Aurelia Palhinha appointed to Artesia cemetery board

CERRITOS — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has appointed Artesia resident Aurelia Palhinha to the Artesia Cemetery District Board of Trustees.

The cemetery, located at 11142 Artesia Blvd. in Cerritos, has recorded burials as early as the 1860s and today serves Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens as well as portions of Lakewood, Norwalk, and Long Beach.

Palhinha’s father is buried at the Artesia Cemetery. Caring for the Artesia Cemetery is a labor of love for her.

"This cemetery is not only a sacred place for the loved ones of those buried there but an important historical site, and I know that she is going to give it the attention and care that this work requires on this board," said Hahn.

Palhinha and her husband have been residents of Artesia for over 50 years since immigrating from Portugal. She has been an active member of the Portuguese community for decades. She co-founded RTA (Radio Television Artesia) with her husband Osvaldo in the early 1990s, which serves as the local public access channel for the City of Artesia.

"I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Artesia Cemetery District Board of Trustees. This appointment allows me to continue the legacy that my husband began and to contribute to the community that has been our home for over 50 years,” said Palhinha. “I am committed to working diligently to ensure the cemetery's success and to honoring those who rest here. Thank you, Supervisor Hahn, for entrusting me with this important responsibility."

The Artesia Cemetery District provides for interment services and for the operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds.