⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 17 findings
F1
Page 7
1: City government is hampered by a threatening work environment created by the continued harassment and bullying by this SMP. Their actions have affected every level of City government.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
1: The City Council should stop enabling the SMP from interfering with effective city government through their continued association and/or support of individuals associated with the SMP.
F2
Page 10
1: There have been multiple and continued Brown Act violations regarding the release of confidential discussions that occurred during Council Closed Sessions.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
1: By March 31, 2025, the City should amend its Closed Session policies and procedures to minimize the risk of revealing confidential information. There should be a requirement that no phone, electronic communication or recording devices be allowed in the room when it is a Closed Session. Additionally, each attendee should sign a pledge of secrecy on entering each meeting as an immediate and continual reminder that the rules of the Brown Act apply.
F3
Page 12
1: The confidentiality of the City’s Ethics Hotline process has been compromised after the complaints are referred to City staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
1: By March 31, 2025, the City should hire an independent third party to investigate the City’s Ethics Hotline process to regain employee and public trust in the system.
F1.1
: City government is hampered by a threatening work environment created by the continued harassment and bullying by this SMP. Their actions have affected every level of City government.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.2
: Members of the Stockton City Council have enabled this SMP to continue a campaign of harassment through their continued association with and appointment of their associates to City Boards and Commissions.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.3
: City employees have lost confidence in the City Council’s ability to ensure a non-toxic and non-threatening working environment.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.4
: The practice of agendizing the performance review of chartered officers at every Closed Session Council meeting creates a perception of unstable government in the eyes of City employees and the public.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.5
: The City does not provide citizens electronic access to all Form 700 filings.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.6
: There are employees of the Mayor’s Office that are not bound by the same employment standards as City Staff.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.1
: There have been multiple and continued Brown Act violations regarding the release of confidential discussions that occurred during Council Closed Sessions.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.2
: Violation of Closed Session confidentiality leaves the Council unable to carry out their responsibilities in the best interests of the public because they are not able to have free and open discussions due to the atmosphere of distrust.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.3
: The City Council lacks rules preventing the use of any electronic communication devices during Closed Sessions.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.4
: There is a lack of transparency concerning Brown Act violation investigation findings that have been funded by citizen tax dollars.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.5
: The use of official City stationery by an individual council member misleads the public to believe the content reflects an official City position.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.6
: The Council has received training regarding the Brown Act, but some members have demonstrated open disregard for that training.
No recommendations for this finding
F2.7
: The Brown Act includes provisions to assess penalties for violations by the City Council. The public has received no information that any penalties have been assessed.
No recommendations for this finding
F3.1
: The confidentiality of the City’s Ethics Hotline process has been compromised after the complaints are referred to City staff.
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 12The efficient and ethical governing of the City of Stockton is under attack by both external and internal forces. This must be stopped. Externally, individuals utilizing a SMP have consistently attempted to undermine the local democratic process by misleading the Stockton electorate and attempting to affect election results through unethical influence. Internally, members of the Stockton City Council, who support the efforts of that SMP, are complicit in the deterioration of comradery, trust, respect, and ethical governing in Stockton. The continued violations of the tenets of the Brown Act by council members undermine the provision of good government to the citizens of Stockon. The Grand Jury strongly supports the Freedom of Speech Rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution. However, the abuse of those rights by individuals utilizing this Social Media Platform to spread misinformation and create a threatening work environment for City staff and elected officials is unacceptable and must be stopped.