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pistols. They are cheaply made and highly inaccurate. He indicated that neither the BATF nor the State of California monitor sales of guns at gun shows. He felt gun shows were an improper venue I>ec~use of the potential for illegal gun sales. He supported requiring trigger locks. They are inexpensive, easy to use and can save lives. Every day 15 children are killed with guns in America. In 1992, 501 children died in unintentional shootings. Firearms are the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths among children five to fourteen years old and the third leading cause of death among fifteen to 24 year olds. Barrie Becker, 268 Bush Street, #555, San Francisco, represented the Legal Community Against Violence, which was founded as a result of the massacre at 101 California Street three years ago. It provides free legal assistance to cities and counties to draft, enact and defend legally sound gun violence prevention laws. It was her opinion that there is no preemption issue to prevent a city from adopting a ban on Saturday Night Specials sales. She believed there very strong legal arguments to be made supporting a ban. She indicated there are law enforcement reports that indicate most criminals would prefer, if they could afford it, a more expensive, better made weapon. Regarding the inquiry about how to define these weapons, she referred to the city of West Hollywood which hired a gun expert, who was a former editor of a gun magazine. He worked with the City Council and the Police Department to draft a definition. She further indicated the San Pablo Police Chief was also drafting an unambiguous and workable definition of Saturday Night Specials. Mr. Tarver asked how many states other than California allow the manufacture of Saturday Night Specials. Ms. Becker said almost all of them allow it, although the State of Maryland has stric~y regulated the manufacture and sale of Saturday Night Specials. Approximately 80% of the Saturday Night Specials sold nationwide come from Califomia. Mr. Tarver asked why Federal law stopped short of banning the manufacture of Saturday Night Specials? Ms. Becker indicated when the ban on imports was passed, there was no domestic industry producing the Saturday Night Specials. She does not know why a ban on domestic manufacture has not been adopted. Reports of the U. S. Department of Justice link these guns to crime and that was one of the reasons for banning the import of them. Ms. Dennis inquired if a buyer were required to have a license to carry a concealed weapon, since these guns are so small and concealable. Ms. Becker indicated California requires a permit to carry a concealed weapon. However, the consumer protection issues, quality of material, lack of safety features, etc. are the overriding concern. 07/16/96 -16-