La Palma Mayor’s Law School Hit With Lawsuit, Flagged by
State Bar, Then Shut Down
Small Orange County city faces mounting lawsuits, labor claims, and scrutiny surrounding mayor’s failed correspondence law school operations.
By Brian Hews
Three weeks ago, Los Cerritos Community News exclusively reported that the one square mile City of La Palma with an annual budget of $13 million had been hit with an $8.2 million harassment lawsuit, putting the small Orange County city under an uncomfortable spotlight.
Just one week later, LCCN reported about a second lawsuit—this time alleging wage theft and labor violations inside the City’s Tiny Tots recreation program. The complaint claims employees were routinely required to work full days while being paid for only part-time
hours.
Now, another major headache has gripped the city—this time involving La Palma Mayor Nitesh Patel and a law school that shut down after a lawsuit and a damning State Bar report.
Patel ran the American International School of Law, an unaccredited, for-profit correspondence law school based in Irvine.
Court records show that Patel and the school were named in a 2018 lawsuit filed in Orange County Superior Court alleging intentional misrepresentation related to the school’s academic program and services.
The complaint accused the school of making false representations to prospective students regarding instruction, academic support, and bar preparation resources.
The case was dismissed with prejudice in November 2018, meaning it cannot be refiled. No details about any settlement or
See PATEL, Page 7
California Residents Monitored After Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship
California health officials are tracking returning passengers while international investigators work to contain the rare virus outbreak aboard expedition cruise vessel.
By Brian Hews
California health officials are monitoring residents who were aboard a Dutch expedition cruise ship tied to a rare hantavirus outbreak that has killed three passengers and sickened several others worldwide. Officials stressed Thursday that no California cases have been confirmed and that the current public health risk remains low.
The outbreak is linked to the MV Hondius, a polar expedition cruise vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions that departed Argentina on April 1 for a South Atlantic and Antarctic voyage.
According to the World Health Organization, at least five confirmed cases and several suspected cases have been connected to the ship. Three passengers have died.
The California Department of Public Health confirmed that state residents were among the passengers aboard the ship and are now being monitored after notification from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“There is no information that the California residents are
CHAMPS! LA MIRADA HIGH BASEBALL TEAM TAKES CROWN
TROPHY TIME: La Mirada players celebrate moments after clinching the program’s 33rd league championship and 11th consecutive league title following a 9-0 victory over Bellflower last Friday under head coach Jimmy Zurn. La Mirada has now gone 101-8 in league play since 2016. Story page 10.
Cerritos Budget Task Force Members ‘Raise Concerns’
By Brian Hews
CERRITOS — Four members of the City of Cerritos’ Resident Budget Task Force are publicly raising concerns about the scope of the city’s recent budget review discussions as officials prepare for another major budget study session Monday night.
The Cerritos City Council is scheduled to receive the task force report and conduct a budget study session during its May 11 meeting as the city continues evaluating long-term fiscal challenges and possible budget-balancing options.
According to the city, the 16-member Resident Budget Task Force met four times between late March and late April to discuss the city’s budget climate, expenditure reductions, operational efficiencies, and
Santa Fe Springs Names First Police Chief
New Santa Fe Springs Police Department takes major step toward 2028 launch with appointment of veteran community policing leader.
By Brian Hews
Santa Fe Springs officials have officially appointed veteran law enforcement executive Paul Espinosa as the first police chief of the newly formed Santa Fe Springs Police Department, marking a historic milestone as the city prepares to transition away from contracted policing services and establish its own independent municipal police force.
The appointment represents one of the biggest developments yet in the formation of the city’s new police department, which is expected to officially begin operations March 1, 2028.
City officials said the creation of the Santa Fe Springs Police Department will provide greater local control over policing policies, staffing, operation-
al priorities, and community outreach programs while establishing a department specifically focused on Santa Fe Springs neighborhoods and businesses. Espinosa began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1994 and served in numerous assignments during a career spanning more than three decades.
During his time with LAPD, Espinosa worked assignments in patrol, narcotics, vice, investigations, and specialized enforcement operations before promoting through the ranks of officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.
According to city officials, Espinosa served in leadership positions across eleven community police stations throughout all four geographic bureaus
Paul Espinoza
Photo by Loren Kopff
BOOK LOVERS UNITED: Volunteers with the Friends of the La Mirada Library gather during the organization’s spring used book sale, which raised $3,507 supporting children’s programs and other library activities.
By Stepheny Gehrig
This spring saw the first Friends of the La Mirada Library used book sale of the year at the La Mirada Activity Center on April 24 and 25. Amassing a total of $3,507 through book sales — $200 more than their last sale — the funds will go to supporting library programs, such as the children’s programs.
Over 350 boxes of books — around 8,800 books — were stationed at tables, separated by genre for the sale.
Across the two days, 40 volunteers showed up starting at 9 a.m. and ending their day at 6 p.m. These volunteers worked on placing the tables, setting up credit card payment systems, categorizing books, and working with guests as cashiers, holding table representatives, or loading large purchases into cars.
Although it’s called the semi-annual book sale, the Friends of the Library sells DVDs, CDs, vintage vinyls, board games, knitted goods and book-bags. While the sale takes place over two days, the first day is dedicated to those who hold member-
ships with the Friends of the Library. The second day of the sale, which begins at 9 a.m., is open to everyone, and at 1:30 p.m. guests can join in on a $4 stuff-your-bag sale.
Now, it might seem that the Friends of the Library book sale is just a two-day extravaganza, but, these volunteers spend the whole year categorizing, sorting and preparing for this event. A few volunteers, Julie Burrows, Susan Cable, Diane Cushionbury and Linda Lyons, are designated sorters, meaning that they go through each individual book and check their condition and relevance, to make sure that they stock up the sale with good finds.
The book sale isn’t the only place that you can find these volunteers hard at work. Tucked away in the La Mirada Library is the Friends of the La Mirada Book Store, which offers plenty of physical media. Open from Tuesday through Saturday, the book store has movies, CDs, puzzles, board games, magazines and books, spanning all genres.
Ralph Duarte of Cerritos High Wins 605 Boys Golf League Finals
By Glen Hamakawa
Ralph Duarte, a junior at Cerritos High School, captured the recently completed 2026 605 Boys Golf League Finals by shooting a 4-under-par 140 over a twoday tournament held April 28 and 29 at Lakewood Country Club.
The 605 League finals were expected to be a battle between two Cerritos High School heavyweights, and the tournament did not disappoint.
Duarte began the first round by carding a 4-under-par 68, a round which featured six birdies. Not to be outdone, Harrison Kim, his teammate and a junior at Cerritos High School, shot a 2-under-par 70 to finish round one just two strokes off the pace. No other player in the field was within 12 strokes after the first round.
The second round found Kim closing the margin to one stroke early in
the round, but Duarte’s consistency and shot-making throughout the second round allowed him to pull away and finish with an even-par 72 for a final total of 140, defeating Kim by three strokes. Kim finished the second round with a 1-over-par 73 and a final total of 143.
The victory was especially satisfying for Duarte, who finished as the 2025 605 League Finals runner-up.
Rounding out the top finishers were Jared Ocampo, a sophomore at Cerritos High School, who placed third; Marcello Vallefuoco, a senior at Cerritos High School, who placed fourth; Noah Son, a freshman at Oxford Academy High School, who placed fifth; and Brandon Esquivias, a junior at Cerritos High School, who placed sixth.
The top six players were selected to the All-League team for the 605 boys golf
season.
The top four players will represent the 605 Boys Golf League in the upcoming CIF Southern Section Southern Individual Regional Tournament, which will take place May 11 at Skylinks Golf Course.
By virtue of winning the tournament, Duarte was named the MVP of the 605 Boys Golf League season.
Cerritos’ 5K Run and Walk
LCCN Staff Report
CERRITOS — The City of Cerritos will celebrate its 70th Anniversary with a community 5K run and walk on Saturday, May 30 at the Cerritos Sports Complex.
