March 20, 2026 LCCN

STATUE UNDER SCRUTINY: A statue of Cesar Chavez surrounded by United Farm Workers flags reflects a legacy now facing renewed debate as allegations trigger calls to rename streets, schools, and public spaces across Los Angeles County. Courtesy New York

Pink Slips Surge Across California as School Districts Edge Toward Financial Brink

Thousands of layoffs hit California schools as districts battle deficits, declining enrollment, and rising costs threatening classroom stability statewide

By Dianne Lambert, EdSource

School districts across California are issuing thousands of layoff notices as a worsening financial crisis—driven by declining enrollment, expiring federal Covid funds, and rising operating costs—forces sweeping budget cuts that are now hitting employees at every level.

“You have some large school districts and even some

mid-sized and smaller school districts that are in complete financial crisis right now, and on the verge of insolvency or going into receivership,” said Troy Flint, chief information officer for the California School Boards Association. “When the deficit is so great you almost have to make hatchet-type cuts.”

Districts are required under state law to issue preliminary layoff notices, commonly known as pink slips, by March 15 to employees who could lose their jobs before the next school year. While many of those notices are later rescinded by the May 15 final deadline, the sheer volume this year reflects

See SCHOOLS, Page 16

La Mirada Cancels June Election, Appoints Two Councilmembers After No Challengers File

By Laurie Hanson

The La Mirada City Council has canceled the June municipal election for two council districts at its March 17 meeting after only one candidate filed for each seat, allowing both candidates to be appointed rather than elected.

According to a staff report, the nomination period for the June 2, 2026 municipal election closed March 6 with only two individuals submitting paperwork: John Lewis for District 1 and Michelle Velasquez Bean for District 2. Under California election law, when the nomination period closes and the number of candidates does not exceed the number of seats available, a city council may either appoint the candidates to office or proceed with the elec-

tion anyway. La Mirada officials are recommending the council appoint both candidates and cancel the election for those districts.

The resolution before the council states that Lewis will be appointed to represent District 1 and Velasquez Bean will be appointed to represent District 2, each serving a four-year term.

With the adoption of the resolution, the June 2 election will be formally canceled, saving the city the cost of conducting a vote in districts where no contested race exists.

The City Council Reorganization will take place at the regular meeting on July 14. Also serving on the City Council are Mayor Ed Eng representing District 3, Mayor Pro Tem Anthony A. Otero representing District 5, and Councilmember Steve De Ruse representing District 4.

$36M in Park Funding in Southeast L.A.—Artesia, Bellflower, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs Lead the Way

Funds will build new parks, upgrade aging facilities, add trails, improve stormwater capture, and expand green space in underserved neighborhoods.

By Brian Hews

Los Angeles County is pouring $36 million into park projects across Supervisor Janice Hahn’s district, with several Southeast Los Angeles County cities—core Los Cerritos Community News coverage areas—landing major funding for long-awaited improvements.

California Lawmakers Will Change Cesar Chavez Day to ‘Farmworkers Day’

By Brian Hews

A fast-moving political and cultural reckoning is sweeping Los Angeles County following explosive allegations against Cesar Chavez—and Southeast Los Angeles County cities are now under pressure to respond as others begin taking action.

The firestorm erupted after a New York Times investigation detailed claims that Chavez sexually abused women and girls, including allegations involving minors and accusations from fellow labor leader Dolores Huerta, who said she was raped in 1966. The report, based on interviews with more than 60 individuals, has triggered what many leaders are calling a “devastating” moment across Latino communities.

Within hours, the response across Los Angeles County escalated from shock to action.

County officials are now exploring the removal of Chavez’s name from parks, streets, buildings, monuments, and public programs, while also weighing whether to rename the county’s Cesar Chavez Day observance. A motion is expected to move forward directing a broad review of all county properties and honors tied to Chavez.

In Los Angeles, activists and elected officials are calling for the renaming of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue—one of the region’s most prominent roadways—to Dolores Huerta Avenue. The push reflects

Leading the local awards is Artesia, which secured $2 million for a new botanical garden and community center—one of the more unique projects in the entire funding round. The project is expected to create a new gathering space that blends passive recreation with educational and cultural programming, giving the small but densely populated city a

‘Mighty Tristan’

rare expansion of green space.

Bellflower also scored big, receiving $4 million for a regional stormwater capture project at Simms Park, along with another $482,699 for upgrades to the city’s sports park. The stormwater project is designed to improve water quality and drought resilience by capturing and reusing runoff, while the sports park funding will support facility upgrades for youth leagues and community use.

Norwalk matched that $4 million mark with funding for a full rehabilitation of Hermosillo Park. Plans include modernizing aging infrastructure, improving accessibility, and expanding recreational amenities for families in one of the city’s most heavily used park spaces.

Santa Fe Springs picked up three separate $500,000 grants to support projects at Clarke Estate, Lake Center Athletic Park, and a new park near the San Gabriel Riverbed. The investments are expected to en-

See FUNDING

Overcomes

Challenges With Help From Shea Center Family

Courtesy Shea Center.

By Brian Hews

For more than 14 years, Tristan Straub has overcome significant challenges with the support of the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding in San Juan Capistrano.

The Shea Center is now accepting registrations for its Summer Camp and Volunteer Program and is also welcoming donations to support its therapeutic riding services.

“He has truly grown up there,” his mother, Shiela

Straub, said. “From the very beginning, Shea has been woven into his story—and into ours. We are beyond grateful for the love, dedication, and belief they have poured into our sweet boy year after year.” Tristan shares a special bond with the horses he rides and works just as hard during therapy sessions in the gym. He has autism, cerebral palsy, global developmental delays, and a speech delay— but over his 14 years at Shea,

See SHEA, Page 12

Times.

THERAPEUTIC: Tristan Straub, seen here with a therapeutic pony, has been a client at the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding for 14 years and has made significant progress with the help of staff and volunteers.

Cerritos Library to Host

Smithsonian Curator for a Look at How History is Collected and Shared

Residents will get a rare behind-thescenes look at how one of the world’s most influential museums operates when the Cerritos Library hosts a special presentation featuring a Smithsonian Institution curator.

Dr. Theodore S. Gonzalves will speak Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m. in the Skyline Room, offering insight into the curatorial process at the Smithsonian and how everyday objects help shape the way history is understood and remembered.

Gonzalves, an award-winning author and scholar, will highlight his book, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects, which eaxplores Asian Pacific American history through items connected to sports, art, pop culture, and daily life.

The presentation will also feature a segment focused on “Joy,” examining how activities such as surfing, skateboarding, baseball, and humor reflect resilience and cultural identity across generations.

The event is part of the Making History, Making Change Lecture Series, organized by Smithsonian Affiliations in connection with the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 initiative.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Gonzalves’ book and participate in a signing.

The program is supported in part by the Dreier Family, Johanna and Ken Kim Family, Vaishali Shah Chadha and Family, and Michael Vu and Meridel BulleVu.

Three projects funded to expand parks, improve recreation, boost river access, and advance Santa Fe Springs community-focused design and future construction readiness.

LCCN Staff Report

Santa Fe Springs is moving forward with an ambitious expansion of its park system after securing $1.5 million in competitive funding from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District through the voter-approved Measure A program.

cess to the river corridor. Early plans call for walking and biking paths, expanded landscaping, gathering areas, and possible dog-friendly amenities. The project is also intended to strengthen regional connectivity and create a more welcoming entry point to the river.

At Lake Center Athletic Park, the focus shifts to modernization. Planned upgrades include new multi-use sports fields, improved turf and natural grass areas, upgraded lighting, additional seating and fencing, and a new trail system. Accessibility improvements are also a key component, with plans for expanded ADA-compliant parking, ramps, and easier access throughout the park.

Monday thru Saturday6 pm to 12 Midnight

Doors open at 4pm Sunday 2 pm to 9 pm

Doors open at 12pm

City officials announced the funding will be split evenly across three major projects, each receiving $500,000 to move from concept to full design. The projects include improvements at the historic Clarke Estate, development of a new park along the San Gabriel Riverbed, and upgrades to Lake Center Athletic Park.

The funding does not pay for construction yet, but it is a critical step—covering design, engineering, and environmental work needed to make the projects eligible for future building funds.

At the Clarke Estate, one of the city’s most recognizable historic properties, the money will be used to refine architectural and landscape plans and complete technical studies. The city is exploring the addition of a performance and gathering space inspired by the Hollywood Bowl, a nod to Marie Clarke’s historical connection as a founding member of the venue in 1922. Officials say the goal is to elevate the estate into a regional cultural destination while preserving its historic character.

The San Gabriel Riverbed project will convert currently unused land into a new public park designed to improve ac-

The funding comes from Measure A, a countywide initiative approved by voters in 2016 to expand parks and recreational access, particularly in underserved communities. The program is highly competitive and prioritizes projects that improve connectivity, sustainability, and community access to open space.

“These investments represent an important step forward in enhancing parks, preserving open space, and expanding recreational opportunities for the Santa Fe Springs community,” Mayor Joe Angel Zamora said.

City officials emphasized that community input will continue to shape each project as designs move forward. Completing this phase will position Santa Fe Springs to pursue additional funding needed to bring the projects to construction.

With design work now funded, Santa Fe Springs officials say the projects are moving from vision to reality, positioning the city to secure future construction dollars and deliver long-awaited park improvements for residents.

FUNDING: from (l-r) Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, Director of LA County Parks and Recreation, Gus Hernandez, City of Santa Fe Springs Director of Parks and Recreation, Nicholas Razo, City of Santa Fe Springs Assistant City Manager, René Bobadilla, City of Santa Fe Springs City Manager, Joe Angel Zamora, City of Santa Fe Springs Mayor, Janice Hahn, LA County Supervisor, 4th District.

Lakewood Mayor Touts Falling Crime, Investments at State of the City

17.

By Brian Hews

Lakewood residents, business leaders, and community members packed The Centre on March 17 for Mayor Cassandra Chase’s annual State of the City address, where she highlighted declining crime, major infrastructure investments, and an ongoing push to redefine the city as more inclusive heading toward its 75th anniversary.

The event was co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood.

Chase framed her remarks around what she described as a defining moment for Lakewood, balancing its historic identity with a broader vision of inclusion.

“Lakewood was built on a promise: safety, comfort, and opportunity,” Chase said, noting that the city’s past did not extend those opportunities to everyone. “Our mission says everyone. Our work is to mean it.”

The mayor repeatedly returned to the city’s updated mission statement adopted in 2024, emphasizing the goal of creating “a welcoming and thriving community where everyone can live, work and play in a safe and healthy environment.”

Public safety remains front and center Chase pointed to a significant drop in serious crime over the past year, crediting both law enforcement and residents.

“I am pleased to share that serious crimes in Lakewood declined significantly last year,” Chase said.

The city is now funding the maximum level of patrol hours available through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, underscoring what officials describe as an aggressive approach to maintaining visibility and response times.

Lakewood also continues to rely on layered public safety programs, including its Public Safety Officers, the Sky Knight helicopter patrol, and an active Neighborhood Watch network.

On the technology side, the city secured $1 million in federal funding from Congressman Robert Garcia to expand its security camera system, including license plate reader technology. The program, already in place near the Lakewood Center area for nearly two decades, is now being expanded, though Chase acknowledged privacy concerns.

