Stockton City Council Meeting – November 4, 2025

On November 4, 2025, the Stockton City Council met in regular session (following a closed session from 3:00 PM to 4:55 PM) from 5:47 PM to 11:54 PM. Key actions included overturning the Planning Commission’s denial of a Jack-in-the-Box drive‑through restaurant on Thornton Road, approving a housing element code amendment, and adopting a revised Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) process. The Council also directed staff to explore a regional aquatic center and to advertise for other agencies to take over Silver Lake Family Camp. Heated Council comments included the Vice Mayor calling for a special meeting to investigate alleged charter violations and fraud involving an interim city manager’s commitment letter, and the Mayor responding with accusations of political intimidation and misconduct.

Closed Session

• The Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:03 PM and returned at 4:55 PM.
• Report of Action: The City Council voted 7‑0 to settle the claim of Central California Traction Company (Claim No. 4A25048P2WS‑0001) in the amount of $122,466.58. No other items were reported.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved 7‑0, with items 12.4, 12.7, 12.9, and 12.11 considered separately.
  • 12.4 (Amendment to Council Policy Manual 3.02 – Council & Mayoral Appointments): Motion failed 3‑4 (Yes: Blower, Enríquez, Lee; No: Fugazi, Villapudua, Padilla, Ponce).
  • 12.7 (Towing Services Agreement – 3‑year with two 1‑year options, not to exceed $100,000): Approved 7‑0. Public speakers included Mary Elizabeth and Mari Stein of Tuleburg Towing, who expressed concerns about the selection process.
  • 12.9 (New City Hall Renovations – Amendments & Change Order No. 26): Approved 7‑0 after discussion. The Vice Mayor requested a council fact sheet on the project’s timeline and costs; staff confirmed move‑in no later than June 2026.
  • 12.11 (Amendment to Council Policy Manual 4.06 – Council Comments): Approved 7‑0, taking effect immediately.
  • Other consent items (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.5, 12.6, 12.8, 12.10) were approved en bloc.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donald Tafoya criticized the special meeting of October 27, calling it a “waste of time” and accusing the Vice Mayor of misconduct.
• Dan Richardson raised ongoing traffic safety concerns on Pershing Avenue, citing street racing and speeds of 80 mph in a residential area.
• Pandora Crowder (Conway Homes) requested donations for the annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, noting 700 turkeys distributed last year.
• Victims of Violent Crime of San Joaquin County Support Group presented a plaque to Mayor Fugazi for her support.
• Marvin Hernandez (United Veterans Council) reminded the Council of the Veterans Day ceremony on November 11, also the 100‑year anniversary of the Civic Auditorium.
• Mary Elizabeth advocated for public art, housing, historic buildings, and the 988 suicide hotline; she also raised concerns about the $100,000 towing contract and the funding sources for City Hall renovations.
• Pat Barrett accused the mayor of mishandling a BCHIP grant and criticized the media release process.
• Ralph White objected to code enforcement citations in South Stockton, claiming over 700 citations issued and warning of a class‑action lawsuit.
• Gaby Gonzalez called for transparency and accountability regarding the BCHIP letter and the DEI investigation.
• Erica Parker (veteran) reported ongoing intimidation by a property manager at veteran housing and requested help.
• Public comments on specific consent items were heard for 12.4, 12.7, and 12.9.
• Public hearings (15.1, 15.2) and new business (16.1, 16.3, 16.4) also drew public comment.

Discussion Items

• 15.1 (Pre‑zone Request – 9324 Thornton Road, Jack‑in‑the‑Box): The Planning Commission had recommended denial based on traffic, noise, light, and odor concerns. The applicant (Anil Yadav) offered a 10‑foot wall, right‑in/right‑out only, and security. Council overturned the Commission 4‑3 (Fugazi, Blower, Villapudua, Ponce for; Padilla, Enríquez, Lee against), approving the pre‑zone, design review, and annexation.
• 15.2 (Housing Element Code Amendment – SMC 16.20): Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval to align with the 2023‑2031 Housing Element. Approved 7‑0.
• 16.1 (NOFA Process Approval – Economic Development Department): After a presentation by Director Tina McCarty, the Council voted 7‑0 to adopt the revised NOFA process, including a mandatory meeting for community support services and a 24‑hour notice for document review (instead of reading rooms).
• 16.2 (United Way of San Joaquin County – Nonprofit Capacity Building Program): Informational. The United Way reported 52 nonprofits graduated since 2023, with 60% receiving over $100,000 in new grant funding. Council expressed support and noted the program’s value.
• 16.3 (Citywide Pool Assessment): Director Chris Farrow presented repair costs ($4.6 million for compliance; $32 million for modernization) and three options (minimum repairs, modernize one/all, or build a regional aquatic complex at Oak Park). Council directed staff to return with statistics on pool use, maintenance expenditures, a project development plan for Oak Park, and to pursue MOUs with school districts and negotiate with Holiday Park for full financial takeover.
• 16.4 (Silver Lake Family Camp): The facility needs $5.8 million in critical repairs (over $6 million after winter damage). Council directed staff to advertise for other agencies (e.g., county office of education) to take over the property, noting the camp is open only 6–9 weeks per year.

Key Outcomes

• Jack‑in‑the‑Box at 9324 Thornton Road: Approved 4‑3, overturning the Planning Commission. Conditions include a 10‑foot wall, right‑in/right‑out traffic, and security.
• NOFA Process: Approved 7‑0, with new transparency measures (mandatory meetings for community support, 45‑day windows, formal scoring sheets provided to Council two weeks before action).
• Pool Assessment: Staff to return with usage statistics, maintenance costs, a high‑level plan for an Oak Park aquatic complex, and funding options.
• Silver Lake Camp: Staff to advertise for other agencies to assume the permit and facilities.
• Special Meeting Scheduled: Vice Mayor Lee successfully moved (5‑2; Yes: Blower, Padilla, Ponce, Enríquez, Lee; No: Fugazi, Villapudua) to hold a special meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM to discuss the BCHIP commitment letter and potential charter violations.
• Council Comments & Controversy: The Vice Mayor distributed copies of an $800,000 commitment letter signed by the former interim city manager, alleging unauthorized use of public funds and an “instrument of fraud.” The Mayor responded by accusing the Vice Mayor of political intimidation, ethical violations, and racially charged insults. Both called for further investigation.