California: During National Gun Violence Awareness Month, Governor Newsom Launches GunSafety.ca.gov
The Californer/10242885

SACRAMENTO ~ In an effort to reduce gun violence in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of GunSafety.ca.gov, a website that provides information on how Californians can use Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) to protect their loved ones and access resources to help prevent, respond to, and recover from gun violence. The website is one of the most comprehensive state gun safety websites in the nation and features multilingual resources for equitable access.

The launch of the website coincides with National Gun Violence Awareness Month and follows "Wear Orange Weekend" which honors those affected by gun violence. Governor Newsom said, "California is taking aggressive and relentless action to end the unbearable tragedy of gun violence. While other states remain complacent in the face of recurring, gut-wrenching tragedy, California is making it easier than ever to access commonsense tools like Gun Violence Restraining Orders to protect our communities."

More on The Californer

• USA Best Book Awards Finalist What Love Leaves Behind Releases March 24
• California: Governor Newsom proclaims Nowruz
• California announces 300 wildfire projects fast-tracked in 300 days 
• Women Lead the Way at America's Longest Running Reggae Festival
• Cleverly Using Tax Refunds to Purchase Eyeglasses

The website provides information on who can file an application for a GVRO, how to file one, and other resources available. GVROs are temporary orders taken by a local court when someone is at risk or causing harm to themselves or others; they prevent individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition while the order is in place. According to Governor Newsom's office, GVROs have been used to prevent 58 threatened mass shootings between 2016 and 2019 and have shown immense promise in reducing suicides.

In addition to GVROs, Governor Newsom signed legislation last year allowing Californians to sue those making, selling, transporting or distributing illegal assault weapons and ghost guns for damages of at least $10,000 per weapon involved as well as allowing the state, local governments, and Californians to sue irresponsible gun makers.

California's gun safety laws have been successful; according to the Giffords Law Center California was ranked as #1 for gun safety in 2021 with a 37% lower gun death rate than the national average according to CDC data with 8.5 deaths per 100,000 people compared with 13.7 deaths per 100,000 nationally.

Governor Newsom's office hopes that with this new website more Californians will be able access life-saving resources such as GVROs which can help reduce gun violence in California even further.

---

Show All News | Report Violation