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.<\/p>\n
Adapt these points to your own experience. Officials respond best to specific, local, personal stories backed by a clear ask.<\/p>\n
For more background and data, see arts.ca.gov<\/a> and Create CA’s resource library<\/a>.<\/p>\n Keep emails brief, specific, and personal. One clear ask is more effective than a long list.<\/p>\n Subject: Support for Arts and Culture in San Joaquin County<\/p>\n Dear [Official’s Name],<\/p>\n 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].<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Thank you for considering this request. I would welcome the chance to talk with you or your staff further.<\/p>\n Sincerely, 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.<\/p>\n 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].<\/p>\n [One or two sentences: why this matters to you or your community, with a specific example if possible.]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Contact information below is current as of 2026. Districts and appointments can change; if something looks out of date, please let us know<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not sure which district you’re in? Use the city’s address lookup tool<\/a>, or call (209) 937-8212.<\/p>\n 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 – allboardmembers@sjgov.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Look up your supervisorial district<\/a> or view the full Board directory<\/a>.<\/p>\n San Joaquin County spans more than one Assembly district. If you’re not in District 13, use the Find Your Representative tool<\/a> to confirm yours.<\/p>\n These statewide organizations offer additional toolkits, fact sheets, and campaigns you can plug into:<\/p>\nSample Email to an Elected Official<\/h2>\n
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[Name]
[Address or neighborhood]
[Phone or email]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nPublic Comment Template<\/h2>\n
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Tips for Meeting with a Public Official<\/h2>\n
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Who Represents San Joaquin County<\/h2>\n
City of Stockton<\/h3>\n
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San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors<\/h3>\n
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California State Legislature<\/h3>\n
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Stockton office: 7488 Shoreline Drive, Suite B4, Stockton, CA 95219 – (209) 472-9535
sd05.senate.ca.gov\/contact<\/a><\/li>\n
Stockton office: 4643 Quail Lakes Drive, Suite 200, Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 948-7479
assemblymember.ransom@assembly.ca.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nU.S. Congress<\/h3>\n
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Stockton office: 1776 W. March Lane, Suite 360, Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 579-5458
harder.house.gov\/contact<\/a><\/li>\nMore Advocacy Tools<\/h2>\n
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