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

""We are working hard to make sure that the guns - the weapons of war, which I call them - are eliminated from the streets of Oakland,""

""It's an issue of violence. It's an issue of affordable housing... Many people have issues around poverty, lack of education. But we also have to have accountability.""

""There are some people in this room who need to hear this, that you have to invest in the community-based organizations in your community,""

""In order for us to create a safer Bay Area, we have to work regionally. Crime does not respect geographic boundaries,""

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee convened a regional conference on gun violence with mayors, law enforcement, and community organizations. Lee framed gun violence as a regional public health crisis and prioritized removing weapons from Oakland streets. The conference aimed to develop regional strategies to reduce gun violence, end illegal firearm supply, and address root causes such as poverty, housing, and education. Breakout sessions covered deterrence, gun industry accountability, and a regional action plan while emphasizing investment in community-based organizations. Participants called for regional cooperation, effective enforcement policies, and neighborhood-level prevention programs coordinated with local police.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco