Cerritos commission adopts resolutions ordering abatement at multiple properties

The Cerritos Property Preservation Commission on June 24, 2025, adopted resolutions ordering abatement at four properties and received one case for filing, citing dead or dying vegetation, visible debris, inoperable vehicles and exterior disrepair.

Staff said the actions follow repeated inspections and mailed notices under chapter 6.2 of the Cerritos Municipal Code. Senior Code Enforcement Officer Kim Arden told the commission that repeated contacts and notices had not produced lasting compliance at the first property on the 17500 block of Alora Avenue, and staff recommended a resolution that would set a 21-day abatement period.

The commission approved staff recommendations for multiple cases. Vice Chair Spitzer moved each resolution; motions were seconded by Commissioners Westfall or Robles depending on the item. The votes and abatement periods were: PPC 2025-29 (17500 block of Alora Avenue) — adopted, 5–0, 21-day abatement; PPC 2025-30 (13700 block of Damien Street) — adopted, 4–0 with 1 abstention, 21-day abatement; PPC 2025-31 (13700 block of Lucas Lane) — adopted, 5–0, 21-day abatement; one Carnaby Street case was reported abated and no resolution was adopted (case received and filed); PPC 2025-33 (12500 block of Engelknock Lane) — adopted, 5–0, 7-day abatement; PPC 2025-34 (12300 block of Viana Street) — adopted, 5–0, 30-day abatement.

In public comment, Felipe Fernandez, the property owner for the Alora Avenue case, said he has been unable to afford repairs and has health issues. "We are having some difficulties financially," Fernandez said, and asked the commission to be "compassionate" and to provide guidance. Kim Arden and other staff told Fernandez the city could help verify contractor licenses and discuss watering and soil-health options to aid compliance.

At the Damien Street hearing, homeowner Ivan Wick said a lengthy renovation was disrupted when the contractor went bankrupt and that water to the house was shut off during repairs, which delayed lawn watering and other exterior work. "This is our primary residence," Wick said, explaining that leaks and contractor problems had limited their ability to comply and that they were taking bids from landscapers and planning fence and wall repairs.

For the Lucas Lane and Engelknock Lane properties, staff reports documented multiple inspections, returned mailings, and complaints from neighbors before staff recommended resolutions. Code Enforcement Officer Bridal Lane noted that some progress had been made at times — for example, removal of visible debris or trimming of ivy — but staff said other violations remained uncorrected.

At the Carnaby Street address, Code Enforcement Officer Darnell Jerry reported the owner had contacted staff and completed repairs before the meeting; the commission received and filed that case and did not adopt a resolution.

Staff emphasized the city’s resources for property owners undertaking work. A Community Development staff member told the commission that the department can help property owners verify contractor licenses, insurance and bonds. The commission set abatement periods as listed and directed staff to follow up on compliance.

The commission noted the next meeting will be July 29. No fines or enforcement costs were announced at the meeting; formal enforcement steps and timelines will follow the abatement periods set in each adopted resolution.