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Melba Forsberg, 4520 Entrada Court, Pleasanton, referred to the remarks of Senator Johanesen, who is from Norway. He said the communists did the same as the Nazis. They first required gun registration, then they took the guns, then they came with tanks. The citizens had no way to protect themselves. He did not want the same thing to happen in this country. When she was in college, she participated in a study and found that Pleasanton was the safest city in Alameda County. She still felt this was a safe place to live and did not feel the need to have a gun. She opposed any kind of gun control. Manfred Billik, 11707 Coito Court, Dublin, agreed with the previous speakers. He did not object to removing defective Saturday Night Specials off the market, but that would force criminals to use higher priced, more accurate guns, thus increasing risks to police officers. What is the next step? He felt this leads to confiscation and eventual removal of all guns from private citizens. He came from a country where people could buy guns and that right was taken away. He does not want that to happen here. Brian Smith, 8686 Galindo Court, Dublin, referred to remarks by Thomas Jefferson who felt there were two types of people: those who distrust the public and think they are not capable of making decisions for themselves; and those who believe the public can make their own decisions. Many things we hear about Saturday Night Specials are that they are dangerous, easily concealed, poorly made, etc. If the guns are not good enough to own, a free market should take care of that. Individuals are not stupid and will research before buying a gun. If you restrict people from the right to make decisions, you are telling them they are too stupid to make their own decisions. David Stauffer, 1955 Brooktree Way, Pleasanton, indicated most of what he wanted to say has already been said, so he emphasized a few points. He used to sell firearms in the Truckee area. There was no gun only business that could survive in Truckee. A person could not go in and talk to someone knowledgeable about guns. Most home dealers have a sincere interest and more than once he has talked people out of buying a gun. That will not occur in big stores. He supposed Council does not realize how strict the existing laws are. Guns cannot be displayed so they are visible from the street and guns must be wrapped before leaving the premises. He did not want to join with Oakland or West Hollywood or anywhere else. We should make our own rules for ourselves. He also opposed using our funds for other cities. He urged Council to be cautious. Ms. Michelotti referred to comments made by the women and the need to have an inexpensive gun available to them. She asked what type of gun is purchased for home protection? There was also mention about the current Federal and State laws. She asked if Mr. Stauffer had particular comments about the proposed ordinance. Mr. Stauffer indicated a gun for use in the home does not have to be small; it could be a revolver for about $150 and up. He said the staff report referred to the desire to minimize gun violence and to adopt regulations. This is not filling gaps in current laws, it is merely adding another layer of government. People do not realize how difficult it is to legally buy a gun. He 07/16/96 -21-