City of Pasadena to Declare June 5 ‘National Gun Violence Awareness Day’

PASADENA, Calif.-At their May 18, 2026, meeting, Pasadena City Council issued a proclamation declaring June 5, 2026, National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Pasadena. This day honors and remembers victims and survivors of gun violence and supports efforts to prevent future gun violence.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day kicks off Wear Orange Weekend, June 5-7. This event is held annually in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old who was shot and killed in Chicago in 2013, just one week after performing at President Obama's second inauguration parade. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya's friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves from others.

The City of Pasadena encourages community members to wear orange June 5-7 in support of the gun violence prevention movement and to share photos on social media using the hashtag #WearOrange.

Orange ribbons will be made available to Pasadena police officers and City employees to wear on Friday, June 5, in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, with officers continuing to wear them throughout the weekend. In addition, a "Remembering Those Lost or Injured by Gun Violence" banner will be installed outside Robinson Park Recreation Center, where residents can add the name of a loved one lost to gun violence or honor a survivor.

Free orange ribbons, stickers and informational pamphlets will be distributed to the public while supplies last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 5, at the following locations:

• Jackie Robinson Community Center,1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
• Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
• Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.

In addition, free gun locks are available to Pasadena residents at the following locations during specified times:

• Pasadena Public Health Department, 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
  • Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
  • Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Villa Parke Branch Library, 363 E. Villa St.
  • Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community members may request a gun lock at no cost and without providing identifying information. This collaboration between PPHD, Los Angeles County OVP, and the Pasadena Public Library expands access to practical safety tools and reinforces Pasadena's commitment to reducing firearm related harm, strengthening neighborhoods, and protecting residents of all ages.