tennis and swimming and with Whitney High for boys and girls golf.
In closing, Perez believes this is an exciting time and a great opportunity for student athletes to have the ultimate high school experience and for the schools involved to build their athletic programs and have the relationships with the student athletes.
Legal Notices-Your Right to Know!
CITY OF COMMERCE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
VARIANCE (VA) NO. 25-02
6446 TELEGRAPH ROAD
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce will conduct a regular public hearing to consider and take action regarding a request by Dana Son for Variance (VA) No. 25-02 (the “Project”) for the property located at 6446 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040, APN: 6336-008-029 (the “Property”), within the Unlimited Commercial (C-2) zoning district.
The Project includes a request for a Variance from Commerce Municipal Code (CMC) Sections 19.09.060(A), 19.09.060(C), and 19.09.060(D) to allow relief from the six-foot maximum fence height limitation, the five-foot front yard setback requirement, and the three and one-half foot height limitation for fences adjoining an adjacent property’s front yard. Approval of the Variance would authorize the installation of an eight-foot-high perimeter wrought iron fence along the front property line, replacing an existing chain-link perimeter fence.
PURSUANT to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.), the proposed Project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities) because it consists of the replacement of an existing perimeter fence with an eight-foothigh ornamental wrought iron fence and associated minor improvements necessary for installation.
Said public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce in the Council Chambers, 5655 Jillson Street, Commerce, CA 90040, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., at which time proponents and opponents of the proposed Project will be heard. Any comments, objections, or other information may be offered in person at the time of the hearing or in writing prior to the hearing. We encourage submittal of written comments supporting, opposing, or otherwise commenting on an agenda item for distribution to the Planning Commission prior to the meeting. Send emails to planning-division@commerceca.gov; written correspondence may be sent to:
City of Commerce – Community Development Department 2535 Commerce Way Commerce, California 90040 Phone: (323) 722-4805
Per Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge the project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Jessica Serrano
(Publish date: Los Cerritos Community News, July 3, 2026)
Published at Los Cerritos Community News 7/3/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE (UCC Sec. 6105) Escrow No. 241043-JS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a bulk sale is about to be made. The name(s), business address(es) to the Seller(s) are: SUN YOUNG OH, 18183 PIONEER BLVD ARTESIA, CA 90701
Doing Business as: AROMA MEDICAL SUPPLY
All other business name(s) and address(es) used by the Seller(s) within three years, as stated by the Seller(s), is/are:
The name(s) and address of the Buyer(s) is/are: I. E. DME INC, 18183 PIONEER BLVD ARTESIA, CA 90701
The assets to be sold are described in general as: ALL STOCK IN TRADE, FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT, GOODWILL, TRADENAME, LEASE, LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, AND COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE and are located at: 18183 PIONEER BLVD ARTESIA, CA 90701
The bulk sale is intended to be consummated at the office of: TEAM ESCROW BP INC, 6281 BEACH BLVD SUITE 100, BUENA PARK, CA 90621 and the anticipated sale date is JULY 22, 2026
The bulk sale is subject to California Uniform Commercial Code Section 6106.2.
[If the sale is subject to Sec. 6106.2, the following information must be provided.] The name and address of the person with whom claims may be filed is: TEAM ESCROW BP INC, 6281 BEACH BLVD SUITE 100, BUENA PARK, CA 90621 and the last date for filing claims shall be JULY 21, 2026, which is the business day before the sale date specified above.
BUYER: I. E. DME INC
ORD-5292836 LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWS 7/3/26
CITY OF PICO RIVERA CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
UPDATES TO THE GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN, AND CHAPTER 2.52 OF THE PICO RIVERA MUNICIPAL CODE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the City Council to consider approval of updates to General Plan Safety Element, the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, and amendments to Title 2, Administration and Personnel, Chapter 2.52 Emergency Preparedness of the Pico Rivera Municipal Code.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: City Hall Council Chambers 6615 Passons Boulevard Pico Rivera, CA 90660
The proposed actions are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b) (5) as this approval is not considered a “project” subject to CEQA but an administrative activity that will not approve a specific development project or result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Here it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed resolutions and ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment, therefore the proposed resolutions and ordinance are not subject to CEQA.
