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