Mayor Ben Cantu

04/01/2026

Manteca's Downtown has waited for too many decades for a proper revitalization program. But that program should not include the City Council spending $1.2 million to purchase an old building that will require millions more dollars for seismic retrofit and then remodeling improvements for a restaurant that will hopefully "jump start" something downtown.

City Hall should not be in the development business with municipal funds on such a risky venture.

Renovating one old building in hopes they [costumers] will come is not a plan, nor is it any phase of any proper plan.

It’s 15 minutes past high noon on Monday in downtown Manteca. Ben Cantu — arguably a lifelong student of downtown on levels ranging from being an interested community resident, decades as a city planner, former elected official, and even an ill-fated time as a downtown business owner in the earl...

04/24/2025

Long day! You know it's only 4, but it's going to be 5 o'clock some where, I think the Cat and I will call it a day and head home for a Dos Equis with ICE.

10/22/2024

People I get it.

Some do not want more taxes, I get it. But, on the other hand they do want better highways, good streets, police and fire services, military protection, clean water, clean rivers, clean air to breath, better health services, the stripes on the roads, the parks mowed, safe buildings, and the list goes on to virtually everything a person does not grow or make themselves. Government does not run on water, it must have a revenue source in order to provide for the public services we want, we are accustomed to, and we utilize every single day.

Taxes may be a bad word to some, but let there be pot holes in the street and who do they complain to, government. The only revenue source government has is taxes. I agree, government is not perfect, but neither is...

Let's make it easy, why not say Measure Q is a revenue source the city will use for a variety of public services the residents of Manteca desired in the past, desire today, and will appreciate in the future. There, the nasty word "taxes" is gone.

10/08/2024

Let me impart a little wisdom that comes with age that perhaps explains why history is important to me. My good friend Winston Churchill I think summed it up nicely when he said, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
Don't bother with today for it is history, focus on the formation of tomorrows horizon for that has yet to come. Measure Q is important for a better tomorrow!

10/04/2024

Manteca, it has been almost 50 years since we had a new police station, since the early 1980s. Then in the 1990s a large office trailer was added to house the additional department staff. Since the 1980s Manteca has grown from about 25,000 residents to today at 93,000 plus. In that 44-year period the number of police department personnel doubled in size, but the office space still remains at 1990s space. Needless to say, as the department continues to grow in response to the rapidly growing population, the existing office space is severely inadequate. Without funding made available by Measure Q a properly sized police station for a population of 105,000 (in 2030) is a deem reality. Measure Q will pay for a better and safe future!

I support Measure Q and have for over 40 years. (How's that Ben.) I have seen and experienced the fiscal life shortening, chokehold that past bad civic management decisions did to the quality of life of Manteca today. We (you and me) need to make it right!

Manteca could have a new police station, an expanded animal shelter, and a community center by 2030. That is if voters agree to a limited 20-year three-quarter cent sales tax on the Nov. 5 ballot.

08/14/2024

Thank you Dennis for explaining why Manteca's finances are in such poor shape today, who is responsible, and how it occurred over time. It is imperative that the proposed sales tax initiative pass in November otherwise public service levels WILL continue to worsen, as it has for decades. It is important that residents understand two facts--one, the "new" municipal revenue generated will not erase the deficit's of the past, it will however allow the city over a period of twenty years to finally focus on the needs of the residents and the deteriorated infrastructure systems. And, two, it is NOT a "forever free check," the sales tax increase has a twenty year sunset date. Twenty years seems like a long time; not so, when measured against 50 years of neglected public services and infrastructure.

Want more city services without paying more taxes? No problem. Just stop shopping online.

03/01/2024

Public Safety is number one when it comes to the development and preservation of our families’ safety and the quality-of-life we desire in our neighborhoods and District. Sonny Dhaliwal and the city council were instrumental in the design and implementation of a brand-new Police Department in just 15 months. Today, through his leadership, the residents receive the type of law enforcement services they've come to expect, with community involvement, openness, and transparency.

