Lodi Eye
LodiEye provides additional information on trending stories / topics published by local media and shared on local social media accounts.
Human Trafficking in San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County has emerged as a significant corridor for human trafficking due to its strategic geographic location and transportation infrastructure. Historical evidence shows a progressive development of anti-trafficking efforts since 2014, while current intelligence indicates ongoing enforcement operations and institutional responses to combat both sex and labor trafficking
Lodi’s Shade Tree Program
The Lodi Shade Tree Program represents a successful partnership among the nonprofit organization Tree Lodi, the City of Lodi, and Lodi Electric Utility, which provides free shade trees to residents to reduce energy costs and enhance the urban canopy. This collaborative initiative has distributed over 2,000 trees during its four-year operation as of 2024-25, with approximately 500 trees delivered annually. The 2025 Shade Tree Program is expected to to launch in September.
California Wildfire Update - August 2025
California is currently battling multiple significant wildfires across the state, with the Gifford Fire dominating as the largest active blaze at over 120,000 acres[1]. The 2025 fire season has already exceeded historical averages, with 354,878 acres burned statewide and 5,362 wildfires recorded as of August 11, 2025
California Supreme Court Ruling on Rooftop Solar
The California Supreme Court delivered a unanimous 7-0 decision on August 7, 2025, that will significantly reshape the legal landscape for rooftop solar policy in the state. This landmark ruling addresses the controversial Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) policy implemented by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in 2022. The NEM 3.0 regulations remain in effect during the ongoing legal process.
California Wildfire Report - August 2025
California is experiencing significant wildfire activity with 13 active fires burning across 116,309 acres as of August 4, 2025. The Gifford Fire in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties has emerged as the most critical threat, burning 72,460 acres with only 3% containment. The 2025 fire season has already seen 4,759 wildfires burn 228,215 acres statewide, destroying 16,333 structures and causing 31 fatalities
San Joaquin County Supervisor Compensation
San Joaquin County supervisors currently earn $171,309 annually (as of 2025), ranking them above the median when compared to similar counties in California. The county recently implemented a significant compensation restructuring, transitioning from a fixed salary system to one tied to 70% of the salaries of California Superior Court judges. How does this compare to other counties in California?
Fuel Price Trends for Lodi - August 2025
As of August 2025, the Stockton-Lodi metropolitan area averages $4.38 per gallon for regular gasoline and $5.22 per gallon for diesel. The bottom line is that diesel prices are showing a clear upward trend, while gasoline prices are trending downward. Gasoline prices have a direct impact on consumers, while diesel prices affect agriculture, industry, and transportation, which in turn drives up prices on groceries and other consumer products.
Lodi Grocery Price Trends July 2025
Based on comprehensive tracking of 11 common grocery items in Lodi, California, from January through August 2025, the analysis reveals mixed price trends with several significant developments. Contrary to broader inflation concerns, the total grocery basket cost actually decreased by 0.7% during this period, from $38.77 in January to $38.50 in August
Lance, Soll & Lunghard Audit of Lodi City Government
The City of Lodi underwent comprehensive financial reviews in FY 2023-24, including an independent audit by Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL) and a separate financial investigation by Kevin Harper, C.P.A. These reviews were conducted amid allegations of financial misconduct made by City Manager Scott Carney in April 2025
Hiring City Managers - Recruit or Promote?
California’s 482 incorporated cities rely on professional city managers to translate council directives into services that residents experience daily. Roughly 97% of the state’s municipalities operate under the council-manager form of government, compared with 48% nationally, so getting the hire right is mission-critical
US Domestic and Imported Oil Prices are dropping…
Domestic and imported crude oil prices dropped in May 2025; this trend is expected to continue through October 2025. The reduction in crude oil prices has been reflected in prices at the pump. In California, the minor state excise tax increase and new emissions regulations took effect on July 1; however, these measures have not been sufficient to reverse the overall downward trend in prices, which is attributed to broader market factors.
Residential Solar - Big Changes Coming
Rooftop solar adoption in San Joaquin County will be influenced by federal trade policy, California’s net metering regulations and the One Big Beautiful Bill. The cost of solar instailations will increase signifcantly and homeowners will wait longer for a return on their investment.
California Bourbon and Whiskey - Local, Sustainable and Unique!
California bourbon and whiskey stand out due to their innovative mash bills, climate-driven aging, and a focus on local agriculture: Many California distilleries use corn, barley, rye, and even unique grains like triticale, often grown locally. This creates distinctive flavor profiles that differ from traditional Kentucky bourbons. California’s varied climate—ranging from coastal fog to Delta humidity—impacts barrel aging, often accelerating maturation and imparting unique notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and baking spices.
Fireworks Injuries - post July Fourth 2025
Fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. surged significantly in 2024, with post-July Fourth 2025 data showing the trend continuing. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported an estimated 14,700 injuries and 11 deaths in 2024, a 52% increase in injuries and a 38% rise in fatalities compared to the previous year. Most injuries occurred around Independence Day, and both legal and illegal fireworks contributed to the toll
Local News and Civil Grand Juries: WatchDogs on Local Government
County Civil Grand Juries and local newspapers pivotal roles in promoting government accountability and transparency. Their collaboration and independent efforts ensure that public officials and agencies are held to high standards and that citizens remain informed and empowered.
Central Texas Flood - July 6
The Central Texas floods have caused unprecedented devastation, especially in the Hill Country and Kerr County, with dozens dead, many missing, and entire communities upended. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, involving a coordinated response from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as numerous nonprofits. The public can support relief efforts through verified funds and organizations, and those affected should use the official channels above for assistance and information.
San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury - 2025
The San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury is an independent investigative body composed of 19 citizens impaneled annually for a one-year term. Unlike a trial jury, the Civil Grand Jury does not decide guilt or innocence in criminal cases. Instead, its primary function is to examine and investigate the operations of local government agencies, including county departments, city governments, school districts, and special districts within San Joaquin County.
Lodi City Manager Investigation - July Update
The investigation into Scott Carney's allegations is still in progress and has not been concluded as of July 2025. The Moss Adams report was released to the public in June. This report reviews the key public facts related to Scott Carney’s allegations and the Lodi City Government’s investigation, and then compares the Moss Adams report and recommendations to Scott Carney’s allegations.
Fireworks 2025: A Dangerous Year
Many of us are disappointed that this year’s Fireworks display was cancelled at Lodi Lake, but share in the grief of families who lost loved ones in the explosion in Esparto, CA on July 1. Based on last year’s numbers and initial reports for this year, illegal (not Safe and Sane) fireworks have resulted in injury or death to a record number of our fellow citizens. We all want a fun Fourth to celebrate our Independence Day — with some great memories and no scars or tragedies.
Lodi’s Brewery Scene
Lodi has become the San Joaquin Valley’s craft beer destination, boasting a diverse collection of breweries that offer unique experiences, blending exceptional beer with creative food options, live entertainment, and a distinctive local character.