EDITORIAL: Changing Stockton takes all of us
Downtown Stockton has gone through a dramatic revitalization. Local artists have teamed up with clean up groups to paint beautiful murals over graffiti. With every mural, Stocktonians are able to take pride in their city once again. In the future, new buildings will start to pop up like the new court house and several eateries.
Stockton is considered one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in all of the United States, and our crime rate supports it. The majority of inhabitants are consequently considered to be thugs and low-lives that are no strangers to theft, and people will often succumb to these judgements.
For those that live here, and have family here, it seems to be that their fate is generally accepted. They will not defend their city if it is villainized.
This passive mindset only enables the continuance of a bad reputation. To truly have an effect, to make a real change in Stockton’s reputation, action must be taken from within. There are various programs whose prime motivation is to revitalize stockton, such as Ten Space Development mentioned on the front page story. Programs of this same nature have been around for years, but their overall result takes time. Meticulous planning and systematic organization is required for a positive and lasting outcome.
Though the intentions of this program are good, the effect it has on us depends on how we receive it.
They can’t change the way a whole community is viewed without contribution from the actual community.
They can’t be held responsible for changing the reputation of a whole city. They must become we.
We are responsible for how we treat Stockton. Spending time downtown, going to the ice rinks, bowling alleys, and movie theaters. Rather than seeking out places far from here we should work on bettering our local options. Working on Stockton, especially the downtown area, requires a group effort.
Improving the reputation of the area makes it desirable to outsiders to start businesses, for which we have an abundance of space. Being proud of your roots shouldn’t be so difficult to fathom. We, even as young as we are, make a difference.
The Teen Leadership Council within the Podesto Teen Impact Center has now been sworn into City Council, so young people have more of a say now than ever. We do have an impact. Using our influence by supporting local businesses can only improve the community’s image. Make Stockton a place to be prideful of, be the difference you want to see.
