Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee is seeking more than $25,000 in compensatory damages and a public apology from the city, saying officials made statements that harmed his reputation, derailed future political ambitions and caused emotional distress.
A letter from Walter Mosley, Lee’s Los Angeles-based attorney, dated Aug. 22, was shared by the vice mayor on social media Tuesday. It outlines Lee’s demands and warns that he will sue if they are not met. Mosley estimates damages, including lost wages and benefits, reputational harm, emotional distress and interference with business relationships, could top $15 million.
Along with the letter, Lee posted a note saying Mayor Christina Fugazi placed an item on the Aug. 26 Stockton City Council agenda recommending an investigation into a city-subsidized comedy show he performed in May, claiming she knew he was not at fault. The council approved hiring an outside investigator to review the matter.
"The community should really be concerned that she did this after being warned these politically motivated attacks will cost the city millions in lawsuits, which she chose to ignore," Lee wrote. "Stockton deserves leadership rooted in truth, trust and transparency — not political games that put our city at risk. I remain hopeful we can get back to the real work our residents expect, but accountability must come first."
For her part, Fugazi said before voting to approve the outside investigation that it was not accusatory but a way to move...
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