As I reflect on the accomplishments of the 2024 year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for all the hard work of the men and women who have continued to plan and prepare for emergencies and disasters in San Joaquin County. The new year also marks my one-year anniversary as the Director of Emergency Operations, a role I am deeply honored to hold and leading a team of dedicated subject matter experts across diverse disciplines has been both a privilege and a source of inspiration. The incredible work and commitment of every member of this office has been instrumental in shaping what the Office of Emergency Services (OES) is today.
At the start of fiscal 2023 year, the OES transitioned from being an office under the General Services Department to becoming a stand-alone entity under the direct oversight of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. This reorganization empowered our team to strengthen the capabilities needed to respond effectively to and recover from emergencies and disasters. With trust, integrity, and courage as our guiding values, we continue to build a foundation that supports the safety and resilience of our community.
While 2024 saw fewer high level emergency activations than previous years, San Joaquin County still faced challenges, including extreme weather events, along with activations for crop disasters, levee failures, and spills in the Delta waterways. Through it all, our Duty Officers remained vigilant, continuously monitoring weather conditions and maintaining situational awareness in collaboration and coordination with our Operational Area partners as well as our State and Federal partners.
One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the dramatic increase in public engagement with and subscribers to SJReady Alerts, the County’s official emergency alert and warning system. The total number of opt-ins grew by more than 100%, a testament to the success of our enhanced community outreach efforts. This growth reflects the trust our community has placed in us to provide accurate, timely, and lifesaving information when it matters most.
As we step into 2025, we are reminded of the unpredictable nature of emergencies and disasters and that building resilient communities is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration across the whole community—local, state, and federal partners; community organizations; and, most importantly, the people we serve. Our collective efforts, driven by trust, integrity, and having courageous conversations, will ensure we are prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will navigate the future with strength, preparedness, and coordination.
Learn more about our how our key initiatives and programs enhanced emergency preparedness and response. Download the 2024 OES Annual Report.
