Good morning, Stockton.

A Stockton City Council race is drawing new attention after a campaign message prompted criticism from members of the LGBTQ+ community and others across the city.

Scott Linesburgh reports a text message campaign ad from candidate Joey Veltri, who is running against Councilmember Michael Blower, has been called “homophobic” by critics. The reaction has added another layer to an already watched local race as conversations around campaign messaging and community response continue to grow.

Elsewhere, San Joaquin County is celebrating three local football players who signed NFL contracts following the draft, including Stockton native Jonah Coleman. Police have also released new details about the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man accused of trying to break into a home with an ax earlier this week. And local cherry growers are watching this season closely after heat and storms damaged fruit across the region.

Thank you for reading and for staying connected to Stockton.

Head and shoulders photo of Daniel Garza

Daniel Garza

Stocktonia content coordinator


Today’s top story

City Council candidate’s campaign ad causes uproar among LGBTQ+ community

By Scott Linesburgh • Stocktonia

A campaign ad sent via text message by Joey Veltri, who is running against Councilman Michael Blower, has been called “homophobic.”


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