Letter to the Editor, Liz Russell

April 20, 2024

Letter to the Editor, Napa Register

My heart goes out to the victims and the families of the recent shooting in the city of Napa. It is jarring for these families and our community to experience gun violence. I personally know that to be the case as a staff member who survived the shooting that occurred at The Pathway Home program in Yountville in 2018.

It can be hard to know what to do beyond wrapping these families in love and supporting fundraising efforts for them to lighten the burden of unexpected tragedy. Beyond the wonderful support of the Victims and Witness Advocates team in the Napa County District Attorney’s office, there are other resources for victims' families, survivors, and the community at large. Both Giffords and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America have such resources.

Survivor resources are a big part of why our local event, Rock the Ride for Gun Violence Prevention supports both of those organizations in addition to their commitment to ending gun violence in all its forms. The event’s third beneficiary, Alaina's Voice Foundation (which was born out of a desire to do good after a gun violence tragedy) partners with local organizations to provide mental health resources to those in need.

If you find yourself in a place where you are ready to take action to prevent others from experiencing the toll of gun violence, the Napa Valley Moms Demand Action group is hosting a Mother's Day of Action gathering, free and open to all, at Napa's Fuller Park on May 11 at 1 p.m.  And Rock the Ride will take place on June 22 for a day of community, action, and change — together. 

 There are never adequate words to make it better for these families. But we do have the ability to honor with action. I hope you will join me.

Liz Russell

Co-organizer, Rock the Ride for Gun Violence Prevention

Senior Survivor Fellow, Everytown for Gun Safety

Volunteer, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America