Today, the citizens of San Joaquin County were impacted by Deputy Sheriff’s not showing up to work causing the Superior Court to close to the public. The Deputies who are involved in this action work in the Courts as bailiffs. The Deputies actions are tied to labor negotiations between San Joaquin County and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Strikes by law enforcement are illegal. Regardless, the intent of labor negotiations should not be the cause for services being diminished to San Joaquin County residents. We are always mindful of our responsibilities to the taxpayers; any agreement we reach with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association or other unions must be viable in the long term.

This is a reminder that typical Labor Day weekend activities on or near the waterways can bring humans and animals into contact with blue-green algae. Warm temperatures can create the right conditions for blue-green algae to rapidly build-up or bloom on the surface of reservoirs, rivers, creeks, lagoons, lakes and ponds.

San Joaquin County announced at its regular meeting on August 13 that it has secured initial state funding to set in motion plans to begin transforming Boggs Tract into a more sustainable, connected community. The awarding of the $286,000 Caltrans grant coupled with the addition of $37,000 in County funds is welcome news for residents looking forward to making the proposed Boggs Tract Sustainable Community Plan a reality.

“Current contract negotiations have not led to a unanimous agreement, and in spite of 25 bargaining sessions over the past four and a half years, the County and the DSA are now in mediation,” noted San Joaquin County Administrator, Monica Nino.

Warm temperatures are here and when conditions are right, blue-green algae can rapidly build-up or bloom on the surface of reservoirs, rivers, creeks, lagoons, lakes and ponds. Environmental Health and Public Health officials are urging swimmers, boaters, and recreational water users to avoid contact with blue-green algae (BGA), also known as cyanobacteria.