Local Business · Lodi, CA
The Lodi Planning Commission is scheduled to consider a use permit Wednesday for The Wet Cactus, a proposed cocktail bar at 21 N. School St. in Downtown Lodi. The Lodi Police Department raised concerns about the concentration of alcohol-serving businesses and documented more than 1,900 calls for service within two blocks of the proposed site between Sept. 1, 2025, and Aug. 31, 2026, though none occurred at the address itself. City planning staff recommended approval with conditions covering operating hours, surveillance, lighting, responsible alcohol service, noise, and patron behavior. The bar would accommodate about 80 patrons, operate without food service, and offer beer, wine, and distilled spirits for on-site consumption plus beer and wine to go.
Public Safety · Lodi, CA
A bicyclist was injured at 10:54 a.m. Saturday in a collision with a Lodi Police Department community service officer at Kettleman Lane and Stockton Street. The adult male bicyclist was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Preliminary witness statements indicate the bicyclist may have entered the intersection against a red traffic signal, though no determination of fault has been made. The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation to ensure an independent review.
Local Politics · San Joaquin County
During a Tuesday meeting, San Joaquin County supervisors debated the funding for a proposed University of the Pacific medical school. One county supervisor expressed opposition to the funding proposal.
Housing & Development · Lodi, CA
A 15,000-square-foot vacant parcel at 620 S. Central Ave. in Lodi, the site of a proposed two-story apartment complex, is listed for sale at $775,000 by Bokides-Hesseltine Real Estate. The project was initially proposed in 2021 as a 24-unit affordable housing development but was reduced to 12 units after neighbors raised concerns about potential crime, drug activity, prostitution and parking. Stockton-based Haggerty Eight Enterprises LLC later purchased the project and sought to remove its affordable housing designation; in December, Lodi's Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee voted 4-0 to approve revisions making it market-rate housing. The listing includes architectural drawings and building plans nearing final city approval, though the buyer would be responsible for verifying permits and development requirements with the city.
Community News · Lodi, CA
Steve Mann’s column highlights several Lodi community updates, including Visit Lodi encouraging nominations for local restaurants for James Beard Awards. Construction has begun on the new Gantner Elementary School, the first elementary school built in Lodi city limits since 2005, with classes expected to start in the 2028-29 school year. The column also notes upcoming events at First Baptist Church and the Lodi Public Library, as well as proposed changes to the city’s annexation development code.
