Amid heartbreak, Stockton shares what’s still good

After last week’s mass shooting, we asked you to share something different — the places, people or moments that remind you why Stockton is still worth loving. That call came from a simple belief: healing starts when we talk honestly about what has gone wrong, but also when we take time to name what’s right.

Your responses have been moving. One longtime Stocktonian told us about childhood drives down Christmas Tree Lane, a community rallying to fill the Emergency Food Bank’s turkey shortage and the everyday acts of kindness that make our city feel like home:

“There are so many people doing good in the community. Every day I see someone helping make Stockton better. I’m proud to be a Stocktonian.”

We’ll continue highlighting your reflections in the weeks ahead. If you’d like to add your voice, you can share your story here.

Today’s newsletter brings the latest updates from the shooting investigation, including the growing reward, new details on victims and an in-depth look at Stockton’s struggle with gang violence. We also cover a carjacking, a pending state audit of City Hall and the story of a young man who died protecting others during the attack.

Thank you for reading, for caring and for being part of this community during a difficult time.