LCCN Stands With Major Dailies After L.A. Press Club Investigative Reporting Nomination
The nomination places LCCN as the only weekly alongside some of Southern California’s largest newsroom organizations.
LCCN Staff Report
Los Cerritos Community News has earned a nomination for Best Investigative Reporting from the Los Angeles Press Club for its five-part investigative series “High Stakes, Dirty Water, Red Flags,” marking the newspaper’s ninth Press Club nomination in the past 15 years.
LCCN was nominated alongside some of Southern California’s largest
news organizations and investigative teams. Other finalists include Jason Henry of the Los Angeles Daily News for “Mold, rats and neglect: a year of inspections at Men’s Central Jail reveals ‘horrific’ conditions,” Semantha Raquel Norris of The San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol Newspaper for the “Silicosis Series,” and Beau Yarbrough of both the San Bernardino Sun for “Why did the 2015 San Bernardino mass shooting happen?” and The Press-Enterprise for “San Jacinto Unified investigates, reports board member to district attorney.”
The nomination places Los Cerritos Community News as the only weekly community newspaper recognized in
the category.
“High Stakes, Dirty Water, Red Flags” examined whether Central Basin Municipal Water District Director Juan Garza’s simultaneous roles as a Central Basin director and Executive Director of the California Cities for Self-Reliance Joint Powers Authority created incompatible public offices under California Government Code section 1099.
Part One focused on the structure and operations of the California Cities for Self-Reliance Joint Powers Authority, a taxpayer-funded agency operated through Garza’s privately owned Bellflower-based firm, Six Heron. The reporting documented how bids, contracts, and agency operations were
routed through Garza’s private infrastructure, including his company email, cellphone, and Bellflower P.O. Box.
Part Two examined how those operations intersected with Garza’s public authority at Central Basin. The reporting showed that the JPA represented Bell Gardens, Commerce, Compton, and Hawaiian Gardens — all cities located within Central Basin’s service area — while Garza simultaneously voted on water rates, infrastructure, and regional policy decisions affecting those same cities.
Part Three shifted from conflicts to legal consequences, examining Government Code section 1099, California’s incompatible office statute, and
CALTRANS REROUTED TRAFFIC WITHOUT INFORMING CERRITOS, ILLEGAL MOVE WILL COST
BY BRIAN HEWS
ritos Community News has ob tained a letter, dated September 6, 2019, addressed to Caltrans from the city of Cerritos that blasts the state agency for rerout ing tractor-trailer traffic through the City due to I-5 construction projects.
done without notifying the City.
changes could trigger layoffs and public safety cuts.
Schools Say Phone Bans Are Working, Researchers Say The Results Are Mixed
By Brian Hews
New national studies are pouring cold water on the growing belief that banning cellphones in schools will quickly solve classroom distractions, boost grades and improve student behavior.
One major study released by researchers from Stanford University, Duke University, the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania found that strict cellphone bans dramatically
during the construction period.
Conflicts
of Interest
Rife in
THE CITY OVER $5 MILLION
Sarega Law Contracts Tied to Bellflower, Lynwood Unified
By Brian Hews
“Caltrans has failed to coordinate thus far, and any further lack of communication or consultation with the City and its residents is unacceptable.”
The City blasted Caltrans for establishing a detour route on southbound Carmenita between the I-5 and Artesia Blvd., and eastbound Artesia Blvd. between Carmenita and the I-5.
“Neither stretch of Carmeni-
ta or Artesia is a city designated truck route, commercial vehicles over 6,000 pounds are strictly prohibited on the streets, per City Municipal Code.”
Last week, Los Cerritos Community News reported on controversy surrounding Sarega Law APC, owned by former La Mirada councilman Andrew Sarega, and a proposed legal services agreement involving the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, where questions were raised about governance, contracting, and public transparency.
flows onto arterial streets.”
simultaneously.
The Caltrans rerouting of trucks has caused severe damage and increased traffic at peak hours, the extensive damage alone is estimated “to cost $5.2 million to repair,” and the “average daily traffic on said streets has significantly increased and
Records obtained by LCCN reveal that BUSD and CalAPS, during a June 2025 meeting, approved a legal conflict-of-interest waiver involving Sarega Law between BUSD and CalAPS — without publicly explaining what future or potential conflict the waiver was intended to address.
The City then cited the numerous safety hazards caused by the rerouting of traffic, concerns that have been voiced by Cerritos residents in calls and emails to both HMG-LCCN and the City.
CalAPS serves both the Bellflower Uni-
The rerouting on Carmenita takes large trucks by two schools, Stowers Elementary and Carmenita Middle school in addition
See SAREGA, Page 7
reduced student phone use during school hours, but produced little immediate academic improvement. At the same time, a separate RAND Corporation report found that school principals overwhelmingly believe the bans are helping improve school climate and reduce distractions.
Together, the reports paint a far more complicated picture as California school districts — including those across Southeast Los Angeles County — continue
See PHONES, Page 4
The president of the NLMUSD Board, Dr. Robert Cancio, placed a $240,000 Sarega contract on the consent calendar, which is typically reserved for routine matters. However, after reading LCCN’s reporting questioning the amount and process, two board members pulled the item from the consent calendar, effectively stopping the proposed agreement.
Bellflower Officials Tout Sharp Sharp Drop in Crime, Homelessness
BY THOM MARTIN
In the article, LCCN noted that Sarega previously faced Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) issues during his political career, had a rocky history and spotty attendance as a La Mirada City Councilman, and had limited experience in school district law.
By Stepheny Gehrig
The City of Lakewood held its annual Award of Valor luncheon on Nov. 6 to thank the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department, as well as the community volunteers who protect and serve Lakewood.
Now Sarega has surfaced in the middle of another controversy, this time involving the Bellflower Unified School District [BUSD], a regional career technical joint powers authority called CalAPS, and a Bellflower Unified-linked nonprofit foundation where Sarega held multiple officer positions
action, jumping out of her car grabbing the boy and helping the woman.
Bellflower leaders say the city is seeing one of its most significant public safety improvements in more than a decade, pointing to a sharp decline in serious crime during the first part of 2026.
Bridget Perrizo, a staff member at Artesia High was honored when she helped two people that was being attacked by a dog.
Bridget, was headed back to work from lunch when she spotted a dog attacking a woman and young boy. The dog had knocked them to the ground and they were
She took them to Artesia High School, where they received medical assistance and were ultimately transported to the hospital.
Because of her selfless actions, the City of Lakewood recently awarded Bridget with the Mayor’s Award at the city’s annual Awards of Valor ceremony.
In a newly released public safety video, the City of Bellflower announced that Part I crimes — the FBI category covering major offenses such as robbery, burglary, aggravated assault and auto theft — have dropped approximately 24% to 25% this year.
City officials compared Bellflower’s
"I always wondered what I would do when faced with a situation like this one," said Perrizo. "By the grace of God, I had the courage to take action. I'm so glad that both the mom and son are okay, and I'm so honored to
Winner of Fourteen LA Press Club Awards from 2012- 2017.
See CALTRANS page 14
Mayors, councilmembers, and AFSCME District Council 36 leaders address reporters in Commerce while demanding emergency state funding assistance amid looming cardroom revenue losses tied to proposed California gaming regulations. Officials warned the
CITY LEADERS DEMAND BAILOUT OVER CARDROOM CRISIS
Ross Students Spark Early STEM Curiosity at Elliott Elementary
STUDENTS from Ross Middle School recently visited Elliott Elementary School for the Second Annual Lil’ STEMngeneers Day, creating a fun and engaging learning experience for some of the District’s youngest students.
ABCUSD News Services
Ross Middle School students recently traded classrooms for teaching roles during the Second Annual Lil’ STEMngineers Day at Elliott Elementary School, where eighth graders led hands-on science and engineering activities for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students.
The event paired older students with younger learners for interactive STEM lessons focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Activities included exploring the scale of outer space and conducting science experiments designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving.
and communication skills while sharing their knowledge with younger students.
“Having Ross Middle School students lead STEM activities for our TK and Kindergarten classes created a meaningful experience for everyone involved,” Elliott kindergarten teacher Bryan Valdez said. “The experiments and activities kept students engaged and encouraged them to ask questions, explore ideas, and think creatively.”
District officials said Lil’ STEMngineers Day continues to grow as a collaboration between the two campuses, highlighting the value of cross-grade learning experiences while promoting student interest in STEM education and future careers.
“Teaching STEM can be fun, but it’s harder than it looks,” Ross eighth-grader Cooper Williams said. “It was really cool to see the younger students get excited about science.”
Monday thru Saturday6 pm to 12 Midnight
Doors open at 4pm Sunday 2 pm to 9 pm
Doors open at 12pm
“Having students teach students is a special experience for everyone involved,” Elliott Elementary Principal Lora Ballard said. “Our youngest learners truly enjoy learning from their older peers, especially through fun, hands-on activities that bring learning to life.” Throughout the day, Ross students guided classes through experiments and demonstrations while helping younger students ask questions and work together to solve challenges.
For the eighth graders, the event also served as an opportunity to build leadership
The event concluded with students participating in experiments and activities that organizers said helped create a memorable and engaging learning experience for both age groups.
