Highlights of San Joaquin County
The San Joaquin Valley continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in California. Located at the northern peak of the Valley, San Joaquin County has more than 682,000 residents.* The county seat is Stockton. Rich in history, agriculture, arts and culture, San Joaquin County boasts seven cities (approximately 921,600 total acres) and some of the finest opportunities in the state for agriculture, recreation, and commerce.
Higher Education
Stockton is home to many higher education facilities: University of the Pacific, one of the west’s oldest private institutions; Humphrey’s School of Business and Law; San Joaquin Delta College; and California State University Stanislaus, Stockton Campus. There are also a considerable number of trade schools throughout the County.
Agriculture
San Joaquin County is one of the most agriculturally rich regions in California. The number one producer of asparagus in the U.S., they are also known for producing tomatoes, cherries, walnuts, almonds and olive oil, to name a few. In addition, the region is fast becoming known as one of California’s leading premium wine districts. More than 90 wineries have sprung up from Stockton to Lodi leading to a popular destination for tourism. The Lodi Appellation is noted for its classic Mediterranean climate and sandy soils, providing the perfect environment for the production of world-class wines.
Lodi Wine Appellation
Located just north of Stockton, and between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the Lodi Wine Country, one of California’s most exciting wine destinations. Over the past decade, 4th and 5th generation winegrowers dedicated to the soils and vines have brought creative winemaking and cutting-edge technology to the region, catapulting Lodi into the spotlight.
The Arts
The arts and culture provide a much-needed respite from everyday worries and the Haggin Museum, San Joaquin County Historic Museum, Stockton Children’s Museum, and the Lodi World of Wonders Science Museum are popular spots. The Stockton Symphony, San Joaquin County Ballet, The Stockton Master and Youth Chorale, and Stockton Civic Theater provide important experiences for children and adults.
Family Festivals, Recreation, and Entertainment
South from Ripon with its Almond Blossom Festival to north and Lodi with its Grape Festival and Harvest Faire, opportunities for family gatherings and fun recreation abound. San Joaquin County government provides nine community parks for boating, camping, and picnicking, swimming and organized sports.
Annual family events include the Asparagus Festival, attended by thousands of fun-seekers from the county and beyond. Individual cities and communities provide a host of other opportunities, from Lodi Lake Park and Nature Area to the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve. Micke Grove Park offers a zoo, rides and a historic museum to delight both children and adults.
Stockton is also home to two semi-professional sports teams. The Stockton Heat (Hockey) and The Stockton Ports (Baseball).
The San Joaquin Delta is one of the area’s best kept secrets and offers some of the best boating in the state: more than 1,000 miles of waterways stretching from the Stockton Harbor to north of Sacramento and offering access to the San Francisco Bay.
Commerce
An abundance of water, affordable housing, and a central geographic location have led numerous manufacturing and distribution companies to locate in San Joaquin County. Just 50 miles east of the Bay Area, 40 miles south of Sacramento, and 25 miles east of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the region offers convenient access to many recreational, cultural and commercial activities. The Port of Stockton, connecting truck, rail, and cargo vessels, is located on the Stockton Deepwater Channel (The Delta), due east of the Golden Gate Bridge, enhancing the accessibility of commerce distribution to world markets.
*(source: State Department of Finance 2008)