'Tremendous Sadness': Danville Reacts To Texas School Shooting

DANVILLE, CA — Following a mass shooting that killed at least 19 children and two teachers in an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District sent students, parents and staff a message of support.

Superintendent Dr. John Malloy:

“Our hearts are with the community as this tragic news unfolds. We are here to listen, offer support, and do everything we can to make sure our students and staff always feel safe physically and emotionally. We encourage you to utilize these resources for yourselves and with your students:

Resources for Supporting Youth Mental Health: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/blog/community-resources/how-to-support-youth-mental-health/

Explaining the News to Our Kids: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids .”

Malloy also tweeted his sentiments Tuesday night:

“There are no words for the tragedy in Uvalde. Children and staff lost. Families grieving. All of us in shock. Public education is about including everyone. In collaboration with families, we need to teach empathy, compassion, and the elimination of all forms of hate."

A representative with the district said the 36 schools in the district work with three law enforcement agencies - the Danville police department, San Ramon police department and the Contra Costa sheriff’s department. The plan Wednesday was to try and have a police presence at each school, not out of fear but for peace of mind.

“We are so appreciative to our officers for helping our families feel as safe as possible. This is just horrible,” Director of Communications and Community Relations Illana Israel Samuels told Patch.

The Danville police department posted on social media Wednesday morning that officers would be at local schools.

“While there was no direct threat to our community, we understand that recent events can cause a bit of nervousness. We want to do what we can to ease parents, staff, and students' concerns.

We will continue to be vigilant and work toward safeguarding the lives, rights, and property of everyone we serve.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the community of #Uvalde and those affected by the tragedy yesterday in Texas.”

Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston announced an increased police presence Tuesday night on Twitter:

“On behalf of the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office, our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting victims. Our thoughts are also with the community and first responders. Although there are no known threats in Contra Costa Sheriff's Office jurisdiction, I have ordered additional patrols around all of our schools.”

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), California’s 15th congressional district representative, issued this statement Tuesday night:

"I wish I could look at my three small children and promise them they will always be safe at their schools. But, that would be a lie. America continues to arm the most dangerous people to the teeth -- leaving every innocent child vulnerable to being shot inside their classroom.

America has a mass shooter problem. And it’s not a policy defect. It’s by Republican design. GOP policies have allowed the most dangerous people to access the most dangerous weapons. Passing background checks and an assault weapons ban is long overdue."

Golden State lawmakers took swift action Wednesday to pass a bill to allow private citizens to file suits against manufacturers of illegal assault weapons or untraceable ghost guns.

Below are additional resources for families.

• American Psychological Association (APA): Helping your Child Manage Distress In The Aftermath Of A School Shooting
• National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Your Children About Violence
• Commonsense Media: Explaining The News To Our Kids
• Commonsense Media: How To Talk To Kids About School ShootingsChildmind.org
• Anxiety Over School Shootings

See also: 'Enough!' Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Gives Impassioned Plea On Shooting