City of San Diego, Law Enforcement and the program "No Shots Fired" are partnering to solve gun violence in San Diego.
The program began as a pilot program in 2021 and will officially launch on March 19.
“We engage the community; we have strategies and plans as far as how we engage the community and find these areas in our community that are the hotspots as we call them. To be able to get the community involved and be able to reach these individuals that are impacted by gun violence to come up with a plan for their community,” No Shots Fired Organizer Bishop Cornelius Bowser said.
The program assembled a group of community leaders to implement community-led solutions to gun violence.
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Efforts include:
- Community walks.
- StreetSide memorial services
- Faith sponsored "peace meals" and organized outreach.
- Ceasefire agreements with gang leaders.
- Wrap-around services in person.
- Virtual meetings with gang members to discuss seasons of peace; and
- Coordination with law enforcement
“From my perspective as an academic a lot of evidence shows that outreach workers that are credible messengers can make a difference when it comes to gun violence,” USD Prof. Sid Martinez said.
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‘Credible members’ includes people who have been involved in gang activity that try to dissuade people from entering that life and the crime that comes with it.
“I’m a former member of West Coast Crips and in that regard, I understand the gang lifestyle, so I have that understanding of the system," Robert Wood said. "I’ve been in and out of prison up until a couple of years ago when I decided to change my life."
No Shots Fired has a list of events that are intended to begin lowering gun violence.
| Date | Event | Time | Location | Notes |
| 3/22 | Crime guns presentation & panel | 6-7:30 | Zoom | Erica Rice from Brady CA |
| 3/24 | Peace Walk | 4-5 | Bridge Church, 3714 Teak Street, 92113 | Neighborhood walk to promote SoP events and peace |
| 3/26 | Gospel concert | TBA | Jeremey Henwood Park | Pastor Robinson |
| 3/28 | Public Health Approach to Violence Peace meal and round table discussion | 6 -7:30 | Remnant Church 3060 54th Street, 92105 | Cid Martinez |
| 4/2 | Bike Ride for Peace | 10-12 | Mission Bay to Mission Beach ride. Start at De Anza Cove | Joshua Alcala |
| 4/7 | Walk & Knock | 4 -5 | 36th & J, 92102 | |
| 4/9 | Cruise for Peace | 8:30-10 | Start at Remnant Church | Pastor Sandoval |
| 4/9 | Peace in the Park, Easter bunny, Community booths | 10-2 | Mountain View Park 641 S. Boundary, 92113 | |
The pilot program is funded by federal Community Oriented Policing Services grant funds.
