Good morning, Stockton.
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee is demanding more than $25,000 and an apology from the city.
A letter from his attorney says city officials have made defamatory statements that have harmed Lee’s reputation and political prospects and says if Lee’s demands aren’t met, he’ll sue.
Earlier this week, Lee posted his attorney’s letter on social media, where he rebuked Mayor Christina Fugazi and her call for Lee to be investigated over a comedy stage show he participated in May that was subsidized by the city. Andrea Baltadano has more in today’s top story.
In other city news, Lee and Stockton City Councilmember Mario Enriquez criticized city leadership at a town hall, and ousted City Manager Kurt Wilson was awarded $2.3 million in his lawsuit against Stockton.
Read on and have a great start to the weekend.
Today’s top story
Vice Mayor Jason Lee demands $25,000 in damages plus an apology — or he’ll sue Stockton
By Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia
The vice mayor’s attorney says his civil rights were violated and his losses likely exceed $15 million.
3 stories you may have missed
‘We deserve the best’: Stockton Councilmembers call for transparency in city leadership and budget process
Two Stockton city councilmembers issued pointed criticisms of city leadership this week, calling for higher standards in the selection of a new city manager and shedding light on troubling budget practices and staffing shortfalls.
Ousted City Manager Kurt Wilson gets $2.3 million in lawsuit against Stockton
Kurt Wilson led the city through bankruptcy to brighter financial times before he was fired in 2019.
Food, music and tradition return with Stockton’s Greek Festival
The scent of lamb, honey and fresh bread will again mark the end of summer in north Stockton as St. Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church opens its 66th annual Greek Food Festival
Top California news
New enforcement targets people living in cars, RVs on California streets
For months, cities around the state have ramped up enforcement against people sleeping in tents on the street. Now, some are focusing on a new target: People who live in vehicles.
COVID surge: Central California posts highest test positivity rates in three years
The region’s rate of spread is second only to a group of rural counties in the far north of the state.
Trump’s FEMA cuts likely to harm disaster response, Congress’ watchdog agency warns
Federal disaster response workers are under-resourced and overworked, the Government Accountability Office found.
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