September 5, 2025 Los Cerritos Community News

Artesia’s 2025 State of the City: Safety Gains, Balanced Books, and a Downtown on the Rise

Mayor Taj cites 42% crime drop, budget surplus, $19 million in grants, and transit-driven downtown growth.

By Brian Hews

Artesia Mayor Ali Sajjad Taj used his 2025 State of the City address to frame Artesia’s year as one of steady gains and shared purpose, saying the city is “United We Thrive” as it balances its budget, reduces major crime, invests in parks, and positions downtown for transit-oriented growth.

Mayor Taj reported a balanced budget with a surplus and pointed to an 86% year-over-year jump in new business licenses—170 issued—with a 90% renewal rate, underscoring that business activity is critical in a city that does not rely heavily on property tax revenue.

Public engagement tools expanded over the past year, including a monthly e-newsletter, broader social media outreach, increased website traffic, a new FlashVote survey platform, and an online Service Request System that residents used nearly 300 times.

Taj said the goal is a more transparent and responsive City Hall, with real-time input guiding decisions.

Public safety was a central theme. The mayor reported a 42% reduction in major crimes, crediting heightened pres-

ence and technology. The city partnered with Southwest Patrol to deter illicit activity in neighborhoods, parks, and business districts and installed 11 automated license plate reader cameras to speed responses. Looking ahead, a new Public Service Center will house space for the Sheriff’s Department, an Emergency Operations Center, and the Community Development Department to strengthen coordination during emergencies and day-to-day operations.

On infrastructure and beautification, the city completed pavement rehabilitation on six residential streets, installed decorative wrought-iron fencing and landscaping along the Historical District Recreational Trail, and finished Phase 1 of a citywide sidewalk replacement program to address trip hazards. Internally, the city modernized systems: Finance rolled out a new budgeting platform, the City Clerk began digitizing records, and Council Chambers received an audio-visual upgrade. Additional staffing is being added to meet service demand.

Taj highlighted more than \$19 million secured in federal, state, and local grants for infrastructure, parks, emergency preparedness, and community programs. Those funds are supporting improvements at Artesia Park and AJ Padelford Park, development of the Artesia Botanical Garden, and creation of a Hazard Mitigation Plan and a Climate

[ See ARTESIA, page 12 ]

Bellflower Council Moves to Fast-Track State Building Code Adoption

City fast-tracks 2025 building code with local fire, wildfire and liquefaction standards ahead of AB 130’s housing limits.

By Brian Hews

The Bellflower City Council held a special meeting Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 9 a.m. to consider Ordinance No. 1449, a sweeping measure that folded California’s 2025 Building Standards Code into the city’s municipal code while adding local amendments tailored to

Bellflower’s conditions. The Council set a second reading and public hearing for Sept. 22, with the ordinance scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2026 if adopted.

California adopts updated building standards every three years, but the Legislature has tightened the window for local amendments that regulate residential units. Assembly Bill 130 bars new city-level amendments affecting housing units between October 2025 and June 2031. Bellflower staff said the action was strategic and in keeping with current city policies — locking in local rules before the state ban takes effect.

[ See BELLFLOWER, page 12 ]

CERRITOS COLLEGE’S Health Science Building, updated with new labs, accessibility features, and sustainable upgrades. The modernized building at Cerritos College will host hands-on training for healthcare and cosmetology students.

By Karina Soriano, Editor in Chief, Talon Marks

Cerritos College held the grand reopening of its renovated Health Science Building on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., welcoming the public to explore the upgraded facility through self-guided tours of its modernized spaces.

Constructed in 1974, the Health Science Building has long housed the college’s cosmetology and health occupations programs. The renovation adds improved accessibility and sustainable infrastructure upgrades, breathing new life into the structure.

The enhanced facility now offers students state-of-the-art laboratories and learning environments designed to meet current industry standards and prepare graduates for careers in healthcare and cosmetology.

In addition to the advanced facilities for health and cosmetology training, Cerritos College has invested in new early childhood education classrooms and learning spaces. These areas provide an authentic setting where students can apply their coursework and practice real classroom scenarios, according to program director and California Early Childhood Mentor Program Coordinator Dionne Gibson.

“The fresh spaces offer a blend of traditional and modern learning methods,” Gibson said. “We have brand-new child development classrooms where our students transition from theoretical course-

work to hands-on learning. It’s not just a lecture hall; it’s an environment that simulates what educators will experience in actual preschool settings.”

Gibson added that the redesign includes an outdoor classroom element that promotes STEM learning. “I’m really most excited about the outdoor classroom,” she said. “Even though the space replicates a child’s environment, you’ll see outdoor seating set up for adults, allowing us to practice setting up meaningful activities. There’s even a mud kitchen and large ramp sets for our students to work with. It’s a wonderful way to integrate play and professional training, ensuring that educators not only understand child development but can also actively engage with the learning tools.”

The early childhood spaces are a key part of Cerritos College’s broader strategy to prepare educators for the realities of the classroom. By creating a professional lab school atmosphere, the institution aims to help future teachers feel less overwhelmed by the challenges of coordinating a preschool environment.

The reopening of the Health Science Building and the launch of the early childhood development learning spaces underscore Cerritos College’s commitment to evolving educational environments that meet contemporary needs. College officials expressed optimism about the new pathways these renovations create for students; with a strengthened focus on practical engagement, the upgrades are intended to help future professionals excel in fields critical to the local and regional economy.

Cerritos College Reopens Health Science Building

Artesia’s John F. Kennedy Council Continues Tradition States Snub RFK Jr. as West Coast Forms Vaccine Alliance

their quarterly celebration, where outstanding service awards were presented for the 2024–2025 Columbian Year.

By Dan Nino

The Knights of Columbus is one of the most enduring Catholic fraternal service organizations in the world, founded in 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut, by Father Michael J. McGivney. Established at a time when Catholic families faced discrimination and financial hardship, the Order began as a mutual benefit society to provide aid to widows and orphans. From those modest origins, it grew into a global organization guided by the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. By the early 20th century, the Knights had already spread across the United States, establishing local councils to support parishes and communities. Today, it is recognized not

only for its insurance program, which has helped countless Catholic families, but also for its extensive charitable work. Each year the Knights collectively contribute millions of dollars and tens of millions of volunteer hours to programs ranging from disaster relief and food distribution to support for veterans, youth, and the disabled. Councils often bear the names of significant Catholic or national figures, linking their service to larger traditions of faith and public service.

Council No. 6004, named the John F. Kennedy Council, operates at 18708 S. Clarkdale Ave., Artesia, CA 90701, rosarycathedralknights.com. It holds activities at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia.

AB 130 Links Driving Miles to Housing Costs, Stirring Debate

By Brian Hews

The Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) housing tax is shaping up to be one of California’s more controversial policy experiments. It blends two very different tools—road-use fees and housing regulations—into a system that could hit both developers and renters in the wallet.

Since 2020, state law has required cities and developers to measure the VMT impact of new housing or commercial projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Instead of looking solely at congestion, planners now ask whether a project will cause people to drive more miles. A suburban subdivision far from jobs, schools, or transit usually scores high on VMT, while apartments built near transit in Los Angeles or San Francisco score low.

Under Assembly Bill 130, passed in 2025, cities and regional agencies may now charge fees or taxes tied directly to VMT levels. For example, if a developer proposes 200 homes in a car-dependent area, the city could calculate that residents will generate 4,000 extra miles per

household each year. The developer may then be required to pay a “VMT mitigation fee,” with the cost often passed to buyers and renters. The money is supposed to fund projects like bus lines, bike lanes, or affordable housing near jobs.

Because developers in high-VMT areas would pay more, their projects inevitably become more expensive. Those costs are rarely absorbed by builders and almost always trickle down to consumers. Critics say this is why the policy amounts to a “housing tax.” It doesn’t charge drivers at the pump or through odometer checks—it targets new housing projects based on where people will drive.

In January 2025, Caltrans ran a voluntary VMT road-use pilot where drivers paid a flat rate of 2.8 cents per mile. AB 130 could allow similar rates to be built into housing projects, meaning that large developments might owe millions before breaking ground.

Supporters argue the program discourages sprawl and funds transportation alternatives. Opponents warn it adds yet another barrier to building housing in an already unaffordable state.

LCCN Staff Report

California, Oregon and Washington said this week they will coordinate vaccine reviews and recommendations through a new “health alliance,” asserting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can no longer be relied upon for neutral guidance. The announcement came amid upheaval at the federal level following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s overhaul of vaccine policymaking, including the dismissal of the CDC’s 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Within hours, Florida took an opposite tack. Backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the state’s surgeon general said Florida will abolish all vaccine mandates, including school entry requirements, arguing such rules infringe on personal liberty. Details of how the change would be implemented are unclear and may require legislative action.

The contrasting moves highlight how vaccine policy, long anchored by national recommendations, is fragmenting along state lines. Public health experts warn that inconsistent rules could confuse patients and providers, complicate school enrollment, and place family physicians and pharmacies in political disputes. They also note unresolved questions about insurance coverage for state-only recommendations and potential liability for providers and pharmacies.

Western states previously used a similar process during the pandemic to bolster public confidence in new vaccines, and officials said the revived alliance will analyze data on childhood shots and vaccines for respiratory illnesses like Covid and influenza. Northeast states including Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are exploring their own coordination.

Federal policy is shifting rapidly. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration limited updated Covid shots to people 65 and older and to younger individuals with conditions that raise the risk of severe illness, narrowing access. Kennedy has also ended \$500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine research, intensifying state responses and sparking pushback from major medical groups.

For families, employers and schools, the result is a patchwork: a West Coast pathway promising evidence review outside Washington, and a Florida model that rejects mandates altogether.

MEMBERS of the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council No. 6004 gather at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia during

BIOLA Grieves Passing of Campus Safety Chief John Ojeisekhoba

John Ojeisekhoba Sr., Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety at Biola University, passed away from apparent cardiac arrest, university leaders announced on Monday, September 1, 2025. He was 54.

Affectionately known as Chief O, Ojeisekhoba had served at Biola since 2000, leaving a profound impact on the campus community as well as on safety issues locally, nationally, and internationally. He was a well-respected leader who cared deeply for students and keeping college campuses safe, which was undergirded by his faith in Christ.

“I believe the Lord is at work and has been at work in my life. I want students to draw from this and build and feel encouraged,” Chief Ojeisekhoba shared in an article in Biola’s student newspaper.

Born in Nigeria as one of nineteen children, Ojeisekhoba grew up in a home that valued integrity modeled by his father, who served as the local police chief. From early mornings working on the farm to long walks to school, his childhood demanded perseverance, but it also instilled discipline and resilience that carried into his athletic pursuits. Discovering his talent for track and field, Ojeisekhoba pursued the dream of coming to America — a dream that was finally realized after years of visa denials.

