Good morning, Stockton.
A Stockton City Council race took an unexpected turn Wednesday after candidate Desiree Lynch was arrested on multiple election-related charges.
Lynch was booked on suspicion of five felony counts, including perjury, voter registration violations and filing a false declaration of candidacy; she was later released from custody. Our team has the latest on the arrest and what it could mean moving forward.
You’ll also find a new Stockton Unified survey asking whether Cesar Chavez High School should be renamed, along with a warning from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office about a scam using the agency’s name. We’re also following Vice Mayor Jason Lee’s request for a state investigation into allegations involving the city clerk.
Before you finish today’s newsletter, check out our Volunteering This Week section. There are opportunities to help at parks, food pantries, schools and other community organizations across Stockton and San Joaquin County. If you know of a volunteer opportunity we should include, reply to this email and let us know.
Have a great Thursday. Thanks for reading. We’ll see you back here Saturday.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
Stockton City Council candidate Desiree Lynch arrested on suspicion of election fraud
By Cassie Dickman • Stocktonia, Scott Linesburgh • Stocktonia, and Andrea Baltodano • Stocktonia
The District 5 City Council candidate was arrested on five felony counts, including perjury, voter registration violation and the false filing of a declaration of candidacy.
Stories you may have missed
Should Cesar Chavez High School be renamed? The district wants your input
The Stockton Unified School District is asking residents whether the north Stockton school should no longer bear the name of the late labor leader.
San Joaquin County sheriff warns public of a scam — one involving his own office
Sheriff Patrick Withrow said fraudsters have been calling and claiming a friend or relative is in jail and needs money to get out.
Vice Mayor Lee asks state to investigate alleged $250,000 resignation offer for city clerk
Lee said he was told then-City Attorney Marci Arredondo directed Interim Human Resources Director Marie Guillory-Jones to offer Roland the money.
A funding crisis is threatening the survival of one of Stockton’s only LGBTQ nonprofits. Here’s what we know
The San Joaquin Pride Center said a recent loss of state and federal grants has left it short of funding.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Volunteering this week
Volunteer listings were compiled with AI assistance and verified by our editors.
- Day of Service 2026: City of Stockton, Oak Park | Aug. 20 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 501 E. Alpine Ave. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Day of Service 2026: City of Stockton, Sandman Park | Aug. 20 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 8801 Don Ave. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Day of Service 2026: Second Harvest of the Greater Valley food pantry | Aug. 20 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 1220 Vanderbilt Circle, Manteca | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Day of Service 2026: The Edible Schoolyard Project | Aug. 20 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 466 S. Ventura Ave., Stockton | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Day of Service 2026: First Presbyterian Church | Aug. 20 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 31 E. Vine St., Stockton | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Day of Service 2026: Salvation Army | Aug. 20 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 525 W. Lockeford St., Lodi | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- USS Lucid restoration work party | Aug. 22 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | 3100 Monte Diablo Ave., Stockton | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Math tutor | Aug. 24 | Weekdays, daytime | In or near Stockton | More info
- Emergency Food Bank Stockton / San Joaquin volunteer shifts | Ongoing, flexible scheduling | 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton | More info
Are we missing an opportunity or listing? Reply to this email and let us know.