October 2, 2026 Lamplighter

Serving La Mirada and surrounding communities • October 2, 2026 • Vol. 70, No. 48 • LMLAMPLIGHTER.COM

LCCN Exclusive:

Santa Fe Springs Council Removes Mayor Joe Angel Zamora in 4-1 Vote Zamora’s divisive actions trigger extraordinary 4-1 council revolt, costing him the mayor’s post amid mounting City Hall turmoil and staff conflict. By Brian Hews SANTA FE SPRINGS — In a stunning rebuke of one of its own members, the Santa Fe Springs City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night to remove Joe Angel Zamora as mayor, Los Cerritos Community News has learned. Joe Angel Following Zamora Zamora’s removal, the council named Annette Rodriguez mayor and Juanita Martin mayor pro tem. The action came during a Sept. 29 special meeting of the City Council. As of Wednesday

morning, the city had posted the agenda for the special meeting but had not yet posted minutes detailing the council’s action. Sources familiar with the situation told Los Cerritos Community News that tensions between Zamora and the rest of the council had been building, with councilmembers increasingly concerned that Zamora was attempting to exert greater control over the council and change the way city business was being handled. Sources also told LCCN that Zamora had recently circulated at least two written pieces sharply criticizing members of the city’s staff. According to the sources, those communications contributed to deteriorating relations between Zamora, his council colleagues and City Hall staff. LCCN has not independently obtained the communications and is seeking copies as well as

[ See ZAMORA, page 6 ]

Norwalk Invests Nearly $18 Million in Street Rehabilitation Projects City says 55% of Norwalk’s residential streets will have been improved in four years once the latest round of work is completed. By Brian Hews The Norwalk City Council has approved nearly $17.8 million in street rehabilitation projects targeting major corridors and residential neighborhoods throughout the city. Four projects approved during the past month will bring improvements to Alondra Boulevard, Carmenita Road, Excelsior Drive, Front Street and Foster Road, along with residential streets in Zones 5, 6 and 30. City officials said the work continues an aggressive effort to repair Norwalk’s aging street infrastructure. “Once these latest projects are completed, the City of Norwalk will have improved 55%

of its residential streets in four years, and that is just the beginning,” Mayor Jennifer Perez said. “Maintaining our streets is one of the most important investments we make in the daily lives of our residents.” The projects include rehabilitation of Alondra Boulevard from Gridley Road to the western city limits and Carmenita Road from north of Excelsior Drive to Rosecrans Avenue. Additional work will take place along portions of Excelsior Drive, Front Street and Foster Road, while the city’s Local Streets Rehabilitation Program will target residential streets in Zones 5, 6 and 30. Improvements will include pavement rehabilitation, sidewalk and concrete repairs, curb and gutter work, ADA-compliant curb ramps, traffic signs, striping and

[ See NORWALK, page 14 ]

NLMUSD SILENT AUCTION: More than 120 people packed La Mirada High School for the NorwalkLa Mirada Council PTA’s silent auction. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser will help provide scholarships to graduating seniors in the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District. Photo by Vincent Medina.

Cerritos Voters Asked Again to Move Elections After Decades of Changes Measure L would shift council elections to November of even-numbered years after previous councils repeatedly changed election dates and extended terms.

By Brian Hews After more than three decades of shifting its municipal election calendar — with several of those changes extending the terms of sitting City Council members — Cerritos voters will once again be asked to decide when they elect their council. Measure L, appearing on the March 2, 2027 ballot, would amend the Cerritos City Charter and move municipal elections to November of even-numbered years, consolidated with statewide general elections, beginning Nov. 7, 2028. The change would also move the city’s annual mayoral selection and the beginning of council terms to conform with the new election schedule. The proposal represents another turn in a decades-long Cerritos election history that has seen

[ See MEASURE L, page 14 ]

Newsom Signs Archuleta Bills Into California Law By Brian Hews SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a series of bills authored by state Sen. Bob Archuleta, with new laws addressing disabled veterans, railroad and hydrogen pipeline safety, drunk driving, gasoline supplies, lung cancer screening and several other issues. Archuleta represents California’s 30th Senate District and serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. Among the measures is SB 296, which expands the property tax exemption available to qualifying disabled veterans for a fiveyear period. Veterans qualifying for the basic exemption would receive a 50% exemption on the first $1 million in property value, while qualifying low-income disabled veterans would receive a full exemption on the first $1 million. “California has made history in support of our disabled veterans,” Archuleta said. “SB 296 provides much needed stability and support for those who have sacrificed so much for our state and nation.” Veterans are also the focus of SB 694, which targets deceptive and predatory practices involving businesses and individuals charging veterans for assistance obtaining benefits. Attorney Gen-

eral Rob Bonta said the legislation is designed to deter what he called “claim sharks” from exploiting veterans seeking assistance with benefits claims. Another measure, SB 907, strengthens state law involving repeat impaired drivers and hit-andrun cases. The legislation creates mandatory sentences in certain hitand-run injury or death cases when a defendant has specified prior convictions within the previous 10 years, including DUI or vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. It also expands application of the Watson advisement. For Archuleta, the issue is personal. His granddaughter Samantha was killed by a repeat drunk driver. “Having lost my granddaughter to a repeat drunk driver, this is personal,” Archuleta said. “No family should have to endure what mine has.” Rail and pipeline safety are addressed by two additional bills. SB 667 requires the California Public Utilities Commission to evaluate hazardous railroad sites by July 1, 2029, and determine whether changing operations, conditions or safety data warrant modifications to the state’s list. SB 804 establishes the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, creating a regulatory framework for pipelines transporting hydrogen. Archuleta

[ See BILLS, page 15 ]

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Kaiser Permanente Downey Awards Grant to Cerritos College Foundation Goodwill Opening New La

Mirada Store on Imperial Hwy.

KAISER SUPPORTS STUDENTS Cerritos College President/Superintendent Dr. Jose Fierro, center, joins representatives from Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center and Cerritos College as Kaiser presents a $20,000 grant to the Cerritos College Foundation. The funding will support Falcon’s Nest, the college’s basic needs program, providing housing assistance, gas cards and utility assistance to students facing financial hardship. LCCN Staff Report Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center recently awarded a $20,000 grant to the Cerritos College Foundation to help Cerritos College students overcome barriers that can stand in the way of completing their education. The grant will support Falcon’s Nest, Cerritos College’s basic needs program, by helping students facing financial hardship meet essential needs that can affect their ability to stay in school. Funding will provide housing assistance, gas cards and utility assistance for students experiencing economic challenges. The assistance is aimed at addressing basic needs that, when unmet, can negatively affect students’ health, well-being and ability to complete their

education. “Education plays a critical role in long-term health and economic opportunity,” said Mitch Winnik, senior vice president and area manager at Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center. “By supporting students as they work toward their academic goals, we are investing in stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.” “We are deeply thankful to Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center for its commitment to our students,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent of Cerritos College. “This grant will help students facing some of life’s toughest financial challenges remain focused on their education and their future. Support like this sends a powerful message that our community believes in their success.”

Goodwill Southern California is preparing to open a new retail store and donation center in La Mirada, taking over the former Rite Aid location at 15800 Imperial Highway. Goodwill signage has been installed at the shopping center at Imperial Highway and Santa Gertrudes Avenue, although an official grand opening date has not yet been announced. The new location replaces Goodwill’s former La Mirada store at 14535 Telegraph Road, giving the nonprofit a considerably more visible location along the city’s busy Imperial Highway commercial corridor. The store will sell donated clothing, shoes, household goods, books and other merchandise while also accepting donations from the community. The La Mirada location joins several Goodwill thrift stores serving communities in southeast Los Angeles County, including stores at 10745 South St. in Cerritos, 12827 Pioneer Blvd. in Norwalk, 9131 Imperial Highway in Downey and 15214 Whittier Blvd. in Whittier. Goodwill Southern California operates

Cerritos Tees Up ‘Tees & Tacos’ Golf Tournament The City of Cerritos will host its Tees & Tacos nine-hole individual golf tournament Friday, Oct. 23, at the Cerritos IronWood Nine Golf Course, 16449 Piuma Avenue. The tournament runs from 8:30 a.m.

retail stores and donation centers throughout Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Revenue from donated merchandise helps support the nonprofit’s employment programs, including job training, work experience and placement services for people facing barriers to employment. In addition to providing another place for residents to donate unwanted items, the new store will return a large retail space to active use following Rite Aid’s departure. The Imperial Highway shopping center includes several other businesses and sits near one of La Mirada’s heavily traveled commercial intersections. The new La Mirada store will also have some immediate thrift-store competition. Savers operates directly across Imperial Highway at 15825 Imperial Highway. The two stores will give bargain hunters and thrift shoppers competing options within a short walk of each other, while providing residents with additional outlets for donating clothing and household items that might otherwise be discarded. Goodwill has not yet announced operating hours or a specific opening date for the new La Mirada location. I added roughly 70 words rather than padding it awkwardly to exactly 50; both additions fit the story and location.

to 1 p.m., with tee times beginning at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. The entry fee is $45 for participants ages 14 and older and includes complimentary use of the driving range and lunch. Golfers will compete for prizes awarded to the first-, second- and thirdplace finishers based on the lowest scores. Food truck service and refreshments will also be available. For more information, call the Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course at (562) 916-8400.

Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026 3

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Hahn Helps Launch Campaign to Help Residents KeepMedi-Cal By Brian Hews L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn joined health care providers, community organizations and local leaders in Lynwood to launch a countywide campaign aimed at helping residents retain their Medi-Cal coverage as major federal eligibility changes approach. The “Keep L.A. Covered” campaign will use hospitals, community clinics, physicians, health plans, faith leaders and others to reach Medi-Cal recipients before new requirements begin taking effect in 2027. “Federal changes are coming to Medi-Cal and they mean more hoops to jump through just for people to keep their coverage,” Hahn told Los Cerritos Com-

SUPERVISOR Janice Hahn speaks at the launch of the Keep L.A. Covered campaign.

munity News. “We want to lift people through those hoops. We don’t want anyone to have to navigate these changes alone or lose their healthcare just because they missed a deadline or didn’t understand some paperwork.” Hahn said she supports the coalition’s effort to reach families before the changes take effect and help residents understand what they need to do to keep coverage. Nearly 4 million L.A. County residents, about 41 percent of the population, rely on Medi-Cal for their health care, according to campaign organizers. More than 1 million county residents are expected to face at least one of several Medi-Cal changes being phased in through 2028. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, many adults ages 19 to 64 will face new work requirements and twice-yearly eligibility checks. The changes largely exempt parents of young children, older adults and people with disabilities. Coalition leaders said one of their biggest concerns is that eligible residents could lose coverage because of administrative problems rather than because they no longer qualify. A renewal notice could be sent to an old address, arrive in an unfamiliar form or simply go unanswered. Keep L.A. Covered is designed to address those problems through

HELPING RESIDENTS STAY COVERED: Members of the Keep L.A. Covered coalition will work directly with Medi-Cal recipients who have questions about upcoming eligibility changes and help them navigate new requirements, paperwork and renewal deadlines. The countywide campaign is training “Coverage Champions” to provide information and assistance through clinics, churches, schools and community organizations.

a network of trained “Coverage Champions,” including pastors, promotoras, health workers, educators, business owners and other community members. The Coverage Champions will distribute multilingual information through clinics, congregations, schools and community organizations where residents already receive services. Martha Santana-Chin, chief executive officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, said the coalition was created to prevent eligible residents from losing coverage because they failed to receive or respond to required notices. “For families who depend on Medi-Cal, one missed notice or one missed deadline can mean losing the coverage they depend on — not because they are no

longer eligible, but because no one reached them in time,” Santana-Chin said. “That is why we built this coalition.” Residents enrolled in Medi-Cal are being urged to make sure their addresses and contact information are current, watch their mail and respond to Medi-Cal notices arriving in yellow or white envelopes. State Sen. Lena Gonzalez said the campaign will provide residents with information and direct assistance as the changes take effect. “Keep L.A. Covered is a critical response to federal healthcare cuts and eligibility changes that are impacting our most vulnerable communities,” Gonzalez said. Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache said protecting Medi-Cal will require both action in Sacra-

mento and assistance for families navigating the changes. “Protecting Medi-Cal means both standing up for it in Sacramento and making sure families have the support they need to stay covered at home,” Solache said. The coalition also includes the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, the Hospital Association of Southern California, the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and the Los Angeles County Medical Association. Residents and organizations can also become Coverage Champions and help neighbors understand the new requirements and maintain their coverage. More information is available at keeplacovered.org

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ABCUSD Symposium Helps Families Navigate Student Screen Time

Letter to the Editor Re: Anti-Muslim Tirade at ABCUSD

ABCUSD Director of Information & Technology, Mr. Mike Lawrence, welcomes attendees to the Navigating Student Screen Time Parent Symposium held at Whitney High School on September 9th. Courtesy ABCUSD.

ABCUSD News Service Screens are a part of everyday life. From phones and computers to televisions and tablets, children are growing up in an increasingly connected world. For families and schools, the challenge is not simply limiting screen time, but helping students use technology in healthy, meaningful ways. That was the theme of the Navigating Student Screen Time Parent Symposium, held Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Whitney High School. Organized by ABC Adult School and the ABC Unified School District Information & Technology Department, the event brought together families, students, educators and experts for an evening focused on technology use at home and at school. Families from across ABCUSD attended to learn practical strategies for managing technology at home and to hear how the District approaches technology use in the classroom. ABCUSD Director of Information & Technology Mike Lawrence opened the evening by introducing the idea that not all screen time is created equal. He encouraged families to think about screen value, looking not only at how much time children spend on devices, but also at what they are doing with that time. “Not all screen time is created equal,” Lawrence said. “There is a distinct difference between endlessly scrolling and using technology to research a topic, solve a problem, create something new, or engage in learning. We want families to think about not only screen time, but the value they are getting from that time.” ABCUSD Superintendent Dr. Gina Zietlow shared insights from Growing Up in Public by Devorah Heitner, PhD, which explores the challenges children

face growing up in a world shaped by social media and constant connectivity. “Technology plays an important role in how students learn, communicate, and experience the world, so our goal cannot be to simply put their devices away,” Zietlow said. “As parents and educators, we need to stay curious, ask questions, and have conversations with our children about their use of technology and how it’s impacting their lives.” One of the highlights of the evening was a panel of ABCUSD students ranging from sixth grade through high school who shared their own experiences with technology at home and at school. Students discussed how technology supports their learning and connects them with others, as well as the steps they take to limit activities such as scrolling through social media. Their perspectives gave families a firsthand look at both the benefits and challenges of growing up in a digital world. The evening concluded with author, speaker and former school administrator Kunal Dalal, who provided families with practical strategies for shifting time away from screens and toward other hands-on activities. Dalal even brought along his mandolin, which he is learning to play, to demonstrate how people can find ways to use their hands to create, build, play and explore instead of simply swiping on a screen. Families left the symposium with strategies they can use at home and a broader way to think about technology. The evening’s message was clear: the conversation should not focus only on screen time, but also on screen value and whether children are using technology to learn, create, connect and solve problems.

Dear Editor, In the past seven weeks, two different public speakers at the ABC School Board meeting spewed out pure hate during public comments. In early August, an Islamophobe delivered a rambling rant about how Muslims are taking over the world, and earlier this week an antisemite delivered an equally rambling rant about his hatred of Jews. Whereas the Islamophobe didn’t mention any individual by name, the antisemite singled out one individual for their hate. The target of their hate was me, because I am currently a ABCUSD candidate. While it goes without saying that I oppose hatred of Muslims just as much as I oppose hatred of Jews, I would like to respond to the ramblings of the antisemite, since he singled me out in specific. In addition to naming me, there was another big difference between the Islamophobe and the antisemite. The Islamophobe was open about his Islamophobia. The antisemite tried to obfuscate and obscure his antisemitism by calling himself an “anti-Zionist, not antisemitic” because Judaism and Zionism are two different things. Although it is true that Zionism is not the same as Judaism, the two are highly correlated. Zionism is the movement to rebuild the Jewish homeland in the Land of Israel, or as it is known in the Bible, the Land of Zion. Every week, before reading from the Torah, Jews recite a prayer that translates into English as “The Torah comes from Zion, and God’s word comes out of Jerusalem”. The antisemite tried to argue that because there are anti-Zionist Jews, he can legitimately claim that he is an anti-Zionist, not an antisemite. Nothing could be further from the truth. While there is indeed a small minority of Jews who oppose the current implementation of Zionism, their opposition to Zionism is not because they don’t believe that the Land of Zion is the Jewish homeland. Their opposition is because they believe that the conditions for rebuilding the Jewish homeland have not yet been met. This school of thought is the fringe of the fringe of Judaism, and to present it as if it’s mainstream Judaism is antisemitism in and of itself. It would be the equivalent of presenting the ideology of the Westboro Baptist Church as mainstream Christianity. Nathan Sharansky, a former refusenik (a term used to label Jews in the Former Soviet Union who were denied exit visas) created what he called “The three Ds of antisemitism” to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel (which is not antisemitic) and antisemitism. The three Ds are: Demonization, Delegitimization, and Double standard. There is no doubt that the antisemitic public speaker at the ABC School Board failed the test on all three grounds. I would like to take this opportunity to say that I am a big critic of the current Government of Israel led by Prime Minister Netanyahu. I believe Netanyahyu is doing a lot of damage to the State of Israel and the Jewish People. But in contrast to the antisemite, I don’t think that Netanyahu’s horrible policies are reasons to annihilate the State of Israel, which would mean the extermination of the 7.6 million Jews who currently live there, a crime which would be bigger than Hitler’s crime, since Hitler “only” murdered 6 million Jews. It’s important to note that the antisemite said that what he thinks is legitimate criticism of me should not be interpreted as an endorsement of my opponent, and he has issues with my opponent (which he did not go into). So why did he deliver his rant, if not because he is an antisemite and he hates me because I am Jewish? Finally, the antisemite uses both the given names Joe and Joy. Therefore, I am not 100% certain about their pronoun. They use the name Joe more often than Joy, so I presume that their correct pronoun is he. If I used the incorrect pronoun, please accept my apologies. Al Barlevy, PhD. Cerritos

Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026 5

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Artesia Cemetery Welcomes Community During Annual Open House

Los Cerritos Center Food Court Restaurant Closed for Sewage, Vermin Violations LCCN Staff Report

WELCOME: Pictured from left are Miss Artesia; Trustee Suzanne Romero; Trustee Mike Wada; Board Chair Mike Laughlin; Trustee Arturo Sanchez Jr.; ABC Unified School District Board Clerk Letty Mendoza; and Artesia Cemetery District General Manager Tony Mendoza.

LCCN Staff Report The Artesia Cemetery District welcomed residents to its annual Open House on Saturday, Sept. 26, giving visitors an opportunity to tour the cemetery grounds and learn about the services and memorial options available to local families. Many residents stopped by during the two-hour event to get information about the cemetery’s services, with many visiting the cemetery for the first time. Representatives from local mortuaries also participated and were available to answer questions. Guests enjoyed complimentary food and refreshments along with free raffle prizes. Visitors learned about several of the cemetery’s features, including its ossuary, Monolith Rock, niche wall and Rose

Garden. Cemetery representatives were also on hand throughout the event to explain the different memorial options and answer questions from residents about the grounds and services available to families. The Open House also provided an opportunity for community members and local officials to meet cemetery district representatives and learn more about the district’s role in serving Artesia, Cerritos and surrounding communities. The Artesia Cemetery, located at 11142 Artesia Blvd. in Cerritos, has served the surrounding community for generations. The annual Open House gives residents an informal opportunity to explore the grounds, meet cemetery representatives and learn about available services.

A restaurant inside the Los Cerritos Center food court was shut down for four days after Los Angeles County health inspectors found major violations involving sewage and vermin during a routine inspection. Ruby Thai Kitchen, at 139 Los Cerritos Mall, was closed Sept. 10 after receiving a score of 72 and a C grade. The inspection found eight violations, including two classified as major violations involving sewage and wastewater disposal and the presence of insects, rodents, birds or animals. Each of the two major violations carried an 11-point deduction. Inspectors also cited the restaurant for improper hot and cold holding temperatures and violations involving cleanliness, equipment and utensils, wiping cloths, and floors, walls and ceilings. The restaurant was cleared to reopen Sept. 14. Los Angeles County’s online inspection information does not identify the type of vermin involved or provide details about the sewage or wastewater problem. The records also do not indicate that other restaurants in the Los Cerritos Center food court were affected. The closure was among numerous restaurant shutdowns recorded across Los Angeles and Orange counties during September, with rodents, cockroaches, sewage problems and inadequate sanitation among the most common reasons. Cerritos Ruby Thai Kitchen, 139 Los Cerritos Mall #FC-25, was closed Sept. 10 for sewage discharge and vermin infestation and reopened Sept. 14. County inspection

records show the restaurant received a 72/C. Paramount Waba Grill, 15754 Paramount Blvd. #B, was closed Sept. 17 for vermin infestation and reopened Sept. 18. Abe’s Donuts, 7528 Rosecrans Ave. Suite A, was closed Sept. 9 after inspectors cited vermin infestation, sewage discharge and an inspection score below 70. It reopened Sept. 11. It’s Boba Time, 16280 Paramount Blvd. Unit C, was closed Sept. 8 for vermin infestation and reopened Sept. 12. El Tapatio Restaurant & Grill, 7528 Rosecrans Ave. Suite B, was closed Sept. 3 for vermin infestation and reopened Sept. 9. Norwalk 88 King Chinese Food & Donut, 16441 Pioneer Blvd. #A, was closed Sept. 2 for vermin infestation and reopened Sept. 8. Bellflower Pita & Basil, 14303 Bellflower Blvd., was closed Sept. 2 because of a sewage discharge and reopened the following day. Montebello Subway #45792, 2246 W. Beverly Blvd., was closed Sept. 4 for vermin infestation and reopened Sept. 8. South Gate La Chiva Loca Express Downey Inc., 4322 Firestone Blvd., was closed Sept. 15 for vermin infestation. The county data reviewed by LCCN did not list a reopening date. South Gate Ocean Park Aerie, 8100 Otis St., was closed Sept. 15 for vermin infestation and reopened Sept. 18.

