Ceres Election Tab 2020

Meet those who want to represent you

Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020

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2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS CERES MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Bret Durossette..................................................................................4 Javier Lopez.........................................................................................5 CERES CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT #3: Mohinder Kanda................................................................................6 Bret Silveira..........................................................................................6 Brandy Meyer......................................................................................7 Juan P. Vazquez.................................................................................7 CERES CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT #4: Couper Condit....................................................................................8 Eric Angel Gonzalez.........................................................................8 Mike Kline.............................................................................................9 Daniel Martinez..................................................................................9 CERES CITY TREASURER: Sopheap Dong-Carreon...............................................................11 Kayla Martinez...................................................................................11 STANISLAUS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Channce Condit.......................................................................10 Thomas P. Hallinan.................................................................10

BRET D E P U T Y

SILVEIRA Ceres City Council District 3

PUBLIC SAFETY

YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY

GROWTH AND PLANNING

Utilizing my 29 years of law enforcement experience in the community to make sure that our public safety team has the resources necessary to be able to ensure a safe community.

Utilize my lifelong experience with our youth to make sure that there are safe places for our children to play along with fun and enriching programs for our children to participate in.

Utilize a teamwork approach to make sure that Ceres has responsible growth that looks great and provides reasonable and sustainable revenue both now and in the future.

The Ceres Courier www.cerescourier.com

Morris Newspaper Corp. of CA - Central Valley Group Ceres Courier – Turlock Journal – Manteca Bulletin Oakdale Leader – Escalon Times – Riverbank News Group Publisher Hank Vander Veen

hvanderveen@cerescourier.com

Editor Jeffery Benziger

jeffb@cerescourier.com (209) 249-3583

Advertising Sales Charles Webber (209) 633-1434 cwebber@cerescourier.com

G UAR ANTEED HOME D ELI V ER Y R ATES $35 for 6-month guaranteed home delivery; $52 for 12 months of guaranteed home delivery.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Ceres Police Officers Association Ceres Professional Firefighters Local 3636 Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors member Vito Chiesa Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors member Jim Demartini Republican Party of Stanislaus County Ceres Mayor Chris Vierra Ceres City Council member Bret Durossette Ceres City Council member Mike Kline Ceres Planning Commissioner Dave Johnson Ceres Planning Commissioner Gary Del Nero Ceres Planning Commissioner Bob Kachel Ceres Unified School District Trustee Brian delaPorte Retired Stanislaus County Undersheriff Ralph Ghimenti Phil delaPorte Burbank Paradise Fire Department Mike & Lindsey Curry Donnie & Rebecca Donaldson Paul & Ivy Laffoon Rafael & Omaira Valencia Mike Reynolds Senior Care Alliance-Charmaine Rincon Noble Hospice Sherrill Peterson Javier Gonzalez John & Julia Silveira Richard & Isabel McKay Ben Brenning John Bussard Gene & Debbie Balentine Gary Baird Vincent Silveira Bill & Danielle Powell Jose & Anna Vasquez Bob & Eleanor Wood Cristina Alejandro Lisa Silveira

Halli Silveira Ryan Moring Amy Cabling Terri Fields Leigh Alison Genova-Branson Jenny Burris-Gomes Dan & Jennifer Anderson Kevin Carroll Jeff Tracy Brian Peterson Denise Whatley-Sanders Kim Cabassi Sandra Carroll-Montoya Brian Struxness Andrea Nolan-Griffin Bob & Eleanor Wood Patricia Cochran-Campbell Tom Nipper Kaylee Brown Juan & Celina Palafox Sarbi Mahil Corey Goodrich Kevin & Mary Jane Cullum Cody Williams Stephy & Mike Parker The Jantz Family Neena Evans Scott Thatcher 5 Star Auto Sales Paul Raj Mike Tamana Freight Lines Try-Us Transportation Onkar Builders Ceres Recycling Center

#BRETSILVEIRAFORCERESCITYCOUNCILDISTRICT3 PAID FOR BY BRET SILVEIRA FOR CITY COUNCIL 2020, FPPC ID #1429162

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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2020 ballots are coming by mail but ... .... you may still drop off your ballot to make sure it arrives to be counted B y JEFF BENZ I GER Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Ballots will begin being sent out to Stanislaus County voters on Oct. 5.

This marks the first time in the history of voting in Stanislaus County that a presidential election will be conducted solely through an all-mail process. Registrar of Voters Donna Linder offers assurances that her department has taken steps to prevent voter fraud.

To ensure that nobody will tamper with a completed ballot, voters are advised to never hand it over to a third party but instead either drop it in the mail slot inside a post office or hand it in at one of the voting stations to be set up in the county.

On June 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 860 into law, which requires all counties to send a ballot to eligible voters in advance of the general election. Voting by mail is nothing new in Stanislaus County as about 77 percent of registered voters cast their ballots by mail here.

Linder feels that social media is contributing to the misinformation about voting by mail. In reality, about 77 percent of county voters have voted by mail and increasing that to 100 percent of voters participating in the election by mail won’t jeopardize the integrity of the vote, noting that the process is secure.

“I think voting by mail is impacting the election more because of the social media attention on it,” Linder said, pointing out that several states already vote only by mail, like Washington, Colorado and Oregon. “There was kind of a push for our state to move to vote by mail years ago. Stanislaus County just has not done it yet, so it’s just different for some of our voters.”

Linder said every signature on every ballot envelope is checked against the handwriting on the voter’s registration card on file to prevent fraud. She said a person would have to be a good forger to make it past the eyes of county elections staff.

“We go through signature verification training throughout the state.”

Ballots are not opened and counted until the signature has been checked, Linder said.

She also said ballots remain secret.

“It’s a very intensive process that we have perfected over the years of developing a more hearty vote-by-mail system,” said Linder.

She added that in her 17 years of working in elections, claims Stanislaus County has not seen a confirmed case of voter fraud over

the years.

Linder said while examples of voter fraud could occur in theory, she feels the all-mail ballot is more secure than in-person polling where signatures were not nearly as scrutinized.

Linder said it’s not likely that Stanislaus County will ever go back to in-person voting.

The county Elections Division sent out blue cards recently to educate voters about how the all mail balloting will work; and to find out what addresses are outdated and/ or undeliverable. If families don’t notify the Elections Division office that voters have moved elsewhere, it’s possible that ballots will be sent to an old address where the voter no longer lives. If somebody in that household tries to mark that ballot and return it to fraudulently vote by forging the signature on the outside of the envelope, Linder’s office should flag it for questioning.

“If the signature looks funny we’re going to contact the voter.”

The same holds true of envelopes that are not signed where indicated.

The California Motor Voter program makes registering to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) more convenient.

Eligible applicants completing a driver license, identification (ID) card or change

of address transaction online, by mail or in person at the DMV will be automatically registered to vote by the California Secretary of State, unless they choose to opt out. Individuals who are in the country illegally but can become a licensed driver through AB 60 are not eligible to participate in the California Motor Voter program and not eligible to vote.

Linder admitted that the DMV system of voter registration is “confusing. Unless you hit the right button it does register you (to vote) automatically. And if you don’t say no in the right way it registers you and people were being registered as No Party Preference because they were thinking they weren’t registered. So it has created some confusion.”

Postage-paid ballots do not have to be dropped in the mail and still may be dropped off in-person at satellite offices or indoor drop boxes at locations approved by Linder’s office. Satellite offices most convenient for Ceres area voters include: • The Ceres American Legion Memorial Building, 2609 Lawrence Street on Saturday, Oct. 31 through Tuesday, Nov. 3; • Keyes Community Center, 5506 Jennie Ave, Keyes; on Saturday, Oct. 31 through Tuesday, Nov. 3; •Mancini Senior Center Hall, 718 Tuolumne Blvd., south Modesto, on Satur-

day, Oct. 31 through Tuesday, Nov. 3; • Community Services Agency, 251 Hackett Road, Ceres, on Saturday, Oct. 31 through Tuesday, Nov. 3; • Stanislaus SELPA, 1404 Stonum Road, Ceres; • United Samaritans Foundation, 2413 Third Street, Hughson; On Election Day, other official indoor ballot drop-off locations include: • Howard Training Center, 1424 Stonum Road, Ceres; • Community Services Agency, 251 Hackett Road, Ceres.

• Gallo Centre for the Arts, 1000 I Street, Modesto (where there is also a curbside drop off).

An outdoor drive-up ballot deposit box will be manned at John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive, Modesto.

There will be one voting center for every 10,000 voters where those who don’t want to send in their ballots can drop them off.

Voters can also receive device or language assistance at these locations, or replace a misplaced ballot.

The county is working with locations where ballots can also be deposited. These drop boxes will be in plain sight of the business where they are located and contain bags that are sealed when the drop box is opened by elections staff.

Linder stated that employees are currently being hired and undergoing background checks so that they can assist voters at the satellite offices and responsibly deliver ballots from the boxes to the Elections Office.

“The ballots are never left alone with just one person,” Linder said. “In essence, it goes directly from the voter’s hands to our hands.

There’s no middle man.”

