June 3, 2024: Terra Lawson-Remer + SD4GVP Press Conference

June 3, 2024: Terra Lawson-Remer + SD4GVP Press Conference

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Press Releases

(See video of the event »)

SUPERVISOR LAWSON-REMER, GUN SAFETY ADVOCATES RAISE AWARENESS, HONOR VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE

San Diego Event Kicks Off Wear Orange and Highlights Local Achievements in Gun Violence Prevention 

SAN DIEGO (June 3, 2024) – San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer and San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention (SD4GVP) held a press conference today to kick off Wear Orange and Gun Violence Awareness Weekend and highlight recent successes in preventing gun violence locally. They were joined by representatives from GIFFORDS Law Center and Team ENOUGH.

Wear Orange takes place June 7-9 to educate people about the dangers of gun violence and honor the lives lost to gun violence in San Diego County and across the nation. Wear Orange began after 15 year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed in Chicago in 2013. In recognition, the County Administration Building will be lit orange this Friday evening, June 7.

Upcoming Wear Orange Events in San Diego County include:

  • Saturday, June 8 10 a.m. to Noon: Bishop Cornelius Bowser and Shaphat Outreach are hosting an event for survivors of gun violence at Charity Apostolic Church, 3194 Market Street, San Diego CA 92102
  • Sunday, June 9: Numerous congregations from different faiths will observe Wear Orange

“As a mother, I can’t imagine losing a child to gun violence. No one should have to face such a painful tragedy, yet in our society it has become all too common,” said Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, Vice Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Gun violence can be prevented, and in San Diego County, we are taking the lead to keep our communities safe. Our policies are getting dangerous illegal guns off the streets, and keeping lawfully owned firearms secure and out of reach of children.”

Gun safety advocates say local policies like those passed by the County of San Diego in the last three years, including a ban on ghost guns and the requirement of safe storage, are key to preventing firearm-related violence in San Diego.

“We are grateful for all that the County of San Diego has done in the past few years to address gun violence, including undertaking a comprehensive Gun Violence Reduction assessment to address the violence that impacts all San Diegans,” said Therese Hymer, President of San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention.  “That assessment resulted in a work plan which identifies 17 near-term actions the County will pursue, including safe firearm storage education to enhance the implementation of the County’s safe storage law. We fully support this critical safety effort,”said Therese Hymer, President of San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention.

In 2021 the County Board of Supervisors approved a policy introduced by Supervisor Lawson-Remer to prevent the possession and distribution of illegal, unserialized ghost guns, resulting in three times more ghost guns being removed from the streets than previously. Subsequently, 200 cases of violent crimes involving ghost guns were prosecuted locally.

Supervisor Lawson-Remer also passed a policy authorizing the County to explore lawsuits against gun manufacturers. Earlier this year, the County partnered with GIFFORDS to initiate its first legal action against a firearm manufacturer by suing Texas-based Defense Distributed, who is accused of rebranding illegal ghost gun manufacturing equipment to skirt California law.

Adam Skaggs, Chief Counsel & Vice President at GIFFORDS Law Center said, “Today we’re gathering to mark Wear Orange Day, a day that was created in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, one of far too many Americans who’ve lost their lives to gun violence. In honor of Hadiya’s memory, we’re committed to doing everything we can to stop gun violence — and that includes holding irresponsible members of the gun industry to account. GIFFORDS Law Center is proud to represent San Diego County in holding some of the most irresponsible members of the industry accountable. In particular, we seek to stop flagrant violations of California law by a Texas company called Defense Distributed that sells gun-making machines called the Ghost Gunner and Coast Runner to illegal gun traffickers and others  who can’t legally own guns. It’s wrong, it’s dangerous, and it’s illegal — and we’re proud to partner with San Diego County to stop it.”  

Stephan Abrams, who began advocating for gun safety and organizing student groups across California at just 15 years old, also attended the event on behalf of Team ENOUGH to share what young people across San Diego County think about gun violence.

Abrams said, “As a born and raised San Diegan and gun violence prevention advocate, I am grateful that Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer continues to be a champion and prioritize gun violence prevention. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for those under the age of 26 and it’s important for young people to continue to have a seat at the table. Gun violence awareness month and wear orange day are an important reminder of our mission to be the generation that will end gun violence.”

