A familiar fight returns to Stockton politics

Good morning, Stockton.

A new Stockton City Council race is already drawing comparisons to one of the city’s more unusual campaign tactics from recent years.

Michael Fitzgerald takes a closer look at the campaign surrounding City Council candidate Jessica Toccoli, drawing comparisons to controversial races and “ghost candidate” accusations from past election cycles. His latest column examines how the race is unfolding and why it’s already generating attention well before Election Day.

Elsewhere, San Joaquin County is preparing to open satellite government offices in Lodi aimed at serving north county residents with services like passports, marriage licenses and vital records. We also have a Memorial Day weekend Things to Do guide packed with events across the region. And the Stockton Animal Shelter has paused intakes and adoptions after a contagious illness prompted a quarantine and deep-cleaning efforts.

Thanks for starting your morning with us. We’re grateful to keep telling Stockton’s stories.