Ballots dropped off at the satellite offices are collected by Elections Office staff and carried to the Elections Office in downtown Modesto. Staff members always travel together, two at a time to ensure that no one is ever left alone with the ballots, and there is also a chain of custody process in place so that Linder can see who the ballots were with at any given time.

“The convenience of receiving your ballot, voting whenever you want and either dropping it off or mailing it in has just grown and grown and grown,” Linder said.

“You’ve seen that trend in California where people just like the convenience, and as it’s grown, we’ve made our processes more secure. We have learned to adapt to this style of voting and have put all of these securiSEE BALLOTS, PAGE 13

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2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30 2020

CERES MAYORAL CANDIDATE

Bret Durossette Age: 52 Length of residency in Ceres (and/or the district if you are running for a council seat): I have resided in Ceres since 1972.

Education (high school, college degrees, etc.): Ceres High School graduate, 1986; bachelor’s degree from CSU Stanislaus, 1991; teaching credential from National University, 1994.

Civic or professional organizations: Member of Ceres Unified Teachers Association, Ceres Street Faire Committee, Ceres Lions Club, American Cancer Society Relay for Life Coordinator and the Old Fisherman’s Club of Modesto.

Career history and current employer: In 1988, I was coaching at Ceres High School.

I have been teaching since 1993 and I began teaching at Ceres Unified School District in 1994. I teach physical education, driver’s education, careers and athletic training at Ceres High School.

Family: Wife of 19 years, Angela; three children, Dominic, Dalton and Cheralyn.

Key endorsements received: State Senator Anthony Cannella, Mayor Chris Vierra, Vice Mayor Linda Ryno, Councilman Channce Condit, Ceres Police Officers Association, Ceres Firefighters Association, Sally Lara, Gurlovejit Dhiullon, Ken and Yvette Lane, Les and Yvonne Bonsu, Lou Toste, Ralph Valencia and Juan Romo.

Q: Please explain why you decided to run for this office.

I have lived in Ceres my entire life and I am proud to have been given the privilege of serving on the Ceres City Council since 2007.

Today, I come to you asking for your support to be elected as Mayor of Ceres. Ceres is my home; it is the home of my children and my family. I am proud of what we have done on the city council to make our town a safer better community. Things are really tough right now and we can’t ignore the challenges our schools, our economy, our families and our public safety will face as we navigate these unchartered waters. But what I do know is that I have the experience, the skills and the ability to serve as our city's next mayor. These challenges that will face our community will last for many years and we need a steady hand working with the community and for the community for all of the community.

what we can see currently. I would think the first step public education to make everyone aware of the process so we can find solutions and encourage more economic development.

Q: What quality of life issues in Ceres are you most concerned about and what specific ideas do you have for solutions?

Public safety is my number one concern that directly affects our quality of life for all residents during this COVID time.

Q: Lots of people are concerned with how Ceres looks with blight, trash and unkempt properties. How much of a concern is this to you and do you have any specific ideas on how the city could improve its appearance as well as encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhoods?

A: This is a specific concern of mine. When the city created the beautification committee led by former Senator Anthony Cannella, we took a big step to acknowledge that this must be a priority. With the COVID experience, it has only intensified the need that we take a healthy and safe step forward in cleanup. In addition to encouraging our neighbors to take pride in their property, I would support citywide cleanup days once we have the clearance from public healthy for public events.

Q: What priorities would you hold as a member of the Ceres City Council?

A: Budget management post COVID, public safety and economic development.

Q: What letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) would you give the current City Council and why?

A: I would give the council an A-. We have worked hard to shore up our revenues prior to COVID and we are our general fund is better position than other cities.

Q: What experiences make you the most qualified person to win your election?

A: I am the most qualified person as I have the experience, dedication and commitment to this town. I have proven myself over and over. My 13 years on the council are evidence of my relationships with the community members that includes business owners and individuals. I am prepared to lead our city in these uncertain times with budget constraints, COVID looming and challenges to our resources.

Q: Social unrest in our country has many city councils in some American cities pushing for less funding for police departments in order to spend more on social programs.

What would your position on police funding be if you are elected to the City Council?

A: At no time have I wavered on my position, I am a strong advocate for public safety and I will not support any efforts to defund law enforcement. I do think that additional training opportunities should be made available to our first responders and I will continue to advocate for them.

Q: Have you taken a position on Ceres contracting for fire service with the city of Modesto? If so, explain your position.

A: These are difficult budget times and we need to watch the bottom line. The recent fires prove the necessity to provide mutual aid to save other communities. We have to be keenly aware of these challenges on our budgets and still maintain the safety of our fire personnel. Although many in the fire service have advocated for regional fire contracts,

Q: In general, what groups are

Mayoral candidate Bret Durossette, also now a curfinancially backing your candirent member of the Ceres City Council. dacy?

I believe this issues warrants further review and dialogue before any actions are considered and evaluation of long-term effects both if we continue as we are or explore regional opportunities.

Q: If elected, what steps would you take to put the city of Ceres on a firmer financial footing?

A: We need to increase our financial footing with the promotion of economic development to increase our tax revenues for the general fund. In addition, we need to accept that the Walmart Supercenter will bring more economic growth and vitality to our town.

COVID has compromised every town’s budget with the high expenses and lack of revenue. We need to find creative solutions to encourage small businesses to stay afloat and promote from within.

Q: If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

A: We have been working on the municipal code update for the last several months. This process forces us to look much more beyond

A: My supporters include Ceres residents, business owners, public safety and family members.

Q: How do you feel outsiders view Ceres and why?

A: Ceres is viewed as a small town even though population says otherwise; others see us as sandwiched between Modesto and Turlock and many don’t see us as a community that can support economic vitality. Outsiders don’t always know that we have our own unique businesses and we need to continue to foster ways to draw positive attention back to our community.

Q: Feel free to make a statement regarding any issue or topic that we not have asked you about above.

A: I am running for mayor of Ceres, I challenge anyone running for office to give of themselves to our community every day not just during election season. I am proud of my record and I will still continue to put the resident of Ceres first.

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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CERES MAYORAL CANDIDATE

Javier Lopez

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Mayoral candidate Javier Lopez.

Elect Brandy Meyer

Paid for by Brandy Meyer for City Council 2020 - ID # 1427076

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Cares City Council, District 3 2904 4th Street • P O Box 2254 Cores. CA 95307 • (209) 988-6166

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We support Brandy Meyer for City Council:

Formes Senator Anthony Carnet Cores City Council Member Channce Condit Rick & Bernadette Richardson, ABC Sweeping, Inc Harinder Toor, Indarjt S. Toor Constructions, inc.

Steve & Arlene Vilas, Vilas Farms, Sally Lara, Alfonso’s Mexican Grill Doug & Sheila Fox. Swan Pools Renee Ledbetter, Exit Realty Cores Resident Beth Stochi Cores Residents John & Laby Pata Cores Residents Bob & Pam Hunt Cores Residents Greg Jimenez & Liz Thomas • Civic & Professional Experience: • Cares Downtown Business Owner • Ceres Chamber of Commerce • Cares Beautification Committee • Cares Street Faire Commies • Ceres Cantenniol Committee • Cares Water Tower Committee

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• Soroptimist Internationol of Ceres • Tuolumes River Regional Pork CAC • • Previous Planning Commissioner • Previous Measure H Committee • Previous CYB & CYSO Coach • • Harvest Youth Director/VFC Volunteer

brandymeyerforcitycouncil@gmail.com

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2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30 2020

DISTRICT 3 CERES CITY COUNCIL

Mohinder Kanda Brandy Meyer

Age: 54 Length of residency in Ceres (and/or the district: 20 years in Ceres.

Education: India.

Civic or professional organizations: Business accounting certificate from Modesto College.

Career history and current employer: Business owner, APNA SEWA Center, Ceres.

Family: Married and two children.

Key endorsements received: Modesto City Councilman Mani Grewal.

Q: Please explain why you decided to run for this office.

I decided to run for office because I have the business background, knowledge, and experience and I have been involved in our community.

Q: What quality of life issues in Ceres are you most concerned about and what specific ideas do you have for solutions?

A: I am concerned with the need to improve our public safety. I would make sure our police and fire are properly funded and have the necessary equipment to get their jobs done.

Q: What priorities would you hold as a member of the Ceres City Council?

A: 1. Transparency in dealing with the public; 2) Improveing public safety needs; 3). Keep cost down by improving how we allocate our budget monies.

Q: What letter grade would you give the current City Council and why?

A: C. Q: What experiences make you the most qualified person to win your election?

A: My business and community experience.

Q: Social unrest in our country has many city councils in some American cities pushing for less funding for police departments in order to spend more on social programs.

What would your position on police funding be if you are elected to the City Council?

A: I would make sure our police are fully funded so they can meet the policing responsibilities. I would also look for other options for dealing with the mental health and homeless issue facing our community.

Q: Have you taken a position on Ceres contracting for fire service with the city of Modesto? If so, explain your position.

A: I would like to see our Fire Department continue to provide fire service for Ceres. I would however consider contracting with the

Contributed to the Courier

District 3 Ceres City Council candidate Moninder Kanda

City of Modesto if we were in budget crises and had no other options.

