2025 State of the City Address – June 11, 2025

The Stockton City Council held a special meeting on June 11, 2025, for the annual State of the City presentation. The event, hosted at the Adventist Health Arena with the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, included ceremonial proceedings, a speech by Mayor Christina Fugazi, and recognition of 10 city employees. No public comments were received, and no formal action was taken.

Welcome & Opening Ceremonies

• Tim Quinn, CEO of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, opened the event and thanked sponsors.
• Chamber President Jamie Beausois highlighted chamber programs, including the Green Team San Joaquin, Business Education Alliance, Leadership Stockton, and the new retail theft prevention program (START app).
• Destiny Rivas of the Stockton Unified Native American Indian Center delivered a Land Acknowledgement, noting the city sits on ancestral unceded territory of the North Valley Miwok and Central Valley Yokuts. She stated Stockton has over 500 tribal communities represented, with a Native American population exceeding 2%.
• Joseph Maes (elder, Vietnam veteran) provided a silent blessing for the council members.
• Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sacred Dawn Kaiser.
• The national anthem was performed by Lakeisha Shaw.
• Bishop Bridges gave an invocation, praying for wisdom, for the mayor, and for the city’s vulnerable populations.

Mayor's State of the City Address

• Mayor Christina Fugazi reported on progress in her 161 days since taking office.
• Public Safety: Highlighted recruitment/retention efforts for police and fire; new Fire Chief Brian Carr; a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with Lodi, Tracy, and Mountain House; and SPD Chief McFadden’s partnerships with regional and federal agencies (sheriff, DA, CHP, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals) focused on reducing gang violence and getting guns off the street.
• Parks & Infrastructure: Announced the opening of McKinley Park with a new pool, sports fields, and courts (“showing love to South Stockton”). Launched “Light Up Stockton” for brighter streets and walkways.
• Community Cleanup: Partnerships with Stockton 209 CARES (hires homeless individuals), Greater Valley Conservation Corps (employs youth), and Ready to Work (employs those exiting incarceration).
• Financial Stewardship: Under interim city manager Steve Coangelo, begun efforts to avoid bankruptcy and stabilize finances.
• Levees: Reported critical progress on levee repairs through state and federal partnerships.
• Gratitude to Staff: Recognized city employees for their dedication, noting they have faced assault, harassment, and even death in the line of duty. Asked all city employees in the audience to stand.
• Closing message: “The state of our city is strong, focused, and rising. We are on Team Stockton.”

Employee Recognitions

• Rosa Alvarez (Deputy Director of Public Works) – Recognized by Councilmember Villapudua for 26 years of service and leadership on the Minor Avenue project in District 5.
• Jeff Vanover (Plant Maintenance Mechanic, MUD) – Recognized by Councilmember Villapudua for almost 29 years, starting as a tree surgeon in 1996.
• Karen Mora (Assistant Director of Human Resources) – Recognized by Councilmember Padilla as the “backbone of HR” for her integrity and reliability.
• Lori Green (Circulation Assistant, Stockton San Joaquin County Public Library) – Recognized by Councilmember Padilla for over 35 years of service and dedication to customer service.
• Officer Robert Johnson III (Stockton Police Department) – Recognized by Councilmember Blower for over 28 years, including assignments in canine, gang suppression, and his current role addressing blight and the unhoused population.
• Freddie Lee Nixon (Senior Permit Technician, Community Development) – Recognized by Councilmember Blower for efficient permit processing and training new staff.
• Captain Kevin Taylor (Stockton Fire Department) – Recognized by Vice Mayor Lee for nearly 19 years of service, urban search and rescue and hazmat work, and preserving fire department history.
• Kevin Blankenship (Parking Enforcement Supervisor, Economic Development) – Recognized by Vice Mayor Lee for his customer-focused approach and teamwork with SPD and LAZ Parking.
• Brandon Sepulveda (Finance Department) – Recognized by Councilmember Enriquez for stepping up during staff shortages to maintain financial stability and budget management.
• Florence Low (City Manager’s Office, Council Liaison) – Recognized by Mayor Fugazi for over 20 years coordinating council communications, managing Ask Stockton reports, and supporting all council members.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None. The city clerk reported no public comment cards were submitted.

Key Outcomes

• No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational and ceremonial.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:01 AM.