209 Times

Candidate Beating Brando Villapudua Releases Statement Disgraced incumbent Stockton City Councilmember Brando Villapudua is trailing Desiree Lynch in Stockton’s District 5 election, despite Lynch withdrawing from consideration three months before Election Day. Attorney Allen Sawyer, who represents Lynch, confirmed she will not accept the position even if she wins. “She will not accept or serve in the position. This was a personal decision, and we ask that her family’s privacy be respected,” Sawyer stated. Lynch’s name thankfully remained on the ballot, and voters chose her instead of Brando as the lesser of two evils despite her being arrested and charged with 6 felonies for voter fraud. 209 Times was the only organization that encouraged voters to still vote for Lynch as a way to remove Brando who is currently facing multiple allegations for s*xual assault and election fraud himself. He was detained last week by law enforcement and served a search warrant which confiscated his cell phone and laptop according to his own public statements. The community did the right thing and voted for Lynch, not to support her, but as a way to finally remove Brando and hold him accountable. If the results hold, neither Lynch nor Brando will represent District 5, but the City Council will have to appoint a replacement through a public proceeding of qualified applicants who actually live in the district and don’t have a history of a felony conviction like Brando who pleaded guilty to the home invasion burglary of a disabled elderly woman who he even stole a VCR from. Election results remain unofficial as of this publication.

This is how the counties in California voted for Governor. Blue reflects majority democrat voters. Red represents majority republicans. The darker the colors represent how dominant the percentage of votes were. #california 🗳️

Brando Villapudua is Making History, He’s Losing to a Candidate Who Dropped Out While Facing 6 Felonies Incumbent Stockton City Councilmember Brando Villapudua, and heir apparent to the “Villapudua Dynasty” is losing. What makes that more remarkable and historic, is that he’s losing to Desiree Lynch, who was arrested on felony election fraud allegations and withdrew from the District 5 race in August. He had the political connections, an established campaign organization, and a paid political consultant. Yet Lynch is beating him. According to unofficial election returns updated November 4, Lynch leads Villapudua with 1,972 votes (53.60%) compared to his 1,707 votes (46.40%). Even Villapudua’s paid campaign operation couldn’t put him ahead of an opponent who quit more than two months before Election Day. Campaign finance records obtained by 209 Times identify known embezzler, Xochitl Paderes, as his campaign treasurer. The campaign’s August 4 filing discloses six payments to Paderes totaling $12,678.10 between May 17 and June 30, including $1,500 categorized as campaign consulting. Villapudua wasn’t an unknown political newcomer. He was already an elected councilmember and the younger brother of former Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua. He also faced political turmoil of his own, including being detained on October 28 during a San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office political corruption investigation. He was served a search warrant and had his cell phone and laptop confiscated. Despite the advantages of incumbency and his family’s political connections, Villapudua now trails a candidate who withdrew from the race following her arrest. For an incumbent whose opponent effectively abandoned her campaign, a seven-point deficit is a remarkable political embarrassment. But Villapudua has already accomplished something few incumbents would want on their political résumé. He’s losing to someone no longer in the race, showing that the community didn’t vote for her, but against him. Additional ballots must be counted, but each update gets worse for him. It seems all the lop’s men couldn’t put humpty back together again.

The race for California Governor is being called already for Xavier Becerra. How are you feeling about the new governor?