In 1996, Ojeisekhoba began his time at Biola as a student and competed on the track and field team as a long jumper. He joined Biola as a Campus Safety officer in 2000 and earned a master’s degree in intercultural studies in the same year. He also earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2004. He was promoted to Chief of Campus Safety in 2009 and subsequently appointed to his most recent role as Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety in 2019.

“Never have I served alongside a leader more respected, recognized, and responsible than John Ojeisekhoba,” said Biola University President Barry H. Corey. “He is regarded on our campus, across the nation, and around the world not only as a paragon of college safety professionalism but also as a man who embodies the grace and convictions of our shared faith community. Because he spent his days and nights working to protect our university, we slept soundly knowing our students were protected and cared for. Because he led a team relentlessly watching over our campus, we could be a haven of hospitality for those who worked and studied at Biola. Because he attended tirelessly to current trends in higher education safety and applied himself to constant learning, he helped Biola not only stay ahead of potential threats but also became a trusted counsel for leaders who were seeking to keep America’s campuses safe. In all this, he was also a beloved friend to me.”

Ojeisekhoba’s leadership and dedication to students extended beyond Biola University. He served on multiple boards, including the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), where he served as president in 2024, and was recently appointed as the president of the California College and University Police Chiefs Association (CCUPCA). His influence in local, state, national, and international positions of leadership among campus safety associations was a testimony to his character and competence, an esteemed professional in that sector.

He has been recognized for his expertise in campus safety and security through prestigious appointments and awards. In 2024, the Veterans of Foreign Wars named him Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The following year, he was appointed to the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council (HSAPC) by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. In the same year, he was honored with the Community Spotlight Award for his exceptional service and positive impact on the city of La Mirada.

In 2021, he received the Achievers Award from the Southern California chapter of NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. The award was accompanied by recognitions from the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Police Commission and Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. He also received the President’s Award from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) in June of this year and was named “Campus Safety Director of the Year” by Campus Safety Magazine in 2015, in addition to the National Chief of the Year Award.

Beyond leading Biola’s campus safety and emergency preparedness efforts, Ojeisekhoba consulted for universities and organizations across the nation. Since 2003, he had also taught self-defense classes as

AQMD Launches $21 Million ‘GO ZERO’ Rebates For Heat Pumps

By LCCN Staff Report

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has launched a $21 million GO ZERO Pilot Incentive Program to help residents and small businesses replace gas furnaces and water heaters with high-efficiency, zero-emission heat pumps. Officials say the technology is three to four times more efficient than traditional gas systems, cutting energy use and lowering utility bills.

Rebates are available across single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and small businesses. Incentives are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 per unit, with up to $3,000 for households in overburdened communi-

ties and up to $4,000 for small businesses. To qualify, the new equipment must be a heat pump that replaces an existing gas or propane unit, either a furnace or a conventional water heater.

GO ZERO serves communities within South Coast AQMD’s jurisdiction, including Southeast L.A. County cities such as Artesia, Cerritos, Norwalk, and La Mirada. Heat pump upgrades eliminate on-site combustion, reduce emissions, and can improve indoor air quality while modernizing building systems.

Funding is limited. Residents and business owners can learn more, review eligibility, and sign up for updates by visiting aqmd.gov/gozero and subscribing to the agency’s e-newsletter at aqmd.gov/ sign-up.

adjunct professor at Biola and served as a reserve police officer with the Garden Grove Police Department. Ojeisekhoba, who passed away on August 31, 2025, is survived by his wife of 25 years and their five children.

Randy Chung, assistant chief of Campus Safety, who has served under Ojeisekhoba’s leadership since 2008, will step in as Interim Chief of Campus Safety. Chung will lead the Campus Safety team of 25 staff and uphold the legacy of excellence and service Ojeisekhoba not only modeled but instilled in each of them.

In honor of Ojeisekhoba as a uniformed officer, the flags on Biola’s campus will be flown at half-staff.

In lieu of flowers, the Ojeisekhoba family requests that gifts be made to a memorial fund that will be established in the coming days. Information about a memorial service will be announced in the days to come.

Monday thru Saturday6 pm to 12 Midnight Doors open at 4pm Sunday 2 pm to 9 pm Doors open at 12pm

CAMPUS SAFETY Chief John Ojeisekhoba (far left) with local elected officials, along with La Mirada Councilmen John Lewis, Larry Mowles (former LM CC), and Steven DeRuse.

Bellflower Native Serves Aboard Navy Warship

By Ashley Craig

Chief Petty Officer Mykel Cruz— born and raised in Bellflower and a graduate of Bellflower High School— now serves aboard the U.S. Navy’s USS Indianapolis, operating out of Mayport, Florida.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bellflower.

“One of the big lessons I learned growing up was punctuality,” Cruz said. “That’s something my father always taught me. Another lesson that has stayed with me since I was little was whether I liked something or not, to just be good at it. Being on time and showing up early, being prepared, are all really important traits to have in the Navy. The tempo in the Navy can be arduous, so you have to keep up and be able to do your job well.”

Cruz joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Cruz serves as a damage controlman.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something bigger than myself,” Cruz said. “I’m a first-generation American. I wanted other opportunities.”

A Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), teh USS Indianapolis is a fast and agile warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats.

The Indianapolis is a shallow-water maneuverability, and can perform modular missions near coastlines. Commissioned in 2019, Indianapolis can exceed 40 knots (46 mph) and operates with a small core crew augmented by mission specialists.

Its plug-and-play packages enable surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures, supported by an MH-60 helicopter and unmanned systems such as the MQ-8 Fire Scout. Armament includes a 57mm gun, Rolling Airframe Missiles, 30mm guns, and .50-caliber machine guns for close defense.

With a shallow draft, the ship can access ports and waterways larger combatants cannot.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER Mykel Cruz, a native of Bellflower, California, serves aboard USS Indianapolis, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida. Photo by Andrew Hanchar.

recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Cruz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Seeing my junior and senior sailors advance and promote is my biggest accomplishment as a leader,” Cruz said. “I’m instilling in junior sailors, at a young age in the Navy, how to become future leaders. If I do that well, I’m leaving the Navy better than I found it. That’s my goal.”

Cruz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“To me, serving in the Navy means I’m continuing a tradition that’s been around for 250 years,” Cruz said. “It means the world to me, especially the legacy I leave behind for me and my family.”

Cruz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my father, Miguel, and my uncle, Jay, who served four years in the Navy and later worked for Boeing, for instilling my early habits and a work ethic in me,” Cruz said. “I’d also like to thank my wife, Cindy, for the support she’s given me over the last couple of deployments. I’ve been gone a lot these last couple of years. I’ve been away from home since 2005, and I still have love for my longtime friends from Southern California.”

Food, Dancing, Games & Rides Highlight

St. Norbertfest in Orange

(ORANGE, Calif.)—One of the city’s largest festivals will return in early October with wild rides, fun attractions, and new features. St. Norbertfest, hosted annually by St. Norbert Catholic Church, started nearly 60 years ago as a family-friendly fundraiser to create a community event reminiscent of old-fashioned church fairs. The threeday event features carnival-style rides, games, food, and live entertainment, with proceeds supporting the church and its school.

St. Norbertfest will run 6–11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; 3–11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4; and 1–10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.

Food options include traditional Mexican, Asian, and American fare in addition to funnel cakes and snow cones.

The Zipper and the Ferris wheel are among the host of rides, and games will have guests taking their chance at winning sodas, goldfish, and stuffed animals.

New this year is a Kiddy Section where tots will be able to go on rides— Circus Train, Clown Around, Convoy, Cub Country, and Cub Swing—more appropriate for their age.

Sessions of bingo and Lotería, a traditional Mexican game of chance similar to bingo but played with a deck of cards, will also debut in the gymnasium.

Another new feature is pre-sale tickets for game and food booths to cut down the wait during busy times.

Music will be featured every day of the festival.

Performances include Ohio Trio Plus, energetic showmen playing a sweet mix of Motown, R&B, pop, and jazz, who will close out the night with a performance from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday. The Soto Band will bid farewell Saturday night, playing energetic cover songs to get the crowd dancing from 7 to 11 p.m.

Pre-sale unlimited-ride wristbands are available now online and can be redeemed on-site. The pre-sale oneday wristband is $35 ($55 on-site); the pre-sale one-day wristband with fast pass is $55 ($85 on-site). To purchase, visit bit.ly/4najujl. Pre-sale tickets must be purchased by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3. Single tickets may be purchased on-site for $1 each; amusement rides are 3–12 tickets per ride.

St. Norbert Church is located at 300 E. Taft Ave. in Orange, just off the 57 freeway.

promises raffles, an auction, and live music, making it a full afternoon of fun

ongoing community service and youth programs throughout Cerritos and Artesia. Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to get their tickets early at cerritosartesiarotary.com/shrimp or scan

Bring your appetite—and your generosity—and help the Rotary Club make

A FERRIS WHEEL lights the midway at St. Norbertfest. The fun starts Oct. 3–5 in Orange with proceeds supporting the church and its school.

Balances

Wellness, Dogs, and

Disco

LCCN Staff Report

La Mirada Earns Financial Reporting Award

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has once again honored the City of La Mirada with its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award, given for the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, marks the 36th consecutive year of recognition. That’s right—La Mirada has been winning this thing longer than most Netflix subscribers have been alive. The award is considered the highest honor in government accounting and reporting, proving that the City doesn’t just balance its checkbook—it makes it award-winning entertainment. If fiscal responsibility had a hall of fame, La Mirada would have a wing.

The City credits steady leadership, vigilant auditing, and a staff that treats public dollars like their own grocery money. Translation: no impulse buys, even when the shiny thing is on sale.

E-Bike Safety for Children

E-bikes are all the rage, but the City reminds parents that safety comes first. Kids need to learn the rules of the road: helmets on, hands on the handlebars, no TikTok while riding. Hand signals, stop signs, and staying alert are a must. Add elbow and knee pads for extra protection, and maybe a parental lecture for good measure. The goal: keep rides fun, not trips to urgent care.

Tails are Wagging for Puptoberfest!

Get your paws ready for Bark in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Windermere Park. This puptacular event blends Oktoberfest fun with four-legged friends. Activities include a dog costume parade, bratwursts, pretzels, apple strudel, and a frosty root beer float garden. There will also be pet adoptions, vendors, and a photo booth. Admission is free, but all dogs must be leashed and up-to-date on vaccinations. And yes, there will almost certainly be a dachshund dressed as a hot dog. For details, call (562) 943-7277.

Turf Coming to Behringer Park!

