Gun Violence Prevention Champions and Candidates

General Election, Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

The SD4GVP Gun Violence Prevention Candidate distinction is intended to identify candidates who will lead with gun safety in mind. Multiple candidates in a race may receive this non-partisan designation. Candidates who have been exceptionally proactive, consistent and relentless in their work to prevent gun violence are also named 2020 Gun Violence Prevention Champion.

Mara Elliott
San Diego City Attorney

“I launched San Diego’s pioneering Gun Violence Restraining Order program to stop senseless violence by keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people. We’ve removed over 400 firearms, many of them assault weapons, from people who pose a threat to themselves or others, including violent ex-boyfriends, stalkers, veterans with PTSD, road-rage drivers, domestic abusers, feuding neighbors, disgruntled employees, and individuals who’ve vowed to shoot up a workplace, a hospital, or a school… Our program hasn’t just made San Diego safer – it’s become a statewide and national model.”

– City Attorney Mara Elliott

SD4GVP is proud to name City Attorney Mara Elliott as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate and 2020 Champion.

To find out more about Ms. Elliott and her campaign, visit maraelliott.com

Todd Gloria
Mayor of San Diego

“Gun violence is a national emergency and San Diego is not immune. As Mayor, I intend to engage on this issue in a meaningful way to keep our communities safe,” said Assemblymember Todd Gloria, a candidate for San Diego Mayor. “This year, I was proud to support legislation to extend gun violence restraining orders from one year to five and to expand the types of individuals who can request a GVRO. As Mayor, I will look for ways to strengthen and improve the use of GVROs and as well as join advocacy groups like ‘Mayors Against Illegal Guns’ – a group of big city Mayors focused on advocating for gun safety legislation and action at all levels of government.”

– California Assemblymember Todd Gloria

SD4GVP is proud to name Assemblymember and mayoral candidate Todd Gloria as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate and 2020 Champion.

To find out more about Mr. Gloria and his campaign, visit toddgloria.com 

Catherine Blakespear
Encinitas Mayor

– Mayor Catherine Blakespear

SD4GVP is proud to name Mayor Catherine Blakespear as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate. In addition, for exceptional proactive, consistent, and relentless public work to prevent gun violence, Mayor Blakespear is named a 2020 Champion.

For more information about Ms. Blakespear and her campaign, please visit catherineblakespear.com  

Barbara Bry
Mayor of San Diego

I supported San Diego’s Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance and will continue to support efforts to reduce gun violence in our city.”

– San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry

SD4GVP is proud to name Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate running for San Diego Mayor.

To find out more about Ms. Bry and her campaign, visit barbarabry.com

Terra Lawson-Remer
San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 3

“I will advocate for responsible gun-violence prevention laws to help ensure that guns and ammunition are only sold to responsible buyers. At the county level, we can step up enforcement efforts to ensure our laws are respected and effective.”

– Terra Lawson-Remer

SD4GVP is proud to name Terra Lawson-Remer as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate. Terra is running for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 3.

To find out more about Ms. Lawson-Remer and her campaign, visit terralawsonremer.org

Marni von Wilpert
San Diego City Council, District 5

“When I became an attorney, I volunteered at San Diego Legal Aid to help victims of domestic violence in the South Bay restraining order clinic. One of the first questions we ask in the courthouse is whether the abuser has access to a firearm. In the US, domestic violence victims are 5 times more likely to be killed if her partner owns a gun…In addition to policies aimed at preventing the sale of guns to individuals who are unable to safely and responsibly possess a firearm, I also support policies and programs that work to address the root causes of intimate partner violence, hate crimes, and suicide.”

– Marni Von Wilpert.

SD4GVP is proud to announce Marni von Wilpert as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate for San Diego City Council, District 5.

To find out more about Ms. von Wilpert and her campaign, visit marniforsandiego.com

Lela Panagides
Carlsbad City Council District 2

“With the rapid increase in clinical depression, isolation and suicide, we need more focus and investment in preventing gun violence. New programs must fill the gaps in after school programs that have been cancelled due to Covid.”

