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In Your StateCalifornia

In Your State

California

California has had at least 231 mass shootings since 2020 and guns are the fourth leading cause of death of children. Lawmakers must do more to keep kids safe from gun violence. Learn more about what you can do to help in your state and community.

Recently, a California community prevented a school shooting after a student reported a threat via Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.

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Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make California safer by passing Federal School Violence Prevention Laws.

California had the

44th

highest firearm death rate in the U.S.

Gun fire was the

4th

leading cause of death for California children.

Data from the last reported year. See sources.

California had the

44th

highest firearm death rate in the U.S.

Gun fire was the

4th

leading cause of death for California children.

Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make California safer by passing Federal School Violence Prevention Laws.

Increase School Violence Prevention

After the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, bipartisan legislators from both sides of the aisle came together to prevent school shootings by passing the STOP School Violence Act. It supports and funds lifesaving violence prevention programs. Because of this law, students around the country have access to no-cost suicide prevention and violence prevention training. If STOP has helped your community, please share your story here.

Every year, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund asks Congress to continue funding this program. Without the STOP School Violence Act, more children are at risk. You can help make sure your elected officials support school safety.

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156

children died by gun fire.

1647

Californians died by suicide with a firearm.

35

mass shootings.

Data from the last reported year. See sources.

Mass Shootings in California

Californians have suffered from at least 10 major mass shootings in recent years. These include Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay in 2023, Sacramento in 2022, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in 2021, Gilroy Garlic Festival in 2019, Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks in 2018, San Bernadino in 2015, Isla Vista in 2014, Santa Monica College in 2013 and Oikos University in Oakland in 2012.

Since 2021, the Gun Violence Archive reports that over 200 people in California have been killed in mass shootings. Each of these numbers represents a person with hopes, dreams and loved ones whose hearts still grieve for them.

Gun Laws in California

Temporary transfer
Restrictions on semi-automatic rifles
Secure storage
Universal background checks

Our Impact in California

Throughout California, Sandy Hook Promise has engaged youth & adults in our mission and prevention programs.

1m +

Supporters in the state

2538

Volunteer Promise Leaders who help raise awareness & engage communities

6m +

Program participants, including repeats, in 9,741 schools

15k

students involved in 644 SAVE Promise Clubs throughout the state

Prevent gun violence in California

You can help make California a safe place for kids and for your whole community.

State Issue

Active shooter drills have become a popular solution to prepare and protect students. But a dangerous variation of these drills hurts students rather than helping them. Active shooter simulations mimic a real-life shooting. Students should never have to participate.
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State Issue

Our model legislation known as the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act (SAVE Students Act) makes lifesaving violence prevention training, like Sandy Hook Promise’s Know the Signs programs, available to all students in grades K-12.
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State Issue

Too often, children accidentally find firearms in their home. This can lead to the death of themselves and family members. Secure storage laws can prevent these tragedies and make it easier for gun owners to keep firearms away from their young sons and daughters.
Take Action
Mark Barden
“We are proud to work with the bipartisan champions to ensure we're doing everything we can to protect our kids and that millions more students will be trained to know the signs of violence and act to save lives. Our work does not end here, we will continue to bring our prevention programs to schools and communities across the country and advocate for life-saving policies.”
Mark BardenSandy Hook Promise Co-Founder and Co-CEO

News and Resources

Stay informed about current issues and stories about preventing gun violence and promoting school safety.

Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Mass Shooting in IowaRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Youth-Involved Shootings in Several U.S. CitiesRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Thanks House Appropriators for Approving Increased STOP FundingRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Weekend Mass Shootings in Texas and OklahomaRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Applauds Increased Federal Budget to Strengthen School SafetyRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Action Fund Responds to Federal Gun Policy ChangesRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on the Murder of Eight Children in Shreveport, LouisianaRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Action Fund Applauds Kansas Legislature for Unanimously Passing the Students Safe at School ActRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Bulverde, Texas School ShootingRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Meta and YouTube Being Held Liable for Social Media AddictionRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Shooting at Old Dominion UniversityRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on the Verdict and Warning Signs Revealed in the Trial of the Apalachee High School Shooter’s FatherRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Mass Shooting in Austin, TexasRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Six Killed in Two Connected Florida ShootingsRead More
Press ReleaseNew Report Calls for Platform Transparency to Support Family Conversations About Firearm Content OnlineRead More
Press ReleaseFear and Disruption in Schools: Sandy Hook Promise Calls for Safe, Trusting Learning EnvironmentsRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Applauds Bipartisan Senate Passage to Advance Federal Funding for Safer SchoolsRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Statement on Mississippi Mass Shooting SpreeRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Applauds Bipartisan Leadership in the House to Advance Federal Funding for Safer SchoolsRead More
Press ReleaseSandy Hook Promise Applauds Congressional Action to Keep Kids Safe at HomeRead More

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