PERSONS INTERESTED IN THIS MATTER wishing to observe or comment may do so in the following ways:
(1) Turn your TV to Channel 3
(2) City’s website at https://bit.ly/picorivera-ctv3live
(3) Email public comments to publiccomments@pico-rivera.org prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting
(4) Attend the Public Hearing in person
Copies of all relevant material and project specifications are available for public review at City Hall in the Community & Economic Development Department, 6615 Passons Boulevard, Pico Rivera, California. For additional information please contact Hector Hernandez, Senior Planner at 562-801-4340.
If you challenge the consideration or adoption of the proposed applications in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or written correspondence delivered to the City of Pico Rivera City Clerk at, or prior to, the public hearing.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Pico Rivera is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability. Please contact Cynthia Ayala at (562) 801-4389 if special program accommodations are necessary and/or if program information is needed in an alternative format. Special requests must be made in a reasonable amount of time in order that accommodations can be arranged. Published at Los Cerritos Community News 7/3/26
CITY OF BELLFLOWER NOTICE OF ELECTION
TAKE NOTICE that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Bellflower on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the following officers:
For three Members of the City Council Council Districts 1, 3, and 5 – Full term of four years
Declaration of Candidacy forms will be made available not earlier than July 13, 2026, and not later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 during regular business hours. Any person seeking to obtain or file nomination documents should contact the City Clerk’s Office via phone at (562) 804-1424, extension 2272 or via email at cclerk@bellflower.ca.gov. City Hall regular business hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; and alternating Fridays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. City Hall will be closed on Fridays, July 17 and 31, 2026.
If nomination papers for a Council Member whose term is expiring are not filed by August 7, 2026, then the voters will have until 5:00 p.m. on August 12, 2026, to nominate candidates, other than that incumbent Council Member.
If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, appointment to the elective office may be made pursuant to Elections Code § 10229.
Vote Centers (the polls) will be open on Election Day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The number of vote centers and the number of days vote centers will be open before Election Day in the City of Bellflower are yet to be determined by the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder/County Clerk.
Persons requiring multilingual assistance regarding information in this notice may contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Dated: July 3, 2026
For a translated version of this notice or more information regarding this election, please visit www.bellflower.ca.gov or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (562) 804-1424, ext. 2272. Published at Los Cerritos Community News 7/3/26
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
SE NOTIFICA POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE que de conformidad con la Sección 53398.66 del Código de Gobierno, la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público del EIFD de Artesia (“Autoridad de Financiamiento Público”) llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública en el Salón del Concejo ubicado en 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701, a las 6:00 p.m., el Miércoles 8 de Julio de 2026. La Autoridad de Financiamiento Público se reunirá en el lugar y hora indicados para responder preguntas y escuchar comentarios y objeciones escritas y orales relacionadas con el propuesto Distrito de Financiamiento de Infraestructura Mejorada de Artesia (“EIFD de Artesia”) y el borrador del Plan de Financiamiento de Infraestructura (“IFP”) preparado de conformidad con la Sección 53398.63 del Código de Gobierno. Esta Audiencia Pública será la primera de dos audiencias públicas para considerar el borrador del IFP, y la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público considerará cualquier comentario escrito y oral adicional y tomará medidas para modificar o rechazar el IFP, si corresponde. Si el IFP no es rechazado en esta primera audiencia pública, la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público llevará a cabo una segunda audiencia pública programada de manera tentativa a las 6:00 p.m., el Lunes 10 de Agosto de 2026, a confirmar y notificar por correo postal, periódico y sitio web, para considerar la adopción del IFP.
