In action at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 9, members of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors had a special item on the agenda.

It was recognition for a couple of Escalon High School sports teams, with District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman extending the invitation.

The varsity Cougars football team and the varsity Lady Cougars basketball team were due for the recognition in front of the county board during a brief ceremony hosted at the county administration building, 44 N. San Joaquin St., Stockton.

Escalon athletic director Andrew Beam explained that the football team was being celebrated for its Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 crown, defeating Patterson in the title game in late November. The varsity girls basketball team, he added, was to be recognized for their success early this season so far, having won all three preseason tournaments they played in and opening up the campaign on a 16-game winning streak. Captains for the teams were scheduled to be on hand for the recognition, accompanied by teacher and coach Brandon Hoover.

Rickman, who represents Escalon on the county board, was also scheduled to provide some remarks as the outgoing chair of the panel. Election of officers for 2024 was due, with remarks then offered by the incoming board chair.

Other items on the agenda included issuing proclamations of “Religious Freedom Day” in San Joaquin County for Jan. 16 and a proclamation for “Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month” in the county through Jan. 31, 2024.