Standing in front of a music school today where a 10-year-old boy was shot while taking a piano lesson, State Senate Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, announced a voluntary gun buyback event aimed at reducing the number of guns on the streets of Oakland.

Perata, who was carjacked at gunpoint in broad daylight only a few blocks away several weeks ago, acknowledged that he doesn't think many criminals will turn in their guns but he said even getting a small number of guns off the street will be a success.

At a press conference next to the Harmony Road Music School at 4382 Piedmont Ave., near Pleasant Valley Road, Perata said, "If we can get one gun off the street, there's less chance that guns will be used" to commit crimes.

Perata has been involved in previous programs aimed at getting guns off the street and conceded that "it feels like we're treading water."

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But he said something must be done to make Oakland a safer city.

Christopher Rodriguez was hit by a bullet fired by a suspect during an attempted robbery attempt at a gas station across the street from the music school about 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 10.

Christopher is in intensive care at Children's Hospital Oakland and doctors fear he will be permanently paralyzed below his waist.

Christopher's parents attended the news conference today and said they support Perata's attempt to get more guns off the street.

The gun buyback program will be at three Oakland churches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 9. The Alameda County Department of Public Health will offer $250 cash for each unloaded gun or assault weapon turned in.

Perata said he hopes to have a similar gun buyback event in Richmond.

— Bay City News