Chase also addressed concerns surrounding federal immigration enforcement, making clear that local deputies are not involved.

“Our Lakewood Sheriff’s Deputies have no role in federal immigration enforcement,” she said. “Their role is keeping our community safe…with a full

commitment to the constitutional rights of every Lakewood resident.”

Millions flowing into parks, streets, and facilities

Beyond public safety, the address highlighted a sweeping $60 million Capital Improvement Plan now underway across Lakewood.

The city has committed $15 million to upgrades at nine city facilities, focusing on long-overdue improvements to roofing, electrical systems, and HVAC infrastructure.

Another nearly $20 million is being invested in resurfacing approximately 19 miles of city streets.

Several high-profile community projects are also moving forward.

The Weingart Senior Center is undergoing a full renovation, including ADA improvements, upgraded systems, and redesigned interiors. Meanwhile, Palms Park’s aging community building will receive a major overhaul and expansion, including a new teen space.

Perhaps the most visible new project is a planned civic plaza at Clark Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard, designed to host major community events and serve as a central gathering place.

Parks upgrades are also underway at Cherry Cove and Bloomfield parks, where new playground equipment and safety surfacing are being installed. Leadership programs and community engagement

The mayor also highlighted programs aimed at building future civic leadership, including the Lakewood Leadership Academy and the upcoming LeadHer Lakewood event celebrating women in leadership.

She pointed to her “Matcha with the Mayor” gatherings as a key way to connect directly with residents and hear concerns ranging from neighborhood safety to broader community goals. A city trying to redefine itself

Throughout the speech, Chase emphasized a broader cultural shift within Lakewood, particularly as the city approaches both its 75th anniversary and the nation’s 250th.

She acknowledged the city’s historical limitations while positioning current efforts as a course correction.

“What we are building toward…is more than a theme. It is who we are,” she said, referencing the city’s 2026 theme: “Lakewood Together: A Year of Kindness, Care, and Civic Action.”

Despite the long list of projects and programs, the message was clear: Lakewood’s leadership is attempting to balance growth, safety, and infrastructure spending with a renewed focus on inclusion and community identity.

“The best of Lakewood is not behind us,” Chase said. “It is being built right now, by all of us, together.”

STATE OF THE CITY: Lakewood Mayor Cassandra Chase touted falling crime and major investments during her address at The Centre on March

Cerritos Library Builds Community Through Classes, Matcha Green Tea Workshop Latest Hit

By Stepheny Gehrig

The Cerritos Public Library hosted a matcha-making class March 10, drawing about 40 attendees for an evening of demonstrations, trivia, and hands-on learning led by Ten Ten Roasters.

The husband-and-wife team behind Ten Ten Roasters, Cassandra and Bradford Muus, began home roasting coffee in 2011 and now operate a retail shop, 1040 Coffee, in Buena Park.

With matcha continuing to grow in popularity and becoming a staple in many American coffee shops, the duo emphasized the importance of understanding the drink’s cultural origins.

During the one-hour session, Cassandra and Bradford led an engaging discussion on matcha’s history, flavor profiles, and preparation techniques.

They explained the differences between ceremonial-grade and baking-grade matcha, along with tasting notes that can range from umami and grassy to naturally sweet.

“Soil has different minerals in it and as you grow the matcha plant in different soil, you’re going to have different taste profiles. Some farms shade their plants a lot more, and some not as much — so you’re going to have different profiles there, too,” Bradford said. “It’s like wine tasting, like you have a Bordeaux or Napa.”

They also highlighted matcha’s health benefits, including its antioxidants and slower caffeine release compared to coffee. “With matcha, because it’s a slower release of the caffeine, you don’t get that 2 p.m. crash that you get with coffee,” Cassandra said. “It still gives you energy,

but not that jittery effect.”

Matcha tea originated in China between the 7th and 10th centuries before gaining ceremonial significance in Japan. Zen master Sen no Rikyu helped formalize the tea ceremony, built on four principles: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

The presenters also introduced traditional tools used in matcha preparation, including the chawan (bowl), chashaku (bamboo scoop), chasen (bamboo whisk), and a sifter.

According to Ten Ten Roasters, making matcha properly starts with sifting four grams of powder, adding two ounces of hot water at about 170 degrees, whisking in a fast W or M motion, and aiming for a smooth foam.

The class concluded with a live demonstration, where attendees observed proper technique, from whisking angle to hand position. Guests sampled matcha prepared with oat milk and maple syrup while waiting for a giveaway of a beginner kit that included matcha powder and a chasen.

For those new to matcha, the Muuses offered a few tips: opened matcha typically stays fresh for about two weeks, buyers should ask retailers about sourcing, and high-quality matcha should have a bright green color. Roasted matcha, by contrast, appears darker or slightly tan.

More information about Ten Ten Roasters is available at [www.tentenroasters.com](http://www.tentenroasters.com) or at 1040 Coffee in Buena Park.

To explore upcoming programs, visitlibrary.cerritos.gov where events are listed up to three months in advance.

Safe Returns: Cerritos Bank Offering 4% Short-Term CD

LCCN Staff Report

Residents looking for a safe place to park cash while earning a solid return may want to take note of a limited-time offer being promoted at a Cerritos bank branch.

State Bank of India (California) is advertising a 4.00% annual percentage yield on a four-month certificate of deposit at its Cerritos branch on Bloomfield Avenue, a rate that stands out in the current short-term savings market. While savings accounts and money market accounts have fluctuated in recent months as the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rate policy, many banks are using short-term CDs to attract deposits without committing to longterm interest payouts. A four-month CD allows savers to lock in a relatively strong rate for a brief period while maintaining flexibility if rates rise later.

Financial analysts say most shortterm CDs nationwide currently fall in the range of about 3.5% to slightly above 4%,

Lakewood Begins Clark Ave. Repave, Expect Lane Closures and Delays

LCCN Staff Report

This past week, crews began preparation work for an upcoming paving project on Clark Avenue from Del Amo Boulevard to the northern city limits. The work includes concrete improvements, lowering manholes and installing curb ramps before paving begins in about a month.

Lane closures will affect traffic for approximately three weeks as the work moves north from Del Amo Boulevard.

Construction on Clark between City Hall and Lakewood Center is expected to last about one week, with the remaining work continuing north through early April. What to expect:

Work hours: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. Lanes will reopen after hours and on weekends, unless otherwise posted. Traffic delays.

Expect delays near Lakewood Center and City Hall. If visiting Albertson’s, Home Depot or Best Buy, consider entering from Del Amo Boulevard or Candlewood Street. For City Hall, Iacoboni Library or The Centre, use Civic Center Way between Del Amo Boulevard and Candlewood Street.

The Ranch Community Center Expands Public Programs, Equine Education at OC Fairgrounds

COSTA MESA — The OC Fair & Event Center is expanding public programming at The Ranch Community Center, rolling out free educational events, open houses, and equine-focused activities designed to reconnect the community with Orange County’s agricultural roots and provide hands-on learning opportunities for families and students.

The first of six horse shows scheduled for 2026 will be held March 21-22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds. More than 30 horses and riders are expected to participate in the event, produced by Stiegler Productions, which aims to revive local horse shows while offering an affordable and welcoming environment for riders developing their skills before advancing to higher-level competitions. Admission and parking are free.

Set on roughly seven acres, The Ranch Community Center operates year-round as a public space focused on equine programs, youth education, and hands-on agricultural experiences. The site represents a shift from the former equestrian center into a broader community hub while maintaining the fairgrounds’ longstanding horse culture.

equine-assisted therapy and wellness programs at the site. The nonprofit houses nine horses at The Ranch and delivered 260 client sessions in January, offered free or on a sliding-fee scale.

Visitors can also view a collection of vintage horse-drawn carriages from Knott’s Berry Farm, displayed as part of exhibits highlighting the role of horses in Orange County history and agriculture, adding a historical dimension that complements the center’s modern educational programming.

Additional partners include the O.C. Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, California Guard, Platt College’s veterinary technology program, UCCE Master Gardeners, Hapa Honey Farms, Tanaka Farms, OC Animal Care and 4-H. The partnerships expand opportunities for the public to interact with animals, learn about agriculture, and explore careers in animal care and equine industries.

The Ranch is designed to operate similarly to other educational attractions at the fairgrounds, including Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall, both of which offer free or low-cost programming throughout the year.

meaning the Cerritos offer is competitive, particularly for a short-term product.

Certificates of deposit work similarly to savings accounts but require depositors to leave money untouched for a fixed period. In exchange, the bank guarantees a set interest rate during the term. Early withdrawal usually results in a penalty.

Short-term CDs like the fourmonth product are becoming increasingly popular with cautious savers who want to earn more than typical savings accounts while avoiding the risk of locking money away for years.

The State Bank of India (California) Cerritos branch is located at 17500 Bloomfield Ave., Suite B. For many local savers, especially retirees or residents holding cash reserves, offers like this provide a simple way to generate interest income without exposing funds to stock market volatility.

Residents interested in the CD can visit the Cerritos branch or learn more at www.sbical.bank

Since expanding its programming, The Ranch has drawn thousands of participants through tours, school programs, and community events. Offerings include Discovery Days and open houses, an after-school program for local youth, equine demonstrations, and agricultural workshops featuring animals such as rabbits and chickens.

A major partner, Walk Intuit, provides

The next Discovery Day is scheduled for May 13 and is already full, with about 800 reservations and another 80 people on a waiting list, underscoring strong public demand and growing interest in agricultural and equine-based community programming.

More information is available at ocfair.com/theranch.

Cerritos’ Free Document Shredding and Compost Event

The City of Cerritos is offering a free paper shredding and compost event from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14. The event will be held in the parking lot of the Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park located at 12340 South Street.

Community members may bring up to two banker-sized (12” wide, 15” long and 9.5” deep) boxes of paper documents to be shredded at no charge. Staples and paper clips may be left on documents, but paperwork should not contain any binder

clips or three-ring binders. Documents will be shredded on-site at the program. This is a secure way to dispose of paperwork that contains private information. In addition to the shredding event, each participating resident will have the option to obtain free fresh compost. Residents must bring their own rigid container, no larger than 35 gallons, to hold the compost. For more information, call the Community Services Division at (562) 8658101.

MATCHA TOOLS: Bradford Muus breaks down the art of matcha at the Cerritos Public Library, with a projected display of traditional tea tools behind him.

Asm. Pacheco Backs SB 84 to Stop Lawsuit Abuse Over Technical ADA Violations

Small business owners face costly lawsuits over minor ADA violations, forcing quick settlements, draining resources, and threatening closures despite willingness to fix issues

LCCN Staff Report

Small business owners across California are sounding the alarm over what they describe as predatory lawsuits targeting minor technical violations—cases that can cost thousands of dollars and, in some instances, force restaurants and local shops to shut their doors.

From mirrors a fraction of an inch too high to parking signs slightly out of compliance, business advocates say a growing number of lawsuits are being filed not to improve access, but to generate quick settlements.