El propuesto EIFD de Artesia abarca aproximadamente 324 acres de terreno, lo que representa aproximadamente el 31% del total de acres dentro de los límites de la Ciudad. El EIFD de Artesia incluye varias áreas de oportunidad de desarrollo no contiguas, incluyendo parcelas subutilizadas con un potencial significativo para la inversión privada, donde los usos del suelo actuales y previstos apoyan una diversidad de usos que promueven el desarrollo económico y mejoran la calidad de vida dentro de los límites del EIFD y la comunidad circundante. La documentación relacionada con el EIFD de Artesia, incluyendo una copia del Mapa de Límites borrador, el borrador del Plan de Financiamiento de Infraestructura (“IFP”) y la Resolución de Intención, están disponibles en línea en https://cityofartesia.us/EIFD y en el Ayuntamiento, Oficina del Secretario Municipal, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701. La documentación también puede solicitarse enviando un correo electrónico a czambrano@cityofartesia.us o llamando al (562) 865-6262, extensión 262. El propósito del EIFD de Artesia es ayudar a atender el déficit de financiamiento para la provisión de instalaciones públicas de capital de importancia comunitaria que brinden beneficios significativos y promuevan el desarrollo económico dentro de los límites del EIFD de Artesia o la comunidad circundante, así como para aquellas instalaciones ubicadas fuera de los límites del EIFD que también tengan una conexión tangible con el trabajo del EIFD de Artesia. Las instalaciones públicas a financiar incluyen, entre otras: transporte público, estacionamientos, parques y recreación, policía, recolección y tratamiento de agua, transporte y recolección de aguas pluviales, transferencia y disposición de residuos sólidos, servicios de cuidado infantil e instalaciones de organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro. El borrador del IFP describe el propuesto EIFD de Artesia, las instalaciones, las asignaciones propuestas de incremento fiscal de la Ciudad y el Condado, el plan para financiar las instalaciones y emitir deuda, el impacto fiscal propuesto y otros elementos requeridos por la Sección 53398.63 del Código de Gobierno. Los EIFDs se crean para pagar infraestructura y otras comodidades públicas a partir de los ingresos incrementales del impuesto a la propiedad, y no aumentan el impuesto a la propiedad ni ningún otro impuesto para los propietarios dentro o fuera de los límites del EIFD.
Las audiencias públicas estarán abiertas al público en el Salón del Concejo de la Ciudad de Artesia, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701. Todas las personas que tengan comentarios u objeciones sobre el borrador del IFP, el EIFD propuesto o la regularidad de cualquiera de los procedimientos previos, podrán comparecer ante la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público en el lugar y hora mencionados para presentar comentarios u objeciones escritas u orales respecto a la adopción del IFP propuesto o la formación del EIFD propuesto. Cada propietario de terreno y residente dentro del EIFD tiene el derecho de presentar una protesta oral o escrita antes del cierre de la segunda audiencia pública. La protesta podrá indicar que el propietario o residente se opone a que la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público tome medidas para implementar el IFP. Cualquier persona que desee hacer comentarios sobre el propuesto EIFD de Artesia puede hacerlo de las siguientes maneras:
1. Asistir en persona: Los miembros del público pueden participar en las audiencias de la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público asistiendo en persona al Salón del Concejo de la Ciudad de Artesia, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701. 2. Enviar comentarios por escrito: Los comentarios escritos pueden enviarse a la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público antes o durante las audiencias. Dichos comentarios formarán parte del registro escrito. Los comentarios pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a czambrano@cityofartesia.us, por correo postal a: ATTN: Carmen Zambrano, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701, o entregarse en persona en la Oficina del Secretario Municipal ubicada en el Ayuntamiento. Por favor identifique “Artesia EIFD” en sus comentarios.
NOTA: Todos los miembros del público están invitados a asistir a las audiencias de la Autoridad de Financiamiento Público en el Salón del Concejo de la Ciudad de Artesia.
Este aviso constituye la notificación conforme a las Secciones 53398.66(c)(1) y 53398.66(i) (1) del Código de Gobierno.
Publicado: 12 de junio, 19 de junio, 26 de junio, 3 de julio de 2026
Publicado en cartelera: 26 de junio de 2026
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3/26
NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY
Notice is given pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial Code, Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607, that Norwalk Self Storage at 11564 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a Lien imposed on said property. The undersigned will be sold at public auction conducted on www.storagetreasures.com (bond #63747122) ending on or after Tuesday, JULY 14th, 2026, at 9:00AM.
NAME UNIT #
VANESSA IVONNE ZATARAIN A193/A300/B452
MICHAEL PATRICK MULLIGAN B238
ASHLEY LOPEZ B217
CHARLES JERMAINE JONES B 485
This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 21700 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. Storage Treasures’ Principal Auctioneer and Auctioneer on Record: Auctioneer License Numbers for Christopher Paul Rosa California #3112562 Sales subject to prior cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and obligated party Publication Dates: 06/26/26 & 07/03/26
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 Wednesday, July 8, 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 first of two public hearings to consider the draft IFP, and the Public Financing Authority will consider any additional written and oral comments and take action to modify or reject the IFP, if appropriate. If the IFP is not rejected at this first public hearing, then the Public Financing Authority will hold a second public hearing tentatively scheduled at 6:00 p.m., on Monday, August 10, 2026, to be confirmed and noticed via mail, newspaper, and website, to consider adoption of the IFP.