Baby Goats, Blacksmiths and Summer Concerts Return to Rancho Los Alamitos
LCCN Staff Report
Three baby goats may be stealing the spotlight at Rancho Los Alamitos this month, but the historic Long Beach property is also launching a full summer lineup of family crafts, concerts, lectures, and outdoor theater performances through August.
The season begins with the Rancho’s free “Cool Crafts Roundup” program returning Thursday, June 11, followed by additional sessions July 9 and Aug.
13 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The handson family event features storytelling and environmentally themed crafts designed for children and adults.
On June 25, “In the Gardens of California’s Prison Landscapes,” will feature Dr. Elizabeth Lara discussing the connections between horticulture, incarceration history, and public heritage sites including Alcatraz and Manzanar. Admission is $10 per person and free for Rancho members.
Outdoor entertainment returns June 28 with the Rancho’s Summer Concert Series featuring the Bill Grisolia Band. A second concert featuring the Blues Society All Stars is scheduled for Aug. 23. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for
children, and free for children ages 2 and younger. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic dinners for the evening performances.
Families can also catch outdoor performances of “Charlotte’s Web” on June 18 and June 21 on the Rancho’s Barns Lawn presented by Jewel Box Children’s Theater. Rancho officials said reservations will be required once tickets become available.
Meanwhile, Rancho officials continue showcasing one of the property’s most unique attractions — the only operating historic blacksmith shop in Long Beach — where volunteer blacksmiths regularly demonstrate traditional forging techniques during
public programs and educational visits.
The ranch itself dates back more than 200 years and remains one of the last surviving examples of the vast ranchos that once dominated Southern California during the Spanish and Mexican eras. Today, the site operates as both a public museum and working historic ranch, complete with gardens, livestock, restored adobe structures, and educational programming that draws visitors from throughout the region.
And yes, for those wondering, the baby goats have quickly become unofficial social media celebrities. More info. go to rancholosalamitos.org
Turns Out the $20 Fast Food Wage Didn’t Destroy California After All
The same corporations that predicted economic collapse are now offering free food, posting profits, and proving that innovation—not low wages—was the answer.
By Brian Hews LCCN Editor and Publisher
Prior to the increase, Californians were warned that raising fast food wages to $20 an hour would trigger an economic apocalypse.
Some politicians and cable news panels predicted negative outcomes like restaurant closures, layoffs, burger shortages, and broader social disruption as a result of the policy.
Fast food corporations joined the panic parade, warning that paying workers a livable wage would supposedly destroy the industry.
However, the anticipated negative consequences did not occur.
It didn’t.
The fries kept frying. The burgers kept flipping. The drive-thru lines somehow remained wrapped around the building, as if nothing had happened.
Even more amusing? Many of the same companies screaming that $20 wages would bankrupt them are now: offering free food on their apps, rolling out endless “value meals,” pushing buy-one-get-one deals, and reporting strong profits.
Apparently, the industry was not one Big Mac away from financial ruin after all.
The public was told higher wages would make a Happy Meal cost $37 and require a small home equity loan. Instead, consumers discovered something corporations hoped nobody would notice:
These companies had plenty of room to adapt.
And adapt they did.
Suddenly, the fast food industry became innovative again.
Apps improved overnight. Ordering systems became faster. AI drive-thrus appeared. Self-order kiosks expanded. Loyalty programs exploded. Kitchen operations became more efficient. Delivery systems improved. Automation accelerated.
Amazing what happens when giant corporations can no longer rely on permanently underpaid labor as the foundation of their business model.
For decades, parts of the American economy quietly depended on ex-
haustion. Millions of workers stitched together survival through two or three jobs, bouncing from fast food to rideshare driving to retail shifts just to barely pay rent.
That wasn’t economic strength. That was economic desperation with a corporate logo slapped on top.
The old system worked wonderfully—for shareholders.
Workers? Not so much.
Then California raised wages and exposed a reality critics never wanted to admit:
Businesses innovate when they are forced to innovate.
History shows this over and over again. Industries predict catastrophe every single time labor standards improve. Factory owners once claimed child labor laws would destroy manufacturing. Companies warned overtime protections would crush growth. Businesses said workplace safety rules would devastate profits.
Yet somehow America survived all of it.
Because real capitalism adapts.
The loudest critics of higher wages claimed they were defending consumers.
But consumers were already getting hammered long before the wage increase. Fast food prices skyrocketed nationwide while corporations quietly enjoyed record revenues.
Now suddenly, those same companies can afford $5 value meals, free fries, app giveaways, and customer rewards?
Interesting.
It turns out the “unsustainable business model” was sustainable all along. What changed was that corporations were finally pressured to compete through efficiency, technology, marketing, and innovation instead of relying almost entirely on cheap labor.
And despite all the doomsday predictions, many workers now have something revolutionary in America: the ability to survive on fewer jobs.
That means more time with family. Less burnout. Fewer 70-hour workweeks held together with caffeine and panic. More money is circulating back into local communities through rent, groceries, gas stations, and small businesses.
The critics promised collapse.
Instead, California got adaptation.
Turns out the real secret sauce wasn’t low wages.
It was innovation.
From the Mayor’s Desk:
May 15, 2026
From dairy farms to a model city, Cerritos celebrates 70 years of history, growth, community pride, and lasting local traditions.
By Lynda Johnson Mayor, City of Cerritos
Where the hum of the 91 Freeway now fills the air, sounds of merely wind would previously echo through open fields. Where neighbors jog past manicured parks and busy shopping centers, dirt roads used to stretch as far as the eye could see. And roaming across it all; thousands upon thousands of cows. This was Dairy Valley, a city where cows once outnumbered people by nearly 30:1.
Upon our City’s incorporation on April 24, 1956, we had dairy farms, chicken coops, sugar beet fields and wide-open sky. This was Cerritos before Cerritos had its name — and it is a story worth telling, worth remembering, and worth celebrating.
If you have yet to engage in the fun for Cerritos’ platinum anniversary year, now is the time. Each week, we invite
from page 1
tightening restrictions on student cellphone use.
The Stanford-led study examined about 4,600 schools nationwide using Yondr lockable phone pouches, where students seal their phones inside magnetic cases during the school day. Researchers found student phone use in class reportedly dropped from 61% to 13% after the bans took effect.
But despite the huge drop in phone use, researchers found overall test score gains were “consistently close to zero” during the first three years after the bans were implemented.
Researchers also found suspension rates initially increased by roughly 16% during the first year of enforcement before later leveling off. Student well-being also dipped at first before eventually improving in later years.
The RAND report reached a different conclusion by focusing on school administrators’ perceptions rather than student performance data. RAND researchers found that about 70% of principals believed cellphone bans improved school climate, while 67% said inappropriate phone use declined and more than half believed cyberbullying decreased.
That divide between measurable academic outcomes and how schools “feel” after bans are implemented is becoming one of the biggest education debates in the country.
“Phone bans may make campuses calmer and reduce visible distractions,” one education researcher noted in discussing the studies, “but that does not necessarily translate into immediate academic gains.”
The issue is becoming increasingly local.
Districts throughout California have been under growing pressure from parents, teachers and lawmakers to crack down on student phone use amid concerns over social media addiction, classroom distractions, cyberbullying and de-
the community to answer trivia questions rooted in Cerritos history, shared on our social media channels and at cerritos.gov/trivia. I invite you to test your knowledge, share the questions with your family and neighbors, and take a moment to reflect on just how remarkable our city’s journey has been. Our story is one of progress and community pride. What began as a small agricultural community has grown into one of Los Angeles County’s most unique cities, known for its world-class Cerritos Library, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos Senior Center, outstanding schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving business climate. At cerritos.gov/history, you can explore that full journey.
The weekly trivia, the recent dedication of our Milking Time statue, and anniversary-themed 5K Run/Walk on May 30 are among the ways you have and can join in the celebration.
Residents are also encouraged to take part in a special archival series that will collect personal stories of life in Cerritos. The City has partnered with StoryCorps to present Voices of Cerritos – a Celebration of 70 Years. Appointments for audio recordings can be made at the Cerritos Library at select times through the end of June. Contact the Library to learn more at (562) 9161342.
Thank you for your support of our beautiful city throughout our 70th year and into the future.
clining attention spans.
Several school districts across Southeast Los Angeles County have already strengthened restrictions in recent years, including limiting phone access during instructional periods and increasing enforcement policies.
Supporters of the bans argue phones have become one of the biggest disruptions in modern classrooms.
Teachers frequently complain students are watching videos, texting friends, scrolling social media or secretly using artificial intelligence tools during class. Some educators say constant phone access has also damaged students’ ability to focus for long periods.
But the new Stanford-led study suggests removing phones alone may not be enough to dramatically improve student performance.
Researchers found little measurable improvement in attendance, classroom attention or bullying reports during the early years of the bans.
The study also acknowledged several important limitations. Researchers noted the findings only cover the first few years after implementation and may not reflect long-term effects. The report also focused specifically on schools using Yondr pouches, not every type of cellphone restriction.
Another notable detail: the researchers openly acknowledged receiving cooperation and data access from Yondr itself, the company selling the lockable pouches now used in thousands of schools nationwide.
Parents and students also appear sharply divided on the issue.
The studies found parents generally support tougher cellphone restrictions, often believing they improve student mental health and focus. Students, meanwhile, were far more skeptical and frequently opposed the bans.