Renovations are underway at Behringer Park, where old turf is being replaced with fresh, high-quality nat-

ural grass. Improvements also include a new irrigation system and upgraded drainage, ensuring better playing conditions and fewer muddy soccer slides. The project is expected to be completed by spring. Public Works can provide details at (562) 902-2385. Sept. 2025 – Wellness and Community Health Fair

The annual Community Health Information and Safety Fair will take place Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the La Mirada Activity Center. Residents can enjoy free health and wellness screenings, safety education, senior housing resources, and more. And if that doesn’t get you in the door, maybe lunch will: Café on the Green will be serving boxed lunches for a suggested donation of $2.75. That’s less than a bag of chips at Dodger Stadium. To reserve a meal, call (562) 947-8787 by Sept. 15. For more information, call (562) 902-3160.

All That Dance Sept. 12

Adults 50 and over are invited to “All That Dance” on Friday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the La Mirada Activity Center. Doors open at 1:45 p.m., tickets are $5, and participants are encouraged to register early. Attendees will enjoy live music, snacks, and refreshments. Translation: a chance to bust a move, grab a cookie, and prove to your grandkids that disco never died. To register, call (562) 902-3121.

Pet Vaccination and Microchipping Clinic

Pet owners can mark Sept. 30 and Oct. 30 for La Mirada’s vaccination and microchipping clinics, held in the Civic Center parking lot near the Community Gymnasium. Services include exams, vaccinations, and microchipping at affordable rates, such as $35 microchips and $10 rabies shots. Appointments are required at www.heart4pets.org. For questions, call (714) 993-9193. Your pets will thank you—probably with fewer fleas and less wandering.

Join the After-School

Club!

Children ages 6 to 12 can join La Mirada’s After-School Club at Frontier, Gardenhill, and Windermere Parks. Running Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m., the program is free and provides games, crafts, homework help, and supervised fun. It’s a safe, engaging space for kids—and three hours of peace for parents who need to reclaim the living room. No registration required. For information, call (562) 943-7277.

Fighting Hunger on National Food Bank Day in L.A.

LCCN Staff Report

Consistent access to nutritious food is the foundation of a healthy community, yet one in four Los Angeles County residents faces food insecurity—the lack of sufficient or healthy food to meet basic needs.

In anticipation of National Food Bank Day on Friday, September 5, members of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) executive team spent a day volunteering at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in the City of Industry.

National Food Bank Day, observed on the first Friday of September, encourages donations and volunteerism to help fight hunger.

DPSS is inviting residents to donate on or before September 5 to support local families and individuals. The department is also urging those in need to apply for CalFresh, the nutrition assistance program administered locally by DPSS that helps households stretch their budgets and put more healthy food on the table.

At the warehouse, volunteers sorted produce, packed boxes of shelf-stable staples, and built pallets bound for local

pantries from the South Bay to the San Gabriel Valley.

The Food Bank says dollars stretch further than retail because they purchase and rescue food in bulk; still, community drives help fill gaps.

Suggested donations include canned proteins, nut butters, rice, pasta, low-sodium vegetables, whole-grain cereals, baby formula and diapers, as well as hygiene items.

Groups—schools, faith congregations, service clubs, and businesses—can schedule shifts, and teens can often earn service hours with a guardian.

Residents who need help can start a CalFresh application online, by phone, or in person at DPSS district offices; eligibility is based on household size and income. Whether giving time, food, or funds, small actions this week support neighbors and keep shelves stocked long after the awareness day has passed.

For information on donating or volunteering, visit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Residents seeking food assistance can learn more about CalFresh eligibility and how to apply through DPSS.

INSECURITY: With one in four L.A. County residents facing food insecurity, DPSS staff join volunteers to assemble boxes at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Cerritos Resident Asuncion “Annie” Dela Cruz 100th Birthday

CENTENARIAN: The Cerritos City Council honored and congratulated Ms. Asuncion “Annie” Dela Cruz on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Born in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Philippines, Asuncion “Annie” Dela Cruz’s remarkable milestone is a testament to a life filled with incredible experiences, lasting contributions, and enduring strength. Congratulations Annie! Courtesy city of Cerritos,

Claire’s, Where Millions Got Their First Earrings, Closing Stores

LCCN Staff Report

Claire’s, once a staple of American malls and the go-to shop for generations of teens, is facing another major setback. The jewelry and accessories retailer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than a decade and is preparing to shut down a large portion of its stores.

The company announced that more than 700 Claire’s and Icing locations across the United States are slated to close as part of its restructuring plan. Liquidation sales have already begun at nearly 300 stores, with final shutdowns scheduled by early September. If a buyer cannot be secured, Claire’s may be forced to close its entire North American operation.

The brand’s U.K. arm has also entered

administration, placing more than 300 stores and roughly 2,000 jobs at risk overseas. Taken together, the downsizing represents the most severe contraction in the company’s history.

Claire’s built its reputation as a mall icon, best known for offering affordable jewelry, trendy accessories, and ear-piercing services. More than 110 million people have had their ears pierced at Claire’s since its founding. But declining mall traffic, shifting shopping habits, and mounting costs have eroded its once-dominant position.

While private equity firm Ames Watson has stepped in to keep a portion of the chain alive, the future of Claire’s remains deeply uncertain. For many shoppers, the closures mark the end of an era.

NLMUSD’s Corvallis Middle School to Receive Flight Simulator

By Brian Hews

NORWALK — Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District will install a Students In Aviation (SIA) flight simulator at Corvallis Middle School STEAM Magnet, expanding hands-on STEM opportunities for students in the school’s Flight & Space and related Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses. Delivery is scheduled by October 25, 2025, with the first student flights expected to launch in January 2026.

About 31 students will rotate through the simulator as part of classroom instruction, applying concepts in aerospace engineering, navigation, design, and problem-solving. Teachers say the simulator will help bridge theory and practice by letting students “take off” virtually and experience what it feels like to pilot an aircraft.

“This simulator turns textbook concepts into real cockpit experience. Our students will ‘take off’ into STEM and see themselves as future pilots, engineers, and technologists,” said Sarah Malec, Corvallis science and PLTW teacher.

Founded in 2016 by certified flight instructor Joseph H. Canepa, SIA is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) that donates flight simulators to K–12 schools at no cost to students or districts. The volunteer-run organization supplements the hardware with free online ground school, mentorship connections to aviation professionals, and merit-based training scholarships for students who complete SIA coursework. The program has placed dozens of simulators nationwide as part of its “Sims, Schools, and Scholarships” initiative.

Corvallis leaders say the simula-

students handson aviation and STEM training.

tor will integrate directly with PLTW’s Flight & Space curriculum, which introduces middle schoolers to aeronautics, design, testing, and real-world problem-solving aligned with STEM standards. The school expects the new lab to build confidence, spark interest in aerospace careers, and provide a tangible pathway for students interested in aviation, engineering, and technology.

“At Corvallis Middle School, we are committed to shaping future leaders for our ever-changing society, which means providing innovative and inspiring learning experiences for our students,” Principal Alejandra Rosales said. “The flight simulator is more than just technology— it’s a launchpad for imagination, exploration, and career discovery. We’re proud to be at the forefront of STEM education and grateful to bring this opportunity to our students.”

For more about Students In Aviation, visit StudentsInAviation.org.

THE SIA flight simulator brings real cockpit experience to Corvallis Middle School, giving about 31

Throw The Trash Out: Release The Epstein Files

Wednesdayon Capitol Hill, Epstein survivors stood in front of cameras and lawmakers and said the quiet part out loud: this is not a hoax, and it never was.

They asked for one thing—a complete, unclassified release of federal records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Some cried. All of them were brave. Their testimonies should have ended the debate right there. Instead, we watched Washington do what it does— stall, spin, and run for cover.

The facts are simple. There is a bipartisan push led by Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna to force a vote compelling the DOJ to release the files. Members are signing a discharge petition to get it done. If leadership won’t act, the rank-and-file will. That’s how the House is supposed to work.

What did we get in response? The President dismissed the effort as a “Democrat hoax,” and, later, as “irrelevant.” Spare me. You don’t call survivors’ pleas a hoax and then pretend you’re for transparency. You either open the records or you don’t. The survivors spoke; the country heard them. The only ones not listening are the people with the power to schedule a vote.

House leadership keeps playing both sides. In July, Speaker Mike Johnson refused to bring an Epstein vote to the floor, then this week insisted Republicans are “committed to transparency” after meeting with survivors. Which is it?

If you’re committed, put the bill up and pass it—no more procedural games, no more press-release piety. Committees

dumped 33,000 pages the other day, but much of it was already public. That’s not accountability; that’s a document dump designed to run out the clock and blunt real oversight.

Survivors asked for sunlight, not a scavenger hunt. Schedule the vote. Release the files.

And to the caucus hiding behind process: enough. You can’t wrap yourself in law-and-order rhetoric and then duck when the trail leads into elite donor circles. You can’t campaign on “draining the swamp” and then sandbag the one vote that might actually drain something. If the files exonerate your friends, prove it by turning them over. If they don’t, the public deserves to know that, too.

This is not complicated. The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the release of all unclassified DOJ, FBI, and related agency records, with personal identifying information properly redacted. That is the minimum standard in a republic that claims to protect children and prize the rule of law. Anything less is a cover-up by delay.

Throw the trash out. The hedging, the leaks, the selective releases, the choreographed outrage—it all insults the women who stood at the Capitol and told America what happened to them as kids. Hold the vote. Release the files. Let the truth speak, wherever it leads, and stop treating justice like a partisan inconvenience.

Brian Hews, Publisher and Editor

Who Are the Real Hypocrites in the Gerrymandering Fight?

By Thomas D. Elias

For the better part of 20 years, Republican politicians across the nation have taken advantage of whatever privileges their status as state legislators gave them to assure they would stay in office perpetually, or at least as long as they wanted.

This has all been done at the expense of both Democratic pols and the minority groups many of them represent in Congress thanks to districts they have drawn for themselves from Texas to Florida, West Virginia to the Dakotas.

The GOP operatives never felt the slightest embarrassment or compunction about what they were doing, no matter how many times courts forced them to alter their maps and return to square 1 in the gerrymandering wars.

That’s why it is utterly laughable for figures like Joel Coupal, head of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. or the newly elected Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, who runs a fund-raising operation titled “Reform California,” to toss around words like hypocrite and apostate when California Democrats try to turn the tables on them, for once.

This all began when the order came down from Donald Trump in the Oval Office to Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott, who despite his frequent toadying to the President nevertheless brags incessantly about what a political hotshot he is.

So when Trump essentially ordered Abbott early last summer to turn six minority congressional districts in the mostly minority Houston area into five white Republican districts and just one minority district, it was clearly meant as a tactic to assure continued Trump or Trumpist rule in the House of Representatives in perpetuity.

Never mind that the Constitution very plainly says congressional districts are to be drawn every 10 years, just after the Census, and intended to last the full 10 years.