– Lela Panagides

SD4GVP is proud to name Lela Panagides as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate, running for Carlsbad City Council District 2.

For more information about Ms. Panagides and her campaign, please visit lelaforcarlsbad.com

Dr. LaWana Richmond
San Diego Unified School Board, District E

“I have focused my efforts on educating and encouraging the exploration of alternatives to violence. I plan to support broader application of restorative practices and community schools models, with an emphasis on building community cultures that support learning how to manage emotions and have healthy conflict”.

– Dr. LaWana Richmond

SD4GVP is proud to name Dr. LaWana Richmond as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Dr. Richmond is running for San Diego Unified School Board, District E.

For more information about Dr. Richmond and her campaign, please visit this website »

Steve Padilla
Chula Vista City Council, District 3

“As a gun owner who spent 13 years in law enforcement, I know that storing guns safely keeps our communities protected, saves lives, and reduces senseless tragedies. Children’s deaths can be prevented with robust public education on the importance of gun safety.”

– Councilmember Steve Padilla

SD4GVP is proud to name Steve Padilla as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Steve Padilla is running for Chula Vista City Council, District 3.

For more information about Councilmember Padilla and his campaign, please visit his Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/VoteStevePadilla 

Jack Shu
La Mesa City Council

“We need our communities to reduce the number of accessible guns, particularly assault weapons which belong in war zones.  Carrying a gun with you will not make you nor our neighborhoods safer.  Let’s take meaningful actions against gun violence now.”

– Jack Shu

SD4GVP is proud to name Jack Shu as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Jack Shu is running for La Mesa City Council.

For more information about Jack Shu and his campaign, please visit him on Facebook: jackforlamesa

Rob Howard
Oceanside Mayor

“I will push for resource investment into communities where there is a higher level of gun violence. Education, training and development opportunities for young people is critical to gun violence prevention.”

– Rob Howard

SD4GVP is proud to name Rob Howard as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Rob Howard is running for Oceanside Mayor.

For more information about Rob Howard and his campaign, please visit his website robhoward4mayor.com

Marlon Taylor
Encinitas Union School Board

“As a parent, I take it upon myself to ask the parents of my children’s friends if they own guns and if they are locked away. It is far too easy for children who are fascinated by guns, or others who may seek to do harm, to take a gun that isn’t properly secured. Schools should send parents and guardians an annual notice reminding them about the importance of safe gun storage. It will make responsible gun owners think, and make sure that their guns are locked away.”

– Marlon Taylor

SD4GVP is proud to name Marlon Taylor as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Marlon Taylor is running for Encinitas Union School Board.

For more information about Marlon Taylor and his campaign, please visit his website at marlon4eusd.com

Mark West
Imperial Beach City Council, District 2

“We have a tendency to ignore the fact that suicide is the most prolific manner of gun deaths. As a retired Naval Officer, this hits particularly close to home because of extremely high veteran suicide rates. I want to expand County mental health services, specifically, to make sure our mental health outreach accounts for identifying and preventing gun suicides.”

– Mark West

SD4GVP is proud to name Mark West as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Mark West is running for Imperial Beach City Council, District 2.

For more information about Mark West and his campaign, please visit his website at markwest2020.com

Kellie Hinze
Encinitas City Council, District 2

“There are a number of ways that we can work together to reduce gun violence. I was proud to vote to approve the Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance here in the City of Encinitas, which will go a long way to prevent unintentional tragedy. In addition, Encinitas has natural partners in the Community Resource Center to reduce domestic violence. We can work with the County to strengthen programs that resolve domestic disputes with mediation and counseling.”

– Kellie Hinze

SD4GVP is proud to name Kellie Hinze as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Kellie Hinze is running for Encinitas City Council, District 2.

For more information about Kellie Hinze and her campaign, please visit her website at kellieforencinitas.com

Jane Lea Smith
San Dieguito Union High School District, Area 4

“As a school board trustee, I would be committed to policies and programs that work with our community to recognize, address and prevent social-emotional distress in our students. This includes adequate staffing, effective community partnerships, and honest conversations about the root causes of mental health issues and death by suicide within our district. In addition, I support action to inform our community of safe gun storage practices and requirements, as safe storage reduces the risks created by a readily available firearm in a time of distress.”

