PC 11/12/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

.' they are always targeted when violence rises. He stated that everyone has the right to own a gun and asked the Commission to help protect the community's rights by opposing the ordinance. RECESS 9:00 p.m. RECONVENED AT 9:10 p.m. Becky Dennis, 838 Gray Fox Circle, Pleasanton, supported the ordinance and stated that most other cities have ordinances which prohibit the sale of guns in residential neighborhoods. She noted that Oakland's murder rate dropped by 113 after such an ordinance was passed. David Stauffer, 1955 Brooktree Way, Pleasanton, stated that he feels this is a political issue rather than a zoning issue. He commented that there have been no reported problems with residential FFL dealers and they cannot be identified by simply driving down a street. He noted that the federal regulations are stringent and believes most FFL dealers strictly adhere to the requirements. Judy Symcox, 1450 Groth Circle, Pleasanton, stated that as a mother of four and a grandmother of nine, she will do whatever is necessary to preserve her family's rights. She stated that she is interested in promoting safety and teaching children the difference between toy and real guns. She feels that political contributions have something to do with the proposed ordinance and that the five FFL dealers are "much ado about nothing". She suggested that the Commission deal with the issue only if a problem arises. Ms. Symcox also criticized the staff report and stated that it is full of discrepancies and generalities and is not supported by facts. She further commented that Pleasanton is not a crime-ridden city, and nothing has been given to the this Commission in the way of information in order for it to approve the ordinance. George Levy, 1287 Fallen Leaf Drive, Milpitas, stated that most people who own guns also own gun safes. He also stated that most home FFL dealers do it on a part-time basis and do not make a lot of money from it. He noted that security alarms and neighborhood watch programs are deterrents to crime. Mr. Levy further related that "junk guns" and "Saturday Night Specials" are slang terms. He feels that the bottom line is people should have the freedom to purchase a gun if they want one. He recommends that the Commission be sure to obtain credible facts from credible sources before forming an opinion on this issue. Robert Strawn, 2668 Lin Gate Court, Pleasanton, commented that he enjoys living in Pleasanton. He stated that most home FFL dealers would not be able to run their modest business outside of their homes. He believes that crime will increase if limitations are placed on where guns can be sold. He suggested that the Commission address the problem when, and if, it happens. Jeanne Foster, 375 Sycamore, Pleasanton, read a letter that she wrote to the County Board of Supervisors expressing her opposition with the proposed ordinance. She also read the County's Planning Commission Minutes Page 11 November 12, 1997