LOS BANOS, CA — The Los Banos City Council convened on April 2, 2025, to recognize public service accomplishments, approve mid-year budget changes, and address a wide range of issues raised by residents. The evening included the introduction of new police officers, a review of the city’s financial outlook, and discussions on homelessness, sewer infrastructure, animal services, and small business regulations.
Seven New Police Officers Introduced
Police Chief Ray Reyna introduced seven newly graduated officers from the Fresno Police Academy: Rayan Owens, Raphael Gonzalez, Max Pugh, Joshua Tovar, Marco Alvarado, Benjamin Silva, and Christian Rocha. The officers were selected through a competitive process and began their training with the Los Banos Police Department earlier that week.
Chief Reyna praised the group’s performance, noting that a Fresno Police captain commented on their outstanding representation of Los Banos. He also pointed out that several of the officers are military veterans. “They are the cream of the crop,” Reyna said.
Officer Max Pugh, a Los Banos native, received the academy’s Top Law Enforcement Skills Award with a 99.3% score and tied for the Top Academy Student Award with a 99% average. Mayor Pro Tem Deborah Lewis, who attended the graduation, commended the officers for their achievement and dedication, stating, “Smile and wave at them when you see them—let them know they’re supported.”
Employee of the Month Honored
Recreation Coordinator Mariah Martinez was recognized as the Employee of the Month for March 2025. Mayor Mike Amabile praised her hard work and dedication to the Parks and Recreation Department, presenting her with a certificate of appreciation.
Officers Recognized for Jiu-Jitsu Training
The council also welcomed representatives from Savage Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who presented promotions to two of the new officers—one receiving a brown belt and another a third-degree purple belt. Scott Savage, the academy’s head instructor, thanked the Los Banos Police Department, sharing that his life was saved in August 2023 by Sergeant Ramon McDonald, who applied a tourniquet during a medical emergency. “I’m alive today because of your officers,” he said.
Mid-Year Budget Review Shows $3 Million Surplus
The city’s finance consultant, referred to as Mr. Q during the meeting, presented a mid-year financial review of the 2024–2025 budget. The report projects a $3 million general fund surplus due to reduced expenditures, strong investment returns, and staffing savings. The city also reported a $14 million increase in total cash and investments, bolstered by an $11 million grant to support housing efforts for the unhoused.
Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 6914, authorizing adjustments across various funds. These included increased appropriations for police and fire department overtime, adjustments to insurance and facilities maintenance allocations, and the reclassification of unspent funds from the Police Station Capital Projects Fund. Interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds was also transferred back to the general fund.
Mayor Amabile praised the work of staff and the finance team. “We’re making departments whole again and moving things to where they belong,” he said.
Homelessness Response and Community Partnerships
During public comment, a letter was read from a resident who had attended a town hall on March 1 at Rancho Los Banos Mobile Home Park. The letter referenced a discussion in which Mayor Amabile reportedly mentioned relocating 60 unhoused individuals from the G Street encampment to a Sacramento facility. The resident asked whether that plan had moved forward.
In his closing comments, Mayor Amabile confirmed no relocation had taken place but emphasized that the city is actively working with partners including One Tree Tiny Homes, La Familia, and EverWell to find transitional and permanent housing options. “We think about this every second of the day,” he said, while acknowledging that available state funding is becoming more limited.
Animal Services and Feral Cat Population
A local animal welfare advocate updated the council on the feral cat population, stating she had just completed a second citywide count. She praised the Los Banos Animal Shelter staff and requested that the city explore adding a hotline to report animal abuse or violations. She also emphasized the importance of continued investment in spay-neuter programs and noted that the shelter has more than 18,700 social media followers and works with over a dozen rescue organizations.
Interim City Manager Gary Brizzee later confirmed that the new animal shelter is expected to open in June, pending PG&E utility work and final equipment deliveries. The upgraded facility will include additional kennel space and credit card payment capabilities.
Sewer Project Raises Property Owner Concerns
A property owner addressed the council with concerns about a 36-inch sewer trunk line project slated to cross agricultural land near Place Road. The speaker said there had been no formal outreach, easement request, or construction coordination from the city. He cited potential conflicts with active farming operations and a subdivision map submitted to the city years ago. He requested a meeting with staff, documentation, insurance coverage, and indemnification.
Mobile Food Vendor Restrictions Challenged
Another speaker, representing food vendors in Los Banos, asked the city to revisit a policy banning tables, chairs, and canopies at mobile food truck locations. He argued that the new rules are negatively impacting customers and vendors alike, especially those serving families and workers who wish to eat on-site.
Friends of the Library Call for Volunteers
A representative from the Friends of the Los Banos Library introduced herself and encouraged residents to support the local library by volunteering or becoming members. She highlighted the value of existing programs such as storytime, bilingual crafts, and sensory play groups.
Letters Policy Clarified
Mayor Amabile announced that all public letters submitted to the city clerk prior to a meeting will now be read aloud during public forum, regardless of submission time. The policy update follows confusion at previous meetings, where letters submitted before 3 p.m. were only posted online.
Appointments and Staff Introduction
The council reappointed Mayor Pro Tem Deborah Lewis to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Special City Selection Committee and appointed Councilmember Evan Sanders as the alternate.
The city also formally introduced Minerva “Minnie” Moreno as the new Finance Director. Moreno, a longtime Central Valley resident with more than 25 years of experience in public finance, expressed her excitement to join the team and emphasized transparency and collaboration.
Upcoming Projects and Community Events
Interim City Manager Brizzee provided several updates, including the start of construction at Shaughnessy Park later this month and a ribbon-cutting for the Gateway sign project scheduled for April 25. A ribbon-cutting for El Pollo Loco is set for Friday, April 5, and the city’s annual Egg Hunt at Oliveira Park will take place on Saturday, April 12.
Brizzee also confirmed that Caltrans will appear at the April 16 council meeting to present updates on Highway 152 repaving and proposed roundabouts at Highways 152 and 165.
Closed Session Report
The council entered closed session to discuss anticipated litigation. Upon returning, Mayor Amabile stated that no reportable action was taken.
