Dear Neighbor,

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is an annual event that takes place on the first Friday in June, and marks the beginning of Wear Orange Weekend. Wear Orange is dedicated to honoring the lives of people in the United States affected by gun violence and elevating the voices of those demanding an end to gun violence.

It is imperative for our community to collectively enhance awareness of gun violence and prioritize gun safety measures to keep families and kids safe. In California, the Department of Justice has reported 69,136 gunshot wound incidents from 2016 to 2021, resulting in fatalities or requiring urgent medical attention. Among these incidents, nearly a third (31%) were due to unintended and accidental shootings, and beginning in 2020, firearms surpassed vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for children in the United States.

That is why I authored Senate Bill 1253 The Enhanced Firearm Safety Certifications Act this year, to cultivate a safer and more knowledgeable community of firearm owners across California, regardless of where they purchased or acquired their firearm. The bill specifically requires that individuals relocating to California with firearms purchased outside the state must undergo safety training and obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). This mirrors the legal requirements for California residents who bought their firearms within the state, offering a practical approach to preventing numerous injuries and saving lives, especially among children.

Join us in advocating for a safer tomorrow. You can show your support by wearing orange in solidarity, sharing about SB 1253, and promoting gun violence prevention resources, learn more below.

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, please contact my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here.