Good morning, Stockton.
One of the local government’s longest-running debates is finally over.
After more than a year of public meetings, revisions and discussion, the City Council approved a facial-covering ordinance that regulates when masks can be worn in public and certain private spaces. Supporters say the measure will improve public safety, while critics raised concerns about how it could be enforced and whom it might affect.
The vote marked the end of another chapter too. Tuesday’s meeting was the last inside Stockton’s historic City Hall, ending more than a century of council meetings in the 1923 building before government offices move into their new headquarters.
Away from City Hall, health officials confirmed a rabid bat found near Lodi Lake is the county’s third rabies case this year. Also in Lodi, a man was sentenced to seven years to life in prison after setting fire to the bedding of an elderly woman who was sleeping outdoors.
Be sure to check out the rest of today’s stories below.
We appreciate you making Stocktonia part of your morning.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
Stockton City Council approves facial-covering ordinance after yearlong debate
By Andrea Baltodano • Stocktonia
The City Council approved a new ordinance that regulates the use of facial coverings in public and certain private spaces.
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Fatal stabbing reported in downtown Stockton
Stockton police are investigating after a person was stabbed Tuesday morning on San Joaquin Street and later died at a hospital.
Rabid bat in Lodi adds to San Joaquin County’s rising rabies cases this year
The bat, found near Lodi Lake, is the city’s first recorded rabies case since 2023 and the county’s third case this year.
Man sentenced to 7 years to life for setting fire near sleeping woman in Lodi
A man convicted of setting fire to the bedding of an elderly woman sleeping outdoors in downtown Lodi was sentenced Monday to seven years to life in state prison.
After over a century, council holds last meeting at historic City Hall
Tuesday’s regular City Council meeting was the last to occur at Stockton’s historic headquarters, built in 1923.
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