The event will take place at the sports complex located at 19900 Bloomfield Ave., with check-in beginning at 6:30 a.m. and the 5K starting at 8 a.m.
City officials said the non-competitive event is open to individuals and families of all fitness levels and is designed as a community celebration marking Cerritos’ milestone anniversary year.
Participants can register online at runsignup.com/cerritos5k. Early registration is available through Sunday, May 17 for $35. Registration increases to $40 beginning Monday, May 18 through the day of the event.
All registered participants will receive a commemorative event T-shirt, participation medal, chip timing, and running bib.
Following the run and walk, attendees can enjoy post-event activities including a health expo, food trucks, and a photo area.
The city also acknowledged support from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and the Port of Long Beach for helping sponsor the event.
For additional information, residents can contact the Cerritos Recreation Services Division at (562) 916-1254.
CHAMPIONSHIP SWING: From left, Ralph Duarte, Harrison Kim, Jared Ocampo, Marcello Vallefuoco, Noah Son, and Brandon Esquivias pose after earning All-League honors at the 2026 605 League Boys Golf Finals held at Lakewood Country Club.
A War of Choice We Never Wanted
Pressing times demand strong action. Americans face uncertainty given the reality of the illegal Iran–Middle East war—the single most devastating issue of our time. This war is wreaking havoc on our daily lives. We feel it in the far-reaching consequences of rising gas and food prices, declining affordability, and the erosion of freedoms we once enjoyed.
We worry: Will this war become another Afghanistan? Another Iraq? Will the human cost be insurmountable? Which country will be targeted next? Will this pattern of dominance continue? What is the cost of this war for the U.S. economy—and the global economy?
Political pundits merely scratch the surface of these questions in sound bites. However, shouldn’t we listen to experts, historians, service members, and veterans? Shouldn’t we listen to those who have studied the impact of war and those who have lived it firsthand?
As the war in Iran and the Middle East rages on, courageous veterans— along with local and national coalitions—warn that the needs of working people in the United States and around the world will continue to worsen if we do not demand accountability from our government leaders and insist on reversing the course of this consequential war.
Several organizations featured at the No Kings rallies and the Long Beach May Day rally—Military Families Speak Out, About Face: Veterans Against the War, and Veterans for Peace—warn about the devastation families face during wartime and in its aftermath.
These veteran coalitions actively advocate for military families, active-duty troops, and veterans. Their aim is to bring the troops home. They demand accountability from the current administration and oppose deploying troops to Iran or any war zone in the Middle East without just cause.
These organizations are authoritative voices, comprised of activists who have served or have loved ones who have served since 9/11. They share lived experiences and the harsh realities of war: death, physical and psychological injuries, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, homelessness, substance abuse, and moral injury.
Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) coalition leaders Pat Alviso and Jeff Merrick recently protested the Iran war from within the rotunda in Washington, D.C., alongside 65 other activists. Their opposition led to their arrest—a small sacrifice compared
to the loss of life and injury faced by service members in harm’s way. They maintain that it is possible to support our troops while opposing an unconstitutional and unjustified war.
In fact, many retired high-ranking military officers—and some recently dismissed from this administration—share the perspective of Colonel Andrew Bacevich, a critic of U.S. involvement in Iran, who warns against escalation and the high cost of war.
He notes, “We live in a country where if you want to go bomb another country, there’s remarkably little discussion about how much it might cost. But when we discuss assisting people who are suffering, suddenly we become very cost-conscious.”
The cost of war, as Colonel Bacevich emphasizes, is central to the MFSO Open Eyes Memorial exhibit, which Military Families Speak Out and Veterans for Peace display at protest rallies. When asked how MFSO views the current war, Pat Alviso explains:
“This unprovoked war waged against Iran is costing us dearly. We cannot support another endless war. We simply can’t. The additional $30 billion the government is asking us to fund for this unjust war is a major reason so many people will fall deeper into poverty and debt. The humanitarian cost is unimaginable. Can we bear to see more homelessness, poverty, and despair in America and around the globe?”
According to Reuters, the war is estimated to have already cost taxpayers $50–60 billion in just 60 days—nearly $1 billion per day. Our hard-earned tax dollars are funding a war Congress never authorized, while we bear the burden of a weakening economy that diminishes the quality of life for all.
Pat Alviso further cautions:
“The wars of aggression in Iran, Palestine, and the Middle East deeply affect us all. They reflect why the government is choosing war over basic human services that support our daily lives; why we increasingly face inflation; why our economy is swiftly buckling; and why job losses are rising. We never asked for a war economy. We never asked for this war of choice.”
“Americans yearn for a functional society that works for ordinary people—for those who have sacrificed so much to fuel the economy of this country. This war must end for the good of all people.”
Many of us are familiar with historical patterns—wars that continue for years, even decades, with no end in sight. However, it is up to the people to resist an administration that seeks to grip us with fear, control our daily lives, and weaken our democracy. It is up to the people to end this war through the power of the vote. Only then can we restore peace and justice. Only then can we safeguard a democracy that should never have been hijacked and trampled with impunity. Never again.
Sandy Mercado Cerritos
The opinions in this section are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions of LCCN. Email editor@cerritosnews.net or mail PO Box 788 Artesia Ca. , 90701.
From the Mayor’s Desk:
May 8, 2026
City officials say resident input remains critical as Cerritos weighs cuts, taxes, and future fiscal sustainability.
By Lynda Johnson Mayor, City of Cerritos
Community feedback on the City’s budget process helps inform our decision making. I’m thankful to those who have taken the time in recent weeks to attend a meeting, explore the details of our budget, and offer suggestions. Let’s continue that momentum during the City Council Budget Study Session this Monday, May 11, beginning at 7 p.m.
During this meeting, the City Council will review the preliminary Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. As previously noted, current forecasts show that City expenditures are projected to outpace revenues over time, resulting in recurring structural deficits. The City Council directed staff to create a dual budget framework to address this. The primary budget scenario features expenditure reductions that will move the City toward a more sustainable position, operating within available revenues. A second scenario assumes passage of a 1% Transactions and Use (TUT) tax. This would generate approximately
possible new revenue sources.
The city stated the final report, prepared by public engagement firm Tripepi Smith and affirmed by task force members, “reflects a range of perspectives on fiscal sustainability” developed during approximately 11 hours of meetings.
In a separate April 27 letter addressed to the City Council, city management, and residents, four task force participants said they believe additional review and discussion of broader city spending priorities should occur before major service reductions or future tax measures are considered.
“We strongly prefer to maintain current levels of service to residents,” the letter states, adding that operational efficiencies and alternative cost-saving opportunities should continue to be ex-
$19.1 million in new annual revenue once fully implemented and allow the City to maintain current service levels while still implementing important expenditure reductions. Both paths carry adverse impacts on the services residents rely on. That is precisely why community feedback has been so valuable throughout this process.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the City Council will be presented with a report on the Resident Budget Task Force (RBTF). Over a four-week period, this 16-member group met with City staff and consultant Tripepi Smith to provide input on the City’s current budget situation and potential budget balancing strategies. When the City Council directed the City Manager to establish a RBTF back in March, it presented an opportunity to engage the community on important budgeting decisions, unlike ever before. As the report shows, these members collectively brought a range of perspectives on fiscal sustainability. My City Council colleagues and I are grateful for their participation.
I look forward to seeing you at the City Council’s meeting on May 11. Our final budget study session will take place during the June 8 meeting. We’ll conduct a public hearing and adoption of the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year budget on June 22. You can access budget agenda materials at cerritos.gov/agendas. More information about the City’s budget process, including past and future meeting activity and updated FAQs is available at cerritos.gov/future. We’ll also continue to share details through our City News digital newsletter and on our social media channels.
plored during the city’s budget process. The letter was signed by residents Robert Shavelle, Danny Krautim, D. Berry, and City Council meeting gadfly Mel Cortez, most of whom have previously participated in local political activism or have friends involved in the current recall effort targeting Mayor Lynda Johnson and Councilman Frank Yokoyama.
