The Salida fitness gym owned by Ceres mayor and congressional candidate Javier Lopez has been suspended by the state Franchise Tax Board.
Lopez owns Hammer Gainz LLC, a fitness gym in a warehouse located at 4813 Enterprise Way, Suite F, in a Salida industrial park.
According to the California Secretary of State’s website, the business was not in good standing with the Franchise Tax Board as of May 1 and the business has been suspended. As of July 1 the business owed taxes of $1,533.71 from tax year 2022, according to Andrew LePage with FTB’s Public Affairs Office.
The Franchise Tax Board, or FTB, is a state agency responsible for administering and collecting California’s state income tax and corporate franchise and income tax.
Businesses which are suspended cannot legally do business and cannot maintain the right to use a business name. Despite the LLC being suspended, Hammer Gainz appeared to still be open on Friday with the roll-up door at the facility open, the lights on and customers working out inside.
The Courier called the mayor for a comment about Hammer Gainz’s alleged business violations but he did not respond as he routinely has not in the past.
In addition, suspended LLCs lose limited liability protection, become unable to file lawsuits or defend against them, and are subject to potential penalties and interest charges.
The FTB website indicates the business address in Salida and Lopez’s home address on Zona Bella Lane in Ceres as the mailing address. The agent listed is Emma Lilia Caballero of Ceres.
The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) can suspend businesses for failing to meet their tax requirements. Common reasons for suspension include:
• Failure to file a tax return: This is a key requirement for businesses in California.
• Failure to pay taxes, penalties, fees, and/or interest.
• Failure to file a Statement of Information:
Lopez was re-elected to another four-year term as mayor in November but on April 5 announced his candidacy for the 13th Congressional District seat.