Democrats have stood still for this chicanery every time it’s been tried in the past. That’s likely why the GOP operatives who have pulled these trick plays so often in the past were taken aback when California Gov. Gavin Newsom, plainly running for president in 2028, decided to give them a piece of

From the Mayor’s Desk: September 5, 2025

By Cerritos Mayor Frank Aurelio Yokoyama

The City of Cerritos routinely explores how to judicially use our resources to bring you quality services. During the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget process and approval in June, the City Council acknowledged constraints largely driven by broader economic headwinds, which led to significant cost saving measures to accommodate impacts and short-term needs. Meanwhile, we remain committed to continually exploring longterm budget needs as part of the City’s Strategic Goal 6: Focus on Fiscal Transparency and Sustainability.

As I shared at the State of the City in late June, a key initiative to support financial sustainability is the implementation of water and sewer rate studies. These studies and potential rate adjustment schedules were discussed at our July 28 and August 28 City Council meetings. We have more meetings upcoming on this important topic before any actions are finalized, and we encourage your feedback.

This work is in response to previous direction to more closely align water and sewer operation costs with expenses. To sustain these services, the City has for years been subsidizing its Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds with revenue from its General Fund. While subsidies have helped keep resident rates unusually low, they have also placed increasing strain on

the General Fund, limiting how much we can spend to repair streets, maintain parks, and enhance community services.

The water and sewer funding scenarios under consideration by the City Council would gradually phase out General Fund subsidies over the next five years, putting water and sewer services on a path to longterm financial sustainability.

The Council will determine whether to recommend rate increases upon receipt of the final water and sewer rate studies at its October 27 meeting. Potential rate increases are subject to approval by residents as part of California’s Proposition 218 process. If approved, rate increases would be phased in over a five-year period beginning in February 2026.

Beginning this weekend, a series of informational sessions are planned for residents to learn more about the state of our water and sewer infrastructure, and impact from the potential rate increases. To ensure space accommodations and maintain a conversational format, seating is limited to 30 people per session. Meetings will take place at our Corporate Yard facility on Friday, September 5, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, September 6, at 10 a.m. Another meeting is planned at the Cerritos Senior Center on Tuesday, September 9, at 10 a.m. RSVP by calling the Public Works Department at (562) 916-1220.

More information about the City’s water and sewer rate considerations, including background on this topic and important upcoming dates, can be found at cerritos.gov/ waterrates. We appreciate your engagement on this important topic as we work toward strengthening fiscal transparency and sustainability for the City of Cerritos.

their own medicine.

Yes, California has a non-partisan state elections commission to draw its decennial borders. And that’s how it worked in 2021, the year after the last Census.

But Newsom realized that anything enacted by a California ballot initiative – as was the non-partisan election commission –can be undone by another initiative.

So he did the unprecedented: He decided to match Texas tit for tat, saying if you take away five Democratic districts in a 2026 election that figures to be extraordinarily tight, we’ll figure a way to get them back, right here in California.

Hence, the Legislature quickly approved a new map with five districts that figure to switch from red to blue, mostly in the eastern and southern parts of the state.

This didn’t sit too well with James Gallagher, the minority leader of the state Assembly. Gallagher had hoped to pick up one of the unknown number of changed seats due to come up after 2030. But James Gallagher, meet Jeff Stone.

Stone is a former Riverside County supervisor who devised another north-south split for Calif., this one intended to give the new eastern California state a couple more seats in Congress and two more Republican seats in the Senate. It was essentially the same things Gallagher wants to try now.

No shame on Stone’s part in this attempted manipulation. It didn’t work, just like all the other 40-plus state split schemes presented over the last half century.

Meanwhile, Newsom’s lone-wolf attempt to thwart Trump’s attempt at self-perpetuation is the only significant effort trying to stop the Republicans from cementing themselves into power for years, maybe decades, to come.

It appears to be the sort of tactic frustrated Democrats want their 2028 hopefuls to attempt. So even if Newsom’s effort fails, at least he will have tried, putting himself ahead of rivals like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune) and Kentucky Gov. Andy Breshears. For now, at least, it gives Newsom a leg up on the rest of the Democratic field, although no one knows how long that advantage might last. Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com.

A Call to Action for Wildfire VictimsAssembly Bill 1253 Deserved a Fair Chance

By Jeff Prang Los Angeles County Assessor

For the victims of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in January 2025, the road to recovery has been heartbreakingly complex. As we watched homes turn to ashes, one thought was ever-present: how do we support our neighbors as they rebuild their lives? Among several proposed solutions, Assembly Bill 1253 stood out as an opportunity to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with the reconstruction of homes burned to the ground. Yet, somehow, this bill failed to advance through the legislative process, leaving us to ponder the implications.

AB 1253 was not an attempt to alter existing tax laws recklessly or undermine the protective framework of Proposition 13. On the contrary, it sought to align the rebuilding process with property assessment standards, providing a much-needed lifeline for families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. Under current law, any reconstruction beyond “substantial equivalence” would trigger reassessment - meaning that even as homeowners endeavor to preserve their prefire tax base, they could unexpectedly face increasing property taxes due to minor expansions made while rebuilding.

The bill proposed a temporary allowance, recognizing the urgency and unique circumstances of wildfire recovery, which would have allowed homeowners to rebuild up to 110% of their original structure without triggering an unexpected tax increase. It was a common-sense compassionate solution in response to the needs of our communities.

As someone committed to assessing properties fairly and equitably, I watched with dismay as AB 1253 was laid to rest in

the notorious suspense file of the Assembly Appropriations Committee - an all-too-frequent fate for meaningful legislation. The absence of discussion or a vote is troubling; bills should never languish in obscurity without accountability. An open dialogue is essential in matters that affect our communities, especially those still grappling with the aftermath of disaster.

Critics may argue that AB 1253’s financial implications were concerning. Yet, an analysis from my office indicated that the possible revenue loss - should every affected property opt to rebuild to the 110% standard - amount to a mere $5 million, spread out among multiple government agencies. In contrast, the relief offered to homeowners would be incalculable in both financial and emotional terms, allowing them to rebuild without the specter of new tax burdens shadowing their efforts.

My staff and I have worked hard to identify other means of resolving this difference between building codes and assessment standards to avoid reassessment of the additional square footage, but any fix will likely require me to apply standards that are inconsistent with well-established and documented policies. This is more troubling because assessors throughout California all operate under the same law, and we strive to be fair, accurate, and equitable in how we assess property across the state. It would be total chaos if the 58 elected county assessors applied the law differently. Assembly Bill 1253 represented an opportunity to ease a burden for families trying to reclaim their lives after loss.

To those in the legislature who advocate transparency and equitable relief measures, I urge you to reconsider the fate of bills like AB 1253 in the future. Our communitiesparticularly those who have faced unimaginable trials - deserve better than to have their needs discarded in the shadows. Let us do right by our constituents. The road to recovery should not become an uphill battle mired in confusion and uncertainty.

LA County Assessor Jeff Prang

As the cost of living continues to rise, many Americans are being forced to make difficult financial decisions – weighing whether to pay rent, get groceries or fill prescriptions. Skipping medications might seem like a quick way to save money, but this can lead to serious health risks and even higher costs down the road.

In fact, research shows 27% of Americans skip prescriptions each month due to cost. More than half of Americans who filled a prescription this year said the cost felt like a financial burden, with 1 in 3 people cutting back on essentials like food or clothing to afford their medications.

These trade-offs highlight just how important it is to find practical, affordable ways to stay on treatment. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to help individuals stay current with their medications without breaking the bank. Cindy George, MPH, a senior personal finance editor at GoodRx and nationally recognized health journalist, shared expert advice to help consumers and their families improve their health care cost literacy, reduce expenses and stay healthy without overspending. Understand the True Cost of Medications

Many people assume the pharmacy counter price is nonnegotiable, but in reality, the cost of the same medication can

vary significantly depending on the pharmacy or use of available savings tools.

“Many people don’t realize there is no single price for a prescription,” George said. “Costs can vary by upwards of $100 from one pharmacy to the next, even in the same ZIP code. Understanding how to compare prices and find the most affordable option is incredibly valuable. Just like travel sites show you different options for airlines or hotels and their associated expenses, prescription price comparison sites show how much your medication costs at each pharmacy and provide you with available savings.”

By entering the medication name, along with dosage and ZIP code, individuals can quickly compare prices in their area using GoodRx. Using the website or app, you can explore alternative forms of a medication and get suggestions to help you talk with your doctor or pharmacist about more affordable options.

When Insurance Falls Short, You Still Have Options

Today, only about half of all prescriptions are fully covered by insurance without restrictions. Many have conditions, such as step

therapy, quantity limits or prior authorizations, that can lead to delays or higher costs at the pharmacy counter.

“Even insured individuals are struggling to keep up with health care costs,” George said.

“More and more are finding themselves underinsured, and that’s making basic health care harder to afford – and harder to access – for millions of families.”

That’s why comparison shopping is increasingly important for people in the

U.S. Even those with Medicare or Medicaid may benefit from cost comparisons. For that reason, George said it’s smart to look at all your options, including price comparisons at different pharmacies.

“Cost comparison tools can help people find lower prices on both generic and brand-name medications, regardless of their coverage status,” she said.

While these resources are not a full replacement for health insurance, they can be a helpful

way to reduce medication costs and avoid unexpected surprises at the pharmacy.

Build Confidence Through Cost Literacy

Cost literacy is about more than just looking up prices. It involves understanding how insurance works, what’s included in a plan’s formulary, how to interpret billing documents and how to challenge costs that seem too high. According to George, “health care cost literacy” is one of the best investments you can make in your overall financial well-being.

“Improving your health care cost literacy starts with being aware of your options and asking the right questions,” she said. “Learn the basics, like what a premium, deductible or copay means, and review your insurance plan’s benefits and covered medications.”

George recommends starting with trusted toolsthat break down health care costs and terminology.

“Tools like the GoodRx Guide to Drug Costs, Coverage and Savings, cost estimators from hospitals and insurance plans and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs – known as SHIPs – for Medicare can help you

better understand and manage costs,” she said. “If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your provider, pharmacist or insurance representative to walk you through your bills or Explanation of Benefits.”

Simple Strategies Can Add Up

Small adjustments in how medications are filled can make a major difference over time.

George recommends a few consistent strategies that can reduce out-of-pocket costs:

n Always compare prices, including your insurance copay. “People assume their insurance copay is the best deal for accessing a medication at the lowest cost, but that’s not always true,” George said. “It’s important to compare prices upfront to ensure you’re taking the most affordable option.”

n Uncover brand-name savings programs. Many pharmaceutical companies offer copay cards or patient assistance programs that can dramatically reduce your costs for brand-name or specialty medications.

n Explore generic medications, if available. Generic medications typically cost less than their brand-name counterparts.

Check with a health care professional before opting for a generic, because there might be specific reasons the brand-name version was prescribed.

n Consider a 90-day supply. For chronic conditions, ask a health care professional whether you can switch from a 30-day supply of medication to a 90-day supply, since this is often cheaper per dose.

n Try delivery. Ordering through a mail-order pharmacy can add convenience and, in many cases, offer lower prices, particularly for ongoing prescriptions.

