Gun violence has plagued San Bernardino long before the Dec. 2 terrorist attack that left 14 dead and 22 wounded, say organizers of a peace march meant to shed light on the issue.

“We’ve been in a state of terrorism for a very, very long time,” said Ipyani Lockert, 35, who on Thursday, Jan. 28, joined more than two dozen residents and faith leaders marching through the streets of San Bernardino.

Inland Congregations United for Change — an organization that includes Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant congregations in the Inland area — held the‘Common Ground for Peace’walk as it works to promote “Operation Ceasefire,” a problem-oriented policing approach that aims to reduce gun violence and youth gang activity.

The program would involve local and county agencies and the community, such as faith leaders and nonprofit organizations, to work with violent offenders and equip them with alternatives to violence.

Lockert, walking along the intersection of Golden and Highland avenues, passed by a street pole memorial adorned with bouquets of flowers.

“More than likely a loss of life. You see those a lot in San Bernardino,” said Lockert, who was born and raised in the city of San Bernardino.

Lockert said he was affected by violence when his brother’s best friend was killed.

“It’s a blessing to be 35 years old,” Lockert said.

San Bernardino police has so far reported four homicides this year. In 2015, there were 44 homicides, police said.

“We do have a problem with guns in America and one thing that we kept telling people and even the clergy is that this is not something new to San Bernardino,” said Sergio Luna, a community organizer with Inland Congregations United for Change. “We’ve been talking about gun violence for many years.”

In 2005, the interfaith group prayed for an end to violence after 16-year-old Melanie Miers was killed in a drive-by shooting in San Bernardino.

In 2014, the same interfaith group held another prayer vigil after Melanie’s sister, Michelle Miers, 26, was attacked and slain inside her San Bernardino apartment.

And in 2015, Inland Congregations United for Change held a third vigil after the shooting death of 4-year-old Daniel Muñoz in Highland, a neighboring city of San Bernardino.

Activists along the Thursday walk handed out fliers to residents, informing them of their effort to end gun violence.

“We want you to be alive and free!” the flier read.

Kesha McGee, minister of Life Center Church in San Bernardino, was one of those who participated Thursday and said they plan to hold similar walks throughout the year.

“This walk is important because it shows unity …. it let’s people know that we’re serious about taking back our community and our streets,” McGee said.

Added McGee: “After Dec. 2, I think the conversations of violence have reached a bigger scale … It’s time for us to wake up.”

Contact the writer: 951-368-9462 or amolina@pe.com