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Ceres residents urge council to protect George Costa Field and low-cost youth sports
Summary
Dozens of residents, volunteers and coaches told the Ceres City Council on March 23 that a proposed change to the city's contract with Series Youth Baseball (CYB) could displace a five-decade volunteer-run recreational program at George Costa Field.
Dozens of residents and volunteers packed the Ceres City Council chambers on March 23 to press elected leaders to preserve access to George Costa Field and other low-cost youth-sport programs.
Volunteer coaches, parents and longtime participants described CYB's maintenance contributions and the leagues' role in providing affordable recreation. Jorge Guerrero, president of CYB, said the league has "shall priority rights to the use of the facilities at George Costa Field" under its existing contract and accused city staff of attempting to renegotiate terms without required written notices.
Several speakers said the city is negotiating with an outside, for-profit organization called Arsenal that has offered $100,000 to use the fields. "The very city leadership you all elected is trying to push out Series Youth Baseball to make way for a for-profit Modesto-based league," Gary Condit said, calling the plan "shameful." CYB volunteers and board members also detailed in-kind maintenance they say saves the city tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Parents and coaches stressed the difference between recreational and travel programs, saying recreation keeps participation affordable for children who otherwise could not play. "You can't be the big guy without the little guys," one parent said, urging the council to protect programs that nurture beginners.
Council did not take final action on the CYB contract during the meeting. The public comment period closed after a five-minute recess and council proceeded with other agenda items. City staff and council members indicated the matter will return for further consideration; no formal vote was recorded on a contract amendment that night.
