News Flash

Do you have one minute a month to help make Artesia better? The City of Artesia invites residents to take part in a new community engagement initiative in partnership with FlashVote. 

FlashVote uses brief, statistically valid surveys to gather meaningful resident input and strengthen public participation in City decision-making. Survey results are completely anonymous and help the City identify community priorities, measure strengths and guide future planning efforts. 

"Artesia is at its best when our community's voices are heard," said Mayor Rene Trevino. "FlashVote makes it easy for residents to share their thoughts, and we're proud to use that input to make thoughtful decisions that reflect the priorities and values of the people who call Artesia home." 

Each survey takes about one minute to complete and remains open for 48 hours. The inaugural survey will be available beginning Wednesday, February 4. Additional surveys covering a variety of City-related topics will be distributed throughout the year to registered participants.

Residents can sign up to participate by visiting flashvote.com/ArtesiaCA or by phone or text at 775-235-2240.

For more information, visit cityofartesia.us/FlashVote.

CITY OF ARTESIA RECOGNIZES 2025 GRANT ACHIEVEMENTS AND APPROVES 2026 AWARDS

The City of Artesia is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first cycle of the Community Benefit Grant Program and to announce the approved grant awards for the 2026 funding cycle. Funded through Community Benefit Agreements with the City’s three cannabis businesses, this program continues to invest in local organizations that provide meaningful services and programs for Artesia residents.

On Monday, January 12, the City Council received presentations from the 2025 grant recipients, who shared how their funding was used and the positive impact their programs had on the community. After hearing these presentations, the Council also approved funding for the 2026 grant cycle. These presentations highlighted a wide range of accomplishments, including expanded educational programming, health and wellness outreach, cultural engagement, and community service initiatives. The City commends each organization for their dedication, accountability, and commitment to serving Artesia.

“It’s encouraging to see these programs making a real difference in our community.” said Artesia Mayor Rene Trevino. “We’re looking forward to seeing these initiatives grow even further in 2026.”

2025 Community Benefit Grant Recipients

The following organizations received funding in 2025 and showcased completed projects, collectively representing $99,000 in Community Benefit Grant funding:

• Artesia-Cerritos Lions Club ($12,000) – Delivered a variety of community service programs such as eyeglass assistance for students and holiday basket distributions.
• Artesia Historical Society ($37,500) – Advanced historic preservation efforts, including work toward the construction of a replica bell tower honoring the original 1875 Artesia Grammar School bell.
• Friends of Artesia Library (25,000) – Expanded library programming with enhanced educational, cultural, and literacy-based activities for children, teens, and adults.
• Saahas for Cause ($13,000) – Provided culturally responsive public health education and outreach, including wellness workshops and multilingual resources.
• South Asian Network ($11,500) – Offered comprehensive community health and citizenship services, including health fairs, public benefits enrollment assistance, educational workshops, and naturalization support.

2026 Community Benefit Grant Program

The City Council approved funding for the 2026 cycle at the same meeting, with the nonprofit allocation totaling $193,400. The following organizations will carry out projects in 2026 to benefit Artesia residents:

• Artesia Christian Home ($27,000) – Supports senior care programs through the CARE Fund, addressing gaps in Medi-Cal reimbursements and ensuring continuity of skilled nursing care, meals, and daily living support for low-income seniors.
• Artesia Historical Society ($40,000) – Continues the construction of their replica bell tower to celebrate Artesia’s historic roots.
• Artesia-Cerritos Lions Club ($19,800) – Continues their ongoing community programs, including eyeglass assistance, holiday baskets, and support for local events.
• Friends of Artesia Library ($16,800) – Plans to launch a new video game lending program while continuing to advance other educational and cultural programs for all ages.
• Miss Artesia Pageant ($26,000) – Supports youth leadership, civic engagement, and community service activities carried out by the Miss Artesia Court, including outreach and production of pageant events.
• Rotary Club ($21,400) – Provides literacy and enrichment programs for youth at AJ Padelford Park, including hands-on learning activities, computer-based programs, and supervised gaming.
• Saahas for Cause ($20,700) – Aims to continue wellness and “Know Your Rights” outreach for the South Asian community, with a focus on increasing participation and broadening impact.
• South Asian Network ($21,700) – Plans to continue community health and citizenship programs while engaging more participants than last year to maximize program impact.

Artesia Chamber of Commerce

The Artesia Chamber of Commerce also received $30,000 in grant funding as a separate portion of the Community Benefit Grant Program. The funding will support business promotion, community outreach, and organizational development, including events, marketing, website enhancements, and other activities that strengthen engagement with local businesses and residents.

All recipients will provide a year-end report and presentation to the City Council at the end of the year detailing how their funding was used and the impact of their programs, ensuring transparency and accountability.

For more information about the Community Benefit Grant Program, please contact the City of Artesia at (562) 865‑6262.

Artesia, CA – The City of Artesia has once again been recognized as a regional leader in sustainability, earning the Gold Level Gateway Cities Energy Action Award (GCEAA) for the third consecutive year. The award was presented at the 5th Annual GCEAA Ceremony on December 9, held at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey.

The Gateway Cities Energy Action Award program highlights cities that demonstrate strong commitment to reducing energy consumption, advancing climate-friendly projects, and implementing long-term strategies that support a more sustainable region. Participating cities are evaluated on a range of activities, including facility upgrades, grant acquisition for environmental initiatives, and the integration of energy-efficient practices into municipal operations.