Stay Grounded in Your Health–and Your Finances

Rising health care costs can feel overwhelming, but knowledge and planning go a long way. By building confidence through cost literacy, comparing prices and using tools to explore savings opportunities, consumers can remain in control of both their care and their budgets.

Visit GoodRx.com to explore options, compare prices and take more control over your medication costs.

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

Cerritos Passes First Major Test, Remains Undefeated After Defeating Gahr

In his first 11 seasons as the head coach for the Cerritos High girls volleyball team, David Cuthbert has won a season-opener eight times, including beginning with four straight wins four times. But now, the Dons are off to their best start since opening the 2016 season with eight straight victories and the latest win came in their biggest test thus far.

Facing a Gahr High team that ventured into hostile territory with a 4-1 mark, Cerritos rallied from a big deficit in the first set and rode that momentum to a 25-23, 25-13, 15-25, 25-17 win over the Gladiators last Thursday in front of a jam packed and raucous Cerritos gymnasium, improving to 6-0.

“I said to [Gahr head coach Charity Dennis] at the end, the football game tomorrow; the atmosphere will not come close to that [of the volleyball match],” said Cuthbert. “Because today, that was two really good teams really competing; really going at it. We kind of won the second set easy, and they turned around and put together a really great [third] set.”

“It was definitely a fun atmosphere,” said Dennis. “Every time we play Cerritos, our fans come out and their fans come out. It’s such a fun environment, so we want to say thank you to our fans and our supporters. They really showed out and showed up today. Despite the outcome, they were supportive all the way through.”

Cerritos has now won five straight matches over Gahr and nine out of the

last 10 meetings dating back to 2017. But this was also the first real test for both squads this season. The combined record of the first five opponents for Cerritos prior to hosting its city rivals was 9-26 with Bellflower High and California High being winless while the com bined record of Gahr’s first five foes was 13-23.

Gahr seemed to be in control of the first set, jumping out to leads of 13-7, 16-11 and 20-13 after three straight aces from junior defensive spe cialist Jayden Sydenham. But a serving error turned the ball over to the Dons and sophomore middle blocker Miranda Martinez returned the favor, getting a pair of aces after a kill from junior outside hitter Ceana Merino, who along with sophomore setter Kylie Cruz sang the national anthem prior to the match.

it’s always going to give us a chance. Anytime you get a great comeback like that, we’re going to definitely get some momentum going into the second set.”

“It was very frustrating,” said Dennis of her team blowing a seven-point advantage late. “It was mental rors for us, so we allowed them to go on the run. It was just our breakdown in our fundamentals, in our mechanics; we weren’t cohesive towards the end. We broke down, but we’re improving and getting better.”

Cerritos carried that burst of energy into the second set and after getting her sixth kill of the match, Veron served eight straight points to put it out of reach. Included in that scoring spree were four aces, another kill and blocks from Cho and 6’1” junior middle blocker Yuming Zhang.

one as they scored the first three points of the fourth set, eventually opening a 12-6 lead and then an 18-8 advantage. Gahr had nine kills in the set, five coming from Hackworth and three more from Sousa while Cho, Martinez and Veron all combined for 11 of the 13 kills Cerritos had in the fourth set.

“I thought we had that [momentum] too,” said Dennis. “We have fighters on the team. They’re young, but they’re fighters. I don’t think it was ever out of reach for us. It was just point for point until eventually Cerritos went on a run.”

Hackworth led all players with 12 kills while Sousa and Paalam followed with 10 and six kills, respectively. Paalam also had five aces while freshman libero Kylee Shaver added four aces. Cerritos was paced by Veron (11 kills, six aces, one block), Martinez (10 kills, four aces, two blocks), Merino (nine kills, two aces), Cho (eight kills, three blocks), Cruz (22 assists, seven aces) and sophomore setter Leah Hidalgo (19 assists).

After the Gladiators picked up a point on a serving error, the Dons tied the match at 21-21 on kills from Merino, junior middle blocker Kaylin Cho, sophomore outside hitter Ally Veron, a lift violation and a block from Cho.

“With our girls this year, we talked about…in the moment when we’re struggling, we have certain behaviors that we want the kids to commit to, and then we don’t worry about the outcome,” said Cuthbert. “If we’re doing these things,

To play Wonderword, read the word list, then find each word in the letter grid by scanning horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backward. When you find a word, circle its letters and cross it off your list. The remaining letters, when read in order, spell the “Wonderword” solution.

But Gahr turned the tables around in the third set and despite ties at 4-4, 9-9 and 12-12, never trailed. Junior opposite hitter Raenna Sousa posted four kills in the set while sophomore outside hitter Violet Hackworth added three, equaling the total she had in the second set. The fourth kill of the match from senior outside hitter Genesis Islas gave the Gladiators the lead for good at 13-12 and that was immediately followed by a block from senior opposite Tzarie Paalam.

After a point from Cerritos, Paalam’s fifth kill gave the serve to senior middle blocker Jessalyn Ecevedo where she had a pair of aces, a kill from Sousa and a violation to put the set out of reach.

“We did a good job coming into the third set,” said Dennis. “It’s just they have to talk themselves…I was out of that timeout not sure exactly what all was said. But they came out fired up and ready to go.”

“We had a rough start to that [set]; that gave them a nice cushion to begin with,” said Cuthbert. “But none of these kids need any motivation when it’s Gahr-Cerritos. That’s always going to be a fun environment. They’re too good of a team to just stay down. So, we knew they were going to come back and luckily for us, we managed to step up in that fourth set.”

That would mark the first time the Dons had lost a set in the season, and they made sure not to make it a second

“She’s a captain this year, so she’s been a leader since her freshman year,” said Dennis of Hackworth. “She’s really stepped into her role this year in terms of her energy. She’s extremely consistent; we can rely on her as a player and it’s such a special thing to have at such a young age. I’m super excited to see what all she accomplishes in her career.”

“I think Kaylin is the missing piece for us,” said Cuthbert. “The last few years, we really needed a big strong blocker on the right side, and Kaylin gives us that. She played middle for us last year, then transferred to the right side. She changes the dynamic of how we defend when we have that big blocker out there.”

Cerritos went 18-12 last season and finished in second place in the 605 League for the first time since the league was formed. Cuthbert has eight returning players, none of whom are seniors, and seven first-time varsity players with five being seniors.

“They’re having fun,” said Cuthbert. “It’s a weird situation because last year, we had four freshmen playing a lot of minutes and now they’re sophomores, but they have some experience. Although those players are grown up, we got younger because we have so many new players on our roster this year.”

After facing La Mirada High at the beginning of the week, Cerritos will be off until travelling to John Glenn High on Sept. 12 for the 605 League opener. Meanwhile, Gahr bounced back and swept Bell Gardens High 28-26, 25-16, 25-15 last Friday to get to 5-2. The Gladiators hosted Santa Fe High on Sept. 4 and will participate in the Whittier Tournament Friday and Saturday before going to La Serna High on Tuesday and hosting Lynwood High two days later in the Mid-Cities League opener.

“I think this is a big test of managing momentums,” said Dennis. “We talked about that outside [after the match]. We can’t be super high and expect not to crash down. You have to stay leveled and consistent. I think that will be a great test heading into league and into playoffs after that.”

“We just have to keep the effort in practice; just make sure that regardless of who we play and where we play that webring that type of intensity to the game,” said Cuthbert. “We have things to work on. I’m really, really pleased with that win today, but we have some stuff to work on.”

Cerritos Defense Sets the Tone Early Against Gahr, Offense Takes Over in Second Half

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

The latest installment of the annual battle for the Silver Milk Jug between Cerritos High and Gahr High lacked the offensive fireworks that has been symbolic of this longstanding rivalry which was knotted at 24 wins apiece enter last Friday’s affair. Normally, one could find either team heading into the locker room after 24 minutes of play with double digit points.

Just two seasons ago, the game was tied 13-13 after the opening quarter before Gahr rallied for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter in a 27-20 win. Last season, a scoreless opening quarter turned into a 16-0 halftime lead for Cerritos, which would win 37-0.

But on the night before the legendary former college football head coach Lee Corso put on his final headgear during the popular ESPN College GameDay pregame show, it would only be fitting that his signature call of ‘not so fast my friend’ could be echoed out throughout the capacity crowd at Dr. Hanford Rants Stadium.

Cerritos led 7-0 at the half, but the defense gave way to the offense in the third quarter, and the Dons scored three times in the stanza and once again in the fourth

CERRITOS HIGH senior Suvan Pradhan glides into the end zone for the final touchdown in last Friday’s 35-7 win over Gahr High. Pradhan scored from four yards out and was his second carry of the night.

quarter in a 35-7 win over the Gladiators. This is the second straight win over Gahr and the third in last four seasons. Before that, the Gladiators had won 13 straight in the series.

“The score…I guess it was about accurate,” said Cerritos head coach Demel Franklin. “But we played so sloppy;

THE GREAT COW RUN: Area Harriers Off and Running at Popular Early-Season Cross Country Race

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

A staple amongst the Cerritos High cross country program since 2006 once again took place last Saturday morning, on a high school campus with a unique look. But despite the unconventional conditions that one would see at most cross

a one-year absence because of construction at Cerritos Regional Park, it was renamed the Great Cow Run even though it has not been held in the City of Cerritos since 2021.

In 2022, it was held on the Artesia High campus and since 2023, it has been held at John Glenn High.

“After working with them to host league meets on their campus, I noticed

DANI ROMERO was the top runner for Cerritos High with a time of 20:09 at last Saturday’s Great Cow Run at John Glenn High. Out of 190 runners, she was the 45th runner overall to cross the finish line. Photo By Fuma Takahashi.

country races, not many were complaining about the annual Great Cow Run.

Four area schools were represented in the prestigious early season event with Norwalk High having the most success as its boys team finished in 12th place out of 24 schools that fielded a complete team and the girls placing 13th out of 21 schools that had the required five runners to officially garner team points.

In 2006, the event was called the Cerritos Cross Country Invitational and after

the potential of a great meet there,” said Cerritos head coach Jason Watanabe.

“Plus, Glenn has a great coach in Andy De La Torre and athletic director in Linda Parra, who I work well with. We each do our part to ensure the success of the meet, and it has led to positive feedback among the teams attending. While holding the meet at [Don] Knabe Park again is a wish of our school and many teams who attend our meet, the process for holding the meet

[ See COW RUN, page 12 ]

oh my god, in the first half we got seven points. Our offense is not great right now, but our defense is really good.

“It’s frustrating; I’m looking and [wondering], what is this,” he later said. “It’s just our mistakes; we’re making mistakes one at a time. We have to be better at figuring out when these guys are

going to implode.”

