Cerritos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cerritos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
March 2027 municipal election and Measure L
Two council seats are up in March 2027, plus Measure L, which would move city elections to November of even years. Nomination papers can be pulled starting November 9; a voter-list postcard mails later this month.
Outside counsel investigation of recall-petition allegations
Public comment was dominated by the recall of two council members over the water-rate vote. Speakers traded accusations about race, the cost of the election, and whether the January vote was truly unanimous, while the mayor transitioned from the April 8 special meeting.
Declining residential burglaries and public safety partnership
Home burglaries dropped about 37% in 2025 (127 vs. 200+ in 2024), credited to extra patrols, drones, security guards, and watchful residents. New license plate readers have arrived and will be installed soon; a resident asked why the mobile plate reader stays in one spot all year.
Sales tax stagnation and budget outlook
The city's deficit grew from $400K to about $4 million this year, and the ten-year forecast shows reserves draining away. The council is studying a 1% sales tax that could raise ~$19 million a year — mostly paid by non-residents — and will gather resident input through a task force before any ballot decision.
Potential sale of the city water system
The state-required five-year water plan was adopted; it finds the city's water supply is sufficient through 2050 even in dry years. A resident raised concerns that Level 3 drought rates (1.5x billing above 30 units) would burden residents now that water rates have risen.
Advisory board schedule changes and mileage reimbursement
The budget cuts commission and committee meetings to quarterly (except Planning) and ends televised Community Safety Committee broadcasts, drawing criticism that it reduces transparency and public input.
Allegations against former Councilmember Chang Vou regarding Florida residency
Councilmember Yokoyama presented a resident's letter alleging the former councilmember claimed Florida primary residency since 2024 while serving in Cerritos. The council directed the city attorney to get facts from the Bay County property appraiser and report back.
Nonfunctional turf irrigation ban (AB 1572 compliance)
Discussion of unpermitted turf and rocks at the Allingham Avenue project clarified that front-yard artificial turf is allowed with a permit, up to a percentage limit, but is banned in the parkway strip.
Water and Sewer Rates and Repeal Initiative
Eligible households will receive a $40 discount every two months on water and sewer charges, based on SCE CARE program eligibility, with recertification every 24 months.
Online permitting portal launch
A 52-year resident described a five-year-old permit snafu that forced him to pay twice for patio cover lighting, calling the city's codes confusing and its process 'close to extortion.' Staff agreed to follow up with him.
Transparency on approved developments and demolitions
The council approved 30 three-story for-sale townhomes — including 3 affordable units — on a 1.34-acre site that used to house a preschool. Models could open in about 18 months, with groundbreaking targeted for late fall 2026. Councilmembers discussed parking permits, HOA dues, privacy for Pioneer Villas neighbors, and disclosure of the future C5 well site to buyers.
New Thai massage studio at 11325 183rd Street
A resident flagged two massage businesses apparently operating without city licenses, including one at 12659 166th Street that couldn't produce a license when he visited at 10 p.m. Staff confirmed code enforcement cases are open on both locations.
Asbestos exposure from neighboring demolition
A resident whose home was contaminated by smoke and asbestos from a January fire next door says the demolition crew has been cited twice by air quality regulators and is asking the city to require a full plastic barrier around the site. Staff promised to follow up with her directly.
Evaluation of City Charter Officers (City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk)
The Council met privately to evaluate the city's three top appointed employees. Any personnel action — contracts, discipline, or appointments — will be disclosed later through the City Clerk's office.
Iron-Wood Nine golf course outsourcing
The nine-hole course loses roughly $600,000 a year serving only about 2% of residents. The council raised fees about 34%, added a $1 maintenance fee, and will revisit outsourcing if finances don't improve within six months.
Speed Humps on Residential Streets
A neighborhood block captain pleaded again for speed humps on Pine Creek, Indian Creek, and Canyon Creek, citing speeding that has killed cats and nearly hit pedestrians.
