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item 6g Introduction of Ordinance Regulating Assault Weapons in Pleasanton Mayor Mercer presented his memorandum dated March 7, 1989, regarding support of additional State legislation. Police Chief Eastman stated that SB 357 and AB 292 are in the Senate Judicial Committee at this time, but are watered-down versions of the bills presented by the authors of the bills. He stated his believe that state and federal laws may supercede any law enacted by the City. He recommended that the Council pass a resolution banning the use of any semi-automatic assault rifles capable of receiving a magazine greater than five rounds in capacity. Councilmember Brandes stated the reason why he feels it is important to support all legislation, including a local ordinance, is to indicate that the Pleasanton City Council supports meaningful effective legislation. He stated that even though a City law may be pre-empted by state law, it will send a message that the City is concerned and is not pleased with the action taken by the State Legistature to date. He referred to the effectiveness of the drug paraphernalia ordinance passed by the Council in 1979. He felt an ordinance, such as the one recently passed by the County of Santa Clara, would also be effective in Pleasanton, and would show the Council's sincerity in trying to contol semiautomatic weapons in this City. Mr. Stanley Rathbone, 325 Ray Street, suggested taking out the military clip in the weapons and replacing it with a small clip. Mr. Eastman advised this can be done by the passage of the resolution suggested above. Councilmember Mohr asked if the Santa Clara County ordinance has been challenged yet. Mr. Eastman stated it has not been, but the ordinance enacted in Los Angeles has been challenged. Mr. E. Paul Hogland, 1344 Vintner Way, stated he is a Lt. Col. in the Reserves, trained to shoot guns such as the ones in question. He objected to the article in the newspaper quoting Police Chief Eastmen that people who shoot these guns are either sick or insane. He felt this is an ill-conceived law and would ban weapons that he has shot for years. He did not feel there is a problem with guns in Pleasanton and is against a ban on weapons. He advised that he is not a member of the National Rifle Association. Mr. Nick Uychacho, 6790 Paseo Catalina, stated he is not a member of the National Rifle Association, but he feels it is wrong to ban weapons. He advised that the City of Pleasanton as well as surrounding communities are subject to fear tactics at this time, and are being pressured by citizens and school authorities to enact legislation to ban weapons. He felt this ordinance would - 5 - 3-7-89 ~