Jason Lee

POLITICS IS A NASTY GAME 🤏🏽 I got into and the political arena to help build the city I love. Stockton California created me. It shaped me into all the things I lived through and survived. On May 2nd Councilwoman Padilla warned me that there we plots against me that were serious and that I should be concerned - yet almost 2 weeks later she’s not told me what they are. This was the same thing she did when they were plotting the Wild N Out BS. These are the political games that divide the very group that was created to help the people. The WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRACTION that I’ve called it. And this is why I’ve launched or called for the launch of investigations into Stockton electeds because this is a waste of taxpayer time and resources. But like I told her. Every elected official who’s aligned with those who’ve attacked me have lost the credibility in Stockton and have jeopardized their political futures. And because of this I’ve started my own Political Action Committee [PAC] called Californians United for a Better Future and I will work to replace these corrupt politicians with people who want to see a better California. Thank you @breakfastclubam 📍

Launching this statewide HOPE program in Stockton in partnership with California State Treasurer @fionamacpa and SUSD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez during National Fostercare Month meant the world to be. My message to the youth was simple: “I want you all to remember as you pursue whatever your dreams are that you matter. Your voices matter, your dreams matter, your future matters.” Never ever tell a foster kid they won’t ever be anything. They may just grow up to run their city.

PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT! After over a decade of neglect by the city, I’m excited to announce the city’s investment into the STAND Fairview Terrace senior housing project. This $43M housing project will cure both a black eye and much needed affordable housing for our most disadvantaged community. I’m excited to see this get done and you’ll be invited to the ribbon cutting before my term is up in 2028! Lots more development for South Stockton and Weston Ranch on the way! Follow @district6 🎯

Yesterday, I had the honor of attending the annual Police Officer Memorial at the Stockton Police Department to stand alongside the families, friends, and colleagues of the brave men and women we’ve lost in the line of duty across San Joaquin County. It was a powerful reminder that behind every badge is a human being who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. We saw the emotion in the faces of loved ones, the pride among fellow officers, and the lasting impact these heroes continue to have on our community. To the families carrying the weight of that loss every day: Stockton stands with you. We will never forget the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of your loved ones. As Vice Mayor, I remain committed to supporting the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our neighborhoods while continuing to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. May we always honor the fallen not only with words, but with gratitude, respect, and a commitment to building a safer future for everyone.

During National Foster Care Month, Stockton made history. ❤️ Today, our city became the first in California to launch the HOPE Trust Account Pilot Program for foster youth — bringing real financial support, college savings pathways, and opportunity directly to some of our most vulnerable young people. As a former foster kid myself, this moment was deeply personal. I know what it feels like to grow up uncertain about your future. I know what it means to navigate systems that too often expect survival instead of success. And I also know the power of one opportunity… one door opening… one group of people believing in you enough to help change your trajectory. That’s why bringing this program to Stockton first mattered so much to me. Today, alongside Cassandra DiBenedetto, Michelle Rodriguez, Stockton Unified School District, and the California State Treasurer’s Office, we helped launch a statewide initiative that could provide up to $3,000 in unrestricted support for eligible foster youth and COVID-bereaved children. Not loans. Not empty promises. Real resources. Resources that can help young people pay for school, housing, transportation, clothes, or simply take their first steps toward independence and stability. Seeing foster youth and families walk through those doors today reminded me exactly why this work matters. This is what government looks like when it actually works: Partnership. Compassion. Action. Results. To every foster youth in Stockton and beyond: your story does not end where your struggle began. You are worthy of investment, opportunity, love, and hope. And during National Foster Care Month, Stockton showed California what that hope can look like. 💙

Last week, I had the honor of attending the groundbreaking for the new tower at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Thank you to Dignity Health for the invitation and for your continued investment in our community. This project is more than just a new building—it’s a commitment to the future of Stockton. It means expanded access to quality care, modern facilities for our families, and a stronger healthcare system for those who need it most. For too many in our community, access to healthcare has been a challenge. Moments like this signal progress. As our city continues to grow, we must ensure our infrastructure grows with it—especially when it comes to health and wellness. This new tower represents hope, equity, and the kind of forward-thinking investment our residents deserve. Stockton’s future is being built—brick by brick, and this is a major step forward.

Some thought I’d give up on community policing substations. Not happening. Yesterday, I visited the Sierra Vista Substation—met with officers and partners on the ground. The feedback? It’s working. Real presence. Real impact. Real connection with the community. Now we’re planning an event to bring residents even closer to it. Weston Ranch deserves this too—and I’m fighting to make it happen. But let’s be clear: some of my colleagues, including Councilmembers Ponce and Villapudua, don’t believe their districts need substations—even with rising crime. I strongly disagree. Every neighborhood deserves visibility. Access. Safety. Substations build trust. They bring policing back into the community—where it belongs. If I were mayor, this wouldn’t be a debate—it would be done. I hope the mayor and council are paying attention. It’s time to deliver on what we promised the people.

