Chris Teicheira — Manteca’s resident professional comic — couldn’t hold the proverbial candle to Mayor Gary Singh’s one liners during the annual State of the City presentation Thursday’s at Great Wolf Lodge.

Teicheira was honored by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce as one of three recipients of awards recognizing improvements to the downtown various businesses have made.

Teicheira opened the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club last year. It is the only dedicated comedy club between Fresno and Sacramento.

An example of Singh’s one-liners:

*”Councilman Dave Breitenbucher is not here today. He’s our designated survivor.”

A reference to how the President appoints one of his cabinet members as a designated survivor in event of a catastrophe during the State of the Union when the rest of his cabinet is with him at the US Capitol during his address.

He was also sentimental at times.

*”I’m proud to be raising my family in the Family City.”

A comment he made after noting the indebtedness everyone has to those who shaped their lives. Singh’s parents, who just marked their 50th wedding anniversary, immigrated to the United States when he was 4 years old.

And he had plenty of puns.

*”It’s not just about growing vegetables, but it is getting back to our roots as a city.”

The reference was to the new community garden taking shape next to the Center Street tennis court as well as Manteca’s start as a farming community.

Singh couldn’t resist adding that the community garden was a “seed” for more things to come in downtown.

There were wisecracks as well including his closing remarks.

*”Thanks for attending and remember not to run any red lights when you leave.”

It was a reference to red light cameras the city is putting in place at five intersections in Manteca.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com 

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