Stockton City Council has accepted an $8 million violence-prevention grant following a mass shooting that killed three children and a 21-year-old man, KCRA reports. The funding will support three limited-term positions, including a supervisor and outreach workers in the city’s Office of Violence Prevention, as part of efforts to reduce community violence.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, also known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, criticized the council’s grant decision, saying it prioritizes money over a “zero-cost commitment to proven, life-saving peace,” KCRA reports. The group had helped secure a 21-day gang ceasefire and advocate for a violence intervention model. Mayor Christina Fugazi defended the grant, emphasizing the need to expand services for those affected by violence, while questioning the foundation’s credibility.
At a packed council meeting, residents highlighted the lasting impact of violence on the community. Anthony Burgher, a 50-year Stockton resident, expressed sorrow over the loss of young lives while noting systemic city challenges. Concerns about gun culture and the need for safety were echoed during public comments, CBS News reports.
The council also unanimously passed a vendor ordinance, providing a moment of agreement and celebration. The session began with a prayer for unity from a local pastor. CBS News reports that the nonprofit Loyalty & Family CTF INC. was recognized for community efforts, emphasizing the theme: “drop the gun violence, drop the guns, and up with prayer.”
