Mayor Hernandez says Riverbank is a 'city of action,' highlights roads, water, housing and jobs

Riverbank Mayor Rachel Hernandez delivered the 2025 State of the City address, describing the municipality’s recent investments in roads, water and community services and urging residents to remain engaged in local governance.

Hernandez opened the address by framing the year as one of “action,” saying the city has focused on projects that reach “every corner of the city.” She cited completed road overlays on Callender Avenue, Silver Rock, Patterson Road and Oakdale Road and said intersection conversions to four-way stops aim to improve neighborhood safety. The administration submitted five federal funding applications seeking more than $6,000,000 for future road projects.

On utilities, Hernandez said Riverbank delivered 1,430,000,000 gallons of clean water in 2025, announced a transition to permanent chlorination for the system, and described upgrades to Well 8 and planning for a new Well 13. She also said the city’s wastewater facility installed 1,445 solar panels producing about 600 kilowatts to power treatment operations.

Economic development was another focus. Hernandez listed recent ribbon-cuttings for national retailers and said the Crossroads West commercial area continues to grow, with Trader Joe’s slated to complete the site’s build-out. At the Riverbank Industrial Complex, she said 3R Technologies is now operating and employing nearly 100 people after an Army-approved long-term lease renewal, which the mayor characterized as progress toward transferring the property to the city.

Hernandez addressed housing and homelessness directly, noting the Sierra House program graduated four residents in its first cohort. She said the city’s day-use facility provided 1,968 showers and 2,528 meals and that 63 individuals were connected to intake services. The mayor announced the Bridge Covenant Church Hope Village tiny-homes project is ready for move-in, aimed at single mothers and underserved families.

Parks and recreation investments included a nearly $392,000 renovation of Castleburg Park and a $179,000 overhaul of Pioneer Park’s playground funded by grants and ARPA. The mayor highlighted expanded community programming, a new McRitchie Community Center and an inaugural youth council of eight appointees working on city projects.

On public safety, Hernandez said violent crime was at its lowest point in a decade, with 23 violent crimes in 2025 compared with 62 in 2016. She cited a $102,000 recovery in stolen property and 185 retail-theft arrests and credited partnerships with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and Stanislaus Consolidated Fire. “Public safety is not just about the number of officers we have,” she said; “it’s about the quality of roads, parks, housing and jobs that together create safety.”

Hernandez closed by thanking city staff, partners and local businesses and urging residents to participate—attend council meetings, join committees and complete a city communications survey—so the government’s work reflects community needs. The address concluded with acknowledgments and a call to continue the city’s stated focus on inclusive, equitable growth.