From the Mayor's Desk: May 15, 2026

Where the hum of the 91 Freeway now fills the air, sounds of merely wind would previously echo through open fields. Where neighbors jog past manicured parks and busy shopping centers, dirt roads used to stretch as far as the eye could see. And roaming across it all; thousands upon thousands of cows. This was Dairy Valley, a city where cows once outnumbered people by nearly 30:1. 

Upon our City's incorporation on April 24, 1956, we had dairy farms, chicken coops, sugar beet fields and wide-open sky. This was Cerritos before Cerritos had its name — and it is a story worth telling, worth remembering, and worth celebrating.

If you have yet to engage in the fun for Cerritos’ platinum anniversary year, now is the time. Each week, we invite the community to answer trivia questions rooted in Cerritos history, shared on our social media channels and at cerritos.gov/trivia. I invite you to test your knowledge, share the questions with your family and neighbors, and take a moment to reflect on just how remarkable our city’s journey has been.

Our story is one of progress and community pride. What began as a small agricultural community has grown into one of Los Angeles County’s most unique cities, known for its world-class Cerritos Library, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos Senior Center, outstanding schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving business climate. At cerritos.gov/history, you can explore that full journey. 

The weekly trivia, the recent dedication of our Milking Time statue, and anniversary-themed 5K Run/Walk on May 30 are among the ways you have and can join in the celebration. Residents are also encouraged to take part in a special archival series that will collect personal stories of life in Cerritos. The City has partnered with StoryCorps to present Voices of Cerritos – a Celebration of 70 Years. Appointments for audio recordings can be made at the Cerritos Library at select times through the end of June. Contact the Library to learn more at (562) 916-1342.

Thank you for your support of our beautiful city throughout our 70th year and into the future.