What did i see in Stockton California delta grassland that resembled a 2 to 3 foot black skunk?

What you likely saw in the Stockton California delta grassland could have been a California ground squirrel or a large black-and-white rodent, such as a nutria, which can sometimes be mistaken for a skunk due to their size and coloration. Additionally, juvenile skunks could fit that description as well, especially if they were not fully developed. It's also possible that it was a large, dark-colored animal that simply had similar markings. Observing the animal's behavior and characteristics would help confirm its identity.