We ask the Scotts Valley council to reconsider its opposition to the ordinance proposed recently by the Scotts Valley Police Department in response to community concern in having four gun stores in our small community with a fifth slated to open.

We feel that the council has reacted to the wishes of the gun industry and NRA members who were disproportionately represented at the recent meeting by refusing to pass this common sense ordinance put forward by the police in the interests of public health and safety. The ordinance is not without precedent and replicates existing Santa Cruz County legislation and mirrors 30 similar city ordinances in California. Among the new requirements are that gun stores be at least 500 feet away from schools, day cares and parks and follow increased security protocols while handling the guns.

We urge you to reconsider the ordinance that would help protect Scotts Valley residents and the wider Santa Cruz community from the potential for gun violence that stems from the proximity and availability of firearms.

Details of ordinance: http://www.scottsvalley.org/downloads/council/2015/08-19-15.Item1.pdf