During the observance of Agriculture Week at the State Capitol in Sacramento, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson), who serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, was also celebrating the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 159 and the recognition of California Rodeo Appreciation Month.

“I am proud to stand today as Vice Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee to celebrate the passage of SCR 159, which officially designates the month of April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil, whose Fourth Senate District includes Oakdale and Riverbank. “Rodeo is more than a sport, it is a proud and living part of California’s agricultural heritage, rural culture, and western identity. From the Cowboy Capital of the World in Oakdale to historic rodeos across Senate District 4 and the entire state, these events bring our communities together, honor our ranching traditions, and drive our local economies.”

Among those on hand for the presentation of the resolution in Sacramento were Ed Viohl, President, Oakdale Saddle Club; Norm Mendenhall, Oakdale Saddle Club Arena Director and Past President; Jillian Murphy, 2025 California Female Breakaway Rookie; Sujhey Jaslyn Rosas, 2026 Miss Rodeo California; and Delaney Grace, the newly crowned 2026 Miss Rodeo Oakdale.

“I want to thank my colleagues for joining me in recognizing the hardworking volunteers, athletes, rodeo royalty, stock contractors, and families who keep this great tradition alive. During AG Week at the Capitol, there is no better time to honor the rodeo community and all they contribute to California’s number one industry, agriculture,” noted Alvarado-Gil. “From the historic California Rodeo Salinas to the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo and dozens more across our state, rodeos showcase the skill, courage, and character that define rural California. This resolution ensures we celebrate them every April for years to come.”