California Awards $107M in Gun Violence Prevention Grants, Bakersfield to Receive $5M

Governor Newsom announces funding to curb gun violence across the state, with Bakersfield as a key recipient

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Governor Gavin Newsom has announced $107 million in state funding through the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) program, with the city of Bakersfield set to receive nearly $5 million as part of the effort to curb gun violence across California. This investment builds on over $350 million that has been put into the program since 2019, which the governor's office says has contributed to a 12% drop in violent crime in the state's major cities. Bakersfield saw a 60% reduction in shootings in 2024, making it the city's safest year since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

Gun violence remains a major public safety concern in many California communities, and this significant state investment in prevention and intervention programs aims to address the root causes and provide resources to help reduce incidents. Bakersfield, like other cities, has struggled with gun violence, so this funding represents an important opportunity to strengthen local efforts and build on recent progress.

The details

The $107 million in CalVIP grants will be distributed to multiple cities across California as part of Governor Newsom's strategy to curb gun violence through community-based programs and initiatives. Bakersfield, which has seen a 60% drop in shootings in 2024, will receive nearly $5 million from this latest round of funding. The CalVIP program has provided over $350 million in investments since 2019, contributing to a 12% decrease in violent crime in the state's major cities.

  • In 2024, Bakersfield experienced its safest year since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 60% reduction in shootings.
  • Since 2019, the state of California has invested over $350 million in the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) program.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who announced the $107 million in CalVIP grants to curb gun violence across the state.

California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) program

A state-funded initiative that provides grants to cities and community organizations for gun violence prevention and intervention efforts.

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The takeaway

This significant state investment in the CalVIP program represents an important step in addressing gun violence in California communities like Bakersfield, which has seen promising results from its own local efforts. By focusing on prevention and intervention, the state aims to tackle the root causes of gun violence and build on recent progress in improving public safety.