Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta convened a roundtable discussion in Fresno today with gun violence prevention leaders from Central California. This event marks the fourth in a series of statewide meetings aimed at addressing gun violence through community-based solutions.

The primary goal of these discussions is to develop effective strategies for reducing gun violence, increase awareness about available resources, and enhance statewide partnerships to prevent shootings and interrupt cycles of trauma and violence.

“I’m proud to stand with our local partners to identify best practices, foster community involvement, and work toward community-driven solutions to eliminate gun violence and protect survivors,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Preventing gun violence must begin in our communities by strengthening relationships and fostering an environment of support and collaboration.”

Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission CEO Emilia Reyes emphasized the broad impact of gun violence: "Gun violence doesn’t just affect one person; it affects an entire family and community. There is a ripple effect that can be felt for generations."

Wendale Davis Foundation Director Wesley Davis Jr. highlighted the importance of cooperation between governmental and community-based organizations: “CBOs and government agencies each bring unique resources and points of view to the table.”

Stephanie Hatten, director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, stressed the significance of community voices: “What has been effective is speaking to our people and allowing them to voice what safety means to them.”

Attorney General Bonta established the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) within the California Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2021. CARE focuses on including diverse perspectives in state initiatives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

In September 2022, Bonta launched DOJ’s first-in-the-nation Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP). The OGVP aims to reduce firearm-related harm through research, data collection, public awareness campaigns, grant opportunities for intervention programs, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

In August 2023, OGVP released its first data report reviewing gun violence data in California compared to national trends. The report noted that California's firearm homicide rate had decreased significantly over three decades. A subsequent report in November 2023 examined the relationship between domestic violence and firearms.

Attorney General Bonta continues to advocate for stringent gun laws while educating the public on prevention strategies through data reports issued by OGVP. His efforts include defending California’s assault weapons ban, sponsoring Assembly Bill 1594 for increased accountability within the firearm industry, supporting AB 28 for long-term investments in prevention programs, mental health services in schools, crime investigations related to guns, victim services, as well as working towards stronger federal laws against ghost guns.