Elected officials at every level, city, county, state, and federal, make decisions that affect arts funding, arts education, cultural space, and public support for creative work in San Joaquin County. Reaching out is one of the most effective things an artist, arts organization, or community member can do. This page has talking points, templates, and current contact information to help you get started.

Arts Advocacy Talking Points

Adapt these points to your own experience. Officials respond best to specific, local, personal stories backed by a clear ask.

  • Arts and culture are economic drivers: they support creative businesses, jobs, and paid work for artists throughout San Joaquin County.
  • Arts education builds career pathways for youth and is now a funded state priority through Proposition 28, but schools need community support to implement it well.
  • Cultural organizations and traditions preserve community identity and history, especially in a county as diverse as San Joaquin.
  • Creative participation supports community health, belonging, and connection.
  • Arts access is uneven across the county. Rural and underserved communities outside central Stockton often have the least access to programs, space, and funding.
  • Stockton Art League is San Joaquin County’s developing State-Local Partner with the California Arts Council, working to build the countywide infrastructure this region needs.

For more background and data, see arts.ca.gov and Create CA’s resource library.

Sample Email to an Elected Official

Keep emails brief, specific, and personal. One clear ask is more effective than a long list.

Subject: Support for Arts and Culture in San Joaquin County

Dear [Official’s Name],

My name is [Name], and I am a [artist / educator / resident / business owner] in [city/neighborhood]. I’m writing to ask you to support [specific ask, e.g., continued funding for arts education, a public art policy, support for Stockton Art League’s State-Local Partner application].

Arts and culture matter to our community because [one or two sentences about your own experience or a specific local example]. San Joaquin County still has real gaps in access to arts programs, funding, and creative space, particularly outside central Stockton.

Thank you for considering this request. I would welcome the chance to talk with you or your staff further.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Address or neighborhood]
[Phone or email]

Public Comment Template

Use this structure for public comment at a city council or Board of Supervisors meeting. Most public bodies limit comments to two or three minutes, so practice reading it aloud and trim as needed.

Good evening. My name is [Name] and I live in [district or neighborhood]. I’m speaking today [as an artist / on behalf of Stockton Art League / as a resident] about [agenda item or topic].

[One or two sentences: why this matters to you or your community, with a specific example if possible.]

I’m asking the [Council/Board] to [specific action]. Thank you for your time and for considering the arts and culture community in this decision.

Tips for Meeting with a Public Official

  • Request a meeting in writing, and be specific about the topic and how much time you need.
  • Research the official beforehand: their district, committee assignments, and any past statements on arts or culture.
  • Bring one or two other artists or community members if possible. A small group carries more weight than a single voice.
  • Lead with a clear, specific ask, then explain why it matters using local examples.
  • Bring a one-page leave-behind (a fact sheet or flyer) they can reference after the meeting.
  • Follow up with a thank-you note and any information you promised to send.

Who Represents San Joaquin County

Contact information below is current as of 2026. Districts and appointments can change; if something looks out of date, please let us know.

City of Stockton

Stockton City Council meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 425 N. El Dorado St., 2nd Floor. View the full council directory.

Not sure which district you’re in? Use the city’s address lookup tool, or call (209) 937-8212.

San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors

The Board meets Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. General office: 44 N. San Joaquin Street, 6th Floor, Suite 627, Stockton, CA 95202 – (209) 468-2350 – [email protected].

  • District 1 – Supervisor Mario Gardea
  • District 2 – Supervisor Paul Canepa
  • District 3 – Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal (Board Chair)
  • District 4 – Supervisor Steven J. Ding (Vice-Chair)
  • District 5 – Supervisor Robert Rickman

Look up your supervisorial district or view the full Board directory.

California State Legislature

  • State Senate, District 5 – Senator Jerry McNerney
    Stockton office: 7488 Shoreline Drive, Suite B4, Stockton, CA 95219 – (209) 472-9535
    sd05.senate.ca.gov/contact
  • State Assembly, District 13 – Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom
    Stockton office: 4643 Quail Lakes Drive, Suite 200, Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 948-7479
    [email protected]

San Joaquin County spans more than one Assembly district. If you’re not in District 13, use the Find Your Representative tool to confirm yours.

U.S. Congress

More Advocacy Tools

These statewide organizations offer additional toolkits, fact sheets, and campaigns you can plug into:

Back to Arts Advocacy & Resources