LOS CERRITOS
Winner of Nineteen LA Press Club Awards from 2012-2021 Serving Cerritos and ten other surrounding communities since 1985 • July 10, 2026 • Vol. 41, No. 36 • LOSCERRITOSNEWS.NET
LCCN’s ‘Dirty Water, Red Flags’ Investigation Earns CNPA Statewide Journalism Honor Prestigious California journalism honor recognizes LCCN’s investigative reporting, public records research and commitment to holding government accountable. LCCN Staff Report For nearly four decades, Los Cerritos Community News has embraced a philosophy that good journalism isn’t measured by how comfortable it makes those in power—it’s measured by whether it serves the public. That commitment was recognized this month when the newspaper’s investigative series, “Dirty Water, Red Flags,”earned second place in Investigative Reporting at the California News Publishers Association’s annual
California Journalism Awards, one of the state’s most prestigious journalism competitions. The award recognized LCCN’s months-long investigation into Central Basin Municipal Water District Director Juan Garza and his simultaneous role as executive director of the California Cities for Self-Reliance Joint Powers Authority. The series examined Garza’s overlapping public responsibilities, procurement practices, legal expenditures, governance issues, and questions surrounding accountability at one of Southern California’s most important public water agencies. The investigation relied on extensive public records requests, contracts, financial records, legal filings, government documents, and interviews to ex-
GROUNDBREAKING: Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and State Sen. Bob Archuleta join Pico Rivera Mayor Gustavo Camacho, City Councilmembers Johnny Garcia, Eric Lutz and Andrew Lara, City Manager Steve Carmona and other officials during the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new $39.4 million Smith Park Community & Aquatic Center, which is expected to open in 2028. Courtesy city of Pico Rivera.
Hahn Joins Pico Rivera Leaders to Break Ground on $40 Million West Nile Virus Off to Earliest Start in 20 Years; Infected Mosquitoes in Artesia, Across L.A. County Smith Park Center [ See AWARD, page 13 ]
Infected mosquitoes confirmed in Cerritos, Bellflower, Lakewood, Norwalk and other local cities.
California’s 2026 Ballot Packed With Measures Affecting Local Communities
New pools, recreation facilities and community spaces expected to reopen in time for preparations surrounding the 2028 Olympics.
By Brian Hews
By Brian Hews ARTESIA — The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in Artesia as health officials warn the virus is spreading earlier and faster across Southern California than it has in the last 20 years. Federal health officials report the highest number of human West Nile virus cases recorded by late June since 2004, while mosquito samples testing positive for the virus have surged throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties. West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, which is most active between dusk and dawn. Although most infected people never develop symptoms, about one in five experiences a mild illness that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea and skin rash. In rare but serious cases, the virus attacks the brain and nervous system, potentially causing meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis or death. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for humans. Within the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District’s service area, mosquito activity has increased dramatically this season. Officials say the fiveyear average at this point in the summer is about four mosquito
West Nile carrying Culex mosquito.
samples testing positive for West Nile virus. This year, that number has jumped to 38. The virus was first detected locally in May in Pico Rivera and Long Beach before spreading throughout the region. West Nile-positive mosquitoes have now been identified in numerous communities including Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Norwalk, Paramount, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier and several other Los Angeles County cities. Orange County is experiencing a similar trend. Officials there detected infected mosquitoes for the first time this year in Newport Beach in early June. Since then, positive mosquito samples have been found in 10 Orange County cities, including Anaheim and Fullerton. The Orange County Vector Control District has also identified 38 infected mosquito pools this season, compared with just four during all of last year. As of late June, federal health officials had confirmed at least 48 human West Nile virus cases
See WEST NILE, Page 3
PICO RIVERA — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn joined city, state and federal officials Wednesday to break ground on the new Smith Park Community & Aquatic Center, a nearly $40 million project that will transform the long-shuttered public pool into a modern recreational destination for residents of all ages. Hahn joined Sen. Bob Archuleta, Rep. Linda Sánchez, Pico Rivera Mayor Gustavo Camacho, City Councilmembers Johnny Garcia, Eric Lutz and Andrew Lara for the ceremonial groundbreaking. The $39.4 million project will replace the aging aquatic facility, originally built as a training venue for the 1984 Olympic Games, with two new pools, upgraded pump systems, modern locker rooms, expanded community spaces, upgraded accessibility, new grandstands, outdoor gathering areas and a renovated community center. Construction is expected to take approximately two years. Hahn secured $10 million in Los Angeles County funding See POOL, Page 6
CALIFORNIA VOTERS will decide 14 statewide ballot propositions on the November ballot. Several measures could have a direct impact on residents, businesses and local governments throughout Southeast Los Angeles County.
LCCN Staff Report California voters will face one of the busiest statewide ballots in recent memory this November, with 14 propositions covering housing, taxes, elections, healthcare, environmental regulations and campaign finance. While many of the proposals have statewide implications, several could directly affect residents, local governments and businesses throughout Southeast Los Angeles County. One of the largest proposals is Proposition 1, an $11.25 billion general obligation bond that would fund affordable housing projects across California. If approved, the measure would finance construction of affordable housing, supportive housing for homeless residents, veterans housing, student housing and farmworker housing. Local cities that continue to struggle with state housing mandates could benefit from additional funding
opportunities. Proposition 2 would change California’s budget rules by allowing lawmakers to place more money into the state’s rainyday reserve without triggering taxpayer rebates under current spending limits. Supporters say the change would improve California’s long-term financial stability, while critics argue it could reduce future tax refunds. Proposition 3 would permanently extend the additional state income tax paid by high-income earners. The revenue would continue supporting K-12 schools, community colleges and healthcare programs. Because local school districts receive funding through the state budget, the measure could provide continued financial support for area schools. Homeownership is the focus of Proposition 37, which would establish a state-backed loan program helping middle-income
See LAWS, Page 12