Community News · San Joaquin County
Federal work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, take effect this month, potentially affecting approximately 47,000 recipients. The changes, part of the federal H.R. 1 budget act passed in July 2025, require able-bodied adults aged 18 to 65 without minor children to work, attend school, or perform community service for at least 20 hours a week. State officials estimate that roughly 562,000 people statewide will lose access to food benefits over the next year due to these new rules. While the federal cuts are projected to save taxpayers $66.2 million in California's 2026-27 budget, state legislators have expressed concern about the impact on low-income families.
Community brief · San Joaquin County
Lodi-area residents Claudia Valente and Gary Cusumano were among five people inducted into the San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at a dinner hosted by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce at Heritage Dining & Provisions at the Waterloo Gun & Bocce Club. Valente spent more than 20 years managing her family's dairy east of Lodi and mentored youth through Tokay FFA and Tokay Colony 4-H. Cusumano spent 36 years…
Community brief · Lodi, CA
The Lodi Garden Club celebrated its 80th anniversary Thursday morning with a rose planting ceremony at the Micke Grove Rose Garden, drawing more than 70 members and community participants. Among those planting was 101-year-old longtime member Esther Kreth, alongside Adventist Health Lodi Memorial president Brooke McCullough, county official Nicole Goehring, and District 3 City Councilmember Cameron Bregman. Hollandutch Nursery donated 40 rose…
