Making History Together — The City of Cerritos’ first all-Asian City Council poses after the 2025 swearing-in ceremony. From left to right: Jennifer Hong, Lynda P. Johnson (Mayor Pro Tem), Frank Aurelio Yokoyama (Mayor), Mark E. Pulido, and Sophia Tse. — Photo from the Facebook Page of Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Johnson.
CERRITOS, CA – March 26, 2025 — In a ceremony marked by unity, pride, and historic milestones, the City of Cerritos formally welcomed its newly elected city council at the Annual Mayoral Transition and Oath of Office ceremony held at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Drawing a record attendance of approximately 700 residents, civic leaders, and dignitaries, the event highlighted a pivotal moment in the city’s evolution toward greater inclusivity and representation.
The evening marked several historic firsts for Cerritos:
• First-ever female majority on the Cerritos City Council
• First time with three Filipino American councilmembers
• First all-Asian City Council in the city’s history
Following the March 5 municipal election, newly elected councilmembers Mark E. Pulido, Jennifer Hong, and Sophia Tse were sworn in, joining returning members Frank Aurelio Yokoyama and Lynda P. Johnson. Together, they make up a five-member body reflective of the city’s diverse population and civic maturity.
Frank Yokoyama Named Mayor
Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama was selected by his peers to serve as Mayor of Cerritos. A longtime resident of Japanese and Filipino heritage, Yokoyama brings a deep commitment to public service. First elected to the council in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, he holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School, and balances his civic duties with work as an attorney, real estate broker, and small business owner.
A former Planning Commissioner and youth sports coach, Yokoyama emphasized public safety, fiscal stewardship, and community enrichment as key priorities for his mayoral term. His leadership reflects both professional experience and a longstanding dedication to Cerritos’ continued success.
Lynda P. Johnson Appointed Mayor Pro Tem
Lynda P. Johnson, who made history in 2022 as the first Filipina American elected to the Cerritos City Council, was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. With a background in law enforcement as a former field deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and prior service on the ABC Unified School District Board, Johnson brings a grounded, community-first perspective to the council. Her priorities include youth engagement, small business development, and public safety.
New Faces, Deep Roots
The council welcomed:
• Jennifer Hong, a 39-year Cerritos resident and small business owner with a long record of civic involvement through local commissions and nonprofit organizations.
• Sophia Tse, a healthcare professional and former ABC Unified School District Board Member, who brings nearly two decades of experience in education and public service.
• Mark E. Pulido, a returning councilmember first elected in 2011 as the city’s first Filipino American councilmember. A two-time former mayor, Pulido returns after a brief hiatus with renewed dedication to education, community empowerment, and civic progress.
Reflecting a Changing Cerritos
This historic council makeup—all five members of Asian descent, with three of Filipino heritage—symbolizes a city embracing its multicultural identity. More than a symbolic victory, the election outcome reflects years of civic engagement, generational leadership, and community trust.
Incorporated in 1956, Cerritos operates under a council-manager form of government with five at-large councilmembers elected to staggered four-year terms. The mayor and mayor pro tem are selected annually by the council from among its members. The city now holds its municipal elections in even-numbered years, aligning with statewide elections to encourage voter participation.
Located in southeast Los Angeles County, Cerritos is celebrated for its master-planned neighborhoods, award-winning library and schools, and robust parks and recreation system. Once an agricultural hub, the city has grown into a model suburban community, known for its civic stability, prudent fiscal management, and active community involvement.
An Evening of Significance
Adding to the evening’s historic weight, California Attorney General Rob Bonta—the state’s first Filipino American to hold the office—administered the oath of office to Councilmember Pulido. Bonta commended Cerritos’ progress and spoke of the shared responsibility of public service, particularly within the Filipino American community.
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory reception where residents, city staff, and local leaders gathered to honor the city’s new leadership. As the city looks to the future, the newly installed council has pledged to work collaboratively to address everyday challenges, foster civic pride, and shape a more inclusive and forward-looking Cerritos.
