Orange County Citizens for the Prevention of Gun Violence is a county-wide grassroots organization dedicated to the belief that all gun injuries and deaths are preventable. We approach this epidemic of gun violence from a public health and safety perspective. We provide education and advocate for prevention of gun violence at the local, state and national levels. We work in coalition with many other organizations in our county as well as with regional, state and national groups in order to impact a broad range of issues associated with gun violence and the quality of life.

Orange County Citizens for the Prevention of Gun Violence was founded in 1995 by Charles and Mary Leigh Blek in memory of their son, Matthew

Our organization is composed of people from all segments of society who share their goal of reducing the kind of gun violence that continues to result in tragedies like the death of Matthew. These victims are not just statistics - they are our friends and loved ones. We believe that gun violence is a non-partisan, public health and safety issue that crosses all political lines and social classes. Education is the biggest priority of Orange County Citizens for the Prevention of Gun Violence. We provide literature and fact sheets to the public, media and to our local, state and nantional policy-decision makers. A resource library is continuously updated and maintained to keep current research available to all those interested in the prevention of violence, especially gun violence.

Current information is provided on bills and laws that will have an impact on gun violence issues at the local, state and national levels, with more detailed information for California and California community ordinances. We communicate with our members in a variety of ways, including periodic newletters and this website which is transitioning to a new format.