Among the areas residents suggested warrant additional review were landscaping contracts, consultant spending, organizational structure, staffing levels, and programming costs associated with the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
City officials have emphasized that the task force process is part of broader ongoing public outreach efforts surrounding the city’s long-term fiscal outlook.
According to the city, officials are preparing a “dual budget” framework for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. One scenario assumes no new revenue and would require “significant expenditure and service reductions” to maintain fiscal sustainability. A second scenario assumes voter approval of a proposed 1% Transactions and Use Tax measure in November 2026 that city officials estimate would generate approximately $19 million annually and allow the city to maintain most service levels.
City forecasts presented during recent meetings indicate expenditures are projected to continue outpacing revenues if additional revenue sources or expenditure reductions are not implemented.
The city has also conducted multiple community budget workshops and created a dedicated online budget information portal containing financial forecasts, meeting information, and frequently asked questions.
Monday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Cerritos City Council Chamber.
Cerritos Mayor Lynda Johnson
April 20-May 1, 2026
Cerritos
Cerritos criminals apparently spent the week treating the city like a shopping mall with no cashiers, targeting everything from catalytic converters and parked cars to homes and businesses. Meanwhile, whoever stole from the Towne Center probably blended into traffic before anyone finished their Orange Julius.
Robbery
A robbery was reported on the 11300 block of Artesia Blvd.
A robbery occurred on the 12700 block of Towne Center Dr.
Burglary Residence
A residential burglary was reported on the 17000 block of Maria Ave.
A residential burglary occurred on the 12300 block of 176th St.
Burglary Other
A burglary other than a residence was reported on the 11000 block of Artesia Blvd.
A burglary other than a residence occurred on the 12800 block of Moore St.
Vehicle Burglary
A vehicle burglary was reported on the 16400 block of Millstream Ln.
A vehicle burglary occurred on the 11500 block of South St.
A vehicle burglary was reported on the 19400 block of Ellen Way.
Grand Theft
A grand theft was reported on the 239 block of Los Cerritos Center.
A grand theft occurred on the 11400 block of South St.
A grand theft was reported on the 11400 block of Yearling Cir.
Additional grand thefts were reported in the area of Los Cerritos Center.
Grand Theft Auto
A grand theft auto was reported on the 10100 block of State Rd.
La Mirada
La Mirada catalytic converter thieves continued their unofficial citywide scavenger hunt over the past two weeks, apparently deciding hybrids, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even copper wire were all fair game. Residents may want to keep one eye on their driveway and the other on anything made of metal not bolted down.
Notable Arrests
Three suspects were arrested throughout La Mirada for various warrants and narcotics violations during the week of April 20 through April 26. Five additional suspects were arrested the following week for similar violations.
Aggravated Assault
An assault occurred on the 14700 block of San Ardo Dr. This incident is still under investigation.
Vehicle Burglary
An early morning vehicle burglary occurred on the 16200 block of Ocaso Ave.
A burglary was reported on the 15500 block of Ocaso Ave.
A vehicle burglary occurred on the
14200 block of Neargrove Rd.
A report of a vehicle burglary occurred on the 13600 block of Brazo Rd.
Grand Theft
A catalytic converter was reported stolen on the 14200 block of Bora Dr.
A theft of a catalytic converter occurred on the 13900 block of Valley View Ave.
Tools were stolen from an unlocked vehicle on the 14200 block of Firestone Blvd.
A catalytic converter was stolen on the 13800 block of El Espejo Rd.
A theft of a catalytic converter was reported on the 14300 block of Ramo Dr.
A catalytic converter was stolen on the 13000 block of Biola Ave.
A theft was reported on the 14300 block of San Esteban Dr.
A catalytic converter theft was reported on the 14300 block of Rosecrans Ave.
Copper wire was reported stolen in the area of Firestone Blvd. and Osmond Ave.
A theft of copper wire occurred in the area of Firestone Blvd. and Phoebe Ave.
Grand Theft Auto
A pickup truck was reported stolen on the 15100 block of Leffingwell Rd.
An SUV was stolen on the 14400 block of Rosecrans Ave.
A motorcycle was reported stolen on the 15300 block of Ashgrove Dr.
La Mirada Launches New Website, Announces Summer Events
La Mirada has launched a redesigned city website while also announcing a series of upcoming summer events, housing assistance programs, and community initiatives as residents head into the busy summer season.
City officials said the newly redesigned website, available at LaMirada.gov, features improved navigation, updated accessibility tools, full-site translation capabilities, and an AI-powered chatbot designed to help residents quickly locate city information and services.
The city’s Memorial Day Celebration will take place Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at the Civic Center Plaza located at 13700 La Mirada Blvd.The ceremony will honor military veterans and members of America’s Armed Forces with guest speakers, special presentations, tributes to fallen soldiers, and a wreath placing ceremony.
The Memorial Day event is being presented by the La Mirada Veterans Coordinating Council, VFW Post 9148, and the City of La Mirada. More information may contact VFW Post 9148 at (562) 903-1182 or the city at (562) 943-7277.
Buccaneer Bay waterpark is currently offering discounted season passes for a limited time. General season passes are priced at $70, while junior and senior passes are
available for $65.
Pass holders will also receive access to a special preview event scheduled for May 16 ahead of Buccaneer Bay’s public opening during Memorial Day weekend. Daily operations begin May 30. Season passes may be purchased at Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center or online at splashlamirada. com.
America’s 250th anniversary celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, beginning at 6 p.m. at the La Mirada Civic Center Plaza. The celebration will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and will feature food vendors, live music, a performance by the La Mirada Symphony, and a large drone show over Biola University’s athletic fields. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and gather around the Civic Center lawn and City Hall Fountain Plaza for prime drone show viewing.
La Mirada residents experiencing housing-related emergencies may also qualify for rental assistance and homelessness prevention programs through partnerships coordinated by the Gateway Cities Council of Governments.
According to the city, Helpline Youth Counseling offers assistance programs that may include past-due rent payments, shortterm rental assistance, security deposits, utility assistance, and case management services for eligible residents. Visit hycinc.org or call (213) 226-0969.
2025 Tree City USA. The city has been named Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing the city’s continued commitment to urban forestry, tree maintenance, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood beautification efforts.City officials said the designation recognizes La Mirada’s ongoing investment in preserving and expanding the community’s tree canopy through strategic planting, maintenance programs, and environmental education initiatives.
Cerritos College to Host Second Annual Car Show
Featuring Lowriders, Classics and Muscle Cars
By Abigail Bianca Luna, Arts & Entertainment Editor
CERRITOS — Cerritos College will host its Second Annual Car Show on June 13, welcoming the community to campus for a celebration of Southern California’s long-standing car culture tradition.
The free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 beneath the campus solar panel structures, providing shade for attendees while offering high visibility from Alondra Boulevard.
Organizers expect another strong turnout after last year’s inaugural event drew more than 200 vehicles to campus. A wide variety of entries are expected this year, including lowriders, hot rods, exotics, muscle cars, trucks, and classic vehicles showcased by car enthusiasts from across the region.
Vehicle exhibitors will begin rolling in between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. ahead of
the public opening.
In addition to the vehicle displays, attendees can enjoy live DJ entertainment and a selection of food trucks, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for students, residents, and automotive fans alike. Organizers said the event is designed not only as a showcase for custom and classic vehicles, but also as an opportunity to bring the surrounding community onto campus for a relaxed summer gathering centered around one of Southern California’s most recognizable cultural traditions.
Unlike the 2025 event, this year’s car show will not feature a formal program, community resource fair, or children’s activity zones, allowing organizers to focus more heavily on the vehicle exhibition itself.
Car owners interested in displaying their vehicles are encouraged to register in advance. Organizers said participants who register by May 16 can take advantage of a $25 early bird registration fee, which increases to $35 afterward.
Registered exhibitors will receive a commemorative event T-shirt and will be eligible for Best in Show trophies in several categories.
The annual event originally began as an idea from Jose Fierro during the college’s 70th anniversary celebration and is now expected to become a continuing campus tradition following strong community support and participation.
