A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed late Tuesday in Sacramento’s Meadowview neighborhood, marking the city’s third youth-involved shooting in under two weeks.
The tragedy renewed focus on the city’s delay in releasing nearly $18 million in youth violence prevention funds.
The money, approved by voters through Measure L in 2022, comes from cannabis tax revenue and is meant to support youth services. Yet, city leaders have not finalized how to distribute the funds across more than 100 organizations that applied for support.
Berry Accius, founder of Voice of the Youth, a local nonprofit focused on violence intervention and prevention, voiced his frustration over the delay.
“As we continue to delay, our young people continue to be killed,” said Accius, whose organization works with some of Sacramento’s most vulnerable youth.
He added that the city’s inaction has left grassroots organizations struggling to stay afloat.
“We should have already started programming at the end of April,” he said. “I think the delay has caused the rift we are seeing in our communities and streets. We are constantly coming from a reactionary standpoint.”
Last week, the City Council debated two partial funding proposals—neither fully addressed the needs of all applicants. Accius criticized the process, saying it favors well-connected nonprofits.
“Favoritism plays a big part in it,” he said. “A lot of people can write up a good grant, but can they show and prove what the grant says?”
The shooting took place in District 8, represented by Councilmember Mai Vang, who called for immediate action. In a statement, she said:
“We need to invest in solutions that go beyond policing — programs that support youth, strengthen families, and create safe spaces for healing and growth.”
Other councilmembers recognized challenges smaller nonprofits face in competing for funds.
“It is something we need to work on the next time,” said Councilmember Karina Talamantes.
“That is not something we may address effectively this round, but I think it is something next round how we address that as well,” added Councilmember Roger Dickinson.
Accius warned the consequences of inaction are hitting hardest in underserved communities.
“If it was white suburban kids being killed at this alarming rate at these ages, there would have been funding in March. There would be no delay,” he said.
The City Council plans to vote on the Measure L funding plan on June 10, the same day it finalizes its annual budget. Councilmember Vang also aims to prevent cuts to another youth program at that meeting.
Councilmember Mai Vang’s Full Statement:
“Last night, we experienced another heartbreaking tragedy in our community. A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting at Coral Gables in Meadowview. Just two weeks ago, another young adult was killed in a separate shooting near Valley Hi/Deerfield/Mesa Grande. These are not isolated incidents — they reflect a deeper crisis that demands our attention.
As summer approaches, we historically see an increase in violence. The safety of our neighborhoods and the well-being of our youth cannot wait. The community is asking a critical question: What is the City’s plan to prevent violence and protect our young people? We must be able to answer that.
Now is the time for the City to step up with a clear, coordinated, and community-informed strategy that prioritizes violence prevention as a public health issue. We need to invest in solutions that go beyond policing — programs that support youth, strengthen families, and create safe spaces for healing and growth. We must scale up our efforts in partnership with community on prevention, violence interruption, and long-term investment in our communities.
As we approach the City’s annual budget process, our values must reflect our funding priorities. That means investing in youth programs, community-based prevention, and support systems that break the cycle of violence. Our young people deserve to grow up in communities that are safe, supported, and full of opportunities.
This is not just a moment for response — it’s a moment for leadership. Let’s move with urgency and invest in what truly keeps our communities safe.”