Moving Elections to November of Even Years
The council voted 4-1 to let voters decide in March 2027 whether to move city elections from March of odd years to November of even years — a change backers say saves millions and boosts turnout, but which shortens some council terms by about four months.
Pedestrian safety at Maria Avenue and Andy Street
A 10-year-old resident asked for a multi-way stop sign near Heritage Park, describing two near-misses with speeding cars blocked by parked vehicles, and collected 50 neighbor signatures.
Coyote Creek encampment and neighborhood safety
A resident described a repeat trespasser from a Coyote Creek encampment entering backyards near Cerritos Elementary seven times in eight weeks, and asked the council to put encampment solutions on future agendas and work with neighboring agencies on permanent fixes.
Aging water wells force $1.7M in imported water purchases
The city's 40-50 year old wells, pipes, and pump stations are wearing out. The C-4 well failed in October and a $643,000 repair starts in late January, taking about four months, during which the city must buy pricier imported water.
Electric bicycle regulation
Councilmember Hong raised concerns about teenagers riding e-bikes at high speeds; the council agreed by consensus to have staff bring back a report on potential e-bike regulations.
Industrial Cities Legislation
Governor Newsom just signed a law giving official state recognition to California's industrial cities. This means Cerritos could score new state support and resources for its manufacturing and business hubs.
Brown Act public comment commitment
A new state law forces the city to run hybrid meetings with equal remote public comment by July 1, 2026. The council adopted the required disruption policy and will invite neighborhood groups to meetings, at a modest cost of about $1,600 a year.
Proposed $5.7M purchase of 16550 Bloomfield Avenue
The city wanted to buy a vacant two-office-building property using a rent credit on its Towne Center ground lease instead of cash. Critics said the city can't afford to give up ~$175,000/year in cash rent during a budget deficit, and the building has sat empty for a year. The deal failed 2-2.
Celebrating Cerritos community recognition program
The city will host a 'Celebrate in Stride — Move with the Herd' 5K at the Cerritos Sports Complex on May 30, 2026, with a $14,000 budget amendment, sponsorships expected to offset costs, and food trucks and a health expo.
New LongHorn Steakhouse at Los Cerritos Mall
A new 5,780-square-foot standalone restaurant is coming to the mall's south parking area, with a Macy's facade refresh and new landscaping included. Residents raised questions about hours, traffic, and whether the restaurant will draw post-show crowds staying in Cerritos.
T-Mobile Wireless Facility Permit Renewal at 16307 Arthur Street
A 75-foot faux-pine cell tower will replace an aging AT&T tower at the ABC Unified School District office, filling a coverage gap. Commissioners discussed security, fire safety, and citywide wireless coverage needs.
General Plan Update Concerns
The city's annual report to the state shows 14 new housing permits in 2025 (2 single-family, 12 ADUs), about 2,400 code enforcement cases, utility undergrounding on Shoemaker Avenue, and sheriff response times of three minutes for emergency calls.
Veterans reserved parking program
Two honor-system reserved parking spaces will be installed at each of eight major city facilities for about $2,654 in signs. Supporters called it a meaningful tribute; one critic called it wasteful fluff during a budget crunch.
Iron-Wood Nine golf course finances
The gasoline leak emergency from 2023 continues, and residents pressed the council on the course's finances — one speaker cited losses of hundreds of thousands per year and urged privatization or professional management.
Curb address painting program
Mayor Johnson won agreement for monthly public reporting of council travel and conference expenses. Councilmember Hong also got consensus for a staff report on repainting faded curb address numbers using charitable donations instead of city funds.
Water Quality Investigation
Local news got a huge state award for exposing sketchy tap water in Cerritos, proving that watchdog journalism is alive and well. It's a wake-up call about what's actually coming out of our kitchen sinks.
Community Workforce Agreement and administration contract
The city signed a five-year labor deal with the building trades covering big public works projects, with a goal of ~30% local hiring and apprenticeship pathways for Cerritos residents. Non-union contractors can still bid but must follow the agreement's terms.
