From the Mayor's Desk: August 28, 2026

August was a month filled with occasions that brought our community together - times of celebration, connection, and reflection. From joyful celebrations to honoring those we have lost, the month reflected the values that define Cerritos and the people who make it so special.

The month began with an unforgettable experience for guests at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA). Thirteen-time Grammy Award winning musician John Legend amazed the sold-out crowd at the CCPA’s season opener on August 1. Just days later, the Theater became the setting for a truly out-of-this world event when astronauts from NASA’s Artemis II mission captivated a packed house with stories from their journey around the Moon. Guests also enjoyed a STEM fair and learned about the role that California companies play in deep space exploration. It was an amazing start to a promising season at our Theater, where we are building community every day through unforgettable shows and educational experiences.

On August 6, National Night Out welcomed approximately 1,500 people to Heritage Park to engage with law enforcement and first responders. This annual event is centered around our police-community partnerships and continues to emphasize the City’s number one Strategic Plan goal to enhance public safety. Visitors had up-close views of fire trucks, Cerritos Sheriff's Station vehicles, and the Sky Knight helicopter that supports deputy patrols. The event also featured informational displays, children's activities, and live music from Bruno Mars Tribute Band "That's What I Like." The event was honored by the special appearance of Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. 

At Frontier Park, on August 10, the City celebrated the unveiling of an upgraded picnic shelter and grill amenities. The new, open-air and ADA accessible pavilion features energy-efficient LED lighting, replacing an aging structure and creating a more welcoming space for our community.  

Earlier this week, the City held its quarterly Celebrating Cerritos event, which recognized 11 residents and businesses who are making a difference in our community. Honorees included this year's Distinguished Young Women of Cerritos-Artesia, a Junior Olympics All-American, outgoing Friends of the Cerritos Library Board members, outgoing Cerritos Advisory Board members, and the City’s Business Spotlight recipients for July and August. Their collective contributions bring pride to our City and are reflective of Cerritos’ unique characteristics. 

Celebrating Cerritos preceded the City Council’s approval of another development project to Los Cerritos Center. LongHorn Steakhouse will occupy a new, standalone restaurant, to be constructed along South Street near the Macy’s department store. The project also calls for site improvements to the parking lot and façade of Macy’s. The addition of LongHorn Steakhouse supports the City’s Strategic Plan in strengthening economic development and builds upon last month’s approvals for a DICK’S House of Sport at Los Cerritos Center and upgrades to the Carmenita Plaza North shopping center. 

This Monday, August 31, marks the 40th anniversary of the Cerritos Air Disaster, a tragic day in our City’s history when two aircrafts collided over Cerritos and crash-landed in the community.  The incident on August 31, 1986, resulted in the death of 64 people aboard an Aeromexico flight, three people on a smaller aircraft, and 15 people on the ground.  The Air Disaster Memorial Sculpture, located inside the Cerritos Sculpture Garden, was dedicated in 2006 to honor those who perished, and to provide comfort and serenity to those who lost loved ones in the tragedy. On August 31, a floral arrangement will be placed at the memorial, and the community is invited to join the City Council to reflect and pay their respects. A special reading of the names will take place, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of the lives we lost. 

As your Mayor, I am proud that our City takes time to memorialize the fallen, celebrate community contributions, and invite our residents to get involved. Thank you for your contributions to a vibrant Cerritos.