For local school boards, the debate is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Whether the bans ultimately produce long-term academic improvements, however, remains an open question.
Cerritos Mayor Lynda Johnson
PHONES
Los Angeles Public Library
Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month
With Free Downtown Festival
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Public Library will celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with its third annual AAPI Joy festival on Saturday, May 16, at Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles.
The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Library, located at 630 W. Fifth St., and will feature performances, workshops, crafts, culinary demonstrations, and author talks highlighting the diversity and traditions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
This year’s theme, “AAPI Voices, Then & Now,” focuses on the stories, history, and cultural contributions that continue to shape Los Angeles.
According to organizers, the AAPI Joy festival has become one of the Los Angeles Public Library’s signature Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month events, bringing together families, artists, educators, performers, and community leaders for a day-long celebration in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
Festival highlights will include lion dancers, Japanese dance performances, Korean fabric art demonstrations, lei making workshops, theater performances, crafts, and food-related cultural presentations.
The event will also feature the Carlos Bulosan Book Club Awards, presented by the Friends of Echo Park Library, honoring literary figures and advocates who have made significant contributions to Filipino American literature and community activism.
Scheduled speakers include Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, and Philippine Vice Consul Levi Anthony B. Malaylay. Los Angeles City Librarian John F. Szabo said the event celebrates the voices and traditions that continue to influence communities throughout the city.
“The AAPI Joy festival uplifts the voices, stories, and traditions that have shaped Los Angeles, including the enduring legacy of author, poet, and activist Carlos Bulosan,” Szabo said.
“This event also recognizes the leadership and impact of AAPI community members whose contributions continue to inspire, connect, and strengthen our city.”
Jennifer Siron, LAPL librarian and AAPI Joy co-lead, said the festival creates an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate culture, identity, and community together. “AAPI Joy is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects the richness of our stories, cultures, and presence in Los Angeles,” Siron said.
“The Library’s celebration is an opportunity to come together, share our joy, and
honor our heritage.”
Organizers said the free festival is designed for visitors of all ages and encourages attendees to participate in hands-on cultural activities while learning more about the history and contributions of Asian American Pacific Islander communities throughout Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Public Library has continued expanding its Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month programming in recent years as attendance and community participation have grown across the city.
BELLFLOWER from page 1
numbers with neighboring communities, stating that Artesia experienced roughly a 16% decrease in Part I crimes while Paramount saw a 14% decline. Officials also claimed Lakewood experienced increases during the same period.
“Staying on this pace, we are projecting one of the lowest Part I crime rates in 15 years,” the city said in the video.
Bellflower officials credited several recent public safety investments and enforcement programs for the decline, including expanded technology and targeted quality-of-life operations.
Among the programs highlighted was the city’s Bellflower Enforcement and Safety Team, commonly referred to as “BEAST,” which focuses on homeless encampments, public nuisance complaints and illegal activity in public spaces. According to the city, the team works to connect homeless residents willing to accept assistance with services while also addressing encampments and related public safety concerns.
Officials also pointed to the city’s continued operation of the New Hope Shelter, which provides temporary housing assistance for Bellflower residents experiencing homelessness.Technology investments were another major focus of the presentation. The city said it recently deployed gunshot detection systems designed to improve law enforcement response times and installed license plate reader cameras intended to help identify stolen vehicles and criminal suspects.
The public safety update was presented as part of ongoing City Council strategic priorities aimed at improving quality of life and neighborhood safety.
While the city celebrated the reported decline, officials did not release raw crime totals in the video presentation or specify the exact comparison period used for the statistics.
The announcement comes as many Southeast Los Angeles County cities continue grappling with homelessness, retail theft, catalytic converter thefts and broader public safety concerns that became more pronounced following the pandemic years.
whether repeated renewals of Garza’s JPA employment contract triggered automatic forfeiture of his Central Basin seat. The reporting also explored quo warranto proceedings, Attorney General opinions, and Metropolitan Water District governance.
Part Four focused on Central Basin’s response after the issue became public. Despite extensive reporting, repeated questions, and public notice, the board took no public action to seek an independent legal review or refer the matter to an enforcement authority. LCCN later learned the board discussed the issue in closed session and concluded that no action was warranted.
Part Five examined the consequences that can arise once a board is placed on notice of a potential incompatible office issue and continues taking official action without resolving it. The reporting explored taxpayer litigation exposure, quo warranto actions, continuing governance decisions after notice, and the legal consequences of board inaction.
The Los Angeles Press Club awards recognize outstanding journalism throughout Southern California across newspapers, television, radio, magazines, digital outlets, and independent media organizations.
LCCN Owner-Editor-Publisher Brian Hews, who authored the series, said, “It’s an honor to be nominated alongside such outstanding journalists and news organizations. We are the only weekly community newspaper on the list, which makes this recognition even more meaningful for our readers and our small newsroom.”
Cerritos Senior Center 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
166th St.
Cerritos Medical Center 11911 Artesia Blvd.
Whitney Students Develop Software to Catch AI Cheaters, Sell Software to Major Detection Company
Students at California’s top-ranked high school turned concerns about emerging AI cheating tools into a technology acquisition deal before graduation.
By Brian Hews
CERRITOS — Two Whitney High School students have achieved something many software developers spend years chasing — selling their technology to a major artificial intelligence company before graduating high school.
Millan Hamilton and Niranjan Janardhanan, students at Whitney High School in Cerritos, developed advanced software designed to detect AI-assisted “auto-typing” tools used to bypass academic integrity and AI-writing detection systems.
Their technology recently caught the attention of [Originality.ai](https://originality.ai?utm_source=chatgpt.com), a leading AI detection company, which acquired the students’ algorithm for integration into its upgraded Chrome Extension platform.
The students said they became increasingly concerned about the rapid rise of sophisticated AI-assisted cheating tools being discussed and used in academic settings nationwide, including programs such as Duey and ExamRipper that attempt to mimic authentic human typing behavior
and evade detection systems.
Rather than focusing only on analyzing written content itself, Hamilton and Janardhanan developed software that analyzes millisecond-level keystroke timing and playback behavior to identify whether text was likely generated through automated typing systems.
According to the students and Originality.ai, the software successfully identified patterns that many existing detection systems struggled to recognize.
“Authentic work and genuine effort matter more than ever,” Janardhanan said. “However, we noticed the industry couldn’t catch most major cheating tools. We knew our software experience could help solve this.”
Originality.ai CEO Jon Gillham praised the students’ work, saying their system detected auto-typing programs that many industry tools routinely missed.
“Millan and Niranjan’s algorithm detected autotypers that industry tools routinely miss,” Gillham said. “Their achievement is remarkable, and we’re proud to integrate their work into our platform and support their growth.”
The students’ technology will now become part of Originality.ai’s upgraded Chrome Extension, which combines AI detection, plagiarism analysis, replay-based proof of authorship, and auto-typing detection tools intended to help educators and publishers verify authentic work.
The acquisition also highlights how quickly AI-assisted cheating technology is evolving in competitive academic environments, creating new challenges for schools, teachers, and students seeking to maintain academic trust.
Spring and Summer Events at the Long Beach Museum of Art
By Lydia E. Ringwald
The Long Beach Museum of Art offers a series of exciting events to both edify and entertain visitors this summer. Cerritos residents live only a few miles from the beach and can enjoy summer recreation while also participating in the cultural opportunities offered by the Long Beach art community.
The Downtown branch of the Long Beach Museum of Art, located at 356 E. 3rd St., exhibits the work of contemporary artists throughout the year.
On May 16, an exhibit of Scott Carillo Azevedo’s artwork, “The American Home - The Broken Promise,” opens with a free reception from 5-9 p.m., offering an opportunity to meet the artist and mingle with other members of the art community.
Meanwhile, the exhibit “Fearless Depictions,” featuring the art of Robert Williams, continues at the main museum location at 2300 E. Ocean Blvd. through
Artesia Approves Sister City Partnership With Portuguese Municipality
ARTESIA — The Artesia City Council has approved a new Sister City partnership with Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal, establishing the city’s first official international partnership since 2005.
The agreement was approved May 11 through the adoption of a city resolution formalizing the relationship between the two communities, which officials say share deep historical and cultural ties rooted in Artesia’s Portuguese-American population.
City officials said the partnership follows the recent adoption of Artesia’s Sister City Designation Policy, creating a formal process for evaluating and establishing international relationships focused on cultural, educational, and economic cooperation. The city said the new partnership reflects decades of connections between local Portuguese-Amer-
May 31, along with “Holding Time,” featuring the art of Elyse Pignolet and MyungJin Kim, which runs through June 7. Also on display is the exhibit of landscapes from the Long Beach Museum of Art collection, “Why Paint a Landscape?” LBMA is also honoring talented high school students with the exhibit “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: LBUSD High School Exhibit,” which continues through May 10.
For those who enjoy Plein Air art, the Long Beach Museum of Art will offer a unique trip to Lake Arrowhead on June 6 to celebrate Plein Air paintings by featured artists at the elegant Lake Arrowhead-view home of Josephine Molina and Heather Rudy. The $75 entry fee for this fundraiser includes live music, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to meet the artists and purchase Plein Air artwork.
ican residents and the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, including cultural festivals, performances, and ongoing community exchanges celebrating Portuguese heritage.
