It was a large and appreciative crowd that gathered on Thursday afternoon, as Senator Tom Berryhill officially opened an Oakdale District Office. It is the first time a state legislative district office has been in Oakdale, said Berryhill officials, and the event was marked with a barbecue, music, presentations from Chambers of Commerce and the City of Oakdale, along with recognition from fellow legislators, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Senator Berryhill.

The event was also used as a way to gather donations for Oakdale Community Sharing, with attendees encouraged to bring in an item to benefit the local food cupboard.

The scorching temperatures of Thursday afternoon didn’t keep the crowd down too much, as they enjoyed the food and fellowship, getting a chance to meet the senator and his staff.

Tours of the new district office were offered as well, and the celebration kicked off at 4 p.m., running until 7 p.m. at the office at 102 Grove Ave., Oakdale, in Suite B. Berryhill praised the landlord for turning the property around, putting it into productive use.

The Oakdale office gives the Senator a centrally located site here, for residents of Stanislaus County to visit if they need assistance. His 8th district is expansive, covering a region that includes the counties of Amador, Calaveras, Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and parts of Fresno, Madera, Sacramento and Tulare.