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 hearings 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 second 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 hearings 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 hearings. 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 hearings at the City of Artesia Council Chambers.
This Notice constitutes the notice pursuant to Government Code Sections 53398.66(c)(1) and 53398.66(i)(1).
Published: June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, 2026
Posted: June 26, 2026
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3/26
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER DIRECTING SUBMITTAL OF DELINQUENT SOLID WASTE BILLINGS TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR COLLECTION WITH THE ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held by the Bellflower City Council to consider directing submittal of all solid waste billings delinquent for 30 days or more to the County of Los Angeles for collection with the annual property tax assessment. The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California.
Testimony will be heard for and against directing submittal of delinquent solid waste billings to the County of Los Angeles for collection with the annual property tax assessment. Also, any person interested may make written protest or objection. Such written protest or objection shall be signed by the person protesting or objecting and delivered to the City Clerk before the end of the subject public hearing. Timely received written testimony will be submitted as evidence for the Public Hearing. Oral testimony may be presented at the appropriate time during the Public Hearing.
Copies of the staff report, the proposed resolution, and attachments may be inspected by the public in the Public Works Department, City Maintenance Yard, 9944 Flora Vista Street, Bellflower, California. Questions should be addressed to Melanie Paz, Management Analyst II, at (562) 804-1424, ext. 2283.
If you wish to challenge this matter in court, then 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 timely delivered to the City Clerk for submission at the Public Hearing.
By order of the City Council of the City of Bellflower, County of Los Angeles, State of California. MAYRA OCHIQUI, CITY CLERK
and 7/3/26
Do you need more sets around pool I have a Set of two pool lounge recliners. Thick plastic strips and metal frame With four positions to recline. Pick up in Downey Take set for $35. Would look great at your pool. susankocher123@ icloud.com
3 wheel swing and kick scooter, fully working
6 years old but working like new. $62. shethamit51@gmail.com
New dell inspiron pentium i5 8gb ram. 16inch laptop and 19inch LCD monitor. Laptop space bar, letter B keys sometimes jams but repairable. $90. shethamit51@gmail.com
Queen bedroom set luxury bed set Headboard Bed frame Night stand Dresser and mirror. Excellent condition If you want mattress I have firm mattress with bed set it’s free So complete set.
Asking price: $1200 for all Pick up near Cerritos college. lajinta@gmail.com
Queen bedroom set. Luxurious bed frame and head board Night stand Dresser, Dresser with lots of space. Chest of drawer Spend $5,500 Asking all for $3000 only lajinta@gmail.c
C.T.M. HS-125 MOBILITY SCOOTER AND INSTRUCTION BOOKLET-$500
OBO Purchased for use by a mobility-impaired parent and used occasionally for a few years It’s been sitting unused for several years in the parents garage, as our parent’s vision issues now prevent them from proper safe operation of the scooter The old batteries were replaced by new ones a couple of months ago No special cable or transformer is required for charging Charging is by a standard off-the-shelf NEMA 5-15P to IEC 60320 C13 power cord [INCLUDED]
RV cover for a 30 foot Class C .otorhome. new still in box. Never opened. $200.00 negotiable. 714-225-6268
GE window mounted air conditioner, $25.00 cash, good condition, owner’s manual included. Call John 562-965-6408. Located in Cerritos. Curio w/four glass shelves. Inside back mirror w/ light.32” wide 78”high. A Long table w/glass insert 54” Long 27” high. Tall pedestal w/small wooden top. Color: Dark Brown w/Cherry blend. $500. Cash Only Contact: Josephine @ 562-965-1632. Location: near downtown Bellflower Street. 55 Inch Samsung TV in fully working condition for sale @ $150.00
Two grain Leather sofa / couches from Macy’s. Excellent condition like new . Had it for a guest room . High end material Retail $1300 (3 seater) Asking $900 Single chairs $1200 (retail) Asking $800 each have 2 So, 3 seater and 2 single seat Elegant pieces do or living room. lajinta@gmail.com Kitchen Lights Beautiful Project Source Fallsbrook 5 -Light Brushed Nickel Etched Glass Mixed material Chandelier, $20, used for about two years. 562.926.8099
Bike for 10-year kid, in good condition, $25 Tel: 562.926.8099
Cherry wood Antique four feet tall and wide curio cabinet, $350 excellent condition. Weight around 40 pounds. Must pick up. bbrown201608@ charter.net Beautiful Bedroom furniture! Queen platform bed, mattress, side table, dresser, Desk, cabinet & corner high cabinet! Everything for $550. Extremely well maintained high gloss wood furniture. Perfect for young adult or elderly parent’s room. Email dshah50@gmail.com for photos. Cash only. Pick up and transport yourself from Cerritos (Norwalk + Artesia).
