Hundreds of guns are stolen from L.A. County homes every year, and sometimes they end up in the wrongs hands in communities plagued by violence.
"We have found that the majority of gun-related crimes are committed with stolen guns. Thus, the key here is to take guns away from those who have decided they're no longer necessary for themselves," said /*Sheriff Lee Baca*/.
Law enforcement officials and /*Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger*/ are hopeful the program will help curb gun crime.
The program, which is in its fourth year, allows gun owners to turn in a weapon anonymously, and in return, they get a $100 gift card or a $200 gift card if the gun is an assault rifle. This year, those who turn in guns will also receive a T-shirt that says "Terminate violence" featuring the governor in his most famous movie role.
Schwarzenegger was at the news conference unveiling the program to lend his support and his likeness.
"On the front of the T-shirt, you see a great image of a very handsome cyborg," Schwarzenegger said at the news conference.
The governor also announced $9.2 million in grants to 17 California cities and 13 community groups in heavy gang areas.
The "Gifts for Guns" program will be going on for the next eight weekends.
March 28 - 29
- Lancaster station (Fri. and Sat.)
- Century station
- Norwalk station
April 4 - 5
- Palmdale station
- Carson station
- Walnut station
April 18 - 19
- Santa Clarita station
- Lomita station (Sat. 18th only)
- Lakewood-Cerritos station
April 25
- Altadenastation
- San Dimas station
May 2
- Crescenta Valley station
- Marina del Rey station
May 8 - 9
- East Los Angeles station
- Lennox station
- Industry station
May 22 - 23
- Lost Hills station (Sat. 23rd only)
- Avalon station (Fri. 22nd only)
May 30 - 31
- Temple station
- Compton station
- Pico Rivera station
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