At the request of Fifth District Supervisor Robert Rickman, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October 2024 as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in San Joaquin County, at their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

“This disease has afflicted so many of us either directly or indirectly, that I felt the need to ensure that our Board and the County enhance awareness and highlight services available,” said Supervisor Rickman.

The American Cancer Society - https://www.cancer.org/ - established Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Between 1989 and 2024 there was a 44 percent drop in breast cancer death rates, which is largely attributed to early detection and treatment.

The recognition was accepted by World Cancer Care United States of America Brand Ambassador Jass Sangha, a recent breast cancer survivor. She was joined by Tracy Mayor Pro Tempore Eleassia Davis, Family Justice Center Board Member Celeste McFadden and Tracy Planning Commissioner Alice English.

Also at the Oct. 22 meeting, Supervisors – at Rickman’s request – proclaimed November 2024 as “Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month” in San Joaquin County.

“I am proud to recognize our Sikh Community, which has a long and proud storyline in America’s history and enriches our communities with uplifting and unifying cultural heritage traditions,” Rickman noted, adding that Sikhs have resided in San Joaquin County for over 100 years, having built railroads, worked in the mining industry, lumber mills, and farming. The recognition was accepted by San Joaquin County Planning Commissioner Jass Sangha and Dr. Gurinder Grewal.