Oakland hosts regional conference on gun violence to address 'public health crisis'

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee hosted a regional conference on gun violence, calling it a "public health crisis. " The event brought together local mayors, law enforcement, and community organizations to develop strategies for reducing gun violence and addressing root causes like poverty and lack of education. Breakout sessions focused on deterrence, gun industry accountability, and crafting a regional action plan. Guy Hudson from the Street Violence Intervention Program emphasized the necessity of investing in community organizations to combat violence effectively. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi stated the importance of connecting ground-level workers with city and state leaders to foster collaboration.

Senator Jesse Arreguin pointed out that crime does not respect geographic boundaries, necessitating regional cooperation for effective solutions. Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil remarked that long-term investment in such strategies will benefit cities in the future. This conference marks a significant step towards creating a safer Bay Area through collective action and policy development.