[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6479552,"mediaKeyId","5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a","parentId",5693393,"title","Council adds potential litigation item to closed session under Gov. Code 54954.2","audioSeconds",115,"startMs",761000,"endMs",876000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a&start=761&end=876","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a/thumbnail_761000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479552/California/Council-adds-potential-litigation-item-to-closed-session-under-Gov-Code-549542","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479552-1a32a39d4afb70709ceb97103fbd6bad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770423490&Signature=H~6rbxWenWTSSSZ1asue-8qpY9TZ5i-~6lLnqDBMX6cYTHKCY9WEbGbvjd44PgnhzG3lbvXuXpFxKw4nJV7efMPDBvFA6qY1oOkguhmF2puaSdMKbknIoToXHi19eXQjG85hj8qRrKw9-gYFHI2iSHKrYs4vwYMKi2j1yGa98-6g5J6C3-fzAIAcr5rZWSjQVg~1HvxWNZFSh7o1-VcnggdZTUd9xjBGGMrAyL4O5PTTOgvYF4M2TAD7XXs0Uu-tq4DNYDdy5wiM~fx2TE5NJbrE3MgYBGxC6egWWZBQhiirDo3ejwMcN9jzJC8Vf6tideFVYCEPVBhbO3Rb29IJYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cerritos","date","2025-08-29T17:52:14Z","article","At the outset of the Aug. 28 meeting the Cerritos City Council voted unanimously to add an item regarding potential litigation to the closed-session agenda under Government Code section 54954.2. City attorney and staff explained the statutory criteria allowing an unposted item to be added when it arises after agenda posting and requires immediate consideration before the next regular meeting.

A council member moved to add the closed-session litigation matter, a second was given, and the council voted 5–0 to place the item on the closed-session agenda. The council later recessed into closed session to discuss that matter along with labor negotiation items.

No details of the potential litigation were discussed in open session, consistent with the law governing closed-session confidentiality.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting: August 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Early in the Aug. 28 meeting the council unanimously agreed to add an item of potential litigation to the closed-session agenda under Government Code section 54954.2, finding the matter arose after the agenda posting and requires immediate attention.","taxTitle","Cerritos City, Orange County, California","taxId",79642,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479557,"Eris Tagle sworn in to Cerritos Economic Development Commission after unanimous council vote",0,2308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a&start=2308&end=2308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a/thumbnail_2308000.jpg","/articles/6479557/California/Eris-Tagle-sworn-in-to-Cerritos-Economic-Development-Commission-after-unanimous-council-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479557-92c8c6faa2ee445189a3b61f511e42e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770423490&Signature=l3MzLGda5Q0rIvi~3ryybWtRU3eHrQ6gcughHnNmRrbSPHvcnsvBr1ifadzYJdBfdyr0eSqIDaTay52h0ithfOO7gD9R9l4BsxC1qTMubiEClcNLIC1NJOwXuTTKxiNCFa5u-ZYyo4hoL9ULqG6hkBbs1f-uiMFvs53p7oJ29M1~UXA0a~V9OhG4THS83lA--NhlK0fyTw1TOiaBJUUbKvakXg0SkYwjQHE9hqWDbEp~6R9qIFKPFlugntV10YlpBsz2SDo01c8nnebAuiR41JB2s2kq5qQ9Zd-NLIkvJtTtBxKk8NmqKhD3Ath7R3JM5emB9ZvO7~B9IlzNpSRiBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cerritos City Council unanimously appointed Eris Tagle to serve on the city’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) for a two-year term and administered the oath of office during the Aug. 28 meeting.

City Clerk Cindy Nava outlined that the EDC meetings are tentatively scheduled to begin Sept. 9 and that applications were available on the city website. Council member Pulido nominated Eris Tagle and described Tagle’s background: a Cerritos resident since 1978, graduate of local schools, a mechanical engineering degree from UCLA and an MBA from Yale, and more than two decades of professional experience in marketing, analytics and business leadership.