And while late-night TV still has no shortage of over-the-top “hurt in a slipand-fall?” commercials featuring dramatic reenactments and booming voiceovers, business owners say the real action has quietly shifted to a far less glamorous corner of the legal world—tape measures, parking lots, and bathroom mirrors measured down to the sixteenth of an inch. No helicopters, no sirens, just a clipboard and a calculator.

Those concerns took center stage March 11, when a group of small business owners traveled to Sacramento to meet with Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, urging her support for Senate Bill 84, a measure designed to give businesses time to fix violations before being hit with costly litigation.

The bill, authored by Senator Roger Niello, would provide a 120-day window for businesses to correct non-compliant Americans with Disabilities Act issues before lawsuits can proceed. Supporters say the change would protect small businesses from being blindsided by technical violations that are often measured in fractions of an inch.

Under current law, each violation can carry penalties of up to $4,000, and lawsuits frequently stack multiple claims in a single filing—turning minor infractions into major financial threats.

Business owners say the system has led to what they call “drive-by lawsuits,” where plaintiffs or attorneys identify violations without ever entering the establishment, sometimes using online images or quick site visits.

Advocates point to numerous cases across California where restaurants were targeted for issues such as improperly placed grab bars, table height discrepancies, or signage technicalities—violations that could be fixed in an afternoon

Development Corporation,

Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, Linda Colley, Inclusive Quality Maintenance, Maryann Marino, Regional Director, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, Eddie Navarrette, Independent Hospitality Coalition and Adam Struck, Civil Justice Association of California.

but instead trigger legal bills that linger for months.

The financial pressure often leaves business owners with little choice but to settle, even when they intend to make corrections. For some, the cost of fighting the lawsuit exceeds the cost of settling, creating what critics describe as a system ripe for abuse.

Assemblywoman Pacheco, who serves on the influential Assembly Judiciary Committee, told attendees she supports SB 84 and has signed on as a co-author of the legislation.

Her backing is significant, as the Judiciary Committee plays a key role in determining whether the bill will move forward.

Supporters say Pacheco’s experience as a former Downey mayor gives her firsthand insight into the challenges facing local businesses.

Maryann Marino, Regional Director for Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, said Pacheco’s support sends a strong signal to small business owners across the state.

“Hearing Assemblywoman Pacheco enthusiastically share that she is a co-author of SB 84 is music to our ears,” Marino said. “She understands the burden these lawsuits place on small business owners.”

Last year, SB 84 passed the State Senate unanimously, but stalled in the Assembly Judiciary Committee without receiving a hearing. The bill has now been carried over as a two-year measure, with a deadline in June for the committee to take action.

Supporters are urging lawmakers to give the bill a hearing, arguing that the current system disproportionately harms

small, family-owned businesses that lack the resources to fight legal challenges.

They emphasize that the goal is not to weaken accessibility laws, but to ensure businesses have a fair opportunity to comply before facing financial penalties.

Without reform, advocates warn, the pattern will continue—minor violations leading to major lawsuits, and local businesses paying the price—no flashing lights required.

Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, a non-profit grassroots organization made up largely of small business owners, is leading the push for reform.

More information can be found at CaliforniaCALA.org

BACKING THE BILL: from (l-r) Sean Wilcock, Imperial Valley Economic

Timesh Patel, local hotelier,

Pico Rivera Earns Regional Award for Major Corridor Beautification Project

LCCN Staff Report

Pico Rivera has been recognized by the American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter for its Major Corridors Median Beautification and Parkways Project.

Out of more than 175 project submissions received across the region, Pico Rivera was selected as one of the top award recipients in the highly competitive Traffic, Mobility, and Beautification category, highlighting the scale and impact of the city’s work.

The Major Corridors and Median Beautification and Parkways Project fo-

cused on revitalizing key medians and corridors along Rosemead Boulevard, Paramount Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, Slauson Avenue, and Whittier Boulevard—arterial streets that serve as gateways into the community and carry thousands of vehicles daily. City officials said the improvements were designed not only to enhance visual appeal but also to create a more cohesive and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Upgrades included the installation of decorative cobblestone hardscape, drought-tolerant and water-efficient landscaping, energy-efficient solar lighting, culturally inspired public art elements, and updated wayfinding signage to help guide motorists and pedestrians. The project also supports long-term sustainability goals by reducing water usage and maintenance costs while improving safety and

visibility along major corridors.

City leaders say the improvements are already contributing to a stronger sense of place and civic pride, transforming once utilitarian medians into landscaped features that reflect the character and identity of Pico Rivera. The project is part of a broader effort by the city to invest in infrastructure that balances environmental responsibility and aesthetics.

The City was also honored with a Building Excellence, Shaping Tomorrow (B.E.S.T.) Award, further underscoring its commitment to modernizing infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and delivering projects that improve quality of life for residents.

MEDIAN MAKEOVER: A newly upgraded corridor median in Pico Rivera. It is part of the city’s awardwinning beautification project.

California Finally Solved One Piece of Homelessness—Then Set It to Expire

California may have quietly solved one of the most stubborn barriers keeping people on the streets—then just as quietly put an expiration date on the solution.

A new report from the USC Homelessness Policy Research Institute found that the state’s Pet Assistance and Support program dramatically increased shelter participation and helped move hundreds of unhoused residents into permanent housing by doing something simple: allowing people to bring their pets.

For years, most shelters across California prohibited animals, forcing people experiencing homelessness into an impossible choice—accept housing and give up their pet, or stay on the street. Many chose the latter.

The program, launched in 2019, flipped that equation.

With approximately $15.75 million in state funding distributed to 61 sites, shelters were able to accommodate pets by covering costs such as kennels, veterinary care, pet food, and staffing dedicated to pet-owning clients.

The results were immediate and measurable.

Over four years, the program served 4,407 people and helped 886 of them move into permanent housing—about 20 percent of participants.

Equally important, service providers reported reaching individuals who had previously refused shelter altogether.

Nearly half of unhoused pet owners surveyed in prior studies said they had been turned away from shelters or declined services because pets were not allowed.

That reality created what researchers described as a “stalemate”—shelters couldn’t accept pets, and people wouldn’t abandon them.

PAS broke that stalemate.

Once shelters began offering pet services—food, vaccinations, and veterinary care—they also became more effective at outreach. People who might otherwise avoid government or nonprofit services were more willing to engage when their animals were included.

In many cases, pets weren’t just companions—they were family.

Researchers noted that unhoused individuals often prioritize their pets’ well-being over their own, even delaying

FUNDS from page 1

hance both historic and active-use spaces while continuing efforts to activate underutilized land near the river corridor.

The funding comes from Measure A, a voter-approved initiative designed to expand parks, improve open space, and bring more recreational access to underserved communities across Los Angeles County. Supervisor Hahn said the goal is simple: bring more green space to neighborhoods that have historically gone without it.

Beyond the LCCN footprint, funding was also awarded across the broader Fourth District. Long Beach received multiple grants totaling more than $5 million for greenbelt, trail, and community projects. Cudahy landed more

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medical care or housing opportunities if it meant being separated.

That dynamic helps explain why the program worked.

By removing the pet barrier, participants were more likely to accept shelter, connect with case managers, and begin working toward long-term housing.

The program also proved to be relatively cost-effective. The average cost per participant hovered around $1,500, declining over time as shelters expanded services and infrastructure.

And despite common concerns, liability insurance—often cited as a major obstacle to allowing pets—accounted for just over one percent of program spending.

In other words, one of the biggest excuses for banning pets turned out to be largely overstated.

Still, the program was not a cure-all.

About 606 participants exited back into homelessness during the study period, a reflection of California’s broader housing shortage rather than any failure tied specifically to pet ownership.

Even so, the report makes clear that pet-inclusive policies are a critical piece of the puzzle—one that directly impacts whether people accept help in the first place.

Now comes the part that should concern policymakers.

The funding for the Pet Assistance and Support program expires in June 2026.

Service providers interviewed for the report were nearly unanimous in their concern: without continued funding, many shelters may be forced to scale back or eliminate pet services entirely.

That would effectively restore the same barrier that kept people out of shelters in the first place.

California has spent years—and millions of dollars—trying to move people off the streets. This program demonstrated that one relatively small policy shift can make a measurable difference.

Letting it disappear could undo those gains just as quickly.

The question now is whether state leaders will treat the program as a proven solution worth expanding—or just another pilot project that worked, but didn’t last.

Brian Hews, Editor and Publisher

than $3.8 million for park renovations and river-area improvements, while Huntington Park secured $1.5 million for a regional greenway project.

Additional funding went to Bell Gardens, Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance, Lomita, South Gate, Avalon, and Los Angeles city projects in San Pedro, along with county and nonprofit-led park planning efforts.

County officials say the projects reflect a broader push to correct longstanding disparities in park access across Southeast Los Angeles County, where residents historically have had significantly less open space per capita than wealthier parts of the region. Many of the funded projects prioritize multi-use design, climate resilience, and safe, accessible spaces for families.

In total, the grants will fund a mix of new park construction, major renovations, and long-term planning projects, with several expected to break ground over the next few years and others moving immediately into design phases.

For Southeast L.A. cities, it marks a long-overdue shift—real money finally flowing into neighborhoods that have spent decades short on parks and open space.

From

By Cerritos Mayor Frank Yokoyama

the Mayor’s Desk: March 20, 2026

Safe and reliable public infrastructure in Cerritos requires routine maintenance, planning, and strategic budgeting. Advocacy at the state and federal level also helps to secure supplemental funding through grants and government appropriations.

Earlier this month, my City Council colleagues and I were honored to accept a check from Congressman Derek Tran for $3.15 million toward the renovation of the Del Amo Boulevard bridge. This major east–west corridor impacts both Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and is used daily by thousands of motorists, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The project will realign the bridge, widen it to four lanes of travel, elim-

Criminy. It never ends with this guy. It’s just one myopic, despotic idea after another.

Now, “Dear Leader” Trump has announced that we’re “tapping” our strategic oil reserve because the Strait of Hormuz—which we insisted the Iranians couldn’t block—is blocked.

Note the use of the word “tapping” here. Sounds innocuous, doesn’t it? It sounds like something you might do if you were at Costco for groceries (and gas) and saw a really cute toy for your grandchild.

“Honey, I tapped our emergency fund for a Garloo Monster for Teddy; I’ll replenish it next month.”

“Tapping” sounds so much better than “depleting” or “diminishing.” Or “reducing by half.” It’s a clever word choice to disguise how desperate this president is.

Because in this case, the Garloo Monster is costing billions. Every day! He’s “tapping into the strategic reserve”— which is already depleted— because he doesn’t have those billions. Or the oil.

Yes, we did this when Russia invaded Ukraine. But we had to then. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced us to react. We weren’t forced here. We have to do it because the president — once again playing checkers in a world that requires chess — only thought one move ahead.

And he’s bullied our allies in the International Energy Agency into matching us, all so his promise that prices would come down if he were elected will not be so obviously false.

At the same time, between rounds of golf, Trump has lifted sanctions on his buddy Vladimir Putin so that Russian oil can now be sold worldwide.

This will, of course, help lower the cost of gasoline but undermine Ukraine’s battle against aggression. It will also prop up Russia’s economy while ours is crawling across the economic desert, praying for an oasis.

