Cerritos Elects First Filipino-American Woman Mayor

Lynda Johnson to be sworn in as mayor of Cerritos, California, a milestone for the Filipino-American community.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:21am

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In a visit to Cerritos, California, the writer recounts a meaningful encounter with incoming Mayor Lynda Johnson, who will be the first Filipino-American woman to assume the mayoralty. The visit also included a tour of the renowned Cerritos Library and Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, two community landmarks that reflect the city's investment in intellect, culture, and diversity.

Why it matters

Lynda Johnson's election as mayor of Cerritos is a significant milestone for the Filipino-American community, representing growing leadership and representation. The writer's donation of books to the Cerritos Library also symbolizes the bridging of cultures and the preservation of shared histories.

The details

During the visit, the writer met with incoming Mayor Lynda Johnson, who will be sworn in on April 8 as the first Filipino-American woman to serve as mayor of Cerritos. The writer also toured the Cerritos Library, described as one of the most advanced public libraries in the United States, and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, a versatile, state-of-the-art performing arts venue. The writer donated two of their books, 'Silver Linings: The Continuing Saga of the 1986 People Power Revolution' and '15 Years of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation,' to the Cerritos Library.

  • Lynda Johnson will be sworn in as mayor of Cerritos on April 8, 2026.
  • The Cerritos Library is celebrating its 24th anniversary.
  • The visit took place just two days before what would have been former President Fidel V. Ramos's 98th birthday.

The players

Lynda Johnson

The incoming mayor of Cerritos, California, and the first Filipino-American woman to assume the mayoralty.

Fidel V. Ramos

The former president of the Philippines, who visited the Cerritos Library in the past, affirming its status as a center of global knowledge.

Dan Nino

The president of the Philippine Global Media Group and a resident of Cerritos.

Nancy Reyes

A representative of Amity Medical.

Eric Cardoso

The Cerritos Library Service Manager, who invited the writer to speak at the library.

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What they’re saying

“The 154,000-square-foot theatre is state-of-the-art, with floor seats that can be rearranged to create six different of different configurations. The stage can also be changed into various sizes. Even the indoor towers, which hold the Center's box seats, can be repositioned.”

— Lynda Johnson, Mayor Pro Tempore of Cerritos

What’s next

The writer looks forward to speaking at the Cerritos Library sometime in August or September, at the invitation of Mayor Johnson and Library Service Manager Eric Cardoso.

The takeaway

Lynda Johnson's election as the first Filipino-American woman mayor of Cerritos represents the growing leadership and representation of the Filipino-American community in the United States. The writer's donation of books to the Cerritos Library symbolizes the bridging of cultures and the preservation of shared histories, furthering the city's commitment to intellect, culture, and community.