Q: If elected, what steps would you take to put the city of Ceres on a firmer financial footing?

A: I would convene a budget workshop with all management and department heads to see how each department could become more efficient and cut any unnecessary cost.

Q: If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

A: I would change the zoning code so residential zoning code would better accommodate granny flats by not being so restrictive. By allowing landowners to improving their land by allowing granny flats where feasible would provide additional affordable homes for seniors.

Q: Lots of people are concerned with how Ceres looks with blight, trash and unkempt properties. How much of a concern is this to you and do you have any specific ideas on how the city could improve its appearance as well as encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhoods?

A: I am very concerned with the blight, trash and unkempt properties in our Ceres neighborhoods. I would improve the situation by creating neighborhood pride groups to adapt and clean any unkempt properties. I would also work to see how we can resolve and encourage our homeless population to SEE KANDA , PAGE 11

Age: 51 Length of residency in Ceres (and/or the district: I’ve lived in Ceres for 26 years.

Education: Graduate of Sawyer College, Certification in Paralegal and Business Studies Civic or professional organizations: Soroptimist International of Ceres, Ceres Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Tuolumne River Regional Parks Citizens Advisory Committee, Ceres Beautification Committee, Ceres Street Faire Committee, Ceres Water Tower Committee, CUSD Stakeholder Committee, Ceres Centennial Committee, Former Planning Commissioner, Former Measure H Committee, Former Relay for Life Committee, Harvest Presbyterian Church Youth Group Director, YFC Campus Life Volunteer, American Safety & Health Institute, HSI Medic First Aid, HSI Wilderness First Aid. Career history and current employer: Ceres business owner, currently self-employed by Meyer CPR & First Aid for the past 10 years.

Family: Married to Keith Meyer for 30 years and I have five children.

Endorsements received: Senator Anthony Cannella, Councilman Channce Condit, Renee Ledbetter, Ledbetter & Associates, business owner Harinder Toor, Inderjit S. Toor Construction, Inc., business owners Doug and Sheila Fox, Swan Pools, Sally Lara, owner of Alfonso’s Mexican Grill.

Q: Please explain why you decided to run for this office.

A: I decided to run for office to make the city I love a safe, clean, and prosperous place to live. I raised my family in Ceres and I would like to see my grandchildren raised in Ceres.

Q: What quality of life issues in Ceres are you most concerned about and what specific ideas do you have for solutions?

A: My two biggest concerns at this time are public safety and blight. I have met with our police chief and fire chief to hear the concerns of the police and fire departments and I plan to work closely with both departments to support public safety in Ceres. I would like to go on ride-a-longs to see what our police and fire work with on a regular basis. I would like to help promote our VIPS program, explorer programs and be available to both police and fire as needed. As a councilmember, I would look for ways to help with funding for both departments.

Contributed to the Courier

District 3 Ceres City Council candidate Brandy Meyer

The blight in Ceres has gotten out of control. I have recently been appointed to the Beautification Committee and along with the committee, the city, and the citizens of Ceres I would like to begin new programs to clean up the city. The Beautification Committee is putting together several plans including a robust public outreach program targeting service clubs, churches, schools, scouting programs, youth groups etc., Adopt-A-Program for organizations with work days, possibly once a month, and encouraging citizens to join our Volunteers in Public Safety Program (VIPS). I would also like to get small volunteer groups to go out on a regular basis to clean up around businesses located in Ceres.

Q: What priorities would you hold as a member of the Ceres City Council?

A: My priorities as a city council member are public safety, health and safety of the community, economic development, recreation activities for our youth, education and community involvement.

Q: What letter grade would you give the current City Council?

A: I would give our City Council an Agrade. Our councilmembers have a lot of responsibilities and have done a phenomenal job working with the city. I give an Abecause I would like to see councilmembers SEE MEYER , PAGE 13

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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DISTRICT 3 CERES CITY COUNCIL

Bret Silveira

Age: 56 Length of residency in Ceres (and/or the district: 44 years in Ceres, six years in District 3 Education (high school, college degrees, etc.): Modesto Junior College Standards in Training for Corrections.

Civic or professional organizations: Stanislaus County Police Activities League, City of Ceres Planning Commission, SAFE Kids Stanislaus, Ceres High School, Northern California Officials Association, Stanislaus Senior Softball Association, Stanislaus Law Enforcement Softball Club, Modesto Garden Project for the Homeless, and The Community Brunch Serving YOUth Steering Committee.

Career history and current employer: January 16, 1991-current, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department 8).

Family: children Carter, 28, and Halli, 19.

Key endorsements: Ceres Police Officers Association, Ceres Professional Firefighters Local 3636, Supervisors Vito Chiesa and Jim Demartini, the Republican Party of Stanislaus County, Stanislaus County Deputy Sherriff’s Association, Mayor Chris Vierra, Councilmembers Bret Durossette and Mike Kline, planning commissioners Dave Johnson, Gary Del Nero and Bob Kachel; Ceres Unified School Board Trustee Brian delaPorte; retired Stanislaus County Undersheriff Ralph Ghimenti; Phil delaPorte; Mike Tamana Freight Lines, Try-Us Transportation, Onkar Builders and Ceres Recycling Center.

Q: Explain why you decided to run for this office.

A: I have lived in Ceres most of my life, graduated from Ceres High School and I am proud to call Ceres my home. I want to take the time to research and develop well thought-out opinions on all matters brought to the council. I want to do my part to make the Ceres community stronger than ever.

Q: What quality of life issues in Ceres are you most concerned about and what specific ideas do you have for solutions?

A: The quality of life in Ceres is great!

However, we can always do the work to make sure that it continues for those coming along after us. It is vital that we make sure that our public safety team has the resources necessary to make sure that Ceres continues to be a safe place to raise our families. We must make sure that our children and families have safe places to play and safe and enriching programs to participate in. Reasonable, responsible and sustainable growth is vital

Contributed to the Courier

District 3 Ceres City Council candidate Bret Silveira

to our community and our future. We must assure that we have sustainable resources moving forward.

Q: What priorities would you hold as a member of the Ceres City Council?

A: 1. Public safety. Creating open lines of communication and utilizing my 29 years of law enforcement experience in the community to make sure that our public safety team has the resources necessary to be able to ensure a safe community; 2) Youth in the community. Utilize my lifelong experience with our youth through non-profit management; coaching and officiating to make sure that there are safe places for our children to play along with fun and enriching programs for our children and families to participate in; 3) Growth and planning. Taking a teamwork, collaboration and cooperation approach to make sure that Ceres has responsible growth that looks great and provides reasonable and sustainable resources both now and in the future Q: What letter grade would you give the current City Council and why?

A: A- grade. I believe that during these unprecedented times, our City Council has done an admirable job of maintaining a very high level of city services all while making sure that the city budget is where it needs to be to maintain these levels of service.

Q: What experiences make you the most qualified person to win election?

A: I have worked in law enforcement for over 29 years in many different capacities, that has given me a wealth of knowledge and experience to make sure that the public safety team has the support that they need to provide a safe community. During my time as a director of a local non-profit, I have gained valuable experience with budgets, contracts and relationships with various other non-profits, school districts, law enforcement agencies and several other organizations. As a current planning commissioner in Ceres, I have learned so much about local government processes and city procedures and with the wonderful network and relationships that I have created, I believe that I am the most qualified of the candidates for the District 3 seat.

Q: Social unrest in our country has many city councils in some American cities pushing for less funding for police departments in order to spend more on social programs.

What would your position on police funding be if you are elected to the City Council?

A: I will never advocate for less resources for our police or any of our public safety team! The safety of our community and its residents is the #1 priority for any city council and I will make sure that I do everything that I can to ensure that it stays the #1 priority!

Q: Have you taken a position on Ceres contracting for fire service with the city of

Modesto? If so, explain your position.

A: I do not have a position but I believe that we must always be open to make sure our citizens receive the best service possible and that we make decisions that allow our city budget to flourish. As a city councilmember, I will definitely be open to exploring all possibilities to make our community safer and stronger.

Q: If elected, what steps would you take to put the city of Ceres on a firmer financial footing?

A: As I have in my time on the Ceres Planning Commission, I will always advocate for reasonable, responsible and sustainable growth. We must continue to make sure that we provide our economic development team with the resources necessary to attract new business and other potential revenue sources to Ceres.

Q: If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

A: I have had the good fortune to be involved with several zoning issues during my time on the Ceres Planning Commission and I believe that our process for zoning and changing zoning requirements is very adequate and provides for all of the needed measures related to zoning.

SEE SILVEIRA , PAGE 8

Juan Vazquez This ate d i d n a c DID not D RESPON TO te a p i c i t par in our aire n n o i t ques Contributed to the Courier

District 3 Ceres City Council candidate Juan J.P. Vazquez

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

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DISTRICT 4 CERES CITY COUNCIL

Couper Condit Age: 24 Length of residency in Ceres (and/or the district: I have lived in Ceres for 16 years and moved to District 4 in June.

Education: Modesto High School Class of 2014 and I am working on my AA degree.

