Gun Owners of California Executive Director Sam Paredes Has Died: Continue Reading

 Sam Paredes, a longstanding Executive Director of Gun Owners of California (GOC) and a prominent national voice for gun rights, passed away, and the Second Amendment advocacy community is in grief.

Paredes leaves behind a legacy of devotion, leadership, and activism that extends well beyond the corridors of government, having devoted decades of his life to upholding constitutional freedoms.

Sam Paredes led Gun Owners of California, a non-profit lobbying group established to protect and uphold Second Amendment rights in the Golden State, for more than 20 years.

Under his direction, GOC rose to prominence as one of the most well-known groups of its kind, resolutely advocating for law-abiding gun owners' rights in Sacramento and beyond through grassroots initiatives and legislative battles.

In addition, he was the Treasurer of the Gun Owners Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of Gun Owners of America, both of which influenced national discussions on gun rights.

Paredes, a registered lobbyist, gave fervent testimony before the California Fish and Game Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Justice at hundreds of legislative committee meetings.

Recognized for his keen mind, unshakable beliefs, and talent for communication, he rose to prominence in political circles, whether addressing legislators or ordinary residents who were worried about their liberties.

His knowledge and impact went well beyond California. Major media outlets such as Fox News, ABC World News Tonight, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and several California outlets regularly interviewed Paredes.

In states like Missouri, Nevada, and all around California, he frequently conducted courses on "Confrontational Politics," giving grassroots activists the skills they needed to successfully defend their convictions. Additionally, he co-hosted Sacramento's "Just Guns" radio program on Money 105.5 FM, where he discussed politics, culture, and gun restrictions with listeners.

Paredes served in the Trade and Commerce Agency during both the George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson administrations in California prior to joining the GOC. Throughout his career, he showed a unique capacity to unite community leadership, advocacy, and public service.

Sam was the second of three children born to immigrants in Los Angeles. He received a scholarship to Pepperdine University, where he graduated with a political science degree.

His love for liberty and constitutional rights was further cultivated while he was a student at the Foundation for Economic Education in New York. Sam was a multi-talented and multi-interested individual in addition to his professional achievements.

He loved shooting sports, hunting, fishing, golfing, and traveling. He was also a trained firearms instructor and a passionate outdoor enthusiast. As a board member of his local fire protection agency in El Dorado County and a volunteer firefighter, he also made real contributions to his community.

The people who knew Sam the best recall him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather in addition to being a fervent advocate. He loved being the grandfather to what he frequently referred to as "an ever-growing brood of grandkids" and was quite proud of his three children.

He always reminded those close to him of the value of perseverance, conviction, and love while sharing with them his love of the outdoors, family customs, and faith. Sam Paredes' family, coworkers, and the innumerable people whose rights he championed during his lifetime are all extremely saddened by his departure.

Generations to come will be inspired by his legacy of unwavering leadership, generosity of spirit, and dedication to freedom. He adored and named the foothills of the Sierra Nevada home, where he resided with his cherished wife.