The race for three seats on the Ceres City Council doesn’t officially start until the candidate sign-ups begin in July and ends on Election Day, Nov. 5. But Cerina Otero isn’t wasting time and has announced she’s running for the District 3 council seat occupied by Bret Silveira.
Silveira is seeking re-election. He served on the Planning Commission before he was elected to the council in 2020 beating out three other candidates. He declined to comment on Otero’s announcement yesterday.
Otero was appointed to the Ceres Planning Commission in December 2022 and is currently serving as the chair. The long-time Ceres resident, mother and wife to Air Force Veteran, Nicholas Otero, has been a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office manager since 2017.
Otero’s career in local government began in 2007 at the Stanislaus County Superior Court and transitioned to law enforcement as a legal clerk in 2012.
She said that having worked in local government she brings a “unique perspective and extensive local government experience to the council where she can foster a collaboration among the community, businesses, and city employees to enhance mutual trust.”
Because of her background she said she brings an understanding of law enforcement needs to Ceres.
“I want Ceres to continue being a safe and healthy community for generations to come. While I am raising my children in Ceres, I understand the need of the well-being for the children in our community. My vision is for our community to thrive in all aspects of daily life. Due to working in law enforcement management, specifically Patrol Operations, I bring a different perspective of public safety which allows for a focus on ensuring community safety for all. I’m committed to transparency, collaborative decision-making, and hearing the voices of our citizens through open and honest communication.”
Silveira is a retired Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy.
Two other council seats will be filled by the voters in November. Running for mayor of Ceres are the incumbent, Javier Lopez and Troy Arrollo, son of former Ceres Mayor Louie Arrollo.
Also up for grabs this fall is the District 4 council seat occupied by Daniel Martinez.