Civic or professional organizations: Ceres Planning Commission, Ceres Centennial Committee, Sons of American Legion, and Love Ceres.

Career history and current employer: I am currently employed as District Director for Assemblyman Heath Flora.

Family: Spouse Morgan Condit and daughter Lily.

Key endorsements received: Ceres Police Officers Association, Ceres Professional Firefighters, former Supervisor Bill Mattos, former Supervisor Paul Caruso, former Ceres mayors Barbara Hinton, Eric Ingwerson, Louie Arrollo and Jim Delhart, Ceres Unified School Board Faye Lane, Modesto Councilmember Jenny Kenoyer, and Ceres Planning Commissioners Dave Johnson and Bob Kachel.

Q: Please explain why you decided to run for this office.

A: I decided to run because District 4 needs a City Councilmember who will work every day to improve the quality of life for Ceres residents.

Q: What quality of life issues in Ceres are you most concerned about and what specific ideas do you have for solutions?

A: We face many challenges and our challenges have increased since the outbreak of COVID-19. Like many cities we must improve our visible look and support efforts like the newly formed Beautification Committee. Through citizen involvement and the city making beautification a real priority. Ceres can improve the look of our community. As important as the look of our town is the quality of local government we provide to the taxpayers. We must reach our General Plan goal of 1.3 public safety officers per 1,000 residents. Currently, it would take 15 new officers to reach this goal.

Safe neighborhoods are the cornerstone to improving our quality of life and we must prioritize this need. Ceres has a median income of $51,000 a year. Increasing water rates while not meeting our goals with public safety and not improving our parks hurts our quality of life. Overpaying city bureaucrats who would never consider living in Ceres hurts our quality of life. Running up a $1.7 million debt on our Community Center while

Eric Gonzalez This te a d i d n ca DID not TO D N O P RES te a p i c i t par in our ire a n n o i quest

Contributed to the Courier

Contributed to the Courier

District 4 Ceres City Council candidate Couper Condit

paying $100,000 a year for our part-time City Council’s health insurance hurts our quality of life. We need a City Councilmember for District 4 who is willing to address tough issues and who is willing to stand up for the residents of Ceres, which would improve our quality of life.

Q: What priorities would you hold as a member of the Ceres City Council?

A: Work to make Ceres the safest city in Stanislaus County; oppose taxpayers paying for our part time City Council's health insurance; work to reform city budget and salary structure of city bureaucracy; hold regular office hours for District 4 residents; support only essential spending; and support water rate decreases.

Over the past two years we have begun to address our public safety needs but still fall short of our 1.3 officers per 1,000 residents goal in our General Plan. Our city currently has one fire station closed due to staffing shortages. In addition, we continue to raise water rates and waste taxpayers money on non-essential spending.

Q: What letter grade would you give the current City Council and why?

A: I give the council a D. Q: What experiences make you the most qualified person to win your election?

A: As district director I worked with Assemblyman Flora to ensure the Stanislaus SEE COUPER CONDIT , PAGE 14

District 3 Ceres City Council candidate Eric Gonzalez

SILVEIRA

FROM PAGE 7

Q: Lots of people are concerned with how Ceres looks with blight, trash and unkempt properties. How much of a concern is this to you and do you have any specific ideas on how the city could improve its appearance as well as encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhoods?

A: First of all, I am a Ceres guy! I grew up in Ceres, went to Ceres schools and I am proud of our city. As with other cities, keeping up with the blight and other issues has become a very hot and necessary topic. Ceres is on the right track with our recently created Beautification Committee and the ideas that they are bringing forward. With the direction of the committee, the partnerships with code enforcement and the other resources being directed to these issues, we are definitely on the right track.

Q: In general, what groups are financially backing your candidacy?

A: I have been very fortunate to receive support from all types of businesses and individuals from throughout our communities and I will take this opportunity to let them know that I will work hard and make all of them proud to have supported Bret Silveira

for Ceres City Council District 3.

Q: How do you feel outsiders view Ceres and why?

A: I believe that those not from Ceres see it as a bedroom community to Modesto and Turlock and some may not realize all that Ceres has to offer. During the next few years, we will be able to show those form outside Ceres what a great and prosperous community we have. We have great schools, caring residents and we are on the verge of some wonderful growth that those near and far will be able to take advantage of with the new Gateway Center and the entire Mitchell Ranch development along with several other smaller but just as exciting projects.

Follow up statement: I have lived in Ceres most of my life, graduated from Ceres High School and I am proud to call Ceres my home. During my almost 30 years in law enforcement, 36 years in officiating, 15 years in nonprofit management and my short stint on the Planning Commission, I believe that I have developed the leadership skills, organizational skills and budget experience to help move the city of Ceres in the right direction. I will take the time to research and develop well thought out opinions on all matters brought to the city council. I look forward doing my part to make the Ceres community stronger than ever!

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2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30 2020

DISTRICT 4 CERES CITY COUNCIL

Mike Kline Age: 62 Length of residency in Ceres (and/or the district: 44 years in Ceres, six years in District 4: 54 years in Ceres, 45 years in my district.

Education: Ceres High School 3rd generation Civic or professional organizations: Ceres Lions Club (past president), 2010 to present; Ceres Youth Baseball, 198997; Ceres Dolphins swim team, 1986-2002; Ceres High JV girls basketball coach, 20012003; member of the NCOA South BB Referee Association, 1987-98, VP 1 term Career history and current employer: Cost Less Foods warehouse manager, 2018 to presentl; Tony’s Fine Foods sales, 20012018.

Family: Wife Tammi; three children and four grandchildren Key endorsements received: Central Valley Republican Party, Central Valley Impact Republicans, Mayor Chris Vierra, Vice Mayor Linda Ryno, Councilmember Bret Durossette, County Supervisor Jim DeMartini, Planning Commissioners Bob Kachal, Laurie Smith, and council candidates Bret Silveira and Mohinder Sigh Kanda.

Q: Explain why you decided to run for this office.

A: Incumbent, I have been a part of many organizations within the city in 2009 decided to take on a bigger role.

Q: What quality of life issues in Ceres are you most concerned about and what specific ideas do you have for solutions?

Water. I support the new surface water treatment plant to insure safe drinking water for the future.

Public Safety. As a member of the council I’m looking at ways to increase revenue to maintain staffing levels needed to keep the residents safe.

Blight. The council formed a Beautification Committee to address these issues and work on solutions to keep under control and help the city.

Q: What priorities would you hold as a member of the Ceres City Council?

A: Public safety staffing, budget and economic growth.

Q: What letter grade would you give the City Council and why?

A grade. In the nine years I’ve been on this council we have taking an approach we need economic growth to maintain with the cannabis revenue and the Ceres Gateway Center soon to come we as a group are heading in the

Contributed to the Courier

District 4 Ceres City Council candidate Mike Kline, also the incumbent

right direction.

Q: What experiences make you the most qualified person to win your election?

I have been one who has maintained a since of fiscal accountability within the city, making sure we spend the monies like if it was my own. I’ve volunteered to be on boards no one wanted like the StanCOG Transportation Board, making sure the city is treated fairly with our share of road tax revenue. I serve on the Stanislaus Homeless Alliance-A board to address the homeless within the county.

Q: Social unrest in our country has many city councils in some American cities pushing for less funding for police departments in order to spend more on social programs.

What would your position on police funding be if you are elected to the City Council?

A: First, I do not push for less funding that affect so many other things such as pay, healthcare and retirement funding, What we need is to work with the county which controls Social Services funding and look for them to assist within the city with county programs Q: Have you taken a position on Ceres contracting for fire service with the city of Modesto?

A: Yes. There are many other fire services that have done the same – Sacramento, Contra Costa and Los Angeles. We already SEE KLINE , PG. 12

Daniel Martinez Age: 32 Length of residency in Ceres (and/or the district: Three Years.

Education: Associate degree in Communications from Modesto Junior College; an associate degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Modesto Junior College; and an associate degree in Language and Rational from Modesto Junior College.

Civic or professional organizations: Recently appointed to the board of Ceres Youth Baseball as the sponsor coordinator as of August 2020.

Career history and current employer: My current employer is SunOpta Aseptic in Modesto. I have been a quality auditor for the past five years. My daily tasks include doing internal investigations, working on client concerns, and collaborating with auditors from the city or state to make sure that our company is up to current codes and standards.

Family: Wife Kayla and I have two young sons. Dominic, 5, and Dean, 1.

Key endorsements: (left blank).

Q: Please explain why you decided to run for this office.

A: I feel that it is time for the City Council to change. It has to become more diverse as a better way to represent the actual population of the city it serves. I believe that I will bring a new, younger perspective to the council that gives the city a fresh set of eyes that it needs.

Q: What quality of life issues in Ceres are you most concerned about and what specific ideas do you have for solutions?

A: The parks are a major issue for me, it is not just a quality of life issue but a public safety issue as well. With an increasing homeless population sleeping in cars or on tables at our city’s great parks, a result of moving many of the holding and detention centers off of Hackett Road. When these individuals get released they do not have transportation to go anywhere or a place to go to, making the homeless population grow.

Another factor that attributes to this is the county Sheriff’s department. I plan to work with the county so that they pay for the released persons to take a ride share back to the city that they were originally arrested in.

