Dear Caminar Community,

The seemingly unstoppable commission of gun violence is far too often, always devastating, and – ultimately – preventable. Two mass shootings over two days in California are two too many, and I write to you again with anguish over these senseless acts.

Lunar New Year’s Eve in Monterey Park, a predominantly Asian community, or anywhere, should only be a time of safe celebration with friends and family. This year is the year of Rabbit, predicted to be the year of hope. Instead, the needless shootings on the eve of the year of the Rabbit brought unthinkable tragedy.

And in our own backyard, in Half Moon Bay where many in our community live and work, a disgruntled worker opened fire. He took the lives of his colleagues where they work and live on an otherwise mundane Monday afternoon.

That we live in a world where going to a celebration, work, or just being at home (or going to the grocery store, enjoying a Saturday night in your community, etc.) makes one vulnerable to gun violence is wholly unacceptable.

As I have written too many times before, these devastating attacks were preventable. Or, at least reduceable. It is time to address the policies, beliefs, and behaviors that allow gun violence to flourish.

Please, be gentle with yourselves and seek support if you need it. Thank you for supporting your colleagues, the clients we serve, and our community in this extraordinarily grim time.

With deep care and concern,
Mark