Gun violence killed my only child. That’s why I support Assembly Bill 28 | Opinion
Remembering Camilo
“California Democrats have long failed to tax guns, ammunition. Could this year be different?” (sacbee.com, Aug. 23)
I strongly support the passage of Assembly Bill 28, which will tax gun manufacturers to provide ongoing funds for programs including community violence intervention, school mental health and support for victims of gun violence. Gun manufacturers are making record profits, and they should help mitigate the damage their products cause.
Yes, it would be a bold action for California, but hopefully it will help us lead the way to solving our country’s gun violence epidemic. I started volunteering with Everytown after my only child, Camilo, was killed in a random shooting while out celebrating after completing paramedic school.
We all know it could be any one of us — anywhere and at any time.
Clare Senchyna
Oakland
Gun violence
“California Democrats have long failed to tax guns, ammunition. Could this year be different?” (sacbee.com, Aug. 23)
California must pass Assembly Bill 28, a transformational bill for our state. As a survivor of gun violence, this bill means a lot to me. AB 28 includes $2.5 million in funding for the Office of Emergency Services which will provide counseling and trauma-informed support services to victims of mass shootings and people who have experienced chronic exposure to community gun violence.
Too many Californians know firsthand the impact of gun violence. Supportive services in the aftermath of violence are essential. As communities, families, survivors and taxpayers, we all bear the enormous costs associated with gun violence, whether we own a firearm or not. This bill can bring down those costs by funding proven prevention programs.
Liz Russell
Napa
Opinion
Students support AB 28
“California Democrats have long failed to tax guns, ammunition. Could this year be different?” (sacbee.com, Aug. 23)
As a volunteer from UC Davis, I’ve been showing up at the California State Capitol and meeting with my lawmakers all legislative session in support of Assembly Bill 28. Students like me are more excited about this bill than any other in recent memory — some of us even spent seven hours in a committee hearing to testify in support. California communities continue to be torn apart by gun violence, which is why effective programs working to prevent violence and heal victims and survivors must have the resources to continue their life-saving work.
One of these programs, Advance Peace in Woodland, is just 15 minutes north of Davis. It has reduced gun deaths dramatically in its first year alone. AB 28 provides sustainable funding for programs addressing different facets of gun violence and protecting students, including $50 million to the Department of Education to fund school mental health, behavioral services and school safety measures.
Roan Thibault
Davis
Waiting for change
“Who elected Sacramento DA Thien Ho to be the supreme dictator of homeless enforcement?” (sacbee.com, Aug. 17)
Great subject, wrong perspective. The majority of voters who elected Thien Ho as their next district attorney in the June 2022 primary did so under the guise of “public safety – not politics.”
I walked precincts for Ho (nearly 1,500 residences) and learned that homelessness and petty crime were of big concern to residents. Our DA and county sheriff were swept in by voter sentiment that nothing was being done.
A year later, that perception remains. The federal judge and district attorney are more alike than not and represent two sides of the same coin with the same mission: Apply pressure to do something – anything!
It isn’t the public’s fault that city leadership has failed to lead. Strong leadership always fills a vacuum. Your criticism is misdirected and insults residents like me in the cities and county who voted for public safety and patiently wait for change.
George N. Kostyrko
Sacramento
Injustice
“Jobs prevent crimes. So why won’t employers hire Californians trying to fly right? | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 16)
Inability to find a job can suck a former inmate back into crime. This legislation not only helps the guilty, but also the falsely accused. When charges are dropped without prejudice, it may be impossible for the accused to have their arrest sealed. A close family member was a victim of a false accusation which cost the family money for bail, an attorney and an investigator.
After years of fear, harassment at school, job loss and huge expenses, several people admitted the truth, the charges were dropped and my relative could go on with his life. But the arrest is still there for any prospective employer to see. Knowing the arrest record will eventually be sealed is one important step in redressing this injustice.
Dawn Wolfson
Cameron Park
More work needs to be done
“Woks vs. clean energy? SoCalGas wanted you to think electrification would crush California restaurants,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 18)
High heat is the foundation of wok cooking in Asian cuisine that produces distinct flavors. Current induction cooking equipment does not produce the same high heat load as gas fuel.
For all the talk of diversity, equity and inclusion, how is it fair to disparately impact a cuisine and culture without a comparable, feasible and accessible alternative? Until there is cooking equipment with a high heat load equal to gas fuel coupled with cultural and culinary competency, mitigation is respectfully warranted and justified.
Derrick Lim
Sacramento
Another perspective
“Time zone doomed West Coast college football conference,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 21)
I live in the coveted Eastern Time Zone described by Opinion Writer Tom Philp and I can assure you that I much prefer watching Fresno vs. Boise State on the blue turf, or the exciting San Diego State — in the late Saturday slot — to Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State or Michigan squash their hapless opponents.
Cal and Stanford shouldn’t fly the coop when fresh marketing and innovative streaming ventures could expand West Coast football in 2024 and beyond.
Adam Silbert
New York, NY