An idea would be to use some of the CARES grant to supplement the money necessary to implement this. This would help in reducing the homeless populations and clear up some of the congestion that we currently see.

Q: What priorities would you hold as a member of the Ceres City Council?

Contributed to the Courier

District 3 Ceres City Council candidate Daniel Martinez

A: A few of my priorities are the opening of public schools, increasing our economic output, and empowering the citizens by being their voice. The public safety of schools is a top priority, this includes the seamless reopening of schools and a return to in person learning. I want to get the city of Ceres’ economy thriving again, and my largest priority as your next city councilman will be making myself available for not only members of my district but any resident who feels that their issues are not being addressed in our community. I want to ensure every voice is heard.

Q: What letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) would you give the current City Council and why?

A: I would give our current city council a B. They have accomplished a few things that they should be proud of. One example I can highlight is the money they have in our general fund reserves, which accounts to approximately $5.86 million. This amount is mainly from money from the CARES act as a result of COVID-19. I feel that they have also missed out on a few opportunities recently; i.e. the permit issues with street vendors, or even not taking the time to discuss or entertain fire regionalization (which Bret Durossette brought up for discussion) which can be a way for effective cost savings to the city.

Q: What experiences make you the most qualified person to win your election?

SEE MARTINEZ , PG. 12

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

10

DISTRICT 5 COUNTY SUPERVISOR

Channce Condit Thomas Hallinan

Age: 31 How many years in Ceres: 21 Education: B.A. History - Cum Laude, California State University, Stanislaus.

Career / employment history: Opportunity Stanislaus - Economic Development Specialist Wife: (Left blank).

Children: (Left blank).

Clubs or other affiliations: Ceres Hoopsters volunteer basketball coach, member of the Ceres Lions Club, Ceres Historical Society, Sons of American Legion Hughson Squadron 872, and Ceres Garden Club. Board member of the John Azevedo Research Center and McHenry Museum Historical Society.

Key political endorsements: Former Stanislaus County Supervisor Paul Caruso, Ceres Police Officers Association, California Peace Officers Research Association, Ceres Professional Firefighters Local 3636, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Supervisor Association; Ceres City Councilmember Bret Durossette, former State Senator Anthony Cannella, former Ceres Mayors Louie Arrollo, Eric Ingwerson, Barbara Hinton and Jim Delhart; Ceres Unified School Board Members Mike Welsh, Brian De la Porte, Faye Lane, Lourdes Perez and Hugo Molina; former Ceres Councilmembers Ken Lane and Andy Constantinou; former Patterson Mayors Becky Campo, Luis Molina, Pat Maisetti, Frank Bettencourt and David Keller; Newman Crows Landing School Board Member RoseLee Hurst; CA State Assemblyman Heath Flora; and TID Director Charles Fernandes.

Q: What life or job experiences make you more qualified to serve on the Board of Supervisor than your two opponents?

A: I believe I offer a unique set of skills and experiences to be an effective and strong voice for the residents of District 5 on the Board of Supervisors.

Additionally, as a former caseworker for Assemblyman Gray I helped more than 500 constituents with a wide range of hardships and issues they faced.

I also worked for a small cleaning business and currently am employed by Opportunity Stanislaus as their Economic Development specialist.

During my time on the City Council, I have been a proponent for strike teams for our fire department and have consistently advocated for direct earmarking of revenue to public safety to avoid the funds going to city management pay raises.

In addition, I proposed that our part-time

Contributed to the Courier

Channce Condit, candidate for Stanislaus County supevisor and current member of the Ceres City Council.

City Council should not receive health insurance payed for by the taxpayers. We currently have a $1.7 million debt for the Community Center and I believe it’s irresponsible for the City Council to receive this very generous perk.

I have consistently been a voice for the residents and taxpayers of Ceres, not the bureaucracy that always comes with government. I will be the same kind of supervisor for District 5.

Q: Why did you decide to run for this office?

A: I had endorsed (former) Senator Cannella for the Board of Supervisors and was very happy serving on Ceres City Council.

After the senator decided not to run, I saw no one emerge to run that would be a strong voice for the district.

Q: What will be your specific priorities as a county supervisor?

A: To improve the quality of life for the residents of District 5. This would include; public safety, infrastructure, economic development and fighting for our water rights against the state water board.

District 5 has historically been under-served compared to the rest of the county. As supervisor I will work to ensure District 5 doesn’t get left behind.

SEE CONDIT ,

PG. 12

Age: 58 Length of residency in Ceres: 11 years.

Education: Local schools from kindergarten to Modesto Junior College; Fresno State University; and Lincoln Law School.

Career/employment history: Injection Molding Machine Operator; Warehouseman; Vac Truck Operator; United States Department of Justice; City/Special District Attorney.

Wife: Annamarie Children: Marco, 36; Cecilia, 25; Logan, 20.

Clubs/other affiliations: Former member of Board of Directors for: Chamber of Commerce; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Senior Opportunity Service Programs; former Vice-President, Latino Community Roundtable; 38th District Agricultural Association/ President, Stanislaus County Fair.

Key Political endorsements: Ceres Mayor Chris Vierra, former supervisor and state Assemblyman Sal Cannella, Sheriff Jeff Dirkse, Stanislaus Sworn Deputy Sheriffs Association, Patterson Mayor Deborah Novelli, Newman Mayor Robert Martina, Grayson Community Services District President Maricela Vela, Crows Landing Community Services District President Lance Perry, Westley Community Services District President Ida Tucker, and nine out of 10 city councilmembers across the district who have endorsed.

Q: What life or job experiences make you more qualified to serve on the Board of Supervisor than your opponent?

A: I believe my 25 years as a City/Special District Attorney, working full-time on local governmental issues; and my 20 years representing Ceres on the Yosemite Community College Board (MJC) where I made difficult decisions related to a $120 million budget, set me apart from the other candidates.

Q: Why did you decide to run for this office?

A: I decided to seek this office after receiving encouragement from others after Anthony Cannella chose not to run. They said I was uniquely qualified to run, and could really improve the quality of life for District 5 residents and the entire county.

Q: What will be your specific priorities as a county supervisor?

Public safety, homelessness and economic development.

Q: Is there something Stanislaus County government is not presently doing that you would like to see done if you are elected?

Contributed to the Courier

Thomas "Tom' Hallinan, candidate for Stanislaus County supevisor and current Ceres city attorney.

A: I would like to see the county and the cities work better together and be partners instead of rivals so we can more effectively fight state decisions which adversely affect us.

Q: Supervisors are paid approximately $83,000 per year while chairmen make $94,134. How much time and effort do you plan to give this job if elected? In other words, will you leave your present employment to devote full-time effort to being a county supervisor?

A: If elected I will leave my current job and devote my full-time effort to being a county supervisor.

Q: How accessible will you be to attend meetings of city councils, commissions and MACs within your district?

A: I will be extremely accessible. I current attend six of those meetings already. If elected I would be able to spend full-time attending the few others I don’t already.

Q: How important is it to you that you serve out a full term of four years should you have desires to run for a higher office?

A: I intend to serve out a full term, and have no plans to run for anything else.

Q: There have been calls from fringe groups to make Stanislaus County a so-called Sanctuary County. What is your position on SEE HALLINAN ,

PG. 10

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

11

CITY TREASURER CANDIDATES Sopheap Dong-Carreon Kayla Martinez Sopheap Dong-Carreon, a resident of Ceres for 10 years and the Valley for 30 years, has been an accountant with the city of Turlock for three years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State University, Stanislaus in 2014 and her master’s degree at National University in 2019. She has been treasurer for the Turlock Police Activities League for three years.

“I’ve decided to run because I feel that I bring an extensive accounting background to the treasury position,” said Sopheap. “This position requires an individual to have a keen sense for numbers and details along with a strong understanding of financial reports. I just want to highlight that I am fully capable of performing all those duties and much more on day one.”

As an accountant with the city of Turlock, some of my responsibilities involved reconciliation of various bank accounts, preparing treasury reports for the city’s treasurer, reconciling ledgers and auditing. As treasurer for Turlock PAL, she’s primarily responsible for reconciling bank accounts, investing idle cash into high yield accounts, preparing budget reports and financial statements, and filing annual reports to both the state Franchise Tax Board and federal IRS. “Overall, accounting and auditing is a field that I truly enjoy working in and do have a passion for. It is the main reason why I decided to go back to school and pursue my master’s degree in accountancy.”

KANDA FROM PAGE 6 clean up after themselves.

Q: In general, what groups are financially backing your candidacy?

A; I am being supported financially by varies individuals and community groups Q: How do you feel outsiders view Ceres and why?

A: I feel outsiders view Ceres as a growing community with several unresolved issues such as the development of Walmart. I

Kayla Martinez said she is running for Ceres city treasurer to give back to the community. Having grown up in Ceres – she attended Sam Vaughn Elementary – and moving away during high school only to return to make Ceres home with her husband Daniel Martinez (a council candidate) three years ago, she has been more involved in the community sports through their children.

Contributed to the Courier

Sopheap Dong-Carreon is a candidate for Ceres city treasurer.

