As part of the Gun Reclamation Project in NYC, design duo B-Side has crafted a line of extra haute necklaces and rings. With proceeds from each sale going towards the program which buys back guns in the city, it’s easy to see why people are getting fired up about it. All joking aside, with the crime rates in NYC as high as they are, much like the crime in some parts of LA, the NY D.A.'s office has collected over 5,700 guns through the program since 2008. Making their city a better place one sale at a time.

With all the talented designers the city of angels is overflowed with, a program like this could be highly beneficial to us as well. While the gun problems and gang crime rates have gone down over the years, LA locals are still dealing with this issue in everyday life. In efforts to minimize the gun related crimes and enforce California Gun Laws, local officials are staging several sting operations targeting gun shows and retailers. The question is, with innocents still getting caught in the cross fire, is it enough? 

Although these operations are a good way to get to the source, guns are still being sold and used on our streets everyday. Having the funds to buy them back off the black market, the old fashioned way, may be the best bet. This program, by teaming up with local designers and law enforcement officials, has found a way to provide some of those much needed funds.

While Los Angeles, along with Seattle and Chicago, has already participated in the "Gun Buy-Back program" where the city pays $100-$200 for any firearms turned in, this fight should be a community effort. If we can get our designers to participate, maybe this is something California should really consider. 

For more information on the Los Angeles "Gun Buy-Back" click here.