Good morning, Stockton.
A break in the case of a Sikh man who was kidnapped from a temple in Tracy earlier this year has led investigators to three men with ties to Mexico, authorities said.
Sheriff’s officials say Avtar Singh, who was strangled to death and his body dumped in Napa County, was not the intended target. Shaylee Navarro explains how authorities identified the suspects and are now seeking the public’s help in finding them.
In other news, the Stockton City Council unanimously approved a response to a civil grand jury report outlining dysfunction at City Hall after receiving a deadline extension. But that case isn’t closed; reforms will require further votes and public scrutiny through 2028.
And the University of the Pacific made massive strides in college rankings from U.S. News & World Report, moving into the top 30% of schools nationally for the first time.
If you are interested in giving back to our community, be sure to check out the volunteer opportunities at the end of this newsletter. And remember, we couldn’t do this without you! You support is greatly appreciated.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
Trio sought in killing of Tracy man kidnapped from Sikh temple
By Shaylee Navarro • Stocktonia
Avtar Singh was kidnapped from a Tracy temple in February. Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating three men accused in his killing.
Stories you may have missed
Stockton approves grand jury response after extension, faces longer path to reform
Stockton approved its grand jury response after receiving a deadline extension, committing to ethics, campaign finance and council conduct reforms stretching into 2028.
Republican legislators push back on Bay-Delta water plan
The plan concerns the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Watershed, the primary source of drinking water for 25 million people.
Stockton council to consider removing committee member after robbery arrest
Natasha Brown, who sits on the Strong Communities Advisory Committee, was arrested in connection with a north Stockton robbery.
New California law bans officers from using gloves that deliver electric shocks
The ban comes weeks after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement moved to equip its officers with the shock gloves.
University of the Pacific makes huge gain in U.S. News college rankings
The Stockton-based university catapulted 18 places in this year’s rankings, its highest move in the national survey.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Volunteering this week
Volunteer listings were compiled with AI assistance and verified by our editors.
- Central Valley Lebanese Festival volunteer team | Oct. 3 | St. Sharbel Garden | 4981 E. Eight Mile Road, Stockton | More info
- The Encounter 2026 volunteer team | Oct. 3-4 | Stockton | More info
- Highway cleanup and brunch | Oct. 3 | 8-11 a.m. | Hollywood Family Cafe | 315 S. Cherokee Lane, Lodi | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Emergency Food Bank volunteer opportunities | Ongoing, flexible scheduling | Emergency Food Bank Stockton-San Joaquin | 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton | More info
Are we missing an opportunity or listing? Reply to this email and let us know.