We can see from his adventures in the

inate the existing curve, and improve pedestrian and bicycle access. The project will also include traffic signal synchronization of five intersections along Del Amo Boulevard. This will provide a more efficient traffic corridor for vehicles traveling across county lines.

The City of Cerritos appreciates Congressman Tran’s partnership and work on behalf of our community. As the lead agency for the Del Amo Boulevard bridge renovation, the City has also coordinated with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), as well as nearby cities, to build regional support. We are grateful for their collaboration and look forward to continued progress toward strengthening our local infrastructure. We also appreciate the public’s support and patience as this project continues to progress.

By enhancing infrastructure, we strengthen public safety, help stimulate business activity, and support the overall vitality of Cerritos.

Caribbean just how little he thinks ahead.

We spent $47 million in the last three months maintaining just ONE of the ships he insisted we had to seize because they were running drugs. Somehow he failed to figure out that if we didn’t blow up those ships — if we just seized them — we’d need to maintain them.

And by the way, how did we know the ships that we bombed — killing their civilian, non-combatant crews in violation of international law — were running drugs? An informant told us. An informant whom we can’t identify.

As a retired judge, I’m proud to tell you what any good American lawyer — a commodity Trump’s Justice Department has fired left and right — would tell him about that justification: “Good luck trying to make that hold up in court. Is that all you’ve got?”

So now, tiring of watching us and our Israeli allies blow up military and civilian targets like it was some kind of video game (not his fault, I suppose, that he confuses the two when his administration splices video game footage into real war footage), he’s announced he’s sending 2,500 Marines to the Middle East.

Twenty-five hundred Marines. To join in what he calls an “excursion.” That is either an expensive and wasteful deployment meant only to satisfy his ego, or he is perilously close to dragging us into a blood-on-the-ground land war. Which of those alternatives do you prefer?

I sure wish someone had just bought him a video game so he and Pete Hegseth could blow things up without humiliating our nation and driving what’s left of our middle class into bankruptcy.

Maybe we can give him Teddy’s Garloo Monster.

William W. Bedsworth was an associate justice of the California Court of Appeal from 1997-2024. Prior to that, he served as an Orange County Superior Court judge from 1987—1997.

Friends of Signal Hill Library Spring Book Sale

Book lovers looking for a bargain — and a good excuse to add a few more titles to their shelves — at the Friends of the Signal Hill Library Book Sale.

The event is scheduled for Friday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Signal Hill Library, located at 1800 East Hill Street near Cherry Avenue.

Shoppers will be able to fill an entire bag of books for just $5, with bags provid-

ed at the event. Payment will be accepted in cash only. Rare and specialty titles will be priced separately. The sale will feature a wide variety of categories and all proceeds from the event will go toward enhancing reading and literacy programs connected to the Signal Hill Library. For more information call the library at 562-989-7423.

Trump Plays Checkers in a Chess World

Carlsbad Flower Fields Bloom Into SoCal’s Most Colorful Spring Destination

Beyond stunning blooms, families enjoy tractor rides, kid-friendly activities, garden displays, scenic benches, and interactive areas that turn the visit into a full-day experience

By Brian Hews

Just about 80 miles south of Cerritos along the San Diego County coast, one of Southern California’s most spectacular spring displays unfolds each year as the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields burst into bloom.

From early March through early May, nearly 50 acres of vibrant Giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers blanket the

rolling hills above the Pacific Ocean, creating one of the region’s most colorful seasonal attractions. The layered blooms form sweeping bands of red, orange, yellow, pink, and white that stretch across the hillside and can be seen from a distance along Interstate 5.

For generations of Southern California families, a visit to the Carlsbad Flower Fields has become a classic spring tradition. The attraction draws photographers, garden lovers, and visitors from across the state eager to walk among the colorful rows and take in the stunning views of the coastal hillsides.

The story of the fields dates back more than a century. The vibrant ranunculus flowers grown in Carlsbad trace their

roots to the early 1920s, when horticulturist Luther Gage began cultivating the colorful blooms after obtaining ranunculus seed from a Turkish farmer. Over decades of careful breeding, the flowers evolved into the large, layered

FLOWER FIELDS: The iconic Carlsbad Flower Fields sign welcomes visitors to a spring destination that offers far more than just flowers.

blossoms now known as Giant Tecolote ranunculus, famous for their bright colors and striking petal patterns.

Today the flowers are grown on the historic Carlsbad Ranch overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Each spring, the hills transform into one of California’s most photographed landscapes as the blooms reach their peak.

Visitors can stroll along designated pathways that wind between the colorful rows, allowing close views of the flowers while protecting the delicate plants. From the higher points of the fields, visitors can also see the ocean just a few miles away,

creating a dramatic contrast between the vivid flowers and the blue coastal horizon.

For photographers and visitors hoping to capture memorable images, the Flower Fields include several benches and scenic sitting areas placed throughout the hills. These spots allow visitors to pause and take in the sweeping views while also providing perfect vantage points for photographs. From many of these locations, visitors can frame photos with colorful rows of ranunculus in the foreground and coastal hills or open sky in the background.

The Flower Fields also provide a variety of activities that make the

destination especially appealing for families. One of the most popular attractions is the tractor wagon ride that slowly carries visitors through sections of the blooming fields. The open-air wagons offer a relaxing way to see the colorful hillsides while learning about the history of the farm and how the flowers are grown.

As the wagons move through the rows of flowers, guides often share stories about the development of the ranunculus varieties and the farming techniques used to

FLOWER FIELDS FUN:

One visitor snaps a photo of another inside one of the colorful cutout frames designed for perfect picturetaking moments across the Carlsbad Flower Fields, capturing spring memories and vibrant hillside views together.

maintain the massive seasonal display. For visitors who prefer not to walk long distances, the tractor ride offers a comfortable way to experience the scale and beauty of the fields.

Families visiting the attraction will also find several interactive areas designed for younger visitors. A sweet pea maze provides a playful path for children to explore, while demonstration gardens highlight a variety of other seasonal flowers and plants that grow well in Southern California’s coastal climate.

Beyond the blooms, the grounds are filled with color

ful extras that turn a simple flower visit into a full experience. The American Flag of Flowers creates one of the most striking visual displays on-site, while Santa’s Playground gives younger visitors a whimsical place to explore. Art installations are scattered throughout, including the Sculpture Garden with butterfly benches and vibrant glass pieces, the Illusion Garden

with playful visual tricks, and the Michael Summers mural adding bold color and creativity to the landscape.

Visitors can also step into the Butterfly Encounter to get up close with hundreds of fluttering butterflies, or explore Glass in Flight, a stunning exhibit of large glass sculptures shaped like birds and butterflies that shimmer in the sunlight. For hands-on fun, the Carlsbad Mining Company lets kids sift for gemstones in a classic mining-style activity.

The site often features educational displays that explain how the ranunculus bulbs are planted, cultivated, and harvested each year. Visitors can learn how the fields are carefully prepared during the fall and winter months so that the hills explode with color once spring arrives.

Another popular stop for visitors is the Armstrong Garden Center located near the entrance to the Flower Fields. The garden center offers a wide variety of plants, gardening tools, decorative pots, and outdoor décor for visitors inspired by the colorful displays they have just seen.

Many guests leave the Flower Fields with a few new plants or flowers for their own gardens, hoping to bring a bit of the spring color back home.

And for those staying a little longer, there is no shortage of classic fair-style treats.

Visitors can grab a slice at the Pizza Trolley, enjoy tacos from the Taco Trolley, cool off with Sweet Swirls Ice Cream or the Strawberry Hut, and pick up lemonade, kettle corn, cotton candy, or coffee along the way.

Timing can make a big difference for visitors hoping to see the fields at their best. The ranunculus blooms gradually open throughout the spring, typically reaching peak color in late March and early April depending on weather conditions.

Morning visits often provide the most vivid light for photography and slightly smaller crowds, while afternoon visitors can enjoy the warm coastal breeze and sweeping views of the hillsides.

Because the flowers are a working agricultural crop, visitors are asked to remain on designated paths and avoid stepping into the planted rows. The blooms are delicate, and protecting them ensures that the fields remain vibrant throughout the season.

For residents of Cerritos and nearby communities, the Carlsbad Flower Fields offer a colorful spring getaway that can easily be visited as a day trip.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Address: 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 431-0352

Website: VisitTheFlowerFields

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

For the first five innings, La Mirada High was flustered by the pitching of Cole Harris from Campo Verde High in the first game of the 52nd Anaheim Lions Baseball Tournament last Friday. But over the next two innings, the Matadores were doing the flustering against Harris and two relievers.

Held to three baserunners through the first five innings, the Matadores scored once in the bottom of the sixth inning, and three more in the seventh, all with two outs as the hosts rallied for a 4-3 victory.

“We’re still trying to find our identity and what it means to play at La Mirada, for La Mirada,” said head coach Jimmy Zurn. “That’s the goal every day. I’ve got a young, inexperienced group that’s going to have it’s ups and downs, and the goal is by the end of the year, come playoff time…we just have to be better. Any win is a good win; I’m not going to take anything away from that.

“[Sophomore pitcher Julian Pardinas] was remarkable,” he continued. “But offensively, we’re going to continue to give lots of guys opportunities until they can solidify themselves that they want to be in the lineup. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

Harris allowed a one-out single to junior second baseman Michael Burgueno and a two-out base hit to senior Jaeden Estevez in the bottom of the second inning and a one-out double to senior catcher Justin Torres in the fourth for the lone blemishes through his first five innings. The Matadores had a chance to

La Mirada Gets a Seventh Inning Gift, Rallies to Defeat Arizona Team

get on the board in the fourth, but freshman third baseman Blake Barberena was robbed out of at least a single when Waylon Peralta made a fantastic diving catch in left field for the first out.

“That’s a typical high school pitcher,” said Zurn of Harris. “Kudos to him; obviously he did what he was supposed to do against us. But we have to be better against a guy like that, period.”

But before that, Campo Verde, the Gilbert, AZ-based school which was built in 2009, got to senior pitcher Kaden Corns immediately as Wyatt Rauch singled to the right field gap on the first pitch of the game and moved to third two batters later when Ezekiel Zion singled to right and advanced on an error. Two pitches later, both runners scored on a double to the right field gap from Zharius McAllister.

We’re very blessed to have him for a few more years after [this one]. He’s the next line of…he’s going to be a special one. He kept them off-balanced; his velocity was firm enough, and really, Kaden didn’t throw bad after the first inning.”

In the sixth inning, junior pinch hitter Ian Nunez reached on an error and Harris walked sophomore pinch hitter Jeremiah Gomez to give the Matadores their best start to an inning. With one out, Torres was hit by a pitch to load the bases before Burgueno singled on a 1-2 count to bring home Nunez. The Matadores left the bases loaded in the inning, but at least they were finally getting to Harris.

berg relieved him on the mound.

After a sacrifice from senior center fielder Noah Rodriguez and a fly put from senior shortstop Jesse Colon, Barberena, on a full count, appeared to pop up to end the game. However, it was dropped, allowing Campos and Reyes to score, and after another batter was hit, Burgueno ended the contest with a single to shallow left on a 1-1 count.

