Good morning, Stockton.
Today’s briefing centers on a case that left deep scars across our city. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against Wesley Brownlee, the Stockton resident accused of a series of killings that began in 2021 and spread fear across neighborhoods. Aaron Leathley breaks down what prosecutors are arguing and what comes next in court.
We’re also tracking how Stockton continues to respond and recalibrate. New data shows Stockton Unified’s graduation rate has climbed past the state average, even as test scores hold steady. At City Hall, Vice Mayor Jason Lee voiced support for City Manager Johnny Ford following last week’s fatal crash, and investigators say Ford was not at fault in the pedestrian’s death.
Thank you for reading and for staying engaged with the stories that shape Stockton. We’re glad you’re here with us.
Today’s top story
Prosecutors to seek death penalty in serial killings case
By Aaron Leathley • Stocktonia
Stockton resident Wesley Brownlee was arrested in mid-October of 2022 on suspicion of carrying out six homicides in Stockton and one in Oakland starting in 2021.
3 stories you may have missed
New data shows SUSD graduation rate improves, scores stay steady
New data show academic improvement rates have plateaued for Stockton Unified students, even as the district’s graduation rate now exceeds the state rate.
Stockton vice mayor backs city manager after fatal crash involving pedestrian
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee expressed his support for City Manager Johnny Ford’s return to duty following a fatal vehicle-pedestrian collision last week
City Manager Johnny Ford not at fault in fatal pedestrian crash, investigation reveals
The crash occurred Thursday evening on north El Dorado Street near Poplar Street at an intersection with no marked crosswalk.
Top California news
A California climate expert is working to restore climate risk scores deleted by Zillow
The real estate website scrubbed the data under pressure from California’s real estate brokers, who were concerned about its impact on home prices.
Commentary: California needs to choose between clean energy or oil chaos
The race for the next governor of California represents a critical battleground in the epic fight of the people vs. corporations.
California universities still ‘on edge’ over funding despite Newsom’s proposed budget increase
Despite a proposed a 7% funding increase for California’s public universities, officials remain anxious over whether it will come to fruition.
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