The event is a collaborative effort involving the Cerritos College Office of Public Relations & Communications, the President’s Office, and the Cerritos College Foundation.
Lakewood’s Pan Am Fiesta Returns to Mayfair Park
By Brian Hews
LAKEWOOD — After another year away from the spotlight, one of Southeast Los Angeles County’s most enduring traditions is rolling back into town. The Pan American Fiesta returns to Mayfair Park from Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10, bringing with it a packed weekend of carnival rides, cultural performances, food booths and live entertainment.
The Fiesta, which dates back to the mid-1940s, remains Lakewood’s longest-running community event and is widely recognized as one of the only citywide celebrations of Pan American culture in the nation outside of Washington, D.C. For local residents, it’s less about labels and more about tradition — a familiar mix of food, music and community that signals the start of summer.
The three-day event kicks off Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. with rides, games, food vendors and live music. Saturday runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features the full slate of cultural programming, while Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. focuses on rides, games and concessions.
Entertainment anchors the weekend. Friday night performances include Latinas Art Foundation and Savor the Band starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday brings a mix of local and regional acts, with Mariachi Jalisco performing from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by The MVPs from 7 to 9 p.m. Earlier in the day, attendees can catch performances from the Mayfair High School Choir and Hoku Mae’ole Polynesian Dancers.
Saturday also leans heavily into family-friendly programming. The Children’s Cultural Booth offers free hands-on arts and crafts activities inspired by cultures across the Americas, while more than 50
vendors will be set up for the arts and crafts show from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., selling handmade clothing, jewelry, home décor and specialty items.
Food remains a central draw. Community groups and food trucks will be serving everything from tacos and burgers to Asian cuisine and Southern barbecue, alongside carnival staples like kettle corn, ice cream and candy.
The carnival itself runs all three days, with rides geared toward young children, teens and adults. Attendees can purchase ride credits or opt for unlimited wristbands, with discounted pre-sale tickets available through Thursday, May 7. Credits range from $20 to $80 depending on quantity, while unlimited ride wristbands are offered at a promotional price before the event and slightly higher once the Fiesta begins. A small surcharge applies to new wristbands.
For those looking to avoid parking congestion, the city will operate a free shuttle on Saturday from the Civic Center parking lot near City Hall and the Iacoboni Library to the Fiesta entrance. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Organizers note that some rides have age and height requirements, and signage will be posted at each attraction.
More than anything, the return of the Fiesta signals continuity — a decades-old event that continues to draw families back year after year. In a region where community traditions often fade, Lakewood’s Pan Am Fiesta has managed to hold on, one ride, one meal and one performance at a time.
For tickets and additional details, visit thefuncarnival.com
PAN AM FIESTA: Carnival rides, live music and cultural performances return to Mayfair Park as Lakewood’s long-running Pan American Fiesta brings a weekend of food, entertainment and family activities back to the city.
of the Los Angeles Police Department.
His assignments included Watch Commander, Gang Impact Team Officer in Charge, Detective Division Commanding Officer, and Commanding Officer of Foothill Patrol Division, In-Service Training Division, Juvenile Division, West Valley Community Police Station, and Southwest Community Police Station.
Before joining Santa Fe Springs, Espinosa also served as police chief for the Montebello Police Department, where officials credited him with strengthening community trust, improving accountability, and advancing constitutional policing initiatives.
Santa Fe Springs Mayor Joe Angel Zamora called the appointment a defining moment for the city and the future of the new department.
“Appointing our first Police Chief is a historic moment for Santa Fe Springs,” Zamora said. “Chief Espinosa’s extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to community-focused policing make him the ideal person to lead our new Police Department.”
Officials said Espinosa will oversee the continued development and implementation of the Santa Fe Springs Police Department, including staffing plans, operational policies, training standards, recruitment efforts, infrastructure planning, and community engagement strategies.
“I am honored to serve the Santa Fe Springs community in this role,” Espinosa said. “I look forward to working alongside City leadership, residents, businesses, and community partners to build a department grounded in professionalism, trust, and service.”
Earlier this year, city officials confirmed Santa Fe Springs intends to transition away from its longstanding policing contract with the Whittier Police Department and establish a standalone municipal police agency.
Sources previously told Los Cerritos Community News that escalating contract costs played a significant role in discussions surrounding the creation of the city’s new police department.
City officials have repeatedly stated the Santa Fe Springs Police Department will emphasize professionalism, transparency, accountability, community partnership, and modern policing standards as core principles during its formation.
agreement have been made public.
Five years later, in 2023, a State Bar of California inspection report raised significant concerns about the school’s operations, questioning whether it provided a “sound education” and identifying potential noncompliance with rules governing unaccredited law schools.
Shortly after the State Bar issued its warning, the American International School of Law moved to voluntarily terminate its registration, closing its doors effective November 15, 2023.
In response to questions from Los Cerritos Community News, Patel defended the school’s record and attributed its closure to “regulatory changes.”
“American International School of Law has a longstanding record of helping numerous students prepare for and successfully pass the bar exam,” Patel said. “Generally, law schools, both accredited and unaccredited, have faced high attrition rates. In 2022, the school made the difficult decision to wind down operations due to the State Bar’s changes to requirements for unaccredited law schools, well ahead of the 2023 inspection. In regards to the case in 2018 it was dismissed with prejudice.”
Patel did not elaborate on the allegations raised in the 2018 lawsuit or the circumstances surrounding its dismissal.
The State Bar’s 2023 inspection report, however, paints a far more troubling picture. Investigators concluded that the American International School of Law “does not appear to provide the sound education required,” raising serious concerns about whether students were being properly prepared to become attorneys.
More than 70 percent of students left after their first year. In one example cited, 22 students began the program, but only five continued into the second year. Since 2019, dozens enrolled, but only a small number reached the final year.
The report also found that the school lacked a structured academic program. Instead of traditional instruction, many courses were little more than lists of books and materials students were required to purchase on their own. Much of the learning came from outside bar preparation courses, meaning students were largely teaching themselves.
Academic support was minimal. The school had no formal support system, and student interaction with faculty was limited. In many cases, students were told they could contact the school’s president directly by text message, but the report
noted that such communication was rare and not a substitute for consistent instruction.
Testing practices raised additional concerns. Midterm exams were not proctored, and some exams were based on publicly available bar exam questions, where answers could be easily found online. The State Bar noted that the school could not reliably verify whether the work submitted was actually completed by the students.
The report also found that the school failed to correct issues identified in a prior inspection. Despite being directed to improve its program, the school was unable to demonstrate meaningful changes. State Bar officials warned the school could face probation or termination if deficiencies were not addressed.
Instead of fixing those problems, the school shut down—what Patel attributed to “regulatory changes”—leaving behind a lawsuit, a State Bar warning, and unanswered questions now tied to a sitting mayor.
Interesting to note, both the sttlement and the wage-claim lawsuit and the growing public criticism happened while Conal McNamara and his administrative team were in charge. McNamara is now the City Manager in Whittier.
During his tenure, residents raised concerns at council meetings about how City Hall handled employee complaints, particularly within the Tiny Tots program—issues now central to the wage theft lawsuit.
McNamara was hired in 2020 to bring stability to La Palma. Instead, during his tenure, the city now faces multiple lawsuits, internal criticism, and a wave of departures.
For a one-square-mile city with a $13 million budget, the pattern is not subtle.
VIRUS from page 1
ill or infected,” California Department of Public Health spokesman Robert Barsanti said. “At this time, the risk to public health in California is low.”
Health experts say the outbreak is unusual because it involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare South American variant capable of limited person-to-person transmission. Most hantavirus strains spread only through exposure to infected rodents or their droppings.
Researchers believe the original exposure may have occurred before the cruise began, possibly during birdwatching excursions in Argentina where infected rodents carrying the Andes strain are known to live. Investigators are now tracing passenger movements and contacts across multiple countries.
