Frequently Asked Questions
Recall and Repeal Effort – Information for Cerritos Residents
What is the effort
What is the Recall and Repeal effort?
The Recall and Repeal effort is a community-driven initiative by Cerritos residents to hold local government accountable. It involves two primary components: the recall of specific City Council members and a petition to repeal the recently approved water and sewer rate increases.
Why this effort is happening
Why are residents calling for a recall of Councilmembers Johnson and Yokoyama?
Residents cite a failure of transparency and accountability regarding the approval of massive water and sewer rate increases. Concerns include:
- Approval of rate hikes up to nearly 300% over five years despite overwhelming public protest.
- Failure to provide multilingual notifications to a diverse community.
- A lack of clear justification for internal cost allocations within the rate study.
- Disregarding the approximately 6,400 written protests submitted by Cerritos residents.
What is wrong with the water and sewer rate increases?
The increases are historically high and front-loaded, with a 90% increase in the first year alone. Many residents feel the City did not explore enough cost-cutting measures in discretionary spending before placing the burden on households. Additionally, the process lacked sufficient transparency regarding how indirect costs are allocated to the utility funds.
Who is behind the effort
Is this a political or partisan group?
No. Concerned Citizens of Cerritos is a non-partisan community organization made up of local residents from various backgrounds. The goal is fiscal transparency and government accountability, not party politics.
How the process works
How does a recall process work in California?
The process follows strict legal steps governed by the California Elections Code:
- Notice of Intention: A group of residents serves the official with a notice of intention to circulate a recall petition.
- Petition Preparation: The petition format must be approved by the City Clerk and/or County Registrar of Voters.
- Signature Collection: Proponents must collect a required number of valid signatures from registered voters in Cerritos within a specific timeframe.
- Certification: The signatures are verified by election officials.
- Election: If enough valid signatures are gathered, a recall election is scheduled where voters decide if the official should be removed and who should replace them.
What is the 'Repeal' part of the petition?
The repeal effort is a separate initiative petition that seeks to overturn the City Council's decision to increase water and sewer rates. If successful, it would force the City to reconsider the funding model and potentially find other ways to manage the budget without such drastic increases for residents.
Common questions
If I sign the petition, does that mean the official is automatically removed?
No. Signing the petition only moves the choice to a public vote. It allows the community as a whole to decide the matter at a ballot box.
Who is allowed to sign the petitions?
Only registered voters living within the City of Cerritos are eligible to sign the petitions for them to be considered valid.
Isn't a recall election expensive?
The cost of an election is a consideration, but proponents argue that the long-term cost of nearly 300% utility increases for thousands of households far outweighs the one-time cost of an election. They believe the preservation of democratic accountability and fiscal responsibility is worth the investment.
Getting involved
How can I help?
There are many ways to support the effort:
- Sign the Petitions: Look for volunteers in your neighborhood or at community events.
- Volunteer: Help collect signatures, distribute information, or assist with community outreach.
- Spread the Word: Share factual information with your friends and neighbors in Cerritos.
- Donate: Support the printing and legal costs associated with a grassroots community effort.
Where can I find more information?
Visit our website at CCCerritos.org for updates, source documents, and detailed timelines regarding the recall and repeal efforts.