UN Investigation Concludes Israel Committing Genocide: Here are Congressman in the 209 Funded By AIPAC U.S. Representative Adam Gray (D-CA-13) Adam Gray and Josh Harder are both running for re-election on today’s ballot. Both are being accused of being complicit in Genocide as they take major donations from pro Israel interests groups known as AIPAC. Details from Track AIPAC & Campaign Records • Reported Israel Lobby / AIPAC Totals: Track AIPAC lists a total of $72,266 tied to the Israel lobby for Gray. Other campaign finance monitors (such as FEC data compiled via Who Funds My Rep) note around $59,951 to $47,960 in direct and earmarked contributions associated with AIPAC PAC and related pro-Israel committees. • Stance: Gray has expressed support for the U.S.–Israel relationship and unconditional U.S.-funded military/weapons assistance, drawing scrutiny and tracking from groups like Track AIPAC. U.S. Representative Josh Harder (D-CA-09) is actively monitored by several platform tools tracking campaign contributions tied to the pro-Israel lobby, including AIPAC. According to his dashboard on the Track AIPAC Profile for Josh Harder, his tracked Israel Lobby Total stands at $422,115. For the 2025–2026 election cycle specifically, OpenSecrets lists the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) among his top five organization donors, recording $55,363 in cycle-specific contributions alongside other major groups like J Street ($29,350). Meanwhile the latest report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel concluded that Israeli authorities and military forces have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestine. The commission accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity—including extermination, persecution, torture, r*pe, and other forms of s*xual violence—against Palestinians in the West Bank. The report reiterated findings that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ongoing acts of genocide with the intent to destroy Palestinians in whole or in part.

Election Alert 🚨 🗳️ There are 14 propositions on this year’s ballot. While our staff is diverse in almost every way that can be measured, these are the positions we agree in regards to any proposition that either seeks to create a new tax or serve the special interests of corrupt organizations like SEIU-UHW who siphon money away from their union members to push their political agenda and six figure salaries for staff. These are our requested recommendations. For those we have none on, our team could not come to a consensus. We recommend voting either way, whether you agree or not. Democracy only exists if you participate. The politicians of this state have wasted enough of our money on a train to no where and “fighting homelessness”, while our costs of living continues to go up thanks to national and state elected officials and their failed policies. NO NEW TAXES. 💰

BREAKING: ICE Agents Hit Delta College The community college has released an alert on social media and their website. This is a surprising move for the college because the president has refused to respond to our questions about their dean of science Bethany Acquistapace, who is the owner of a political consulting company called 3am Communications that according to Google supports pro ICE politicians and whether or not that is in alignment with the college’s stated values as a college that is deemed a “Hispanic Serving Institution.” “However, campaign finance records show that the firm frequently works for and receives payments from Republican candidates and conservative-leaning committees, who often support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement operations.” Delta College has some explaining to do.

This was the scene in downtown Stockton Sunday after a police pursuit led to a crash with two arrests on Weber Ave.

Lodi Business Owners Not Laughing About Taxes, But Lisa Craig Sure Is 💰 Lodi’s “proven tax fighter” has some explaining to do. City Councilwoman Lisa Craig-Hensley is being celebrated as a “proven tax fighter” in her reelection campaign. But apparently, fighting taxes and considering bringing them back can go hand in hand at Lodi City Hall. Republican leader Chuck Winn praises Craig-Hensley as a “proven tax fighter” who holds the city accountable. But what does the actual record show? On February 10, 2026, the Lodi News-Sentinel published an article titled “Business license tax pitched amid revenue shortfall.” The newspaper reported that Craig-Hensley wanted city staff to consider reinstating Lodi’s business license tax to generate additional revenue. Yes, the same tax her own campaign website takes credit for repealing. And here’s where the political spin gets particularly interesting. Lodi’s former business license tax wasn’t simply eliminated because politicians suddenly became champions of small businesses. City records establish that the tax was determined to be invalid under Proposition 218 in 2023 because of how and when the original ordinance was adopted. The city subsequently replaced it with a business registration fee. Yet Craig-Hensley now touts that repeal as a campaign accomplishment while having asked city staff to consider bringing the tax back. Lisa Craig is also being pushed by corrupt special interests like Carlos Villapudua (Brando Villapudua’s brother) who even hosted a fundraiser for her at alleged Stockton Cabal leader Fritz Grupe’s compound. And this is why electing newcomer Jordan Duncan is the smartest thing to do for Lodi residents and businesses. #lodi #california #taxes #justsayno #LodiCabal

