Cerritos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cerritos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tree care responsibilities and urban forestry in Cerritos
The city maintains about 28,000 public trees, but who trims, waters, and pays for removals depends on where the tree stands. Parkway trees in front of single-family homes are city-maintained (homeowners water them), while HOA, commercial, and multi-family property trees need city permits for trimming and removal. Commissioners pressed staff on slow response to hazardous trees and questioned the code's four-inch tree definition.
Stormwater capture facility design
The council awarded a $1.86 million design contract for a Regional Stormwater Capture Facility at the Cerritos Sports Complex — an investment in water quality and sustainability.
Renaming Shoemaker/Oak Crest intersection for Robert Beall
The council split 3-2 to rename the intersection next to Whitney High School after its founding principal. Supporters said Beall built the school into the state's top-ranked high school; opponents said the city rushed the decision without thorough vetting or school district coordination.
Iron-Wood Nine golf course gasoline leak emergency
The local emergency from a gasoline leak on a private pipeline under the city golf course continues, with staff reporting to the council every 60 days.
Freeway maintenance agreement and community cleanup
The city signed a new agreement with Caltrans covering maintenance along the 91 and 605 freeways, and authorized a volunteer cleanup day with estimated traffic control costs of $25,000-$40,000.
Door-to-door solicitor regulation
A resident pushed for a real ordinance regulating solicitors, noting none have applied for permits this year and that neighboring cities have fines while Cerritos only has suggested hours on its website.
Parkway tree responsibility confusion
A missing parkway tree at the Gonsalves Place project sparked a long debate about who pays for tree replacement — the city or the homeowner. Staff promised to follow up with the tree superintendent, and residents with questions can call Public Works.
Body art business regulations (Development Code Amendment 2026-1)
The city is loosening rules for tattoo and body art shops after case law suggested the 500-foot buffer and conditional use permit requirement could violate the First Amendment. The ordinance was introduced unanimously; a final adoption vote comes later.
Fire hydrant testing and South/Bloomfield lighting concerns
A resident pressed the council on fire hydrant testing records and the darkened, closed restaurant at South Street and Bloomfield Avenue. Staff confirmed hydrants are flushed and tested on a two-year rotating basis and said the city is developing more formal reporting.
Bellflower Unified School District enrollment decline
A former Cerritos College board member urged the council to collaborate on boosting Bellflower Unified enrollment amid a 3% first-semester decline and three years of deficit spending, suggesting magnet-school themes for local schools.
Cerritos Olympic Swim and Fitness Center closure
The council approved an emergency water heater replacement at the closed Cerritos Olympic Swim and Fitness Center, and asked staff to share reopening timing with the ABC school district, whose families are waiting for the pool to reopen.
Sanctuary city request after student ICE walkout
A Whitney High junior asked the council to declare Cerritos a sanctuary city and adopt support policies after a 500-student walkout; staff noted city sheriff's deputies don't participate in immigration enforcement.
Heritage Park Play Island renovation
The city wants Measure A grant money to fix the Heritage Park play island, but first needs to rezone a 0.44-acre parcel and adjust lot lines to create a legal parcel for the required deed restriction. The commission unanimously recommended the changes.
Housing element no-net-loss unit reassignment (Site A to Site 7)
The project includes fewer moderate-income units than the housing plan assigns to the site, so six moderate-income units shift to the future Valley View Avenue site in exchange for seven market-rate units moving here. State law requires this trade to keep the city's housing accounting balanced.
Heritage Park expansion at 18616 Bloomfield Avenue
The council approved rezoning about 0.44 acres from single-family residential to open space and adjusting lot lines, folding the parcel into Heritage Park.
Private surveillance cameras on public property
A Morning Sun tract resident said 30+ privately owned cameras were mounted on public utility poles without authorization and asked the city to enforce its own rules; a neighborhood watch volunteer defended the cameras his group paid for. The city says the installations are unlawful and removal was directed.
Recreational nitrous oxide prohibition
Following the lead of other California cities, the council wants to ban recreational sale and use of laughing gas, citing CDC health warnings. A code amendment goes to the Planning Commission in March 2026.
Diversity in Local Government
Cerritos just made history by swearing in the city's first-ever 100% Asian American City Council, marking a huge shift in local representation. This milestone reflects the changing demographics of the area and brings a fresh wave of diverse leadership to city hall.
Personnel Appointment
Cerritos just hired a brand new city clerk, Cynthia Nava. She's the go-to person now for all official city records, local elections, and council meetings.
Elected Official Benefits
Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Chuong Vo is in hot water for using city funds to cover his healthcare costs. Residents are rightfully asking questions about how our tax dollars are being spent on perks for local politicians.
Library Upgrade
Cerritos just dropped a brand-new high-tech space at the public library just for teens. It's a sweet spot for kids to hang out, hit the books, and play with cool digital gear.
Election Campaign
The mayor of Cerritos is running for re-election, and depending on how the city votes, we could see some major shakeups in local leadership. It's a classic race that might bring in fresh faces or keep the current status quo.
Mayor Appointment
Mark Pulido is the new mayor of Cerritos, which is a big deal for local representation, especially for the Filipino-American community. This leadership change sets a fresh tone for city hall and brings new priorities to the forefront.
Election Profile
Get to know Cerritos City Council candidate Grace Hu in this quick Q&A profile. It's a handy way to figure out where she stands before you cast your ballot.