“We don’t have one guy who was in the lineup every game last year, and that’s okay,” said Zurn. “That’s why we have guys who are fully capable and talented; it’s their turn to step up, and they need to step up. We’re not a very good offensive team right now and being able to squeak [this game] out…the talent’s there, the capability is there. Every game that comes and goes is another game of experience. I’d rather be on the right side of an ugly game than the wrong side.”

Corns walked Drake Bradley on four pitches to begin the next inning and would score a few batters later on a groundout from Rauch. After that, Corns and Pardinas kept the Coyotes at bay, allowing three more hits in the final four innings and two other baserunners. Of the five, only two managed to get to second base.

Corns went four innings, allowing four hits, striking out three and walking one while Pardinas worked the final three frames, striking out five, walking one and throwing 50 pitches.

“He is a special talent; he’s only a sophomore,” said Zurn of Pardinas. “He was up to 90 [miles per hour] tonight.

“We don’t have anybody in our lineup that’s irreplaceable, this year,” said Zurn. “We’ve been pretty gifted the last [few years]. We have guys who match up well against guys…we think about certain guys, certain velocities, this and that. And really if it cones down to it, if you’re not going to give us good at-bats, then we’re going to give an opportunity to another guy who might.”

Harris threw 96 pitches through six innings and Campo Verde went to Garret Liedberg who walked freshman designated hitter A.J. Montes on a full count to lead off the seventh. Montes was replaced by senior pinch runner Ryan Campos before Liedberg hit junior pinch hitter Joshua Angulo, who would be replaced by senior pinch runner Aaron Reyes, on a full count. That ended the night for Liedberg and Justin Klingen-

La Mirada improved to 5-2 and has three more games in the tournament this week before visiting Gahr High on Tuesday in the Gateway League opener. The teams will then come back to La Mirada on Wednesday for the second of three games next week. This isn’t the first time the Matadores have been in the Anaheim Lions Tournament, but the Matadores were not invited back to the Boras Classic, which they had participated in the past four seasons.

Since 2021, this was the fourth time the Matadores have been in the Anaheim Lions Tournament with the other three seasons coming in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Other tournaments La Mirada has been in since 2021 have been the Boras Classic (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), the

Cerritos Senior Center

18642 S. Gridley

ABC Adult School 12254 Cuesta Dr.

ABC District Office 17215 Studebaker Road Suite 290 Cerritos, CA 90703

ABCFT

19444 Norwalk Blvd.

Aikan Sushi

12155 South St

All Cerritos Parks

IHOP Towne Center

12741 Towne Ctr. Dr.

Artesia City Hall

18747 Clarkdale Ave.

Artesia Library

18801 Elaine Avenue

Artesia Cemetery

11142 Artesia Blvd.

Artesia Christian Home

11614 183rd St, Artesia

Artesia Senior Apts

10427 Artesia, Bellflower Ave. 3

12612 South Street

Bellflower City Hall

Bellflower Terrace Apts.

9920 Flora Vista

Belmont Place Apts.

9830 Belmont St., Bellflower

Ramona Senior Ctr.

9843 Ramona St. Bellflower

Bellflower Friendship Manor

9550 Oak St.

Cassidy’s Cafe 15010 La Mirada Blvd

Cerritos Chamber

13259 South St.

Cerritos College

Cerritos City Hall

Sheriff’s/Community Center

Cerritos Library

18125 Bloomfield Ave

Cerritos Park East

13234 E 166th St.

Cerritos Medical Center

11911 Artesia Blvd.

12340 South St. Cevitas Coffee

14218 Rosecrans Ave

CTA Travel

12750 Center Ct Dr S. ContunEM 6430 South St

Don Knabe Park

At the Tennis Center

Foggia Deli 5522 Del Amo Blvd.

Grocery Outlet 15745 Imperial Hwy, Grove at Cerritos 11000 New Falcon Way

Goodyear Auto 19404 Norwalk Blvd.

Gardens Casino 11871 E Carson St.

Hawaiian Gardens City Hall, Rec. Center, Library 21815 Pioneer Heritage Park 18600 Bloomfield

Holy Family Church, Artesia 18708 Clarkdale IHop La Mirada 15140 La Mirada Blvd

Imperial Healthcare Center 11926 La Mirada Blvd

Kindred Hospital 14900 Imperial Hwy.

Kristens Beauty Salon

13952 Valley View Ave

La Casa de Concinera 15711 Imperial Hwy, UCI/Lakewood Regional 3700 South St. La Mirada City Hall, Library, Resource Center, Sheriff’s Splash! La Mirada

13700 La Mirada Blvd

LA Nails

13239 South St

La Palma City Hall

7822 Walker St

La Palma Community Center

7822 Walker St La Palma Intercomm. Hospital

Liberty Park 9211 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach Memorial 2801 Atlantic Ave

Massage & Stone

13247 South St. Medipost

13299 E South Street

Norwalk Arts/Sports 13000 Clarkdale

Norwalk SR. Center

14040 San Antonio Dr. Norwalk City Hall

12700 Norwalk Blvd, Olive Lawn 13926 La Mirada Blvd 11832 E Carson St Pico Rivera Chamber 5016 Passons Blvd

Pico River City Hall and Sheriffs 6615 Passons Blvd Rosewoods

10769 South St. State Farm

12616 South St

LAFD Station 30

19030 Pioneer Blvd

Santa Fe Springs City Hall

Silverlake Ramen 11103 183rd St Sophia Hair Salon

13243 South St.

Tacos San Pedro

11832 E Carson St

Tour Le Jour

13359 South St VI Pharmacy

12610 South Street

WRD

4040 Paramount

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

A month has passed since the baseball and softball seasons began and now, it’s time for league action to begin. With a limited non-league schedule, Norwalk High’s baseball team is the only area team to have some league games under its belt while the other teams begin next week. Here is a look at what’s ahead for the remainder of the month and into the first few days of April, keeping in mind that spring break for Valley Christian High is Mar. 30-Apr. 3 while the ABC Unified School District and Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District schools are a week later, Apr. 6-10.

Before the first league game is played, two crucial non-league softball games amongst area teams took center stage on Mar. 19 as Cerritos High visited Gahr High while V.C. went to La Mirada High, believed to be the second meeting ever between programs with CIF-Southern Section aspirations.

Since 1998, Gahr leads the season series over Cerritos 8-6, but they have played each other just twice since the pandemic. Last season, Gahr knocked off the Dons 8-1 and again in 2022 by the same score. The last Cerritos win over the Gladiators came in 2015, an 8-7 conquest in the first game of a doubleheader at Gahr.

The only other time since at least 1998 that La Mirada and V.C. faced each other came on Apr. 28, 2007 when the Matadores defeated the then-Crusaders 5-3 in La Mirada’s Show Time Tournament. La Mirada scored four times in the bottom of the first inning and once in the

NEWS AND NOTES FROM PRESS ROW: Key matchups highlight league openers in baseball, softball

next inning.

605 LEAGUE BASEBALL

League action kicks off on Tuesday with a pair of intriguing home and home matchups as Artesia High visits Cerritos High and John Glenn High entertaining Whitney High. The back end of the weekly series will be played on Mar. 27 at Artesia and Whitney, respectively.

With the new Suburban Valley Conference beginning next season, this could be the last time Artesia and Cerritos face each other in league competition for at least a few years as it’s expected the Pioneers and Dons won’t be in the same league. Cerritos had won the 605 League for six straight seasons before finishing in second place last season behind Oxford Academy. However, the Dons have won 20 straight contests over Pioneer, including last season’s 3-0 contest at Angels Stadium.

Artesia (3-7) is coming off an 18-0 loss to Long Beach Poly High this past Tuesday while Cerritos has lost two straight games to see its record go to 4-4. Before the teams face each other, the Pioneers will visit V.C. on Friday while Cerritos went to Garden Grove High this past Wednesday.

Once the opening series is done, Artesia will host Glenn on Mar. 31 with the second game at Glenn on Apr. 2 while Cerritos entertains Oxford Academy on Mar. 31 before going to Buena Park High on Apr. 1 and Oxford Academy the next day.

Two programs that have been in the bottom half of the league since its inception meet as Glenn will host Whitney on Tuesday while the second game is slated for Mar. 27 at Cerritos Park East. After Glenn took the first four games of the

brief series between the programs, the Eagles and Wildcats split the two games last season with Whitney claiming a 9-4 win before Glenn got the second game, 10-0.

The Eagles dropped an 8-5 decision to Mountain View High this past Tuesday to fall to 2-7 while Whitney was edged by Ambassador Christian High 9-7 in eight innings this past Monday to fall to 4-6. While the record may not look impressive right now, the Wildcats need one more victory to match last season’s total. Before that, the program has had two seasons of over five victories since 2000. The 2017 team went 10-9 and two seasons later, the Wildcats finished 7-10. In addition, no Whitney team has finished above fifth place in any league since 1998 when that squad went 5-5 in the Delphic League and claimed fourth place.

Glenn will also host Compton Early College on Friday while Whitney travels to Westminster High on Friday and hosts St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy on Mar. 30 before facing Pioneer High for its second league series on Mar. 31 and Apr. 2, the former being at Cerritos Park East.

605 LEAGUE SOFTBALL

Cerritos (2-4) was scheduled to visit Kennedy High this past Tuesday, but the game was cancelled due to the extreme hot weather, and no makeup has been determined yet. The Dons will host El Rancho High on Tuesday before opening league action on Mar. 27 at Artesia, followed by a home game with Oxford Academy on Mar. 31 and a road affair against Pioneer on Apr. 2. The Dons have won 10 straight over Artesia and has lost once to the Titans as 605 League members. That came two seasons ago in an

8-2 contest.

Artesia (4-4) hasn’t played since defeating Bellflower High 12-8 on Mar. 10 and will host Calvary Chapel Santa Ana High on Wednesday and Glenn on Mar. 31 around its game with Cerritos while Glenn’s last game was a 12-11 win over Samueli Academy on Mar. 10. The Eagles (2-3) hosted Calvary Chapel Downey High on Mar. 19 and will go to Century High on Wednesday before welcoming Lennox Academy on Thursday. After its league opener with Artesia, Glenn goes to Oxford Academy on Apr. 2.

GATEWAY LEAGUE BASEBALL

The marquee series of the league will get underway immediately to begin the league slate as Gahr and La Mirada, the premier teams of the circuit, open a threegame series on Tuesday at Gahr. The scene shifts to La Mirada on Wednesday and back to Gahr on Mar. 27.

Gahr took two of three games from the Matadores on the road last season, 10-2 in nine innings, and 2-0 but as league members, La Mirada has won six of nine meetings. Before that, La Mirada shut out the Gladiators 2-0 in 2022 and Gahr posted a 6-0 win in 2006.

Ironically, both combatants are currently in tournaments as Gahr evened its mark through the first eight games of the season with a 5-2 win this past Tuesday over Ashville, N.C.-based T.C. Roberson High in the second of four games in the Bishop Gorman Invitational in Las Vegas. This past Wednesday, the Gladiators tied the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball out of Vauxhall, Alberta 3-3. The final game of the tournament was played on Mar. 19.

Gahr will begin a three-game series at Bellflower on Mar. 31 followed by a See NOTES, Page 12

Norwalk High Esports

Team Climbs to No. 1 in California

Norwalk High School’s esports team has reached the top of the state rankings, earning the No. 1 spot in California after defeating Lemoore High School in a matchup between the CIF’s only two undefeated esports teams.