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6 | Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026

ZAMORA

Continued from Page 1

additional documentation surrounding Tuesday night’s action. Under Santa Fe Springs’ form of government, voters elect five councilmembers at large, and the council selects one of its members to serve as mayor and another as mayor pro tem. The mayor presides over council meetings but remains one of five elected councilmembers. The 4-1 vote removes Zamora from the mayor’s position; it does not remove him from his elected seat on the City Council. The shakeup comes at a particularly turbulent time at City Hall. Santa Fe Springs is in the process of creating its own municipal police department and ending its longstanding policing arrangement with the Whittier Police Department. Earlier this year, Zamora publicly championed the appointment of the city’s first police chief, calling creation of the department a historic moment for Santa Fe Springs. The city is also embroiled in a dispute with Metropolitan Little League after revoking the organization’s access to city baseball fields. The league has disputed the city’s allegations and its president, Odalys Valladares, who is running for City Council, has alleged political retaliation.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY. Board Meetings Covered. Budgets Examined. Questions Asked. Los Cerritos Community News

City officials have denied that politics played a role in the decision. Zamora Has Faced Controversy Before Tuesday’s removal is not the first time Zamora has faced serious controversy while serving on the Santa Fe Springs City Council. In a September 2020 exclusive, Los Cerritos Community News reported the findings of a 90-page independent investigation conducted by the Cerritos-based law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo into allegations involving Zamora and Santa Fe Springs Fire Department Engineer Pat Carrillo and Carrillo’s minor son. The investigation stemmed from incidents at the Blazing Tees Charity Golf Tournament in Whittier. Investigators interviewed Carrillo, Zamora and 15 other people. The investigator concluded that it was “more likely than not” that Zamora made a series of inappropriate and unprofessional comments during the event. Zamora denied the allegations and characterized the matter as a “witch hunt.” The investigation also examined testimony concerning comments Zamora allegedly made involving then-City Manager Ray Cruz and then-Councilwoman Juanita Trujillo. Ultimately, the investigator concluded that Zamora violated the city’s Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials as well as its Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation policy. Because Zamora was an elected official, the report noted that decisions concerning what action to take rested with the City Council. Campaigns& Elections Six years later, four of Zamora’s council colleagues have now taken the extraordinary step of removing him from the mayor’s position.

Cerritos Takes Center Stage with Inaugural ‘Heritage & Harmony’ FAHM Celebration By Ellen Rodriguez-Swing CERRITOS, Calif. — October 2026 — Filipino American History Month will take center stage on Saturday, October 10, as Cerritos presents its inaugural “Heritage & Harmony” concert at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) — a landmark celebration of Filipino talent, achievement, culture and bayanihan. The event is produced and directed by Ted Benito, a respected Filipino American arts and cultural producer known for bringing major community celebrations, live entertainment and Filipino cultural programming to Southern California audiences. Heritage & Harmony is presented in partnership with community organizations Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Cerritos and Gateway Cities (FAC3) and Our Community Foundation. Headlined by Sofronio Vasquez, winner of Season 26 of The Voice, the evening will feature an outstanding roster of Filipino and Filipino American artists, including acclaimed musical director Troy Laureta, Janice Javier, Garth Garcia, Tina Braganza, Lucy Acuna, Sheer Element and Chris Chatman. More than a concert, Heritage & Harmony will recognize Filipino Americans making an impact in entertainment, business, public service, philanthropy and the community. Guests are also encouraged to celebrate in style by wearing Filipiniana or Filipino-inspired attire, although it is completely optional. As the first celebration of its kind

at CCPA, the event also provides an opportunity to bring greater visibility to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts as a premier destination for Filipino American audiences and major cultural programming in Southern California. “It is especially meaningful that this inaugural concert for Mindanao is being held at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts as we celebrate Filipino American History Month,” said Cerritos Mayor Lynda Provido Johnson. “As Cerritos’ first Filipina mayor, I am honored to see our city’s large Filipino American community come together in the spirit of bayanihan to celebrate our culture and talent while showing compassion and support for our Kababayans in Mindanao.” The celebration starts at 6 p.m. with “Where Street Meets Culture,” featuring DJ Curse, DJ Woodstock and high-energy dance performances. A special preshow begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by the main concert at 8 p.m. The evening carries an even greater purpose, with proceeds supporting Mindanao earthquake rebuilding and recovery efforts. Be Part of Cerritos History This is more than a night at the theater — it is a chance to fill the CCPA with Filipino American pride, celebrate the people making an impact, support a meaningful cause and show the strength of bayanihan. Purchase tickets now through Ticketmaster or at ccpa.cerritos.gov. Saturday, October 10, 2026 Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos 6 p.m. Pre-Event | 7:30 p.m. Pre-Show | 8 p.m. Concert Come celebrate. Come support.

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Erupting in a standing ovation, South Coast Repertory’s whimsical and moving production brings new life to a classic Sondheim musical.

By Stepheny Gehrig

E

rupting in a standing ovation after the final scene, the South Coast Repertory’s opening of “Into the Woods” was beyond successful. Running from Sept. 12 to Oct. 18, “Into the Woods” is a cheeky comedic story that brings depth and courage to the stage. The performances of Michael Deni as the Prince, Mia Pinero as Cinderella and Chamblee Ferguson as the Narrator stand out throughout this show. Each of them lean into the comedic moments, however they are the essence of storybook characters on stage. Deni, Pinero and Ferguson collective-

ly bring the most fantasy to this show. Through the Prince’s exaggerated movements and snarky responses, the Deni definitely lightens the mood in times when it’s much needed. To counter his role as the Prince, Deni also takes on the role of the Wolf, crafting a sly and effortlessly cool character. “Agony” which is performed with Rpaunzel’s Prince, played by Cooper Lee Bennett, is the best performance of the show. Captivatingly, longingly, desperately, and confidently, these princes yearn for their princesses — Deni and Lee feed off of each other’s exaggerations and over-the-top attitudes in ways that only true princes could. Pinero, on the other hand, is a witty, charming, and bold Cinderella. With making her debut at the South Coast Repertory, Pin-

ero has left an impressive legacy as she has appeared on Broadway in “Sweeney Todd” and “West Side Story.” Pinero’s portrayal of Cinderella is nothing less than impressive, which is clear in her performance of “On the Steps of the Palace.” Pinero fully encapsulates the essence of royalty, with a sweet yet powerful voice and the ultimate ability to command the stage. The story’s Narrator, played by Ferguson, inserts himself in the story in very quirky and fun ways. From interrupting the story to engaging with the plot, Ferguson’s ability to bring light in the darkest of moments is ultimately captivating. On stage, Harley Truong, who plays Little Red Riding Hood and Lucinda, and Christian Tyler Dorey, who plays Jack, offer

great back-and-forth moments. From short bursts of arguments, especially in the second act’s “Your Fault.” While the song includes The Baker (Dylan Saunders), The Witch (Valerie Perri), Cinderella (Pinero), Truong and Dorey both stand out in this moment as they truly play into the child-like attitudes of their characters. Beyond the actors, the set design of “Into the Woods” is textually intriguing. From the on-stage scrap-fabric trees that drape down from the ceiling, to the wooden two dimensional cow, and the obscenely large carousel horse that serves as the prince’s steed, the setting and props take the audience into that far away fantasy land. Visit scr.org for more information and prices

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Sleep With the Ghosts: Queen Mary Opens Haunted Staterooms for Overnight Guests

Arts Colony of La Mirada Seeks Entries for Annual Juried Art Exhibition

By Brian Hews

LA MIRADA — The Arts Colony of La Mirada is inviting local and regional artists to submit their original works for “Mirrors of Your Mind 2026,” the organization’s annual juried art exhibition set for Nov. 16-20 at the La Mirada Activity Center. The exhibition is open to artists 18 and older working in watercolor, mixed media, oil, acrylic, pastel, photography and sculpture. Artists may submit an unlimited number of original works. Award-winning artist Kevin Davidson will judge this year’s exhibition, selecting first-, second- and third-place winners along with honorable mentions. First place will receive $350, second place $200 and third place $100. Artists may also offer their work for sale during the exhibition, with the Arts Colony retaining a 10% commission. Entry fees are $15 per artwork for Arts Colony members and $30 for non-members. Annual membership is $25. Artwork will be accepted Nov. 10 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition will run Nov. 16-20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by an awards reception Nov. 21 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Artwork may be picked up immediately following the reception. The Arts Colony of La Mirada has promoted art appreciation and creativity in the community since 1963. The La Mirada Activity Center is located at 13810 La Mirada Blvd. For complete entry requirements or additional information, contact Victoria Pflanzer at 562-7466180 or Richard Cano at 562-458-3857.