Artesia Boulevard traffic safety
A resident reported repeated crashes at both Marquardt intersections, including two on the same day, and asked for a traffic study and signal improvements.
FY 2026-27 budget adoption and service cuts
The council voted to shut down the COW bus by May 31, 2026, a month earlier than planned, saving roughly $200,000. Riders — especially students — will need to shift to Metro, Long Beach Transit, or other regional lines, while seniors keep dial-a-ride under a new MV Transportation contract.
Sky Knight and ALPR public safety funding
Phase 3 of the city's ALPR camera installation is done — all planned intersections are now covered, and the sheriff's station says the cameras are helping identify vehicles tied to crime.
CCPA Programming and Arts Education Funding
CCPA officials reported big gains — ticket sales up from 64,000 to 89,000 and fee revenue trending toward $1 million — but the theater still runs a $2.6 million annual deficit. Councilmember Hong proposed a citizen task force to study it; the mayor countered that an economic impact study due this summer should come first.
Short-Term Rentals and Transient Occupancy Tax
Short-term rentals are banned but operating anyway, costing the city uncollected lodging tax. The council ordered a memo on lifting the ban to capture that revenue.
Sunshine Park Basketball Court Resurfacing
A resident offered to help fund resurfacing of the neglected Sunshine Park basketball courts and add pickleball lines.
Signage and Lighting Regulations for Commercial and Industrial Properties
Vice Chair Chauhan has pushed since 2025 to update the city's old signage and lighting rules, and a resident echoed the concern. The commission voted 5-0 to have staff bring the earlier report back at a future meeting with a firm date.
FY 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Program
The council awarded contracts totaling about $2.36 million to replace the CCPA roof, a project exempt from CEQA review.
Property nuisance enforcement at 19435 Ellen Way
The council upheld a ruling that a trailer stored in a driveway is a public nuisance, giving the tenant ten days to remove it. The case sets a precedent for how the city enforces its trailer and vehicle storage rules.
Southeast Gateway Line federal funding advocacy
Councilmember Yokoyama reported on a Washington, D.C. advocacy trip seeking full federal funding for the Southeast Gateway Line, including roughly $35 million for the Cerritos station, and a community project funding request for the C-4 water well replacement.
June 2, 2026 Statewide Primary Election
The county registrar walked through vote centers, drop boxes, and deadlines for the June 2 primary, encouraging early voting.
Pedestrian Safety at Del Amo Boulevard and Claretta Avenue
The council approved a flashing pedestrian beacon at this busy school crossing and directed staff to push Lakewood on a full traffic signal. Mayor Pro Tem Pulido recalled a fatal crash there two decades ago and called the beacon insufficient.
Resident Budget Task Force Process and Transparency
A 16-member resident task force reviewed budget cut options and backed a 1% sales tax paired with cuts. Critics, including four task force members who sent a letter, said the process was a messaging exercise rigged toward a tax and never examined the full $150 million budget or personnel costs.
Siam Wellness and Spa massage permit at 20110 Pioneer Boulevard
A new Thai massage business wants to take over an existing permitted massage space near Pioneer Boulevard, close to the new Cabrillo Lane townhomes and a preschool. The commission recommended approval; the City Council makes the final decision.
Emergency recycled water pump station repairs
The city will be reimbursed $4.67 million by the Sanitation District for emergency electrical repairs at the Los Coyotes pump station, plus budget amendments for reclaimed water costs and a damaged line at Gridley Park.
Leadership Election
Lynda P. Johnson just made history as Cerritos's first Filipina mayor, taking the reins of city leadership. This marks a cool milestone for local representation in our diverse community.
Annual Mayoral Transition and Council Reorganization
Cerritos has a new mayor and mayor pro tem for the year ahead. Lynda Johnson becomes the first Filipino American to serve as Cerritos mayor, with Mark Pulido as her second-in-command, as the city marks its 70th anniversary.