The milestone win came in Marvel Rivals and marked a major moment for a program that has steadily built momentum since last fall. With the victory, the Lancers not only protected their unbeaten record, but also established themselves as the team to beat heading into postseason competition.

Norwalk’s roster includes Elaine Phan, a ninth grader, along with 11th graders Katie Phan, Joel Rivera, Dallas Morgan, Marley Merlos and Cris Lopez. Together, the group has turned preparation, teamwork and consistency into a breakout season that now has the program sitting atop the statewide rankings.

Head Coach Ben Hopson said the climb to No. 1 reflects months of hard work and the growing strength of scholastic esports competition across California.

The rise of the program has also been bolstered by Assistant Coach Luis Rios Urbina, whose addition helped strengthen the team as the season progressed. He said the group’s commitment has stood out from the moment he joined the program.

“It has been a privilege to become a part of such a passionate team,” said Rios Urbina. “Every student is working tirelessly to improve and succeed in every matchup. The climb to the top was not easy, but we’re not done yet. Playoffs are right around the corner,

NOTES from page 11

home game against the Buccaneers on Apr. 1 and back to Bellflower on Apr. 3.

La Mirada (7-2) doubled up Etiwanda High 4-2 this past Tuesday in the Anaheim Lions Tournament and defeated Riverside Prep 7-0 this past Wednesday. The Matadores then went to Aliso Niguel High on Mar. 19 and will begin action in the Ryan Lemmon Tournament on Mar. 28 against Laguna Beach High. They will also face Segerstrom High on Mar. 30 and San Dimas High the next day before concluding the tournament on Apr. 1.

GATEWAY LEAGUE SOFTBALL

Gahr has been a streaky team this season, winning its first three games, then losing the next three before taking the next three. Now, the Gladiators have lost a pair of road games against La Habra High (13-3) on Mar. 10 and Huntington Beach High (7-3) on Mar. 11 to end a five-game road slate. After the game with Cerritos, the Gladiators will visit Downey High on Thursday in the league opener before hosting Warren High on Mar. 31.

La Mirada continues to be the best softball team in the area as it crushed Segerstrom High 14-4 this past Tuesday to move to 11-2. Following its game with V.C., the Matadores will host Mayfair High on Thursday in the league opener before hosting a pair of games on Mar. 28 in the La Mirada Classic. The Matadores will visit Downey on Apr. 2 before hosting two more games in its tournament on Apr. 4.

MID-CITIES LEAGUE BASEBALL

Norwalk has played six games this season, but four have come in league action with the latest being a road game at Lynwood High this past Tuesday. The Lancers, who were 1-4 overall entering the contest, had previously lost to Mayfair 1-0 on Mar. 6 and Paramount 4-3

and we will continue to work and represent Norwalk while embodying what it means to be a Lancer.”

The top-ranked Lancers were scheduled to compete next in the NLMUSD Esports Derby on March 18 at Norwalk High School, an event bringing together top players from across the district. The competition was also set to be livestreamed on the NLMUSD YouTube channel, giving supporters a chance to watch Norwalk’s championship-caliber squad in action.

For Norwalk High, the ranking is more than a number. It signals that a local program has emerged as a statewide force in one of the fastest-growing areas of high school competition, and that the Lancers are entering the playoffs with both momentum and a target on their backs.

Three NLMUSD Schools Named 2026 California

Distinguished Schools

Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District is proud to announce that Benton Middle School, Hutchinson Middle School, and Norwalk High School have been recognized by the California Department of Education as 2026 California Distinguished Schools.

This prestigious honor places the three schools among just 408 schools statewide and 152 middle and high schools in Los Angeles County selected for recognition this year, highlighting their exceptional commitment to student success and academic excellence.

The three schools will be formally honored at the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Awards Ceremony, held at the Disneyland Hotel on April 24, 2026

on Mar. 10 before defeating Dominguez High 9-4 last Friday. Norwalk was scheduled to host Santa Fe High on Mar. 19 and will welcome Firebaugh High on Friday before completing the season-series with Mayfair next week with the home game on Tuesday and the road encounter on Mar. 27. Then the Lancers will face Paramount the following week with the home game on Mar. 31 and the road contest on Apr. 3.

MID-CITIES LEAGUE SOFTBALL

Norwalk began the season winning four of its first five games but has quickly gone the opposite direction. A 15-3 loss to Warren this past Tuesday has sent the Lancers to a 5-5-1 season as they entertained St. Joseph High this past Wednesday evening. Norwalk will host Bellflower High on Thursday in the league opener and will welcome Dominguez on Mar. 31.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE BASEBALL

V.C. blasted Bishop Montgomery 14-0 this past Monday for its third straight win as the Defenders moved over .500 for the first time this season. V.C. (4-3) will host Village Christian High on Tuesday before facing the Crusaders on the road on Mar. 27 for the first league games this season. The Defenders will also host Schurr High on Mar. 30 and Santa Barbara High the next day before visiting Ocean View High on Apr. 1.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE SOFTBALL

V.C. moved to 4-3 following a 10-2 victory over Long Beach Wilson High this past Wednesday in a makeup game from Feb. 21 as part of the Savanna Showcase. After the game with La Mirada, the Defenders will host Heritage Christian High on Monday in the league opener before travelling to Village Christian on Thursday in the only other scheduled games.

he has made remarkable progress.

“He lights up the moment we pull into the parking lot, always eager to jump out of the car and get started,” Shiela said. “The relationships he has built with his therapists and side walkers are genuine, steady, and full of heart.”

“I will never forget the day he spoke his first five-word sentence at the Shea Center,” she said. “That milestone is forever etched in my heart. His smile says more than words ever could.”

Tristan began riding at just 3 years old. This summer marks 14 years of physical, occupational, and speech therapy at the Shea Center, along with countless hours spent in the saddle. When bone density challenges required a change, he transitioned to therapy in the gym.

“Even so, the barn remains part of his rhythm—walking the horses, feeding them, brushing them, and simply being near them still brings him so much joy,” Shiela said.

“As a family, we are deeply thankful for the therapists and volunteers who have invested their time, energy, and compassion into our Mighty Tristan,” she said. “The Shea Center has forever changed our lives, and we can’t wait to see what the next few years hold.”

The Straub family is also helping raise funds to support future success stories and ensure the Shea Center can continue its work for years to come. Donations of any amount can make a meaningful impact on clients and their families.

With summer approaching, the Shea Center is preparing for its annual camp while continuing to recruit volunteers to support its mission.

Adaptive Riding Development Man-

FARMWORKERS

from page 1

how quickly the debate has shifted from symbolic concern to concrete demands.

Nearby cities are already moving.

In Long Beach, Mayor Rex Richardson confirmed the city will engage the public to consider whether a park and elementary school bearing Chavez’s name should be renamed. Other cities are going further—canceling events and scrubbing Chavez’s name from public celebrations as the fallout spreads.

But not every city is reacting the same way.

In Carson, officials said they will proceed with a planned Chavez celebration, citing the principle that allegations must be evaluated through due process. The split underscores a widening divide across the region as cities struggle to balance legacy, accountability, and community impact.

Just north of the Los Cerritos Community News coverage area, East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights—long considered cultural centers of the farmworker movement—are now confronting calls to rename streets, programs, and public spaces tied to Chavez, bringing the debate to the region’s doorstep. That pressure extends directly into Southeast L.A. County, where Pico Rivera is home to Cesar Chavez Elementary School and Commerce operates Cesar E. Chavez Park—two local sites that could soon face the same scrutiny.

That silence now stands in stark contrast to the rapid response unfolding across the rest of Los Angeles County.

The political pressure is only expected to grow.

State leaders have acknowledged urgency as the March 31 Cesar Chavez Day holiday approaches, while lawmakers are already floating proposals to rename the

ager Shari Masline has been on staff for nearly 15 years and previously volunteered for three years. She plays a key role in the Shea Center’s Summer Camp, which runs from June 22 through August 7. Registration is currently open.

“The Shea Center has offered summer camp for about 15 years,” Masline said. “We serve 18 campers each week, as well as two one-day Shea Camp Experience sessions on June 23 and 25.”

The cost is $550 for a weeklong camp, held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and $110 for the one-day camp, held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Financial assistance is available for qualifying clients. Camp takes place at the Shea Center’s facility at 26284 Oso Road in San Juan Capistrano and serves children ages 5 to 17.

“Shea offers an integrated camp for kids with and without special needs,” Masline said. “Campers enjoy a daily riding lesson, learn to lead and groom horses, and how to care for them, all in small groups of six.”

“They are taught by adaptive riding instructors who work with kids every day,” she said. “Campers learn about horses, spend time with them, and have fun. As an integrated camp, families can enroll siblings with and without special needs.”

The camp is supported by donations throughout the year rather than specific sponsors.

Volunteers are essential to the Shea Center’s work. Individuals as young as 14 can volunteer, with participants coming from across Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego counties. No prior horse experience is required. For more information about the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, its Summer Camp and Volunteer Programs, or to donate, visit sheacenter.org

observance “Farmworkers Day,” signaling a broader shift away from honoring Chavez as an individual figure. Meanwhile, the organizations Chavez founded are distancing themselves. The United Farm Workers and the César Chávez Foundation announced they will not participate in this year’s Chavez Day events, citing “disturbing allegations” and calling for space to support potential victims. For decades, Chavez’s name has been synonymous with labor rights and Latino civil rights across California. Streets, schools, parks, and public institutions throughout Los Angeles County were built to reflect that legacy. Now, those same institutions are becoming the front lines of a rapidly unfolding debate.

LA MIRADA from

page 10

Loara Tournament (2022 and 2023), the National High School Invitation in Cary, N.C. (2025), the Perfect Game Showdown (2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026), the Prep Baseball California Spring Invitational (2024), the Ryan Lemmon Tournament (2021 and 2026) and the Southern California Showdown (2025).

La Mirada will host Etiwanda High on Mar. 17 and Riverside Prep the next day before going to Aliso Niguel High on Mar. 19 in the tournament.

“It is nice to be at home [in the Anaheim Lions Tournament],” said Zurn. “We just didn’t get invited [this year in the Boras Classic]. That’s not my decision to make; that’s not my decision to judge. We would have loved to be in it, but they went a different direction thinking we were a little down this year, according to what was told to me. So, it’s all good.”

Classified Listings

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County of Los Angeles Department of the Treasurer and Tax Collector

Notice of Divided Publication

Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) Sections 3702, 3381, and 3382, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Online Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell in and for the County of Los Angeles, State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.

Notice of Online Public Auction Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell (Sale No. 2026A) Whereas, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, directed the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC), to sell certain tax-defaulted properties at the online public auction. TTC does hereby give public notice, that unless said properties are redeemed, prior to the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the last business day prior to the first day of the online public auction, TTC will offer for sale and sell said properties on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to the highest bidder, for not less than the minimum bid, at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles.

Free computer access is available at public libraries located throughout Los Angeles County. The County and its employees are not liable for the failure of any electronic equipment that may prevent a person from participating in an online auction.

The minimum bid for each parcel is the total amount necessary to redeem, plus costs, as required by R&TC Section 3698.5.