LONG BEACH — Apparently, touring a famously haunted ocean liner during daylight hours is no longer enough. The Queen Mary is inviting visitors to take the next logical step: spend the night with the ghosts. As the historic ship celebrates the 90th anniversary of its maiden voyage, the Queen Mary has introduced three immersive paranormal staterooms inspired by some of the supernatural legends that have followed the ocean liner for decades. Called Paranormal Passage, the experience includes Staterooms B326, B328 and B334 — conveniently located near the Queen Mary’s infamous B340, a room already well known among paranormal enthusiasts. Guests can choose among The Dressing Chamber, inspired by the ship’s legendary Lady in White; Jackie’s Room, based on stories associated with the former First-Class swimming pool; or The Officer’s Study, inspired by reports of uniformed figures wandering the ship’s passageways. In other words, you can now select your ghost before going to bed. “There’s an incredible fascination with the Queen Mary’s paranormal history and the stories that have become part of her lore,” Queen Mary General Manager Dylan Matteson said. “Our guests want to know more, explore more and get closer to those stories.” For those

LCCN Staff Report

PARANORMAL PASSAGE: The Queen Mary’s hotel corridor leads guests to three new immersive paranormal staterooms, B326, B328 and B334, inspired by the legendary Lady in White, Jackie and mysterious uniformed officers said to roam the ship. Guests can now spend the night surrounded by some of the liner’s enduring supernatural lore.

who prefer encountering spirits in a glass rather than standing beside their bed at 3 a.m., the Queen Mary is also introducing Spookeasy for guests 21 and older. The evening begins with stories from the ship’s haunted history and a spooky cocktail, followed by a short tour through some of the Queen Mary’s more intriguing spaces. Guests eventually arrive at the hidden N.o3 Speakeasy for crystal, tarot and palm readings, a meditative sound bath and additional cocktails. Because apparently after wandering through a haunted ocean liner, what everyone needs is a tarot reading. Food is getting the Halloween treatment as well. The Queen Mary Show Room becomes Grey Ghost Galley during Dark Harbor nights, offering a 90-minute allyou-can-eat buffet featuring sliced sirloin with red wine demi-glace, spicy sausage hoagies, buffalo tenders, sweet chili tofu, macaroni and cheese and a build-yourown nacho station. Halloween desserts include black cake with orange cream frosting and decorated cookies. Guests

who survive dinner can then investigate a homicide. Murder on the High Seas combines a three-course dinner with suspicious characters, clues and audience participation as diners attempt to solve a fictional murder aboard the ship. Even movie night isn’t safe. Movies on the Mary will screen Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” Sept. 28, “Beetlejuice” Oct. 12 and “The Shining” Oct. 19 in the ship’s private theater. The Queen Mary is also bringing back Dark Harbor on select nights through Nov. 1, with its mazes, monsters and maritime mayhem. And for anyone who somehow finishes all of that and still hasn’t seen a ghost, the ship’s year-round Graveyard Tour, Paranormal Ship Walk and Haunted Encounters will continue throughout the fall. The Queen Mary has spent decades trying to convince visitors that some of its passengers never checked out. Now, for the truly adventurous, they’re offering the room next door Visit queenmary.com/whatsondeck

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10 | Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026

OLYMPIC LEAGUE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Valley Christian extends league winning streak following sweep of Whittier Christian By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X The Valley Christian High girls volleyball team is streaking at the right time in ways that made the program prominent nearly 30 years ago. Since winning all 12 Olympic League matches of the 1998 season that saw the program go 33-0 and become USA Today National Champions, V.C. has won three league titles but still made the CIF-Southern Section playoffs every season since 2009. But following a 25-14, 25-19, 25-10 win over visiting Whittier Christian High last Thursday evening, the Defenders ended the first round of league action at 16-5 overall and have won 14 straight league matches, the program’s longest streak since 1998. The program’s last league loss was to Village Christian High on Oct. 3, 2024. It was also V.C.’s 10th straight win over the Heralds, 12th out of the last 13 and16th out of the last 19. Last season, the Defenders, with half a dozen seniors, finished 24-3, falling to Marina High in the first round of the Div. 2 playoffs. This season, head coach Stacy Brannon has 10 seniors on a team of 13, and the stakes are higher to advance farther in the postseason. “I feel like the two seasons are quite similar,” said Brannon. “The people on the court are very similar; we’ve added [senior middle blocker] Sydney [Ostermann], who has been a good addition to fill Jordan [Weston] and Aubrey’s [Ericks] spot. So, I think she has stepped in and has been doing a great job for

us. And then moving [senior] Annika [Visser] to libero is new too, and adding [freshman outside hitter] Scarlett [McGuyre] to the roster is a bonus too.” The Defenders raced to an 8-0 lead to begin the match as senior outside hitter Tessa Dobmeier pounded down three straight kills, followed by two kills from Ostermann and a trio of aces from senior setter Lucy Taylor. Dobmeier, who surpassed 1,000 kills for her high school career earlier in the season, totaled seven in the match while McGuyre had three. V.C. produced 14 kills and had five kills in the first set. “The funny thing was that’s not our normal starting [spots] because I wanted to change it up so that in [the CIF playoffs] if I saw a better matchup with whoever, I wanted to have Tessa match up with someone else, or something,” said Brannon. “I was like, ‘oh, this worked out pretty well’. That’s why I rotated four spots to have Lucy serve. That put Scarlett and Tessa in the front row together and Lucy has a really good serve.” Whittier Christian would make things interesting in the second set as there were five ties and four lead changes just in the first rotation alone, in which the Defenders held a slim 12-11 advantage. But senior middle blocker Brooklyn Warner’s third kill of the set was the beginning of 7-0 run for the hosts in which she contributed with a pair of aces. Again, it was the beginning of the second rotation that sealed the match in the third set as a kill from junior outside hitter Josie Huisman increased V.C.’s lead to 15-7 before senior outside hitter Jenna Van Kampen served nine straight points, including her only five aces of the match plus two more kills from Dobmeier. One surprise this season has been the play of McGuyre, the lone freshman on the team and a niece of Brannon, and one of just three varsity newcomers. She had eight kills in the match, half of Dobmeier’s total, making those two a lethal one-two punch for the

Photo by Steve Fericean VALLEY CHRISTIAN senior outside hitter Tessa Dobmeier is on the defensive attack as she denies Whittier Christian High’s Emma Ruiz of a potential scoring chance. Defenders as they have sights on repeating as league champions. “I’ve seen her grow up playing volleyball and I’ve watched her during club [volleyball],” said Brannon. “And so she’s doing a really good job for our team stepping in. Her and Tessa play for the same club, so that’s kind of fun that they knew each other. They’re not on the same [club] team because they’re three years apart. “I personally have her, Brooklyn and Tessa all apart from each other [on the court], so we’ve got a really good hitter at the net no matter what,” she added. “Half the time it’s two of them and half the time it’s the other one.” Even though they play different positions, Brannon went on to say that McGuyre has the potential to be just as good as Dobmeier for the next three seasons and will be one of only three returning players next season. Brannon continued by saying that McGuyre has ‘lots of potential to be a really good setter [and] opposite hitter’. “It’s just a unique combo,” said Bran-

non. “A lot of times, setters set all the way around or they just set back row. Having her as a threat in the front row will be great. I’m glad we have her in the system; we’re graduating 10 people. So I’m just stoked to have her and [junior setter] Taylor [Lyons] and Josie all coming back next year so that we’re not completely rebuilding next year.” Van Kampen and Warner each had five kills while Huismann and senior middle blocker Whitney McGuyre each added four kills as the Defenders collected 44 kills from seven players and 19 aces from six players. Dobmeier and Ostermann each added a block to their offensive production. The Defenders will host Maranatha High on Thursday before participating in the Redondo Varsity Power Classic on Friday and Saturday. After that, V.C. will have three regular season matches remaining, beginning with a road trip to Village Christian on Tuesday before the home finale on Thursday against Heritage Christian High.

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Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026 11

To advertise call 562-407-3873

WEEK FIVE FOOTBALL:

NEWS AND NOTES FROM PRESS ROW:

League play begins for area football teams with five teams boasting winning marks

John Glenn’s offense sputters against Alhambra in final non-league game

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

Five football games are already in the books; all seven area teams have had their byes and now league play begins with some interesting matchups. The leader of the pack will be a reunion of former Suburban League members as Cerritos High faces La Mirada High at Goodman Stadium in the HMGCommunity News Game of the Week. This is the first time the Dons and Matadores have faced each other since Sept. 29, 2017, which was a 56-7 La Mirada victory. It temporarily ended a stretch of seven straight meetings in which the Matadores outscored the Dons 389-22 with four shutouts. The last time Cerritos earned a victory in that series came in 2001, a 28-17 contest in which the Dons claimed a share of the league title. But that was then and this is now as the two are part of the six-team Gateway League, which on paper, is even stronger than the old Suburban League. Cerritos (1-4) has not played on the field since Sept. 11 because six days later, Contreras Learning Center forfeited the Dons homecoming contest. Even though the black and gold don’t have a win on the field, its last two games have been more productive than the first two, when they were outscored 49-10. Cerritos dropped a 50-28 decision

to Valley Christian High on Sept. 4 and put up 56 points the next week against Marina High in a 10-point setback. Junior quarterback Evan McDonald has passed for 787 yards on 46 completions with 10 touchdowns opposite five interceptions and has a quartet of receivers who are his main targets-seniors Terrence Grissom Jr. (22 receptions, 412 yards, three touchdowns), Sam Reeves (10 receptions, 165 yards, three touchdowns), Matthew McCoy (nine receptions, 271 yards, five touchdowns) and junior Roman Bateman (seven receptions, 79 yards). Reeves is also the leading rusher with 265 yards on 43 carries and the only touchdown the Dons have scored on the ground. Defensively, senior linebacker Uriah Archie leads everyone with 41 tackles, followed by Reeves, another linebacker See NOTES, Page 16

It wasn’t quite the ‘anything that could go wrong, did go wrong’ story when John Glenn High hosted Alhambra High last Friday in its homecoming game. But it was still the team’s worst performance this season, and it came following its bye. The Eagles, who were sporting a rare 4-0 start to the season, had the ball for 28:53 but barely got over 100 yards on 44 offensive plays and lost their top receiver, senior Kellen Huckelberry in the first quarter as the Moors posted a 33-0 victory.