At the event Supervisor Lawson-Remer also presented a County of San Diego Proclamation to San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention for Wear Orange and to honor the organization for their advocacy to reduce firearm-related violence in the region.

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KICKING OFF WEAR ORANGE & GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS WEEKEND

by | May 31, 2024 | Press Releases

 


Leaders to Highlight Efforts to Prevent Gun Violence in San Diego County Region     

WHAT: Press Conference 

WHY: Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, in partnership with San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention and others, has fought to introduce new County policies, hold gun manufacturers accountable and more to reduce gun violence in San Diego County. During the press conference, participants will highlight the actions taken to prevent gun violence and success achieved, as well as the upcoming Wear Orange Initiative (June 7-9) taking place in San Diego County and across the nation. Also, a proclamation will be presented to San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention. To commemorate the annual Wear Orange weekend, which honors survivors and builds community with those working to end gun violence, the County Administration Center will be illuminated orange on Friday, June 7.     

WHEN: Monday, June 3, 2024, 11 a.m. (please arrive at 10:45 a.m.)

WHERE: County Administration Center
 1600 Pacific Hwy. San Diego, CA 92101
Board of Supervisors Chambers, 3rd Floor

WHO:

  • Terra Lawson-Remer, Supervisor, County of San Diego
  • Therese Hymer, President, San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention
  • Adam Skaggs, GIFFORDS Law Center’s Chief Counsel + Vice President
  • Stephan Abrams, Youth Advocate, Team Enough National Chapter Coordinator
  • Members of San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention and other gun violence prevention
  • organizations as well as interested San Diego County citizens

VISUALS: Proclamation presentation; members wearing orange t-shirts 

PARKING: Underground Garage on Ash Street between Pacific Hwy. & Harbor Drive 

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Media Contacts: James Canning, 619-372-7988, James.Canning@sdcounty.ca.gov or Ron Marcus, 858-212-1320, rmarcus@sd4gvp.org  

SD4GVP Recognizes 25 Candidates for their Public Work to Prevent Gun Violence

by | Oct 13, 2022 | Press Releases

San Diego, California, October 11, 2022 – San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention (SD4GVP) released its final 2022 San Diego County Voter Guide today, identifying 25 candidates running for local office in San Diego County who are committed to leading with gun safety in mind. The SD4GVP Voter Guide is available online at www.sd4gvp.org/candidates/ for County residents to access before Election Day on Nov. 8.

“The number-one way to change the disheartening amount of gun violence is to vote for candidates who understand the root causes of violence, and who will take steps to address those causes,” said Therese Hymer, Legislation and Advocacy Team Lead for SD4GVP. “No city, county, or state is immune to gun violence. Residents who want to promote gun safety in San Diego County are encouraged to evaluate these candidates and consider them for a vote.”

SD4GVP Gun Violence Prevention Candidate selections are non-partisan, as is legislation and related advocacy work to stop gun violence. The SD4GVP 2022 Voter Guide identifies candidates from across San Diego County in city and county races, including the board of supervisors, city councils, and school board positions, among others. More than one candidate is named in a race if each is committed to promoting gun safety.

The recognized candidates proactively support initiatives and programs that prevent gun violence, such as:

· Safe firearm storage outreach and education to prevent firearm theft, reduce suicides, and curb gun deaths and injuries among children and teens.

· Restorative justice programs, trauma-informed conflict resolution, and increased investment in mental health and counseling in schools.

· Government funding for community-based organizations that provide violence interruption and prevention services for victims of gun violence and those at risk of committing such violence.

· Increased funding for parks, libraries, arts programs, and job resources in underserved neighborhoods.

· Ghost gun laws to prohibit untraceable guns and ensure background checks on weapon purchases.

· Gun violence restraining orders to temporarily remove guns from people deemed a danger to themselves or others.

