Cerritos Makes Indian American History with Mayor Solanki as Diwali Earns LA County Recognition

Cerritos has stood at the forefront of South Asian civic representation in Southern California, most notably through the unanimous election of Naresh Solanki as the city's first Indian American mayor, a milestone celebrated with record attendance at City Hall. Adding further recognition to the South Asian diaspora's cultural heritage, Los Angeles County approved a motion for the fourth consecutive year to officially observe Diwali, with Supervisor Janice Hahn attending the SoCal Diwali Festival in Cerritos. Together, these stories reflect the political influence and cultural pride of the Indian American community in and around Cerritos.

🗳️ Naresh Solanki Elected First Indian American Mayor of Cerritos in Unanimous 5-0 Vote

Naresh Solanki was unanimously chosen by the Cerritos City Council, receiving a five-to-zero vote, to become the first Indian American mayor of Cerritos, at a ceremony held on April 17 at Cerritos City Hall. Solanki had been serving as Mayor Pro Tem and was traditionally next in line for the mayorship, but had been bypassed two years earlier when Grace Hue was named mayor instead, breaking a long-standing tradition of automatic succession from Mayor Pro Tem to Mayor. City Clerk Vida Barone formally opened the nominations, after which Councilman Jim Edwards nominated Solanki and Councilman Frank Yokoyama seconded the nomination. Planning Commissioner Deepak Jhaveri praised the selection, calling it 'not just long overdue but very well deserved' and expressing hope that Solanki would motivate the community to continue producing leaders who would serve as voices for Indian Americans. In his acceptance remarks, Solanki outlined priorities including public safety, working alongside the Cerritos Sheriffs, fiscal prudence in managing the city's budget, and attracting new business investments to drive revenue growth. He praised the city's award-winning public library and its Performing Arts Center as community jewels. Among the distinguished attendees were Janice Hahn, then Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, former Supervisor Don Knabe and his wife Julie who drove down specially from Temecula, and former Mayor Bruce Barrows, described as Solanki's mentor. [3]

🪔 LA County Recognizes Diwali for Fourth Straight Year; Supervisor Hahn to Celebrate at Cerritos Festival

For the fourth consecutive year, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn to officially recognize Diwali in Los Angeles County. The motion was reported on October 7, 2025, by the office of Supervisor Hahn, who represents the Fourth District. The unanimous approval by the full Board of Supervisors for the fourth consecutive year reflects ongoing institutional commitment by county government to formally acknowledge Diwali as a culturally and religiously significant occasion in the region. Supervisor Hahn announced that she would once again celebrate at the SoCal Diwali Festival in Cerritos that same weekend, continuing her personal participation in the community observance. The motion brought before the Board by Supervisor Hahn officially recognizes Diwali, and its unanimous passage for a fourth year running demonstrates sustained formal support for the Hindu festival within Los Angeles County's civic calendar. The SoCal Diwali Festival in Cerritos served as the venue where Supervisor Hahn planned to mark the occasion alongside the South Asian community. The fourth consecutive unanimous approval of the recognition motion by the Board underscores the growing prominence of Indian and Hindu cultural traditions within the civic life of Los Angeles County. [1]

Sources: [3] India Journal · [1] hahn.lacounty.gov