Ripon has long played a significant role in San Joaquin County.

Agriculture, for starters, along with events such as the Almond Blossom Festival and the heritage and culture of its people are every bit part of this year’s 175th anniversary celebration.

On Tuesday, the SJC Board of Supervisors – included were Chairman Paul Canepa and local representative Supervisor Robert Rickman – recognized the City of Ripon at the monthly Ripon City Council meeting.

“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,” said Canepa via a press release.

He added, “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.”

To mark the anniversary, the Board of Supervisors held an art competition for seventh through 12 grade students to design a commemorative SJC logo reminiscent of what took place some 63 years earlier.

June Sands of Ripon was in high school when she designed the previous logo back in 1962.

She served as judge in the current competition.

The winner was A. Vasquez, who created a design of a clock that “represents the evolution of SJC throughout time, including its festivals, agriculture, engineering, and advancements in economy,” he noted.

The clock in the design is at 2:09, representing the area code.

Speaking of festivals, Connie Jorgensen, longtime Ripon resident, historian, and curator at the Clarence Smit Museum, shared the beginnings of the Almond Blossom Festival, which evolved from a paper company-sponsored event – this served as the precursor – to becoming the ABF in in the early 1960s

She indicated that ABF back then featured multiple queens, almond tastings, and various sporting competitions. “There have been many changes through the years,” said Jorgensen.

SJC was established in 1850 with the Board of Supervisors being introduced in 1855.

Ripon Mayor Daniel de Graaf, in turn, presented a City of Ripon proclamation to the SJC Board of Supervisors, honoring the 175th anniversary of the county.

“SJC today stands as a vibrant, diverse, and essential part of California’s Central Valley, honoring its past while looking towards the promise of the future,” he said, addressing Canepa and Rickman during the presentation.