Good morning, Stockton.
A dispute at San Joaquin RTD is drawing attention beyond the agency itself.
A First Amendment organization is calling on the RTD board to reject a director’s threat to sue members of the public who have accused agency leaders of financial wrongdoing. Andrea Baltodano explains why the group says the comments raise broader concerns about public criticism of government officials.
You’ll also find new reporting from Stockton City Hall, where three council members sought a review of the city clerk after a whistleblower retaliation warning. On the sports front, more than 30 players took the ice hoping to earn a spot with the returning Stockton Thunder as the team’s first open tryouts wrapped up.
Before you finish today’s newsletter, take a look at our Volunteering This Week section. We’re continuing to highlight local organizations looking for an extra set of hands. If you know of a volunteer opportunity we should include, reply to this email and let us know.
Have a great Thursday. There’s plenty more waiting below.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
First Amendment group rebukes San Joaquin RTD director over threat to sue public critics
By Andrea Baltodano • Stocktonia
A free speech organization is calling on the San Joaquin Regional Transit District board to disavow a director’s threat to sue members of the public who continue accusing the agency’s leaders of financial wrongdoing.
Stories you may have missed
Three Stockton councilmembers sought review of city clerk after retaliation warning
Three Stockton City Council members moved to put City Clerk Katherine Roland’s employment before the council in closed session, weeks after the city attorney warned that taking adverse action against Roland could expose the city to a whistleblower retaliation claim.
Back on the home ice: Stockton Thunder open tryouts offer local players a rare opportunity
More than 30 players competed to earn an invitation to the Stockton Thunder’s training camp as the team began building its roster.
Jackie, the California bald eagle who became an internet sensation, dies after illness
For more than a decade, nature lovers watched via an online video feed as Jackie and her partner Shadow tended to their nest each year near Big Bear Lake.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Volunteering this week
Volunteer listings were compiled with AI assistance and verified by our editors.
- Warehouse/distribution line volunteer | Multiple dates: Aug. 13, Aug. 14, Aug. 17, Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 | 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Emergency Food Bank | 7 W. Scotts Ave. | More info
- Robb Garden volunteer day | Aug. 14 | 9-10 a.m. | Ted Robb and Chris Robb Community Garden | Stockton | 19 open spots | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- University of the Pacific Parent and Family “Zero-Waste” event | assist with reaching the university’s goal of being a zero-waste institution | Aug. 15 | 6-7:30 p.m. | UOP, 601 President’s Drive | Stockton | register by Aug. 14 | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- University of the Pacific/DeRosa University Center’s DUC After Dark | assist with new student orientation events | Aug. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | DeRosa University Center, 601 President’s Drive | Stockton | staff and faculty only | More info | Add to Google Calendar
Are we missing an opportunity or listing? Reply to this email and let us know.