– Jane Lea Smith

SD4GVP is proud to name Jane Lea Smith as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Jane Lea Smith is running for San Dieguito Union High School District, Area 4.

For more information about Jane Lea Smith and her campaign, please visit her website at smith4sandieguito.com

Andreas Cardenas
Chula Vista City Council, District 4

“I believe that engaging youth in their communities is a first step in gun violence prevention. Mentorship, civic engagement, equitable access to education programs, job training and employment programs for disadvantaged or economically challenged youth can all be effective ways to start reducing gun violence at a grassroots level.”

– Andrea Cardenas

SD4GVP is proud to name Andrea Cardenas as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Andrea Cardenas is running for Chula Vista City Council, District 4.

For more information about Andrea Cardenas and her campaign, please visit her website at andreacardenas.com

Katie Melendez 
Vista City Council, District 3

“Crime and violence are symptomatic of greater societal traumas. Those who may use guns to cause harm need more opportunities for earlier intervention. At the local level, that means investing in community programs, youth development, workforce development, family resources and any tools that can support our community and lead to a better quality of life.”

– Katie Melendez

SD4GVP is proud to name Katie Melendez as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate who will lead with gun safety in mind. Katie Melendez is running for Vista City Council, District 3.

For more information about Katie Melendez and her campaign, please visit her website at katiemelendezforvista.com

Presented by John Hopkins University
on Coursera

About this Course:

Reducing Gun Violence in America: Evidence for Change is designed to provide learners with the best available science and insights from top scholars across the country as well as the skills to understand which interventions are the most effective to offer a path forward for reducing gun violence in our homes, schools, and communities.

The house has passed the bills, but Trump & McConnell won’t act on them.

Every day that President Trump and Mitch McConnell refuse to support common-sense gun reform, 100 people in America are killed by gun violence and hundreds more are injured. That’s blood on their hands. Learn how you can lend your voice to tell them it’s time to act. GO »

Thu, August 22, 2019
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

— Join Congressman Mike Levin for a town hall in downtown Del Mar. Admission is free but tickets are required. Check in begins approx 4:30pm and doors will open approx 5 pm.

Learn more about this event here » 

An alliance of Gun Violence Prevention organizations in San Diego issued this statement today in response to the tragedy at Chabad in Poway April 27, 2019:

Our hearts are heavy as we struggle to come to grips with how such a heinous crime is possible in our neighborhoods. We want to most compassionately express our love and support for the Jewish community, this peaceful congregation, and the larger community in shock that such violent act of anti-Semitism is possible.  As others have said, there is something fundamentally broken in our culture when any person in any house of worship has to fear hate, and the threat of gun violence. This is unacceptable. We know that Saturday’s cowardly act of hatred is not representative of the ocean of support the community has for the Chabad of Poway. The threat posed by ignorance and hatred is nonetheless real and threatens all faiths.  If one person in this country is unsafe in their place of prayer, so are we all. We wholeheartedly agree with what Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, himself injured in this attack, said after the attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand: “Every human being is created in the image of God. Human life is precious.”

We categorically reject anti-Semitism, just as we reject hate directed at any member of our community.

We do not accept religious persecution, blind hate, or the ability of those led by hate to wield weapons of war in our temples, churches, mosques, or any house of worship.

This must end.

As Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress said, “People of all faiths must stand together and declare that we will never tolerate such hatred.” This is not who we are, as a nation or as a city.  Our desire is to be of assistance to those impacted by this tragedy and We seek a way to assist in the healing of this particular community who is in the greatest of pain.

In solidarity,
An alliance of gun violence prevention, as well as national security organizations of San Diego, including:

• The Truman National Security Project
• San Diegans For The Prevention of Gun Violence
• Team Enough San Diego
• Brady United, and
• March for Our Lives San Diego