⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 13 findings
F1
The very public conflicts among Council members have seriously undermined public faith in the Council's ability to conduct business transparently and professionally.
Related Recommendations (7)
R1
of the issuance of this report, the Stockton City Council should provide the Civil Grand Jury with written documentation detailing the actions taken to comply with the Stockton Council Policy Manual provisions governing member conduct, including standards applicable to meetings, public statements, online activity, professionalism, decorum, and mutual respect (F1, F3 and F5).
R2
By December 31, 2026, all Stockton City Council members should complete formal training conducted by the City Manager on Charter Section 408, all Charter provisions governing Council conduct, and the requirements of the Stockton Council Policy Manual. Written verification of completion should be submitted to the Civil Grand Jury (F1, F3 and F5, F7).
R4
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should demonstrate documented and measurable efforts toward establishing an Ethics Commission or similar body, including clear steps taken, draft frameworks, and publicly visible actions showing active development. The goal should be to formally establish and operationalize the Commission by January 2028 (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8). 41
R5
By December 31, 2026, the City Manager and City Attorney should rewrite and expand the City of Stockton Council Policy Manual Chapter 2.03: Code of Ethics for Elected Officials and Commissioners, to include more specific information and explanation of ethical behavior and action requirements (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8).
R6
Effective upon publication of this report, members of the Stockton City Council, when speaking or posting in their official capacity or on matters related to City business, should refrain from using social media platforms or public forums to make disparaging or demeaning statements about fellow Council members or City staff (F1 and F6).
R7
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should establish written guidelines regarding Council members’ use of social media platforms and public forums in order to discuss City business and to maintain proper decorum (F1 and F6).
R10
Develop a plan to regularly review and update all Commission policy and procedure documents (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F8). 59
F2
In violation of City Charter Section 408, the Stockton City Council has directly interfered with the duties and responsibilities of City staff. These actions have contributed to operational challenges within City government that will require additional time and resources to resolve.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Develop a plan to regularly review and update all Commission policy and procedure documents (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F8). 59
F3
Public records and media coverage indicate that the Stockton City Council has experienced ongoing internal conflict, including frequent disagreements, contentious meetings, and voting patterns that consistently divide the Council and lead to Council improprieties and the appearance of improprieties.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
of the issuance of this report, the Stockton City Council should provide the Civil Grand Jury with written documentation detailing the actions taken to comply with the Stockton Council Policy Manual provisions governing member conduct, including standards applicable to meetings, public statements, online activity, professionalism, decorum, and mutual respect (F1, F3 and F5).
R2
By December 31, 2026, all Stockton City Council members should complete formal training conducted by the City Manager on Charter Section 408, all Charter provisions governing Council conduct, and the requirements of the Stockton Council Policy Manual. Written verification of completion should be submitted to the Civil Grand Jury (F1, F3 and F5, F7).
R10
Develop a plan to regularly review and update all Commission policy and procedure documents (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F8). 59
F4
The Stockton City Council has attempted to bypass established protocols regarding fiscal matters, thus raising the possibility for further delays in the approval process and the possibility of the District Attorney's intervention.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should receive training from the City Manager on established City policies and procedures governing fiscal matters, including the approval, funding, and oversight of City projects (F4, F7).
R10
Develop a plan to regularly review and update all Commission policy and procedure documents (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F8). 59
F5
The Stockton City Council appears not to follow the ethics principals that are set forth in AB 1234, and the Stockton City Council Code of Conduct, which erodes public trust in the Council as a governing body.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
of the issuance of this report, the Stockton City Council should provide the Civil Grand Jury with written documentation detailing the actions taken to comply with the Stockton Council Policy Manual provisions governing member conduct, including standards applicable to meetings, public statements, online activity, professionalism, decorum, and mutual respect (F1, F3 and F5).
R2
By December 31, 2026, all Stockton City Council members should complete formal training conducted by the City Manager on Charter Section 408, all Charter provisions governing Council conduct, and the requirements of the Stockton Council Policy Manual. Written verification of completion should be submitted to the Civil Grand Jury (F1, F3 and F5, F7).
R4
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should demonstrate documented and measurable efforts toward establishing an Ethics Commission or similar body, including clear steps taken, draft frameworks, and publicly visible actions showing active development. The goal should be to formally establish and operationalize the Commission by January 2028 (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8). 41
R5
By December 31, 2026, the City Manager and City Attorney should rewrite and expand the City of Stockton Council Policy Manual Chapter 2.03: Code of Ethics for Elected Officials and Commissioners, to include more specific information and explanation of ethical behavior and action requirements (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8).
F6
The use of social media platforms (SMPs) and public forums such as press conferences to further personal agendas and air grievances is inappropriate.
Related Recommendations (4)
R4
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should demonstrate documented and measurable efforts toward establishing an Ethics Commission or similar body, including clear steps taken, draft frameworks, and publicly visible actions showing active development. The goal should be to formally establish and operationalize the Commission by January 2028 (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8). 41
R5
By December 31, 2026, the City Manager and City Attorney should rewrite and expand the City of Stockton Council Policy Manual Chapter 2.03: Code of Ethics for Elected Officials and Commissioners, to include more specific information and explanation of ethical behavior and action requirements (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8).