The CDC has coordinated with California and other states since learning of the outbreak. Monitoring generally includes checking temperatures, watching for symptoms and limiting close contact if illness develops. Symptoms can initially resemble the flu, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness, but severe cases can rapidly progress into dangerous respiratory illness.
California health officials noted that hantavirus cases remain extremely rare in the state, averaging only a handful each year, mostly in rural mountain areas including the Sierra Nevada region. Experts emphasized that the South American Andes strain involved in this outbreak is different from the strains typically seen in California.
The MV Hondius remains under international health monitoring as it heads toward the Canary Islands. Spanish officials are reportedly preparing controlled evacuation procedures for passengers and crew once the vessel arrives.
Monday thru Saturday6 pm to 12 Midnight
open at 4pm Sunday 2 pm to 9 pm
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Nitesh Patel
Translation Earbuds
Are Here, And They’re
Changing How People
Communicate Worldwide
Imagine sitting across from someone who speaks no English—and carrying on a conversation like you’ve known each other for years.
No awkward phone typing. No hand gestures. No “Google Translate, hold on.”
Just… talking.
AI-powered translation earbuds are rapidly transforming multilingual conversations, travel, business communication, and accessibility for users worldwide today.
By Brian Hews
That’s the promise of translation earbuds, a fast-growing category of wireless devices that use artificial intelligence to translate languages in real time. What once felt like something out of Star Trek is now sitting on store shelves—and increasingly, in people’s ears.
At their core, translation earbuds work by combining microphones, smartphone
apps, and cloud-based AI. When someone speaks, the earbuds capture the audio, send it to a connected app, translate it, and then play the translated version back into your ear— often within a second or two.
The result is surprisingly natural. One person speaks Spanish, the other hears English. The response comes back the same way. Some models even allow both people to wear one earbud each, creating a smoother, back-and-forth conversation.
For communities like those across Southeast Los Angeles County—where multiple languages are spoken daily—the potential is obvious.
From small business owners helping customers, to parents navigating school meetings, to residents traveling abroad, translation earbuds are quickly becoming more than just a novelty.
They’re becoming practical.
Still, they are not perfect.
The technology works best with clear, conversational speech. Throw in slang,
heavy accents, or fast talking, and the system can stumble.
Background noise can also interfere, and most devices still rely on a smartphone and in-
REAL-TIME TALKING:
Translation earbuds allow users speaking different languages to carry on conversations almost instantly using AIpowered speech translation technology.
ternet connection to deliver accurate translations.
There’s also a slight delay—usually a second or two—which can make conversations feel a bit mechanical at times.
But even with those limitations, the progress has been rapid.
Just a few years ago, real-time translation required bulky devices or clunky apps. Today, it’s happening in something smaller than a hearing aid.
And the technology is only improving.
Major tech companies and startups alike are pouring resources into
language AI, aiming to reduce lag, improve accuracy, and eventually allow seamless, offline conversations anywhere in the world.
Cost is another factor shaping how quickly translation earbuds move from novelty to necessity. Most devices currently range from about $100 to $300, depending on features, language support, and audio quality. Higher-end models often include noise reduction, longer battery life, and access to more languages or dialects, while budget versions may limit translation modes or require subscriptions for full functionality.
That price point puts the technology within reach for many consumers—but not all.
As with most emerging tech, wider adoption will likely
GLOBAL CONVERSATION:
Translation earbud technology is rapidly evolving, allowing users speaking different languages to communicate time through AI-powered apps.
TRANSLATION TECH: AIpowered translation earbuds are becoming increasingly popular for real-time multilingual conversations, allowing users to hear translated speech within seconds through connected smartphone apps.
depend on prices coming down while performance improves.
Privacy is also becoming part of the conversation.
Because many translation earbuds rely on cloud-based processing, spoken conversations are often transmitted to external servers to be translated. Manufacturers say data is typically encrypted and not stored long-term, but for users discussing sensitive topics— business negotiations, personal matters, or legal issues—that may raise concerns.
Some companies are now developing offline translation modes, where processing happens directly on the device or phone without sending data
to the cloud. While offline accuracy still trails cloud-based systems, the gap is narrowing as AI chips become more powerful.
Language coverage is expanding as well.
Early versions of translation technology focused on major global languages like Spanish, Mandarin, and French. Today’s earbuds can often handle dozens of languages and regional variations, though accuracy still tends to be strongest among widely spoken languages.
That matters in places like Los Angeles County, where linguistic diversity goes far beyond the basics. Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Armenian, and dozens of other languages are part of daily life across the region. As translation databases grow, so does the usefulness of the devices.
There’s also an accessibility angle that often gets overlooked.
For individuals who are hard of hearing, some translation apps paired with earbuds can display real-time
captions on a phone while simultaneously delivering audio, offering another layer of communication support. While not designed specifically as assistive devices, the overlap is becoming increasingly relevant.
Looking ahead, integration with everyday devices is likely. Future versions could sync seamlessly with smartphones, cars, and even public service kiosks, allowing instant translation in stores, hospitals, and government offices without extra setup.
Taken together, translation earbuds are part of a larger shift—one where language barriers are slowly being chipped away by technology.
Not eliminated.
But reduced enough that conversations that once felt impossible are now simply… conversations.
At the end of the day, the technology isn’t really about gadgets.
It’s about understanding. And for the first time, that understanding might be as simple as putting in an earbud.
GATEWAY LEAGUE BASEBALL: Four pitchers allow two hits as La Mirada wins another outright league title
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
It was an end to one of the longest rivalries from the original Suburban League when La Mirada High faced Bellflower High and 31-year veteran head coach Keith Tripp last Friday. Next season, when the new Suburban Valley Conference kicks in, the two baseball programs will be in different leagues and don’t figure to face each other in nonleague action anytime soon.
The host Matadores, behind four pitchers, claimed their 33rd league title, including their 11th straight, and shutout the Buccaneers 9-0 in the final Gateway League contest in 2026. La Mirada improves to 21-6, 10-2 and has gone 101-8 in league action since the 2016 season, whether it was the Suburban League or Gateway League, winning the last two league titles by a game over Gahr High and four other league crowns by two games.
“I say it every year, when you start getting tired of doing this, or this feels like it’s normal, you should retire because it’s not normal,” said La Mirada head coach Jimmy Zurn. “This starts in August, and our league is really, really good this year. A lot of people, and rightfully so, I understood because I heard it… La Mirada is going to be down; they lost all these guys from last year. You know what, we’ve got guys; it’s just their turn
to step up. And we may look a little different in areas, right? But at the same time, La Mirada is built one way. It’s been this way since before I was player in [the program], and it’s just that hunger, that desire, how we work.”
Senior pitcher Jacob Oropeza set the tone early, retiring the first five batters on 18 pitches before Noah Lopez singled on the first pitch he saw. Two batters later, Santino Pineda led off the third inning with a one-strike single to right field before Oropeza sat down the next six batters to end his day. Oropeza pitched four innings, throwing 43 pitches and struck out two. He reached a full count twice and was ahead in the count to five of the 14
batters he faced.
“He is a four-year guy for us that… two years ago, he started in a second round [playoff] game at Foothill batting cleanup for us,” said Zurn. “He’s a kid that we had high hopes for this year and his year hadn’t gotten off to the best start that I don’t even think he anticipated, number one. He continues to work, and he understands that if I’m not getting it done, this is more of an offensive side. But you look at what he’s doing on the mound right now and his numbers on the season, and it’s pretty impressive. He’s a guy who’s getting hot at the right time at the plate.”
Sophomore Jeremiah Gomez and senior Adrian Meraz worked a perfect fifth
and sixth inning, respectively, combining for 19 pitches and a pair of strikeouts while junior Noah Lee struck out the first two batters he faced in the seventh before walking Raymond Estrada. After advancing on a wild pitch, Estrada was caught third to end the game.
Offensively, the only run the Matadores needed came in the bottom of the second when Jaythan Cardenas walked senior shortstop Jesse Colon with one out followed by a single from Oropeza. Then with two outs, senior right fielder Aaron Sykes singled to load the bases. But a throwing error allowed junior second baseman Michael Burgueno to reach first and clear the bases.