Stockton Thunder vs Baton Rouge Kingfish Pt 2 🏒 🎃 💀 The Stockton Thunder take on the Baton Rouge Kingfish tonight in a 6:11 p.m. It’s the second straight game between the two teams, and the last time they will face each other in the regular season.  All Thunder games are carried on Sports Radio AM 970 and can be viewed on You Tube @ Stocktonhockey.   Records: Thunder 2-2-1; 5 points; Fourth in Frontier Division                  Baton Rouge 4-2-0; 8 points First in Delta Division   Last Night Rewind: These same two teams met last night at Adventist Health Arena with Baton Rouge coming away with a 3-1 victory. Luke Cox scored an empty net goal with just 25 seconds left to seal the victory for the visitors.   Even Steven: Several indicators show the close nature of the game last night. The score was tied 0-0 after one period, and 1-1 after two periods. Shots on goal were nearly identical with Baton Rouge holding a slight 36-34 edge. The Thunder was 0-for-3 on the power play; the Kingfish went 0-for-4.   Dressing Up: The Thunder is celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned after the game. In addition, the first 1,000 fans will receive a free Luchador mask.   Four Score: Petr Panacek had the Thunder goal last night. His second period goal extends his goal scoring streak to four games. He’s had five goals in that stretch. The Thunder captain has also had three assists during the streak, giving him the team lead with eight points.   A Real Plus: Defenseman Ryan Constant who played 309 games for the Thunder in the ECHL between 2009 and 2015 returned to the squad last night. While not figuring in the scoring, he did have three shots on goal and was +1 in the game.   Real Killers: By thwarting all four Baton Rouge power play attempts last night, the Thunder penalty kill now stands at 86.2% for the season. Coincidentally, Baton Rouge has identical penalty killing numbers as both teams have killed off 25 of 29 penalties. 🥅

Current situation of the California High Speed Rail planned for #Merced. 👻

***209 Times EXCLUSIVE*** City Staff Records Reveal Internal Concerns Anthony Silva Was Involved In Pool Operations Stockton pool contractor was required to increase “abuse and molestation” insurance before City terminated contract over failure to provide criminal background checks. STOCKTON: Newly obtained City records raise serious questions about child-safety oversight involving Stockton’s $114,000 public swimming pool contract in district represented by Brando Villapudua. On June 4, 2026, Community Services Solutions (CSS) informed City officials that its “abuse and molestation” insurance coverage had increased from $1 million to $2 million per occurrence. An insurance broker subsequently confirmed the increase. Why was the coverage doubled? Was it a routine insurance requirement, or were City officials responding to specific concerns? The documents reveal something else. On August 18, Program Manager Thomas Freeman specifically demanded to know whether disgraced former Mayor Anthony Silva had worked for the contractor in any capacity. Silva is currently under indictment by the FBI and is a close associate of Villapudua who is also under investigation. On August 27, another City official, Audree Jones-Taylor, repeated that inquiry. City Manager Johnny Ford was copied on the email. The records also contain six Red Cross lifeguard certificates identifying Silva as an instructor. On September 16, Ford terminated the contract after the City determined that multiple CSS employees were working without legally required fingerprinting and background checks. Some screenings were never completed because according to these emails CSS stopped responding. The unanswered questions: Why were City officials concerned about Silva’s involvement? What did they discover? Why was abuse and molestation insurance increased? And how did workers get access to public pools without completing mandatory screenings? The records do not establish abuse occurred or that the insurance increase was connected to Silva. They do reveal serious failures about City oversight meant to protect children. Stockton parents deserve answers. 209 Times is demanding them.

Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham Ammaad Akhtar, 34, of California, pleaded guilty today to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. According to court documents, between February 2025 and June 2025, Akhtar, a citizen of the United States, attempted to provide funds, weapons, and other equipment to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). He communicated online with an online undercover officer, whom he believed was a member of ISIS. In these conversations, Akhtar voiced his support for ISIS and jihad, expressed a desire to travel overseas to join and fight with ISIS, and stated a desire to send guns and money to ISIS. In April 2025, during this investigation, Akhtar demonstrated a desire to provide support of ISIS and did so by providing financial funding on multiple occasions. After a few payments, the online undercover officer indicated that ISIS had procured several guns with the money Akhtar had sent. In his response, Akhtar said, “May Allah destroy our enemies” and affirmed that he will send more money that same day. Akhtar also talked about planning acts of violence, including conducting an attack against a specific individual and an attack utilizing homemade explosives. He said that he “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” and asked for instructions on how to make a homemade explosive device in order “to make a boom” at a populated event. Then, on June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with an individual he believed was an ISIS associate, but who was actually an undercover agent. Akhtar provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines. Akhtar then swore bayat (a pledge of loyalty) to ISIS. Akhtar is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 26, 2027. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

