Local Politics · San Joaquin County
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors postponed a decision on a proposed $2 million donation to the University of the Pacific’s planned medical school after Supervisor Robert Rickman raised concerns about fiscal responsibility. The proposal, initially requested at $3 million by Supervisor Paul Canepa, was reduced during Tuesday's meeting and is scheduled for reconsideration on November 10. Supporters argue the investment addresses a critical shortage of physicians in the region, while opponents cite tight county budgets and the private nature of the university. The University of the Pacific projects the medical school will open in 2030 with total costs estimated at $150 million.
Public Safety · San Joaquin County
The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office received a $53,200 state grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation's Division of Boating and Waterways to remove abandoned boats and other hazards from Delta waterways. The Board of Supervisors was asked to retroactively approve the two-year grant, which runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2028. The state funding is paired with a $5,320 county match drawn from existing Sheriff's Office patrol funds. Since 2000, the Sheriff's Office has received nearly $1.85 million in state grants for removing abandoned vessels and water hazards from the Delta.
Local Politics · San Joaquin County
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors is seeking volunteers for seven boards and commissions, including municipal advisory councils for Lockeford, Morada, Thornton, and Woodbridge, as well as the Advisory Water Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee, and Workforce Development Board. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 13. Appointees will be required to attend training, with dates provided upon appointment. Applications are available at the Clerk of the Board office in Stockton, online at sjgov.org, by email, or by phone.
Community brief · Lodi, CA
The Lodi Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia will hold its fall general meeting on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lodi. The event includes the annual Schmeckfest (Tasting Festival) and the installation of officers. While the public is welcome to attend, attendees must RSVP by Thursday, Oct. 22.
Community brief · Lodi, CA
The Ham Lane Church of Christ will host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 600 S. Ham Lane in Lodi. The free community event will feature music, popcorn, cotton candy, pumpkin decorating, crafts, a play zone, game booths, hay rides, and a photo booth. Admission is free and the community is invited.
Community brief · Lodi, CA
Your Kidney, My Kidney, Our Kidney will host its third annual Celebration Dinner on Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. at the Lodi Legion Hall, 320 N. Washington St., in Lodi. The evening includes dinner provided by Papapavlos, patient stories, live music, dancing, a silent auction and raffle prizes. Tickets and information are available through TicketSignup.
Nearby · Local Business · San Joaquin County
California removed 47,229 acres of wine-grape vineyards between Aug. 1, 2025, and Aug. 1, 2026—an 8% decline leaving 439,115 total acres—according to a mapping report from the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Land IQ. Last year's data showed San Joaquin County, home to Lodi, and Fresno experienced the highest acreage losses by far statewide. The wine and grape industries have faced bankruptcies, layoffs, and downsizing amid oversaturated markets, reduced consumer demand, and the loss of most wine exports to Canada. USDA data shows wineries crushed 2.62 million tons of grapes in California in 2025, down over 8% from 2024, with average grape prices also declining.
Nearby · Local Politics · San Joaquin County
California Assemblymember Heath Flora, a Ripon Republican representing District 9 across San Joaquin County communities including Galt, Lodi, Manteca, and Lathrop, faces Democratic challenger Matthew Adams in the general election. Multiple outlets have reported allegations against Flora involving extramarital affairs, unpaid child support, and $16,000 in campaign-fund charges at a Sacramento tavern listed as "district meetings," though Flora has not publicly commented on these claims. Flora was removed as Assembly Republican leader in July after joining Democrats to back a measure allowing local governments to raise sales taxes. Adams, a former middle school teacher from Woodbridge near Lodi, had raised $24,715 compared to Flora's $611,385 as of Sept. 19, and is focusing on face-to-face voter outreach in the largely agricultural district.