“ This partnership represents an important opportunity to celebrate our Portuguese resident’s cultural roots while building meaningful international relationships,” Artesia Mayor René Treviño said. “We look forward to expanding cultural exchanges and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between our two cities.”
Officials said Angra do Heroísmo also submitted a formal Letter of Intent supporting the partnership and expressing interest in future exchanges and joint initiatives benefiting both communities.
Angra do Heroísmo is located in Portugal’s Azores region and is known for its historic architecture and cultural significance.
For additional information, residents can contact Artesia City Hall at (562) 865-6262 or visit cityofartesia.us
OPENING: “The American Home – The Broken Promise” by artist Scott Carillo Azevedo opens May 16 at the Downtown Long Beach Museum of Art with a free public reception and artist meet-and-greet.
SAREGA from page 1
fied and Lynwood Unified school districts.
Separate California corporate filings, dated April 14, 2025 — approximately two months before the June 17, 2025 CalAPS conflict waiver vote involving Sarega Law — showed Sarega forming the “Bellflower Unified School District Foundation.”
The filings listed Bellflower Unified School District headquarters on Clark Avenue as the organization’s address and identified Sarega as the CEO, CFO, and Secretary.
The filings also reflected overlapping relationships surrounding the waiver because they placed Sarega in roles connected to Bellflower Unified, CalAPS, and the district-linked nonprofit foundation operating from district headquarters.
On June 17, 2025, the CalAPS governing board voted unanimously to approve what agenda documents described as a “Waiver of Conflict of Interest in the Representation of the Bellflower Unified School District and CalAPS by Sarega Law, APC.”
According to official meeting minutes, “the waiver of conflict of interest for Sarega Law, APC representing both Bellflower USD and CalAPS” was approved unanimously.
At the time of the vote, Bellflower Unified School District trustee Brad Crihfield served as president of the CalAPS board, while Bellflower Unified trustee Amie Stewart served as vice president. Also voting in favor of the Sarega conflict waiver were Erik Linstead, a CalAPS business partner and Career Technical Education advisor at Chapman University, along with Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education members Maria Lopez and Alfonso Morales.
But neither the agenda nor the official minutes explain what potential conflict the waiver was intended to address, what legal matter prompted the waiver, or whether either agency ultimately sought outside legal review.
No public discussion appears in the minutes before the vote.
After LCCN submitted questions, Sarega responded that “no actual legal conflict existed” and said the waiver was intended only for “potential conflicts that may arise in the future as a result of dual representation.”
Sarega stated the waiver was allowed under California Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.7 and said both entities “did so under informed written consent.”
Under California legal ethics rules, attorneys generally cannot represent clients with potentially adverse interests unless both entities provide informed written consent after disclosure of the risks and circumstances involved.
Sarega also stated both entities “were advised to seek independent legal counsel review and were provided with all of the statutorily required disclosures.”
The waiver drew additional attention because CalAPS appears heavily intertwined with both BUSD and Lynwood Unified operations.
Two Bellflower Unified board members and two Lynwood Unified board members sit on the CalAPS governing board, which oversees financial and operational decisions for the joint powers authority.
LCCN’s review also uncovered broader transparency questions involving CalAPS financial disclosures and board records.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, CalAPS agendas repeatedly referenced purchase orders, contracts and agreements, revised budgets, annual audits, interim financial reports, and unaudited actual financial reports.
However, the agenda packets reviewed by LCCN did not contain the backup materials for those items.
The agendas repeatedly reference “Item 300 Purchase Orders” and “Item 310 Contracts and Agreements,” yet the publicly available records reviewed by LCCN did not include purchase order listings, vendor payments, contracts, or financial reports tied
to those agenda items.
When asked about the missing online records, Sarega responded that CalAPS “do post their agendas as required by the Brown Act” and stated that “the Act does not legally require the documents you mentioned to be posted online, but rather made available for physical inspection should that be requested.”
CalAPS bylaws adopted in 2024 state the board shall “ensure accountability to the public,” and further state that “all purchase order numbers and the total purchase price shall be submitted to the Board, and any action shall be recorded in the official minutes of the Board.”
Yet publicly available records reviewed by LCCN did not appear to contain the level of financial backup documentation described in the bylaws.
LCCN also found that publicly posted CalAPS board minutes appear to stop at November 2025, despite meetings continuing monthly into 2026.
The CalAPS website lists meetings occurring in January, February, March, April, and May 2026, but corresponding public minutes were not available on the agency website at the time this article was prepared.
Questions also emerged regarding the Bellflower Unified School District Foundation.
Separate federal nonprofit filings reviewed by LCCN show the foundation reported zero revenue, zero expenses, zero assets, and no visible operational activity during the 2024 reporting period, despite describing its mission as supporting scholarships, student programs, and special events for Bellflower Unified students.
The filing also listed Sarega as President and CEO, Executive Director, records custodian, and the person possessing the organization’s records at Bellflower Unified School District headquarters.
Sarega responded that his law firm “was requested to take the initial steps of forming the legal non-profit entity” and said all initial filings required someone to temporarily serve as the responsible officer for the organization.
He further stated that the BUSD Board of Education has since appointed “a new board of directors who are now responsible for the legal entity,” adding that updated filings would be submitted.
The filing also reported the foundation did not maintain written conflict-of-interest, whistleblower, or document retention policies.
Sarega stated those policies are likely being developed as part of the organization’s startup process and emphasized that the foundation “is still in its initial starting phase.”
California law requires public agencies to provide public notice of meetings and make many records related to agenda items available for public inspection. Under the Brown Act, regular meeting agendas must generally be posted at least 72 hours before meetings pursuant to Government Code §54954.2, while Government Code §54957.5 requires documents distributed to a majority of board members regarding agenda items to be made available to the public.
Separately, the California Public Records Act requires disclosure of public records unless a specific exemption applies.
In the case of CalAPS, publicly available agendas repeatedly referenced purchase orders, contracts, audits, budgets, and financial reports, yet the publicly available packets reviewed by LCCN did not contain the related backup materials.
The absence of publicly available backup materials and missing 2026 meeting minutes raises broader transparency questions regarding how CalAPS maintains and provides access to records involving taxpayer-funded operations and legal decisions.
LCCN Staff Report
May Day, known as International Workers’ Day, casts a wide net across California and the nation in support of working people. Organized by Indivisible and diverse coalitions, May Day highlights many of the critical issues impacting working families. The Long Beach May Day rally featured an impressive lineup of speakers who voiced opposition to war with Iran. They resoundingly said no to increased funding for an unauthorized and unpopular war, no to funding ICE and inhumane for-profit detention centers, and no to voter suppression. They said yes to labor rights, fair wages, immigration reform, protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and affordability in the nation’s richest state — made possible by the sacrifices of working people. At the rally, activists called for taxing
the rich, resisting corporate rule, and demanding affordability in healthcare, housing, gasoline, food, electricity, and water costs. They also advocated for worker protections, climate action, clean energy, voting rights, civil rights, and the urgent need to defend what they described as a battered democracy.
Resilient voices spoke out, reminding attendees of the value of immigrants, veterans, working families, farmworkers, labor unions, and coalitions whose tireless efforts have sustained California and the national economy for generations.
May Day challenges communities to remain vigilant and to take action in pursuit of peace, justice, and dignity — a moral responsibility organizers say is shared by all.
ABCFT-R Social Justice Committee, led by Pat Alviso, set up a display representing Iranian children’s belongings from the Girls’ School that was bombed. This was at the Santa Ana May Day Rally. Retirees Sandy Nevárez and Kathee Navarro were also present among many Military Families.
ABCFT RETIREES Richard Hathaway, Linda Hernández, Judith Newkirk and Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Cox proudly represented the chapter at the Lakewood Civic Center May Day Rally.
Container herb gardens add fresh flavor, fragrant beauty, and memorable backyard cooking experiences to patios, balconies, decks, and summer gatherings.
By Melinda Meyers
Nothing says summer quite like the smell of fresh herbs drifting across a backyard cookout while friends gather around the grill with cold drinks in hand. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a tiny apartment balcony, growing herbs in containers is one of the easiest ways to turn ordinary meals into flavorful summer events.
A few pots of basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, chives, or parsley can instantly transform a patio, deck, or outdoor table into a living centerpiece guests can actually eat. Better yet, many herbs are easy to grow, thrive in containers, and provide nonstop flavor throughout the season.
One of the stars of any grilling garden is rosemary. Not only does it add bold flavor to meats and vegetables, but its sturdy stems can also be stripped and used as natural skewers on the grill. Guests tend to remember rosemary skewers long after the burgers are gone.
Basil, oregano, marjoram, and thyme are also favorites for seasoning grilled vegetables, chicken, seafood, and pasta salads. Many gardeners now place small herb containers directly on outdoor dining tables with kitchen snips nearby, allowing guests to customize meals with fresh clippings straight from the plant.
Summer beverages get a major upgrade from herbs as well. Mint and basil add refreshing flavor to lemonade, iced tea, and sparkling water, while thyme
Flavorful Herb Gardens Enhance Outdoor Gatherings
pairs surprisingly well with cocktails made with gin, vodka, or bourbon. Lemongrass makes an attractive vertical accent in containers and can be steeped into hot or iced tea for a citrusy finish.
