Good morning, Stockton.
Following the death of Dolly Parton earlier this week, one part of her legacy continues reaching children here in San Joaquin County.
Chris Woodyard looks at how Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helped fuel Read to Me, Stockton, a local early literacy program that has connected thousands of children with free books. The story explores how a national literacy effort became part of a program serving families throughout the community.
You’ll also find news that Stocktonia has received the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation’s Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award, along with reporting on staffing challenges at San Joaquin General Hospital, a Stockton drug case that ended with a lengthy prison sentence and the latest update on the fatal police shooting at a Lodi McDonald’s.
Before you finish today’s newsletter, check out our Volunteering This Week section for ways to get involved around the community. If we’re missing an opportunity, reply to this email and let us know.
Have a great Thursday. We’ll see you back here Saturday.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
How Dolly Parton’s love of books helped fuel the early literacy program Read to Me, Stockton
By Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the legendary performer’s children’s book charity, powers San Joaquin County’s successful children’s reading program, Read to Me, Stockton.
Stories you may have missed
Society of Professional Journalists names Stocktonia national winner of First Amendment award
The Society of Professional Journalists Foundation named Stocktonia the winner of the Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award on Tuesday, honoring the nonprofit newsroom’s “fearless reporting” in service to its community. The annual award is given by the board that supports SPJ, a century-old institution that establishes ethical ideals in journalism nationwide. It […]
Drug dealer gets hefty prison time for turning Stockton apartment into crack cocaine lab
Paul Anthony Thomas was convicted of six drug-related charges after police raided a cocaine-making operation in his apartment.
Desiree Lynch withdrew from Stockton council race. A judge confirmed her name will remain be on the ballot
Desiree Lynch’s name will remain on the November ballot for Stockton City Council District 5 despite her withdrawal from the race after a judge Wednesday denied an emergency request to remove her before ballots are printed.
San Joaquin General Hospital, short of workers, spends millions on costly alternative
The county awarded contracts totaling $9.4 million to staffing firms to cover critical healthcare positions at the hospital in French Camp.
Lodi police release name of man killed at local McDonald’s
The suspect, 29-year-old Jonhatan Anguiano, died at the scene, authorities announced late Monday night.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Volunteering this week
Volunteer listings were compiled with AI assistance and verified by our editors.
- Anderson Park beautification | Aug. 29 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Anderson Park | 6201 N. El Dorado St., Stockton | More info | Add to Google Calendar
- Fall 2026 consignment sale volunteer shifts | Multiple dates | More info
- Spartan Norcal volunteer shifts | Multiple dates | Mahon Ranch | 10171 Grant Line Road, Elk Grove | More info
- Emergency Food Bank volunteer shifts | Ongoing — flexible scheduling | Emergency Food Bank Stockton / San Joaquin | 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton | More info
- Stockton Math Tutor | Ongoing — flexible scheduling | Stockton, CA | More info
- Stockton Animal Shelter volunteer program | Ongoing — flexible scheduling | Stockton Animal Shelter | More info
- Homemaker program service to client | Ongoing — flexible scheduling | Catholic Charities Homemaker Program | 1506 H St., Modesto | More info
Are we missing an opportunity or listing? Reply to this email and let us know.