STOCKTON, Calif. — In the wake of the devastating Nov. 29 mass shooting that killed four people and injured more than a dozen at a 2-year-old’s birthday party, community organizations, faith leaders and youth advocates gathered Thursday to demand sustained support for every individual affected by the tragedy and to emphasize that recovery will extend far beyond the immediate aftermath.
Leaders from the San Joaquin County Youth Justice Coalition urged the public and local officials to acknowledge not only the trauma experienced by grieving families and survivors, but also the widespread impact on children, neighbors and first responders who witnessed the violence or its aftermath.
Since the shooting, coalition members have coordinated emergency counseling, food, diapers and other basic necessities for the victims and families…