High school seniors in blue and white graduation gowns took to the stage in the Charlene Lange Theater at Hutchins Street Square on Thursday to celebrate completing a diploma some thought was out of their reach.

The increasing cost of public safety personnel and less money in Lodi’s general fund due to less tax revenue means the city is on its way to only paying for police and fire services out of the general fund. Every other department will have to find a way to pay for itself, City Manager Rad Bartlam confirmed, while public safety looks for more ways to cut costs.

Welcome to Lodi. Please relax and sip some wine. You’ll find wines here are generally excellent, affordable — and often poured for you by the vintner who made them.

Lodi’s nooks and crannies are filled with unique places of interest. From lakes and parks to fruit stands, tasting rooms and community events, there are places to check out around town.

The Lodi Historical Society will have its May program on Weednesday at 7 p.m. in the Senior Center at Hutchins Street Square. Jeanette Moore and Jeanne Vetter of the Business and Professional Women of Lodi will speak on the history and future of the organization. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited to attend.

We're taking the next step toward repairing the swimming pool at Hutchins Street Square. On Tuesday, we'll be asking the City Council (in a special meeting before or after the regular "shirtsleeve" study session) to award the project.

The Tokay 1913 is a paperbound Lodi Union High School yearbook, about the size of a small town's thin telephone book. It's a glimpse into the past a century ago when student life was much like it is today and yet so different.

The following is a list of public meetings in the Lodi and Galt areas this week:

Mother’s Day — and HOT. This day should be gently spring-like: warm in the sun, cool in the shade, with a very soft breeze.

The following is a list of public meetings in the Lodi and Galt areas this week:

1. ‘Julia Child says, “Bon Appetit”!’

With the exception of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, most city departments are running within their budget projections, according to an update provided to the Lodi City Council this week.

I wrote a letter in March expressing my disappointment with the Hutchins Street Square Foundation and their lack of communication or concern over my missing brick order.