Garamendi Hosts Gun Violence Roundtable with Yolo County Leaders

YOLO COUNTY, CA—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Yolo County) hosted a roundtable with Yolo County leaders to discuss the implementation of community-oriented policing methods and other new programs to reduce gun violence in the community, as well as the need to provide robust mental health services at the local level.

Garamendi was joined by Woodland Police Chief, Derrek Kaff, Yolo County Sheriff, Tom Lopez, Yolo County District Attorney, Jeff Reisig, UC Davis Police Chief, Joseph Farrow, and President of the California Police Chiefs Association, Eric Nuñez.

The group discussed effective programs that have been implemented locally to prevent gun violence, as well as potential federal legislation that can suppress gun violence in Yolo County and throughout the nation.

"As Yolo County's voice in Congress, I will do everything in my power to enact commonsense policies that will put an end to gun violence in our communities," Garamendi said. "I greatly appreciate the experience, insight, and wisdom today's roundtable participants brought to the conversation. It was encouraging to hear about the incredible work that's being done locally to address gun violence and implement community-oriented policing methods throughout Yolo County.

"This week, I will vote in support of H.R. 8—The ‘Bipartisan Background Checks Act' to institute a national background check system for firearm purchases," Garamendi continued. "I've received messages from constituents throughout my district who want Congress to enact this commonsense policy that will save lives and keep our communities safe. This is an issue I've worked to address for decades. In 1989, I crafted the legislation that became California's assault weapons ban—the first legislation of its kind anywhere in the country," Garamendi continued.

"This week, I'm also voting to pass the "American Rescue Plan" to provide much-needed support to local communities so they can continue providing essential public safety and mental health services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill is expected to pass the U.S. House of Representatives tomorrow and be signed into law by President Biden later this week," Garamendi continued.

"It takes care, compassion, and love for community—like I witnessed from today's roundtable participants—to institute the positive changes that make our cities safer for all to enjoy. I am grateful for each roundtable participant's time today, and I will take their recommendations and their passion with me to Washington as I work to achieve our shared goal of keeping our communities safe from gun violence," Garamendi concluded.

This week, Congressman Garamendi is voting to send the "American Rescue Plan" COVID-19 relief legislation to President Biden's desk to be signed into law. Garamendi secured much-needed funding for the following Yolo County communities to continue providing public safety services throughout the pandemic:

"American Rescue Plan" local assistance for essential services:

• State of California: $26.065 billion
• California Local Governments: $16 billion
• Yolo County: $42,760,000
  • Davis: $18,500,000
  • Woodland: $12,800,000
  • Winters: $1,380,000
  • West Sacramento: $11,650,000

"American Rescue Plan" support for mental health services:
The "American Rescue Plan" provides an additional $3.5 billion for block grants to states, with half allocated for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program and the other half for the Substance Abuse Prevention Treatment Block Grant program.