Fresh herbs can completely change the flavor of everyday recipes while making meals taste fresher and more vibrant. Basil is perfect for homemade pesto, caprese salads, pizzas, pasta sauces, and tomato dishes. Rosemary pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roasted potatoes, chicken, and even fresh bread. Thyme adds earthy flavor to soups, vegetables, stuffing, and marinades, while oregano remains a staple for Italian dishes, grilled vegetables, and homemade salad dressings.
Mint works far beyond beverages and
is excellent in fruit salads, yogurt dishes, desserts, and Mediterranean recipes. Chives bring a mild onion flavor to baked potatoes, eggs, dips, and seafood dishes, while parsley brightens nearly everything from grilled meats to rice and pasta. Lavender can even be used in cookies, cakes, teas, and lemonade for a subtle floral flavor.
Many home cooks enjoy snipping herbs moments before serving meals because fresh herbs provide stronger aroma and flavor than dried store-bought seasonings. Mixing different herbs together also allows families to create signature sauces, marinades, and summer recipes guests will remember long after the cook-
out ends.
Even sweetening drinks can become more natural by growing stevia, whose leaves can be muddled into beverages or turned into simple syrup.
Besides flavor, herbs also provide health benefits. Basil and rosemary contain anti-inflammatory properties, mint is packed with antioxidants, thyme provides vitamins and minerals, and lavender is often associated with calming effects and stress relief.
Most herbs prefer full sun and welldrained soil, although mint, parsley, chives, thyme, and lemon balm can tolerate partial shade. In hotter regions, a bit of afternoon shade can actually help prevent stress during peak summer heat.
Container gardening remains one of the simplest ways to grow herbs successfully. Gardeners should use pots with drainage holes filled with quality potting mix. Organic soil amendments, including wool pellet products like those from Wild Valley Farms, can help reduce watering needs while improving nutrients and air flow in the soil.
Herbs can be grown individually or mixed together in larger containers. Experts recommend placing three to four plants in a 10- to 12-inch pot, four to six plants in a 14- to 16-inch container, and up to eight plants in larger planters depending on plant size and growth habits.
Regular harvesting encourages fuller growth throughout the season, meaning the more herbs are used, the more productive many plants become. Most herbs also produce edible flowers that attract pollinators while adding color and flavor to meals and beverages.
The result is a summer garden that not only looks beautiful, but also turns everyday meals into something guests remember long after the party ends. Fresh herbs bring flavor, fragrance, and a little backyard magic to every outdoor gathering.
HERB GARDENS: Fresh basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint turn patios and outdoor tables into flavorful summer gathering spaces perfect for cooking, cocktails, and backyard entertaining.
LBMA Uncorked Returns June 13 With Wine, Food and Art
EVENT SCENE: Guests gather for an evening of wine tasting, food and art during a past LBMA Uncorked event at the Long Beach Museum of Art.
LCCN Staff Report
The Long Beach Museum of Art will host its annual LBMA Uncorked fundraiser on June 13 from 5 to 9 p.m., offering an evening of wine, food and art set against sweeping ocean views.
Held at the museum’s Ocean Boulevard location, the 21-and-over event brings together more than 15 wineries and several of Long Beach’s top restaurants for curated tastings and pairings. Participating eateries include Due Fiori, Ellie’s, The Attic, Baby Gee’s and Nonna Mercato, while featured wineries include Itri, J. Lohr and Presqu’ile.
Guests will also enjoy live music from Good Luck Vinyl Club and live screen printing by Hit+Run, adding a creative edge to the evening. In addition to tastings, the event will feature a silent auction showcasing more than 30 emerging and established California artists, offering attendees a chance to support the arts
while taking home unique works.
Upstairs galleries will remain open during the event, allowing attendees to view works by Southern California ceramicists Elyse Pignolet and MyungJin Kim, further blending the visual arts experience with the evening’s food and wine offerings.
Proceeds from LBMA Uncorked support the museum’s exhibitions and arts education programs, including hands-on workshops and school tours that serve more than 5,000 students annually in the Long Beach Unified School District. Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, drawing a mix of art supporters, food enthusiasts and community members.
Tickets and a preview of the silent auction are available at lbma.org/events/ uncorked
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
La Mirada seeded high as half a dozen area teams are home for first round games
Heading into the final regular season game, La Mirada High head coach Brent Tuttle was worried about not getting one of the top four seeds in Division 1. The Matadores dropped a 9-7 decision to Gahr High but still grabbed the No. 4 seed in the division while five other area teams were rewarded with home games as the CIF-Southern Section softball playoffs begin on May 14 with even-numbered divisions and Friday for odd-numbered divisions.
DIVISION 1
Los Alamitos High (19-8 overall, 11-1 in the Sunset League, champions) @ #4 La Mirada (22-4, 6-2 in the Gateway League, champions)
This might be one of the program’s best teams in a long time despite having four sophomores, three freshmen, all of whom are starters, and one everyday senior. Last season, the Matadores advanced to the quarterfinals after having been bounced out of the playoffs in the first round the previous two seasons.
The first loss of the season for La Mirada, which was the second game back on Feb. 21, came to Los Alamitos, a 10-0 defeat in the First Pitch Challenge. But the other three were by a combined nine runs and came against JSerra High, which is also in Division 1, and Gateway League opponents, and Division 2 combatants Gahr and Warren High.
The Matadores went on winning streaks of eight and nine games, but the last two losses came within the final six
games of the season.
La Mirada batted .371 and eight players combined to hit 36 home runs, led by junior catcher Riley Hilliard’s 10, to go along with her team-leading .600 batting average and 14 doubles. Her sister, shortstop Reese Hilliard, has a .583 average with a team-lead ing 49 hits and has added 10 doubles and seven home runs.
Junior Alison Ortega is one of the best pitchers in Southern California and went 16-2 with an earned run average of 1.07, struck out 130 batters, walked 22 and allowed 70 hits.
The Matadores have defeated the Griffins three times in the last 13 meetings dating back to 2010, but two of those three victories came in 2024 (5-2) and 2025 (9-5). This is the fourth opening round game in the upper bracket involving a pair of league, or co-league champions
The winner of this game will face either Martin Luther King High or Palos Verdes High in the second round on Saturday. DIVISION 2
Yorba Linda High (18-8, 8-4 in the Freeway League, co-champions) @ Gahr (15-12, 5-3 in the Gateway League, tied for second place)
This may not have been the best
Gahr team, but the Gladiators played another tough non-league schedule, won at least 11 games for the 13th straight full season and have reached at least the semifinals four times in the last seven seasons.
The Gladiators won their first three games before going 4-7 including a 7-6 loss to Downey High in the Gateway League opener. While Gahr has never fallen below .500, it has not won more than three games in a row. The team has a pair of hitters batting over .400, but one of them has played half the season because she is a transfer. That is junior Kayleigh Allen (.429, 18 hits, 14 runs scored) while the other is sophomore Hazel Anglo (.410, 32 hits, 10 doubles, 16 RBI, four home runs).
The heart and soul of the pitching staff is junior Isabella Gonzalez, who has amassed over 132 innings pitched, has an ERA of 2.08 and has a 14-6 record along with 132 strikeouts. She started 20 of the 27 games while seven other players have combined to throw 34 innings and allowed nearly twice as many earned runs as Gonzalez.
The winner of this game will face either Foothill High or second-seeded Mater Dei High in the second round on Saturday.
DIVISION 3
Oak Park High (16-10, 4-4 in the Coastal Canyon League, third place) @ Valley Christian High (12-8, 6-2 in the Olympic League, second place)
The only thing missing from V.C.’s season was more games. The Defender’s had a pair of games in the middle of February cancelled and no makeup’s or replacement games were added. Still, V.C.’s season saw the team score at least 10 runs nine times, all victories, while it lost four games when it allowed at least 10 runs.
The Defenders boast an explosive offense that hit .376 and has four players batting over .400, led by senior shortstop Aubrielle Ramirez (.478, 32 hits, 23 runs scored, 22 RBI). After her comes senior catcher Peyton Kingery (.464, 32 hits, 29 runs scored, 29 RBI, 11 doubles and eight home runs), senior center fielder Choyce Chambers (.417, 30 hits, 24 runs scored, 21 RBI, four home runs) and senior third baseman
Brianna Ramirez (.406, 26 hits, 18 RBI).
In the circle is junior Rachel Zhang, who has been dependable since she stepped in the circle for the first time as a high school pitcher and went 11-6 this season. She has allowed less than five runs in 11 of her 17 starts.
The winner of this game will face either Quartz Hill High or third-seeded Riverside Prep High in the second round on Saturday.
DIVISION
5
Shadow Hills High (14-5, 12-3 in the Desert Empire League, second place) @ Cerritos High (12-6, 8-0 in the 605 League, champions)
Another team that was cheated out of more games is Cerritos, which did not play in four originally scheduled games, including three in the St. Joseph Tournament in late February. The Dons won their ninth straight league title, including the last two from the original seven-member Suburban League. During those nine seasons, Cerritos has fallen in league just four times.
