CCMIN071297 - Laserfiche WebLink

June Perry, 1300 Ptarmigan Drive, /t5, Walnut Creek, President of the Amador/Livermore Valley League of Women Voters, said the League is in favor of the proposed ordinance which is similar to the Leagues national and state positions. Roger Gathers, 1212 Harvest Road, felt this proposal was just another example of senseless intrusion of government into the civil liberties of the citizens. As far as he knew Pleasanton did not even have a gun dealer and therefore no such ban was needed. Such a law will not save anyone, but it would deny an affordable means of self protection. He felt Pleasanton should not adopt this ordinance only because other communities were. He stated that in thirty-one states where there has been liberalized concealed weapons, law, crime has since decreased. He said there was no proof that showed these guns were dangerous to the shooter. These small guns are more affordable and easier to handle. He felt that trigger locks defeated the purpose of self defense because of the time it would take to unlock the gun. He said he heard the State is already considering legislation on this subject. A local ordinance is unnecessary. He said the Police Department did not support this. He urged Council to vote no. Mayor Tarver asked the public to show its support by a show of hands, rather than by clapping or other demonstrations. Bill Haymond, Vintage Hills, moved to Pleasanton because he did not want to live in cities that had adopted laws like this. He urged Council to not adopt this ordinance. Hoss Bozorgzad, 6546 A~ington Drive, moved from Colorado and chose Pleasanton because of its reputation for being a safe community. He said he was offered an overseas position with the company he works for. He did not leave Pleasanton because of its hometown atmosphere. He wanted to make sure his children will be safe. He said there is a considerable amount of tax dollars being spent for professionals to be safeguarding Pleasanton. He urged Council to support and vote yes for this ordinance. John Emerson, 1560 Santa Rita Road, thanked Council for providing this special forum for public comment. He is an advocate of gun control but did not favor the total banning of guns. He was raised in a home with guns and learned how to use a gun properly. As a pastor he has been involved in domestic situations that involved guns. In one situation, it took him over an hour to talk the person out of removing the clip. The right to own guns requires responsibility. Guns are not a toy. Freedom and responsibility go together. He felt there was a growing tragedy of children deaths. He felt there is a lack of safety measures among some gun owners. When the public shows persistent lack of care and vigilance with respect to a deadly weapon, then it becomes necessary, for citizens to expect tighter and reasonable controls for the safety of all. He urges Council to pass the proposed ordinance. Jack Line, 5250 Case Avenue, agreed with everything that had been said so far. He asked the Chief of Police if he felt a gun could be bought for less than $100. He felt this is an -- important item and the residents should be allowed to vote on it. Pleasanton City Council 07/12/97 Minutes 3