This one is personal. As a former foster youth, I know what it feels like to grow up without a roadmap… without resources… sometimes without hope. That’s why this moment matters so much. Stockton has been selected to launch a statewide California initiative — the HOPE Trust Account Program — right here in our city. More than 400 foster youth are eligible, and students from Stockton Unified School District will step forward to claim something powerful: ownership of their future. On May 6th, I look forward to joining SUSD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, the leadership from the Office of California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and all of our foster youth and families for this exciting program launch. This program provides up to $3,000 in direct support to every eligible foster youth — resources they can use for an apartment, a car, clothes, or other real-life needs as they transition from high school into the real world. This didn’t happen by chance. It happened through real partnership — the City of Stockton, Stockton Unified, and the State Treasurer’s Office — coming together to turn opportunity into action. This is bigger than a program. It’s a promise. And for kids who come from stories like mine… this is what hope looks like. #HopeStartsHere #StocktonLeads #FosterYouth #EquityInAction #CaliforniaForward

Today I stood on the ground where something powerful is about to rise in South Stockton. Not just a building… but a promise. The I AM READY Youth Impact Center is coming to District 6—and it’s being built for our kids, our families, and our future. This space will be a place where dreams are discovered, where talent is nurtured, and where young people are reminded that their story doesn’t end where they start. Too many of our kids grow up surrounded by barriers. This center is about breaking them. It’s about giving our youth a safe place to learn, grow, and believe in themselves. A place where mentorship meets opportunity. Where creativity meets purpose. Where hope turns into action. To every young person in Stockton: You are not forgotten. You are not limited. You are powerful. And this space is being built with YOU in mind. And to the families holding it all together every day—this is for you too. Because when we invest in our kids, we strengthen our entire community. We’re not just building a center… We’re building futures. Stockton, get ready.

Stockton, it’s time we tell the truth. I’ve been fighting to bring public safety into our neighborhoods — not just promises, but real presence. My vision is simple: A Stockton where every district has a police substation — where officers know our families, and residents can access help right in their community, not miles away. Here’s the reality: ✔️ Weston Ranch — funding identified, still delayed. ✔️ Kentfield & Conway Homes — locations identified, with Housing Authority funding support to move these forward in high-crime areas. So why are we still waiting? Because this Council has repeatedly voted down expanding these substations. And this past Tuesday — while our officers have been working over a year without a contract — the majority voted to give themselves a raise. I stood against it. Alongside Councilmembers Michael Blower and Mario Enriquez, we said no — because leadership is about priorities. How do we take raises… while public safety is delayed? while officers are still waiting? while families are asking for protection? Councilmember Padilla, Councilmember Villapudua, Councilmember Ponce, and the Mayor chose differently. But I won’t. I’m not backing down. This is about safety. This is about accountability. This is about putting people before politics. Stockton deserves action — not excuses.

Stockton, we deserve the truth. Yesterday, I shared a letter sent to District 1 voters where Councilmember Padilla clearly stated she supports police substations and is committed to bringing one to her district if re-elected. Now, she’s in the media saying the opposite. So which is it? You can’t tell voters one thing behind closed doors and say something completely different in public. That’s not leadership—that’s politics at its worst. And it’s exactly how people try to hold onto power instead of being honest with the community. Let me be clear: Stockton is smarter than that. And so am I. This isn’t about political games. This is about public safety. Tomorrow, during our Budget Committee meeting, the Mayor and I will be discussing real solutions. I’ve already identified funding to support police substations in District 2, District 5, and Weston Ranch—because our communities deserve visible, community-based policing. And here’s the part that should cut through all the noise: Our Police Chief just stood before the Council and confirmed that implementing substations does not negatively impact policing or our ability to keep the city safe. So I’ll ask the question plainly: What’s really going on here? If we all agree public safety is the priority, then the actions should match the words. No more mixed messages. No more election-year reversals. The people of Stockton deserve consistency, transparency, and leadership that stands on what it says—every time. — Jason Lee Vice Mayor, City of Stockton

Today I had the opportunity to attend the State of the County event at the San Joaquin County Office of Education—and I left inspired. Our young people showed up with brilliance, creativity, and confidence. From their presentations to the conversations we shared about their dreams and aspirations, I was reminded exactly why we do this work. I had the chance to share my own Stockton story and journey to success—and I was honestly amazed at how many students already knew who their Vice Mayor was. That meant a lot. This next generation is not only watching… they’re preparing to lead. Congratulations to Troy Brown and all of the school districts that represented their schools with pride today. The future of San Joaquin County is in good hands.