This season has been somewhat challenging as the Dons returned half a dozen players, two of whom are sophomores, and have five freshmen. Even though Cerritos has played in just 18 games, it batted close to .400 with freshman Adelyn Archie leading the way with a .526 average, 24 RBI, 20 hits and 16 runs. After her is senior Jeanine Mauricio (.464, 13 hits, 12 runs). sophomore Noelle Martinez (.455, 15 hits, 11 runs), senior Ava Ceron (.438, 23 runs, 21 hits) and freshman Daphne Linsangan (.429, 24 hits, 21 runs, 17 RBI).
Ava Ceron, freshmen Alexis Ceron and Jade Hernandez have spent time in the pitching circle with Hernandez going 7-2 with five shutouts in league play.
The winner of this game will face either fourth-seeded Providence High or Viewpoint High in the second round on Saturday.
Ontario High (13-9, 9-6 in the Mt. Baldy League, third place) @ Norwalk High (15-10-1, 8-2 in the Mid-Cities League, second place)
It’s been an up and down season for Norwalk, which has not won more than four games in a row and has dipped below .500 twice. But the Lancers have had some recent success in the playoffs, splitting their last eight postseason games since 2022.
Nine players have at least 20 hits and are all batting well over .350 as the offense has scored in double digits 13 times with senior Mariah Favela, the veteran pitcher, sporting a 10-5 record and allowing five or fewer runs in 11
See SOFTBALL, Page 13
Six area baseball teams keep their seasons going as playoffs begin
By Loren Kopff
The CIF-Southern Section released its 2026 baseball playoff brackets last Friday and six of the area’s eight programs will be extending their seasons. This season, there is a new twist in the Division 1 bracket as 16 teams, in four pools of four teams, will play in a double elimination format with the top two teams in each pool and the 1-1 teams in each pool advancing to the knockout stage.
La Mirada High, which is the 15th seeded team, is the only area team in the division and began this past Tuesday while the even-numbered divisions begin on May 14 and the odd-numbered divisions commence on Friday.
DIVISION 1
#7 Temecula Valley High (24-5, 15-0 in the Southwestern League, champions) @ #15 La Mirada (22-6 overall, 10-2 in the Gateway League, champions)
La Mirada fell to second-ranked Harvard-Westlake High 3-0 this past Tuesday and now must beat Temecula Valley, which lost to #10 Huntington Beach High 11-0, on Friday to keep its season going. La Mirada was held to a hit by Justin Kirchner, who struck out five and walked a pair of batters.
The Matadores are coming off an 11th straight league championship in probably one of the program’s most challenging season given the number
of everyday players who graduated from the 2025 squad.
La Mirada eclipsed the 20-victory plateau for the fifth straight season, won nine of its last 12 games in the regular season with two of those setbacks coming to Gateway League rival Downey High by a com bined three runs.
Three other losses were by a combined four runs while the team’s worst loss came to Norco High, the division’s top-seeded team, by seven runs in the third game of the season.
The strength of La Mirada’s pitching staff is its pitching department, especially with senior Kevin Corns (7-1, 2.38 earned run average, 46 strikeouts), junior Luke Armijo (5-0, 0.75 ERA, 37 strikeouts) and sophomore Julian Pardinas (7-1, 1.14 ERA, 34 strikeouts). As a staff, La Mirada’s ERA is 1.30 as nearly half of the runs allowed were earned.
Offensively, junior second baseman Michael Burgueno leads the team with a .402 average with 35 hits, 19 runs batted in and five doubles while only
one other player has 20 hits; senior catcher Justin Torres (.267 average, 12 RBI, five doubles).
Freshman third baseman Blake Barberena is making his mark as a high school baseball player as he batted .321 with 25 hits and eight doubles.
DIVISION 2
El Segundo High (197, 10-2 in the Pioneer League, second place) @ #4 Gahr High (17-10-1, 9-3 in the Gateway League, second place)
Gahr is one of the hottest teams entering the playoffs, winners of 12 of its last 15 games since getting swept by La Mirada in late March.
Of the three setbacks during this time, two have been by a run in low scoring games and the other two was a 6-4 decision to Ayala High on Apr. 10. In fact, Gahr has lost five games by a run, two by a pair of runs and two more by three runs. It’s worst loss was a 5-1 defeat to La Mirada on Mar. 24.
Senior Bryce Morrison leads the Gladiators with a .458 average, 33 hits and 19 RBI while senior Andres Gonzalez is batting .412 with 33 hits, 17
NEWS AND NOTES FROM PRESS ROW
RBI and eight doubles. The two have also hit a pair of home runs.
Senior Jake Ourique and junior Juan Munoz are the leaders of a stacked pitching staff that has an ERA of 1.90. Munoz is 5-0 in five starts with a pair of complete games and an ERA of 1.64.
His first two victories came in relief of Ourique within the first five games of the season while Ourique has started 10 games and sports a 4-0 record with an ERA of 0.86 and has 66 strikeouts.
The winner will face either Aquinas High or Dana Hills High in the second round on Tuesday. The Gladiators defeated Aquinas 6-5 in the last game of the regular season.
DIVISION
5
Bishop Montgomery High (1312-1, 6-5-1 in the Camino Real League, fourth place) @ Cerritos High (18-8, 10-0 in the 605 League, champions
Cerritos completed an eight-year stay in the 605 League with its sixth league championship. The 2020 season was cut short because of the pandemic and Oxford Academy claimed the league title last season.
The Dons breezed through the league this season by outscoring their opponents 100-6 and posting five shutouts.
Offensively, Cerritos is batting .336 and has eight players batting over .320, led by seniors Eli Sarno (.455, 30 hits
See BASEBALL, Page 13
Cerritos boys swimmers win first CIF-SS Division 2 championship, seventh overall
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
Some high schools are known for winning a handful of CIF-Southern Section championships in the more popular sports, then there is the Cerritos High boys swimming team. For the seventh time since 2001, the Dons claimed another divisional championship, this time in the highest division in program history.
Participating in Division 2, Cerritos claimed 198 team points last Friday at Mt. San Antonio College to easily defeat Foothill High by 49 points and Buena High by 55 points. The Dons had previously won the CIF-SS Division IV titles in 2001 and 2002, three straight Division 4 crowns from 20142016 and the 2022 Division 3 championship. They also finished in second place in the Division III finals in 2008 and 2009.
The Dons claimed first place, worth 44 team points, in the 4x50 yard medley race with a time of 1:33, 38 behind the work of seniors Andres Garay and Andrew Vet, junior Anthony Dornoff and freshman Roy Kim. Senior Matthew Ho was part of the 4x100 freestyle team, along with Dornoff, Kim and Vet that capped off the day winning with a time of 3:09.10.
Cerritos picked up a total of 56 points in the 200-yard IM as Dornoff won with a time of 1:46.24, followed by Vet (second place, 1:49.55) and Kim (sixth place, 1:51.96). Dornoff and Vet finished third and fourth respectively in the 500-yard freestyle with times of 4:31.34 and 4:32.88, good for a total of 35 team points while Kim picked up another 19 team points by finishing in second place in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 50.44.
The Cerritos girls, who were Divi-
sion 4 champions in 2013, 2014 and 2016 and came in second place six other seasons since 1992, picked up 52 teams points to finish in 22nd place out of 51 schools.
Junior Isabella Castro came in eighth place in the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 1:54.14 and ninth place in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:11.53 while junior Alice Tam also finished in eighth place in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 57.37.
In the consolation finals, the 4x50 medley relay team of seniors Mykah Quirino and Dani Romero, Castro and Tam picked up a dozen team points by finishing in 13th place with a time of 1:53.33.
In Division 3, Whitney High sophomore Mit Muni and La Mirada High sophomore John Green competed in the consolation final of the 500-yard freestyle and finished in 11th and 12th place, respectively with times of 4:56.12 and 4:56.42.
In Division 4, the La Mirada girls picked up 44 team points to finish 15th out of 56 teams. Half those points came in the 200-yard IM when senior Kayla Han won the event with a time of 1:58.81. The other half of the team points came in the 500-yard freestyle when Han finished in first with a time of 4:46.21.
Artesia High sophomore Felisa Diaz swam a 2:15.42 in the 200-yard freestyle, good for 15th place in the consolation finals. She also swam a 1:08.99 in the consolation finals of the 100-yard butterfly.
BOYS TENNIS
A pair of area teams advanced to the quarterfinals this past Monday, but their seasons came to an end in close decisions. In Division 4 action, Cerritos dropped a 10-8 decision to Dos Pueblos High to conclude its season at
16-9 while in Division 8 play, Gahr High fell to San Gabriel High 11-7 to conclude its season at 11-8.
TRACK AND FIELD
A small number of area athletes either finished in the top 10 or within the top 15 of the CIF-SS track and field divisional preliminaries last Saturday at various sites with the top nine overall athletes advancing to Saturday’s finals at Moorpark High.
In the Division 2 prelims at Ontario High, Norwalk High senior Leonardo Diaz had the ninth best time in the 1600 meter run at 4:19.44 while in the Division 3 prelims at Yorba Linda High, senior Levi Reyes of La Mirada had the 15th best time in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 16.17. La Mirada junior Nicole Ojeisekhoba was one of eight high jumpers who had a mark of 4’10”. But five athletes jumped 5’2: and another five were at five feet. She also competed in the long jump where she came in 16th place with a mark of 16’10”
Her teammate, sophomore Maria Cuevas, had the top mark in the division in the discus with a mark of 117’ 5”, nearly two feet farther than Kai Beary of JSerra High.
