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With retaliation feared after Stockton’s mass shooting, organizers say the confidential ceasefire talks are a critical moment to stop further violence.
STOCKTON, Calif. — A nonprofit says it’s bringing together multiple gangs for ceasefire talks after a deadly mass shooting at a Stockton birthday party.
According to the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation (YPJF), the talks will take place Friday, nearly two weeks after the shooting killed four people and injured 13 others. The Foundation called it a response to recent and ongoing violence and an effort to “end the cycle of retaliation following the tragic November mass shooting.”
Kimberly Warmsley, a licensed clinical social worker, chief clinician for Mary Magdalene Community Services and former Stockton vice mayor, said the trauma from the attack is still gripping the community. “Thinking of the kids whose lives were stolen due to gun violence is just so heartbreaking,” she said. Having grown up during the Cleveland Elementary School mass shooting, she called this tragedy “Cleveland Elementary times two,” noting that families now face fear, hypervigilance and long-term grief. “It’s critical, it’s compelling, it’s sad, it’s very hurtful.”
Warmsley said her dual background in mental health and policymaking shapes how she views the ceasefire effort. As someone who has worked on community wellness, public safety and violence-prevention policy, she said these decisions must be grounded in local relationships. “People and community are at the nexus of every choice and decision you make as a policymaker,” she said.
The YPJF said successful talks would also start a three-year violence-prevention plan for Stockton.
“While the community has been processing we have been working behind the scenes. We gave our word to the families of Stockton, and that word is our bond. We will not allow intimidation to win,” said Daniel Chapin, Foundation founder. “This Friday, the choice is clear: Peace over Fear. We call upon all parties—including representatives from the historically rival Norteños and Sureños-affiliated groups—to come to the table to honor the lives lost and secure a permanent ceasefire for the city. We are encouraged by the invitation acceptance as well by representatives of the following: Conway Gangsters, Sinners Click, Fly Boys & East Coast Crips.”
On Tuesday, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said there were known gang members at the party, but investigators don’t know if that was the reason or motive of the shooting. Suspect information remains limited, with the sheriff’s office saying the suspects wore dark clothing and face coverings.
YPJF also requested a respected member of the local clergy and a recognized community leader to join the talks, saying they’re meant to reinforce that violence is unacceptable and to provide a path for social support and intervention services.
Warmsley said real progress requires grounding the process in Stockton’s existing trust networks. “Did they talk to someone locally? Did they talk to the Office of Violence Prevention?” she said. “Because it really has to be community led. It has to be led by trusted partners who have garnered and gained the trust of these said individuals.” She added that bringing in outside organizers without strong coordination can create unintended harm. “Let’s be intentional, because the one thing that we do not want to happen is more harm being caused, because there is harm already.”
As for law enforcement, the sheriff’s office said it won’t be involved in the meeting to ensure the community feels comfortable going. YPJF said its communication with law enforcement is limited to safety awareness, and it isn’t assisting any investigation related to the threat itself, noting that the community-based process requires absolute neutrality.
Warmsley said the community must prepare for long-term healing and long-term work. “This is going to take a multi-faceted approach. Therapists, case managers, schools, clergy… a lot of supporting partners to bridge our community together and heal,” she said. She noted that many children and teens exposed to violence carry environmental trauma, poverty, loss, unstable housing and the influence of toxic social media. “This situation has impacted so many lives,” she said, emphasizing that recovery will require deep and sustained support.
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