In 2018, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board recognized her passion by awarding her with a $10,000 scholarship to pursue her education.

“I am hoping that I can bring this passion and be of service to my community by providing them with more than just a signature, but a signature of experience.” believe Ceres residents want to be apprised and kept up to date on what going on throughout Ceres. The ongoing questionable progress of Wal-Mart is an example of a pending project which is ongoing but which the public has little knowledge of.

Q: Feel free to make a statement regarding any issue or topic that we not have asked you about above.

A: I believe we should be concerned with the quantity, quality and source of our drinking water. I also believe we should be concerned with diversity of our staffing.

“We decided we want to set roots and Ceres is where we want to grow old so we just wanted to try to figure out a way where we can both be more active and make a difference in what we see in our city. It kind of jump started with Daniel finding out the opportunity about being a possible city councilmember. We saw the opening for the city treasury position as well and I decided to toss my hat into the ring because I really do like finances and money.”

Martinez has a degree in education and is a branch manager of one of the top grossing branches for the Plus Group, a staffing agency based out of Illinois.

“My original goal was to be a teacher but I ended up taking a little bit different direction.”

Martinez said she doesn’t see any conflicts should she become city treasurer and her hus-

HALLINAN FROM PAGE 10 the topic?

As I understand it, this movement seeks to bar county employees from enforcing state laws they believe are unconstitutional. Generally speaking, local governments only have the powers granted to them by their states.

So, they can’t just ignore state laws they don’t agree with such as recent state laws regarding the legalization of cannabis. However, if the federal government steps in directly, or an issue is litigated between the feds and the state and the national government prevails, the locals would be required to defer to them over the state.

Q: How much do you expect to spend on your campaign?

A: I expect to spend $50,000 on my campaign. Unfortunately, it takes money to communicate with all the voters in this large district. I walk almost every day, but I can’t reach everyone – particularly with all the

Contributed to the Courier

Kayla Martinez is a candidate for Ceres city treasurer.

band is elected to serve on the city council.

She said if the public has any misgivings they need to know “we are here to what’s best for our community.” commuters who have to drive to the Bay Area every day for work.

Q: We invite you to make a statement, if you wish, regarding any issue or topic that we not have asked you about above.

A: I believe the homeless Issue is particularly important right now. It also affects the two other main issues of economic development and public safety. Homelessness has many components. We need to help those who have just fallen off the economic edge and need training and temporary shelter; we need to maintain and increase mental health and substance abuse programs; we also need to address those who chose to be on the street and commit crimes. Police need every tool they can get to deal with this problem, and when major violations are committed, they need to be prosecuted by the District Attorney. No one wants to criminalize homelessness, but these so-called petty crimes are no small matter when it’s your car that is the one getting broken into or it’s your family or business patrons which have to witness open urination, public drinking, and drug use.

12

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30 2020

MARTINEZ FROM PAGE 10 A: I grew up with immigrant grandparents who, like many others, came here to Ceres from Mexico and who did not speak English.

Their mission and priority was to become naturalized Americans citizens. I have witnessed firsthand the hardships and frustrations that have afflicted members of the community, like it did to my family. Watching their hard work and pride to be part of a community inspired me to create and establish my family in the city I grew up in, Ceres.

My experience as an essential worker during COVID-19, and putting my family at risk every day during these times, has made it a priority for me to be informed on current issues going on in our community. I am passionate and hungry to reignite pride and tradition in our city. It is because of these experiences and attributes that make me a valuable asset to our City Council.

Q: Social unrest in our country has many city councils in some American cities pushing for less funding for police departments in order to spend more on social programs.

What would your position on police funding be if you are elected to the City Council?

A: We have money from grants as a result of COVID. We should incentivize our police officers to take classes at local junior colleges, offer webinars, and regular training that focus on social science and other specialty fields.

By having the police as educated as possible to help handle certain situations I believe it will allow the people to feel comfortable to continue to fund police departments instead of taking the money away.

Q: Have you taken a position on Ceres contracting for fire service with the city of Modesto? If so, explain your position.

A: I am in favor of doing the regionalization. I have had the great opportunity to speak with many people in the Ceres Fire Department who highlighted the benefits of consolidation. Some of these benefits are access to more vehicles, different apparatus, the ability to fully staff our fire stations, provide paramedics for Ceres fire, a dedicated fire marshal, fire inspector, and finally huge money savings for the city of Ceres. Many cities and counties have already contracted fire services or have consolidated. The city of Oakdale currently contracts their fire services out to Modesto. The benefits it can contribute are worthwhile while Ceres can still maintain its control through contract verbiage. This issue isn’t a matter of if but when.

A: If elected, what steps would you take to put the city of Ceres on a firmer financial footing?

A: We are already on firm ground, thanks to the CARES grant. Also if we were to implement the fire services consolidation, the verbiage that we implement in the contract would save us quite a bit of money. Our General Fund reserve is in a very good place

as well and I would make it another one of my priorities to keep it this way, by working closely with my fellow council members and our newly elected mayor.

Q: If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

A: I would annex many of the homes and roads around Faith Home Road and River Road. Lots of those homes are either considered county or Modesto, despite them being surrounded by our city. I would work to add them to the city to offer them many of the great services we provide. This would improve the growth and census of our town that in the long run can benefit us financially as well as cohesiveness to our city.

Q: Lots of people are concerned with how Ceres looks with blight, trash and unkempt properties. How much of a concern is this to you and do you have any specific ideas on how the city could improve its appearance as well as encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhoods?

A: We indeed have a problem with blight, trash, and upkeep. Illegal dumping, trash cans in the front yard or left out on the street, shopping carts in vacant lots, homeless, unkempt yards and undeveloped lots. This is a major area of concern for me. We need to improve our city’s upkeep by putting trash cans away, and regain pride in the city. I would like to possibly team up with our ever-busy Recreation Center and try to encourage a program like how other cities have, for example Love Modesto, where a few times a year it allows community members to sign up for specific tasks that they can pitch in. These tasks are located in different areas in the community that need some extra attention. I think if more people helped out it would provide a different sense of pride when driving around the city.

Q: In general, what groups are financially backing your candidacy?

A: My financial supporters have been my friends and family who believe in me, and support my goal of representing my city and district by donating to my campaign.

Q: How do you feel outsiders view Ceres and why?

A: I believe that people see us as a commuter town, a fast way to the freeway to visit the larger cities of Modesto or Turlock, for example. I have met people when traveling or visiting friends in the military that are from Ceres who when explaining their home town to others that they are from Modesto, because they didn’t think people would know of Ceres. We are the third largest city in Stanislaus County. Not to be recognized, I believe that we need to continue to think about growth especially near our freeways to attract more people to stop in town so they can get to know how great of a city we are.

Q: Feel free to make a statement regarding any issue or topic not asked about.

A: I would like to thank the Ceres Courier and Jeff Benziger for reaching out to me, and allowing me the opportunity to inform the community of who I am.

KLINE

FROM PAGE 10 as a department utilizes resource sharing with response in Modesto’s jurisdiction let’s look at combining resources and get some of the services we currently have to outsource now.

Q: If elected, what steps would you take to put the city of Ceres on a firmer financial footing?

A: Continue to work with economic development director and reach out to fill vacant buildings and parcels.

Q: If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

A: How are most traveled roadways are zoned with a hodgepodge of different zones, I would like to see a more uniform zoning, Q: Lots of people are concerned with how Ceres looks with blight, trash and unkempt properties. How much of a concern is this to you and do you have any specific ideas on how the city could improve its appearance as well as encourage residents to take pride

CONDIT FROM PAGE 10 Q: Is there something Stanislaus County government is not presently doing that you would like to see done if you are elected?

A: I believe cities should be treated with more fairness regarding tax equity. Most cities know better than the county regarding services they provide residents. We must get moving on the Crows Landing Air Base. The economic potential is enormous for the entire county. I will work to ensure county tax revenue from cannabis is earmarked for homeless prevention and mental health programs. We shouldn’t have to rely on the state to fix this serious problem. Stanislaus County should also be a better partner and help our cities during these difficult times by providing more relief funding through the CARES Act. Q: Supervisors are paid approximately $83,000 per year while chairmen make $94,134. How much time and effort do you plan to give this job if elected? In other words, will you leave your present employment to devote full-time effort to being a county supervisor?

A: I will be a full-time supervisor, if elected I will resign my position as Economic Development Specialist for Opportunity Stanislaus.

Q: How accessible will you be to attend meetings of city councils, commissions and MACs within your district?

A: I will have weekly office hours for constituents throughout District 5 and will attend meetings and hearings to stay informed about the issues facing Stanislaus County.

in their neighborhoods?

A: It is a big concern that is why this current council took a step in forming a Beatification Committee. Another step we are looking at is using volunteers to work as the eyes of code enforcement and log potential areas that need to be addressed.

Q: In general, what groups are financially backing your candidacy?

A: Myself, not looking to beholding to anyone once reelected.

Q: How do you feel outsiders view Ceres and why?

A: That we have come a long way since the 1960’s and 1970’s in how we have grown and we are not just a bedroom city.