Sonny Dhaliwal and family chose to live in Lathrop many years ago because it provided the qualities they sought for a home. In this respect, Sonny took up the task of serving the public in many roles of city government, including Mayor, in order to hasten the expansion of public serves available to residents and visitors of his community.

Sonny Dhaliwal is a hard-working public servant whose mission is to improve the quality of life of his family and of that of his neighbors and fellow South County residents.

This brief video puts a spotlight on the City of Lathrop and touts Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal's record of success leading his city for the last decade. He's runnin...

02/24/2024

Yesterday evening I attended the opening of Manteca's Deaf Puppy Comedy Club and was well entertained by three talented and spirited comedians. The newly remodeled was well done. The food and drinks were great. The place was packed. It is in Downtown at 127 N Main Street. Well done Chris!!

02/21/2024

Economic development is the back bone of maintaining a fiscally balanced community that can support the quality-of-life resident’s desire. As such, it is vital that new jobs sustaining commerce be sought and facilitated as an integral component of a progressive management organization and mindset. In this regard, Sonny Dhaliwal has over 20 years of experience as a Planning Commissioner, as a City Councilmember, and as Mayor managing Lathrop to new economic development heights. During Sonny’s tenure, Lathrop has assembled an abundance of big-name business corporations and is one of state’s financially healthiest cities.

Sonny Dhaliwal will provide positive and experienced representation for South County residents as a member of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.

02/15/2024

Many you have recently received in the mail the 2024 Primary Ballot (and, of course, a great many campaign postcards from candidates for a range of offices); and you have probably studied it all that has to be said about those seeking office. But if you are like me, I look beyond the same old political rhetoric and the flash promises of the campaign material, I study the candidate’s history, achievements and character.
In this respect, I have determined to endorse and to support Sonny Dhaliwal as San Joaquin County Supervisor for District 3. Sonny has many years of actual proven and progressive service to his community; and as a public servant at the helm of a new and growing city he marshaled city government to facilitate and promote real economic development and commerce.
When you cast your ballot for District 3 County Supervisor, I urge you to mark SONNY DHALIWAL.

01/26/2024

Come hear Sonny Dahiwal explain his goals in representing Manteca and Lathrop as County Supervisor, have some pizza.

On March 5 Manteca has the opportunity to elect an experienced, highly respected and dedicated public servant to represent our community and Lathrop on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. Sonny Dhaliwal is a local long-time resident, a successful businessman, a former Planning Commissioner, a Council member and a six consecutive term Mayor, and has served on a number of local governmental boards and commissions over a period of 21 years.

Because a great deal of State and Federal funds directed to our county and community is administered through the Board of Supervisors, it is important that Manteca and Lathrop residents have strong representation on the Board. I believe Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal has the governmental experience and community dedication to serve as our voice at the County.

Come on Saturday, January 27th to share some great free pizza and to hear for yourself as my good friend Sonny expresses why he has devoted a good portion of his life to public service and his goals while serving as the County Supervisor for our district.

Check out the accompanying flyer!

01/23/2024

On March 5 Manteca has the opportunity to elect an experienced, highly respected and dedicated public servant to represent our community and Lathrop on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. Sonny Dhaliwal is a local long-time resident, a successful businessman, a former Planning Commissioner, a Council member and a six consecutive term Mayor, and has served on a number of local governmental boards and commissions over a period of 21 years.

Because a great deal of State and Federal funds directed to our county and community is administered through the Board of Supervisors, it is important that Manteca and Lathrop residents have strong representation on the Board. I believe Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal has the governmental experience and community dedication to serve as our voice at the County.

Come on Saturday, January 27th to share some great free pizza and to hear for yourself as my good friend Sonny expresses why he has devoted a good portion of his life to public service and his goals while serving as the County Supervisor for our district.

Check out the accompanying flyer!