Council members moved and seconded the nomination; the motion carried 5–0. Tagle took the oath of office administered by the city clerk in the chamber. Tagle’s family attended the meeting for the swearing-in and council photo. The appointment is subject to city charter anti-nepotism provisions and majority council approval, as noted in the staff report.

The council directed staff to add the appointment to the roster of advisory board members and to notify Tagle about the EDC’s expected first meeting date and orientation materials. The appointment fills an open two-year term on the EDC, which advises the council on economic development matters.","The City Council unanimously appointed Eris Tagle to the Economic Development Commission for a two-year term and administered the oath of office at the Aug. 28 meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479562,"Cerritos council adopts second-and-fourth-Monday meeting schedule beginning Jan. 1, 2026",2719,8653000,11372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a&start=8653&end=11372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a/thumbnail_8653000.jpg","/articles/6479562/California/Cerritos-council-adopts-second-and-fourth-Monday-meeting-schedule-beginning-Jan-1-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479562-a742c72ea344ec7e67034d8803b8a7f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770423490&Signature=WHzYqNyj5B0ZKRKbBQVXx6yDryUX0QqrWZbb3m5VoZwD~TSRA8trcbyGYKaECYNDAirWwsizpxkcKhoZq8cdR4l0H3hoSfzHGtLTx2T~IKF8oQuLniEW4tx4VQNjqOrOW9z0Vjf3VHcpF-3~fL79u2SbHCti9uPI-~N-SfgqDNDMpkgdYYbTEGkey-ksF566yKAtelowF3g-qdNS9DGXrpLEPCzz6il3zH1tphPr-5kLaFIQNLTJjmxO7-Kp8CRX~WVOQOTu76igV9X3qWOZ95AuYbTT7PTXa-bN-rFhfePQ-CZqg4PEZGiLJfCTx-vRG2FvTA9RTyjDYnfVsVfBHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Aug. 28 the Cerritos City Council voted to change its regular meeting schedule to the second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m., effective Jan. 1, 2026. The motion passed 3–2 after extended discussion about staff operations, commission schedules and conflicts with conferences.

City Clerk Cindy Nava explained that the city charter requires the council to meet at least once monthly and that a change to the regular meeting schedule requires an ordinance amendment to chapter 2.04.01 of the Cerritos Municipal Code. The staff report included a proposed ordinance and a 2026 calendar showing date conflicts (holidays, conferences and commission meetings) for several schedule options. Staff also recommended updating Policy 9.03 (agenda posting and delivery deadlines) to reflect an amended meeting schedule and requested direction to return with a resolution for those changes.

Supporters of the Monday schedule, led by Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, argued that Monday or Tuesday meetings generate fewer scheduling conflicts with conferences and that the city’s recently implemented alternate work schedule (9/80) created operational challenges when meetings were held on Thursdays (staff and some employees take alternating Fridays off). Opponents, including the mayor, said Thursdays had worked for many years and raised concerns about changing a long-established schedule and potential impacts on resident expectations.

The council’s motion directed staff to prepare the ordinance for introduction (waive full reading) and to present it for second reading and adoption at the Sept. 25 regular meeting (ordinances may be adopted only at regular meetings). Council also asked staff to return with a resolution amending Policy 9.03 (agenda publication/posting deadlines) to avoid last-minute operational burdens on staff. The council noted certain calendar exceptions and asked staff to coordinate any advisory-board schedule changes that would conflict with the new council meeting days.