Artesia’s continued Gold-level achievement reflects the City’s proactive efforts over the past year, including;

• Improving City Facilities: Repairing the AJ Padelford Park Community Center roof with energy-efficient materials to reduce long-term energy use.

• Securing Grant Funding: Applying for and receiving grants such as the Youth Community Access Grant to support environmental programming.

• Advancing Sustainability Projects: Completing the Historic District Recreation Trail tree and landscape planting project, supporting the City’s environmental goals.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and our investment in projects that benefit both our residents and the broader region,” said Mayor Rene Trevino.

For more information, please contact Artesia City Hall at (562) 865-6262 or visit www.cityofartesia.us.

Artesia, CA – The City of Artesia has once again been recognized as a regional leader in sustainability, earning the Gold Level Gateway Cities Energy Action Award (GCEAA) for the third consecutive year. The award was presented at the 5th Annual GCEAA Ceremony on December 9, held at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey.

The Gateway Cities Energy Action Award program highlights cities that demonstrate strong commitment to reducing energy consumption, advancing climate-friendly projects, and implementing long-term strategies that support a more sustainable region. Participating cities are evaluated on a range of activities, including facility upgrades, grant acquisition for environmental initiatives, and the integration of energy-efficient practices into municipal operations.

Artesia’s continued Gold-level achievement reflects the City’s proactive efforts over the past year, including;

• Improving City Facilities: Repairing the AJ Padelford Park Community Center roof with energy-efficient materials to reduce long-term energy use.

• Securing Grant Funding: Applying for and receiving grants such as the Youth Community Access Grant to support environmental programming.

• Advancing Sustainability Projects: Completing the Historic District Recreation Trail tree and landscape planting project, supporting the City’s environmental goals.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and our investment in projects that benefit both our residents and the broader region,” said Mayor Rene Trevino.

For more information, please contact Artesia City Hall at (562) 865-6262 or visit www.cityofartesia.us.

Artesia, CA – The City of Artesia is proud to announce it has been awarded a $430,005 Youth Community Access Grant from the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to launch the Artesia Great Adventure Program, a new 15-month initiative that will expand opportunities for local youth to connect with California’s natural and cultural resources.

The Artesia Great Adventure Program is designed to immerse underserved youth, ages 8 to 18, in California’s natural beauty while fostering environmental stewardship and conservation values. Over the course of the program, participants will take part in 30 trips, along with 40 total days of educational camps during the winter, spring, and summer, providing immersive learning experiences. Together, these experiences will serve more than 1,200 youth participants, encouraging active conservation and deepening their appreciation of California’s environmental treasures.

“This grant allows us to create transformative opportunities for Artesia’s youth,” said Mayor Ali Taj. “The Artesia Great Adventure Program will provide hands-on learning and unforgettable outdoor experiences that inspire the next generation to care for and protect our environment.”

Funding for the Artesia Great Adventure Program comes through the California Natural Resources Agency’s Youth Community Access Grant Program, established by Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018. The program funds projects that expand youth engagement with natural and cultural resources, increase recreational opportunities, and support education and prevention efforts in underserved communities.

The City anticipates receiving the formal grant agreement in October 2025, with programming scheduled to begin in 2026 and continue through March 2027. The grant will fully fund program costs, including staff, transportation, supplies, and educational programming.

For more information, please contact Edith Guerra, Parks and Recreation Manager at eguerra@cityofartesia.us.

PRESS RELEASE

Artesia, CA – On the morning of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, leaders from across Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) convened at Artesia Park to speak directly to the growing concerns surrounding federal immigration enforcement, community safety, and the economic wellbeing of small businesses. The press conference, hosted by Artesia Mayor Ali Sajjad Taj, highlighted a united front among SELA officials in support of protecting residents’ rights and reinforcing public trust in local government and local law enforcement.

Mayor Taj opened the press conference by emphasizing the need for every resident, regardless of immigration status, to feel safe in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. He underscored that safety, dignity, and stability are essential to the strength of any community and that small businesses, many of which are immigrant-owned, should be empowered rather than left in fear.

Mayor Taj said, “The safety of our community is our top priority. Every person should feel safe. That includes everyone, regardless of where you come from or what your immigration status may be. It is our responsibility as elected officials to make sure our neighborhoods are safe, our children feel secure, and our businesses can continue to operate with confidence.” The event featured remarks from Cody Mendoza, representing Congressman Derek Tran’s Office (CA-45), who conveyed the Congressman’s concerns over recent immigration raids and emphasized the need for increased oversight and accountability. Chief Jorge A. Valdez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also delivered remarks, along with Mayor Frank Aurelio Yokoyama of the City of Cerritos, Mayor Jorgel Chavez of the City of Bell Gardens, Mayor Arturo Flores of the City of Huntington Park, and Councilmember David Arellano of the City of Lakewood. Each leader offered messages of solidarity, underscoring the importance of unity, public education, and sustained support for small businesses. They collectively reaffirmed their commitment to standing with residents, promoting “Know Your Rights” education, and encouraging continued investment in the local economy.

In a written statement of support, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (AD-67) added, “The safety of our families and businesses must always come first. As fear spreads through our communities due to ongoing immigration activities, it’s more important than ever that residents understand their rights and feel supported.” The City of Artesia and its regional partners remain focused on empowering residents through accurate information, safeguarding public safety, and fostering resilience through community-based economic support. In light of recent events, SELA leaders continue to urge local, state, and federal partners to work collaboratively to ensure that all people, regardless of background, feel protected and valued.