Public Safety · Lodi, CA
A multi-vehicle crash around noon Thursday at Lodi Avenue and Ham Lane in Lodi involved a school bus, a Tom Mayo Construction truck hauling dirt, a City of Lodi work truck with a trailer, and a Toyota crossover. The collision sent a traffic signal crashing into a nearby house, leaving the bus less than six feet from the residence. Two people—the school bus driver and a passenger in the city work truck—were transported to a local hospital as a precaution with minor to moderate injuries. Police said one vehicle ran a red light but the school bus did not, and no alcohol was involved; the bus was not carrying children. Cleanup crews cleared the scene and vehicles were towed by approximately 1 p.m., while the cause remains under investigation.
Public Safety · Lodi, CA
The Lodi Police Department received a $1 million federal funding boost this week for its long-planned new training facility and shooting range, with Rep. Josh Harder presenting the check at the site Tuesday morning. The 20-acre project, located northwest of the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility near Interstate 5, broke ground in August after 15 years of planning. The department's current range beneath its Elm Street offices is over 50 years old and has documented lead contamination, bullet deflection hazards, and an inadequate ventilation system from 1968. First-phase construction includes 10 shooting positions at 300 yards, target berms, protective shielding walls, parking, and perimeter fencing. Officials say the facility will serve law enforcement agencies across San Joaquin County, potentially training up to 400 new officers annually and eliminating the need for local officers to travel to Galt, Linden, or Fairfield for range access.
Local Politics · San Joaquin County
Board of Supervisors Chair Sonny Dhaliwal and County Administrator Sandy Regalo delivered the annual State of the County address Wednesday, highlighting a nearly 50% decline in unsheltered homelessness since 2024 (from 3,469 to 1,838 people) and the $342 million SJ Be Well behavioral health campus under construction in French Camp. Regalo warned that federal budget law H.R. 1 could cost the county between $50.9 million and $76.9 million annually in health care and social services funding, though she noted a balanced budget for 13 consecutive years and a $3 billion spending plan. The address also covered public safety operations, a record $3.3 billion agricultural output, infrastructure upgrades including all 27 county traffic signals, and the closure of the Foothill Sanitary Landfill saving approximately $80 million over 15 years.
Community News · Lodi, CA
The Lodi Historical Society will host a public open house from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at 114 N. Main St., offering residents a tour of the ongoing restoration of Lodi's original 1912 City Hall and firehouse. The building, vacant since the 1980s, is being restored by historical society member Scott Hamilton, who began work four years ago after discovering a collapsing roof. Once complete, the first floor will house a historical society museum and the second floor will serve as a meeting hall for the Lodi Professional Firefighters. The project's cost was reduced from an estimated $1.2 million to $400,000 through local contributions and contractor assistance.
Community News · Lodi, CA
Giovannie Gonzalez, a 36-year-old professional boxer known as King Gio with 37 pro bouts, has converted the main space of his Main Street gym in Lodi into a 40-foot-by-100-foot futsal court while relocating his boxing ring outdoors. Gonzalez opened the facility for youth membership under non-profit status to fund his boxing program, which aims to help kids who are shy or bullied learn self-defense and discipline. Membership costs $150 per month, but Gonzalez said he will reduce or eliminate fees for families who cannot afford it, with kids earning their spot through chores or donations. The futsal court has been under construction for six weeks, and Gonzalez hopes to officially open it within the week of publication, pending finishing work including painting, goal installation, and padding.
Community News · San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County leaders presented their annual State of the County report Wednesday at Great Wolf in Manteca, addressing 830,000 residents. Highlights include a $3 billion budget (13th consecutive balanced year), San Joaquin General Hospital's 1,997 births and 4,107 trauma cases in 2025, unsheltered rural homelessness down 47%, 379 miles of roads resurfaced, and agriculture growing 6.6% to $3.3 billion. The county declared a golden mussel emergency, flagged HR 1 impacts on medical funding, and confirmed the $242 million SJ Be Well behavioral health campus in French Camp is on track for completion next year. Board Chair Sonny Dhaliwal honored Manteca's Thomas Toy Community center with the Growing Greatness Award.