GATEWAY LEAGUE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL:

Cerritos completes seasonseries sweep against Gahr, moves closer to league title By LorenKopff @LorenKopff on X Cerritos High’s David Cuthbert won’t talk about winning league titles that much, especially when a season isn’t completely done. Afterall, the Dons finished off a nearly flawless seven-year stint in the former 605 League, winning 68 of 70 league matches heading into this season. This past Tuesday, the 13-year head coach was looking to see if his squad can take another step in capturing first place in the revised Gateway League as Cerritos vis-

Glenn has scored six points in the past six quarters after leading Compton Early College 20-0 at the half back on Sept. 11. Since then, the team has been outscored 48-6 as the Rio Vista League begins on Friday. “Even though we were 4-0, we really haven’t been playing our best football, at least last week,” said Glenn head coach Dwon Drummer. “Last week we did not play well. So, having a bye week; having time to…I was able to go scout out Alhambra last week in their game versus Wilson. I knew that they’re fighters; they’re a good team and they have some tough players and some great athletes. I knew it was going to be a test for us. We just weren’t ready; we weren’t prepared. We’re not there yet. “Obviously we’ve done some good things, and we’ve made some strides in our program,” he continued. “But we’re still

See GLENN, Page 14 ited city rival Gahr High. On Sept. 10, the Dons broke a 1-1 tie by winning the next two sets in the opening match of the league. This time around, the black and gold lost a pair of set points in the beginning before losing, but bounced back to defeat the Gladiators 24-26, 25-16, 25-16, 25-10. “I know [this match] had its moments,” said Cuthbert. “In the first match, we had two sets decided by two points, including the 30-28 [third set]. But for sure, it’s always like that whenever we play each other; it’s going to be an intense game.” The first set did not disappoint in the level of intensity as there were 15 ties and five lead changes as neither team led by more than three points at any time. Gahr gained an early 6-3 advantage as sophomore libero Kylee Shaver served four straight points. The Gladiators (20-9 overall, 3-2 in league) held the lead until senior outside

See CERRITOS, Page 14

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12 | Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS RIO HONDO PARK RENOVATION AND SOCCER FIELD CIP NO. 50097 AND 21365 The City of Pico Rivera has determined that all bidders on the Rio Hondo Park Renovation and Soccer Field project must be pre-qualified prior to submitting a bid on the projects. Notice is hereby given that the City of Pico Rivera (“City”) is seeking a Statement of Qualifications (“SOQ”) from qualified General Contractors for the Rio Hondo Park Renovation and Soccer Field Project (“Project”). Pre-qualified General Contractors will be asked to submit bids on the Project through a subsequent bid solicitation. Additionally, each perspective bidder shall include pre-qualification information for their synthetic turf specialty subcontractor. Only pre-qualified Class “A” License contractors and the pre-qualified synthetic turf subcontractors will be allowed to bid/be listed. In order to be eligible to submit a bid on the Project, all prospective contractors must fully complete the Statement of Qualifications, provide all materials requested, and be approved by the City to be on the final qualified bidders list. Only contractors pre-qualified through this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) will be eligible to submit a bid on the Project. The last date to submit a fully completed questionnaire is October 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST. For more information visit PlanetBids at: https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/41481/portal-home). Answers to questions contained in the SOQ, information about current bonding capacity, notarized statement from surety, and the most recent reviewed or audited financial statements, with accompanying notes and supplemental information, are required. The City will use these documents as the basis of rating Contractors in respect to the size and scope of contracts upon which each Contractor is qualified to bid. The City reserves the right to check other sources available. City staff shall decide based on objective evaluation criteria. Rio Hondo Park Renovation and Soccer Field pre-qualification application should be submitted under seal and marked “CONFIDENTIAL – STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR PICO RIVERA RIO HONDO PARK RENOVATION AND SOCCER FIELD PROJECT” by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 to Public Works Department, City of Pico Rivera, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660; Attn: Nadia Carrasco. The SOQ (questionnaire answers and financial statements) submitted by Contractors are not public records and are not open to public inspection. Each questionnaire must be signed under penalty of perjury in the manner designated at the end of the form, by an individual who has the legal authority to bind the Contractor on whose behalf that person is signing. If any information provided by a Contractor becomes inaccurate, the Contractor must immediately notify the city and provide updated accurate information in writing, under penalty of perjury. The City reserves the right to waive minor irregularities and omissions in the information contained in the SOQ submitted, to make all final determinations, and to determine at any time that the pre-qualification procedures will not be applied to a specific future public works project. The City may refuse to grant pre-qualification where the requested information and materials are not provided. There is no appeal from a refusal for an incomplete or late application. The closing time for applications will not be changed to accommodate supplementation of incomplete submissions, or late submissions.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DANIEL THOMAS ROMO Case No. 24STPB12137 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of DANIEL THOMAS ROMO A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Katherine Marie Romo in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Katherine Marie Romo be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held on Oct. 16, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 240 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: HAROUN R NABHAN ESQ SBN272273 NABHAN LAW 500 MOUND AVE SOUTH PASADENA CA 91030 CN130530 ROMO Sep 25, Oct 2,9, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF BELLFLOWER ORDINANCE NO.1461 AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 3.30.140 TO THE BELLFLOWER MUNICIPAL CODE DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR SUBCONTRACTOR SUBSTITUTIONS ON PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS Pursuant to Government Code Section 36933(b), Ordinance No. 1461 is summarized as follows: Ordinance 1461 would add Section 3.30.140 to the Bellflower Municipal Code delegating authority for subcontractor substitutions on public works contracts. Ordinance No. 1461 had its first reading on September 14, 2026, its second reading on September 28, 2026, and was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council of the City of Bellflower at its Regular Meeting of September 28, 2026, by the following vote to wit: AYES: Council Members –Morse, Sanchez, Dunton, Koops, and Mayor Santa Ines Effective Date: October 28, 2026. For a copy of Ordinance No. 1461, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (562) 804 1424.

KEY RFQ DATES (Subject to change at discretion of City): Issue Date: Question Due Date: RFQ Due Date:

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Friday, October 9, 2026 at 2:00pm Tuesday, October 20,2026 at 2:00pm

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 9/25/26and 10/2/26 NOTICE TO VOTERS OF DATE AFTER WHICH NO ARGUMENTS FOR OR AGAINST CITY MEASURES MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK/ELECTIONS OFFICIAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Cerritos on Tuesday, March 2, 2027, at which there will be submitted to the voters the following Measure:

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of California, the legislative body of the City, or any member or members thereof authorized by the body, or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens, or any combination of voters and associations, may file a written argument, not to exceed 300 words in length, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument, for or against the City measures. PLEASE NOTE: All authors of the written argument must print his/her name and sign the argument itself and print his/her name and sign the “Declaration to be filed by authors of arguments” available by request free-of-charge in the Office of the City Clerk/Elections Official by visiting the Office at City Hall or by request sent via email to election2027@cerritos.gov. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, based upon the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print the arguments and Voter Information Guide for the election, the City Clerk/Elections Official has fixed 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2026, as the date after which no arguments for or against the City measures may be submitted to the City Clerk/Elections Official for printing and distribution to the voters as provided in Article 4. Arguments shall be submitted to the City Clerk/Elections Official, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument, at the Office of the Cerritos City Clerk/Elections Official, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, 1st Floor, City Hall, Cerritos, California. Arguments may be changed or withdrawn until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk/Elections Official, which is 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2026. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council had determined that rebuttal arguments, not to exceed 250 words in length, as submitted by the authors of the opposing direct arguments, may be filed with the clerk, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument, not later than 5:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2026. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any ordinance, impartial analysis, or direct (primary) argument filed under the authority of the elections code will be available for public examination in the City Clerk/Elections Official’s Office for not less than 10 calendar days from the deadline for the filing of the arguments and analysis(es). /s/Cynthia Nava, City Clerk/Elections Official Published at Los Cerritos Community News 10/2/26

LOCAL CRIME. COVERED.

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Approved as submitted above: Karl H. Berger, City Attorney ATTEST: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk Published at Los Cerritos Community News 10/2/26 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No. 26-01734-VC-CA Title No. 260290548-CA-VOI A.P.N. 8034-026-067 ATTENTION RECORDER: THE FOLLOWING REFERENCE TO AN ATTACHED SUMMARY IS APPLICABLE TO THE NOTICE PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR ONLY PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE 2923.3 NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 08/08/2025. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check(s) drawn on a state or national bank must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state; will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made in an “as is” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Stephanie A Nava, a single woman Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 08/21/2025 as Instrument No. 20250570393 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Los Angeles County, California. Date of Sale:: 12/10/2026 at 9:00 AM Place of Sale: Vineyard Ballroom of the Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles-Norwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $1,223,589.59 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 15757 Creswick Drive, La Mirada, CA 90638 A.P.N.: 8034-026-067 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 800-280-2832 or visit this internet website www.ndscorp.com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 26-01734-VC-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT*: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” you may be able to purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 888-264-4010, or visit this internet website www.ndscorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 26-01734-VC-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE: To the extent that the sale is subject to Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (31 C.F.R. Part 1031), purchaser agrees to provide all required information and further agrees to reimburse trustee for any costs, expenses or fees incurred as a result of the collection of such information *Pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code, the potential rights described herein shall apply only to public auctions taking place on or after January 1, 2021, through December 31,2025, unless later extended. Date: 09/21/2026 National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tiffany and Bosco, P.A., its agent, 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line 800-280-2832; Sales Website: www.ndscorp. com Connie Hernandez, Trustee Sales Representative A-4887935 10/02/2026, 10/09/2026, 10/16/2026

Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026 13

To advertise call 562-407-3873 NOTICE INVITING BIDS FOR ARTESIA RESTROOM RENOVATION PROJECT Bid Number: 2026-009 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Artesia, California (“City”) invites sealed Bids for the Project. The City will receive such Bids at the City Clerk’s office, City Hall, 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, California 90701 up to 3:00 p.m., October 26, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. SCOPE OF WORK. The Project includes, without limitation, furnishing all necessary labor, materials, equipment and other incidental and appurtenant Work necessary to satisfactorily complete the Project, as more specifically described in the Contract Documents. This Work will be performed in strict conformance with the Contract Documents, permits from regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, and applicable regulations. The quantity of Work to be performed and materials to be furnished are approximations only, being given as a basis for the comparison of Bids. Actual quantities of Work to be performed may vary at the discretion of the City Engineer. OBTAINING BID DOCUMENTS. Bidders may obtain free copies of the Plans, Specifications and other Contract Documents online by visiting: https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/90855/bo/bo-detail/146349 MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING AND SITE VISIT. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit will be on September 30, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. at the Albert O. Little Community Center- 18750 Clarkdale Ave. in Artesia, CA 90701. Every Bidder is required to attend the pre-bid meeting and project site visit. Failure of a Bidder to attend will render that Bidder’s Bid non-responsive. No allowances for cost adjustments will be made if a Bidder fails to adequately examine the Project site before submitting a Bid. Prequalification. The City will only accept Bids from Bidders who have been prequalified for the Project. Any Bid received from a Bidder who has not been prequalified for the Project will be returned unopened. Please contact Edith Guerra at (562) 865-6262, Extension 347, or by email at eguerra@cityofartesia.us prior to bid submission in order to prequalify for the Project. REGISTRATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. In accordance with Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, no contractor or subcontractor shall be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions for bid purposes only under Labor Code Section 1771.1(a)]. PREVAILING WAGES. In accordance with Labor Code Section 1770 et seq., the Project is a “public work.” The successful Bidder (“Contractor”) and any Subcontractors shall pay wages in accordance with the determination of the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) regarding the prevailing rate of per diem wages. Copies of those rates are on file with the Director of Public Works and are available to any interested party upon request. The Contractor shall post a copy of the DIR’s determination of the prevailing rate of per diem wages at each job site. This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR. BONDS. Each Bid must be accompanied by a cash deposit, cashier’s check, certified check or Bidder’s Bond issued by a Surety insurer, made payable to the City and in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total Bid submitted. Personal or company checks are not acceptable. Upon Contract award, the Contractor shall provide faithful performance and payment Bonds, each in a sum equal to the Contract Price. All Bonds must be issued by a California admitted Surety insurer using the forms set forth in the Contract Documents, or in any other form approved by the City Attorney. Failure to enter into the Contract with the City, including the submission of all required Bonds and insurance coverages, within fifteen (15) Days after the date of the mailing of written notice of contract award to the Bidder, shall subject the Bid security to forfeiture to the extent provided by law.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ANDREW GUERRERO CASE NO. 26STPB10097 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ANDREW GUERRERO. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ARTHUR GUERRERO in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ARTHUR GUERRERO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 10/07/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 614 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 JOHN LEWIS, ESQ. - SBN 216119 THE LAW OFFICE OF LEWIS & LEWIS, APC 14241 E. FIRESTONE BLVD., STE. 400 LA MIRADA CA 90638 Telephone (562) 293-4073 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/26 CNS-4077248# LA MIRADA LAMPLIGHTER

NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY Notice is given that pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial Code, Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607, that Mission Hills Self Storage 15241 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills, CA 91345 intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a Lien imposed on said property. The undersigned will be sold at public auction conducted on www.storagetreasures.com (bond #63747122) ending on or after Tuesday OCTOBER 13th, 2026, at 9:00AM. NAME UNIT BERTHA PATRICIA MENDOZA COBARRUBIAS JORGE OCHOA PAULA ANDREA PINO HOLGUIN

This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 21700 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. Storage Treasures’ Principal Auctioneer and Auctioneer on Record: Auctioneer License Numbers for Christopher Paul Rosa-California 3112562 Sales subject to prior cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and obligated party. Publication at LCCN 09/25/26 & 10/02/26

LICENSES. Each Bidder shall possess a valid Class A or Class B Contractor’s license issued by the California State Contractors License Board at the time of the Bid submission. The successful Contractor must also possess or obtain a current City business license. RETENTION SUBSTITUTION. Five percent (5%) of any progress payment will be withheld as retention. In accordance with Public Contract Code Section 22300, and at the request and expense of the Contractor, securities equivalent to the amount withheld may be deposited with the City or with a State or federally chartered bank as escrow agent, which shall then pay such moneys to the Contractor. Upon satisfactory completion of the Project, the securities shall be returned to the Contractor. Alternatively, the Contractor may request that the City make payments of earned retentions directly to an escrow agent at the Contractor’s expense. No such substitutions shall be accepted until all related documents are approved by the City Attorney. BIDDING PROCESS. The City reserves the right to reject any Bid or all Bids, and to waive any irregularities or informalities in any Bid or in the bidding, as deemed to be in its best interest. [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS] BIDDING PROCESS Bidders must satisfy themselves by personal examination of location of the proposed work and by such other means as they may prefer as to the actual conditions and requirements of the work and shall not at any time after submission of the bid dispute, complain, or assert that there was any misunderstanding in regard to the nature or amount of work to be done. The City reserves the right to reject any Bid or all Bids, and to waive any irregularities or informalities in any Bid or in the bidding, as deemed to be in its best interest. Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 9/25/26and 10/2/26 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File Number 2026187406 THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: LEAD HORIZON MARKETING 17343 CITRONIA ST., NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Registered Owner: VALERIE BENDERSKY, 17343 CITRONIA ST., NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325. This business is conducted by an INDIVIDUAL. The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). /S/ VALERIE BENDERSKY, OWNER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on 9/1/26. In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. Effective January 1, 2014, the Fictitious Business Name Statement must be accompanied by the affidavit of identity form. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or Common Law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). LCCN 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25/26

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14 | Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026

CERRITOS

GLENN

MEASURE L

hitter Ceana Merino began the second serving rotation with three straight points, two of which came off two of her three aces in the set. After trailing 17-14 and 18-15 moments after the aces from Merino, the Dons took the lead again as junior libero Chloe Gomez served three straight aces, then Merino had an ace followed by a kill from junior outside hitter Ally Veron for a 24-21 lead. But Gahr junior setter Sykoya Molina had a kill, then served the remainder of the set as she had her second and third ace of the set and junior outside hitter Violet Hackworth had her fourth and fifth kills to that point. “We talked about it afterwards; they were waiting for the set to be over instead of making a really proactive play [to] go after winning it,” said Cuthbert of his team. “That’s what we talked about; we feel we should have won that set. But Gahr did a great job coming back. But it gave us a lot of confidence going into the rest of the game knowing that we were pretty subpar and still should have won that set.” Junior setter Kylie Cruz began the second set with four straight aces, and the Dons would not relinquish the lead the remainder of the set as the Gladiators could not put together more than three straight points at any time. Merino amped up her game with half a dozen kills in the set and Cerritos (21-3, 5-0) had 10 more aces. It was more of the same in the third set as Merino added two more aces and a kill as Cerritos gained an early 4-1 advantage. But Hackworth’s 10th kill tied the score at 4-4 before Veron’s kill helped freshman outside hitter Tara Namiranian serve six straight points as she added three straight kills to her total while the lone freshman on the team had a pair of aces. Namiranian ended the set with three straight points including another ace. “Every time [Tara] served, we picked up points,” said Cuthbert. “As a freshman, she’s one of our best servers. I’ll tell you what, as a former player who played a lot of that role, it is a high-pressure situation to come in and just serve because you miss a service, it’s a bad set. If you have a good serve, you had a good set, and it’s not like another player; you get multiple opportunities.” Despite the four-set loss, Gahr had three more kills (43-40) and was led by Hackworth’s 17. Molina was next on her team with nine kills while Shaver had five of her team’s 14 aces. Senior right side hitter Raeana Sousa and freshman outside hitter Kenzie Vikchai each added five kills. Merino led the Dons with 10 kills and seven aces while senior middle blocker Kaylin Cho, who is not a fulltime starter, junior opposite hitter Leah Hidalgo and sophomore middle blocker Peyton Hoyer all had six kills. Junior middle blocker Miranda Martinez led the team with four and a half blocks, followed by three from Veron, two from Hoyer and a half from Cho. “This is a nice thing, and also a stressful thing for me as a coach because I don’t know who is going to show up today; who’s going to be the player who’s going to give us a spark,” said Cuthbert. “Kaylin is such an exceptional blocker and when she makes good decisions, she’s hard to stop because she has a really high contact.” Both teams have a pair of road matches and one at home before the CIF-Southern Section playoffs begin. Gahr went to La Serna High on Oct. 1 and will entertain Warren High on Tuesday before going to Downey High on Thursday in its regular season finale while Cerritos went to Warren on Oct. 1 and will travel to La Serna on Thursday. Cerritos has now won 11 of the last 15 meetings against the Gladiators and are on the verge of the program’s 16th league championship.

not there. We’re not where we need to be.” Glenn punted on its first five possessions of the game and the sixth ended when the clock read triple zeros to signal the conclusion of the first half. The Eagles ran 23 plays, gained 89 yards, had three first downs and crossed midfield two times, never getting past the Alhambra 47-yard line. On top of that, Huckelberry, who caught two passes for 13 yards, left the game with an injury shortly before the Moors took a 6-0 lead on a 99-yard run from Nathan Rabadan. He would not return the remainder of the contest the remainder of the way and his absence threw Glenn’s offense into a state of flux. “We’re down our best athlete and obviously when you lose a large focal point of your offense, you kind of lose your spark, almost,” said Drummer. “We really don’t know [the extent of his injury]. We’ll reevaluate it on Monday, but we just don’t know because it was a multiple of things. It was his ankle, knee, hip. He came down [to the turf] awkward.” The Moors went up 13-0 nearly midway through the second quarter when Joshua Calderon tossed a 44-yard pass to Moses Llamas and nearly four minutes later, Christopher Aguilar scored from 20 yards out as Alhambra took a 19-0 halftime lead. By now, the Moors were outgaining the Eagles 244-89 on four fewer offensive snaps despite Glenn controlling the clock for over 16 minutes. Glenn’s defense played a bit better in the third quarter, forcing two straight three and outs, but Alhambra added to its lead with 56 seconds left in the stanza as Aguilar scored from 27 yards out. The final touchdown came with 94 seconds remaining in the game when Zach Chacon scored on a 45-yard run. Rabadan, who came into the game as the team’s second leading rusher, gained 191 yards on 18 carries, which is 50 yards more than he picked up in the first four games. Aguilar, the team’s leading rusher with 259 yards, picked up only 49 yards. “We felt like we had a great game plan; we knew what they like to do on offense,” said Drummer. “We have to watch the film and see [the game] from a wider perspective, but we feel like we were in the right spot. We just have to make the right play. A lot of it was our guys being where they were supposed to be and then making the play. They weren’t where they were supposed to be, but ultimately, you have to make the play.” Senior running back Matthew Vasquez gained 47 yards on 17 carries while junior quarterback Ryder Perez completed nine of 17 passes for 59 yards. On defense, junior linebacker Damian Hernandez led the way with five tackles while junior lineman Jayden Chavarin had three and a half tackles and a sack. The Eagles now begin life in the new Rio Vista League as they visit Firebaugh High on Friday. The Rio Vista League is the third of three leagues in the new Suburban Valley Conference for football, consisting of six schools. “I think this loss was necessary for us to get better,” said Drummer. “We needed this; we needed to take it on the chin and come back to reality that we still have work to do as a football program and team as well as individually. Some of the guys on the team have to get better. We’re not a finished product yet and today was obvious. “Sometimes, you don’t lose, you learn, and I think we learned a lot about ourselves today and what we need to work on,” he added. “We still have to show up every day; we have to work hard every day. We can’t lean on what we’ve done in the past. Those wins were those wins and now when you’re undefeated, you have a target on your back.”

council majorities repeatedly move the city’s election date. This time, however, the council cannot do it by itself. In March 2025, Cerritos voters approved Measure J by a decisive 4,820 to 2,594 vote, amending the City Charter to require voter approval before the municipal election date can be changed again. Measure L is the first proposed election-date change under that requirement.

