Paul Canepa, most recently known for championing the idea of establishing a tent camp in Stockton for unhoused individuals, has been named chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.
Canepa, whose district includes a large swath of Stockton, was appointed to the position this week. There’s also a new vice chair, Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal, who presides over the board when the chair is gone.
Canepa replaces Miguel Villapudua, whose supervisorial term on the board ended last month.
A native Stocktonian, Canepa is the youngest of seven children in a family who still operate Canepa’s Car Wash, according to his county profile.
Canepa has a long record of public service. He served on the Lincoln School Board for six years and the Stockton City Council for eight years before being elected to District 2 on the county board in 2022.
The chair position — which rotates among the board’s five supervisors — is largely ceremonial, with the official presiding both at meetings and ribbon-cuttings or other public events in which the board is represented. But since it also can include making committee assignments, the role can wield some real power.
“We are here to work on your behalf to build and maintain our infrastructure, provide for public safety, and support and strengthen our community,” Canepa said in a statement announcing he’s taking the gavel. “I am excited about the opportunities that lay ahead in the coming year to grow greatness here in San Joaquin County as we move into the future.”
Most recently, Canepa has been working to try to find shelter for people living on the streets. One idea he has pushed for is “safe camping,” creating a tent camp on the site of the former Oakmoore Golf Course. The county is in the process of buying the 62-acre property on Wilson Way. He has referred to the space as “Camp Canepa,” although the project has yet to be approved.