Update: Gun Safety Event - East County
Photo of handguns collected at event.
August 24, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that this weekend, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office teamed up with its law enforcement partners to help get unwanted weapons off our streets through a Gun Safety Event in La Mesa.
Photo of assault weapons collected at event.
A total of 270 unwanted firearms were turned in by the public during Saturday's event at the La Mesa Civic Center, located at 4825 Date Avenue.
Photo of District Attorney's Office staff working with Sheriff's Office team at event.
Individuals received a $100 gift card for handguns, rifles and shotguns or a $200 gift card for assault weapons.
Free gun cable locks were also given out to anyone who wanted one.
Photo of State Parole working at event.
All weapons collected will be processed. Any firearms found to have been involved in a crime will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. If any guns are found to be stolen, the original owners will be contacted. All remaining weapons will be destroyed in accordance with the law.
Photo of Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station Command with Sycuan Police Department.
The Sheriff's Office and Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station would like to thank the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, La Mesa Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and Sycuan Tribal Police Department for their support in making this Gun Safety Event a success. 
Photo of Sheriff's Captain Ruben Medina at event.
Most importantly, thanks to the public for helping us keep our communities safe by getting unwanted firearms off our streets.
Photos of rifles collected at event.
The public can always turn in their unwanted weapons at any Sheriff's station or substation, as well as at any law enforcement agency. For your safety, keep the gun in the trunk of your car and await further instructions from a deputy. For a list of Sheriff's patrol stations, click here. You can also call the Sheriff's non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office