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Decades of Moving Election Dates Cerritos’ election calendar has been changed repeatedly. According to the city’s own 2025 Measure J ballot materials, the council moved the municipal election in 1995, extending council terms by approximately 11 months. On Nov. 7, 2016, the council moved the election again, from March to April of odd-numbered years, extending sitting councilmembers’ terms by approximately five weeks. George Ray, Naresh Solanki, Carol Chen and the late Jim Edwards voted for the change; Mark Pulido voted no. Two years later, on Jan. 11, 2018, the council moved the election from April of odd-numbered years to March of even-numbered years. Jim Edwards, Naresh Solanki, Frank Yokoyama, Mark Pulido and Grace Hu voted unanimously for the change. The move extended council terms by approximately 11 months. The city’s Measure J materials say the 2018 change was made in response to state election-consolidation legislation that was subsequently challenged in court. Then the council changed it again. On Oct. 28, 2021, Bruce Barrows, Naresh Solanki, Chuong Vo and Grace Hu voted to move Cerritos elections from March of even-numbered years to April of even-numbered years. Frank Yokoyama voted no. That change again extended council terms by approximately 11 months, according to the city’s own election history. 2023 Change Drew Protests The most controversial change came in 2023. Councilmembers Vo, Solanki and Barrows, who ws appointed after Edward’s passing, voted 3-2 to move the election scheduled for April 2024 to March 2025. Councilmembers Lynda Johnson and Yokoyama opposed the change. The action extended the sitting councilmembers’ terms and generated strong opposition from residents who argued that moving the election into an odd-numbered year would reduce voter participation. Residents packed meetings and accused the council majority of voter suppression and manipulating the election calendar for political advantage. At the time, Yokoyama sharply criticized the decision, calling the action “partisan” election manipulation and arguing that the change would lower voter turnout while increasing election costs. The partisan makeup of Cerritos was part of the controversy. Critics noted that registered Democrats substantially outnumbered registered Republicans in the city and argued that moving local elections away from higher-turnout statewide elections could affect who participated. The Election Finally Arrived — Without the Three Who Moved It There was another twist when the March 2025 election finally arrived. Solanki and Vo withdrew their candidacies before the election, while Barrows’ council service ended in 2025. None of the three councilmembers who had voted to push the election into 2025 appeared on the ballot. Voters instead elected Pulido with 3,901 votes, Jennifer Hong with 3,583 and Sophia

PUZZLE SOLUTION: SHIPWRECKS

Tse with 3,388. They joined Johnson and Yokoyama on the five-member council. That same election fundamentally changed who controls the Cerritos election calendar. Measure J required future election-date changes to be approved by voters rather than enacted solely by the City Council. Ironically, Solanki and Barrows were among those urging voters to approve Measure J. In the official ballot argument, they wrote that the decision should be returned to residents after previous councils had repeatedly extended their own terms by changing election dates.

Turnout Remained Low The debate over Cerritos’ standalone elections has also centered on voter participation. Opponents of Measure J argued in the official 2025 voter guide that March oddyear elections produce substantially lower participation than consolidated November elections. Supporters countered that separate municipal elections allow residents to concentrate on local candidates and issues without those contests competing with presidential, gubernatorial and other races. Those competing arguments are likely to return with Measure L. New Council Looks Toward November The current council consists of Mayor Lynda Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Pulido and Councilmembers Jennifer Hong, Sophia Tse and Frank Yokoyama. The move toward November elections began before Measure L formally appeared on the ballot. In an earlier council action, Pulido, Johnson and Yokoyama voted 3-2 to direct staff to study a broader Charter amendment proposal that included moving Cerritos elections to November of even-numbered years. Hong and Tse voted no. That proposal also contained unrelated Charter provisions and was not the Measure L proposal now before voters. The council subsequently directed staff on June 8, 2026, to prepare the election-date proposal that ultimately became Measure L. On Sept. 28, the council formally considered the package placing the Charter amendment before voters at the March 2, 2027 municipal election. Unlike several previous Cerritos election-date changes, the proposed move to November would not lengthen the terms of sitting councilmembers. According to the city’s Measure L staff analysis, transitioning to the new election schedule would shorten affected council terms by approximately four months. If voters approve Measure L, Cerritos would finally join its council elections with the much larger November statewide general election beginning in 2028. If voters reject it, the city’s March oddyear municipal election schedule established by the previous council majority and subsequently placed into the Charter by voters through Measure J will remain in place.

NORWALK

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pavement markings. The nearly $17.8 million investment is being financed through a combination of federal, state, regional and city transportation funds. Funding sources include the federal Surface Transportation Program, Proposition C, Measures R and M, Proposition 1B, the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account, Transportation Development Act funds and Norwalk’s Street Renovation funds. Construction on the projects is expected to continue through early 2027. Residents may experience temporary traffic impacts in active construction areas while the work is underway. The projects are part of Norwalk’s Strategic Plan goal of reinvesting in existing and aging infrastructure to maintain safe and livable neighborhoods.

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BILLS

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said the standards are intended to minimize hydrogen leakage and protect workers and surrounding communities as hydrogen infrastructure expands in California. SB 795 addresses gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol by changing the certification process for gasoline dispensing equipment and requiring the State Fire Marshal to adopt emergency regulations allowing its sale. Another health-related measure, SB 1124, directs the California Department of Public Health to develop lung cancer screening signage and requires licensed tobacco retailers to display it. Archuleta said the legislation is intended to increase public awareness of screening eligibility, particularly because California’s lung cancer screening rate remains extremely low. SB 1188 expands existing authority for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs to include charter schools and county offices of education while allowing homeschooled students to participate in JROTC programs. Other signed legislation includes SB 920, requiring greater public disclosure regarding regulatory fees deposited into

the Gambling Control Fund, and SB 1274, which creates a definition of an “industrial city” in state law. Under SB 1274, an industrial city is defined using three criteria: a population under 25,000; a majority of the city’s jurisdiction zoned or used for industrial, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, energy production or other large-scale commercial uses; and a daytime workforce exceeding the resident population. Archuleta said the measure is intended to recognize the unusual circumstances facing industrial cities and strengthen their ability to advocate on issues such as transportation funding. SB 1354 prohibits military personnel from another state, territory or district from entering California to perform military duty or law enforcement functions for another state without permission from California’s governor. The legislation exempts personnel operating under federal Title 10 authority. “The National Guard is deployed to serve the people, not to intimidate them,” Archuleta said. “SB 1354 protects California’s sovereignty by ensuring that military personnel from other states only enter California for appropriate missions and training.”

Legal Notices-Your right to know! CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS NOTICE OF NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

CITY OF CERRITOS - NOTICE OF ADOPTED ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Cerritos City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1063, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS APPROVING DEVELOPMENT MAP AMENDMENT 2026-2, A REQUEST TO AMEND THE CERRITOS DEVELOPMENT MAP BY CHANGING THE ZONE CLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATELY ±3.93 ACRES OF LAND, LOCATED AT 17600 CRUSADER AVENUE, CERRITOS, CALIFORNIA, 90703, FROM INDUSTRIAL (M) TO INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL (MC) (APN 7034-017-019)* *Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is categorically exempt from CEQA review. City Attorney Summary: Ordinance No. 1063 (DMA 2026-2) amends the zone classification at the subject property located at 17600 Crusader Avenue, Cerritos, California, 90703, from Industrial (M) to Industrial/Commercial (MC). The zone classification of the property will be changed to Industrial/Commercial (MC), which will allow for automobile repair and surplus vehicle storage. Other properties directly south of the subject property are also zoned Industrial/Commercial (MC). The full text of this adopted Ordinance can be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703. I, Cynthia Nava, City Clerk of the City of Cerritos, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 1063 was introduced for first reading on August 24, 2026. Thereafter, said Ordinance was duly approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Cerritos City Council on September 28, 2026, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers – Hong, Tse, Yokoyama, Pulido, Johnson, NOES: Councilmembers – None, ABSENT: Councilmembers – None, ABSTAIN: Councilmembers – None. /s/ Cynthia Nava, City Clerk Published at Los Cerritos Community News 10/2/26 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NO. 26NWCP00334 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Acxel Omar Pineda Antunez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Acxel Omar Pineda Antunez to Acxel Omar Morales Antunez. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant a petition without a hearing. Court date OCTOBER 23, 2026, 8:30 am, Dept. D, Room 310, at the SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, NORWALK COURTHOUSE, 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk Ca 90650. Published at Los Cerritos Community News 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16/26. NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY Notice is given pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial Code, Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607, that Norwalk Self Storage at 11564 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a Lien imposed on said property. The undersigned will be sold at public auction conducted on www.storagetreasures.com (bond #63747122) ending on or after Tuesday, OCTOBER 13th, 2026, at 9:00AM. NAME RUDY A GARCIA CALIZ ALAN ANDRES LAGUNAS LUCIANA LOERA MARTINEZ MICHAEL PATRICK MULLIGAN DELILAH QUINTANA

UNIT # B207 B658 B476 B238 B205

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following persons have been nominated for the offices designated to be filled at the General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Hawaiian Gardens on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 21700 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. Storage Treasures’ Principal Auctioneer and Auctioneer on Record: Auctioneer License Numbers for Christopher Paul Rosa California #3112562 Sales subject to prior cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and obligated party. Publication at LCCN 09/25/26 & 10/02/26

For Member of the City Council

NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY Notice is given pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions Code, Section 2328 of the Commercial Code, Section 535 of the Penal Code. 1812.607, that Cherry Carson RV Storage Inc. at 4160 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807 intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a Lien imposed on said property. The undersigned will be sold at public auction conducted on www.storagetreasures.com (bond #63747122) ending on or after Tuesday, OCTOBER 13th, 2026, at 9:00AM.

Vote for no more than Three

Dandy De Paula Maria Teresa Del Rio Luis Roa Luis Gonzalez Jesus Mendoza

NAME UNIT # ERICK GIOVONNI BURTON

AA73

This notice is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 21700 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. Storage Treasures’ Principal Auctioneer and Auctioneer on Record: Auctioneer License Numbers for Christopher Paul Rosa-California 3112562

Measure to be Voted On:

Sales subject to prior cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and obligated party.

