Lodi Eye
LodiEye provides additional information on trending stories / topics published by local media and shared on local social media accounts.
Access Centers in Northern California
Lodi’s Access Center is under construction, seeking a new operator and planning to open in Spring 2026. Modesto’a Access Center faces an uncertain future. Which other California cities have Access Centers and do they face the same challengs as Modesto?
California's Recent Climate and Energy Legislation
California's new climate and energy laws will extend the state's cap-and-trade program, boost electric bill credits, expand regional electricity markets, and bring new investments and protections to energy consumers across the state—including significant relief for Lodi and San Joaquin County residents facing rising energy costs.
Lodi And District 11 2025 Crush Forecast
The 2025 Lodi grape harvest is projected to deliver excellent quality with slightly higher tonnage than 2024 but continued market and supply challenges remain. Favorable weather forecasts point to mostly ideal sugar (Brix) levels across major varietals, though overall production may be below long-term averages.
Lodi Winegrowing Trends (2020–2024)
The Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)—California Grape Crush District 11—remains a critical region for American and global wine markets. Over the past five years, the region experienced unprecedented volatility, including historic production declines, vineyard removals, and dramatic varietal redistribution.
Historic Sunset Theatre Faces Final Curtain as Demolition Looms
The curtain may be falling for the final time on Lodi's beloved Sunset Theatre, as demolition expert Marty Thorpe prepares to tear down the 75-year-old landmark to make way for a 44-unit senior housing development. The iconic movie house at West Lodi Avenue and Fairmont Street, which opened with fanfare on January 20, 1950, has become the center of a preservation battle that has captured the attention of community members.
California's 2025 Congressional Redistricting Proposal
California Democrats have unveiled an aggressive congressional redistricting proposal aimed at countering Republican gerrymandering efforts in Texas. The plan, released on August 15-16, 2025, aims to flip five Republican-held seats, giving Democrats 48 of California's 52 U.S. House seats, up from the current 43. The current proposal splits Lodi into 3 Congressional Districts
California Housing Costs Soar
Tariffs, labor shortages, and red tape combine to make affordable housing even more elusive
Building a home in California has never been cheap, but a confluence of economic and regulatory headwinds is pushing costs to unprecedented levels, making the dream of affordable housing increasingly out of reach for working families.
Valley Fever Cases Surge in California
California is in the midst of a record-breaking spike in Valley Fever cases, with state health officials sounding alarms as infections continue to rise—particularly in areas like San Joaquin County and Lodi. Through July of this year, California has already logged 6,761 cases, putting 2025 on track to surpass last year’s record of 12,500 cases.
Grocery Price Update: Lodi, San Joaquin and California
Based on comprehensive tracking of core grocery items, Lodi has experienced a modest 0.1% decrease in grocery basket costs during 2025, contrasting sharply with broader California trends where food prices have risen 2.9% year-to-date. This analysis examines current prices and 2025 trends across three geographic areas using data from 11 essential grocery items.
Tariffs and California Wine Exports
The 2025 tariffs have created unprecedented challenges for US wine exporters, with California accounting for 95% of US wine exports and facing an estimated $531 million in revenue losses. The Lodi region, representing approximately 8% of US wine exports, could potentiallly lose $45 million in export revenue, putting 850 jobs and 12,000 vineyard acres at risk
Lodi Cost of Living: 2020-2025
The cost of living in Lodi, California has increased by 21.7% over the past five years, with total monthly basic costs rising from $2,598 in 2020 to $3,163 in 2025—an additional $565 per month. While this increase is below the national inflation rate of 24.8%, Lodi residents have faced spikes in utility costs, particularly natural gas and electricity, which have become the primary drivers of increased living expenses.
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
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
Fireworks in Lodi
Lodi Lake will host another fantastic Fourth of July Celebration starting with a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast in the morning and a Fireworks Show starting at 9:30 pm. Gates open for Fireworks Show at 4:00pm More information at VisitLodi! If you’re planning a family or neighborhood Fourth of July celebration at home, please read the information below on the purchase and use of personal fireworks in Lodi.
Lodi and San Joaquin County - Lodi Access Center
Lodi and San Joaquin County are moving forward with a comprehensive plan for the Lodi Access Center, a key initiative aimed at addressing homelessness through a partnership between the City of Lodi, San Joaquin County, and the County Health Care Services Agency. The project is designed to provide a comprehensive range of services, including healthcare, behavioral support, and housing assistance, with the goal of not only getting people off the streets but also addressing the underlying causes of homelessness.
The Valley Rail Project and Lodi
The Valley Rail project represents a transformative investment in passenger rail service that will significantly enhance transportation connectivity and options for Lodi residents. This comprehensive rail expansion program will introduce new passenger rail service to Lodi while improving regional connectivity to Sacramento, the San Joaquin Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Meyers Nave Investigates…
On May 6 in About Town: “Investigation”, Steve Mann reported “…law firm Meyers Nave was hired at the request of City Attorney Katie Lucchesi” to investigate matters related to City Manager Scott Carney’s allegations financial misconduct by Lodi City Council and Lodi city employees and whether Carney’s actions during a City Council Meeting warrant discipline. Several people have asked about Meyers Nave’s experience in city government investigations. The research report below provides some answers.
Medi-Cal, Medicaid changes — A Medical Emergency for Lodi?
As Steve Mann writes in his recent “About Town” article, “Medical Emergency - Cuts could devastate Lodi Memorial Hospital,” changes to Medi-Cal and Medicaid funding could have a significant impact on Lodi Memorial and other San Joaquin County hospitals. This report analyzes the current CA budget proposals and the Federal “Big Beautiful Bill” to explore how Lodi and San Joaquin County might be impacted.
SJC BeWell Center
The SJC Be Well Center and the Lodi Access Center are distinct but complementary facilities within San Joaquin County, each serving different-though sometimes overlapping-community needs.
Sports Tourism in Lodi
Lodi, known for its wine tourism, is actively exploring opportunities to expand into sports tourism by leveraging existing facilities and community partnerships.
Lodi’s sports tourism initiatives are notably smaller in scale but more community-focused compared to nearby cities in California’s Central Valley.
Lodi’s Sports Tourism Feasibility Study, initiated in Q1 2025, is currently in progress, with findings expected to shape strategic investments and partnerships.