42 inch LG tv excellent condition $75, bbrown201608@charter.netOne canopy brand new $80 stand up mirror 2 $20 black canopy 60 Cash only there are much more items There’s more 310-484-8949
Whirlpool Dishwasher White Like New, never been used. $ 275.00 CASH ONLY Contact: Sally Phone: 562-208-5273 Please bring truck and person to help transport. Location Cerritos
Sports Memorabilia Collection-Vintage signed 8x10 photos with COAs for sale including Mantle, Mays, Kobe, LeBron, Gretzky and many more. Various prices. Also selling graded sports cards from the 1960s and other collectible memorabilia from my personal collection accumulated over many years. Located in Artesia. I am not a dealer. If interested please email lanreb1@yahoo.com
Office Relocation Furniture Sale — All office furniture, including 5 sets of business greyish L-shaped desks with 2 2-drawer metal cabinets, Hon metal file cabinets, glossy cherry-finish armed lobby chair, secretary chairs, office supplies, folding tables, etc. Contact: Charleen Hsieh @ 562-652-9228. Location: Cerritos (Alondra + Shoemaker).
Vintage Amber Glass Bowl — Vintage amber glass bowl with fruit design, 12” x 9”. Heavy glass and very well made. Great for any table setting or decor. $20. Call 310-834-4560.
Iron Bedroom Furniture Set — Elegant high-quality iron bedroom furniture set with antique bronze/ brass finish, intricate scrollwork detailing and classic cage-style finials. Excellent pre-owned condition, very sturdy and well maintained. Includes heavy-duty headboard, standard metal bed frame and 2 matching nightstands with tempered glass tops and bottom glass shelves. Prices: Headboard + Bed Frame $199, Nightstands $99 each, Complete Set $299. Cash only, must pick up and transport. Location: Cerritos (Artesia + Norwalk). Contact Charleen @ 562-652-9228.
Formal Dining Room Set — Beautiful traditional-style formal dining room set with high-gloss mahogany finish, elegant cabriole legs and ball-andclaw feet. Includes large oval dining table and 6 matching chairs with Chippendale-style chair backs and upholstered seats. Sturdy, well maintained and high quality. $299 cash only. Please bring a truck and help for transport. Location: Cerritos (Artesia + Norwalk). Contact: 562-652-9228. Bissell Vacuum Cleaner — Works great. $30 cash only. Contact: photosbypat@hotmail.com
Vintage amber glass bowl with fruit design. 12” x 9”.
Heavy glass and well made for sure! Great for any table setting or decor . $20 310-834-4560
Update your bedroom with this elegant, high-quality iron bedroom furniture set. The pieces feature a beautiful antique bronze/brass finish with intricate scrollwork detailing and classic cage-style finials.
Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition. Very sturdy and well-maintained. The nightstands feature thick tempered glass tops and a bottom glass shelf for extra storage. Set Includes: Headboard: Heavy-duty metal with ornate scrollwork. Bed Frame: Included (Standard metal rails). 2 Matching Nightstands: Elegant scrolling metal sides with two tiers of glass shelving. Location: Cerritos (Artesia + Norwalk) Price: 1. Headboard + Bed Frame: $199 2.