BREAKING: Ian Choudri, the CEO of the California High Speed Rail aka The Train To Nowhere”, who’s been at the center of a series of controversies including wasting millions on wining and dining consultants, has resigned. 🚂 via @916times

The office of San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas Released the following statement regarding the law enforcement detention of Brando Villapudua: “This morning, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations Political Corruption Unit detained Stockton City Councilmember Brando Villapudua for an investigation and service of search warrants. He was subsequently released without any charges. As this investigation is ongoing, we are unable to share additional information or provide further comment at this time. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations at (209) 468-2400.“ Shortly after, a video of Villapudua giving a statement about the incident was posted on social media. In the video Brando sounds like he wants to cry as he mispronounces basic words and states that he was served a search warrant for his “resency” (residency). Villapudua has been alleged to have been living with his mother in a condo owned by his brother and former state assemblyman Carlos Villapudua and his wife Edith Villapudua in north Stockton. Villapudua’s vehicle has been observed being parked at the address for the last four years while Brando has been in office. Sources close to Brando have also revealed that the address he was using in South Stockton was not his real address, but belonged to a business associate whom new documents reveal Brando was using city tax dollars to funnel money to for a “nonprofit” organization that lost its tax exempt status by the IRS after no financial information was reported for over three years. Sources close to Brando also revealed that he recently moved to the building he was detained in front of after allegations about his residency became public leading up to the November election for which he is seeking re-election and a 30% raise he voted for. These allegations are separate from the s*xual assault complaints reported to Stockton police last month by two separate women for separate incidents. He was also previously investigated by Lodi police for child m*lestation.

Dameron Hospital adds nearly 500 jobs as their commitment to Stockton’s healthcare expands STOCKTON — As hospitals across California confront financial pressures and staffing cuts, Dameron Hospital is reporting major investments in local jobs, advanced technology and specialized medical care. Since American Advanced Management assumed operations in December 2024, Dameron reports adding 489 jobs, including more than 240 registered nurses. The hospital says its nursing workforce has grown by over 150%, while union positions have increased by approximately 270, nearly 80%. The investments extend beyond staffing. Dameron has introduced a new cardiac catheterization laboratory, expanded stroke care through a collaboration with Stanford Hospital, and strengthened orthopedic services with the addition of spine specialist Dr. Jordan Green. “Every nurse we add means more time at the bedside and safer care for our patients,” said Chief Nursing Officer Cassandra Lacondeguy, who also reported improved patient satisfaction. Dameron’s growth follows an earlier period of workforce reductions and restructuring. Hospital leadership says its focus now is rebuilding and investing in sustainable services. The expansion comes amid challenges elsewhere in Stockton healthcare. In August, it was reported that St. Joseph’s Medical Center eliminated multiple positions in layoffs amid financial pressures. For Dameron, founded in 1912, the latest investments represent a promising chapter in its long history of serving Stockton families. More local jobs. More nurses. More specialized care, closer to home. Dameron Hospital: Where patient care comes first.

Suspected ICE Sighting in Stockton Multiple SUV’s spotted, getting off on the mariposa exit. According to witnesses 2 individuals had a vest on with the ICE logo. #stockton #california #ice #immigration

Family members of Ajit Kari, who was missing in Ceres, have reported that Ceres Police Dept has confirmed, the body recovered over the weekend is Ajit Kaur’s. Our condolences go out to her family and friends. 😢

🚨 Mainstream media outlets are reporting that a former Miss Switzerland beauty pageant contestant has accused President Trump of s*xually assaulting her at New York’s Plaza Hotel in 1993. A new report released by congressional Democrats is also implicating Trump in several more crimes involving deceased monster Jeffrey Epstein. Should he be investigated like disgraced former Democrat Congressman Eric Swalwell and Stockton City Councilmember Brando Villapudua?