Stockton's Creative Community Speaks Out: A Call for Unity and Progress

The recent controversy surrounding the Wild 'N Out event in Stockton has brought to light deep-seated frustrations within the city's creative and urban communities. While the public conversation has centered on allegations of financial impropriety, a more significant issue has emerged: a perceived cycle of political drama that stifles positive urban events and overlooks the city's rich cultural landscape.

At a recent city council meeting, several community members and artists voiced their concerns, asserting that the city has historically failed to support and speak up for its urban culture. A former Stockton resident, Antonio Martin, who grew up on the north side near Eldorado and Swain, spoke about the contrast he witnessed between his neighborhood and more affluent areas like Spanos. He noted that his childhood friends in other neighborhoods lacked the same opportunities, quality parks, or access to essential services. Martin contended that past city officials focused on certain communities, leaving areas like the north, south, and east sides of Stockton behind. He pointed out that decisions seemed to benefit a select few, while communities of color were overlooked.

The question Martin posed to the council was simple yet profound: "Why is it such a battle when someone tries to bring something positive to the black community?". He highlighted the frustration that events organized for the black community are met with resistance and drama, an uproar that did not seem to happen when other initiatives misused public funds. He concluded that from his perspective, it feels as though events for the black community are being targeted simply because of who they serve.

This sentiment was echoed at a subsequent city council meeting where local artists stepped up to speak. A local artist, Surf Baby, stood before the council not just as an artist, but as a "product of Stockton". She stated that the city's creativity, resilience, and cultural depth are often overlooked due to "outdated stigma". She said she was not speaking in opposition, but in defense of what is possible, and what can continue to happen "if we stop trying to police our own progress". Surf Baby questioned why something positive is "instantly met with suspicion".

Another local artist, BLOVEJONES, expressed her excitement when she heard the city was bringing a platform like Wild 'N Out to Stockton, an event many in the community never imagined would come to the city. She passionately declared that "numbers do not lie" and that the success of the event "speaks for itself". She also shared her honest opinion that this was an opportunity for the city to move forward and do "something great together".

The speakers made it clear that the ongoing drama is frustrating for all local citizens. It is felt that every time something positive is planned for the community, it gets "caught in a cycle of politics and drama". The recurring theme from the public comments is a call for an end to the division and a renewed focus on prioritizing all of Stockton's communities, not just one or two.

The voices of these artists and community members underscore a vital message: Stockton's urban and creative communities are ready for progress and are actively working to change the narrative. Their passion and dedication are a testament to the city's potential.

Video Evidence of Community Support

To understand the full weight of these voices, ULX Mag is sharing video clips from the city council meetings.

Hollywood Unlocked Exclusive: The Community Speaks Out

This clip, as featured on Hollywood Unlocked, shows the powerful testimony of Antonio Martin (Founder of ULX Studios) at the city council meeting. His words directly address the perceived political targeting of urban events and underscore the need for unity within Stockton.

[Source @hollywoodunlocked]

A Call to Action from Stockton's Artists

This video features local artists SurfBaby and BLOVEJONES as they share their perspectives at a recent city council meeting. Their passionate statements highlight the city's need to support its creative talent and urban culture.

Video 1: Surf Baby's Speech

Video 2: BLOVEJONES' Speech

How to Get Involved

The recent city council meetings have shown the power of community engagement. If you are an artist or a member of the urban/black community in Stockton, your voice is crucial. To help bring about change in what is seen as a "broken city with a broken system," it is important to participate in local government and speak at city council meetings. Your perspective and experiences are essential to ensuring that decisions are made with all of Stockton's communities in mind.

There are also several upcoming town hall events in Stockton where you can voice your concerns directly to city officials:

• Town Hall Meet & Greet

  • Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

  • Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

  • Location: American Legion Karl Ross Post 16, 2020 Plymouth Road, Stockton, CA 95204

  • Details: This event is hosted by the APAPA San Joaquin Chapter and provides an opportunity to meet Stockton City Council Members, San Joaquin County Supervisors, and School Trustees.

• San Joaquin Delta College Town Halls

  • First Town Hall: Featuring Vice Mayor Jason Lee and District 4 Councilmember Mario Enríquez.

    • Date: September 4, 2025

    • Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Location: Dawn Mabalon Forum at Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave.

  • Second Town Hall: Featuring District 1 Supervisor Mario Gardea and District 3 Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal.

    • Date: September 11, 2025

    • Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    • Location: Dawn Mabalon Forum at Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave.

  • Details: Both events will allow residents to hear from newly elected officials, get updates on their first eight months in office, and submit questions.

• Next City Council Meeting

  • Date: September 9, 2025

  • Time: It is recommended to arrive by 4:30 PM to sign up to speak.

  • Location: City Hall, Council Chambers, 425 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95202.