The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials and advocate for issues critical to the County.

They discussed efforts to combat invasive golden mussels in the Delta, alternatives to the Delta Conveyance Project, expand access to behavioral health services, improve transportation infrastructure, and secure federal support for local priorities.

“Our goal is to make sure San Joaquin County has a strong voice in Washington,” said Chair and Third District Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal. “We are bringing the needs of our residents directly to our federal representatives and asking them to help us address the challenges facing our community.”

First District Supervisor Mario Gardea and Second District Supervisor Paul Canepa met with Rep. Josh Harder (D–9th District) to provide an update on the County’s ongoing efforts to combat invasive golden mussels in the Delta and seek additional federal support.

“San Joaquin County is taking a leadership role in protecting the Delta from the threat of golden mussels,” said Chair Dhaliwal. “We need strong partners in Washington who understand the urgency and will help us protect our waterways, economy and communities.”

Vice Chair and Fourth District Supervisor Steve Ding along with Health Care Services Director Genevieve Valentine met with U.S. Housing and Urban Development representatives to discuss housing post in-patient treatment and homelessness.

Director Valentine and Supervisor Canepa also met with the Senate Health Finance Committee staff to highlight the SJ BeWell Campus, health parity, and HR 1 impacts.

Fifth District Supervisor Robert Rickman met with representatives from Rep. Adam Gray’s (D–13th District) office to discuss ongoing infrastructure projects, including Grant Line Road resurfacing and the Corral Hollow Bridge, as well as the continued need for transportation improvements to ease congestion and improve commutes for San Joaquin County residents.

“Every meeting was an opportunity to put San Joaquin County’s priorities front and center,” said Chair Dhaliwal. “We made it clear that our residents deserve continued federal partnership and investment in the infrastructure, transportation and services that keep our community moving forward.”