Good morning, Stockton.
Election season is starting to take shape across San Joaquin County, and today’s briefing begins with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates. Hannah Workman has details on Tuesday night’s free forum at San Joaquin Delta College, where local and state candidates will answer questions from voters ahead of November’s election.
Elsewhere in today’s newsletter, we’re looking at just how unusual Stockton’s near-100-degree October weather really is, following a child custody dispute that went viral on TikTok and visiting Ripon, where a longtime Coptic Egyptian festival continues to bring families together each fall.
Before you head out, take a look at this week’s Events section for live music, theater, family activities and festivals happening across the area.
Thanks for spending part of your morning with us. Have a great Tuesday.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
Candidates to field questions at San Joaquin Delta College forum on Tuesday
By Hannah Workman • Stocktonia
The forum will be held 6 to 8 p.m. in the college’s Dawn Mabalon Forum. It is free and open to the public.
Stories you may have missed
Stockton nears 100 degrees in October. Here’s how rare that actually is
The city has reached at least triple digits 15 times in 2026, compared with an average of 18 to 19 100 degree days by this point in the year.
For Coptic Egyptians in the Central Valley, a Ripon festival offers a taste of home
Since the early 2000s, the two-day festival has brought authentic Egyptian culture to Ripon, a city about 20 minutes south of Stockton
Stockton child custody incident goes viral in TikTok video
Stockton police say officers responded to a child custody dispute in which a father forcibly removed his daughter from a residence.
Mind What Matters: My dinner with Gloria
Columnist Kristen Birtwhistle remembers her meeting with feminine icon Gloria Steinem.
San Joaquin County takes tougher stance on homelessness, pushing shelters and other resources
A tough-love approach to getting help for unhoused people seems to be working. There are fewer people living on the streets.
🎟️ Events this week
Event listings were compiled with AI assistance and verified by our editors.
- Beginners line dance classes | Learn line dancing with instructor Tonya Starr. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. | Oct. 6, 6:30-8 p.m. | Tap That Ash, 126 E. Market St. | $10 at the door. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Live music every Thursday at Whirlow’s | Enjoy an evening of live music along the Miracle Mile. | Oct. 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Whirlow’s Tossed and Grilled, 1926 Pacific Ave. | No cover charge. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- SJDC Mariachi Band — A tribute to Mike Torres | Mariachi Los Mesteños and the Mike Torres Band celebrate the musician’s legacy with a community concert. | Oct. 8, 7-9 p.m. | Atherton Auditorium, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave. | Free admission; $2 weekday parking permit required. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Delta Drama presents “Machinal” by Sophie Treadwell | Delta Drama stages Stockton native Sophie Treadwell’s play about a young woman seeking freedom in an unforgiving society. | Oct. 9-10, 7-9 p.m. | Al Muller Studio Theatre, San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave. | Box office tickets: $7 general admission for ages 18 and older; $5 for students 17 and younger. Online fees apply. | More info
- 2nd Saturdays: Scarecrow collages | Children ages 5-12 can create scarecrow art, try a pumpkin science activity and enjoy a read-aloud with their families. No reservations required. | Oct. 10, 1-3 p.m. | Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave. | Included with admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors and military, $5 ages 10-17 and students with ID; free for members and children younger than 10. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- California Olive & Arts Festival | The inaugural festival features California olive oils, specialty foods, tastings, local makers, shopping and entertainment. All ages welcome. | Oct. 10 and 11, 1–7 p.m. daily. | San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way. | Ticketed admission and paid parking. | More info
- Brindis por Siempre y Los Caminantes | Catch the groups in concert at the historic downtown Bob Hope Theatre. | Oct. 10, 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 | 242 E. Main St. | Tickets on sale through the venue’s website. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
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