San Quentin program targeting root causes of gun addiction celebrates first graduation

by Kevin D. Sawyer, Bay City News December 6, 2024December 11, 2024

Hundreds of surrendered firearms fill garbage cans at a Marin County Sheriff's Office buyback event. June 4, 2022. Taking guns off the street is only part of the solution to ending gun violence. A self-help program at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center called "Arms Down" is trying to address the problem by taking aim at the cultural acceptance of guns. (Illustration by Glenn Gehlke/Local News Matters. San Rafael Police Department via Bay City News)

THE EVOLUTION OF Arms Down, a self-help program at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center that addresses firearm addiction, culminated in the October graduation of its first cohort of men.

In recent months, the 26-week program has also captured the attention and support of prosecutors, the state Department of Justice, community-based organizations, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials and lawmakers.

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