Good morning, Stockton.
A Stockton City Council race is drawing outside attention after actor and comedian Tiffany Haddish donated nearly $6,000 to a challenger running for the District 1 seat.
Chris Woodyard reports the contribution is one of the larger individual donations tied to the race so far and adds another layer to an already closely watched election season in Stockton.
Elsewhere, San Joaquin RTD has hired a new chief operating officer to help oversee transit operations across the region. Local authorities also say a suspected fertilizer thief was caught with help from a sheriff’s drone after deputies say he attempted to steal dozens of bags from a manufacturing plant in Linden.
We’re also following a warning tied to invasive pests found on grapevines sold locally and sharing the story of a Delta College graduate who fled Nicaragua, sought asylum in the United States and is now interning with Stocktonia.
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
Hollywood star Tiffany Haddish supports Stockton City Council candidate with big donation
By Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia
The “Girls Trip” star donated nearly $6,000 to a challenger vying for the District 1 seat on the Stockton City Council.
Stories you may have missed
Costco grapevines sold locally may carry invasive pest
The pest, known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, is a type of leafhopper that can spread Pierce’s disease, a bacterial disease that can kill grapevines by blocking the plant’s ability to move water.
A sheriff’s drone nabbed a fertilizer thief. Then deputies made him return the haul
The man, whose name was not disclosed, was cited for petty theft and evading deputies.
San Joaquin RTD hires new chief operating officer
San Joaquin Regional Transit District has hired Eric Williams as its new chief operating officer, filling one of the agency’s top executive roles.
Heather Freligh went into sudden cardiac arrest at 13 during a math test. Now, she’s teaching other students how to save lives
With hopes of creating a “ripple effect,” 16-year-old Stockton student Heather Freligh is bringing CPR training and education to schools.
Delta grad fled Nicaragua, seeking asylum. Now she’s an intern with Stocktonia
Andrea Baltodano recently received an acceptance letter from Sacramento State, where she will major in political science and journalism.
Top California news
Supreme Court rejects lawsuit against California over truck driver licenses for immigrants
Florida had sued California and Washington state over the issuance of commercial driver licenses to truckers who are not authorized to be in the U.S.
California bill moves to make cheaper alternative fuel available to more drivers
The measure is the latest example of Sacramento lawmakers scrambling to respond to gas costs that have soared amid the Iran War.