The Matadores put the game away in the third inning when they scored four times. F reshman third baseman Blake Barberena led off with a double to the left field gap, followed by a walk to senior catcher Justin Torres. Senior left fielder then reached on the second of three errors to load the bases before Cardenas hit Colon to bring in Barberena. Oropeza then singled to bring in Torres followed by a sacrifice fly from senior center fielder Noah Rodriguez and an infield knock from Sykes.
The Matadores tacked on their final two runs in the sixth inning to complete the program’s 21st straight win over the Buccaneers. And even though they may not be facing each other for a long time,
See LA MIRADA, Page 12
GATEWAY LEAGUE SOFTBALL: Gahr rallies late to post rare win over league champions
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
To say that the second meeting this season between Gahr High and La Mirada High was much different than the first meeting two and a half weeks later would be a strong understatement. When La Mirada walked off for a 2-1 victory on Apr. 16, both teams combined for 22 baserunners and nine hits.
The second encounter this past Tuesday to close out the regular season saw a combined 12 baserunners and nine runs just in the first inning alone. Gahr was resting junior pitcher Isabella Gonzalez for the upcoming CIF-Southern Section playoffs while La Mirada was doing the same to junior catcher Ryley Hilliard. With little to play for as La Mirada had already wrapped up its seventh straight league title, the host Gladiators pushed across a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, then sophomore Makayla Williams, in her first start of the season, needed seven pitches in the top of the seventh for her first perfect inning of the game as the Gladiators defeated the Matadores 9-7.
It was the fourth time since 1999 that Gahr had defeated La Mirada. The previous three times came in the second game of the 1999 season, a 5-1 decision in the Cypress Tournament, a 6-0 contest in 2017 and five seasons ago. an 8-6 affair.
“Well, I’ll tell you what, they jumped on us,” said Gahr head coach Rey Sanchez. “Obviously not having Bella on the mound…I mentioned to the girls we need to relax and play our game no matter what. Yeah, we have a few players hurt, but [they] have to find a way to get in and do what [they] do best. Go out and relax; go play and whatever happens, happens.”
“It just wasn’t our day,” said La Mirada head coach Brent Tuttle. “We made some bad plays early in the game and they hit the ball.”
La Mirada’s explosive offense tormented Williams from the fourth pitch of the game when freshman left fielder Alan-
na Adams tripled to right field and scored three pitches later when junior shortstop Reese Hilliard tripled to the same spot. On the next pitch, freshman second baseman Fatima Serna launched her second home run of the season.
After Williams walked sophomore catcher Elizabeth Biado, sophomore first baseman Julianna Rivera reached on an infield single. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch before Biado made it 4-0 after freshman third baseman Rylee Thurmond launched a fly ball to right field for the first out. The Matadores batted around in the inning, but Gahr rallied back and batted around while scoring five times in the bottom of the first.
With one out, junior center fielder Kayleigh Allen doubled to the left field fence and came home two pitches later when sophomore shortstop Hazel Anglo homered for the third time this season. On the next pitch, senior first baseman Maryah McElroy reached on an error and scored on a passed ball, the third while she was on base.
La Mirada junior pitcher Alison Ortega then walked junior right fielder Leah Magana, who later scored on another passed ball and sophomore designated player Maya Moreau, who reached on a fielder’s choice, moved to second on an error and came home on a base hit from sophomore second baseman Alissa Agaton.
“The first inning was obviously crazy,” said Sanchez. “[La Mirada] came out like gangbusters and they had some nice hits; they hit a two-run home run early, and I loved our bounce back. We talked about being a golf ball all year long and it’s about bouncing back, and we did. We took advantage of a few miscues on their part, which helped, but we also got some key hits.
“Keyleigh with a big double to get us going, and then Hazel absolutely annihilated that ball and she got into that one,” he added. “That’s probably the best ball that I’ve seen her hit.”
The Matadores, who needed to win to
potentially grab one of the top four seeds in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs, which begins on Thursday, began to chip away at their deficit. Currently seeded fifth in the division power rankings, the Matadores (22-4, 6-2) tied the game on the second pitch of the third when Thurmond blasted her fifth home run of the season. In the next inning, La Mirada regained the lead when Adams was safe on an infield hit and scored on Reese Hilliard’s double to the right field gap.
But Gahr (15-12, 5-3), which had two base runners over the next three innings after grabbing the 5-4 lead, went up 7-6 in the fifth Allen and Anglo each doubled on a combined three pitches with one out. A groundout from McElroy plated Anglo before La Mirada tied the contest in the sixth. This time, it was Serna who blasted another home run.
But in the bottom half of the frame, Ortega walked Moreau, then senior pinch runner Audrey Madden stole second and scored on a double from Agaton. Two batters later, freshman catcher Rylee Jackson hit a sacrifice fly to left to plate Agaton for the game’s final run.
Williams, who made her season debut on Apr. 29 against Long Beach Poly High, threw 116 pitches, allowed 11 hits, walked three and struck out a pair. She is the fourth different starter for the Gladiators this season, but four others have seen action in the circle, totaling 10 innings.
“Before the game, I mentioned to her that I didn’t want her feeling the pressure because it was her first start of the year and of course, it happens to be one of the best teams that we’re going to face,” said Sanchez of Williams. “But I’m just proud of her. She just nodded, smiled and that’s one thing about Mak; is that she’s got a smile that will light up any room or any field. She was able to do that; she was able to calm down [after the first inning] and kind of control her nerves.”
Even though La Mirada won its seventh straight league title, it has lost to Warren High twice and Gahr once since 2019 and has taken 60 of its last 63 league
contests. Gahr and Warren finished tied for second place with 5-3 marks while Downey High was fourth with a 3-5 league record. Those four will enter the playoffs with a combined overall record of 73-35.
“No slouch; there’s really no slouch, and even Mayfair had a big win against Warren the other day,” said Sanchez of the league. “Mayfair can beat anybody on any day. This league is not an easy league and it’s going to get tougher next year even when they’ll have the super league going.
“But we have had some quality games, and I think what this does is it allows us to go into the playoffs battle tested, because Downey is always tough, Warren is always tough, and you know La Mirada is going to put a great team together all the time,” he continued. “I’m proud of the fact that we have these games. It’s not easy to win these games, but I’m proud of the fact that the girls kind of hung in there, especially on a day like today where Mak was making her first start. I’m really proud of them.”
“It’s a good league and it’s going to get tougher next year,” said Tuttle. “When you go to these super [leagues] or whatever, that’s what you’re going to get. You get good teams who are going to miss the playoffs because you want to have competitive equity down the line. You’re going to have teams who are 15-13 making the playoffs and some teams who are 18-5 missing the playoffs.”
The nine runs La Mirada allowed marked the second highest total this season. The Matadores fell to Los Alamitos High 10-0 on Feb. 21, the second game of the season. Since then, the team had not given up more than five runs in any game.
“Something is going on; I don’t know,” said Tuttle of Ortega, who gave up nine hits and struck out six. “She said she wasn’t herself today. She got hit hard and it is what it is.”
Adams and Reese Hilliard each collected three hits while Agaton, Allen and Anglo all had a pair of
hits.
CHAMPS La Mirada players celebrate moments after clinching the program’s 33rd league championship and 11th consecutive league title. Photo by Loren Kopff.
OLYMPIC LEAGUE BASEBALL: Kingery’s two home runs are not enough to supplant league powerhouse
By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X
With the Olympic League title on the line last Thursday, there was plenty of offense between host Valley Christian High and perennial powerhouse Whittier Christian High. However, the combined 24 runs and 24 hits were not the only fireworks in the contest that took close to three hours to complete.
V.C. head coach Chet Kingery was ejected with none out and the bases loaded in the top of the fifth inning with a 2-0 count to Whittier Christian’s Mia Camacho. The Heralds had already scored a run in the inning to increase their lead to 9-6. When the final out was recorded, Whittier Christian had defeated the Defenders 15-9 to win its sixth league title in the past seven seasons.
