The issues of public safety and the economy took centerstage at Thursday’s 2024 San Joaquin County State of The County address at the Bob Hope Theatre.
The yearly event is one in which public officials and members of the public from San Joaquin County gather for the chairman of the Board of Supervisors to address the county.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors hosted the event solo, as opposed to previous years when it partnered with the Tracy Chamber of Commerce and the county administrator’s office to host the event.
Also in attendance were various public officials representing the City of Stockton, including city manager Harry Black and members of the city council.
This year’s address was headlined by the Chairman of the SJC Board of Supervisors, Miguel A. Villapudua, who reflected upon his eight years of service as a supervisor.
Villapudua continued his speech by remarking on several achievements in the county in the past year and highlighting the county’s priority of public safety noting their commitment to supporting law enforcement with additional resources.
“By improving lives, we grow stronger, better and more resilient,” said Villapudua. “Public safety is at the core of what we do. We must provide a safe environment for our to thrive.”
The lineup of speakers echoed the Villapudua address, and Sheriff Patrick Withrow and District Attorney Ron Freitas spoke shortly after Villapudua. Despite the county’s tough-on-crime stance, Withrow reminded the audience that it is equally important to help those individuals to prevent criminal recidivism.
“The neat thing about San Joaquin County is we do everything we can to help those people, too,” said Withrow. “… (San Joaquin County is) so good with your guys’ taxes to invest money to help people so that they get out of that life of crime.”
San Joaquin County Administrator Sandy Regalo also focused on economic growth of the county and the robust public resources available to assist the needs of the people. Regalo highlighted that county has produced a structurally balanced budget for the 11th consecutive year.
Before the speeches began, a video produced by the county played before the audience in attendance, highlighting the values of the county, emphasizing the needs for strengthening police, increasing safety, supporting small businesses and education.
Over a dozen departments in the county hosted booths in the Bob Hope Theatre and outside on Main Street handing out pamphlets of information, taking pictures with people and showing off equipment.