LOS CERRITOS
Winner of Nineteen LA Press Club Awards from 2012-2021 Serving Cerritos and ten other surrounding communities since 1985 • July 3, 2026 • Vol. 41, No. 35 • LOSCERRITOSNEWS.NET
Judge Strikes Down Bogus Bonta State Cardroom Regulations, Ruling Bureau Exceeded Authority Ruling protects thousands of jobs and millions in city revenue for Hawaiian Gardens, Commerce, Bell Gardens and other cardroom communities. By Brian Hews SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco Superior Court judge has invalidated controversial gambling regulations adopted by California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Bureau of Gambling Control, ruling the agency exceeded its legal authority in attempting to restrict certain card games offered at licensed cardrooms throughout the state. In a decision issued Monday, Judge Richard Darwin concluded the Bureau lacked the
authority to impose statewide restrictions on table games that have been offered by California cardrooms for decades. The ruling prevents the regulations from taking effect and preserves the current operation of licensed cardrooms while any appeals are considered. The regulations would have significantly limited or prohibited several popular card games played at licensed cardrooms across California. Cardroom operators argued the changes would have cut revenues dramatically, forcing some businesses to reduce operations or close entirely while threatening thousands of jobs. The lawsuit was brought by the California Gaming Association, which contended the Bureau had attempted to rewrite [ See RULING, page 5 ]
Costco Project Would Reshape Firestone Corridor, But Major Financial Questions Remain
Photo courtesy city of artesia
Historic District Trail Re-Dedicated in Artesia Improved pathway celebrated with marker, community celebration and recognition of leaders who helped bring the project to fruition.
Seven New California Laws Now Affecting Shoppers, Diners, Drivers and Students
By Brian Hews
BIG BOX, BIG QUESTIONS: Costco is coming to Downey, but so are millions in public subsidies, future tax-sharing agreements and unanswered financial questions. The shopping carts may arrive before taxpayers know exactly what’s in the deal.
By Brian Hews DOWNEY — What began as an announcement of a highly anticipated Costco warehouse quickly evolved into a discussion over millions in public funding, future sales tax sharing agreements, and unanswered questions surrounding one of the largest economic development projects in Downey’s recent history. At its June 23 meeting, the Downey City Council approved a Master Development Funding Agreement that city officials say will open the door for a two-phase redevelopment of the Firestone Boulevard corridor anchored by a new Costco warehouse and gas station. Mayor Claudia Frometa set the mood before the meeting’s business even began, describing Costco as a game-changing investment that would create quality jobs, generate more
than $3 million annually in new city revenue, strengthen the City’s finances, and help sustain public services while reinforcing Downey’s commitment to balanced budgets. During the City’s budget presentation, finance officials acknowledged the agreement would reduce General Fund reserves from approximately $33.5 million to about $22.9 million. Staff emphasized that reserves would remain above the Government Finance Officers Association’s recommended minimum and projected that Costco-generated sales tax revenue would replenish the reserves over time. Under the agreement, Downey will contribute approximately $10.5 million toward the project, consisting of a $10 million lease cancellation payment to Downey Nissan and $500,000 for environmenSee DOWNEY, Page 15
ARTESIA — The City of Artesia celebrated the completion of improvements to its Historic District Trail with a community re-dedication ceremony recognizing the trail’s past while looking toward its future as a recreational and community gathering place. The half-mile paved trail stretches between Corby Avenue at 187th Street and Gridley Road at 183rd Street along a former rail corridor. The trail is open to walkers, runners, bicyclists, inline skaters and wheelchair users. During the ceremony, city officials unveiled a commemorative trail marker recognizing completion of the improvement project and honoring the decades-long effort that transformed the former rail corridor into one of Artesia’s signature community amenities. Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Ramoso thanked residents and community organizations for attending the celebration and acknowledged former city leaders whose vision helped bring the project to completion. “We were thrilled to see so many residents and community members come together to celebrate the completion of improvements to this community asset,” Ramoso said. The city also recognized former Mayors Miguel CanaSee TRAIL, Page 5
SIMPLER LABELS: Beginning July 1, California standardized food expiration labels, replacing confusing date terms with “Best if Used By” and “Use By” to reduce food waste statewide.
LCCN Staff Report Beginning July 1, several new California laws took effect that will affect the daily lives of millions of residents, from the way food is labeled at grocery stores and allergens are listed on restaurant menus to student cellphone policies, housing development and even the volume of streaming television commercials. Perhaps the most noticeable change for consumers will be at the grocery store. California has become the first state in the nation to standardize food date labels, replacing confusing phrases such as “Sell By,” “Expires On” and “Freshest Before” with just two labels: “Best if Used By,” indicating product quality, and “Use By,” indicating food safety. State officials hope the simplified labels will reduce
food waste and help shoppers better understand when food is still safe to eat. Dining out will also be different. Restaurant chains with 20 or more locations are now required to identify the presence of the “Big 9” food allergens— including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and sesame—on menus or through other readily available information, making it easier for customers with food allergies to make informed choices. Students will also see changes when they return to class. School districts throughout California, including those in Southeast Los Angeles County and Orange County, are now required to adopt policies limiting student cellphone use during the school day in an effort to reduce distractions and improve stuSee LAWS, Page 5