Stockton City Council Meeting: October 13, 2026 - Vice Mayor Resigns Amid Contentious Debate on Committee Appointments and Grant Funding

The Stockton City Council met on October 13, 2026, at 1:04 PM, with Mayor Christina Fugazi presiding. Six members were present (Jason Lee, Mario Enríquez, Mariela Ponce, Michele Padilla, Michael Blower, Christina Fugazi); Brando Villapudua was absent initially but later arrived. The meeting featured recognitions, extensive public comment, approval of most consent items, and prolonged debate over committee assignments and the vice mayor position, culminating in Vice Mayor Lee's resignation and subsequent removal.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved 6-0 (moved by Jason Lee, seconded by Michele Padilla). Several items were pulled for separate discussion: 6.1 (police vehicles), 6.7 (72-hour parking), 6.8 (open container), 6.9 (COPS grant), 6.11 (Juneteenth flag), 6.12 (committee appointments), and 6.13 (vice mayor reconsideration).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comments – Matters Not on Agenda: Over 20 speakers addressed the council. Topics included thanks to code enforcement, support for domestic violence awareness, concerns about police vehicle contract costs and local vendor preferences, requests for safer crosswalks and parking enforcement, and criticisms of council infighting. Several speakers raised allegations of sexual assault against Councilmember Villapudua and called for his removal. Others defended Vice Mayor Lee’s community work and questioned the timing of committee and vice mayor agenda items.
• Public Comments on Specific Agenda Items:
  • 6.1 (Police Vehicles): Three speakers questioned the cost escalation of the upfitting contract (from $2.16M to $7.63M) and asked about local vendor opportunities. Staff explained the administrative change order authority and that a 5% local preference applies.
  • 6.7 (72-Hour Parking): Speakers supported the ordinance but raised concerns about consistent enforcement, potential hardship for residents without driveways, and the need for clear evidence of movement (300-foot rule).
  • 6.8 (Open Container): Speakers cited ongoing issues with public drinking in District 5 and called for better enforcement.
  • 6.9 (COPS Grant): Multiple speakers opposed the grant due to compliance requirements with 8 USC 1373 (immigration information sharing) and DEI restrictions. They argued it conflicts with SB 54 and the city’s compassionate city resolution. Police Chief McFadden and Deputy Chief Morris assured the council that SB 54 will be followed and that the grant does not change local policies.
  • 6.11 (Juneteenth Flag): Speakers expressed appreciation and suggested involving NAACP and Black Chamber of Commerce in flag-raising ceremonies.
  • 6.12 (Committee Appointments): Many speakers argued against removing Vice Mayor Lee from all committees, stating it disenfranchises District 6. Some cited bounced checks from Lee’s foundation as reason for removal. Lee’s supporters noted the checks were paid and called the move political.
  • 6.13 (Vice Mayor Reconsideration): Public comment was heavily divided. Supporters of Lee praised his community engagement and oversight; opponents cited his conduct, social media posts, and bounced checks. Some urged letting the term end naturally (79 days left).

Discussion Items

• 6.1 – Purchase of Police Vehicles and Upfitting: Approved 7-0 after discussion. Councilmember Padilla asked about cost drivers; staff stated no further change orders anticipated. Funding comes from the Internal Service Fund for fleet replacement.
• 6.7 – 72-Hour Parking Ordinance: Approved 7-0. The amendment adds a 300-foot movement requirement to prove a vehicle has been moved within 72 hours. Enforcement begins 30 days after adoption.
• 6.8 – Open Container Ordinance: Approved 7-0. Changes the prohibition from drinking to possession of an open container in public. First offense is an infraction with fines up to $100.
• 6.9 – COPS Grant for Real-Time Crime Center: Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Enríquez dissenting). The grant provides $1,000,000 for technology and equipment. Councilmembers debated potential conflicts with SB 54; City Attorney Larkin stated SB 54 remains enforceable and the grant does not require changes to DEI or immigration policies.
• 6.11 – Annual Display of Juneteenth Flag: Approved 7-0. The flag will be flown for one week annually in June.
• 6.12 – Committee Appointments: The mayor’s proposed roster removed Vice Mayor Lee from all committees. After extensive debate and public comment, Councilmember Padilla moved to remove Lee only from the audit committee chair. The motion passed 6-1 (Lee dissenting). Lee retained his seat on other committees (e.g., LED, SUSD).
• 6.13 – Reconsideration of Vice Mayor Appointment: The mayor moved to rescind Resolution No. 2025-01-07-0301 and remove Lee as Vice Mayor. City Attorney Larkin noted the charter is ambiguous on removal, but courts generally defer to council interpretation. Vice Mayor Lee then offered to resign, stating he would not let the title cause further division. The council rejected his resignation on a 2-4 vote (Blower and Enríquez in favor; Padilla, Ponce, Villapudua, Fugazi opposed; Lee voted yes). The original motion to remove then passed 4-2 (Padilla, Ponce, Villapudua, Fugazi yes; Blower, Enríquez no; Lee absent).
• 10.1 – Appeal of Planning Commission Denial (Pride Truck Sales): Continued to the next meeting at the request of Councilmember Padilla.
• 10.2 – CAPER Report (HUD Entitlement Programs): Continued to the next meeting as an informational item.

Key Outcomes

• Approved $1,841,418.88 for 32 police interceptors (Folsom Lake Ford) and $182,895.56 for 4 police motorcycles (Long Beach BMW), plus a $1,260,000 contract change order for vehicle upfitting (Lehr Auto Electric). Total police vehicle expenditures: $3,284,314.44.
• Adopted ordinances clarifying 72-hour street parking (300-foot movement standard) and expanding public open container prohibition from drinking to possession.
• Accepted $1,000,000 COPS Technology and Equipment Grant for the Real-Time Crime Center; budget amended accordingly.
• Adopted resolution for annual Juneteenth flag display during the week of June 19.
• Removed Councilmember Jason Lee as chair of the audit committee (6-1).
• Removed Councilmember Jason Lee as Vice Mayor (4-2) after his resignation offer was rejected.
• Continued the Pride Truck Sales appeal and the CAPER presentation to the next regular meeting.
• Recessed to Closed Session on labor negotiations (continued to November), real property negotiation, and existing/significant litigation (three cases, four potential claims). No reportable action from closed session.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.