I was a lifer here in Stockton for 29 years. I watched as this place slowly began to deteriorate. I moved to Texas and bought an affordable home in Round Rock, Texas. I went from the worst city to live in, to the safest city to live in. Ya, they pull you over if they suspect something is wrong, but I was always let go once I checked out. I don't mind being pulled over on occasion-they are doing their job.
My family lives here so I visit often and can't help but notice how everyone seems to be on meth. I mean seriously! wtf? But I understand why this city has slowly sank into it's lifeless self. THERE IS LITERALLY NOTHING TO DO HERE!
When I was a kid, I remember them wanting to open a laser tag arena in the old movie theatre that is now Trader Joe's. We were excited as kids to have something like this open up and have somewhere to go and something to do. It was voted down by the city council because, in their words, "It would cause gang violence." Hello! Gang violence is created because there is nothing to do. The old adage of idle hands being the devil's play things.
The city coucil, and the people who run this city, are the causes of this place becoming a cesspool. They want what is for their own interests and screw the rest. A bunch of greedy bastards in my opinion. Only lawyers, bail bondsmen, and judges are the ones raking in the money around here. Not even the police make a decent wage; even though they are in high demand right now.
In my opinion, the military needs to come through here and do a house to house. Just like in Iraq. I'm being extreme, I know, but this is the state that this city has become. And don't exclude the rich! Give the police more power for a limited amount of time and make them exempt from frivolous lawsuits.
It's time to clean up, people! And if you have anything to worry about; either 1) you're not willing to give up your bad habits. 2) You're worried about going to jail (which by the way, deal with it and get back on your feet). or 3) you're one of the people contributing to this shit.
Blame our city council, our mayors, and everyone else that has had a hand in "making this city a wonderful place".
I loved this place when I was a kid, but then things got bad.
Wake up and smell the coffee!
Either that, or there is gonna be a new sheriff in town! And you won't be able to stop what they have in store for you.
I am currently in the military, and I see what Iraq is like. I compare it to Stockton. There are so many similarities. Granted, I don't think we have somebody that will wear a bomb for their religion, but you never know nowadays.
You people have to stand up and boot the minority out of office, and take control.