FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 4, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Cristina Valdivia, Cristina.Valdivia@californiavolunteers.ca.gov, (916) 508-9018

In the Wake of Recent Tragedy, State and Stockton Leaders Come Together to Promote Positive Pathways that Support Safe, Thriving Communities

What you need to know: GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday joined Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi, Stockton leaders and California Service Corps members to hear directly from community members and offer support in the wake of recent tragedy.

STOCKTON, Calif. — Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday joined Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi, Stockton leaders and California Service Corps members to hear directly from community members, offer support in the wake of recent tragedy and deepen the ongoing partnership between the state and the City of Stockton to continue providing positive pathways for Stockton’s youth.

“Gun violence has no place in our society, and we continue to stand with the families impacted by the horrific shooting in Stockton,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We’re going to keep showing up for Stockton and every community that’s been scarred by violence because Californians deserve to feel safe in their communities. As we reaffirm our commitment to public safety, it’s important Californians statewide know the resources available to them during times of crisis.”

“What happened in Stockton was devastating and we continue to hold the innocent lives lost, their families and the entire community in our hearts,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “California will not stand for gun violence of any kind, let alone in a place where children are meant to celebrate and play safely. In California, it’s second nature for us to come together for one another. We are committed to supporting our Stockton community in navigating statewide resources amidst a time of grief and unimaginable pain.”

“Recent tragedies remind us how important it is to work together to provide positive opportunities for all our youth. We are here in Stockton to listen, learn, support and strengthen our partnership with the community,” said California Chief Service Officer and GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “Our youth deserve opportunity and meaningful ways to contribute and belong to reach their full potential. We stand with the Stockton community during this difficult time and are committed to providing continued support and opportunities to Stockton’s youth.”

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi and GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday speak with California Service Corps members to hear directly from the community and offer support in the wake of recent tragedy.

During the listening session, California Service Corps members shared their personal experiences serving the Stockton community, emphasizing the impact of their work and the growing need for programs that provide meaningful service opportunities and mentorship for youth.

“Our young people are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to contribute — but the opportunities are not keeping pace with the demand. This past summer, more than 1,400 youth applied for just 100 available positions in our Youth Service Corps program. If we are serious about youth safety and long-term violence reduction, then we must invest in enrichment, mentorship and transformative experiences that prevent harm before it happens,” said Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi. “This is about more than programs; it’s about saving lives, strengthening families and building a safer future for our city.”

GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi and California Service Corps members share experiences and emphasize the impact of their work.

In Stockton and across the country, research has shown that many young people are confronting overlapping crises — from loneliness and mental health struggles to disconnection from community and opportunity. Recent tragedies have underscored the urgent need for programs that offer multiple avenues to combat isolation, create a sense of belonging and help Californians build skills.

Since 2019, the state has made significant investments in service opportunities in the City of Stockton totaling over $25 million across the four California Service Corps programs — #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps , Youth Service Corps and AmeriCorps California — which support communities through service in climate action, tutoring and mentoring students, responding to disasters, combating hunger and connecting neighbors to resources. Leaders highlighted these programs during the press conference, as well as the need for continued investment in programs that help young people thrive.

Through ongoing partnerships and continued investment in youth service opportunities, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is committed to supporting communities across the state by ensuring these opportunities reach every Californian. Learn more at CAServiceCorps.com.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH with GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. Contact Cristina Valdivia, 916-508-9018, cristina.valdivia@cv.ca.gov.

RELATED FOOTAGE:

B-roll: Vimeo.com/1143550255
Photos: Box
Video: Instagram.com/p/DR2yMViEq4I
Press Conference: YouTube.com/live/I9nut03Xq5M

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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor 
California Volunteers, under GO-Serve, empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.