San Joaquin County Elections & Politics Digest

Los Angeles Assemblymember Rick Zbur says he wants to narrow the standards for justifiable homicide. Critics say he wants to make self-defense illegal.

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to see tangible results from the $6.4 billion mental health bond voters approved last year. Moving fast carries a risk of neglecting under-resourced communities.

California schools are grappling with the U.S. Department of Education's letter requiring them to scrap their DEI programs.

The audit by the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission followed CalMatters’ revelations that a law requiring trip organizers to annually disclose their major donors had been used only twice in seven years — even as interest groups continued paying millions for lawmakers’ travel.

Californians rejected the anti-slavery ballot measure Proposition 6, which would have forbid forced prison labor. Reparations advocates want to try again in 2026.

What are San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors advocating for changes to state election laws to require voter identification for all elections and eliminate same-day voter registration? Read on to learn more.

Sen. Kelly Seyarto is the only former career firefighter currently serving in the Legislature. But as a Republican in a Democratic supermajority, he says it can be challenging to make progress on wildfire policy.

California’s Democratic leaders set aside tens of millions of dollars to challenge President Donald Trump’s executive orders and policies.

Some schools destroyed years ago in the Sonoma and Butte fires are just now reopening. The long, expensive process of rebuilding in LA may eat up much of the money voters approved in November for school repairs statewide.

With assurances that “sunlight is pouring over the entire world,” President Donald Trump was sworn into office Monday for his second term. He wasted no time taking potshots at California.

California State Senator Jerry McNerney, representing San Joaquin County and parts of Alameda County, has been appointed to the state Delta Protection Commission. Read on to learn more about the commission.

Former member Stephen Dresser was appointed to a vacant seat on the Lathrop City Council to serve a two-year provisional term. Read on to learn more.

In their January 7 meeting, the Tracy City Council appointed Mateo Bedolla to fill the seat vacated by vacated by Dan Arriola. Read on to learn more about the process for filling vacant seats and the appointee is selected.

In a special meeting, the Lathrop City Council unanimously appointed Stephen Dresser to fill a vacant seat. Read on to learn more about the other potential appointees and the vacancy appointment process.

The new Stockton City Council held its first meeting on January 7. Read on to learn more about the work ahead for the new term.

THREATS AND HARASSMENT are pushing some politicians out of office, scaring off some would-be candidates and even compelling some elected officials to change their vote.

Those in California who’d like a latte with a side of weed have gotten their wish now that a new law goes into effect that permits licensed cannabis dispensaries to add sit-in cafes to their sites.  

After winning a costly legislative battle last year, California’s casino-owning tribes have sued their rivals in the gambling business. Cities could lose money if the tribes prevail in court.

The increase in lobbyists means there’s now at least one lobbyist for every legislative staff member.

The deadline for applications to fill the vacancy on the Lathrop City Council for a two-year provisional term is January 2, 2025. Read on to learn more.

Here are some of the most noteworthy 2025 laws that go into effect on Jan. 1.

An introduction to the four newly elected members of the Delta College Board of Trustees.

Meet the new mayor and members of the Tracy City Council, sworn in during the December 17 council meeting.

Meet the three new members of the Tracy Unified School District Board of Trustees.

Outgoing Mayor of Stockton reviews his time as Mayor of Stockton. Read on for his answers to seven questions.

In their December 16 meeting, the new Manteca Unified School District trustees were sworn in and the Board President selected. Read on to meet the new board.

California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.

San Joaquin County Supervisor Robert Rickman has been elected as chair of the Tri-Valley-San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority Board. Read on to learn more about this regional transportation agency.

An introduction to newly sworn in assembly member Rhodesia Ransom who represents Stockton in the California Assembly.

Learn how you can apply for the vacant seat on the Lathrop City Council.

Learn more about Regina Lackey and Charlie Halford who were sworn in a new members of the Manteca City Council.

Meet new City of Lathrop Mayor, Paul Akinjo, sworn into office in a special December 10 session of the Lathrop City Council.