The following people have received the distinction of Gun Violence Prevention Candidate from SD4GVP:
· Nathan Fletcher, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 4 – Gun Violence Prevention Champion

· Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 5

· Greg Hodosevich, San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector

· Barbara Bry, San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

· Jen Campbell, San Diego City Council, District 2

· Kent Lee, San Diego City Council, District 6

· Tommy Hough, San Diego City Council, District 6

· Vivian Moreno, San Diego City Council, District 8

· Sam Ward, Carlsbad City Council, District 1

· Priya Bhat-Patel, Carlsbad City Council, District 3

· Eric Joyce, Oceanside City Council, District 1

· Daniel Dominguez, Oceanside City Council, District 2

· Cipriano Vargas, Vista Mayor

· Dan O’Donnell, Vista City Council, District 4

· Godwin Higa, San Diego Unified School Board, District B

· Shana Hazan, San Diego Unified School Board, District B

· Cody Petterson, San Diego Unified School Board, District C

· Michele Tsutagawa Ward, Carlsbad Unified School District Trustee, Area 1

· Kathy Rallings, Carlsbad Unified School District Trustee, Area 5

· Georgine Tomasi, Escondido Union School Board, Area 4

· Brianna Coston, La Mesa Spring Valley School Board Trustee, Area 3

· Frida Brunzell, Poway Unified School District Board of Education Trustee, Area B

· Rimga Viskanta, San Dieguito Union High School District Trustee, Area 1

· Jane Lea Smith, San Dieguito Union High School District Trustee, Area 3

· Marti Emerald, Sweetwater Union High School District Board, Area 5

This is the third election year in which SD4GVP has released a voter guide to highlight candidates who have expressed their willingness to lead with gun safety in mind and have demonstrated that commitment in their actions. The SD4GVP Legislation and Advocacy Team of 10 volunteers gather questionnaires to assess a candidate’s past work and intention to promote gun safety in the future. Next, committee volunteers validate the information, fact-checking that the candidate’s commitment to gun violence prevention aligns with their voting record, public statements, campaign material, and independent media reports. Candidates who have demonstrated exceptionally proactive, consistent, and relentless public work to prevent gun violence are designated at the higher level of a GVP Champion.

More Resources to Find Gun Safety Candidates

Read more about each candidate and their perspective on gun violence issues and legislation in the SD4GVP 2022 San Diego County Voter Guide at www.sd4gvp.org/candidates/. For information about candidates in state and federal races who support gun violence prevention, refer to the following resources:

•   Brady-endorsed candidates: https://bradypac.org/candidates/

•   Moms Demand Action Gun Sense candidates: https://gunsensevoter.org/candidates/

•   Candidates endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund: www.gunsensevoter.org/2022-endorsed-candidates/

•   Giffords Gun Safety Champions: https://giffords.org/elections/endorsements/

SD4GVP distinctions are different from and should not be interpreted as endorsements.

About San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention (SD4GVP)

Founded in 2018, SD4GVP, 501(c)(4), is an all-volunteer coalition of citizens and organizations in the
San Diego region and beyond dedicated to ending gun violence in the U.S. This is accomplished through legislative advocacy, public education, and intervention strategies in high-risk communities. For more information, visit sd4gvp.org or follow the organization on Facebook at SD4GVP, on Twitter @gvpsd4 or on Instagram @sd4gvp.

What Was Your Tipping Point?

by | Jul 23, 2022 | Press Releases

SD4GVP Volunteers relate their tipping-point moments

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Comment on Laws to Protect Our Children from Irresponsible Firearm Manufacturers and Sellers

by | Jul 13, 2022 | Press Releases

STATEMENT


COMMENT BY SAN DIEGANS FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION (SD4GVP) ON LAWS TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM IRRESPONSIBLE FIREARM MANUFACTURERS AND SELLERS

San Diego, California, July 12, 2022 – Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills in recent weeks which allow the State, local governments, and Californians to sue irresponsible manufacturers and sellers of firearms for the harm caused by their products.

In 2005, Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which shields gun manufacturers and dealers from civil suits when crimes are committed using the guns they produce. Signed yesterday, AB 1594 utilizes an exemption to the federal statute that allows gun makers or sellers to be sued for violations of state laws concerning the sale or marketing of firearms. On June 30, Governor Newsom signed AB 2571 (Bauer-Kahan, San Ramon), which prohibits a firearm industry member from advertising or marketing firearms in a manner designed, intended, or that reasonably appears to be attractive to minors.

“Gun violence is now the leading cause of death among teens and children in the U.S. These two bills act together to require the gun industry to consider the safety of our youth,” said Therese Hymer, head of legislative policy for non-profit San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention.