La Mirada freshman Charlize Parris came in 11th place with a mark of 99’7” while on the boys side, La Mirada senior Daniel Morales had the fifth best mark at 151’5” and Artesia junior Giovanny Martinez was 12th with a mark of 137’4 ½”.
A new event this season is the 4x800 meter relay and the La Mirada girls came in 13th place with a time of 10:23.28 while the Gahr High boys finished in eighth place with a time of 8:11.40.
The Division 4 prelims were held at Carpinteria High and Valley Christian High had a pair of first place finishers.
In the pole vault, junior Celia Polk cleared the bar at 10 feet while in the shot put, junior Micah Carter’s distance was 54’8 ¼”.
Elsewhere in the division, V.C. senior Eden Patton came in 10th place in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 49.10 while in the high jump, Whitney sophomore Helene Bautista and V.C. senior Aniyah Peoples were two of 12 competitors who had a mark of 4’8”. The top mark of 4’10” was shared by nine jumpers. In the discus event, Whitney junior Jehnna Corcuera had the ninth best distance at 101’4” while V.C. sophomore Faith Martin came in 12th place with a mark of 95’7” and V.C. senior Jackson TerKurst finished 13th in the shot put with a distance of 40’2 ½”. He also had the third best discus mark of 136’10”.
CITY OF COMMERCE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SCHEDULED MATTER
SITE PLAN (SP) NO. 25-02
MODELO SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT AREA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce will consider a request from Adrain Comstock (Representing Comstock Gage LLC) regarding a Site Plan Review (No. 25-02) to allow the construction of 65 attached, 3-story condominiums on 3 acres (“Project”). The proposed development is part of the approved Modelo Specific Plan project area located at 7316 Gage Avenue and 6364 Zindell Avenue (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 6357-018-005, 6357-019-904, 6357-019-905, and 6357-018-900).
PURSUANT to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000 et seq., “CEQA”) and its implementing regulations (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000 et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”), the City has thoroughly evaluated the environmental impacts associated with the proposed Project. On February 15, 2022, the Modelo Specific Plan underwent an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) review and was subsequently approved for the comprehensive 17-acre mixed-use development. The EIR addressed all pertinent environmental topics, including air quality, biological resources, energy consumption, geology and soils, traffic and transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous materials, land use compatibility, and noise impacts. Given the extensive environmental analysis already conducted for this action, the current request is not subject to further CEQA review. This is because CEQA only applies to discretionary actions that meet the definition of a “Project” under CEQA, and the present request does not qualify as such. Therefore, no additional environmental assessment is required.
Said scheduled matter will be considered by the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce in the Council Chambers, 5655 Jillson Street, Commerce, CA, 90040, on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. At that time, proponents and opponents of the proposed Project will be heard. Any comments, objections, or other information may be offered in person at the meeting or in writing prior to the meeting. We encourage submittal of written comments supporting, opposing, or otherwise commenting on an agenda item for distribution to the Planning Commission prior to the meeting. Send emails to planningdivision@commerceca.gov; written correspondence may be sent to: City of Commerce – Community Development Department 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, California 90040 Phone: (323) 722-4805.
Per Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge this Project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public meeting described in this notice, or written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at or prior to the public meeting.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Jessica Serrano
(Publish date: Los Cerritos Community News, May 15, 2026)
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 5/15/26
Unclaimed Checks – City of Hawaiian Gardens
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Hawaiian Gardens, California, has deemed the following checks, drawn on the City’s General Fund, as unclaimed and legally stale. These checks have remained uncashed for a period of over three years.
Unless a claim is submitted to the City Finance Department by June 30, 2026, the designated funds will become the property of the City of Hawaiian Gardens and all claims will be forfeited, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 50050–50056.
Unclaimed Check List: How to Claim:
For questions or to obtain a Stale-Dated Check Claim Form - Affidavit for Reissuance of Check, to request a reissue of the unclaimed check, please contact the City Finance Department before June 30, 2026: City of Hawaiian Gardens
21815 Pioneer Blvd.
Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716
562-420-2641 Ext.200 payroll@hgcity.org
You may request a reissue of the unclaimed check using the QR code or by visiting https://fs20.formsite.com/hawaiiangardens/42kcvj8nht/index
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
SANTA FE SPRINGS ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT (EIFD) PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY HEARING NO. 1
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Public Financing Authority (“PFA”) of the City of Santa Fe Springs will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following:
SANTA FE SPRINGS ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICT (EIFD):
Consideration of the proposed formation of the Santa Fe Springs EIFD and review of the draft Infrastructure Financing Plan (“IFP”), prepared pursuant to Government Code Section 53398.63. The proposed EIFD will provide a financing mechanism to support public capital facilities and infrastructure of communitywide significance that promote economic development and enhance quality of life within the district and surrounding areas. The EIFD will be funded through property tax increment revenues and will not increase property taxes.
PROJECT LOCATION: The proposed EIFD encompasses approximately 745 acres within the City of Santa Fe Springs, representing approximately 13% of the City’s total land area, including multiple non-contiguous sites throughout the City.
APPLICANT: City of Santa Fe Springs
CEQA STATUS: The Public Financing Authority will consider whether the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., § 15000 et seq.) Section 15060(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). .
THE HEARING will be held before the Public Financing Authority in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
This Public Hearing is the first of two required public hearings. At this hearing, the PFA will receive written and oral comments and may take action to modify or reject the draft IFP. If not rejected, a second public hearing will be scheduled and duly noticed.
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to participate in the Public Hearing and express their opinions regarding the proposed EIFD and draft IFP. Each landowner and resident within the proposed EIFD boundaries has the right to submit written or oral protest prior to the close of the second public hearing.
PUBLIC COMMENTS may be submitted as follows:
•In Person: Attend the Public Financing Authority hearing at City Hall, Council Chambers, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
•Written Comments: Submit via email to claudiajimenez@santafesprings.gov, by mail to ATTN: Claudia L. Jimenez, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, or in person at the City Clerk’s Office.
Please reference “Santa Fe Springs EIFD” in all correspondence
FURTHER INFORMATION including the draft IFP, draft Boundary Map, and Resolution of Intention are available online at:
https://www.santafesprings.gov/city_council/city_council_commissions___committees/ agendas_and_minutes/enhanced_infrastructure_financing_district_public_financing_ authority.php or at City Hall, City Clerk’s Office.
This notice is provided pursuant to Government Code Section 53398.66.
Published: May 8, May 15, May 22, and May 29, 2026.
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/26
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE ESTRADA, JOSE VS NURIRA, LLC CASE NO: 24STLC07784 Under a writ of Execution issued on 08/27/25. Out of the L.A. SUPERIOR COURT STANLEY MOSK, of the CENTRAL DISTRICT, County of Los Angeles, State of California, on a judgment entered on 02/11/25. In favor of JOSE ESTRADA and against NURIRA, LLC showing a net balance of $7,711.28 actually due on said judgment. (Amount subject to revision) I have
STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 108, EXCEPT THE NORTHEASTERLY 25 FEET THEREOF AND ALL OF LOTS 109 AND 110 OF TRACT 9256, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 124 PAGE 77 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT ALL OIL, GAS, BREA AND ANY HY-DROCARBONS AND MINERAL RIGHTS LYING BELOW A DEPTH OF 500 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE AS RESERVED BY THEODORE M. SEAVEY, A SINGLE MAN, IN DEED RECORDED MAY 2, 1960 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 940. APN: 6335-006-016
Commonly known as: 2460 S ATLANTIC BLVD., COMMERCE, CA 90040 Public notice is hereby given that I will sell
States all the right, title and interest of the
writ or warrant with interest and all costs on 06/24/26, 10:00 AM at the following location.
STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE 111 N. HILL STREET, ROOM 125B LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 ( ) This sale is subject to a minimum
Creditor’s Attorney LAW OFFICE OF MORSE MEHRBAN 15720 VENTURA BLVD. STE. 306 ENCINO, CA 91436
Dated: 04/17/26 Branch: Los Angeles
ROBERT G. LUNA, Sheriff By: JACLYN T. CHENG, Deputy Operator Id: 533834 Para obtener esta informacion-traduccion en Espanol llame a este numero: (213) 972-3950
NOTE: IT IS A MISDEMEANOR TO TAKE DOWN OR DEFACE A POSTED NOTICE BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE. ( Penal Code section 616) CN127024 24STLC07784 May 8,15,22, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1671016712 Bellflower Boulevard
TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California 90706 to consider testimony for and against the acquisition of property located at 16710-16712 Bellflower Boulevard.
The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. Copies of the staff report and supporting documents regarding this matter may be inspected by the public on the City’s website at www.bellflower.ca.gov, or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California; telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2220. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California 90706; or by email at cclerk@bellflower.ca.gov.
If you wish to challenge this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at or before the Public Hearing.
MAYRA OCHIQUI, CITY CLERK
games while sophomore Alyssa Hurst, one of 10 returning players from last season’s squad, is 3-4.
The winner of this game will face either Durate High or second-seeded Northwood High in the second round on Saturday.
