CERES
MAYOR JAVIER LOPEZ
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Team
Aug 15, 2025
Regarding Recent Modesto Bee Article on StanCOG Spending "Falsely tie me to
spending I had no part in"
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR JAVIER LOPEZ
Regarding Recent Modesto Bee Article on StanCOG Spending
August 15, 2025
To the residents of Ceres and the broader Stanislaus County community, During my tenure as Chair of the Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) Policy Board, I have worked diligently to represent our region with professionalism, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. That includes securing millions of dollars in transportation and infrastructure funding to improve safety, mobility, and quality of life for our communities. A recent Modesto Bee article, titled “More StanCOG excessive spending revealed: Rental cars, luxury hotels, a $2,800 iPad,” included my name and photo alongside claims that do not accurately reflect my conduct or integrity as a public servant. I want to set the record straight.
The iPad in Question: The iPad Pro referenced in the article is not my personal property. It was purchased by StanCOG strictly for official agency business so that I could review board materials, agendas, and conduct work while traveling on behalf of the organization as Chair of the Policy Board. The device remains the property of StanCOG and is being returned, as expected.
Rental Vehicles for Business Use: Every rental car I used during my tenure as Chair was authorized and used exclusively for agency-related travel. These trips were necessary to represent our region in key transportation discussions at the state and federal level work that directly resulted in major investments for our local communities. All travel was conducted in compliance with agency policy.
Opportunity to Respond Despite the article’s implication, I did not receive any email, call, or message requesting comment. I have always been open and available to clarify the record and remain committed to transparency.
Misleading Headline and Public Perception The headline and imagery suggest I engaged in personal spending on luxury hotels, first-class flights, and other extravagant expenses. I did not. None of those items apply to me. This type of framing misleads the public and shifts focus away from the important, results-driven work that has been accomplished.
As former Chair of StanCOG, I have always been focused on advancing our region’s priorities and safeguarding public resources. I stand by my record and will continue working hard for the people of Ceres and the Central Valley. Our community deserves facts not insinuations.
Sincerely,
Mayor Javier Lopez
City of Ceres