Good morning, Stockton.
New numbers released this week are offering a different picture of homelessness across San Joaquin County than what officials reported just a few years ago.
San Joaquin County’s latest point-in-time count found 1,838 people living unsheltered, a nearly 50% drop from two years ago. Shaylee Navarro reports local officials say expanded outreach, housing programs and coordinated services have helped drive the decline, though challenges remain for people still living on the streets.
Elsewhere, San Joaquin County has declared a second disaster tied to severe cherry crop damage after storms and heat impacted much of this year’s harvest. Thousands of students also crossed the stage during Delta College’s commencement ceremony this week at Adventist Health Arena. And some Stockton residents are asking questions after a recent change in drinking water sources left tap water with an unusual smell.
If you’re planning the weekend, our latest Things to Do guide includes the return of the Moving Wall Vietnam memorial, local performances, baseball and community events across the region.
Thanks for starting your morning with us. We’re grateful to keep telling Stockton’s stories.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
The number of people living on the streets of San Joaquin County has dropped by almost 50%, officials report
By Shaylee Navarro • Stocktonia
San Joaquin County’s latest point-in-time count tallied 1,838 people living outside — a 47% decrease from where numbers stood two years ago.
Stories you may have missed
Cherry crop damage worse than feared: San Joaquin County declares 2nd disaster
A disaster declaration letter was sent to the California Office of Emergency Services after a survey found damage to 63.5% of the county’s cherry crop.
Photos: Delta College graduates class of more than 3,500
A total of 3,532 graduates participated in Delta College’s 91st annual Commencement on May 14, 2026, at Adventist Health Arena.
Things to Do | May 15–17, 2026
From a traveling Vietnam Wall and minor league baseball to dance performances, racing and the circus, here’s what’s happening May 15–17.
Mobile Vietnam War Memorial returns to Stockton
The Moving Wall, a traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, returns to Stockton this week.
Stockton’s suddenly smelly tap water has residents holding their noses
California Water Service issued a statement saying a wholesale water supplier made a “seasonal shift” in the source of Stockton’s drinking water.
Top California news
Suspending federal gas tax won’t save drivers as much as they hope. Here’s what goes into the price of a gallon of gas
With gasoline prices still high, Trump wants to suspend the federal gas tax, but it might not reduce prices as much as he hopes.
Governor YIMBY: In California’s unsettled race, most candidates see eye-to-eye on housing
On zoning, permitting, fees and NIMBY obstruction, top gubernatorial candidates say the state needs to make it easier to build more homes.
California colleges went big on online learning tools. Then the worst happened
A hack has raised serious questions about how schools should be vetting and balancing their use of online platforms.