In an effort to address the growing concern of gun violence in the city, Stockton's Police Chief and several department members took to the streets of a local neighborhood on Wednesday, engaging in conversations with residents about their experiences and ideas for solutions.
The walk took place near Van Buren Elementary School, which was the site of a tragic triple shooting just last month, resulting in two fatalities.
Interim Superintendent for Stockton Unified School District, Traci Miller, also participated in the walk, stressing the importance of community members speaking up if they have any information about the shootings. The Police Chief echoed this sentiment, urging anyone with knowledge of the cases to come forward.
During the walk, the Police Chief discussed potential strategies for reducing crime and gun violence in the area. One suggestion was the implementation of more afterschool activities, which could provide a safe and constructive environment for local youth. Sierra Vista's resident council president, Georgia Brownlee, supported this idea and also proposed the addition of parenting classes as a complementary measure.
While Brownlee appreciated the walk-throughs as a valuable initiative to engage with the community, she expressed a desire to see even more help and involvement from officials in addressing the issues her neighborhood faces. The Stockton Police Department's willingness to listen and respond to residents' concerns demonstrates a commitment to working together to create a safer environment for all.
