Turlock City Council

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Mayor Amy Bublak: A Proven Leader for Turlock

Term Seated: 12/09/08
Expires: 2026
abublak@turlock.ca.us

Mayor Amy Bublak: Proven Leadership for Turlock

Public Safety. Financial Strength. A Better Future for Every Generation.

Mayor Amy Bublak has devoted her career to protecting people, strengthening public institutions, and delivering results residents can see in their daily lives. Her purpose is clear: to leave Turlock safer, financially stronger, and better prepared for the next generation. Drawing on more than two decades in law enforcement, she leads with discipline, listens with respect, and works with the City Council, City employees, residents, businesses, and community organizations to turn Turlock's priorities into measurable progress.

Key Achievements

Restored financial strength: Balanced every City budget since 2020 and increased reserves from $9.8 million to $35 million.

Strengthened public safety: Expanded police and fire staffing and modernized emergency-response equipment, facilities, and technology.

Improved streets and infrastructure: Rebuilt or rehabilitated more than 24 miles of streets, began work on another 25 miles, and advanced a $60 million five-year roads commitment.

Protected water reliability and taxpayers: Helped bring regional surface-water treatment operations under Turlock's shared-services plan, with approximately $850,000 in expected annual savings.

Secured stronger revenues: Helped negotiate a fairer county property-tax agreement that increased annual City revenue by approximately $1 million in its first year, while also advocating successfully for millions in outside funding.

Expanded opportunity for local businesses: Created the Turlock Business Partnership Incentive program, helping 45 businesses open and generating more than 100 permanent full-time jobs.

Invested in residents across generations: Supported the reconstruction of Columbia Pool and accessibility, safety, and gathering-space improvements at the Turlock Senior Center.

Made history and earned statewide recognition: Became Turlock's first woman mayor and the first retired police officer elected to the office and was named California Senate District 4 Woman of the Year in 2025.

Experience and Leadership

First elected to the Turlock City Council in 2008, Mayor Bublak made history in 2018 as Turlock's first woman mayor and the first retired police officer elected to the office. Her more than two decades in law enforcement shaped a leadership style grounded in preparation, accountability, and public safety. She pairs that experience with a collaborative approach, engaging residents, business owners, nonprofit and faith leaders, educators, retirees, labor organizations, civic groups, and City employees to ensure that decisions reflect the needs of the whole community.

Delivering Results for Turlock

Working together, Mayor Bublak, the City Council, and City staff have transformed Turlock's financial stability into visible improvements for the community. Strong reserves help the City collectively safeguard essential services during periods of economic uncertainty, while the five-year road commitment reflects a shared effort to address long-deferred needs neighborhood by neighborhood.

That same focus is strengthening water reliability and local control. Under a shared-services arrangement, Turlock assumed responsibility for regional surface-water treatment operations, a change expected to save approximately $850,000 annually. A fairer county property-tax agreement increased annual City revenue by approximately $1 million in its first year, while millions in outside funding provide added support for infrastructure, housing, public safety, parks, and essential services without placing the full burden on local taxpayers.

Public safety remains a central priority. Police staffing has grown from 78 to 90 officers, the Fire Department has reached full staffing, violent crime has declined 12.5 percent, and the most serious offenses tracked under the national reporting system have declined 17.2 percent.

The City has also modernized emergency response through three replacement fire engines, facility improvements, Qwake C-THRU helmets for firefighters, Emergency Operations Center upgrades, stronger fire-station networks, online reporting, crime mapping, prevention resources, and community-safety programs. A ladder truck is on order. Together, these investments strengthen readiness while making public-safety services more accessible to residents.

Investing in Every Generation

Mayor Bublak's focus on quality of life is evident in the reconstruction of Columbia Pool. The restored facility will expand access to recreation, swimming lessons, water safety, and family activities. She has described it as a promise of "a brighter, healthier, and more united future" for Turlock's children and community.