“I thought both teams played pretty well,” said Gahr head coach Greg Marshall. “But offensively, we’re dysfunctional right now; we’re just not very good. So, you figure if we get the offense on track with the defense we’re playing, we’re going to be okay down the road. But it’s not ready yet.”

The Cerritos defense made its presence known immediately as senior Tyler Ky sacked Gahr senior quarterback Roman Acosta for a six-yard loss on the second play of the game. Three plays later, and after Acosta found sophomore wide receiver Bryant Riley for a 28-yard gain, senior Bailey Crawford sacked Acosta for a seven-yard loss. Then after a false start infraction, Acosta was sacked again, this time by junior Noah Schaffer for a nine-yard loss.

After getting to the Cerritos 39-yard line after the Riley reception, Gahr was forced to punt from its own 43-yard line, and after both teams were held on downs on the next two drives, Cerritos ended the scoreless tie with 1:24 left in the quarter.

On third and nine from its own 46yard line, senior quarterback Justin Sagun connected with junior wide receiver Terrence Grissom for a 39-yard gain.

[ See CERRITOS, page 12 ]

NEWS AND NOTES FROM PRESS ROW: Struggling Football Program Making Strides Despite Winless Start to the Season

By Loren Kopff @LorenKopff on X

It may not reflect in the wins and losses after two games, but the John Glenn High football team, with a new head coach, more players than last season and a new attitude, can feel a win coming at any time. That victory could come tonight and could be combined with the school’s homecoming as the Eagles host California Military Institute on Friday in the HMGCommunity News Game of the Week.

The Eagles lost to Magnolia High by 26 points in the season opener but rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit to take a onepoint lead late in the third quarter. Then last week in a 22-18 setback to Savanna High, the Eagles had a 6-0 first quarter lead, a 12-6 halftime advantage and were up 18-14 early in the fourth quarter.

Senior quarterback Luis Vergara scored on runs of 15 and two yards while senior running back Okaro Lee added a one-yard touchdown run, his third of the season.

Glenn was driving for a go-ahead touchdown late in the game but was stopped on fourth and goal from the fouryard line. After forcing the Rebels to punt, Glenn got the ball back in Savanna territory. However, a potential first down was nullified because of a holding penalty and in interception with less than a minute to play ended the rally.

The 39 points scored is already 11 points away from the total last season’s team scored in eight games played (another was a forfeit loss) and the 30 players on the roster, 12 of whom are seniors, are more than last season’s squad. So, it’s all baby steps for a program yearning for more happy moments.

CMI, out of Perris, is also winless after setbacks to Redlands East Valley High (63-7) and Santa Rosa Academy (46-14). This is the first meeting between the schools as the Rough Riders put together their first team in 2006, albeit an eight-man squad. It wasn’t until 2009

LOREN KOPFF’S NEWS AND NOTES FROM PRESS ROW

that CMI went to 11-man status, a season after going 7-3. The program has had six straight losing seasons, the last three as members of the Manzanita League and CMI’s best season was in 2011 when it went 8-3. The school was established in 2003 and has students from fifth grade to 12th

Prediction: Glenn 37, CMI 7 Firebaugh High (1-1) @ Artesia High (1-1)-After a 30-point win to begin the season, Artesia took it on the chin last Thursday in a 49-7 loss to Maranatha High. The Minutemen were already leading 42-0 before sophomore quarterback Jorge Velazquez scored from four yards out seconds before halftime. Velazquez would complete five of nine passes for 40 yards and rush eight times for 34 yards as the Pioneers picked up 199 yards of total offense. Senior quarterback Joey Peck threw for 120 yards and missed on one of his seven attempts. Senior linebacker Angel Lagunas, junior

PHOTO BY DAVE KY

SENIOR

Three plays later, Sagun found him again, this time in the back left corner of the end zone for the score.

Cerritos would have just one drive in the second quarter, which lasted 3:12 and ended on downs. That came after the Gladiators had their longest drive of the game. Starting near midfield, the hosts put together 12 plays but gained only 13 yards because of two more sacks totaling 13 yards in losses. But Gahr was aided by two 15-yard Cerritos penalties and on fourth down from the 25-yard line, sophomore Matthew Barcelos came up short on a 42-yard field goal.

“Every time I looked down, we’re getting behind the sticks with the penalties,” said Marshall. “We have to play cleaner, that’s all it is. But that’s from not knowing how we’re going to win to play football. Like I said, we’re dysfunctional right now on offense.”

“It’s our defense, so we have a new defensive coordinator; my brother Devin Franklin who’s super aggressive, blitzes inside,” said Franklin. “We’ve been coaching together for 30 years in high school and youth football, so we’re not afraid of anything. I just think how we train our kids with the conditioning we’ll outlast most teams.”

In the unusually low-scoring first half, Cerritos ran 20 plays for 104 yards and had the ball for nearly seven and a half minutes while Gahr has 12 more plays but could get just 77 yards. Nine of those plays went for negative yardage and another nine plays went for less than 10 yards.

“We started good, but we gave up one on defense,” said Ky. “But I’m proud of our effort and everything’s good. Everything went as planned; we watched film, we executed, and we got the job done.

“That’s what the Dons are known for; come out hard on defense and then we let the offense carry the way,” he later said. “That’s how we always do it.”

“I think in a rivalry, you kind of have to throw stuff out because…I know his superpowers and he knows mine,” said Franklin of his counterpart head coach. “So I need to give enough credit to that. We had to figure them out, kind of take their best shot and once we saw what they had, this is our counterpunch. We always make adjustments at halftime; that’s one think I make sure of.”

The third quarter would be what the fans came to see as both teams scored on the first four drives of the stanza. Cerritos received the ball to begin the second half and parlayed a 10-play, 68-yard drive into a one-yard sneak by Sagun just over four and a half minutes into the stanza. Gahr was set to punt on its first possession of the second half, but a mishap resulted in a block from senior defensive back Labrenton Wilson, then a scoop and score for Ky who needed just eight yards to make it 21-0 with 4:55 remaining.

The Dons (1-1) kept that momentum going into its next drive as Wilson gained eight and 14 yards on a pair of runs before senior running back Jayden Bagaygay had runs of five and 20 yards, the latter leading to a touchdown and a 28-0 lead.

“The punter missed the ball, then Wilson blocked it, and I just scooped and scored,” said Ky. “That’s how I saw it; I just ran and got [a straight path] for the touchdown.”

Gahr (0-2) would snap a six-quarter scoreless drought against the Dons when senior running back Jaidyn Backus picked up 46 yards on the first play of the drive to get the ball to the five-yard line. Four plays later, sophomore De’Mir

Cunningham went in from a yard out.

On the ensuing possession that lasted into the fourth quarter, Bagaygay had a 15-yard reception and Wilson added a 21-yard run, leading to a four-yard touchdown run from senior Suvan Pradhan for the game’s final touchdown.

Acosta was seven of 14 for 35 yards but was sacked five times and ran the ball 17 times with the longest gain being 10 yards. Backus rushed four times for 57 yards while Cunningham added 10 yards on nine touches. Throughout the week and film-watching sessions, the focus for Cerritos was on Acosta, given that he was virtually the lone source of offense in a 41-0 loss to Valley Christian High the previous week.

“Clearly the quarterback, Acosta,” said Franklin. “I didn’t realize he’s a good runner. On film, you could see him run a little, but in person, he’s absolutely impressive. I tip my hat to him.”

“Our number one focus was their screen, but they couldn’t execute it because we were all there,” said Ky. “We stopped them every time.”

Defensively for Gahr, senior safety Malachi Williams had six and a half tackles while senior safety Alexander Gutierrez pitched in with four and a half tackles. Cerritos also gained positive yardage in all but three of 53 plays.

“I think we made quite a bit [improvements] actually,” said Marshall of his defense. “We’re just trying to find ourselves offensively, but defensively I thought we played really well. We gave up a couple of [long] passes; last week we gave up five [big] passes. Then in the second half, a couple of guys went down [with injuries].

“I don’t know where we’re going to go with the offense because we don’t have an identity,” he later said. “We tried to throw a little bit this week, and they exposed our left tackle; they kept going around him. So we had to double back, then we dropped some balls. We’re just not very good on offense right now. We thought we would be able to run like we did last year. But we’re finding out we can’t. We have two weeks to find out what we can do.”

For Cerritos, Sagun completed nine of 15 passes for 110 yards with Grissom catching three of them for 57 yards. Bagaygay led the ground assault with 76 yards on 13 carries while Wilson added 54 yards on nine rushes.

“That kid is getting better and better,” said Franklin. “He’s waited his turn; his brother Jeremiah Bagaygay did great things here and now it’s his turn. He’s a senior and it looks like he’s ready.”

Cerritos has now defeated Gahr in consecutive seasons for the first time since winning six straight over the Gladiators from 1999-2004. And while this may be one of the biggest city rivalries around, there wasn’t much hoopla during the week coming from the Dons.

“We were taught to keep quiet and let our game do the talking,” said Ky. “But we watched film, we studied and got the win. We saw exactly how they were; every play we just executed and came down hard.”

The Dons will be on the other sideline at Dr. Hanford Rants Stadium on Friday when they host Portola High, who they defeated 21-14 last season to end a four-game losing streak to the Irvine-based school. Meanwhile, Gahr has a bye before travelling to Valencia to meet up with Trinity Classical Academy on Sept. 12.

“This is perfect,” said Marshall of the bye. “We had two games and win, lose or draw, not that we don’t care, but that’s not the biggest thing. Now we have two

weeks of this group [to figure out] what can this guy do, what can that guy do and what can we do to put it together. Now, if we go, after two weeks, looking the same, then we have issues. We should look completely different by our next game.”

COW RUN from page 11

at the park is quite difficult and unfeasible for our meet.”

The Norwalk boys racked up 326 points and although the Lancers were 12th overall, they finished in seventh place with 180 points among a dozen schools classified in the Large Schools Division. Senior Leo Diaz had the fourth best time of all runners at 14:51 while sophomore Juan Mares came in 37th overall with a time of 15:51.

The next area runner was Whitney High senior Cristian Ishiki (74th, 16:33) and his teammate, senior Caiden Cortes, finished in 83rd overall at 16:42. The leading Cerritos runners were senior Isaac Domingo, who came in 109th overall with a time of 17:01.3, and freshman Krish Kohli, 17:01.5. Whitney would finish in 15th place overall with 326 points while Cerritos was near the bottom with 596 points. The Glenn boys did not have a runner for this race.

“Overall, it was a positive start for the team at the race,” said Watanabe. “For the boys, our top runner, Vincent Valenzuela, sat out for this race and our top runner was over thirty seconds faster than our top runner last year. Our top finisher on the day improved by over two minutes from last year. While we do have some things to work on, we don’t put too much emphasis on the early season, and hope that they can develop well as we head into October.”