Q: Feel free to make a statement regarding any issue or topic that we not have asked you about above.

A: As a current city vouncilmember I have been very active within the committee not only as a citizen but a councilmember behind the scenes questioning and holding our city manager and police chief accountable for the image we project. I will continue to do that once I’m elected.

Q: How important is it to you that you serve out a full term of four years should you have desires to run for higher office?

A: I will serve a full-term if elected to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors.

Q: There have been calls from fringe groups to make Stanislaus County a so-called Sanctuary County. What is your position on the topic?

A: I would oppose.

Q: How much do you expect to spend on your campaign?

A: My campaign strategy is to walk the entire district and talk to as many voters as I can. I plan on raising enough money to win.

Q: We invite you to make a statement, if you wish, regarding any issue or topic that we not have asked you about above.

A: We recently passed our city budget and I celebrate the hiring of five police officers and three firefighters. Though our budget continues to lack transparency regarding the $1.7 million debt we owe on our Community Center, I made a motion to have our budget reflect the debt we owe but was voted down.

Whether I serve as your next county supervisor or continue as a Ceres City Councilmember, I will always speak up for government transparency and fiscal accountability.

I recently reintroduced a residence question to be added to the job application for new city employees. It will simply ask new city employees “if hired would you consider relocating to Ceres?” It was originally ruled legal to ask by our city attorney but voted down by the rest of the City Council. I hope the council will readdress this issue in the future.

2020 Candidates

MEYER FROM PAGE 6 more involved in local organizations and events around the community. Being more involved in events around the city would create an environment of being accessible to the citizens of Ceres. I would like to see councilmembers regularly at grand openings, Concerts in the Park, Ceres Street Faire, Chamber mixers, service club events, city events, Chamber events, etc. It’s hard to give a straight A because there is always room for improvement.

As a councilmember, I plan to be available for events and have specific office hours with an open door policy for all citizens.

Q: What experiences make you the most qualified person to win your election?

A: Having served on the Ceres Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Tuolumne River Regional Parks Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Soroptimist International of Ceres, Ceres Street Faire Committee, Ceres Centennial Committee, Measure H Committee, Planning Commission, and being a business owner in Ceres I feel and I have the experience and I am qualified to serve on the Ceres City Council.

Q: Social unrest in our country has many city councils in some American cities pushing for less funding for police departments in order to spend more on social programs. What would your position

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 on police funding be if you are elected to the City Council?

A: I believe police departments have the most difficult jobs in every community and they have to work with a wide variety of situations.

I believe they need more funding rather than less. I would encourage our police department to look into more training opportunities and possibly hiring positions with more knowledge in social work. However, to provide these services more funding would be needed to grow in these areas.

Q: Have you taken a position on Ceres contracting for fire service with the city of Modesto? If so, explain your position.

A: After speaking to our fire chief, I am open to the idea of a regional fire department. I’m still unsure if now is the time, but I will continue to research this issue for future possibilities. A regional fire department may lead to more services for the city of Ceres, including more available firefighters closer to specific areas of our city, more emergency responders such as paramedics available for our citizens and more training services for all departments. When this issue comes before the council again, I will do my due diligence to review the matter and what is best for the City of Ceres.

Q: If elected, what steps would you take to put the city of Ceres on a firmer financial footing?

A: I would like to sit down with our city manager and economic development director to see what can be done to help bring in more tax dollars. How can a councilmem-

BALLOTS

FROM PAGE 3

ties and processes in place to secure people’s mail-in votes.”

The Elections Office maintains a close relationship with U.S. Postal Service throughout election years, Linder added, with the two organizations exchanging info on envelope appearances, handling instructions and delivery schedules.

“Our job is to count the votes. Your ballot’s envelope does not distinguish what party you are affiliated with,” Linder said. “We do not know how voters vote until it has been scanned through our scanner.”

There is no way to tell how many, if any, ballots are lost in the mail each

ber and citizen of Ceres promote and develop new business. As a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, I am familiar with promoting local businesses throughout the city. I understand it’s not always possible, but whenever it is possible, every citizen should “Shop Local.” General Fund money is raised by tax dollars, the more we use businesses within the city, the more funding we will receive for our services. Once elected, I would also like to meet with business owners to see what needs they have, especially after COVID-19 to continue their business in Ceres.

Q: If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

A: Recently, I have not seen any big issues with rezoning in Ceres, but I was made aware that many agricultural properties outside of the city limits are not allowed to vote in our local elections. They do not use the same services as citizens within the city limits (i.e. local police vs Sheriff Dept.), however many of these citizens who live just outside of the city limits still use our local businesses, school system, and own other properties or businesses within the city limits. They are spending money and using services within the city limits. They are involved in local service clubs and non-profit organizations within the city limits. Due to the fact that they reside outside of the city limits, they don’t get to vote for our mayor or city council. I feel they should have a say in local government and I would like to look into a solution for those citizens who consider them-

election, since the Elections Office cannot determine if a voter misplaced it on their own or if it was lost by USPS. But voters will be able to track their ballot’s location and arrival by visiting www. california.ballottrax.net/voter/.

Ballots will be mailed beginning Oct. 5 and information regarding satellite offices is to be announced. Linder encourages anyone with questions to call her at 525-5200.

“I call every voter back who wants to talk to me personally because we want them to understand what our process is and feel comfortable with our office and the integrity we bring to elections. There are many steps in place to make this a very safe, secure and fair election in the mail.”

Angelina Martin contributed to this report.

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selves citizens of Ceres.

school districts in California.

Q: Lots of people are concerned with how Ceres looks with blight, trash and unkempt properties. How much of a concern is this to you and do you have any specific ideas on how the city could improve its appearance as well as encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhoods?

A: As mentioned before in another question, blight is a priority to me not only as a councilmember but as a citizen of Ceres. For this reason, I applied and was appointed to the Beautification Committee.

As already stated earlier, we are working on several plans including a robust public outreach program targeting service clubs, churches, schools, scouting programs, youth groups etc., Adopt-A-Program for organizations with work days, possibly once a month, and encouraging citizens to join our Volunteers in Public Safety Program (VIPS).

I would also like to get small volunteer groups to go out on a regular basis to clean up around businesses located in Ceres.

Q: In general, what groups are financially backing your candidacy?

A: I haven’t approached large groups for financial backing. My funding has all been provided by individual citizens.

Q: How do you feel outsiders view Ceres and why?

A: I know what I hear from outsiders about Ceres and it’s generally negative, but I think Ceres is the best kept secret. We have a great city staff, strong city council, awesome location, and one of the best

Q: Feel free to make a statement regarding any issue or topic that we not have asked you about above.

A: As a councilmember, I would like to listen to the citizens and find reasonable solutions to make Ceres a safer, cleaner, more economically productive city. I have heard a lot of concerns about the water in Ceres so I look forward to the Stanislaus Regional Water Authority Treatment Plant. My understanding is the treatment plant will enhance the quality of water in Ceres. The current council has voted to fund the SRWA by raising water prices over the next several years. Although no one wants to see raises in water pricing, if the SRWA helps to bring cleaner, softer water to Ceres, we will all benefit as a community.

I look forward to the new Mitchell Ranch Shopping Center which will have Walmart as an anchor business, but will bring in many other businesses and services to enhance tax dollars and revenue for the city of Ceres. I will admit I look forward to the possibility of new retail stores and restaurants to give more options for the citizens of Ceres.

Lastly, I look forward to the new Ceres Drive-In opening September 25. I have already bought my ticket for the opening weekend. I love the idea of nostalgia and remember taking our family to the Ceres Drive-In when they were younger.

Now our grandchildren will have the same opportunity to create those memories. A place for families and friends to spend time together, here in our wonderful city.

Many died for your freedoms so go ...

VOTE!

2020 Candidates

COUPER CONDIT FROM PAGE 10 Regional Water Authority was part of Proposition 68, which voters passed, and will benefit water quality potential for Ceres and Turlock residents.

While serving on the Planning Commission, I consistently supported agriculture land preservation, direct funding for public safety and quality housing.

Regardless of what experiences we offer the voters, it is our willingness to stand up to government bureaucracy and not be a doormat for the status-quo. I stood up to our city manager while serving on the Planning Commission and was removed from the commission for my independence. As your councilmember, I will continue to ask questions and speak up for Ceres residents.

Q: Social unrest in our country has many city councils in some American cities pushing for less funding for police departments in order to spend more on social programs.

What would your position on police funding be if you are elected to the City Council?

A; We must work to be the safest city in Stanislaus County. Our General Plan gives a clear goal in chapter 6 page 54. “Through a service ratio of 1.3 officers per 1,000 residents and patrol arrangements, endeavor

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 to maintain the minimum feasible response times for police calls.” Public safety is essential to a better quality of life.

Q: Have you taken a position on Ceres contracting for fire service with the city of Modesto? If so, explain your position.

A: Unfortunately, we have struggled with funding our fire needs because of a lack of prioritizing. Ceres has kicked the can down the road. I will be open to different proposals that provide financial stability and most importantly public safety for Ceres. Our firefighters work hard serving the needs of the public and they need leadership from our city.

