The Fremont Police Department has said that two recent gun buyback events were a resounding success.   Nearly 340 weapons were collected, according to a department spokesperson.  Among the items turned in were rifles, hand guns and shotguns.  Officers distributed more than $50,000 to those who chose to hand over weapons.

Pittsburg Police Department officials also had positive things to say about their event.  Officers there distributed more than $56,000 to those who turned in old or unwanted guns.  They collected more than 290 weapons in total, they said.

Numerous charities reportedly donated funds to help support the buyback program.  This included but was not limited to Outback Restaurant, USS POSCO, Seeno / Discovery Homes, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office, the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department. County Supervisor Federal Glover's Office, Pittsburg Power Company and the City of Pittsburg.
Neither department has indicated how they will dispose of the firearms.  Police say that buyback programs have been growing in popularity since the recent Newton, Connecticut school shooting.  Some programs have been so successful that offices have run out of cash and needed to issue IOUs.  In Solano County, one owner turned over a military rocket launcher.  That person did not disclose how they came to be in possession of that particular weapon.

Those who still wish to get rid of old or unwanted guns are asked to check with their local police department to find out when the next event will be taking place.  Although another buyback is not taking place in Fremont or Pittsburgh in the near future that is not to say a neighboring department does not have one scheduled.