The Hews Media Group-Community News published a story on Friday pertaining to Cerritos Mayor pro tem Naresh Solanki and Councilwoman Carol Chen closing the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station has prompted outrage and anger from Cerritos residents.
Councilman Mark Pulido, a strong supporter of Cerritos public safety, posted a picture of the story on his Facebook page. Many residents have emailed the newspaper, outraged about what Ms. Chen and Mr. Solanki attempted to accomplish, using approval of the budget as a bargaining chip.
Many have called for the recall of both city officials.
When Mr. Pulido posted the article he asked residents for comments, which released a flood of anger in the form of Facebook posts.
Some of the posts:
- This is completely unacceptable. There was already a 5-0 vote on this issue at the previous meeting. I don’t understand the motive here. After this and the disclosure of the Summary of Travel Expenses, I am starting to worry about the actions and behaviors of some members of the Cerritos City Council. It behooves all Cerritos residents to pay much closer attention to Council business. Perhaps attending some Council meetings and independent investigations are in order.
- This is nuts. Can we have a referendum to recall these officials?
- One only needs to look at some groups here, like the Cerritos Neighborhood Group, to see that safety and crime is a concern in the area. Seems that more due diligence is prudent before making a sweeping act, and certainly in the right order agreed upon. Further, seems that the Council (this year) committed $3 million toward the new museum via the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund, right? Are those funds earmarked for things other than the general budget? Is (the fund) limited in ways it can contribute on things the budget currently pays for? If not, it seems a misjudgment in allocation of resources.
- Wow. Has there been any talk of recalling Chen and Solanki?
- Very disappointed. Very curious. Looks like someone was paid off!
- Thanks for always staying on the side of Cerritos residents’ best interests, Mark. To hear that this happened is quite worrisome.
- This is very disturbing, considering most people I speak with cite having a local Sheriff’s station as a necessity. To remain a city that is both business and family friendly, you have to have adequate security in place. Cutting the Sheriff’s station would be a step towards dismantling what draws most people to live and work here.
- A Sheriff’s station is essential to keep crime low. It’s absurd to propose closing a Sheriff’s station.
- Bro, they need a Sheriff’s station as I got my car broken into once already at the Walmart… Did not take them long to come and make a report… More safety patrols need to be at that shopping center… One of the Walmart workers mentioned that it does happen a lot at that area…
- I was shocked when I read the article. Who does that? Especially when crime is on the rise nationwide and we are impacted more due to the addition of more businesses at the Mall bringing in more people to our city. Our Sheriff’s department is unique for a city our size. Check out their response time. I’m sure if the residents of Cerritos were given the opportunity, they would vote a big fat no! What were their real intentions to bring this matter up – and in the manner that they did. — Beverly Porter, Community Safety Committee member.
- Wake up, Cerritos. We no longer can live in the bubble. Times have changed. Thanks, Mark, for looking out on many occasions. We stay abreast of what’s going on in our city by attending Council meetings or watching the Council videos. First-hand knowledge rules. Second-hand knowledge may come too late.
Kerry Bossin Reply
- I had a suspicious stranger come to the door claiming to be looking for a lost dog. Even though I didn’t open the door, he kept hanging around. He had a small backpack over his left shoulder. After he left, I called the Cerritos Sheriff’s who said they would send someone to check him out. They responded quickly. The backpack contained rope and burglary tools. Thank God and our Cerritos Sheriff’s I wasn’t victimized. They kept him from victimizing anyone else. – Kerry Bossin
- When Commissioner Solanki and Commissioner Vo were running on the Republican ticket, the Republicans swore that these two immigrants are the best of the best in the city of Cerritos. Both of them are immigrant trash. Solanki was so desperate to get voted that he even said that he would work for free. I would still like to see the paperwork to see if he’s working for free.
