Epidemic of gun violence in California and throughout the nation

In recent months, there has been an epidemic of gun violence in California and throughout the nation. Why is this so?

According to CNN, dated June 2, 2022, there are 393 million privately owned firearms in the United States. The population of the United States as of 2021 was 331.9 million. In other words, there are more firearms than people in the United States!

In a study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, dated November 2013, they stated, "We find a robust relationship between gun ownership and firearm homicide rates."

What is the solution to this problem, and what role can Culver City play in reducing gun violence?

From the data, it is clear that the prevalence of firearms contributes to gun violence. A reduction in the prevalence of firearms would have a positive effect on gun violence.

What can Culver City do to help end gun violence? I propose that Culver City create a "gun redemption program" in which Culver City residents voluntarily turn in working firearms they no longer want to the Culver City Police Department For each firearm that is turned in, the resident will receive a gift card for a specific dollar amount based on the type of firearm redeemed.

The redemption program will be governed by several principles including the following: (1) this program will be strictly voluntary; (2) the program will be anonymous and no one will be required to reveal their identity or past criminal history; (3) the card must come from a Culver City store that does not sell firearms. The purpose of the redemption program is to reduce the number of firearms in circulation in Culver City. Allowing residents to purchase firearms with a gift card defeats that purpose.

If you like the idea of a gun redemption program, please write to the City Council or appear in person to tell the Council to adopt this plan.

Darryl J Cherness

Culver City