R6
Effective upon publication of this report, members of the Stockton City Council, when speaking or posting in their official capacity or on matters related to City business, should refrain from using social media platforms or public forums to make disparaging or demeaning statements about fellow Council members or City staff (F1 and F6).
R7
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should establish written guidelines regarding Council members’ use of social media platforms and public forums in order to discuss City business and to maintain proper decorum (F1 and F6).
F7
The Stockton City Council has shown disrespect to City staff and communicated with staff in a manner contrary to Section 408 of the City Charter, contributing to a loss of skilled and professional employees and resulting in a substantial financial loss to the City. 40
Related Recommendations (4)
R2
By December 31, 2026, all Stockton City Council members should complete formal training conducted by the City Manager on Charter Section 408, all Charter provisions governing Council conduct, and the requirements of the Stockton Council Policy Manual. Written verification of completion should be submitted to the Civil Grand Jury (F1, F3 and F5, F7).
R3
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should receive training from the City Manager on established City policies and procedures governing fiscal matters, including the approval, funding, and oversight of City projects (F4, F7).
R4
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should demonstrate documented and measurable efforts toward establishing an Ethics Commission or similar body, including clear steps taken, draft frameworks, and publicly visible actions showing active development. The goal should be to formally establish and operationalize the Commission by January 2028 (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8). 41
R5
By December 31, 2026, the City Manager and City Attorney should rewrite and expand the City of Stockton Council Policy Manual Chapter 2.03: Code of Ethics for Elected Officials and Commissioners, to include more specific information and explanation of ethical behavior and action requirements (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8).
F8
In their efforts to influence decisions made by the Stockton City Council, outside of Council chambers, some Council members have pursued personal agendas and advancement of business interests, thus compromising transparency.
Related Recommendations (4)
R4
By December 31, 2026, the Stockton City Council should demonstrate documented and measurable efforts toward establishing an Ethics Commission or similar body, including clear steps taken, draft frameworks, and publicly visible actions showing active development. The goal should be to formally establish and operationalize the Commission by January 2028 (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8). 41
R5
By December 31, 2026, the City Manager and City Attorney should rewrite and expand the City of Stockton Council Policy Manual Chapter 2.03: Code of Ethics for Elected Officials and Commissioners, to include more specific information and explanation of ethical behavior and action requirements (F1, F5, F6, F7 and F8).
R9
Develop a plan for mentorship, succession and cross-training of key Commission staff (F8).
R10
Develop a plan to regularly review and update all Commission policy and procedure documents (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F8). 59
F9
The City of Stockton does not have an ordinance regarding limiting campaign contributions beyond state law, leading to a lack of transparency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
By December 31, 2027, the Stockton City Council should establish their own ordinance limiting campaign contributions by individuals and organizations in city elections as exampled by San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles. This ordinance should include all monetary, in kind and campaign committee contributions. This will allow public transparency in campaign finances. (F9)
F1.1
-1.9, F2.1- R1.1-1.9, R2.1-2.5, #0323 City of Tracy FU N 2.5, F3.1 R3.1 #0318 Cold Cases FU 1.0, 1.0, R1 - R10 N #0519 Illegal Dumping FU R1.1, R1.2 N #0218 Micke Grove Zoo FU R1.0, R2.0, R3.0 Y City of Mountain House EoSJ F1-F5 R1-7 Y
No recommendations for this finding
F1.2
: The 2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury reviewed the policy and procedure submitted by the SCC. It is noted that these documents were implemented by the City in 2009 and did not include a written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan as referenced in the City’s September 10, 2025, response.
No recommendations for this finding
F1.3
: The Agency response dated September 10, 2025, did not provide an update on Stockton City Council’s efforts to finalize and adopt an election transparency ordinance.
No recommendations for this finding
F3.1
: The City of Stockton’s response is acceptable. However, additional information is requested.
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 4
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R22-23CGJ 2022-2023 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury (Recipient of late complaints related to Brown Act violations of the SCC)
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R23-24CGJ 2023-2024 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury (Author of the initial Investigative Report #0123)
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R24-25CGJ 2024-2025 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury (Author of the First Follow Up of Report #0123)
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R25-26CGJ 2025-2026 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury Cal. Pen. Code California Penal Code EDD Economic Development Department FPPC Fair Political Practices Commission ICM Interim City Manager ICMA International City/County Management Association NOFA Notice of Funding Availability 25 SCC Stockton City Council SMC Stockton Municipal Code SMP Social Media Platform PURPOSE OF INQUIRY The San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury is charged with evaluating the effectiveness and integrity of city and county governmental operations and inquiring into the “willful or corrupt misconduct of public officers” pursuant to Cal. Pen. Code §919(c). In fulfilling this duty, the
In the News 1
News coverage of this report, automatically tracked.
Stockton City Hall Bristles As Grand Jury Slams Council, Demands Fixes - Hoodline
Hoodline
· June 26, 2026