San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Chair Paul Canepa touted accomplishments in the areas of public safety and justice reform during his State of the County address.
Speaking at University of the Pacific’s Faye Spanos Hall on Thursday, Canepa delivered the address and celebrated the county’s 175th anniversary, reviewing the work the board of supervisors have done within the last year. Reflecting on the theme “175 Years of Growing Greatness,” Canepa tied the county’s history to its current strengths.
“San Joaquin County has been defined for 175 years by the heart and spirit of a community built on resilience, innovation, and determination,” said Canepa. “Together, we are building systems that adapt to change, supporting programs that serve people directly, and investing in solutions that will last for generations.”
On fiscal matters, Canepa highlighted a balanced $3 billion budget adopted in June, up $48.3 million from the prior year. The budget maintains a 5% reserve while funding essentials, with property taxes allocated 53.43% to schools, 18.83% to the county and the rest to cities and special districts. He noted modernization efforts like digitizing records and using AI for customer service, plus resolving labor negotiations to bolster the workforce.
Canepa devoted significant time to public safety and justice reform, describing initiatives across multiple departments, including the District Attorney’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign to address Fentanyl overdose.
“Fentanyl related deaths dropped by 25% thanks to proactive enforcement and community education, including the one pill can kill campaign now expanded through a partnership with RTD and the Youth Leadership Academy celebrated 25 years of mentoring leaders who will shape the future of San Joaquin County,” Canepa said. “The district attorney’s office reflects the same commitment to people and community. This year, more than 20,000 residents received support through the victim witness program, and another 3600 benefited from the Family Justice Center. With proposition 36 now in effect, the DA office has strengthened accountability while continuing to combat the rise in retail theft.”
He also drew attention to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office expanded search and rescue operations. The probation department added canine units and launched reentry programs, while partnerships like the start retail theft initiative (START) initiative target retail theft.
“We have invested in cutting edge technology, equipment, higher education and training,” Canepa said. “This year, the sheriff launched a new task force keeping dangerous organizations from threatening our neighborhoods. This task force targets fugitives, human trafficking, narcotics, auto theft, child abduction and cyber crime. Once in custody, these criminals are held to a higher standard. The new jailhouse investigative unit addresses narcotics, weapons and gang activity to ensure that our interests remain safe and offer rehabilitation and a fresh start.
Canepa went into more detail about the new initiative to address retail theft.
“In partnership with the greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the district attorney’s office, we rolled out the start retail theft initiative, which is now a model for other counties across California,” Canepa said. “That means San Joaquin County is not just responding to crime. We are leading the way statewide in preventing retail theft rings that can affect. Local businesses and families.”
In public health and quality of life, Canepa discussed securing a $137 million state grant for the San Joaquin BeWell campus, the region’s first integrated psychiatric and substance use treatment facility. The county hosted 21 community cleanups removing over 330 tons of waste, expanded housing for the unhoused and reduced hospital-acquired infections at San Joaquin General Hospital.
“We’ve also made real progress on housing and homelessness, opening 52 new supportive housing units, approving new affordable housing projects and expanding shelter services,” Canepa said. “The probation department’s SJ cares team is out there every day, meeting people where they are. Last year alone, they engaged with more than 400 unhoused individuals and delivered over 750 services with compassion, dignity and care.”
Economically, agriculture generated $3.2 billion, with exports to 90 countries. Stockton Metropolitan Airport saw growth in passengers and cargo, and the Port of Stockton handled 5.2 million metric tons. Canepa also mentioned workforce programs serving 48,000 job seekers and new small business initiatives.
“These job seekers in our county will have more opportunity than ever as we seek to have a larger impact on the global stage with two key local assets at the Stockton metropolitan airport,” Canepa said. “We saw growth on every front, more passengers, more cargo and new tenants, including flight schools and green technology companies. We invested in critical and security upgrades to ensure that the airport continues to be a hub for commerce, innovation and opportunity,”
Infrastructure investments featured bridge replacements, groundwater sustainability plans and opposition to the Delta Conveyance project to protect water rights. Long-term projects include a new morgue, detention facility and property acquisitions like the Oakmoore Golf Course.
“It may seem like just another construction project, but it reflects the ongoing dedication of our public works employees who work tirelessly to ensure safe and reliable access to clean abundant water throughout San Joaquin County,” Canepa said. “They cleared 95,000 cubic yards of debris from storm channels, maintain 600,000 feet of sewer lines, and are actively working with our state and federal partners to combat invasive golden mice, golden muscles in our waterways.”
Canepa shared personal highlights, such as reducing garbage rates saving residents $2.7 million annually, and funding youth programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has provided 19,000 books to young children.
Wrapping up, Canepa declared the county “strong and poised for growth,”moving forward.
“This is public safety with purpose, government with accountability, and leadership with compassion,” Canepa said. “San Joaquin County is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead with the same resilience and determination that have defined us for 175 years.”
Want more? Sign up to get Stocktonia delivered to your inbox three days a week.