If a property does not sell during the online public auction, the right of redemption will revive and remain until Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

The TTC will re-offer any properties that did not sell or were not redeemed prior to Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for sale at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles beginning Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Information regarding this sale is available at ttc.lacounty. gov. Bidders are required to pre-register at www.govease.com/ los-angeles and submit a deposit of $5,000 or 10 percent of the spend limit that is set by each registered bidder, whichever is greater. Bid deposits must be in the form of a wire transfer, cashier’s check, electronic check (eCheck), or bank-issued money order at the time of registration. Registration will begin on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time and end on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Pursuant to R&TC Section 3692.3, TTC sells all property ``as is`` and the County and its employees are not liable for any known or unknown conditions of the properties, including, but not limited to, errors in the records of the Office of the Assessor (Assessor) pertaining to improvement of the property.

If TTC sells a property, parties of interest, as defined by R&TC Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any proceeds from the sale, which are in excess of the liens and costs required to be paid from the proceeds. If there are any excess proceeds after the application of the minimum bid, TTC will send notice to all parties of interest, pursuant to State law.

Please direct requests for information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property to the Treasurer and Tax Collector, at 225 North Hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California 90012.

County of Los Angeles Department of the Treasurer and Tax Collector

Notice of Divided Publication

Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) Sections 3702, 3381, and 3382, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Online Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell in and for the County of Los Angeles, State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.

Notice of Online Public Auction Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell (Sale No. 2026A)

Whereas, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, directed the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC), to sell certain tax-defaulted properties at the online public auction.

TTC does hereby give public notice, that unless said properties are redeemed, prior to the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the last business day prior to the first day of the online public auction, TTC will offer for sale and sell said properties on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to the highest bidder, for not less than the minimum bid, at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles.

Free computer access is available at public libraries located throughout Los Angeles County. The County and its employees are not liable for the failure of any electronic equipment that may prevent a person from participating in an online auction. The minimum bid for each parcel is the total amount necessary to redeem, plus costs, as required by R&TC Section 3698.5.

If a property does not sell during the online public auction, the right of redemption will revive and remain until Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

The TTC will re-offer any properties that did not sell or were not redeemed prior to Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for sale at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles beginning Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Information regarding this sale is available at ttc.lacounty. gov. Bidders are required to pre-register at www.govease.com/ los-angeles and submit a deposit of $5,000 or 10 percent of the spend limit that is set by each registered bidder, whichever is greater. Bid deposits must be in the form of a wire transfer, cashier’s check, electronic check (eCheck), or bank-issued money order at the time of registration. Registration will begin on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time and end on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Pursuant to R&TC Section 3692.3, TTC sells all property ``as

Phone calls can be directed to (213) 974-2045, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, visit TTC’s website at ttc.lacounty.gov or email at auction@ttc.lacounty.gov.

The Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) in this publication refers to the Assessor’s Map Book, the Map Page, and the individual Parcel Number on the Map Page. If a change in the AIN occurred, the publication will show both prior and current AINs. An explanation of the parcel numbering system and the referenced maps are available at the Office of the Assessor located at 500 West Temple Street, Room 225, Los Angeles, California 90012, or at assessor.lacounty.gov.

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California, on February 20, 2026.

ELIZABETH BUENROSTRO GINSBERG

Treasurer and Tax Collector

County of Los Angeles State of California

The real property that is subject to this notice is situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and is described as follows:

PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE OF SALE OF TAX-

DEFAULTED PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THE POWER OF SALE(SALE NO. 2026A)

2836 AIN 6248-003-019 DOURAGHI,IRAJ TR ET AL IRAJ

DOURAGHI TRUST AND DOURAGHI,AMIN LOCATION

CITY-DOWNEY $11,697.00

2837 AIN 6251-037-016 CANO,OTONIEL M LOCATION

CITY-DOWNEY $66,829.00

2839 AIN 6254-009-014 8211 FIRESTONE LLC LOCATION

CITY-DOWNEY TD#1 $284,815.00

2841 AIN 6261-006-025 BEGAZO,ERICK LOCATION CITYDOWNEY $15,128.00

2881 AIN 6361-006-006 ORTIZ,SERGIO TR LA REINA

FAMILY TRUST LOCATION CITY-DOWNEY $3,916.00

2882 AIN 6362-010-009 SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT C/O C/O PEMCO LTD LOCATION

CITY-DOWNEY $108,179.00

2896 AIN 7009-012-007 MAGANA,JORGE A AND JENNY AND HERNANDEZ,NYDIA M LOCATION CITY-NORWALK

$16,221.00

2897 AIN 7009-028-025 MENDOZA,JOSE F AND GUADALUPE G AND LOPEZ,RUBEN LOCATION CITYNORWALK $8,328.00

3121 AIN 8017-015-019 ROBINSON,VANESSA AND MAXIE,CHRISTOPHER D LOCATION CITY-SANTA FE SP

$25,556.00

3122 AIN 8020-008-012 NUNEZ,LUIS A AND LUIS,JOSEFA D LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $11,265.00

3123 AIN 8021-037-021 RODRIGUEZ,BERGELINA AND BARRAGAN,ILEANA LOCATION CITY-NORWALK

$63,251.00

3136 AIN 8073-027-027 REYES,LLESENIA C AND CORNEJO,GLADIS R LOCATION CITY-NORWALK

$7,442.00

3138 AIN 8075-039-028 LE,MINH TAM C/O C/O GLADYS

LOCATION CITY-NORWALK $8,370.00

3139 AIN 8080-015-029 MAGANA,MIGUEL LOCATION

CITY-NORWALK $3,808.00

3141 AIN 8080-021-025 TELLEZ,LINDA M AND MURILLO,SEBASTIANA LOCATION CITY-NORWALK

$9,887.00

3674 AIN 6283-018-032 EAST DOWNEY CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAHS WITNESSES LOCATION CITY DOWNEY TD # $13,800.00

3707 AIN 8037-047-140 RIGGINS,LLEWYN W LOCATION

CITY-LA MIRADA $29,161.00

3708 AIN 8056-009-034 LAMORE,GARRETTA S AND STRYKER,GEORGE B LOCATION CITY-NORWALK

$3,967.00

CN125316 607 Mar 20,27, Apr 3, 2026

is`` and the County and its employees are not liable for any known or unknown conditions of the properties, including, but not limited to, errors in the records of the Office of the Assessor (Assessor) pertaining to improvement of the property.

If TTC sells a property, parties of interest, as defined by R&TC Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any proceeds from the sale, which are in excess of the liens and costs required to be paid from the proceeds. If there are any excess proceeds after the application of the minimum bid, TTC will send notice to all parties of interest, pursuant to State law.

Please direct requests for information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property to the Treasurer and Tax Collector, at 225 North Hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California 90012. Phone calls can be directed to (213) 974-2045, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, visit TTC’s website at ttc.lacounty.gov or email at auction@ttc.lacounty.gov.

The Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) in this publication refers to the Assessor’s Map Book, the Map Page, and the individual Parcel Number on the Map Page. If a change in the AIN occurred, the publication will show both prior and current AINs. An explanation of the parcel numbering system and the referenced maps are available at the Office of the Assessor located at 500 West Temple Street, Room 225, Los Angeles, California 90012, or at assessor.lacounty.gov

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California, on February 20, 2026.

ELIZABETH BUENROSTRO GINSBERG

Treasurer and Tax Collector County of Los Angeles State of California

The real property that is subject to this notice is situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and is described as follows:

PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE OF SALE OF TAX-

DEFAULTED PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THE POWER OF

SALE(SALE NO. 2026A)

2194 AIN 5267-015-011 MOUNGAIN,ANN TR ANN

MOUNGAIN TRUST LOCATION CITY EMP PENSION

$17,025.00

2197 AIN 5269-012-051 THROPAY,JOHN AND MARICELA

TRS THROPAY TRUST LOCATION CITY EMP PENSION

$94,676.00

2202 AIN 5278-027-070 YBANEZ,HUGH C ET AL

COROMINAS,CRISTINA N LOCATION CITY EMP

PENSION $23,803.00

2876 AIN 6350-018-081 KIM,JIYOUNG LOCATION CITY

EMP PENSION $21,208.00

3613 AIN 5267-029-025 YBARRA,RAUL LOCATION CITY

EMP PENSION $13,324.00

3680 AIN 6350-021-020 SAHAGUN,MIGUEL G LOCATION

CITY EMP PENSION $89,361.00

CN125321 616 Mar 20,27, Apr 3, 2026

County of Los Angeles Department of the Treasurer and Tax Collector Notice of Divided Publication

Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) Sections

3702, 3381, and 3382, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Online Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell in and for the County of Los Angeles, State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.

Notice of Online Public Auction Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell (Sale No. 2026A)

Whereas, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, directed the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC), to sell certain tax-defaulted properties at the online public auction.

TTC does hereby give public notice, that unless said properties are redeemed, prior to the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the last business day prior to the first day of the online public auction, TTC will offer for sale and sell said properties on Saturday, April 18, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to the highest bidder, for not less than the minimum bid, at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles.

Free computer access is available at public libraries located throughout Los Angeles County. The County and its employees are not liable for the failure of any electronic equipment that may prevent a person from participating in an online auction.

The minimum bid for each parcel is the total amount necessary to redeem, plus costs, as required by R&TC Section 3698.5.

If a property does not sell during the online public auction, the right of redemption will revive and remain until Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

The TTC will re-offer any properties that did not sell or were not redeemed prior to Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for sale at the online public auction at www.govease. com/los-angeles beginning Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Information regarding this sale is available at ttc.lacounty. gov. Bidders are required to pre-register at www.govease.com/ los-angeles and submit a deposit of $5,000 or 10 percent of the spend limit that is set by each registered bidder, whichever is greater. Bid deposits must be in the form of a wire transfer, cashier’s check, electronic check (eCheck), or bank-issued money order at the time of registration. Registration will begin on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time and end on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Pursuant to R&TC Section 3692.3, TTC sells all property ``as is`` and the County and its employees are not liable for any known or unknown conditions of the properties, including, but not limited to, errors in the records of the Office of the Assessor (Assessor) pertaining to improvement of the property.

