Overview

The Cerritos City Council has made history with its newly elected members, all of whom are Asian American. The installation ceremony, held at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, was attended by approximately 700 supporters, marking a significant moment for the community.

This event showcased a harmonious transition of power, contrasting sharply with past mayoral transitions that were often marked by partisan tensions. The new council is characterized by a majority of women and is led by three Filipino Americans.

Key details

  • The installation took place at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
  • About 700 attendees were present to celebrate the new council members.
  • The council consists of three newly elected members and two incumbents.
  • The top three vote-getters in the March 4 municipal election were all Asian American candidates.
  • Mark Pulido received 3,901 votes, Jennifer Hong received 3,583 votes, and Sophia Tse received 3,388 votes.
  • Hong and Tse are both Taiwanese Americans.
  • The new council is framed as an All-Asian American council with a majority of women.
  • Frank Aurelio Yokoyama was unanimously selected as mayor.
  • Lynda Johnson was unanimously appointed as Mayor Pro Tem.
  • Other council hopefuls included Rocky Pavone, Riaz Surti, Pat Ashok Patnaik, Esther Huang, and Hao Ricky Huynh.
  • Filipino American Attorney General Rob Bonta administered Mark Pulido's swearing-in.
  • The ceremony included glowing tributes and congratulatory messages from supporters and elected officials.

Context

This milestone reflects the diverse makeup of Cerritos, a community of about 50,000 residents, and highlights the increasing representation of Asian Americans in local governance.

What happens next

The new council members will begin their terms, with expectations of continued solidarity and effective governance in Cerritos.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific agendas or initiatives the new council plans to pursue have not been confirmed.