TTAG reader DT writes:
Scotts Valley [CA] City Council voted 5 to 0 to deny Ordinance No 189 (gun store licensing) in a victory for gun owners and free enterprise. The Chief of Police was completely discredited as was SVPD Lt. Wilson (above center, named as the proposal’s author). NO gun store owners were contacted prior to putting the matter before Council. The Chief claimed that an April 2015 attempted gun store burglary supported the notion that gun stores are criminal targets and they lack adequate security because the store’s alarm wasn’t triggered . . .
The store’s owner, Lee Ewing, completely refuted the Chief’s claims. Facts: all 15-20 stores in complex were hit; burglars broke open a wall, but retreated when they saw alarm, failed to gain entry or take anything from gun store. Security is better than PD’s gun and evidence lockers. Police never inspected the store.
The police department claimed that the proposal “grandfathered in” existing stores, but were forced to concede that new requirements (including zoning) would need to be met upon sale or transfer of the store.
One store owner brought in a hand-colored zoning map showing that NO gun stores would be allowed given proposed draconian zoning requirements. Oops – nobody checked. There was about 90 minutes of public testimony limited to three minutes per person. Only one spoke in favor of better security to protect children.