NightStand: $99 /each 3. Complete set (Headboard, Bed Frame, 2 Nightstands): $299 Note: Cash only. Must be able to pick up/transport. Contact: Charleen @ 562-652-9228
Beautiful formal dining room set in a classic traditional style. The table features a high-gloss mahogany finish and elegant cabriole legs with balland-claw feet. This set is sturdy, well-maintained, and adds a touch of sophistication to any home. Set Includes: Large oval dining table and 6 matching chairs (including 2 armchairs and 4 side chairs).
Design Details: Chippendale-style chair backs with neutral upholstered seats. Price: $299 (Cash only)
Location: Cerritos (Artesia + Norwalk) Note: Please bring a truck and a friend for transport as this is solid, high-quality furniture. Contact: Charleen @ 562-652-9228
Office Relocation. All office furniture, including 5 sets of business greyish L-shaped desks with 2 2-drawer metal cabinets, Hon’s metal file cabinets, Glossy cherry-finish armed lobby chair, Secretary Chairs, Office Supplies, Folding Tables, etc.
Contact: Charleen Hsieh @562-652-9228 Location: Cerritos (Alondra + Shoemaker)
2011 BMW X5 Diesel 2 new cabin air filters by MANN Model C33001 and new 2 oil filters by HENGST (Poland) P/N E28H01 D26. All 4 items for $30 cash. SMS Text: 562-293-8519. Eastern County Newspaper Group (ECNG) and its’ subsidiaries are not responsible for items listed herein. The responsibility of all items’ condition and description lies on the seller. The buyer assumes all responsibilities of the purchase. No warranty on items is implied or expressed by ECNG.
TRIPLE
Continued from Page 10
Magana’s team opened pool play action this past Tuesday against the (Sacramento) LTG-Jason where the game ended in an 1111 tie. That was followed by an 11-6 win over the (Frankfort, IL) Chicago Cheetahs. This past Wednesday the Firecrackers faced the (Parker, CO) Batbusters National BlackSmith/Carpenter and came away with a 7-6 victory followed by a 6-6 tie against the (Tomball) Texas Sudden Impact. The final two pool play games were held on July 2 against the (San Marcos) Breakers Lab-Lara and the Las Vegas Blast. Maryah McElroy, Gahr (Downey) Nemesis Elite
The Nemesis played the (Murray) Utah Naturals and the (Whitewright) Texas GloryRWB this past Tuesday, losing both games 14-12 and 11-0, respectively. In the first game, McElroy went one for three, scored twice and drove in a run while reaching another time on a walk. The Nemesis would post a 2-1 win over the (Tualatin, OR) NW Bullets-Qualls this past Wednesday, then defeated the (Castle Pines) CO National 6-3 this past Wednesday. McElroy had one hit in the second game, but it was a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the game away.
The Nemesis faced the (Mesa) Arizona Rising-Vela and the Fresno Force Gold on July 2.
16-U National Power Pool Division
Rivera and her team will stay busy after the P5 Patriot Games, making the trip down Interstate 25 from Fort Collins where they faced the (Cumming, GA) Armor Elite Premier-Lynch and the Louisville Lady Sluggers-Heucker/Peyton this past Tuesday. The Bengals lost 12-9 in the first game as Rivera went two for two, scored twice and drove in a run with a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the fifth inning. In the second game, the Bengals showed no mercy in a 25-4 affair as Rivera went two for three, scored twice again and drove in a run.
The next day, the Bengals squared off against the (Shreveport, LA) Gold Culture National and came away with a 12-0 victory. Rivera came in as a pinch hitter in the top of the fourth and doubled on the first pitch she saw. The Bengals would face the (Overland Park, KS) Aces Fastpitch later in the night and their July 2 games saw them face the (Scottsdale) Arizona Rising-Appel/ Kobasew and the (Sanford, FL) UnityAmsler/Johnson.
Also making the trip south were Anglo and Wong where the up and coming young Gahr stars saw their travel team lose to the (Mocksville, N.C.) Lady Lightning Gold Elite 9-6 before edging the (Bonner Springs, KS) Select Fastpitch-Byrn 5-4 this past Tuesday. The Firecrackers would fall to the (Yukon, OK) Epic NationalSmith, 10-1 and the (Brentwood, TN) Fury Premier-Robinson, 6-5 this past Wednesday with pool play action concluding on July 2 against the (Buford, GA) Impact-Caymol and the (Friendswood, TX) Apex GoldWilliams.
