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to assist and protect the community, especially the youth. She reiterated Pleasanton did not have a firearm problem. Therefore, if Pleasanton did not have a problem, then why divide the community over an ordinance that would not solve anything. She suggested bringing the community together by working on pro-active measures. She understood that Council wanted to support other communities who had passed similar ordinances. She felt that the Council should lead through positive educational programs and positive guidance. The reason she has become so involved in this issue was because she believed gun control increased violent crimes. She said no one has been able to identify what positive effects would accompany the passing of a gun ban ordinance in Pleasanton. She believed it would only be a temporary solution. She would like to see the community work together. It should begin at home with parents accepting the responsibility of teaching their children respect and responsibility. She urged the Council to reject the ordinance or put it to the vote of the community. She challenged an article that claimed anti-gun supporters would not show up at Council meetings because of an atmosphere of intimidation caused by pro-gun supporters. Juliet Leftwich, 268 Bush Street, Suite 555, San Francisco, said she was here to offer legal support from the Legal Community Against Violence. The organization offers free legal assistance to cities and counties seeking to adopt violence prevention programs. She provided copies of the local ordinance manual and the annual supplement. She said if the proposed ordinance was adopted it would have the support of many well-respected Bay Area law firms. She pointed out that the risk of litigation was very slight, given the fact that the West Hollywood case is currently on appeal and a similar case in Lafayette had been upheld. Robert Demattei, 1326 Hopyard Road, #63, read from a prepared statement stating a firearm can be used to stop or prevent the occurrence of a crime just as easily as it can be used to aid in the creation of one. He felt if existing crime could not be lowered with all of the existing laws, a new law would not help. Robin Martin, (no address given), voiced her disapproval of the ordinance regulating the sale of firearms. According to page six of the staff report the Planning Commission did not agree with the proposed amendment that prohibited the sale of firearms in residential areas. Also commissioners have stated that there have been no complaints regarding the current firearm dealers in residential areas, and therefore, they did not recommend prohibiting this use. She could not understand the time and money being spent on trying to pass an ordinance on the sale of Saturday Night Specials when there did not seem to be a problem. She resented the fact that her constitutional right to protect her family was being taken away. She believed Council had its own agenda and was not listening to the people. She said let the people voice their opinion by a vote. Julie Patti, 7756 Palmdale Court, voiced her opposition on the proposed ban of Saturday Night Specials. She believed the ban did not represent the best interests of the citizens. She felt the ordinance was misleading to those with little knowledge of handgun construction. She stated California law prevents cities and counties from passing such ordinances. Therefore, Pleasanton City Council 3 02/09/98 Minutes