Stockton City Council Meeting of July 21, 2026

The Stockton City Council met on July 21, 2026, in regular session from 1:00 PM to 6:20 PM, including a closed session. The meeting opened with roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council recognized California Girls State citizens and proclaimed July 2026 as Disability Rights Month. Public comments addressed police accountability, public safety, neighborhood issues, and city leadership. Key actions included waiving privileges on an email and an investigation report, awarding contracts for intersection safety and traffic management, approving a street vacation, and hearing an informational presentation on the Surplus Land Act.

Consent Calendar

• Accepted quarterly investment report and approved amendments to the city's investment policy.
• Approved motions for professional service agreements: Community Interest Assessment and Strategic Investment Plan, Banner Island Ballpark renovations, NEOGOV recruitment software, and memoranda of understanding with Mid-Management/Supervisory Level Unit and Stockton City Employees’ Association.
• Items 6.3, 6.4, 6.11, and 6.13 were pulled for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zoyla Moreno (Weston Ranch) thanked councilmembers for support of National Night Out and Zumba programs; requested an end to exploitation of volunteers.
• Antonia Fields thanked Mayor Fugazi for leadership and praised city leaders.
• Rich Sepulveda apologized for prior emotion; reported continued vandalism at his property and GymStars, requesting follow-up from the city.
• Jaime R. called for justice for Rocco Robinson, killed by Stockton police officers Kyle Rivera and Ruben Rion; demanded officers be removed and prosecuted.
• Elena Mangahas described the history of the Filipino Barrio Fiesta and the displacement caused by the Crosstown Freeway; requested city support.
• Yolanda Amen expressed hope after attending the mayor's town halls and People's Forum; called on city leaders and agencies to collaborate and take action on crime, misinformation, and public safety.
• Barbara King accused the council of broken promises on outside consultants and public safety; criticized the lack of a police substation in Weston Ranch and disrespectful behavior from Donald Tofoya toward Vice Mayor Lee.
• Yolanda Huang (attorney for Rocco Robinson's family) described the shooting of Rocco Robinson as a predatory act by officers; called for removing Kyle Rivera (a previous shooter) from the force.
• Romeo and Kalani (Rocco's brother and niece) demanded justice and arrest of the officers.
• Victoria Hernandez complained about an AZ Smoke Shop near Edison High School, citing drug dealing, litter, and public safety hazards.
• Kyle H. (Rocco's nephew) called for justice and an end to racial profiling.
• Thomas Alfieri commended Hannah Workman's reporting and raised concerns about Flock cameras and inconsistent enforcement of sidewalk parking laws.
• Cynthia Gail Boyd criticized council for inaction on illegal parking and vendors; demanded a police substation in District 5.
• Anne Rivera (violent crime survivor) opposed renaming Cesar Chavez Library to Dolores Huerta, citing respect for both figures.
• Julie Dunning accused Mayor Fugazi of demeaning public speakers and stated she would present public documents on campaign contributions and votes.
• Diana Buettner cited frustration with lack of FM system for hearing disabilities; called for greater accessibility and people-centered governance.
• Mark B. raised concerns about noise pollution from fireworks at Stockton Ports games; asked the council to limit shows to quieter fireworks.
• Pat Barrett chastised the mayor for decorum policy and attacking constituents; called for accountability.
• Yolanda Preciado urged the council to use community educators to counter social media misinformation; implored the council to preserve large land parcels for youth amenities.
• Samantha (Rocco Robinson's mother) pleaded for the police report and unedited body camera footage; described watching her son be killed.
• David Sengthay (Stockton Democrats Together) spoke on items 6.3 and 6.4; requested full release of the email and investigation report, and reforms including an ethics commission and contribution limits.

Discussion Items

• Item 6.3 – Waiving Privilege on Email (July 30, 2025): Vice Mayor Lee motioned to release an email from the City Attorney's Office to the council. Mayor Fugazi opposed, fearing a "Pandora's box." Councilmember Padilla said the email was not productive. The motion passed 4-3 (yes: Blower, Ponce, Enriquez, Lee; no: Fugazi, Villapudua, Padilla).
• Item 6.4 – Waiving Privilege on OPTIC/Budget Investigation Report: Mayor Fugazi and Vice Mayor Lee supported releasing the report. Vice Mayor Lee highlighted findings of "perceptions of concealment" and non-competitive hiring practices. Councilmember Padilla noted no policy violations were found. Motion passed 7-0.
• Item 6.11 – Systemic Intersection Safety Improvements: Vice Mayor Lee questioned why districts 5 and 1 were not included. Staff explained the locations were identified in a safety analysis from five years ago. Councilmember Padilla clarified the process for traffic calming applications. Motion passed 7-0.
• Item 6.13 – Neighborhood Traffic Management Program: Councilmember Blower expressed urgency for neighborhoods that had waited over a year. Staff assured that construction would begin in fall 2026. Motion passed 7-0.
• Item 9.1 – Public Hearing on Vacation of East Fifth Street: The Gurdwara Sahib of Stockton requested the vacation to expand their temple and improve circulation. Staff confirmed utility easements and proper public notice. Councilmember Villapudua and Vice Mayor Lee voiced support. Motion passed 7-0.
• Item 10.1 – Surplus Land Act Overview: Jordan Peterson from Economic Development gave an informational presentation on the law’s requirements, exemptions, and best practices. Mayor Fugazi asked about applicability to city assets like old City Hall. Council discussed need for a list of potential surplus properties.
• Administrative Matters: Councilmember Padilla requested agendizing a temporary shelter ordinance. Councilmember Villapudua requested a discussion on stray dogs. Vice Mayor Lee requested agendizing a process for evaluating appointees.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (items not pulled) 7-0.
• Item 6.3 – Resolution 2026-07-21-0603 passed 4-3, waiving privilege on the July 30, 2025 email.
• Item 6.4 – Resolution 2026-07-21-0604 passed 7-0, waiving privilege on the OPTIC investigation report.
• Item 6.11 – Motion 2026-07-21-0611 passed 7-0, awarding professional services contract to W-Trans for intersection safety improvements.
• Item 6.13 – Resolution 2026-07-21-0613 passed 7-0, appropriating $500,000 and awarding a construction contract to Robert Burns Construction for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
• Item 9.1 – Resolution 2026-07-21-0901 passed 7-0, authorizing vacation of a portion of East Fifth Street with a public utility easement.
• Closed Session (4:22 PM – 6:15 PM) covered labor negotiations, performance evaluation, and litigation; no reportable action taken.
• Agenda items set for future meetings: temporary shelter ordinance, stray dog ordinance, and appointee evaluation process.
• Council announcements included upcoming National Night Out (August 4), community events, and infrastructure updates (Banner Island Ballpark renovations, traffic calming installations).