Ceres mayor delivers State of City. Swim program saved, new businesses announced
Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez delivered the State of the City on Thursday, speaking for about 20 minutes, his tone optimistic despite economic uncertainty.
“The last few years have shown us something powerful. When this community is tested, we don’t pause, we build. When challenges appear, we don’t retreat, we adapt. And when opportunity knocks, Ceres answers with unity, vision and action. These are challenging and uncertain economic times,” he said.
In February, the Parks and Recreation Department announced that the summer swim program was canceled due to budget constraints. The city later walked back that announcement in hopes of saving it. In his address, Lopez announced that aquatics would return through a partnership with other local agencies.
“Many of you heard the unexpected concerns about our swim program. It could be in danger due to budget talks and constraints. I’m happy to tell you that after I personally reached out to The Salvation Army and facilitated a meeting with our parks and recreational team, and now it looks like they are moving forward with arrangements that safeguard that program and protect its longevity for our family and our kids,” Lopez told the audience of about 100.
Lopez also said a partnership with the Modesto Fire Department has improved the city’s emergency response time and spoke about the new $1.19 million fire training tower that opened in August. He also talked about the city’s effortsto clear homeless encampments and connect individuals to aid services.
The mayor highlighted improvements to roads and water systems across Ceres, including the replacement of aging pipes. “We are investing in systems you don’t see, replacing aging underground water piping, making sure our drinking water continues to be safe and sewer infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Lopez said. He also noted that long-range planning continues to expand wastewater capacity, including a sewage water treatment plant.
Lopez’ speech also mentioned improvements to Hatch Road and the vacant buildings in that corridor.
Recently, the city announced new businesses have signed contracts for the long-vacant former Walmart site on Hatch and Mitchell roads, and Councilmember Cerina Otero posted that El Pollo Loco had signed a lease to take over the spot across the road. The former KFC site has been vacant since August 2024.
Nearby, the vacant 99 Cents Only Store on Hatch Road will be replaced with a Burlington Coat Factory. Councilmember Rosalinda Vierra announced on her Facebook page that it will open before the end of the year. She said hiring would begin around August. The store has been vacant since April 2024.
Other mentions of note
- Thje Key to the City will be presented to professional soccer player Cade Cowell, a Ceres native. He was not able to attend the State of the City address as he is playing with the New York Red Bulls, but Lopez played a video of Cowell accepting the honor. Lopez said the city will celebrate Cowell with an in-person event in June.
- Lopez highlighted improvements to recreational facilities including River Bluff Park, city soccer fields and the Costa Ballfield Complex. The latter has been a topic of contention between the city and Ceres Youth Baseball over lighting concerns and a contract dispute.
- Lopez thanked City Manager Doug Dunford for his years of service as he announced his retirement. Dunford abruptly resigned after this week’s City Council meeting, citing a family emergency. His last day will be April 3.
This story was originally published March 27, 2026 at 4:10 PM.