16-U Supplemental Power Pool Division
Rylee Jackson and Skyy Saucedo, Gahr (Placentia) Firecrackers RTY Premier
Another pair of up and coming high school stars faced the (Germantown Hills, IL) Premier Fastpitch National-Till and the (San Mateo) Warrior Academy-McDonald/ Nicholas this past Tuesday. The Firecrackers lost the first game 10-2 but bounced back to post a 14-2 victory in the next game. Jackson and Saucedo went a combined one for four with a run driven in. This past Wednesday, the team squared off against the (Flower Mound, TX) Athletics MercadoFrausto, losing 7-2 before bouncing back to get past the (Eureka, MO) Select Fastpitch 15U-Humes 14-11. Jackson had a solo home run in one of her two at-bats in the loss while Saucedo scored twice in the second game. The final two games in pool play action will be on Friday against the (Altadena) California Thunder-Levier/Milton and the (Tucson) Arizona Storm-Sztan.
Maya Moreau, Gahr (Fountain Valley) Empire FastpitchEnsey
Moreau had a double for one of the two hits the Empire Fastpitch had against the (Whittier) Firecrackers-TJ/Pantages in a 9-0 loss, and drew a walk against the (Des Moines) Iowa Premier National-Chronic/ Paz in an 8-0 setback this past Wednesday. The team faced the (Roseville) USA Premier National Team-Zepeda and the (Katy) TX Impact Gold National on July 2 and will square off against the (Marlborough, MA) Polar Crush Gold-Capello and the (Hugo, MN) National-Kotzmacher on Friday for the final two pool play games.
16-U Sparkler
Noelle Martinez, Cerritos High (Whittier) Firecrackers-Brashear/ Ojinaga
The Firecrackers began their pool play games this past Tuesday against the (Newton) MA Stars Fastpitch-Navy, a 12-4 conquest, and the (Aurora, CO) HitstreakHan, a 10-1 victory. Martinez went one for three and scored once in the first game, then went hitless in one at-bat, but scored once and drove in a run in the second game. The next day, the Firecrackers tied the (Alvin) Texas Bombers National-Farmer 9-9 before falling to the (Booneville) Arkansas EdgeGenesis 7-6. Martinez went two for three, including hitting a home run, drove in a pair and drew a walk in the first game while picking up another hit in the second game. Zoe Corrales, Cerritos (Chino) USA Athletics-Cordero/Lopez Another Cerritos standout and her team lost to the (Crest Hills, IL) Genuwin ReignKS 10-1 before edging the (Elkhorn, WI) GTS Elite-Herrick 2-1 this past Wednesday. Corrales was hitless in a combined three at-bats but drew a walk in each game. The USA Athletics played the (Thornton, CO) American Freedom-Delgado and the (Vancouver) Washington Wildcats on July 2.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND INTENTION TO APPROVE AN ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that he City of Commerce (“City”), per Government Code 4217.12, hereby announces, and provides notice of, a public hearing, to be held on July 14, 2026, regarding the potential for the City to enter into an Energy Service Contract (“Contract”) with Syserco Energy Solutions, Inc. for an energy efficiency and renewable energy project. The public hearing will be held in conjunction with the City’s regular City Council meeting currently scheduled for July 14, 2026 at 6 PM.
The proposed project includes installation of solar photovoltaic systems and LED lighting upgrades.
KEY FINDINGS: Prior to awarding the contract, the Council will review and consider findings demonstrating that the anticipated cost to the City for the energy conservation services will be less than the anticipated marginal cost that would have been consumed in the absence of these improvements.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: At any time before that date and time set forth in this notice for the Public Hearing, written comment on the proposal may be filed with the City Clerk. All persons wishing to comment at the public hearing will be given an opportunity to be heard.
Published: July 1, 2026 – Los Cerritos News
Published at Los Cerritos Community News 7/1/26
tal review and CEQA compliance.
While major redevelopment projects often involve complex financial arrangements, the public documents provide little explanation of how the proposed $10 million lease cancellation payment was calculated or whether it was supported by an independent appraisal, leasehold valuation or other financial analysis. Likewise, while City officials estimate the Costco development will generate more than $3 million annually in new sales tax revenue, the staff report does not explain how much of that revenue will ultimately remain with the City after the contemplated sales tax sharing agreements with Costco and Downey Nissan are negotiated.
Despite broad support for the project, several crucial questions remain unanswered.
The agreement references future $3 million and $2 million sales tax-sharing agreements with Costco and Downey Nissan, but does not specify the percentage of future sales tax revenue to be rebated, the duration of those agreements, or the formula for determining the payments. Those agreements are expected to return to the City Council for separate approval.
The City has agreed to provide a $10 million lease cancellation payment to Downey Nissan, but neither the staff report nor the Master Development Funding Agreement explains how that figure was calculated, whether it was supported by an independent appraisal, a leasehold valuation, or an economic analysis, or whether alternative relocation costs were evaluated.
The City’s proposed $10 million lease cancellation payment would extinguish BCH Holdings’ leasehold interest, which currently serves as collateral for a $7.426 million Wells Fargo leasehold loan recorded in 2023. The public documents do not explain how the lease cancellation payment was calculated or how the proceeds would be distributed among BCH Holdings, its lender, or other parties.
City officials estimate the Costco development will generate more than $3 million annually in new sales tax revenue, but the agreement does not identify how much of that revenue will ultimately remain with the City after the future sales tax sharing agreements with Costco and Downey Nissan are executed.
Property records reviewed by Los Cerritos Community News also reveal that Downey Nissan does not own the land. Instead, the dealership operates under a long-term ground lease with Andrews Rancho Del Norte. A recorded 2023 leasehold deed of trust shows BCH Holdings LLC, the dealership entity, borrowed approximately $7.4 million from Wells Fargo using its leasehold interest as collateral under a Construction and Lease Agreement dated Dec. 1, 2015. That discovery raises additional questions regarding the City’s proposed $10 million lease cancellation payment, including the remaining lease term, whether the lease contains a negotiated buyout provision, and whether the City relied upon an independent valuation before agreeing to fund the payment.
Under the redevelopment plan, the project will be carried out in two phases.
First, Downey Nissan will relocate across Firestone Boulevard to a newly constructed dealership on approximately 5.1 acres. The project also includes the acquisition of additional parking through the adjacent Nova property and, if available, parking rights from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Once Nissan relocates, the existing dealership will be demolished and replaced by a new Costco warehouse and fueling station on approximately 13.6 acres encompassing the current dealership site and the former All American Home Center property.
The financial structure extends well beyond the City’s contribution.
Property owner Andrews Rancho Del Norte will contribute approximately $1.6 million through cash, site improvements, the Nova parking property, and efforts to secure additional parking rights.
Costco will invest up to $20.8 million to construct the new Nissan dealership, including construction costs, permits, fees, and related improvements necessary to relocate the dealership.
Public comment overwhelmingly favored the project.
Representatives from the Carpenters Union and Western States Carpenters Local 91 praised Costco’s labor practices while urging the City to require prevailing wages, skilled union labor, apprenticeship opportunities, worker safety protections and local hiring requirements.
Only one speaker, resident Lee Squire, questioned the financial structure.
Squire argued the public discussion focused primarily on the City’s $10.5 million contribution while giving comparatively little attention to two additional future financial commitments referenced in the staff report: a proposed $3 million sales tax sharing agreement with Costco and a separate $2 million sales tax sharing agreement with Downey Nissan.
Following Squire’s comments, City Manager Roger Bradley responded that those agreements had not yet been negotiated and would return to the City Council for separate public consideration.
The staff report confirms that both future agreements remain subject to future Council approval and are not included within the $10.5 million appropriation approved as part of the Master Development Funding Agreement.
City officials contend the public investment will ultimately pay for itself through new sales tax revenue generated by Costco, which staff estimates will exceed $3 million annually once the warehouse opens.
The project schedule anticipates approximately 10 to 12 months for environmental review and entitlements, roughly one year to construct the new Nissan dealership and relocate Nissan operations, followed by another year to construct the Costco warehouse and fuel station. Under that schedule, Costco would likely open in approximately three years.
Los Cerritos Community News has submitted, or intends to submit, California Public Records Act requests seeking the 2015 Construction and Lease Agreement, any amendments, appraisals or valuation reports supporting the lease cancellation payment, and documents explaining the method used to calculate the City’s proposed $10 million contribution. Those records could provide a clearer picture of whether public investment is supported by independent financial analysis or by negotiated business terms.
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Published at LCCN 7/3/26