She also believes a city's strength is measured by how it honors the residents who helped build it. Improvements to the Turlock Senior Center - including safer entrances, automatic door openers, refreshed gathering spaces, plumbing upgrades, and accessibility improvements - will help older residents remain active, independent, connected, and fully included in community life. These investments support dignity, friendship, wellness, and belonging.

Supporting Jobs and Local Enterprise

Mayor Bublak's commitment to local enterprise has deep roots. As a council member, she created the Turlock Business Partnership Incentive program in 2011, helping 45 businesses open and generating more than 100 permanent full-time jobs. That work continues through small-business grants, development incentives, employer outreach, and the annual Turlock Business Conference, which connects business owners with economic information, resources, regional partners, and one another.

Education, Recognition, and Personal Discipline

A longtime Turlock resident and Stanislaus State graduate, Mayor Bublak earned bachelor's degrees in sociology and criminal justice and served two terms as student body president. A three-time NCAA Division III All-American in track and field, she set school records in the javelin and shot put and was inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. She earned a Master of Public Administration in Urban Government from San Francisco State University in 2005.

In March 2025, Mayor Bublak was named California Senate District 4 Woman of the Year in recognition of her public service, dedication to community safety, and work to strengthen Turlock. She has emphasized that the honor reflects the efforts of colleagues and a community committed to achieving results together.

The discipline needed to train and compete at an elite level also shapes her work as mayor. Setting goals, preparing consistently, responding to setbacks, and remaining focused under pressure are qualities she brings to public leadership and the pursuit of tangible progress for Turlock.

In 2023, she won gold medals in the javelin and shot put at the U.S. Police & Fire Championships. She then captured the women's javelin title at the World Police & Fire Games in Winnipeg, setting a world record.

Three years later, in June 2026, she again won gold medals in the women's javelin and shot put at the U.S. Police & Fire Championships in San Diego, representing Turlock and the Richmond Police Department, where she served for 13 years. She is preparing to represent the United States at the 2027 World Police & Fire Games in Perth, Australia - an achievement that reflects the consistency, competitiveness, and determination she brings to public service.

Local coaches, wellness professionals, community supporters, and Council member Erika Phillips have encouraged her return to national competition, helping her represent Turlock with excellence and bring the city positive visibility.

Community and Broader Service

Mayor Bublak is married to Dr. Milton Richards, former Stanislaus State athletic director and a Yosemite Community College District trustee. Her broader record of service includes leadership with the Stanislaus County Red Cross, three terms as Turlock's vice mayor, service as a member and chair of the Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission, and work as state legislative director for California Women for Agriculture.

In 2019, she was appointed to the Social Problems Working Group, a subcommittee of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.

Leadership Commitments

Protect financial stability through balanced budgets, strong reserves, sound revenues, and transparent oversight.

Keep neighborhoods safe through well-supported police, fire, dispatch, emergency-preparedness, and prevention services.

Maintain dependable infrastructure by turning long-deferred street and water needs into funded projects and measurable milestones.

Support responsible growth that strengthens jobs, housing, public safety, and quality of life.

Make City Hall accessible and accountable through secure online services, public reporting, responsiveness, and practical results.

Her record has also earned endorsements from longtime community leaders. Stanislaus State mentor Walter E. Doraz described her as guided by "an ethical and moral code of fairness and justice" and cited her education, law-enforcement career, and service to Turlock as preparation for public office.

Turlock's Future

In every role, Mayor Bublak has shown resolve, resilience, accessibility, and an unwavering belief in Turlock's potential. For her, leadership is measured not by title but by promises kept, lives improved, and a stronger community. With Turlock residents as her partners and their priorities as her guide, she remains committed to a city where neighborhoods are safe, businesses can thrive, residents are valued, and families can look to the future with confidence.

Her promise is simple: listen carefully, lead responsibly, and deliver a stronger Turlock for every generation.

