Stockton council votes 4–3 to expand probe into Wild ’n Out event, adding recusal review

The Stockton City Council voted 4–3 on Dec. 9 to expand an ongoing probe into the city’s involvement with a Wild ’n Out event, adding a review of whether the vice mayor failed to recuse himself from related discussions and votes.

Mayor Christina Fugazi said the expansion is intended to ensure "no stone is left unturned," and cited both city‑charter provisions and state conflict‑of‑interest statutes as possible grounds for review. The city attorney explained that, absent a written FPPC opinion, the most conservative approach is recusal and that enforcement of some violations falls on individuals rather than the city.

Vice Mayor Jason Lee defended his actions and said he had sought opinion and would not recuse himself; he urged release of an existing investigation report that staff had completed. Lee described filing advice from the FPPC and said members of the public who believe a violation occurred may file complaints with the FPPC themselves.

Council Member Villapudua and supporters argued the scope expansion should include alleged failures to recuse on prior dates and specifically named both the charter provision discussed and California Government Code section 1090. Opponents said the original investigation had concluded and releasing the report would be a preferable, lower‑cost option than further staff expense. After debate the motion to expand the scope passed 4–3, with Council Members Lee, Blauer and Enriquez voting no.

The vote directs staff to complete the expanded review and bring findings back at the next available meeting after completion; the council also requested that the already‑completed portion of the investigation be released at the council’s Dec. 16 meeting.