Local Politics · San Joaquin County
Incumbent Democratic Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is seeking reelection in California's 13th Assembly District, highlighting her legislative record including the Golden Mussel Response Act and state funding for local schools. Her Republican challenger, former San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti, emphasizes reducing regulations and taxes to address affordability and business challenges. The district covers western San Joaquin County, including Stockton, Tracy, and Mountain House. Both candidates are campaigning ahead of the 2026 election, with Ransom focusing on water infrastructure and workforce education, while Patti prioritizes cutting state fees and improving public safety.
Community News · San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County recorded 612 illegal dumping calls in fiscal year 2025-26, a 21% decrease from the prior year and a 40% drop since the county launched its coordinated response, according to a report presented to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. The county's "Three E's" plan—education, enforcement and eradication—was funded with $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars approved in 2022 after the Board established an Illegal Dumping Task Force. Enforcement efforts have included cameras at hot spots and Sheriff's Office investigations, resulting in 35 citations since 2023. Community cleanups between May 2023 and June 2026 drew more than 6,200 participants who collected nearly 2.57 million pounds of waste, 6,921 tires, and over 160,000 pounds of electronic and universal waste. Twelve additional cleanup events are planned for the remainder of the year.
Public Safety · San Joaquin County
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's 1,100 linear miles of levees protect approximately 550,000 residents across parts of five counties, with the most land mass in San Joaquin County. With a strong El Niño expected this winter bringing warmer temperatures and more precipitation than normal, most levees have not changed significantly in 160 years. The article states that modifications from Stockton south to Lathrop and Manteca are no longer adequate due to increased runoff from impermeable surfaces and shifting weather patterns. A state study estimated a 6.5 magnitude earthquake could cause massive levee failure with losses up to $40 billion, though critics note no known active Delta fault line capable of generating such a tremblor.
Local Business · Lodi, CA
California truck drivers are paying near-record diesel prices while a federal executive order signed by President Trump to allow tax-free, red-dyed diesel for on-road use has not cleared state restrictions. California law prohibits using off-road fuel on roads and highways, and the state has not waived those rules, according to industry leaders. Red-dyed diesel is approximately 55 cents per gallon cheaper in California due to its tax exemption. Governor Newsom's office criticized the executive order as not addressing the underlying diesel shortage but did not say whether California plans to waive its restrictions.
Community brief · Lodi, CA
The University of the Pacific is hosting its annual family-friendly trick-or-treating event on Wednesday, October 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. Activities will take place on the DeRosa University Center Lawn and Knoles Lawn, featuring candy, games, and costumes. Organizers expect thousands of attendees and advise visitors to plan ahead for potential parking and traffic delays.
Community brief · Lodi, CA
Young readers are invited to read to therapy dogs in a calm environment on November 4, 2026. The event takes place at 201 W. Locust Street in Lodi, California, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Nearby · Local Politics · Stockton, CA
House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Stockton on Wednesday to campaign for Republican Kevin Lincoln, who is challenging Democratic Rep. Adam Gray in California's 13th Congressional District. The race remains highly competitive, with previous elections decided by narrow margins. Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor and Marine Corps veteran, has focused his campaign on affordability, public safety, and border security. Johnson's visit highlights the national Republican Party's investment in this district ahead of the 2026 midterm election.