The change will be implemented administratively if the ordinance is adopted on second reading and will be included in the city’s printed 2026 community calendar.","The City Council voted 3–2 to change its regular meeting days to the second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m., effective Jan. 1, 2026. Staff will return with an ordinance amendment and a resolution to adjust agenda publication deadlines under Policy 9.03.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479567,"Cerritos council directs staff to finalize sewer rate study under Scenario 1 to close a $12.1 million gap",3025,5591000,8616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a&start=5591&end=8616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a/thumbnail_5591000.jpg","/articles/6479567/California/Cerritos-council-directs-staff-to-finalize-sewer-rate-study-under-Scenario-1-to-close-a-121-million-gap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479567-801726ece615396346e2710a7bc9fdcb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770423490&Signature=Mu2xS~M9CvsWqQwzYPLlxYqOZqlgvM9yED7t4~MKRMX~-H33Tctv70Zj~aPHd99Aa7kV~p5f4qwUqGGYPvfrTYXweE250dsIpggrbAQ-YxODGps-3QEzYYYEJSFRuwPZ2rZIqNaYVglCP6-Xu9E-bA2YYdHDqRKe05CdRj~xVu9rtn57zj9Vjjj5Gl6cenYsudD4-pODb0nKAQ1m3U06X4nnKpPqVowEKTTv9aydc7dhHg24VbWlOT665RGJesUG-XhCjVj~ECdSNEtaLUsJCRUIatyswkF-7i3sg-rrPV~pt7Cs3COde~jy7SLM2s9AsQiTCAcLUB5haHOB4Jlsig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cerritos City Council on Aug. 28 directed staff to finalize the sewer rate study using the consultant’s Scenario 1, a five-year adjustment pathway designed to close a roughly $12.1 million funding gap for sewer operations, maintenance and capital work.

Assistant Director of Public Works Chris Kubert presented the study prepared by consultant Water Rate Economics (WRE). He told the council the city’s sewer system includes more than 100 miles of lines and five pump/lift stations and that current rates “are by far the lowest” in the region and have not covered system costs. Staff said that since 2021 the city collected about $350,000 from sewer rates while relying on about $5.5 million in general fund support; the sewer system needs about $12.7 million over the next five years for operations, maintenance and capital repairs.

WRE modeled two rate scenarios. Scenario 1 increases rates more in year one and less in later years; Scenario 2 starts with a smaller first-year increase and ramps up more gradually. Under the figures presented, Scenario 1 would raise residential bimonthly sewer charges by about $9.18 in the first year (roughly $4.59 per month) and reach about $1.20 per CCF by year five. Scenario 2 showed a smaller initial bimonthly increase (about $4.70 bimonthly or roughly $2.35 per month) and a different end-year level. Staff said either scenario would keep Cerritos among the lower-rate cities in the region but would allow the city to build reserves and fund necessary capital work.

Staff emphasized the need to repair aging pipe and to perform CCTV inspections and trenchless pipe lining (a “cured-in-place” liner, described in the presentation as far less expensive than digging and replacing pipe). The presentation said lining can be roughly 20 times less expensive than full replacement and that delaying work would increase the risk of sewer breaks and spills and push costs onto the general fund.

City staff also reported they are negotiating a multimillion-dollar safety project with the LA County Sanitation District for the reclaimed-water pumping station; reclaimed-water rates and that project’s costs will be returned to council once negotiations and cost estimates are clearer.

Mayor Pro Tem Johnson moved to approve Scenario 1 and direct staff to finalize the sewer rate study report for presentation to council. Council member Se seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 5–0. Staff outlined next steps: community open houses in September, a final presentation to council on Oct. 27, a Proposition 218 protest hearing set for Jan. 22, 2026, and, if adopted, new rates would be implemented on Feb. 1, 2026. Staff also said it will evaluate low-income rate options and post more information at cerritos.gov/waterrates.

Speakers during public comment supported clarity and transparency; some urged gradual increases while others emphasized the need to fund repairs to avoid costlier emergency repairs. Council discussion noted the alternative of extending studies to a longer horizon but staff and the city attorney explained five years aligns with common practice and with Proposition 218 requirements for rate justification.

