Overview

During a special meeting held on March 26 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Frank Aurelio Yokoyama was named the new mayor of Cerritos. The City Council also appointed Lynda Johnson as mayor pro tem, following the installation of newly elected Councilmembers Mark Pulido, Jennifer Hong, and Sophia Tse.

Yokoyama expressed gratitude for the support of his fellow councilmembers and highlighted the significance of the council's diversity, marking a historic moment for Cerritos as it becomes the first all-Asian American City Council with a majority of female members.

Key details

  • Frank Aurelio Yokoyama was selected as mayor of Cerritos.
  • Lynda Johnson was appointed as mayor pro tem.
  • The appointments followed the installation of new councilmembers Mark Pulido, Jennifer Hong, and Sophia Tse.
  • The new councilmembers were elected in the March 4 general municipal election.
  • Yokoyama has been a resident of Cerritos since 1976.
  • He was elected to the City Council in 2017 and previously served as mayor pro tem in 2019.
  • Yokoyama has a background in the Cerritos Planning Commission from 2011 to 2013.
  • He has achieved Level I leadership in the League of California Cities Mayors and Council Members Leadership Torch Program.
  • Yokoyama serves as president of the National League of Cities Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials.
  • He has been a member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Executive Administration Committee since 2020.
  • Yokoyama is a businessman, attorney, and youth sports coach.
  • He has received multiple awards for his volunteer coaching in youth sports leagues.

Context

The new appointments come as the city prepares to celebrate its 69th anniversary, with the council representing a significant demographic shift in Cerritos, reflecting its diverse community.

What happens next

As mayor, Yokoyama will lead the council in addressing the needs of Cerritos residents and building upon the city's established foundation while navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with his new role.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding specific initiatives or policies that the new council plans to implement have not been confirmed.