Bonta Appointed Chairman of Assembly Gun Violence Committee

Assemblyman Rob Bonta has been appointed to head a local gun violence committee, according to a press release from his office.

Bonta — who represents Oakland, Alameda and San Leandro in the 18th Assembly District — announced his appointment as chairman of the newly formed Assembly Select Committee on Gun Violence in the East Bay last week.

The committee will explore strategies to reduce gun violence in the region.

Oakland, in particular, could use the help, Bonta noted in the Feb. 13 press release.

“My primary goal is to help make the entire East Bay, especially Oakland, a safer place to live and raise our families,” Bonta said. “Last year's 131 homicides in Oakland set a new high since 2006, and in light of the nine deaths that have already occurred this year, Oakland is on track for a similarly violent 2013.  This level of violence in our community must end.”

Bonta has been vocal about curbing gun violence. He recently introduced two assembly bills including AB 187, which would tax the sale of ammunition in California. The proceeds from the tax would be used for crime prevention efforts. 

Bonta must now make appointments for the committee. Their first committee hearing will be scheduled “soon,” according to the press release.

"Stemming gun violence in the East Bay will take the entire community's time and resources.  I welcome input from every individual who cares about improving the quality of life for us all,” Bonta said.