Kingery was upset that the lines to the batter’s box had been erased, making it tougher to determine if a pitch was a ball or strike. During his argument, Kingery, who was ejected for the first time in his high school coaching career, told the home plate umpire, “she knows the strike zone better than you”, referring to his daughter, senior catcher Peyton Kingery.
“It was [the Whittier Christian hitters] erasing the line, and then getting really close to the plate,” said Chet Kingery. “So they took away the whole inner half of the plate because [the umpire] is not calling it. If we miss in, we hit them. So, we’re obviously not missing in if my catcher is still catching it. Then he takes the whole outside half away because with a tight umpire, you don’t get
anything on the outside out. Now you’re throwing the ball on a tee for them, and they capitalized on it, and we didn’t.”
In the last 18 meetings with the Heralds, V.C. has won only twice with the latest coming last season in a 14-1 contest in La Habra. Since 2008, Whittier Chris tian leads the season series 23-13 and since 2021, the Heralds have won 45 of its last 47 league contests.
“My main message was don’t let another team take the game away from you,” said Whittier Chris tian head coach Dale Van Duyn, referring to last sea- son’s loss to the Defenders. “Play our game and go after them; don’t sit back. That was my main message to them. I don’t ever tell my team it’s revenge time. I don’t play that game. My main focus is play good fundamental softball; play our game and we’ll come out on top.”
load the bases, senior third baseman Brianna Ramirez was also walked, bringing in senior shortstop Aubrielle Ramirez. Whittier Christian added a pair of runs in the second, thanks to a one-out home run from Rylee Cull and scored three more in the fourth to own what looked like a commanding 8-2 lead. However, the Defenders began to chip away in their half of the inning, all with two outs. Junior third baseman Lydia Dietz singled to left and Gonzalez walked senior center fielder Choyce Chambers on four pitches. That set the stage for Peyton Kingery, who smacked a home run over the centerfield fence on a 2-2 count. Then on an 0-2 count, Aubrielle Ramirez singled to left and scored on a base hit from Mora.
that ball is in the circle, we still have a fighting chance, and they know that. We teach them that, and they live through it. This team won’t give up no matter what, and I know that about them.”
Chambers, Peyton Kingery, Mora and Ireland all had a pair of hits as the Defenders posted at least 10 hits for the fifth straight game and ninth time in the last 10 games.
“I teach aggressive hitting; we want to drive something early in the count,” said Chet Kingery. “So we look for something early in the count to drive because we know these umpires are awful. We look for something over the plate early in the count to hit.”
Meanwhile, the top six batters in Whitter Christian’s lineup combined to go 12 for 25, driving in 14 runs and score a dozen runs. The top four in the lineup of Sofia Hernandez, Cull, Camacho and Lopez entered the game batting anywhere from .397 to .507.
The Heralds grabbed a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, highlighted by Camacho’s two-run home run on the 10th pitch she saw from junior Rachel Zhang. They would send eight batters to the plate in the inning, but so did the Defenders in the bottom half of the frame. With one out, junior right fielder Tallulah Ireland singled to left field to plate Peyton Kingery and after Sofia Gonzalez walked junior first baseman Samantha Mora to
“We had a game plan like we always do, and early on we stuck to it, and it worked,” said Chet Kingery. “For some reason, we ended up getting away from it and then we suffered for not sticking to our game plan.”
“I knew it was going to be a tough game coming into this,” said Van Duyn. “Valley is a good team. They’ve got legit hitters, they’ve got legit defense, and their pitcher keeps you off balanced. She does a great job; she’s quite aggressive. Their catcher is a stud. But Valley has always been a strong squad.”
The V.C. momentum was quickly erased the next inning as Whittier Christian, who improved to 18-9-1 overall and 7-0 in the circuit, scored four runs. The first three batters Zhang faced reached before she hit Cull to allow Marissa Mendoza to score. Zhang then walked to Camacho to bring home Gigi Rodriguez followed by an infield single from Danni Lopez. Cull scored the last run of the inning on a fielder’s choice from Bella Perez.
Perez would smash a one-out, threerun home run in the top of the seventh to complete Whittier Christian’s scoring. But the Defenders weren’t quite done with their scoring as Peyton Kingery hit another three-run home run, plating freshman designated player Jade Jaquez and Chambers. This was the third time this season V.C. scored multiple runs in the seventh inning.
“Their grit, their moxie,” said Chet Kingery on what he liked about the game . “I loved that my team won’t quit; we coach them to never give up. As long as
“We’ve been playing some good ball; been hitting the ball well,” said Van Duyn. “Our pitcher was sick for about a week coming into this game and I just told the girls we have to support our pitcher; we’ve got to hit the ball. So, we focused on a lot of hitting.
“Sofia [Gonzalez] struggled throughout the game, which just makes for a better pitcher,” he added. “The strike zone was a little tough for both sides, but it’s good for her to come from being sick and to do what she did.”
V.C. (11-7, 5-1) dropped a 6-5 decision to El Segundo High this past Monday in the final regular season home game for Chambers, Aubrielle Ramirez, Brianna Ramirez, and Peyton Kingery. Those four entered the final regular season game at Maranatha High as the top four, and only everyday players, batting above .400, combining for 115 hits of the 136 hits the team have collected, have driven in 87 of the team’s 139 runs and have hit 11 of the team’s 15 home runs.
“Choyce Chambers in the leadoff spot…fast, gets on base, steals bases for us,” said Chet Kingery. “She does a great job for us in the leadoff spot; I think she’s been in the leadoff spot her whole career here, all four years, and she’s just done a really good job. Then you go to Peyton who not only will kill you line to line, gap to gap, but she also leaves the yard. That’s why she’s in the two hole. And then Aubrielle…if Peyton leaves the yard, Aubrielle comes in as our number three hitter to be another leadoff [hitter]. She’s been here for two years, and she’s done a great job.”
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
Zurn has nothing but the highest praise for Tripp and the Bellflower baseball program.
“I have known Keith for a very, very long time; 25 years, and he is one of the guys I respect the most in this game,” said Zurn. “I love him to death; as a player going against his teams, as a coach going against him and I have nothing but respect. Bellflower has always been and will always be in good hands, and I’m excited for its future of what it has to do. I’m always pulling for them from afar.”
La Mirada’s last regular season game is Wednesday against what figures to be a new league opponent next season-La Serna High. The two, plus Downey High,
Gahr High and Warren High are expected to be in the Gateway League, the top of the four leagues that will comprise of the SVC next season.
“It’s exciting; four of the five team are going to stay, and that’s kind of how it is every year,” said Zurn. “One is going to come up, and one is going to go down. It will be exciting to add La Serna, if they are the fifth team to come in. But nothing changes on our end. It’s here’s your schedule, this is your league, and our job is to try to protect and keep the league title at home where it belongs. I’m proud; this is 11 in a row for us.”
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
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 levied upon all the right, title and interest of said judgment debtor(s) in the property in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, described as follows: THE LAND REFERRED TO IN THIS REPORT IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF COMMERCE, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 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 at public auction to the highest bidder for cash in lawful money of the United States all the right, title and interest of the debtor(s) in the above described property or so much as will be sufficient to satisfy said 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 bid the amount of $ 0.00 (Subject to revision) Prospective bidders should refer to sections 701.510 to 701.680, inclusive, of the Code of Civil Procedure for provisions governing the terms, conditions and effect of the sale and the liability of defaulting bidders.
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
CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2026-625
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS, CALIFORNIA AMENDING CHAPTER 6.28 OF TITLE 6 OF THE HAWAIIAN GARDENS
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING FIREWORK REGULATIONS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
Notice is hereby given that on April 22, 2026, the City Council of the City of Hawaiian Gardens introduced for first reading, Ordinance No. 2026-625, which proposes updates to Chapter 6.28 of the Hawaiian Gardens Municipal Code to strengthen the City’s ability to deter and enforce the use of unlawful fireworks. The changes will strengthen the City’s ability to take enforcement action against property owners, lessors, and any other person in lawful possession of the property where unlawful fireworks are discharged. This enforcement authority will also extend to unlawful fireworks that are discharged in a public right of way adjacent to a property owner’s property, if they have knowledge, or should have had knowledge, of the acts that resulted in a violation.