If TTC sells a property, parties of interest, as defined by R&TC Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any proceeds from the sale, which are in excess of the liens and costs

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

MARY ANN MUSSAW

CASE NO. 26STPB01840

required to be paid from the proceeds. If there are any excess proceeds after the application of the minimum bid, TTC will send notice to all parties of interest, pursuant to State law. Please direct requests for information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property to the Treasurer and Tax Collector, at 225 North Hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California 90012. Phone calls can be

$49,216.00

2916 AIN 7110-020-003 ALVAREZ,JAMES W LOCATION

CITY-BELLFLOWER $30,355.00

3673 AIN 6271-031-015 WOMACK,BRYAN LOCATION

CITY-BELLFLOWER $181,902.00 3743 AIN 7109-003-049 HOKE,EDWARD D LOCATION CITY-BELLFLOWER $6,114.00

3744 AIN 7065-007-139 DONATHAN APARTMENTS LOCATION CITY-HAWAII GDNS $80,295.00 CN125312 538 Mar 20,27, Apr 3, 2026

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

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SHARON DYE in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SHARON DYE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 03/25/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner

JASON M. STONE - SBN 299373

ELLIOTT MONTGOMERY - SBN 279451 STONE & SALLUS, LLP 2235 CAMPUS DRIVE EL SEGUNDO CA 90245

Telephone (310) 889-0233

3/6, 3/13, 3/20/26 CNS-4019490# LA MIRADA LAMPLIGHTER

ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE CALLING FOR BID

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ABC Unified School District will receive up to but not later than 2:00 PM on the 21st day of April 2026 Bids for:

ABC Bid # 1699 Leal Elementary School Modernization and Relocatable Site Work

All bids shall be made and presented on a form furnished by the District. Bids submitted shall conform to the terms and conditions stated on said form. Bids shall be received in the office of the Purchasing Department at 16700 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703 and shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the above-stated time and place. There will be a mandatory jobwalk meeting on March 31, 2026 at 9:00 AM sharp at the front of Administration building at Leal ES 12920 Droxford St., Cerritos CA. To prequalify to bid, bidders and subcontractors with contractor license class of B, C-7,C-10, C-16, C-20, C-36 must submit Prequalification package no later than April 16, 2026 12:00 PM. Prequalification Package is available to enter and submit at the PQ Website https://pqbids.com/abc-usd-ab2031/ All public works are subject to prevailing wage payments, Valid License valid Class B Contractor’s License and DIR Registration will be required.

Los Cerritos News March 20, 2026 March 27, 2026

at LCCN 3/20 and 3/27/26

OF TRUSTEE’S SALE File No.:25-313946 A.P.N.:7171-025-026 Property Address.: 5343 MONTAIR AVENUE, LAKEWOOD, CA 90712.YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED DECEMBER 07, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. The property described heretofore is being sold “as is”. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor(s): WESLEY D RANDALL JR., A SINGLE MAN Duly Appointed Trustee: Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid and Crane, LLP DEED OF TRUST Recorded on December 21, 2006 at Instrument No 06 2842019 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California Sale Date: 3/27/2026 Sale Time: 11:00 AM Sale Location: At The Courtyard located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766. Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $667,409.38 (Estimated) Street Address or other common designation of real property: 5343 MONTAIR AVENUE, LAKEWOOD, CA 90712. See Legal Description - Exhibit “A” attached here to and made a part hereof. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid

be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER(S): The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866-684-2727) or visit the website http://www .servicelinkasap.com, using the file number assigned to this case 25-313946. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT(S): Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to California Civil Code Section 2924m. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48-hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (866-684-2727) or visit the website http://www.servicelinkasap.com, using the file number assigned to this case 25-313946 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15-days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45-days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder”, you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid and Crane, LLP Date: 2/23/2026 By: Christine McPhatter Authorized Signatory 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Phone: 858-9971304 SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT HTTP://WWW.SERVICELINKASAP.COM FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (866-684-2727) The above-named trustee may be acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained may be used for that purpose. CA DPFI Debt Collection License # 11461-99; NMLS ID 2591653. To the extent your original obligation was discharged or is subject to an automatic stay of bankruptcy under Title 11 of the United States Code, this notice is for compliance and/or informational purposes only and does not constitute an attempt to collect a debt or to impose personal liability for such obligation. However, a secured party retains rights under its security instrument, including the right to foreclose its lien. LEGAL DESCRIPTION - EXHIBIT A LOT 465, OF TRACT NO 14594, IN THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 362 PAGE(S) 12 TO 15, INCLUSIVE OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. A-4865442 03/06/2026, 03/13/2026, 03/20/2026

CITY OF BELLFLOWER NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – INTENT TO GRANT A WATER FRANCHISE AGREEMENT TO BELLFLOWER-SOMERSET MUTUAL WATER COMPANY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held by the Bellflower City Council to consider granting a water franchise to Bellflower-Somerset Mutual Water Company (BSMWC). The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, April 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 granting a water franchise agreement to BSMWC. 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.

The proposed water franchise agreement is for a period of twenty-five (25) years, commencing retroactively on April 10, 2021. During the term of the water franchise agreement, BSMWC will pay the City the amount specified by California law and if such payment is not made, the water franchise will be forfeited.

Copies of the staff report, the proposed ordinance, 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 Len Gorecki, Director of Public Works, at (562) 804-1424, ext. 2259.

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

Published at Los Cerritos Community News 3/13 and 3/20/26

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to Sections 21700–21716 of the CA Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of CA Commercial Code, Sections 1812.600 –1812.609, Section 1988 of CA Civil Code and Section 535 of the CA Penal Code.

The undersigned will be sold at a public auction conducted on www.storagetreasures.com ending on Monday, April 13,2026 at 10:00am. The personal property including: general household goods, electronics, tools, personal effects, and or miscellaneous items are stored at: Cerritos Self Storage, 16515 Valley View Ave., Cerritos, County of Los Angeles, State of California by the following:

Name Unit #

Carlos C Castillo I45 Troy Alan Dwelley M012

Purchases must be made in CASH ONLY and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

Self Storage Management Company

Bond #: WLI1254152

Published at Los Cerritos Community News 3/20 and 3/27/26

CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS

CITY HALL RESTROOM RENOVATION, PROJECT 124

Public Notice is hereby given that City of Hawaiian Gardens invites sealed bids pertaining to the item(s) listed below:

PRE-BID MEETING ON: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

BIDS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

BIDS WILL BE OPENED ON: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

PLACE OF BID RECEIPT: Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 21815 Pioneer Boulevard Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716

The City of Hawaiian Gardens invites sealed bids for the City Hall Restroom Renovation, Project 124, and will receive such bids in the office of the City Clerk, 21815 Pioneer Boulevard, Hawaiian Gardens, California 90716, up to the hour of 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Hawaiian Gardens City Hall, located at 21815 Pioneer Boulevard, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716, to walk through the site and go over the scope of work.

The project will include the removal and replacement of the existing plumbing fixtures, toilet accessories, toilet partitions, access panels, restroom doors, wall, and floor tiles, light fixtures, exhaust fans, wall grilles, and all other items included in the plans and specifications. The project includes without limitation, furnishing all necessary labor, materials, equipment, and other incidental work necessary to renovate the restrooms to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Electronic copies of the Plans, Specifications, and Contract Documents are available from the City of Hawaiian Gardens website (https://www.hgcity.org/government/publicnotices). Bidders must submit their request for receiving the plans and specifications via email to Neema Ghanbari at nghanbari@hgcity.org. Should you have any questions regarding the project, please contact the City of Hawaiian Gardens Engineering Division at (562)420-2641 ext. 206.

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 3/20/26

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 10, 2026, the City Council of the City of Commerce (“the City”) adopted Ordinance 830 said ordinance having been introduced for first reading (by title only and waiving further reading of the text), on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Ordinance No. 830 an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Commerce authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of Commerce, California and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.

Ordinance No. 830 was passed and adopted on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by the City Council of the City of Commerce by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Kevin Lainez; Mayor Pro Tem Mireya Garcia; Council Member Ivan Altamirano; Council Member Oralia Rebollo; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAINED: Council Member Hugo Argumedo.

A certified copy of the full text of this ordinance is available at the office of the City Clerk, 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, CA 90040, during regular business hours.

Pat Jacquez-Nares, Interim City Clerk City of Commerce

Published on March 20, 2026 – Los Cerritos News

Published at Los Cerritos Community News 3/20/26

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 10, 2026, the City Council of the City of Commerce (“the City”) adopted Urgency Ordinance 832 said ordinance was passed and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Kevin Lainez; Mayor Pro Tem Mireya Garcia; Council Member Ivan Altamirano; Council Member Oralia Rebollo; NOES: None; ABSENT: None; ABSTAINED: Council Member Hugo Argumedo.

Urgency Ordinance No. 832 an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Commerce authorizing an amendment to the contract between the City Council of the City of Commerce, California and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.

A certified copy of the full text of this ordinance is available at the office of the City Clerk, 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, CA 90040, during regular business hours.

Pat Jacquez-Nares, Interim City Clerk

City of Commerce

Published on March 20, 2026 – Los Cerritos News

Published at Los Cerritos Community News 3/20/26

from page 1

a deepening fiscal strain across the state.

Most of the recent layoffs have targeted administrators and classified staff—such as clerks, administrative assistants, and paraeducators— as districts attempt to shield classrooms from the worst of the cuts. But even teachers have not been spared.

School systems are grappling with a double hit: declining average daily attendance funding tied to shrinking enrollment, and the expiration of onetime federal pandemic relief dollars. At the same time, districts face escalating costs for pensions, healthcare, supplies, and special education services.

In Sacramento City Unified, every employee working in the district office—including the interim superintendent—received a pink slip as officials

work to close a $134 million deficit. The district plans to issue about 800 layoff notices, most affecting classified staff.

“The board directive…has been pretty clear: Whatever cuts we have to make, keep them as far away from the classroom as possible,” said Brian Heap, the district’s chief communications officer, who also received a layoff notice.

Still, uncertainty looms. District officials say they cannot yet determine how many employees at the Serna Center headquarters will ultimately lose their jobs as they restructure operations.

In Los Angeles Unified, the school board voted to issue 3,200 layoff notices, including 657 to central office staff. The cuts are expected to result in roughly 650 lost jobs and save about $250 million. The district is facing an $877 million deficit next year, followed by another $443 million shortfall the year after.

Oakland Unified is considering cut-

ting up to two-thirds of its central office staff, along with counselors, clerks, and other support personnel, to address a projected $103 million deficit.

The district has already planned hundreds of layoffs and hour reductions.

Experts say classified staff are often the first to be cut for both practical and political reasons.

“They try to concentrate layoffs among classified staff and administrative personnel simply because teachers have the most direct impact on student experience,” Flint said, noting teachers are also more visible and sympathetic to parents and the community.

The California School Employees Association reported at least 2,700 of its members received pink slips by the March 15 deadline, along with hundreds more facing reduced hours or layoffs tied to expiring federal funding.

“When classified employees are laid

off, students lose more than services; they lose trusted adults in their lives,” said CSEA President Adam Weinberger. “Those connections are essential to a safe and supported learning environment.”

Despite efforts to protect classrooms, more than 1,900 teachers and other certificated staff also received pink slips this year, according to the California Teachers Association.

Some districts are trying to avoid teacher layoffs altogether. San Diego Unified approved a contract prohibiting layoffs of teachers for the 2026–27 school year, instead issuing notices to 133 classified employees.

Other districts have not been able to make that tradeoff. Long Beach Unified plans to issue more than 500 layoff notices to teachers and other credentialed staff, while Pasadena Unified has already issued hundreds of notices affecting both teachers and support personnel.

“The reductions are significant and affect every school and department in our district,” said Pasadena Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco. “We are living within our fiscal reality…to protect student learning and the district’s longterm ability to serve future generations.”

For many employees, the annual cycle of pink slips—often followed by rescinded notices—has become a source of constant anxiety.

“Our members are working paycheck to paycheck, and they’re looking for stability,” Weinberger said. “Getting a notice every year, even if it’s later rescinded, creates instability in their lives.”

As districts finalize budgets in the coming weeks, thousands of school workers across California will be left waiting to learn whether their jobs survive the cuts—or become permanent casualties of a system under mounting financial pressure.