PITTSBURG — Life has always been challenging for Christopher Stockton.
Born into a home where substance abuse and financial hardships were constant struggles, his early years were marred by instability. While living in Phoenix, Arizona, his family constantly moved and relied on churches and food banks for meals, but the nomadic lifestyle made it difficult for Stockton to find stability, friends, or even a consistent school routine.
Stockton was 11 when his father, who struggled with substance abuse and wanted to get out of a life of crime, decided to change his ways and moved the family to Lakehead in Shasta County. His parents, both recovering from their addiction, worked hard to turn things around, making a promise to Stockton and his younger sister to give them better opportunities…