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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.