DIVISION 7
Cathedral City High (14-5, 10-2 in the Sun Valley League, first place) @ Artesia High (10-11, 5-3 in the 605 League, tied for second place)
The only area playoff team with a losing record is also the youngest area playoff team with seven freshmen, four juniors, three sophomores and two seniors. Still, this is not a team you should sleep on as the offense is batting over .300 and has five players eclipsing that mark.
That begins with sophomore Brisyeda Munoz (.414, 24 hits, 31 runs, 20 RBI), followed by sophomore Pacifica Hamilton (.383, 23 hits, 26 RBI, 16 runs, three home runs), senior Abbygail Perez, a transfer from Gahr (,364 in 12 games, 12 hits, seven RBI, three home runs), junior Paulina Nava (.354, 23 hits, 25 runs, 11 RBI) and freshman
Andrea Mejia (.322, 19 hits, 11 RBI, 10 runs).
Perez became eligible just in time for the league opener against Cerritos, a 6-0 loss. Before that, freshman Danika Vega was getting a lot of playing time and has thrown over 43 innings. But Perez has 93 strikeouts in 10 games. The winner of this game will face either third-seeded Chadwick High or Desert Christian Academy in the second round on Saturday.
BASEBALL from page 11
and 24 runs), Ryan Salas (.397, 29 hits, 23 RBI) and Jayce Aragon (.378, 28 hits, 13 runs, 22 RBI). Aragon (9-2, 1.94 ERA 78 strikeouts) and senior Jacob Hoosac (5-1, 1.26 ERA, 54 strikeouts) are the leaders of a pitching staff that has an ERA of 2.25.
The Dons had 17 games in which the pitching staff allowed five runs or fewer.
The winner will face either Rancho Verde High or second-ranked St. Bernard High in the second round on Tuesday.
Culver City High (12-15-1, 6-1 in the Ocean League, second place)
@ Valley Christian High, 15-10, 6-6 in the Olympic League, third place)
Midway through the Olympic League slate, V.C. was sitting pretty in second place of the circuit, winners of five of its first six league games and 14 of its first 19 games overall. But the Defenders limp into the postseason having lost two of three games to Heritage Christian High by a combined three runs, then being swept by league champion Maranatha High in which they were outscored 39-9.
Still, the Defenders are in the playoffs in consecutive seasons since getting there from 2011-2015. Since then, the program has been to the postseason four times.
The team has been somewhat of a mixed bag, going 10-1 when it scores at least 10 runs but 0-6 when it allows more than 10 runs.
Junior Mack Lynott (.407, 33 hits, 29 runs, 22 RBI) and seniors Cole Hefner (.405, 30 hits, 22 RBI) and Max Douglas (.403, 27 hits, 19 RBI) are the only everyday players batting over .400 while junior John Cardenas is the ace of the staff, going 6-2 with a 2.64 ERA and 32 strikeouts.
The winner will face either Mayfair High or St. Bonaventure High in the second round on Tuesday. Two wins by Cerritos and V.C. will see a quarterfinal game between the city schools
DIVISION 7
San Jacinto Valley Academy (20-8, 13-1 in the South Valley League, champions) @ #2 Norwalk High (14-7, 10-5 in the Mid-Cities League, third place)
Norwalk, which has been to the quarterfinals in two of the past three seasons, enters the playoffs having won nine straight games after a 5-7 start. This is also the fourth time in the past
five seasons the program has been to the playoffs after being absent for the previous seven straight seasons.
The Lancers, who began this season with four straight losses, have allowed less than five runs in all but three games and the most it has allowed was eight runs in an 8-5 loss to Kennedy High on Mar. 12.
The winner will face either Garden Grove High or Nogales High in the second round on Tuesday.
DIVISION 8
Banning High (15-5, 11-1 in the Sun Valley League, champions) @ Artesia High (10-15, 6-4 in the 605 League, third place)
At one point in the season. Artesia was sporting a 2-10 record and were outscored 99-41.
But the Pioneers won six straight league games to put them in a position to get no worse than third place in the 605 League.
Still, Artesia is the only area baseball team with a losing record and having been outscored by its opponents.
This is the fifth straight season Artesia has finished in third place in the league and has gone to the quarterfinals twice in the past three seasons. Look for senior Josue Lugo, who has a pair of complete games, and junior Jorge Vidal, who has the team’s other complete game, to be two frontline starting pitchers. Those two have a combined 6-4 record on the mound.
The winner will face either Indian Springs High or Magnolia High in the second round on Tuesday.
Sports Memorabilia Collection-Vintage signed 8x10 photos with COAs for sale including Mantle, Mays, Kobe, LeBron, Gretzky and many more. Various prices. Also selling graded sports cards from the 1960s and other collectible memorabilia from my personal collection accumulated over many years. Located in Artesia. I am not a dealer. If interested please email lanreb1@yahoo.com
Office Relocation Furniture Sale — All office furniture, including 5 sets of business greyish L-shaped desks with 2 2-drawer metal cabinets, Hon metal file cabinets, glossy cherry-finish armed lobby chair, secretary chairs, office supplies, folding tables, etc. Contact: Charleen Hsieh @ 562652-9228. Location: Cerritos (Alondra + Shoemaker).
Vintage Amber Glass Bowl — Vintage
amber glass bowl with fruit design, 12” x 9”. Heavy glass and very well made. Great for any table setting or decor. $20. Call 310-8344560.
Iron Bedroom Furniture Set — Elegant high-quality iron bedroom furniture set with antique bronze/brass finish, intricate scrollwork detailing and classic cage-style finials. Excellent pre-owned condition, very sturdy and well maintained. Includes heavyduty headboard, standard metal bed frame and 2 matching nightstands with tempered glass tops and bottom glass shelves. Prices: Headboard + Bed Frame $199, Nightstands $99 each, Complete Set $299. Cash only, must pick up and transport. Location: Cerritos (Artesia + Norwalk). Contact Charleen @ 562-652-9228.
Formal Dining Room Set — Beautiful
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS DOMINIQUE GUZMAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing name as follows: DOMINIQUE GUZMAN TO DOMINIQUE MOANA LEOTA. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any per-son objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant a petition without a hearing. Court date 6/8/2026, 8:30 am, Dept D, RM 310 AT NORWALK COURTHOUSE, 12720 NORWALK BLVD. NORWALK CA., 90650. Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15/26, Case number 26NWCP00144
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: NANCY ELLEN ELLIOTT AKA NANCY E. ELLIOTT AKA NANCY ELLIOTT CASE NO. 26STPB04801
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of NANCY ELLEN ELLIOTT AKA NANCY E. ELLIOTT AKA NANCY ELLIOTT.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SANDY CISNEROS in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SANDY CISNEROS 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: 05/29/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 600 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (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
JON FELDON - SBN 252513
BRIDGETTE A. SANTOS - SBN 344016
BSC 228429
5/8, 5/15, 5/22/26
CNS-4039119#
LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWS
PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: CRAIG ALAN SORBOM CASE NO. 26STPB03402
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of CRAIG ALAN SORBOM.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by TYLER SORBOM in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that TYLER SORBOM be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/28/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 79 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
MEGHAN E. MCNULTY - SBN 296652 THE LAW OFFICES OF MEGAN E. MCNULTY, INC. 220 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE #11-278 NEWPORT BEACH
traditional-style formal dining room set with high-gloss mahogany finish, elegant cabriole legs and ball-and-claw feet. Includes large oval dining table and 6 matching chairs with Chippendale-style chair backs and upholstered seats. Sturdy, well maintained and high quality. $299 cash only. Please bring a truck and help for transport. Location: Cerritos (Artesia + Norwalk). Contact: 562652-9228.
OEM 5 lug Cadillac CTS rims in near mint condition for Sale. Asking $150.00 for the set. If interested please reply via email to set up a day/time for viewing. lanreb1@yahoo. com
Two kid’s bikes, one for boys and one for
girls. $20.00 each. Email: Heleon2k@ yahoo.com
Furniture: Two recliners (like new).
Color: Light tan. $30.00 each Email: heleon2k@yahoo.com
Day bed (like new). $50.00
Consists of two twin sized mattresses Email: Heleon2k@yahoo.com
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: CHARLES HESS, JR. 26STPB04481
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CHARLES HESS, JR.: A PETITION FOR PROBATE HAS BEEN FILED BY TIFFANI HESS, IN PRO PER, IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012, IN THE PROBATE COURT AT THE STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE. The Petition for Probate requests that TIFFANI HESS, IN PRO PER, be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests that the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with full authority. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING ON THE PETITION WILL BE HELD IN THIS COURT AS FOLLOWS: MAY 22, 2026 AT 8:30 AM IN DEPT. 29, IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012, IN THE PROBATE COURT AT THE STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE. 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
716 EAST CARSON ST. #1 (562) 247-6217 LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWS 5/1, 5/8, 5/15/26
contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of JANET MARIE CABALLERO.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ANGELA CABALLERO in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.
THE PETITION
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: 05/28/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 5, Room 236 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:
SANDRA SUEANN REYNOLDS CASE NO. 26STPB04572
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of SANDRA SUEANN REYNOLDS. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ARLIE FISH HENDERSON III in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ARLIE FISH HENDERSON III be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 06/04/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 246 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
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