Good morning, Stockton.
A dispute that played out behind the scenes at Lodi City Hall is now headed to court.
Former City Manager Scott Carney has sued Lodi, alleging city officials retaliated against him after he questioned financial practices at City Hall.
The lawsuit offers a new look at tensions that preceded his firing and could bring more scrutiny to decisions made at City Hall during his tenure.
Not far away, San Joaquin County officials are urging residents to take precautions while cleaning up ash and debris connected to the massive Tracy warehouse fire. While the smoke has largely cleared, health officials say burned materials can still leave behind potentially harmful particles.
Police are investigating two separate fatal shootings that claimed the lives of a 16-year-old and a 53-year-old within a 24-hour period over the weekend.
On a lighter note, Lodi recently earned national recognition after being named America’s Favorite Small Town for 2026.
Thanks for starting your morning with us.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
Former Lodi city manager sues city, alleging whistleblower retaliation
By Andrea Baltodano • Stocktonia
Lodi’s former city manager is suing the city, alleging officials retaliated against him and later fired him after he raised concerns about financial controls, city credit card use and other issues at City Hall.
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Lodi named America’s Favorite Small Town for 2026
Parade and Steller named Lodi the national winner of the “America’s Favorite Small Towns 2026” competition after a nationwide search.
San Joaquin County officials warn residents to take precautions when cleaning up fire debris from nearby Tracy warehouse blaze
Officials said ash from burned structures may contain chemicals, metals and fine particulate matter.
One was 16. The other, 53. Two people killed in separate Stockton shootings
The two fatal shootings occurred in a 24-hour span during the weekend, police said.