Council directed staff to finalize the Scenario 1 study and to continue community outreach and the Proposition 218 process.","After a multi-hour presentation on sewer infrastructure needs, the Cerritos City Council unanimously directed staff to finalize the sewer rate study using Scenario 1, which raises sewer rates more up front and phases reduced general-fund support over five years. The council set a public hearing for Jan. 22, 2026.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479572,"Cerritos council approves memorial bench for Chelsea Bankhead; applicant to cover installation costs",1818,3143000,4961000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a&start=3143&end=4961","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5693393-7557ae40444973486bae78714a834c6a/thumbnail_3143000.jpg","/articles/6479572/California/Cerritos-council-approves-memorial-bench-for-Chelsea-Bankhead-applicant-to-cover-installation-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479572-90b6c17ede8711125ee96956af9e3a2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770423490&Signature=VEyUwLzwxXhaEWpEke0ANMnNGqkeb6DV7atdSrM4eLdvkL878VWOf7kS-PLqOIulF9gA8XoNZtjAynLjFOyF~YJWZ6EGa8nl3UuQia4QY4AmoPLjb6BCev9NvXjvPT0HsSqt2DfYdxpoVpfx~wpZnUQESt2E3DZPH1FVUdGnY~sXMrECKqqAK3FwxqHj5VOKfr7Pk67nvqmwS4hb7RNMNAZOp7k0hM10kuU0qHHAFo2OoGeNZqZ5u7CrN5IreS24omOFbN~uajGj~jNBOo0HFEjdRo-4L6bw3O1i5ZQwL96kfF1GyjXATSyZ4m4cmc0sW6IUA43gHLSL3AsVsmX27A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cerritos City Council on Aug. 28 approved the installation and naming of a commemorative bench in Friendship Park in memory of Chelsea Bankhead, a longtime park visitor, with the cost of installation to be paid by the applicant.

Family members and friends described Chelsea’s daily presence at Friendship Park and urged the council to grant a visible memorial. “Friendship Park was her sanctuary,” applicant Courtney Bankhead said during public comment, describing Chelsea as “nonverbal, autistic, and later nonambulatory,” and noting the family already has an unmarked memorial tree at the park.

Deputy City Manager Ryan Carey reviewed the city’s naming policy (Policy 7.06) and noted the policy allows dedications for individuals who have made a “meaningful impact” on the community, provided at least one year has passed since their death. The staff report asked the council for direction; it did not specify who should pay for a bench when the policy is silent on cost allocation.

Council member Pulido moved to approve the request with the city covering associated costs; that motion failed on a tie vote. Council member Polito then moved to approve the bench with installation and associated costs to be covered by the applicant; that motion passed. The final recorded outcome was a 3–1 vote in favor of the Polito motion (one council member had recused themself earlier from the item because they live within 500 feet of the park). The minutes state the first motion failed “on a vote of 2 to 2 with 1 abstention and 1 recusal” and the subsequent motion passed 3 to 1.

Several supporters said a bench would be a public, visible recognition of Chelsea’s life and presence at the park. Teacher and friend Danielle Vela argued that commemorative benches can add “warmth and connection” to parks and do not turn a park into a “graveyard.” Courtney Bankhead said she was willing to work with the city on cost arrangements if needed and asked the council to approve the memorial.

City staff and the council discussed precedent. Mayor and Chair Yokoyama and staff noted that when the policy has been applied in the past the city has paid costs when it was explicitly part of the action, but the policy itself did not clearly assign responsibility for bench costs in every case. In the final motion the council made the applicant financially responsible for installation; staff were directed to work with the Bankhead family on next steps and to notify the family about permitting, placement, and timing.

The council member who recused themself did so at the start of the discussion because they live within 500 feet of Friendship Park. Council discussion also reflected differing views about the city’s memorial policy, long-term maintenance responsibilities for park benches (the city will continue routine maintenance of benches after installation), and how the city should balance memorial requests with limited park resources.

The council asked staff to return with the steps needed to implement the approved dedication and to coordinate with the Bankhead family about the bench’s text, location, and schedule for installation.","After public testimony from family and friends, the Cerritos City Council approved a request to install and name a bench in Friendship Park in memory of Chelsea Bankhead. The council voted to allow the dedication but declined to have the city pay for installation; the cost will be borne by the applicant.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adds potential litigation item to closed session under Gov. Code 54954.2

Eris Tagle sworn in to Cerritos Economic Development Commission after unanimous council vote

Cerritos council adopts second-and-fourth-Monday meeting schedule beginning Jan. 1, 2026

Cerritos council directs staff to finalize sewer rate study under Scenario 1 to close a $12.1 million gap

Cerritos council approves memorial bench for Chelsea Bankhead; applicant to cover installation costs