Cerritos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cerritos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.