From the Mayor's Desk: October 3, 2025

Since Cerritos’ early days as a City, there has always been a strong sense of pride in our heritage and respect for the foundation on which we were built.

Cerritos was incorporated on April 24, 1956, as the City of Dairy Valley. Two years later, the City voted to become a California chartered city. The name change to Cerritos was made official on January 10, 1967.

Early on, cows outnumbered our residents by nearly 30 to one. Today, while the cows are much fewer, the growth in people and amenities has been tremendous. Cerritos is known for its quality services, beautiful parks, state-of-the-art City facilities and a thriving business climate. As we approach our 70th birthday year, we’re preparing for a period of celebration and reflection on how far we’ve come.

Our platinum anniversary in 2026 will include the unveiling of new public artwork at the Cerritos Civic Center. Milking Time – A Tribute to Dairy Valley, is a series of bronze sculptures that will include a farmer, his son and daughter, the family dog, and—of course—the cow. This collection of artwork by nationally acclaimed sculptor Jane DeDecker, reflects Cerritos’ agricultural roots and the enduring values of family and community. To add to the fun, our residents are invited to help name the cow sculpture.

To submit a name, you can complete an online or paper entry form at Cerritos City Hall, Cerritos Library, Cerritos Park East, Cerritos Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park, and Liberty Park. Entries can be submitted until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 24. Names will only be considered if submitted through an official entry form. Learn more and submit your suggested cow name at cerritos.gov/cow. To choose the perfect name, the City will select up to 10 finalists. Then, the community will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The person who submits the winning name will be recognized at a City Council meeting and awarded City keepsakes.

The sculpture you’ll be naming represents a cow born in Dairy Valley. A devoted mother to two playful calves, she was remembered for her gentle nature, loved grazing with her friends, roaming the pasture, and basking in the sunshine. Treasured by the farmer’s family, she was especially loved by the children, who often brought her crisp apples and fresh carrots as treats. So what name comes to mind? Let your imagination “moo-ve you” and submit a name today!