CERRITOS – Cerritos Mayor Chuong Vo presented the State of the City address Sept. 21 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. 

Presented by the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce, this was the first State of the City address in Cerritos since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was great to be back and to see everyone’s faces and feel a sense of community as we gathered together again,” remarked Vo. “Through COVID-19, the health and safety of Cerritos residents and the community remained top priorities for the city, and we continued to move forward with various projects and improvements. I was honored to be able to share those at this year’s event.”

Vo discussed recent accomplishments of the city, including the following:

•Online Permit Portal – The first phase of the city’s new online permit portal launched in late 2021 at permits.cerritos.us. Various business license services are now available online. Funding for the new portal was provided by grants from the Southern California Association of Governments and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

•Revolve – Remodeling of the city-owned property at 12616 183rd Street was completed in March 2022. Approximately $6.3 million in one-time revenues from the sale of the city’s former museum collection and insurance claim settlements was used to offset construction costs. The building is now being leased to Revolve Clothing, an online apparel, accessory and shoe company that ranks consistently as one of the top 25 sales tax producers in Cerritos.

•New Businesses/Business Improvements – Upgrades/remodels were completed at the Target on Bloomfield Avenue, the Target on South Street, Norm Reeves Hyundai Super Store and Christensen Shopping Center. Improvements were completed to the building formerly occupied by Toys R Us in January 2021, which is now an Amazon Fresh.

•Pine Tree Reforestation Program – In early 2021, the City Council reviewed the Pine Tree Reforestation Program and made a modification to prioritize the removal of a tree based on the extent of the damage it has caused. Last fiscal year, staff removed more than 100 pine trees.   

•Moon Festival – The city held its inaugural Autumn Moon Festival on September 10 at Heritage Park, where lanterns were released in the water under the Harvest Moon. The community enjoyed music, food and fortune cookies at this free event.

The following upcoming projects and events were highlighted by Mayor Vo:

•Kia – The City recently extended its existing lease agreement with Kia of Cerritos for an additional 10 years through 2045. Kia is currently in a preliminary plan review process for a proposed remodel project designed to expand and modernize the dealership.

•Cerritos Auto Square Documentary – The city is currently working with the Cerritos Auto Square on a film that will tell the story about the success of the world famous auto mall and how it came to be. The piece is anticipated to be released later this year. Approximately 57,500 vehicles were sold in 2021 at the Cerritos Auto Square.

•Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) 2022-23 Season – The CCPA is back with its first full season since COVID-19, and is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Tickets are on sale now for the new season for performers such as Jay Leno, Chicago, The Jacksons, Dave Koz, Paul Anka and Lea Salonga. Order tickets at cerritoscenter.com.

•City Website Redesigns – The city is currently redesigning its main website, in addition to the Safer Cerritos, Cerritos Library, CCPA and Shop Cerritos websites. The CCPA website is expected to launch in December, with the remaining sites launching in May and June of 2023.

•Santa Float – The popular Santa’s Holiday Float will return this year to bring season’s greetings to Cerritos neighborhoods. The float will travel throughout the city in December.

•Tribute to Public Safety – The City Council approved the design for an art project that pays tribute to public safety services and will be placed in front of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station. The sculpture is designed by artist Gary Alsum, with support from the design team of the National Sculptors Guild. The tribute will include a deputy sheriff, firefighter and K-9 unit sculptures; a 9/11 memorial; and a Department Memorial pillar to honor those lost in the line of duty.

•Community Garden – Sites are being considered for a potential community garden in the City of Cerritos that can be accessible and enjoyed by all residents. A community garden will provide a place for residents to grow fresh fruits, vegetables and plants as they bond and create social ties with their neighbors.

The city continues its recovery from pandemic-driven business closures that began in 2020. Sales tax receipts in Cerritos from January through March 2022 increased 26.8 percent compared to the same period in 2021.

Cerritos is forecast to receive $46.7 million in sales tax revenue this current fiscal year, and ranks number 43 out of 539 agencies in California in total sales tax revenue collected for calendar year 2021.