Turlock City Council
City Council MeetingsYour City Council is made up of five members, including a mayor and a vice mayor. We are a vital and dedicated part of the community (not a bureaucracy) that is open to positive change, willing to take well-thought-out risks, willing to partner in advancing and improving our community while reflecting our code of ethics.
Amy Bublak
Mayor
Kevin Bixel
Councilmember
District 1
Rebecka Monez
Vice Mayor
District 2
Cassandra Abram
Councilmember
District 3
Erika Phillips
Councilmember
District 4
Please click a Councilmember above for more information
Mayor Amy Bublak: A Proven Leader for Turlock
Term Seated: 12/09/08Expires: 2026
abublak@turlock.ca.us
Since her re-election as Mayor of Turlock, Amy Bublak-working in collaboration with her City Council colleagues, city staff, and residents-has successfully led the city's financial recovery, steering it away from the brink of bankruptcy. Under her leadership, Turlock has established a robust rainy-day fund, fully staffed both the Police and Fire Departments, acquired two new fire trucks, and completed the reconstruction of Columbia Pool. Additionally, for the first time in 35 years, Mayor Bublak has launched a comprehensive effort to address the city's infrastructure needs, securing funding for critical road repairs.
Mayor Bublak was first elected to the Turlock City Council in 2008. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that decisions are informed by input from a broad cross-section of the community. She actively engages with residents, business owners, retirees, nonprofit organizations, educators, faith-based groups, unions, civic organizations, and city staff to shape policies that reflect the diverse needs of Turlock.
On March 10, 2025, Mayor Bublak was honored as the California Senate District 4 Woman of the Year. Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil recognized her for her dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to the people of Turlock.
A longtime Turlock resident, Mayor Bublak earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from California State University, Stanislaus, in 1988. During her time at CSU Stanislaus, she was twice elected Student Body President and achieved NCAA All-American honors as a member of the Track and Field team. In recognition of her athletic accomplishments, she was inducted into the CSU Stanislaus Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.
In August 2024, Mayor Bublak further distinguished herself by winning gold medals in javelin and shot put at the U.S. Police and Fire Games. She went on to compete at the World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg, Canada, where she set new world records in both events.
In 2005, she earned a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree in Urban Government, further strengthening her expertise in municipal leadership.
As Mayor, Amy Bublak remains focused on the following key priorities:
Fiscal Responsibility: Advocating for a balanced budget and transparent decision-making to ensure the efficient allocation of resources.
Public Safety: Drawing on more than two decades of law enforcement experience to prioritize community safety and secure necessary resources.
Economic Growth: Promoting a business-friendly environment to drive job creation and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Government Transparency: Upholding open governance practices to ensure accountability and trust in city leadership.
Mayor Bublak is married to Dr. Milton Richards, former CSU Stanislaus Athletic Director and the elected trustee representing the Turlock area on the Yosemite Community College District Board.
In addition to her tenure as Mayor and three terms on the City Council, she has served as President of the Stanislaus County Red Cross, Vice Mayor of Turlock (three times), a member and chairperson of the Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), and the State Legislative Director for California Women for Agriculture. On October 18, 2019, she was appointed by President Donald Trump to Attorney General William P. Barr's Social Problems Working Group, a subcommittee of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.
Vice Mayor Rebecka Monez
District 2Term Seated: 12/8/20
Expires: 2028
rmonez@turlock.ca.us
Born and raised on Turlock's West Side, Rebecka Monez was first elected to the Turlock City Council in November 2020 and re-elected to a second four-year term in November 2024. Following her re-election, Mayor Amy Bublak appointed her to serve as Vice Mayor. Council Member Monez has been a steadfast advocate for giving the West Side a stronger voice in local government. "For too long, my friends and neighbors on the West Side have been overlooked. My election will change that. I will be a dedicated advocate for the West Side," she pledged.
A proven community leader, Vice Mayor Monez owns and operates three nonprofit thrift stores in Modesto and Turlock. These stores provide affordable goods to the community while funding essential local programs, including daily meals, housing support, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services for individuals experiencing homelessness. All proceeds from the stores directly support charitable initiatives in Stanislaus County.
In addition to her public service, Monez is a practicing criminal defense attorney and a member of the California State Bar Association. Her legal practice focuses on providing representation to individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford an attorney, ensuring access to justice for all.
During her tenure on the Turlock City Council, Vice Mayor Monez remains committed to the following priorities:
- Advocating for the needs and interests of her West Side constituents.
- Overseeing the repair and reopening of Columbia Pool.
- Addressing citywide road maintenance and infrastructure improvements.
- Tackling homelessness with a balanced approach that upholds the rights and dignity of all residents.
- Ensuring the efficient and cost-effective delivery of city services to residents, businesses, and visitors.
- Supporting fiscally responsible and sustainable budgets.
- Strengthening public safety to protect the community and enhance quality of life.
Councilmember Cassandra Abram
District 3Term 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 412/10/2024
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.
About the City Council
The Turlock City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The meetings are held at City Hall, 156 South Broadway, Turlock, in the Yosemite Room. In addition to the regularly scheduled council meetings, councilmembers will generally spend time reviewing material in preparation for the meetings, and attend additional meetings as well as talking and corresponding with constituents.As the elected legislative body of the City of Turlock, the City Council has overall responsibility for the scope, direction and financing of City services. The City Council establishes local law and policy that is administered and implemented through full-time staff under the Council-Manager form of government. The Council is also responsible for establishing land use policies through the General Plan and zoning regulations.
Under the Council-Manager form of government, the City Council provides policy direction to the City Manager, who is responsible for administering City operations. In setting policy, the Council works closely with citizen advisory commissions and committees, considers staff information and recommendations, and receives comments from interested parties and the general public.
The City Council also serves as the governing board of the Turlock Redevelopment Agency, which administers redevelopment activity in the designated project areas that comprise approximately one-half of the City.