“This bill is a significant step toward holding irresponsible, reckless and negligent gun manufacturers, distributors and sellers accountable,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward (San Diego), who jointly authored AB1594 together with Assemblymembers Phil Ting (San Francisco) and Mike A. Gipson (Carson). “The U.S. has less than 5% of the world’s population, yet we make up nearly a third of the world’s mass shootings. I’m proud to joint author AB 1594 and support other common sense gun reforms that will help make our communities safer.”

California’s gun safety policies save lives and serve as a national model for other states to follow. California has a 37 percent lower gun death rate than the national average. As a result of the actions taken by California, the state has cut its gun death rate in half and Californians are 25 percent less likely to die in a mass shooting compared to people in other states. Other states such as Texas and Florida, with few gun regulations, have had double-digit increases in the rate of gun deaths. According to the Giffords Law Center, in 2021, California was ranked as the top state in the nation for gun safety.

About San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention (SD4GVP)

Founded in 2018, SD4GVP, 501(c)(4), is an all-volunteer coalition of citizens and organizations in the San Diego region and beyond dedicated to ending gun violence in the U.S. This is accomplished through legislative advocacy, public education, and intervention strategies in high-risk communities. For more information, visit sd4gvp.org. Follow us on Facebook at SD4GVP, on Twitter @gvpsd4, and Instagram.

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SD4GVP COMMENT ON SCOTUS DECISION ON NEW YORK CONCEAL CARRY LAW

by | Jun 23, 2022 | Press Releases

STATEMENT


 COMMENT BY SAN DIEGANS FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION (SD4GVP)  ON THE SUPREME COURT DECISION RE: NEW YORK’S CONCEAL CARRY LAW 

San Diego, California, June 23, 2022 — “Today’s Supreme Court decision increases the risk of gun violence in America, and ignores that the overwhelming majority of Americans are looking for strong gun safety laws to protect them. Putting more guns into the public square makes all of us less safe. It is a simple equation that if more people are on the street with guns, it is more likely that any confrontations become deadly,” said Therese Hymer, head of legislative policy for the nonprofit San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention.

In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc., et al., v. Kevin P. Bruen, the Court struck down a law that had been in place since 1911, requiring individuals who would like to carry a concealed weapon in public to show a need to do so for the purpose of self-defense and to acquire a license. Worse, it applies a new standard that narrowly construes constitutional text as absolute, and largely ignores the determination that this nation’s legislative bodies have made over the course of two centuries that as our society has evolved, new gun safety standards have been absolutely required to protect the public.

The Second Amendment is not absolute, however, and this ruling is by no means the end of licensing laws for firearms. As Justice Kavanaugh’s concurring opinion makes clear, many regulations are constitutional, including the restriction of guns from sensitive places such as schools and government buildings. There is no immediate change to licensing laws, as the Court sent the New York matter back to the lower court for further action.

As we witness the further erosion of gun safety laws at all levels, it is more important than ever that Congress pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Act provides $750 million in funding for states to implement and improve Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, which allow authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from people deemed dangerous to themselves or others; $250 million for community-based violence intervention; a $1 billion investment in mental health; an enhanced 10-day background check process for gun buyers between ages 18 and 21; a provision to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers who are dating partners; a federal statute to prohibit gun trafficking and straw purchases to address the illicit trade of firearms across state lines; and clarification on who needs to seek a Federal Firearms License before selling guns. Finally, it gives more than $2 billion in funding to schools for school-based mental health services, mental health staff and counselors, and safety measures and violence prevention efforts. SD4GVP notes that we are concerned that the maximum sentences in the gun trafficking law are excessive and follow failed strategies of the past that create a disparate impact on our Black and Brown communities, and urge that amendments be made to this portion of the Act.

States like California, which have strong evidence-based gun safety laws, have the lowest rates of death, which is why we must continue to fight to maintain and strengthen our laws.

About San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention (SD4GVP)

Founded in 2018, SD4GVP, 501(c)(4), is an all-volunteer coalition of citizens and organizations in the
San Diego region and beyond dedicated to ending gun violence in the U.S. This is accomplished through legislative advocacy, public education, and intervention strategies in high-risk communities. For more information, visit sd4gvp.org. Follow us on Facebook at SD4GVP, on Twitter @gvpsd4, and Instagram.

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