: New Planning Commissioner Tatiana Yokoyama takes oath of office from Cerritos City Clerk Vita Barrone at Monday’s city council meeting. Randy Economy Photo
By Brian Hews
In a move that surprised many long time city hall onlookers, Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Mark Pulido appointed Tatiana Yokoyama to serve on the Planning Commission for a seat formerly held by her brother, Frank, before his reappointment was nixed earlier this year by three city council members lead by Mayor Bruce Barrows.
Pulido ended a three month battle to replace his lifelong friend and political alley Frank Yokoyama on the Cerritos Planning Commission after Barrows, Councilwoman Carol Chen and Councilman George Ray blocked the normally routine two year reappointment after this past city council campaign in March.
Ray and Chen defeated Frank Yokoyama in the recent election.
During that campaign, it was revealed that Yokoyama had been suspended by the California State Bar Association after he told state officials that he had completed “routine course work” as required by state code.
Tatiana Yokoyama help lead a vocal protest against Barrows, Chen and Ray in April and May of this year after her brother’s reappointment was blocked.
On Monday night, after she was unanimously approved by all five members of the Cerritos City Council, including Councilman Joseph Cho, Yokoyama was officially given the oath of office by Cerritos City Clerk Vida Barrone.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the community I love so deeply,” Yokoyama told Hews Media Group – Community News in an interview just moments after she was sworn into office.
“I appreciate Mayor Pro Tem Mark Pulido for having confidence in me in making this appointment. I promise to the community that I will do a great job on the Planning Commission and to make sure that we continue to serve the residents with accountability and dedication,” Yokoyama said.
“Tatiana earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of California, Riverside. After college, she returned to Cerritos to be with her family, including her nieces and nephews. Over the years, Tatiana has worked for many local businesses, including California Education Centers, Union Bank of California, and Nordstrom’s,” Pulido said during the meeting.
“Tatiana is going to be a great addition to the Planning Commission,” Pulido said.
Yokoyama is also a current Law Student at the Western State College of Law in Fullerton, California, where she is a recipient of the school’s merit scholarship.
She was elected by her peers to serve as Student Bar Association President for the 2013-2014 academic years. Her former positions while attending Western Stated include: Student Bar Association Treasurer, Student Bar Association 1L Representative, and the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association Vice-President.
Yokoyama also said that she is looking forward to “seeing new businesses popping up here in Cerritos.”
“I am ready to hit the ground running. This is very humbling and an honor,” she said.
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
RE: Planning Commission:
Dosn’t mention if the taxpayers are financing her education, via international grant, or is she really paying for her own education. Many Pulido’s followers are saying that her bros. Frank’s education was merited via grants and educational standards dropped for minority education.
Article failed to mention, if Pulido and Frank are still looking to replace our CM, Art Gallucci with the Long Beach City Director, like they published in the past campaigns?
Xcel choice, as the council and commissions lack open binder. Glad to read, female will be appointed. Sure wish we had more blonds, red heads, handicaps and teens appointed, so the decisions made will be more diversified. Hurrey for the (D).
http://hmg.theserver.me/loscerritosnews/2013/07/08/cerritos-vice-mayor-pulido-taps-tatiana-yokoyama-for-planning-commission-slot/
Congrats to the PC and hope the CCC will approve. Maybe our next mayor, as we need more female council persons.
Republicans have caused too much grief to the city, like to see more democratic candidates, as SHADOW PARK GOP are slowly dying away with ageism. Crawly-Knabes-Edwards-Wong-Kappes-Hu-Hughlett’s all have ordered their Lay-A-Way cremation at Forest Lawn, as the coffins are just more then ripe for these dishonest (R) to leave city for good. Thank God, one (R) just left city, as no asset to city nor Chamber of Commerce.