The Norwalk girls had success as well, finishing in 13th overall (eighth in the large schools division) with 406 team points while Cerritos and Whitney each had three runners, and Glann had a pair of runners. Because of the small numbers, those schools did not have any team points,

Senior Dani Romero of Cerritos was the top area runner, coming in 45th place with a time of 20:09 while Whitney junior Katherine Low finished 14 places behind Romero overall with a time of 20:26. Romero’s time was her best at the Great Cow Run as she ran a 20:46 in 2023. The top Norwalk runner was senior Daniela Raya Perez (72nd. 20:56) while her teammate, senior Aaliyah Taylor came in 95th with a time of 21:31.

The other two Cerritos runners were juniors Nandini Panchal (23:38) and Samantha Gomez (26:29) while the other two Whitney runners were seniors Raphaela Flores (21:37) and Emma Vicencio (22:34). Seniors Melanie Patino (23:09) and Stacy Hernandez (27:06) were the two Glenn participants.

“Like the boys, we got hit with an illness bug on top of a few injuries,” said Watanabe of the girls. “With a busy first two weeks of the season (four races in two weeks), we had two of our varsity athletes out, which made it a little challenging. The majority of our girls didn’t run at the Great Cow Run. We also lost four of our top athletes this season (for various reasons), so having a missing athlete makes it a bit more challenging for the others. Regardless, the girls also have a young and motivated group; we are hoping they’ll improve, and we’ll find some solid athletes by season’s end.”

Cerritos, Glenn and Norwalk will join the other three schools from the 605 League for its first cluster meet on Wednesday at Clark Park while Norwalk is scheduled to be in the Pat Hadley Invitational on Saturday at Tri City Park in Placentia.

ARTESIA from page 1

Adaptation Plan. The city also launched the Youth Activities League on August 13 to provide after-school activities and mentorship for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Parks and community spaces saw visible upgrades. The Albert O. Little Community Center received a new roof, fresh paint, and new flooring. The city acquired two properties to expand AJ Padelford Park, where it installed outdoor exercise equipment and resurfaced the basketball court with new hoops. Artesia Park received refreshed lighting, renovated baseball fields, and new hoops. Planning continues for the Artesia Botanical Garden with walking paths, educational gardens, and public art shaped by community input.

Economic development efforts are tied closely to transit. Artesia is a key partner on Metro’s Southeast Gateway light-rail project, which officials expect to catalyze downtown revitalization, housing, and commerce. Along Pioneer Boulevard, the city approved a mixeduse project with more than 80 residential units and a rooftop restaurant, and a Downtown Specific Plan—emphasizing transit-oriented development, small-business support, and new housing—is slated for adoption this fall. Measure AAA, which began generating revenue in April, is providing the financial base for these initiatives.

Taj closed by thanking council colleagues, city staff, residents, businesses, and community partners, saying Artesia’s progress is measured not just in numbers but in a sense of unity and shared momentum for the year ahead.

BELLFLOWER

from page 1

The changes went beyond bureaucratic housekeeping. New statewide regulations addressed fire safety in facilities that handle lithium batteries, energy systems tied to solar roofs, and standards for storing or repairing electric vehicles. Locally, Bellflower required a minimum of Class B fire-retardant roofing on new or altered roofs, codified foundation standards due to liquefaction risks, and adopted the state’s new Wildland-Urban Interface Code to harden buildings against wildfire conditions.

The ordinance tightened expiration dates for permits and plan checks, which was a clean-up item from the last code update and is in keeping with current city practices. The ordinance also maintains Bellflower’s longstanding voluntary “Self-Certification” program allowing licensed engineers and architects to submit qualifying projects for same-day permit issuance—an effort to speed up tenant improvements and smaller jobs. The Council will also maintain itself as the appeals body, and the Building Official will maintain authority to order utility shut-offs in emergencies or for unpermitted work.

For homeowners and developers, timing mattered. Projects submitted before the ordinance’s effective date could be grandfathered in, provided permits were pulled within 90 days. Those that lapsed would have to comply with the new rules.

The Council declared the ordinance exempt from environmental review, calling the changes minor revisions and enhanced safety protections. Administrative costs will be covered by permit fees.

linebacker Jonathan Garcia and junior lineman Giovanny Martinez all had six tackles. However, Maranatha quarterback Cooper Berry completed 22 of 27 for 447 yards and six touchdowns. The Firebaugh football program has been around for less than 20 seasons as the school was founded in 2005, and had its first winning campaign in 2024, going 6-4. This is the first meeting between the schools however the Falcons are winless in four games against 605 League schools. Firebaugh fell to Hawthorne High 54-7 last Friday with the lone score coming on a 45-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The previous week, the Falcons knocked off Santa Clara High 33-7. Prediction: Artesia 37, Firebaugh 14

Portola High (1-1) @ Cerritos High (1-1)-Cerritos posted a 35-7 win over city rival Gahr High last Friday, but it wasn’t a crisp, clean game as the Dons were held to one touchdown in the first half and had nine penalties for 105 yards, the second straight games in which they had over 100 yards in penalties. But the defense sacked Gahr senior quarterback Roman Acosta five times and senior Tyler Ky returned a blocked punt eight yards for a score in the third quarter.

Senior quarterback Justin Sagun already has 220 yards in two games with one touchdown while the rushing game has picked up 352 yards from 10 players.

Portola is coming off a 7-0 win over Irvine High last Friday after beginning the season with a 35-0 loss to Long Beach Wilson High. The lone score came from Timothy Grettenberg in the fourth quarter. He led the Bulldogs with 95 yards on 23 carries while Mayan Kim added 62 yards on seven carries. The passing game wasn’t up to par as Orion Suttle completed five of 13 passes for 35 yards with a pair of interceptions. In two games, Portola has gained 224 yards in total offense.

The Bulldogs have faced the Dons five times and after four straight wins from 2019-2023, lost a 21-14 affair to the black and gold last season. Portola High opened in 2016 and after going 2-8 in 2018, went 10-2 the next season.

“Portola is very well coached; that’s why I keep that contract,” said Cerritos head coach Demel Franklin. “They’re going to play us hard, tooth and nail and no matter who wins, we’re going to fight to the end. I respect the coach; they won [the CIF-Southern Section Division 11 championship] last year, so they’re the king of the hill and we’re coming in trying to chop them down.”

Prediction: Cerritos 28, Portola 20

La Mirada High (2-0) @ Tesoro High (1-1)-For the first time since 2019, La Mirada has started a season with two straight wins. Now, the Matadores are seeking to go 3-0 for the first time since 2014. La Mirada got past Troy High 2421 last Friday as junior Cristian Hecker broke a 21-21 game with a 22-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Sophomore quarterback Ace Faagata completed 11 of 16 passes for 128 yards and added 34 rushing yards on four carries as the Matadores compiled 367 yards of total offense. Junior running back Ismael Garcia had 100 yards on 24 carries and scored twice while junior running back Josiah Fregoso added 96 yards on nine touches and scored on a 74-yard run.

La Mirada led 7-0, then trailed 14-7 in the second quarter before tying the game heading into the locker room. The hosts would take a 21-14 lead before the Warriors forced the third tie of the game.

Tesoro was dominated by San Marcos High 45-14 last Friday in north San Diego County. Quarterback Vaughn Stewart completed 50 percent of his passes for 60

yards, threw a touchdown and was picked off once while Nic Brubaker led the ground game with 115 yards on 22 carries. Tesoro, which defeated La Mirada 3828 last season, knocked off El Toro High 24-14 two weeks ago. In fact, the Titans have a 3-1 series lead over the Matadors since 2008. The La Mirada win came in the second week of the 2014 season, a 2623 victory. Prediction: La Mirada 28, Tesoro 24

Pasadena High (1-1) @ Norwalk High (2-0)-It wouldn’t be a surprise if Norwalk head coach Ruben Guerrero and Gahr head coach Greg Marshall recently chatted about Pasadena, given both teams are in the Mid-Cities League and Gahr faced Pasadena in the CIF-Southern Section Division 13 championship game last season. In two games this season, Norwalk has been doing what it always does-run the ball and score at will. The Lancers breezed past Santa Fe High 35-20 last week as senior running backs Diego Cerritos and Daron Walker gained 168 yards on 24 carries and 160 yards on 16 carries, respectively. Cerritos found the end zone four times and Walker once. Defensively, junior linebacker David Ibarra had 11 tackles, one more than junior linebacker Onosai Faamatau. The previous week, the Lancers smashed Montebello High 55-14.

This will be Norwalk’s first meeting with the Bulldogs, who are coming off a 33-24 loss to San Dimas High last Friday. Quarterback Dutch Burbidge was 16 of 26 for 291 yards and tossed three touchdowns, two of them going to Kyle Robertson (128 yards on six receptions) and the other one to Damari Pitts (106 yards on six catches). Pasadena’s win was against Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High, 42-3.

Prediction: Norwalk 42, Pasadena 21

Mary Star of the Sea High (1-0) @ Valley Christian High (1-1)-A week after a resounding 41-0 win over Gahr, the Defenders let a 12-6 halftime lead slip away in a 33-19 loss to Calvary Chapel Santa Ana High last Friday, yielding 20 points in the third quarter. Junior quarterback Graham Lunzer, the St. John Bosco High transfer, completed 15 passes for 156 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown pass to senior Cole Hefner in the fourth quarter. Lunzer also gained 57 yards on 15 carries and scored once while senior Oliver Boateng added a two-yard touchdown run in his only touch in the backfield. Hefner led the defensive attack with nine tackles.

Mary Star of the Sea defeated Eastside High 42-7 last Friday, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and 14 more in the second quarter. Quarterback Tanner Rollins made the most of his nine completed passes, passing for 240 yards and five touchdowns. Dallas Christopher was the recipient of five of those passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns. The defense was just as hot as Rollins was, recording 11 sacks with Aden Sierra getting four and Johnny Rivera three more.

The teams have not met since 2007 when V.C. posted a 24-3 win. It marked the fourth straight win over the Stars in as many seasons.

Prediction: V.C. 28, Mary Star of the Sea 21

Last week’s predictions: 2-4 Season to date: 6-6

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Artesia has not played since Aug. 23 when it went 3-2 in the Montebello Tournament. But the Pioneers (4-4) were slated to visit Firebaugh on Sept. 4 and are not scheduled to play again until hosting Pioneer High on Sept. 12 in the 605 League opener.

Glenn was swept by South El Monte High 25-19, 25-19, 26-24 last Thursday

to see its record drop to 1-5 as it will travel to Magnolia on Monday before entertaining Cerritos on Sept. 12 in the 605 League opener.

Gahr fell to Rosary Academy 25-19, 25-10, 25-22 this past Tuesday and after entertaining Santa Fe on Sept. 4, will play Mark Keppel High, Woodcrest Christian High and Walnut High in pool play action of the Whittier Cardinal Classic Tournament on Friday. The Gladiators (53) will have at three more playoff matches on Saturday before visiting La Serna High on Tuesday ahead of their Mid-Cities opener on Thursday against Lynwood High.

