PC 11/12/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

" purchased in a store. He IS strongly opposed to the proposed ordinance and asked the Commission to oppose it. Nonn Thomas, 4886 Woodthrush Road, Pleasanton, stated that if there is no problem with home FFL dealers, then staff is promoting hysteria by proposing the new ordinance. He commented that most of the community would not be able to identify the home of an FFL dealer. He suggested that the Commission advocate other serious problems such as underage drinking. He does not believe that five licensed gun dealers can destroy the City. Eric Muetterties, 8151 Vomac Court, Dublin, stated that he belongs to the NRA and enjoys shooting. He stated that he has the right to have a gun as long as he is not infringing on anybody else's rights. He noted that FFL dealers must consent to a search of his home and that most are law abiding citizens. He also stated that most FFL dealers are gun collectors. He noted that any person who owns a gun can be dangerous, and not just FFL dealers. He asked why staff was pursing an ordinance if there were no problems with the existing one. Debbie Dittmer, 125 South Blvd, #1, San Mateo, stated that she is strongly opposed to the proposed ordinance. She feels that it violates the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. She further stated that the Commission should be more focused with preventing the sale of illegal firearms, such as AK47's which were recently shipped in the City of Oakland. She also expressed her opinion that the staff report appears to be very biased. She feels that if the gun shows were not pennitted at the Fairgrounds, it would stop a flow of money into the City. She asked the Commission to "do the right thing" and oppose the ordinance. Christopher Olson, 4304-A Valley Avenue, Pleasanton, stated that he believes this ordinance is really about gun control. He further stated that gun control does not stop crime and that statistics show that it actually increases crime. He noted that in 1976, Washington, D.C. issued a ban on handguns and by 1990 their homicide rate tripled. He related that New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago have the strictest guns laws in the country, but those cities account for over 15 % of the nation's murders. He asked why gun dealers should be restricted to the number of guns they have in their household, but not gun owners. He asked the Commission to oppose the ordinance because it would cause legitimate dealers to go out of business. William A. Rae, 909 Shorepoint court, D-320, Alameda, stated that he is opposed to the ban on FFL dealers and gun shows at the Fairgrounds. He feels that if there are no complaints against FFL dealers, then they should not be harassed. He also believes their Second Amendments rights are being violated. Anthony Fox, 38218 Ashford Way, Fremont, stated that the City is attempting to fight problems that do not exist. He commented that zoning should be determined based upon volume of sales. He feels that if the ordinance is passed, it will tempt dealers to sell illegal guns and that would change their image. He further stated that nobody hates violence more than gun owners because Planning Commission Minutes Page 10 November 12, 1997