During the City Council Regular Meeting on April 1, 2025, in Victorville, California, community members passionately advocated for the establishment of a dedicated community room at the Hook Community Center. This initiative aims to provide essential resources for local youth, particularly those from working families, who often face challenges after school hours.

One speaker highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing that many children are left unsupervised during critical hours, which can lead to negative outcomes. Drawing from personal experience, he recounted how a community center had once provided a safe space for him and his friends, offering homework help and a supportive environment. He argued that investing in a community lab at the Hook Community Center would equip youth with necessary tools and activities, potentially reducing juvenile crime rates during unsupervised hours.

The proposed budget for this initiative includes approximately $13,000 for basic computers and $20,000 for more advanced technology. The speaker urged the council to support this investment, framing it as a vital step towards enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement.

Another resident, Tina Stafford, echoed these sentiments, presenting findings from community surveys that indicated a strong demand for safe indoor spaces for children and extended hours for parents who commute. She advocated for a dedicated computer room with Wi-Fi access at the community center, which would serve as a crucial resource for students needing to complete homework, apply for jobs, and develop digital skills. Stafford emphasized that without such resources, vulnerable children risk being left behind, and she called for community support to bridge the gap for at-risk youth.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a collective recognition of the need for enhanced community resources to support families and children in Victorville. As the council considers these proposals, the potential for positive change in the lives of local youth remains a focal point for community advocates. The next steps will involve further deliberation on funding and implementation strategies to ensure that these initiatives can be realized effectively.