La Mirada was swept by Cerritos 2517, 25-12, 25-8 this past Tuesday to fall to 1-8 as it will face Los Altos High, Saugus High and Pasadena in pool play action of the Whittier Cardinal Classic Tournament on Friday, then at least three playoff matches on Saturday. The Matadores will begin Gateway League action on Thursday Norwalk.

Norwalk (3-1), which visited Whitney High on Sept. 4, is the third area team participating in the Whittier Cardinal Classic Tournament and will face Rio Mesa High, Rowland High and Western Christian High in pool play action on Friday with at least three more matches on Saturday in the playoff bracket.

At this point, there doesn’t seem to be any slowing down from Valley Christian, which has won 12 straight matches after an opening-season setback to Etiwanda High. The Defenders survived a fiveset match with Scripps Ranch High last Friday, then swept Christian High last Saturday and La Serna this past Tuesday. V.C. will venture to the Inland Empire on Tuesday to face Ontario Christian High before hosting Olympic League nemesis Village Christian High on Thursday.

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

Artesia remains winless in three

games as it will host Gahr on Tuesday and Pioneer on Thursday while Cerritos (4-3) will travel to Mark Keppel on Monday and host Bellflower High on Wednesday before going to Glenn on Thursday in the 605 League opener.

Gahr’s six-game winning streak to begin the season was halted by Crean Lutheran High last Friday in an 18-7 loss but rebounded to edge Villa Park High 1312. The Gladiators will visit Buena Park High on Saturday and host Los Altos on Thursday.

There may not be a Mayor’s Cup for 11-man football between Glenn and Norwalk, but there’s a flag football game between the city rivals and this past Tuesday, the Eagles were shutout by Norwalk 25-0. Glenn (1-5) hosted Santa Fe on Sept. 4 while La Mirada (2-3) welcomes La Habra High Monday before going to Schurr High on Thursday. Norwalk’s shutout over Glenn pushed the team’s record to 5-3-1 as the Lancers will visit El Rancho High on Saturday before hosting San Gabriel High on Tuesday.

Cerritos Senior Center 12340 South St. Cevitas Coffee 14218 Rosecrans Ave

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ORDINANCE NO. 1161

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS DISSOLVING THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION AND REPEALING SECTIONS 70.40 THROUGH 70.44 OF CHAPTER 70 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF TITLE VII (TRAFFIC CODE) OF THE SANTA FE SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE

WHEREAS, on June 9, 1960, the City Council of Santa Fe Springs adopted Ordinance No. 148 which amended Ordinance No. 17 and established the Traffic Commission (“Commission”) as an advisory commission to the City Council; and

WHEREAS, the City Council established the Commission to make decisions and recommendations to the City Council on traffic control and public safety; and

WHEREAS, the Commission occasionally reviews parking restriction and other traffic related requests that require City Council approval, but more often has little to no business to conduct during meetings; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is no longer necessary to have a Traffic Commission and that the resources expended to support it can no longer be justified; and

WHEREAS, the City Council believes the office of City Traffic Engineer can sufficiently advise the City Council on traffic safety matters, such that the Commission is no longer needed and can be dissolved; and

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to dissolve the Commission and to repeal Sections 70.40 through 70.44 of Chapter 70 (General Provisions) of Title VII (Traffic Code) of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.

Section 2. The Traffic Commission is hereby dissolved.

Section 3. Sections 70.40 through 70.44 of Chapter 70 (General Provisions) of Title VII (Traffic Code) of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code are hereby repealed.

Section 4 The City Council hereby determines that this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Pub. Res. Code § 21000 et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.) Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) because the dissolution of the Traffic Commission will not result in any potential indirect physical change in the environment, any such potential is speculative and not reasonably foreseeable. Therefore, no further action is required pursuant to CEQA.

Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption by City Council, after which the City Clerk of the City of Santa Fe Springs shall certify the same be published in the manner required by law.

PASSED and ADOPTED this 2nd day of September, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Mora, Martin, Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Zamora, and Mayor Rounds

NOES: None

ABSENT: None

ASTAIN: None

Published in the Los Cerritos Community News News 9/5/25

NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS

ROUNDABOUT AT GREENWOOD AVENUE AND WATCHER STREET INTERSECTION

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITY OF COMMERCE, referred to as “CITY”, invites sealed bids for ROUNDABOUT AT GREENWOOD AVENUE AND WATCHER STREET INTERSECTION and will receive on PlanetBids, up to the hour of 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud online. Late submittals will not be considered. It is the bidder’s responsibility to upload the bid proposal file by the due date to City’s portal on PlanetBids.

Electronic files of the Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents are available for download on the City’s portal on PlanetBids.

Working hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The work shall be completed within 45 working days after the City’s Notice to Proceed.

Each Bidder shall possess a valid Class A Contractor’s license issued by the California State Contractors License Board at the time of the Bid submission. The successful Contractor must also possess a current City business license.

This project is subject to the requirements of SB 854. No prime contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal and may be awarded for a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5.

If there are any questions regarding this project, please upload all questions to: City’s portal on PlanetBids.

Published in the Los Cerritos Community News News 9/5/25

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated. 10753 Artesia Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703 on 09/17/2025 at 11:30 a.m.

Lauren Earl Anthony Suggs Cyd Dino

Brenda Zambrano

Jesus Oseguera Herrera Manuel Ledesma

Max Joseph Castillo

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Published in the Los Cerritos Community News News 9/5/25

TAKE NOTICE that the Bellflower City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to consider adopting Ordinance No. 1449.

An Ordinance adopting the 2025 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Energy Code, the California Fire Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Referenced Standards Code, and the California Building Standards Administrative Code; making certain amendments based upon local conditions, and amending the Bellflower Municipal Code to reflect such changes.

These Ordinances are exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”) because it consists only of minor revisions and clarifications to an existing code of construction-related regulations and specification of procedures. These will not have the effect of deleting or substantially changing any regulatory standards or findings. Accordingly, the Ordinances (by itself) does not have the potential to cause significant effects on the environment. In addition, these Ordinances are an action being taken for enhanced protection of the environment and is exempt from further review under CEQA Guidelines § 15308.

The City of Bellflower invites members of the public to review and comment on this item. Copies of the staff report and supporting documents regarding this matter may be inspected by the public on the City’s website at www.bellflower.org, or by appointment in the City Clerk’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California; telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2220. All written comments concerning this may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706; or by email at cclerk@bellflower.ca.gov

If you wish to challenge this item in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City at or before the Public Hearing.

MAYRA OCHIQUI, CITY CLERK

Published in the Los Cerritos Community News News 9/5/25 and 9/12/25

LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF BELLFLOWER ORDINANCE NO. 1449

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, AND THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE; MAKING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS BASED UPON LOCAL CONDITIONS; AND AMENDING THE BELLFLOWER MUNICIPAL CODE TO REFLECT SUCH CHANGES

The City Council of the City of Bellflower introduced Ordinance No. 1449 at its Special Meeting of September 3, 2025.

If adopted, Ordinance 1449 would amend portions of the proposed 2025 California Building Standards Code and adopt the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code.

For a copy of Ordinance No. 1449, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (562) 804 1424.

Approved as submitted above:

Karl H. Berger, City Attorney

ATTEST:

Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk

Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 9/5/25

TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF

CASE NO. 25NWCP00424 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JASON YI-HUNG LEE filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: JASON YI-HUNG LEE to JASON YI-HONG LEE. 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 24, 2025, at the SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 12720 NORWALK BLVD., NORWALK, CA 90650. A HEARING will be held OCTOBER 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM., DEPT. C, ROOM 312. Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19/25

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JUDITH VENCOVSKY aka’s JUDITH VENCOVSKY JUDITH; VENCOUSKY

JUDITH KATE; JUDITH K. VENCOUSKY; JUDITH K. VENCOVSK; JUDITH KAYE VENCOVSKY; JUDY K. VENCOVSKY; JUDITH K. VENKOVSKY Case No. 25STPB09503 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise intereted in the will or estate or both of JUDITH VENCOVSKY aka’s JUDITH VENCOVSKY JUDITH; VENCOUSKY JUDITH KATE; JUDITH K. VENCOUSKY; JUDITH K. VENCOVSK; JUDITH KAYE VENCOVSKY; JUDY K. VENCOVSKY; JUDITH K. VENKOVSKY

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by County of Los Angeles Public Administrator in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that County of Los Angeles Public Administrator 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 Sept. 23, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 29 located at

CA 90012.

with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF BELLFLOWER

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND 15-DAY COMMENT PERIOD

2024-2025 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Public Hearing:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Bellflower, California has prepared the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) which consists of the required narrative and statistics covering the period from 7/1/246/30/25. The City of Bellflower will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM, or thereafter, in the City Council Chambers located at 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA to receive public comments regarding the FY 2024-2025 CAPER.

In accordance with the City’s current Citizen Participation Plan, the City hereby notifies the general public of a public hearing on September 22, 2025 at 7:00p.m., or thereafter, held at City Council Chambers, Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 to accept comments on the City’s FY 2024-2025 CAPER. Please reference the corresponding Agenda posted at City Hall and on the City’s website (www.bellflower.org) for further meeting details, or contact the City Clerk’s Office at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, California; telephone number (562) 804-1424, extension 2220; or via email at cclerk@bellflower.ca.gov

Public Review and Comment Period:

The 2024-2025 CAPER will be available for a 15-day public review and comment period beginning on September 5, 2025 and ending on September 22, 2025. This document will be available for public review on the City’s website (www.bellflower.org) and at the Front Counter of the Economic Development Department, Bellflower City Hall, Second Floor.

Questions and written comments regarding the FY 2024-2025 CAPER may be addressed to the following: City of Bellflower, Economic Development Department, Attn: Management Analyst II, Karla Pineda, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower, CA 90706 or email kpineda@bellflower.ca.gov

Those desiring further information should contact Management Analyst II, Karla Pineda, at (562) 804-1424 Ext. 2013 or kpineda@bellflower.ca.gov

Published in the Los Cerritos Community News News 9/5/25

NOTICE OF SALE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY

Notice is given pursuant to sections 21700-21713 of the Business and Professions

535 of

storagetreasures.com

NAME UNIT #

TANIA IVETT ATILANO CRUZ A300

GLORIA BAKER A312

CHARLES JERMAINE JONES B485

MICHAEL PATRICK MULLIGAN B238

This

Public Hearing

Instructional Materials Compliance

A Public Hearing will be held at the ABC Unified School District Office on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. as part of the School Board meeting. The location of the Public Hearing is in the Boardroom at 16700 Norwalk Boulevard, Cerritos, California. The Public Hearing is held in compliance with State guidelines to determine the adequacy of instructional materials in the District.

Published in the Los Cerritos Community News News 9/5/25 and 9/12/25