In Your State

California

California has had 183 mass shootings since 2020 and guns are the third 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.

Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make California safer by passing laws to stop Active Shooter Simulations.

California had the

43rd

highest firearm death rate in the U.S. in 2021.

Gun fire was the

3rd

leading cause of death for California children in 2021.

California had the

43rd

highest firearm death rate in the U.S. in 2021.

Gun fire was the

3rd

leading cause of death for California children in 2021.

Take Action Now

Join us right now and urge your representatives to make California safer by passing laws to stop Active Shooter Simulations.

Stop Traumatizing Drills

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.

144

children died by gun fire in 2021.

1575

Californians died by suicide with a firearm in 2021.

50

mass shootings in 2023.

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.

334865

Supporters in the state

1714

Volunteer Promise Leaders who help raise awareness & engage communities

1900000+

Trained students and adults in 3,596 schools to Know the Signs and prevent violence

15445

students involved in 640 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.
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.
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.
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.

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