Q: If elected, what steps would you take to put the city of Ceres on a firmer financial footing?

A: I will only support essential spending.

I will work to reform the salary structure of our bureaucracy, we must be honest about what we can and cannot afford. In addition, offering businesses a superior opportunity to locate in Ceres must be a priority and a goal.

Ceres business owners and employees are struggling through these difficult times. A top priority to gain better financial footing is to ensure we keep our local businesses open and strong into the future.

Q: If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

A: Density Bonus Program chapter 39 of Zoning code. We should incentivize quality

affordable housing that gives residents a comfortable area for their home and yard. We shouldn’t incentivize development that forces people to live in smaller and smaller lot sizes every year.

In addition, chapter 3 of Zoning code.

The city should follow the Zoning Code and establish a General Plan Review Committee. This has been in our zoning code since 1997 and the city has failed to form the committee required by our own code. As a Planning Commissioner I brought this to staff's attention and recommended we form the committee.

Q: Lots of people are concerned with how Ceres looks with blight, trash and unkept properties. How much of a concern is this to you and do you have any specific ideas on how the city could improve its appearance as well as encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhoods?

A: We should build on the Beautification Committee and always include the residents of Ceres in the process. Most of our department heads do not live in Ceres and it creates a disconnect between our residents and local government. Code enforcement has to be a priority and funded to make a difference and impact city blight with improvements.

Q: In general, what groups are financially backing your candidacy?

A: I have a broad range of support and limit

any donation to our campaign to $1,500.

Q: How do you feel outsiders view Ceres and why?

A: I think folks view us as the city between Turlock and Modesto.

Q: Feel free to make a statement regarding any issue or topic that we not have asked you about above.

A: Councilmember Kline was quoted in the Courier recently claiming he’s “scared about people getting on the City Council for the wrong reasons.” Let me be clear, we should not be scared of Ceres residents wanting to serve our community. In fact, it is a good thing for Ceres when people get involved.

While Mr. Kline questions our motives for running for City Council he defends his right to have taxpayers pay his healthcare bill. Mr. Kline called his free healthcare “a nice little perk” and was even insulted and offended that this expenditure of $100,000 for the year would even be questioned. We need leadership in District 4. Ceres can’t afford perks like Mr. Kline’s health insurance. We can’t afford the 22 percent raises we gave our past city manager which Mr. Kline supported.

And we should not raise our water rates by 180 percent which Mr. Kline supported to benefit and enable wasteful spending.

If we want to be a great city we must have leaders that will put the city’s needs above their own and make tough decisions.

I have been envolved in all public community & helping in the Covid 19, provided 15,000 mask & 4200 pcs sanitizer to Sheriff Chief & City of Ceres Police & medical camp in temples.

Email: kanda4ceres@yahoo.com

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2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

15

It’s the Valley versus D.C.

Ted Howze

D

r. Ted Howze was raised on Central Valley farms and ranches. He's a former firefighter/EMT, who has

served valley dairies for more than two decades as a

Josh Harder

C

ongressman Josh Harder votes with Speaker Nancy Pelosi over 97% of the time (Source: ProPublica.com) and has

failed to deliver on his promises.

large-animal veterinarian. ●

Americans' debt — Moderate Central Valley

Ted Howze will take on the D.C. special interests. He's one

Democrat Congressman Jim Costa called Josh

of us who tells it like it is. Ted's a husband and father of

Harder's healthcare plan “a hollow promise,” and “It

three boys. ●

puts us in a position of further increasing Americans’ debt, which we all loathe.” (McClatchy, D.C. 2/27/19)

Supported by local police — Endorsed by the Ceres and Manteca Police Officers Associations

●

Restore safety — He supports tough penalties for rioters

●

support the police and condemn the rioting,

Protect seniors — Ted will sponsor a bill to

Congressman Josh Harder BLOCKED it. (Source: Epoch

PERMANENTLY EXEMPT Social Security benefits from

Times, 6/26/2020)

state and federal income taxes. ●

Reduce healthcare costs — Protect Medicare for all Americans and force big corporate insurers to lower prices.

●

Cost of living — Lower your cost of living, especially food, gas, and housing.

— TedHowze.com — Paid for by Ted Howze for Congress 2020

Supported protestors, silent on supporting police — When a resolution was presented in Congress to

and looters that cause injury and destroy property. ●

Fellow Democrats say Harder’s plan will increase

●

Nicknamed “PACMan” for his Special Interest D.C. contributors — Despite promises to not take “party boss” or “corporate” PAC money, Congressman Josh Harder has taken HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of D.C. special interest contributions, including those funded by Big Pharma, Goldman Sachs, and corporate health insurance companies. [Source: OpenSecrets.org]

2020 Candidates

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Trusted Leadership Doug & Bernie Durossette Ron & Marie Giddens Jim & Sandra Wyatt Rocky & Sharon Fisher Sheri Moring Wayne Zipser Eric & Carol Ingwerson Ken & Yvette Lane Les & Yvonne Bonsu Fulvio & Sherry Bertolotti Osvaldo & Emma Bertolotti Justin & Kristina Brenner Les & Vicki Brenner Sam & Meliesa Stiles Randy Cerny Steve Festa Randy Moore Brian de la Porte Dan & Kathi Foster Brett & Robin Johnson Ed & Patti Cowell Robert & Gloria Hall Amber & Debin Cowell Derek & Angela Cowell Bryan & Tina Harden Joshua Jantz Jean Jones Bill Bhatti The Ruger Family The Stamper Family Darrell Long Bret Silveira Lisa Silveira Ron & Terri Megee Mike Vierra Bud & Marianne Vierra Lou Toste Shawna Nunes Amy Cabling Heather & David Rubio Steven & Lisa Palleschi Brad & Becki Hurst Kenya England Ron & Kim McAfee Ross & Lacey Leifried Brandon Moring Jeff & Nina Moring Dick & Isabell McKay Scott & Jennifer Smith Kim & Henry Martinez

Marco Moreno Sake Sanghera Heather Thornberry The Hulstine Family Susan Hildago Amanda Tackett Casey Rich Carol Fayad Scott Thatcher Anne & Dan Thatcher Tammy Carey Sandra Diel Mike & Lindsey Curry Enrique Cardona Oscar Parra Mitch Christensen Ron Hammonds Nadine Knittel Duane Thompson Royia Samim Felipe Pimentel Jr Stephanie Prudhel Shameara Smith Steve & Jill Durossette Mike & Susan Borges Cynthia Robinson Rhonda Sue Long Jose Vazquez Jonathon Gomes Tammy Redden Carolina Arbaiza The Pritchett Family The Kraft Family Brian Morton Martin Solinger Don & Sandi Tucker Don & Coni Goudeau Bob Gobble Dalton Lane Stan Lane Michael & Brittany Flores Deborah Knights Jodie Taylor Albert & Sandra Perez Rebecca Clark Robert & April Cervantez John & Renee Phillips Jeremy Brehm Jimmy Chesney Paul Hester

Neena Evans Joel Hansen Randon & Justin Jones-Tate Brenda Haskins Jesus Radillo Raymond & Andrea Gomes Amanda Ingwerson Bena Cox Emmanuel Luna Betty Baker Sue Reynolds Billy & Sarah Montez Juan Romo Cristina Alejandro Jeanie McKinstry Doug Wallick Louis Thomas Sally Lara Jesse Maduena Debbie Paladichuk Anthony Pulido Lewis Sims Renee & Raul Mendoza Ronald McGuire Tommy & Jamie Trevino Mardel Runnels Shannon & Aaron Rose The Wimberley Family Sam Wigt Malrie Fry Dave Miller Linda Mathis FONTS Rhonda Martins Proxima Nova Bold Maudie & Cleve Lamb Janell Escarcega Josh & Krystle Steeley Alan Trusty John Silveira Dwane & Cathy Jantz Jeremiah Thornberry Melody Oldenburg Carlos Lara Chris & Marianne Nelson Josh Baker Andrea Olvera Karl Nielsen Beny Singh Phanda Mark & Marie Joiner Leigh & Eric Branson Gurlovejit Dhiullon

Bret Durossette for Ceres Mayor Paid for by Bret Durosette for Mayor 2020 | FPPC#1427103

Eric & Jami McMullen Lillie & Errol Fisken School Board Member Brian de la Porte Maggie Mejia Linda Ryno - Ceres Vice Mayor Dirk and Heather Wyatt Audel and Claire Valencia Marth Valencia Nina and Isacc Saldana Sherri Fisher Richardson Jeanette Mullens Teresa Mullens Jeff Borden Daniel and Vanessa Arendt Sara Rodriguez Ceres Professional Firefighters Association The Leazer Family Bubba Jackson John Staggs Patrick Crawford Heather West Viola Paz Jim Greff Mark White Shawna Rodriguez Robert and Felicia Solano Brett and Robin Johnson Nick Maynard Jeremiah Sasser Mike and Amy Scoto Virginia and Catherine Montano Manuel Uribe Shawna Moore Osvaldo and Judith Estremera Ralph and Omaira Valencia Cruz Leon Derek Young Ceres Police Officers Association Partial LIst

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