Measure “BL”

Publication Dates: 09/25/26 & 10/02/2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO. 861 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Fe Springs will hold a Public Hearing to consider the following: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO. 861: To establish, operate, and maintain an indoor sports facility use within an existing industrial building within the M-2, Heavy Manufacturing, Zone

Pablo Rubio, City Clerk Published: October 2, 2026 Los Cerritos Community News Published at Los Cerritos Community News 10/2/26 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR Notice of Divided Publication Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) Sections 3702, 3381, and 3382, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Online Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell in and for the County of Los Angeles (County), State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers. Notice of Online Public Auction Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell (Sale No. 2026B) Whereas, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, directed the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC), to sell certain tax-defaulted properties at the online public auction. TTC does hereby give public notice, that unless said properties are redeemed, prior to the close of business on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the last business day prior to the first day of the online public auction, TTC will offer for sale and sell said properties on Saturday, October 17, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to the highest bidder, for not less than the minimum bid, at online public auction at https://www.govease.com/los-angeles. Free computer access is available at public libraries located throughout the County. The County and its employees are not liable for the failure of any electronic equipment that may prevent a person from participating in an online auction. The minimum bid for each parcel is the total amount necessary to redeem, plus costs, as required by R&TC Section 3698.5. If a property does not sell during the online public auction, the right of redemption will revive and remain until Friday, December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. TTC will re-offer any properties that did not sell or were not redeemed prior to Friday, December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for sale at online public auction at https://www. govease.com/los-angeles beginning Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Information regarding this sale is available at ttc.lacounty.gov. Bidders are required to pre-register at https://www.govease. com/los-angeles and submit a deposit of $5,000, or 10 percent of the spend limit that is set by each registered bidder. Bid deposits must be in the form of wire transfer, cashier’s check, bank-issued money order, or electronic check at the time of registration. Registration will begin on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time and end on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Pursuant to R&TC Section 3692.3, TTC sells all property ``as is`` and the County and its employees are not liable for any known or unknown conditions of the properties, including, but not limited to, errors in the records of the Office of the Assessor (Assessor) pertaining to improvement of the property. If TTC sells a property, parties of interest, as defined by R&TC Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any proceeds from the sale, which are in excess of the liens and costs required to be paid from the proceeds. If there are any excess proceeds after the application of the minimum bid, TTC will send notice to all parties of interest, pursuant to State law. Please direct requests for information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property to the Treasurer and Tax Collector, at 225 North Hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California 90012. You may also call (213) 974-2045, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, visit TTC’s website at ttc.lacounty.gov or email TTC at auction@ttc.lacounty.gov. The Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) in this publication refers to the Assessor’s Map Book, the Map Page, and the individual Parcel Number on the Map Page. If a change in the AIN occurred, the publication will show both prior and current AINs. An explanation of the parcel numbering system and the referenced maps are available at the Office of the Assessor located at 500 West Temple Street, Room 225, Los Angeles, California 90012, or at assessor.lacounty.gov. I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California, on August 7, 2026.

_________________________________________ ELIZABETH BUENROSTRO GINSBERG Treasurer and Tax Collector County of Los Angeles State of California The real property that is subject to this notice is situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and is described as follows: PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE OF SALE OF TAX-DEFAULTED PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THE POWER OF SALE(SALE NO. 2026B) 3481 AIN 7011-009-037 GARCIA,SALVADOR G AND MARIA E LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $64,082.00 CN130827 607 Sep 25, Oct 2,9, 2026

PROJECT LOCATION: 10251 Santa Fe Springs Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA, 90670 APPLICANT: Legacy Sports Complex, LLC CEQA STATUS: The Planning Commission will determine whether the project qualifies for a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 – Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. THE HEARING will be held before the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Fe Springs in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS are invited to participate in the Public Hearing and express their opinion on the item listed above. Please note that if you challenge the aforementioned item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the Public Hearing, or in written correspondence to the office of the Commission at or prior to the Public Hearing. PUBLIC COMMENTS may be submitted in writing to the Community Development Department at City Hall, 11710 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 or e-mail the Planning Commission Secretary, Esmeralda Elise, at esmeraldaelise@santafesprings.gov. Please submit your written comments by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the Planning Commission meeting. You may also contact the Community Development Department at (562) 868-0511 ext. 7550. FURTHER INFORMATION on this item may be obtained from Alejandro De Loera, Associate Planner, via e-mail at alejandrodeloera@santafesprings.gov or by phone at (562) 868-0511 ext. 7358. Published at Los Cerritos Community News 10/2/26

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16 | Los Cerritos Community News | October 2, 2026

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with 37 tackles and senior linebacker Noah Schaffer (33 tackles). La Mirada won its first three games before falling to Brea Olinda High 49-28 on Sept. 11. The next week, the Matadores edged El Rancho High 19-18 to bring their record to 4-1, matching last season’s victory total and the third time in the past five seasons the program has reached four wins. Senior running back Josiah Fregoso scored on an 80-yard run and hauled in a 24-yard touchdown reception against El Rancho. Not only will this be La Mirada’s homecoming game, but a good chance for the Matadores to stay in the upper half of the league as two of the next three opponents are also 4-1. Prediction: La Mirada 28, Cerritos 21 MID-CITIES LEAGUE Paramount High (4-1) @ Gahr High (3-1-1)-If anything, there has been some consistency with Gahr on both sides of the ball through the five nonleague games. In the first, third and fifth games, the Gladiators scored over 30 points while in the other two games, they totaled 16 points. Gahr shutout Gardena High 36-0 last Thursday and if you take away the 13 points Ocean View High scored in the fourth quarter on Sept. 18, Gahr has posted a goose egg in 12 of the past 15 quarters since its Week Zero game against Valley Christian. It may be a new league, but this is a longstanding rivalry with Paramount dating back to their days in the former San Gabriel Valley League. A fivegame losing streak to Gahr from

2006-2010 was promptly responded with a 10-game winning streak and 11 of the last 12 meetings by the Pirates including a 36-0 win on Nov. 1, 2024. Paramount was all over Dymally High 65-0 on Sept. 18 and has won three straight contests after a 12-7 loss to Lakewood High. It’s the second shutout this season, both against CIFLos Angeles City Section schools as the Pirates are averaging close to 35 points a game. Prediction: Paramount 31, Gahr 24 Norwalk High (1-4) @ California High (2-3)-For first-year head coach Anthony Cobbs, the non-league portion of Norwalk’s schedule has been about who can play where and who is more successful at each position. The lone win was at Pasadena High on Sept. 4, and the Bulldogs have since dropped their program for the remainder of the season. Last Friday, the Lancers lost to West Covina High 51-23, the second time this season they scored more than seven points in a game. Before the West Covina game, the Lancers were nearly even in their offensive statistics, passing for 487 yards and rushing for 417 yards. But as the new league season is now here, the slate is wiped clean as the Lancers face California for the first time since 2019 when they defeated the Condors 21-15. The previous season, it was California that came out on top 45-0. The Condors have alternated losses and wins this season, dropping a 29-26 overtime affair to Bell Gardens High last Friday. After a scoreless opening quarter, the Condors took a 7-0 lead before Bell Gardens scored 10 straight points to take the lead going into halftime. The lead would change hands

three times in the second half before the Lancers took a 26-23 advantage in the first overtime, then won the game with another field goal in the second overtime, Quarterback Jake Welsh II passed for 157 yards off his 12 completions while Isaac Reynoso was six of seven for 85 yards and one touchdown. Isaac Castellon rushed for 97 yards on 22 carries and scored once and half a dozen receivers caught at least one of the 18 passes with Jayden Gonzalez collecting four of them for 84 yards. Norwalk’s defense will be put to the test as California has rushed for over 1,100 yards and passed for nearly 750 yards. Prediction: California 28, Norwalk 14 OLYMPIC LEAGUE Capistrano Valley Christian High (3-2) @ Valley Christian (3-1-1)-Last season’s non-league record was 3-2 and had it not been for the openingseason tie against Gahr, the Defenders might be looking at a 4-1 mark with a less experienced team than last season. Still, the Defenders have scored at least 42 points in their last three games including a 47-22 victory over St. Anthony High last time out on Sept. 18. Senior quarterback Graham Lunzer has been doing everything as advertised since a season-ending injury in the playoff opener last season. All he has done in the five games this season is complete 67 percent of his passes for 980 yards and throw 15 touchdowns opposite three interceptions. He also leads the team with 352 yards on the ground with six more touchdowns, accounting for 21 of the 24 touchdowns the team has scored. Senior Blake Butler is next in the rushing department with 116 yards on 24 carries while seniors Byron Louis and Sam Melcher have combined for 551 yards, 10 touchdowns and nearly half of Lunzer’s completions. Capistrano Valley Christian has lost two of its last three games, including a 49-14 contest against St. Margaret’s High on Sept. 18. In two of their three wins, the Eagles have scored nearly 50 points while allowing over 40 points in the two setbacks. Offensively, they are nearly a 50-50 pass to run team. V.C. defeated C.V.C. 35-26 last season and 33-13 the previous season in the only two meetings between the teams since the Eagles became members of the Ironwood League. Prediction: V.C. 35, Capistrano Valley Christian 14

RIO VISTA LEAGUE Pioneer High (0-5) @ Artesia High (3-1)-It may be a new league, but it will still feel like the original 605 League of the past eight seasons as Artesia faces the Titans. Artesia has not played since defeating Buena Park High 17-7 on Sept. 11. The next week, San Gabriel High forfeited its game with the Pioneers but now, on homecoming night, the red and black are ready to get back into action. Junior quarterback Zyir Lewis has passed for 223 yards, but the heart and soul of the offense is junior halfback Justin Pettus, who has gained 408 yards on 32 carries and with half a dozen touchdowns. Senior halfback Izayah Carranza is next with 189 yards on 34 carries while junior Andrew Quarles is the leading receiver with 121 yards on a dozen catches. Artesia has won seven of the past 10 meetings in the series but has split the last four. It hasn’t been the season that Pioneer was looking for as the Titans have averaged 11 points a game while the defense has allowed at least 35 points in each game. They led 7-0 in their opening game of the season before falling 48-7 to Santa Fe High and haven’t been able to get on track. Prediction: Artesia 28, Pioneer 7 John Glenn High (4-1) @ Firebaugh High (3-2)-Even though Glenn dropped its first game of the season last Friday, a 33-0 decision to Alhambra High, the real season begins for the Eagles with a chance to advance to the postseason for the first time since 2019 and fourth time in 29 seasons. The first opportunity to be one of three league teams to start the circuit at 1-0 is against a comparable opponent in Firebaugh. The teams have faced each other twice, first coming in 2021 which resulted in a 40-8 Glenn win. The next season, the Eagles were victorious in a 49-8 contest. Not only did Glenn lose last Friday, but it was also without the services of sophomore Kellen Huckelelberry, who injured himself in the opening quarter. If he can’t go against Firebaugh, seniors Andre Romo and Matthew Vasquez and junior quarterback Ryder Perez will have to pick up the slack even more. The Falcons have won three of their last four games including a 33-0 decision over West Adams High, the second straight shutout it has collected. The other win came the previous week against the California Military Institute, a one-point decision. Glenn defeated CMI 43-6 on Sept. 4. Firebaugh put its first football team on the field in 2008 and the Falcons went 1-8. Since then, the program has had just one winning season, which came two seasons ago when it went 6-4. In its 17 seasons of having a program, Firebaugh has gone 31-135 before this season, and at 3-2, it’s the fifth time it has won at least three games. “Every game that we’re going to play moving forward is going to be a dogfight,” said Glenn head coach Dwon Drummer. “We’re going to have to fight for every win; every opportunity to win moving forward.” Prediction: Glenn 35, Firebaugh 14 Last week’s predictions: 2-1 Season to date: 21-9