Councilmember Kevin Bixel

District 1
Term Seated: 12/13/2022
Expires: 2026
kbixel@turlock.ca.us

Vice Mayor Rebecka Monez

District 2
Term Seated: 12/8/20
Expires: 2028
rmonez@turlock.ca.us

Rebecka is honored to serve her community as a member of the City Council, where she is committed to principled leadership, public service, and advocating for the people she represents. Whether addressing city issues, supporting local families, or standing up for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard, Rebecka approaches every challenge with passion, integrity, and determination.

Professionally, Rebecka is a respected criminal defense attorney who has dedicated her legal career to protecting the constitutional rights of every individual. She is known as a fierce advocate who fights tirelessly for her clients, ensuring that each person receives fair treatment and a strong, unwavering defense. That same dedication extends to her role on the City Council, where she works diligently to serve her constituents with honesty, transparency, and courage.

Beyond her legal and civic responsibilities, Rebecka has devoted countless hours to serving the most vulnerable members of the community. She operates three nonprofit organizations throughout the county that provide food, clothing, and essential resources to the unsheltered population. She is also a proud supporter of the Battered Women's Haven, believing that every person deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

In addition to her civilian career, Rebecka serves as a Judge Advocate in the military. Her military service reflects her deep respect for the rule of law, discipline, and the responsibility of serving something greater than herself.

Service has been the foundation of Rebecka's life from an early age. Raised in church, she was taught that faith is demonstrated through action-feeding the hungry, caring for those in need, and extending compassion to others without hesitation. Those early lessons continue to shape her life and guide every decision she makes.

Whether in the courtroom, in uniform, at City Hall, or serving those in need, Rebecka is driven by one simple purpose: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her life is defined by service, and she remains committed to fighting for justice, strengthening her community, and leaving it better than she found it.

Councilmember Cassandra Abram

District 3
Term Seated: 12/13/2022
Expires: 2026
cabram@turlock.ca.us

Cassandra Abram was elected to represent District 3 on Turlock City Council in 2022. Born and raised in Turlock, Cassie is honored to have the opportunity to serve the community that has provided a wonderful setting for her own upbringing and for the family she is now raising.

Before becoming a Councilmember, Cassandra earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry at the age of 25, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the Pacific, both with highest honors. She then returned to Turlock to serve the residents of her hometown as an optometrist. In her professional life and her personal endeavors, Cassandra prides herself on her empathy, analytical skills, and her ability to work collaboratively to solve problems for her patients, family, and community.

Cassie will work hard for the residents of Turlock and hopes to make a difference particularly in the areas of operational efficiency and community engagement. She also brings a unique perspective to the council as a mother of two young daughters.

Cassie cares deeply about the democratic process and believes the success of our city depends on all of us working together. She is committed to serving the public good as a Councilmember by ensuring Turlock is continually improving and becoming an even better place to work and live. If you have ideas, questions, or concerns, please reach out to Cassie at cabram@turlock.ca.us.

Councilmember Erika Phillips

District 4
12/10/2024
Expires:2028
ephillips@turlock.ca.us

Councilmember Erika Phillips is serving her first term as the District 4 representative. Erika is a business owner and an active professional athlete in the IFBB or International Federation of Bodybuilding.

Erika was born and raised in Modesto, California and has lived in Turlock since 2015.

Erika has been in business since 2020, when she and her husband Mike decided to take a leap of faith, quit their jobs during the pandemic, and start their business. Fit Kitchen was an online only store until they acquired property in downtown Turlock in 2023 to expand their business.
Turlock responded so well with the location that Erika decided she wanted to do more for her community and decided to run for City Council.

Erika has built many relationships with the local residents and business owners, and brings a unique perspective being a pro athlete. She plans to bring a positive approach and work together with Turlock residents, so that we can all make and keep Turlock strong while also keeping the small town feel that everyone loves. Feel free to contact her anytime should you wish to share any concerns you have about our fine City.

* Term will expire following the City Council's confirmation of the official results of the November election.