A copy of Ordinance No. 2026-625 is on file with the City Clerk, and available for public review at City Hall, 21815 Pioneer Blvd., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716. Also, a copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.hgcity.org.
The City Council will hold the second reading and adoption of the ordinance on May 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the City Council Chambers, 21815 Pioneer Boulevard, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716.
Pablo Rubio, City Clerk
Published: May 8, 2026 Los Cerritos Community News
CITY OF LA MIRADA
Please take notice that on April 28, 2026, the City Council of the City of La Mirada adopted the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 750 APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 19 BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA MIRADA AND BULLETIN DISPLAYS, LLC TO INSTALL, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE AN ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 14655 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD, WITHIN THE FREEWAY COMMERCIAL (C-F) ZONING DISTRICT.
Summary of Ordinance No. 750
Ordinance No. 750 approves Amendment No. 1 to Development Agreement No. 19 between the City of La Mirada and Bulletin Displays, LLC which modifies the timing of the second annual Development Fee payment by deferring the March 2026 payment to begin in September 2026, to be paid in six equal monthly installments. All other terms of the Development Agreement remain unchanged, and the amendment does not affect land use or the approved project. The electronic billboard will be on the property located at 14655 Firestone Boulevard, within the Freeway Commercial (C-F) Zoning District.
The names of those Councilmembers voting for or against Ordinance No. 750 are as follows:
AYES: Councilmembers Bean, De Ruse, Lewis, Mayor Pro Tem Otero, Mayor Eng NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A certified copy of the entirety of the text of Ordinance No. 750 is available in the office of the City Clerk, City of La Mirada, 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California, and is available for public inspection at that location.
Jorge Orozco, Senior Administrative Analyst
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
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newpaper 5/8 and 5/15/26
Published at La Mirada Lamplighter 5/8/26 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,
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
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 PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF CERRITOS
Notice is hereby given that the City of Cerritos has prepared the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (UWMP), pursuant to the Urban Water Management Planning Act and the California Water Code, and the Cerritos City Council will conduct a public hearing at a special meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. on the following matter: REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN PROJECT LOCATION: The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan apply to the City of Cerritos water service area. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION: The proposed action is adoption of the City of Cerritos 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The California Department of Water Resources requires every urban water supplier to prepare and adopt an Urban Water Management Plan, including a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and update the Urban Water Management Plan at least once every five years, in years ending in six and one. The UWMP evaluates existing and future water demands, water supplies, water supply reliability, and demand management measures over a 25-year planning horizon and established response actions and procedures to address potential water shortages and supply interruptions. PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: May 1, 2026 through May 28, 2026, 3:00 P.M. The draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan are available for public review and comment during the review period. Public comments can be provided during the public hearing, via email to city_clerk@cerritos.gov, or by hard copy to the Office of the City Clerk, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, 1st floor Cerritos, CA 90703 no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the public hearing. Please identify the agenda item in the subject line of the email or hard copy document. All written correspondence received by the 3:00 p.m. deadline will be distributed to the legislative body prior to the meeting and retained with the official meeting record. If you challenge the above-mentioned item and related actions 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 received in the Office of the City Clerk by the submission deadline, prior to the public hearing. LOCATION WHERE DOCUMENT CAN BE REVIEWED: Copies of the draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan may be reviewed online at: https://www.cerritos.gov/water or in person in the Office of the City Clerk during normal business hours as posted. PUBLIC HEARING DATE/TIME/LOCATION: This public hearing will be conducted in person in the City Council Chamber, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California, 90703. The public hearing will also air live on Cerritos TV3 and will be streamed over the City of Cerritos website at cerritos. gov. A copy of the related agenda report will be available for download from the website on the Thursday prior to the public hearing at https://www.cerritos.gov/agendas. Any person interested in this matter may contact the Office of the City Clerk at (562) 916-1248 for additional information and/or appear at the hearing in person or by agent and be heard. /s/ Cynthia Nava, City Clerk
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newpaper 5/8/26
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS
DOMINIQUE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) NO. 25-02 & CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) NO. 25-12
6100 E. WASHINGTON BOULEVARD
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce will conduct a special public hearing to consider a request by Jennifer Oden of Dedeaux Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson for Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 25-02 and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 25-12 (collectively, the “Project”) for the property located at 6100 E. Washington Boulevard (APN:6334-026-009), Commerce, CA 90040 (the “Property”), within the C/M1 (Commercial Manufacturing) zoning district.
The proposed project includes a request for a recommendation to the City Council to amend Commerce Municipal Code Section 19.31.100(2), which requires a 500-foot distance separation requirement for certain alcohol-related uses along Washington Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard. Contingent upon the City Council’s adoption of the amendment, the applicant further requests approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the off-sale of beer and wine (ABC Type-20 License) at the existing AM/PM convenience store. The project is limited to a change in use within the existing footprint; no exterior expansion of the building is proposed.
PURSUANT to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Public Resources Code §21000 et seq.), the proposed Project is exempt from CEQA. The Conditional Use Permit qualifies for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), as it involves the continued operation of an existing commercial use with negligible or no expansion of use. The Zone Text Amendment qualifies for the Common Sense Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.
Said public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission of the City of Commerce in the Council Chambers, 5655 Jillson Street, Commerce, CA, 90040, on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., at which time proponents and opponents of the proposed Project will be heard. Any comments, objections, or other information may be offered in person at the time of the hearing or in writing, prior to the hearing. We encourage submittal of written comments supporting, opposing, or otherwise commenting on an agenda item, for distribution to the Planning Commission prior to the meeting. Send emails to planning-division@commerceca.gov; written correspondence may be sent to:
City of Commerce – Community Development Department 2535 Commerce Way Commerce, California 90040 Phone: (323) 722-4805
Per Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge this Project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Jessica Serrano
(Publish date: Los Cerritos Community News, May 8, 2026)
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 5/8/26
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Artesia will conduct a Public Hearing in the City Council Chambers at Artesia City Hall, located at 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, California, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on Monday, June 8, 2026, to consider the following items:
1. Approval of the Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fee Nexus Study associated with development within the Mixed-Use Overlay Zone (MUO); and
2. Adoption of Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees applicable to qualifying development projects within the Mixed-Use Overlay Zone.
The proposed Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fee is supported by a Nexus Study prepared in accordance with California Government Code Section 66000 et seq. (the Mitigation Fee Act). The Nexus Study identifies the relationship (nexus) between new development within the Mixed-Use Overlay Zone and the need for affordable housing and demonstrates the reasonable relationship between the fee and the impacts of such development. The proposed fee would be imposed on applicable residential and mixed-use development projects within the MUO Zone and used to fund the provision, construction, and/or preservation of affordable housing consistent with City housing policies and programs.
The Nexus Study, the proposed Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees schedule, and all supporting data are available for public review on the City’s website at https://www. cityofartesia.us/DocumentCenter/View/8864. Copies of these documents are also available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City of Artesia located at 18747 Clarkdale Ave., CA, 90701 during normal business hours.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Staff has determined that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that adoption of the fee will have a significant effect on the environment.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Interested persons and members of the public wishing to address the City Council may appear at the public hearing and provide public comments or submit evidence for or against the proposed Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees. At the public hearing, testimony from interested persons will be heard by the City Council and duly considered prior to taking action on the above proposed Affordable Housing In-Lieu Fees. Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing to the Artesia City Clerk’s Office at 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701, or via email at planning@cityofartesia.us. For additional information, please contact the Artesia Community Development Department at (562) 865-6262.
If you challenge any action related to this public hearing in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Published two times on the following dates: May 8, 2026 and May 22, 2026.
Paul Bollier
Community Development Director
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 5/8/26 and 5/22/26
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