The Stockton City Council affirmed ahead of Tuesday’s meeting it will work to implement recommendations set by the San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury report by March of next year.

The city released its response to the Grand Jury’s report in the council’s agenda, outlining its stance on a number of recommendations for public comment.

In June, the Grand Jury released a reported titled “City of Stockton: Crisis in Government,” which investigated possible Brown Act violations by the Stockton City Council. The California Brown Act regulates access to government meetings.

The Grand Jury concluded that the city of Stockton was “under threat from both external and internal forces” undermining democratic processes, eroding public trust in the city and highlighting issues of transparency and a hostile work environment.

The investigation began after Councilmember Brando Villapudua filed a police report and requested a restraining order against Motecuzoma Sanchez, owner of the social media platform 209 Times. 

According to the report, confidential information from a City Council closed session was used for personal attacks against councilmembers on numerous occasions by the 209 Times. People interviewed by the Grand Jury apparently felt “that if they if did not agree with and/or support the positions pushed by this (social media platform), then they would be vilified and unfairly attacked in posts on that outlet.”

The City Council says it intends to work with the legislative committees and the council’s audit to prepare and review policies based on the recommendations of the Grand Jury report for approval no later than March 31, 2025.

Some of the recommendations have already been implemented, such as allowing the public to access redacted Statement of Economic Interest Forms online, as well as clarifying usage of the city’s Letterhead.

Members of the public interested in voicing opinions on the matter can do so at Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the City Council meeting inside Council Chambers on the second floor of Stockton City Hall at 425 N. El Dorado Street.