Newsom launches Reduce the Risk campaign on gun safety

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of a new campaign, Reduce the Risk, during Gun Violence Awareness Month. The initiative aims to educate Californians about nine types of protection orders available to prevent gun violence. The campaign is led by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and seeks to engage youth and community leaders in promoting these legal tools.

Governor Newsom emphasized California's leadership in gun safety laws, stating, "Year after year, California continues to step up to protect families statewide from senseless gun incidents." The campaign responds to a survey indicating that nearly 80 percent of Californians are unaware of these protection orders.

Nancy Ward, Cal OES Director, highlighted the effectiveness of protection orders in reducing shootings and domestic violence. "This campaign continues the work we began in 2023 to make sure every community knows how to use them," she said.

The initiative is supported by two advisory councils: the Champions Advisory Council and the Youth Advisory Council. These groups include experts from various fields and young leaders involved in gun violence prevention efforts.

Youth Advisory Council member Maxwell Martinez underscored the importance of involving young people in addressing gun violence. "Young people are not just the future; we are the present," he stated.

California has made significant progress in reducing youth firearm homicides compared to national rates. CDC data from 2022 showed that California's firearm homicide rate for youth under 25 was about 50% below the national average.

Sarah Youssef, another Youth Advisory Council member, stressed the need for youth involvement in creating change. "Reduce the Risk gives us the platform we need to push for real change," she said.

Community leaders also play a vital role in this effort. Garen Wintemute from UC Davis noted that restraining orders can prevent interpersonal violence and suicides. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper added that protection orders are proven tools for preventing violence before it occurs.

California was the first state to adopt a "red flag law" in 2016, which has since been used to prevent numerous mass shooting threats. The state's strong gun safety laws have resulted in one of the lowest gun death rates nationwide.

Governor Newsom's administration continues to invest significantly in public safety initiatives, including a $1.1 billion investment since 2019 aimed at crime reduction and police hiring.

The Reduce the Risk campaign includes a new website offering educational materials and training resources for community organizations across California.