Good morning, Stockton.
There was another volatile turn of events at Stockton City Hall this week, and this time it involved the vice mayor.
Jason Lee tried to resign his position as vice mayor during Tuesday’s meeting, but the City Council had other plans. After Lee left the chambers, councilmembers rejected a motion to accept his resignation and instead voted 4-2 to remove him from the appointed seat. Andrea Baltodano has the details on how the meeting unfolded.
With Election Day getting closer, we’re continuing our coverage of the races that will shape Stockton’s future.
We’re taking a closer look at the City Council races, including the District 1 contest between incumbent Michele Padilla and challenger Tamica Small. We also outline the District 3 campaign between Councilmember Michael Blower and Jessica Toccoli. And on Friday, be on the lookout for a preview of the District 5 ballot, which pits Councilmember Brando Villapudua against Desiree Lynch, even though Lynch has formally withdrawn from the race.
We’re also sharing some news from our own newsroom. NEWSWELL, the nonprofit organization supporting Stocktonia, is launching a statewide investigative team that will bring more in-depth reporting to communities like ours.
Before you go, be sure to check out our Volunteering This Week section. You might find an opportunity to lend a hand right here in Stockton.
Thanks for starting your Thursday with us. There’s plenty more to catch up on below.
Daniel Garza
Stocktonia content coordinator
Today’s top story
Jason Lee attempted to resign as Stockton vice mayor, but council voted to remove him anyway
By Andrea Baltodano • Stocktonia
After Lee left the council chambers, the City Council rejected a motion to accept his resignation and instead voted 4-2 to remove him as vice mayor.
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New statewide investigative team brings more reporting to Stocktonia
NEWSWELL, the nonprofit collective that supports Stocktonia and other newsrooms across California, is launching a statewide investigative journalism team to publish more high-impact stories that affect our communities.
City Council District 1: High-profile backers support challenger aiming to unseat incumbent
Incumbent Michele Padilla is facing Tamica Small in the race for the north Stockton district seat, and both say public safety is a top priority.
Delta College student is a suspect in LGBTIA+ hate crimes on campus
The case is being referred to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office for possible prosecution.
‘Shame on you’: Manteca residents fume over city contract with business co-owned by registered sex offender
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New California law cuts red tape to stop golden mussel invasion. Next, action shifts to Congress
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Golden Mussel Response Act, authored by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, into law.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 Volunteering this week
Volunteer listings were compiled with AI assistance and verified by our editors.
- Emergency Food Bank warehouse volunteers | Help sort, pack and distribute food. Adults must commit to at least four hours; sign up before choosing a shift. | Weekdays, Oct. 15-16 and 19-22; shift times arranged with the Food Bank. | 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton. | More info and volunteer form
- Emergency Food Bank student volunteers | Students ages 14-17 can earn community service hours. A signed parent or guardian waiver is required. | Weekdays, Oct. 15-16 and 19-22; flexible shifts between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. | 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton. | More info and volunteer form
- 3rd Saturday Garden Work Party | Help weed and trim the trail and prepare the Pollinator Garden for fall planting. Bring gloves and small hand tools if you have them. First-time volunteers should email OakGroveNatureCenter@gmail.com for instructions; volunteers under 18 must attend with a parent. | Oct. 17, 9-11 a.m. | Nature Center at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton. | More info | Add to Google Calendar
Are we missing an opportunity or listing? Reply to this email and let us know.