San Joaquin County has been the Gateway of Opportunity.

Phillip Merlo, a local historian and Executive Director of SJC Historical Society & Museum, mentioned that at Tuesday’s SJC Board of Supervisors meeting, celebrating “175 years of growing greater.”

He noted that the county, over the many years, has provided an opportunity for those to “pursue the American dream.”

The kick-off celebration birthday event included officials from the cities (Stockton, Lathrop, Manteca, Ripon, Tracy, Escalon, Lodi, and Mountain House) of the county. SJC’s actual birthday is Feb. 18 – the county will also conduct birthday celebration at the eight cities throughout the year, at about the time of their incorporation anniversary date. 

“We need to keep the past alive,” said Chairman Paul Canepa.

He added: “For 175 years, this county has been a cornerstone of California’s story – beginning as a hub for agriculture, trade, and transportation, and growing into a thriving center of diversity, industry, and community.

“This anniversary is a testament to our shared journey, and it offers us an opportunity to honor our shared values – resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to progress.”

Another way to celebrate the 175th anniversary was the recent art competition launched by the SJC Board of Supervisors. It was similar to the one in 1962 won by Ripon student June Sands, who designed the current seal.

Sands was one of the judges for the special anniversary contest consisting of local students in grades 7-12.

The winner of the commemorative county logo design was A. Vasquez, who said in his statement on his piece: “The clock represents the evolution of SJC throughout time, including its festivals, agriculture, engineering, and advancement in the economy.

“It you look closely, the clock marks 2:09 to represent our area code. I hope this logo inspires others to recognize how far we’ve come, and the hope of where we are going, because time never stops.”

SJC was established in 1850. It was Capt. Charles Weber who had the vision “177 years ago,” said Merlo, who added that the area would later become “The Gateway County.”

The Board of Supervisors was formed in 1855, reflecting a tradition of diversity and trailblazing leadership.

The first woman to serve on the Board of Supervisor was Mary French in 1922, Richard Yoshikawa becoming the first Asian in the 1970s, followed by Jose Alba as the first Hispanic, and, more recently, former Lathrop mayor Sonny Dhaliwal as the first known Sikh.

“I’m proud to serve on this board,” said Dhaliwal, who also serves as Vice Chairman.