Edible Schoolyard presenter urges more male mentors for Stockton youth

A presenter from the Edible Schoolyard in Stockton, California, said the organization’s work is driven by local need and a desire to provide positive role models for youth. The presenter said opportunities were limited in their upbringing and described neighborhoods as "extremely gang infested," arguing that experienced men from those communities can provide essential mentorship.

The presenter repeatedly urged expanding mentorship, saying, "Opportunities for me as a young man growing up were far and few between," and called for more men to become involved as positive role models. They invoked the idea that "it takes a village to raise a child" and said increasing mentors would be "better for our future." These remarks were delivered as a public comment; the transcript contains no formal motion or recorded vote related to the request.