In a move to promote safety and reduce the presence of unwanted firearms, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, in collaboration with multiple partners, is set to host a gun buyback event in Pala. The buyback initiative, aimed at getting potentially dangerous guns off the streets, offers a trade - a gift card in exchange for firearms, no questions asked.
The event, slated for Saturday, April 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will be held at the Pala Band of Mission Indians Administrative Building on Pala Mission Road. Community members can expect to surrender their guns anonymously and, in return, are set to receive a gift card—$100 for handguns, rifles, and shotguns, and $200 for assault weapons and ghost guns. This exchange is conditioned on the firearms being in working order, and the process dictates participants to safely place their unloaded guns in the trunk before an attending deputy provides instructions.
According to an announcement by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, participants in this gun safety event will also be able to secure free gun cable locks and security boxes, which will be given out while supplies last. This aspect of the program underlines a commitment not just to eliminating the risks posed by unwanted firearms but also to encouraging responsible ownership and the security of weapons retained within homes.
Beyond the practicalities of the gun surrender, the partnering organizations—including the Valley Center Sheriff's Substation, San Diego County District Attorney's Office, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pauma Band of Mission Indians, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, Pala Tribal Law Enforcement, and the American Indian Veterans Association of Southern California—signal a broad coalition. They are set to come together to mitigate the potential for firearm-related incidents and foster community trust in law enforcement and safety measures. All weapons collected will be destroyed, ensuring they never return to the streets.
The event has been publicized, with flyers available for download in English and Spanish. Updates can be followed on Instagram via @SDSheriff. The initiative exemplifies an ongoing effort by law enforcement and community leaders to address gun violence proactively, providing a pathway for residents to participate in creating safer neighborhoods.
