8MEETING DATE: 02/4/13
ITEM NO. Q
Wit
a ti COUNCIL. AGENDA REPORT
DATE: January 31, 2013
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
GREG LARSON
FROM: , TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION OF POLICY' ISSUES AND DIRECTION REGARDING
FIREARM SALES IN LOS GATOS AND CONSIDERATION OF
REGULATIONS ON THE SALE OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
RECOMMENDATION:
Direct staff to research and prepare potential Town ordinance and policy changes necessary to:
® Designate which land use zones may be appropriate for sale of firearms and ammunition;
® Require a Conditional Use Permit for the sale of firearms and ammunition;
® Restrict home occupation permits for sale of firearms and ammunition;
• Establish a Police Permit requirement for dealers of firearms and ammunition;
Require identification checks for the sale of ammunition; and /or
Require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms.
BACKGROUND:
In response to anticipated public comment under Verbal Communications at the Dec. 17, 2012
meeting of the Town Council, the Mayor requested scheduling a Council discussion regarding
firearm sales in Los Gatos. This report and the Council agenda item scheduled for Feb. 4, 2013
fulfill that prior request and direction.
Specific questions have been raised by the public regarding the December, 2012 opening of a
sporting goods store, Templar Sports, that sells firearms and ammunition without prior public review
and consideration of additional regulatory requirements. This Background section identifies the
current regulatory and Town operations related to the opening of Templar sports while the following
Discussion section identifies issues and alternatives for Council consideration.
Reviewed by: kS Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Firearm sales
February 4, 2013
Sale of Firearms and Ammunition
The Town does not currently have any legal or policy restrictions on the sale of firearms or
ammunition in Los Gatos, except for a prohibition on sales to minors, which generally reflects State
law. Further, there is no documentation of any prior Town restrictions that were subsequently
removed or eliminated.
Given the absence of any local regulations, the sale of firearms and ammunition in Los'Gatos is
solely under the purview of existing Federal and State laws. California's laws are generally viewed
as some of the most strict in the nation, with mandatory identification checks, waiting periods, and
prohibitions on the sale of both automatic (so- called "assault ") weapons and high capacity
ammunition clips.
It appears that retail sales of firearms and ammunition have previously occurred in Los Gatos.
Specifically, anecdotal historical stories have been shared of firearm and /or ammunition sales .at
hardware and sporting goods stores both Downtown and on Los Gatos Boulevard. In addition, at
least two home -based federal firearm licenses were previously operating, but are no longer in
business. In addition; there are two other active federal firearm licenses issued to Los Gatos
addresses, that do not have current Town Business Licenses and are no longer in operation.
Business Licenses and Certificates of Use & Occupancy
Any business operating in Los Gatos is required to obtain a Business License prior to operations, as
is standard for most municipalities in California. Business Licenses are typically automatically
granted upon payment of the required taxes, sometimes called fees, and verification that the business
is allowed to operate at the intended location according to the jurisdiction's land use and other
regulations (documented through a Certificate of Use and Occupancy) Business Licenses' are not
discretionary permits that can be denied or delayed if otherwise in compliance with all municipal
codes and requirements.
Last the Town received applications for a Business License and a Certificate of Use &
Occupancy for a "sporting goods" retailer intending to open on University Avenue between Roberts 1.
Road and. Blossom Hill. ,Road, outside of the Downtown Central Business District in the
Commercial - Industrial Zone. No indication was made on either form, nor required to be made,
regarding the intended sale of firearms. The Business License application identified three individuals
associated with the business, including a Los Gatos Police Officer. Community Development staff
verified that retail operations were allowed -in the Commercial- Industrial Zone, approved the
Certificate of Use & Occupancy, and the Business License was issued on the same day as the
application, which is the normal processing for Business Licenses in Los Gatos.
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Firearm sales
February 4, 2013
Retail in the Commercial - Industrial Zone
Retail operations have been allowed by right in the Commercial - Industrial Zone covering North
University Avenue since 1977, when so approved unanimously by the Town Council. Previously,
retail in that area was limited to retail associated with Light. Manufacturing, which was then the title
and focus of the zoning in that area. Allowed "by right" means that the property owner or tenant is
allowed to pursue such use in that zone without any discretionary review or approvals required from
the Town.
Templar Sports, as a retail operation not subject to any other municipal codes or requirements, was
allowed "by right" in the Commercial- Industrial Zone under existing Town Code. Town staff had no
legal discretion to deny or delay that use in that location, nor to require the business to pay for or
participate in any public hearing or land use and development review process.
Design and Building Review
Any physical improvements to private property and structures require Town review to ensure
compliance with both external design guidelines and building codes. Such reviews are limited in
scope to design and building, and are not discretionary as to the uses or operations on the property.
Templar Sports proposed exterior modifications to its place of business which were found to be in
full conformance with the Town's Commercial Design Guidelines and approved in September, 2012.
Building Permits for the proposed internal and external improvements were reviewed, approved and
inspected through the fall. Town staff is continuing to work with Templar Sports to ensure
compliance with the Town's sign ordinance, and is discouraging any publicly visible display of
firearms or firearms sales given concerns raised by the community.
Police Review
Local police departments are typically notified of any Federal Firearms License within its
jurisdiction. Unless required by State or local law, Police does not have any discretion or approval
for firearm licensees in their jurisdiction.
Nonetheless, Templar Sports has repeatedly and voluntarily sought Police review of their intended
and actual operations to ensure foreknowledge of the business' security and safety operations. To
date, the Police Department has not identified any concerns regarding the security and safety of the
business.
Given the involvement of a Los Gatos Police Officer as a private party in Templar Sports, the Town
has taken steps to avoid any perceived or real conflicts of interest. Specifically, the officer has
obtained the outside work permit required of any Town employee with a job or employment in
addition to their Town work and the officer has been specifically directed to avoid any use of Town
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Firearm sales
February 4, 2013
time, resources, facilities or access for the purposes of his private business endeavor.
DISCUSSION:
There is significant- public interest concerning the sale of firearms and ammunition with arguments
and highly emotional debates on all sides of the issue about the effectiveness or need for additional
controls and regulations at the local, state and/or federal levels. Federal and, State law control the
sale and distribution of firearms and ammunition and preempt local control. However, a preliminary
survey of other jurisdictions identifies a few areas for potential local review and action.
Appropriate Land Use
Although any blanket prohibition on the sale of firearms and ammunition would likely face
significant legal challenges, many jurisdictions have adopted reasonable land use regulations to
address potential problems associated with this type of retail establishment. Specific examples of
such land use regulations recommended for further research and consideration include:
Limiting potential firearm sales to designated land use zones;
• Requiring -a Conditional Use Permit for any firearm sales in appropriate zones;
• Restricting such sales in residential zones as home occupations; and /or
• Establishing proximity or other limits on firearms retailers (e.g., school proximity).
As with most land use authority and regulations, any such new requirements established in the Town
Code could only be applied prospectively to new, expanding, or relocating businesses. New
regulations could not be applied to a business currently in conformance with existing Town
regulations. However, a significant change or expansion of business operations for an existing
establishment might require conformance to new regulatory requirements, but would be very
challenging to specify and determine.
Police Permitting and Requirements
Several jurisdictions, including Campbell and Palo Alto, require a local Police Permit for Firearm
and Ammunition Dealers. These cost recovery permits are solely to ensure adequate safety, security
acid liability considerations for such `retailers, and to ensure fill'Poliee knowledge and awareness of
firearms and an i iuriition in'the jurisdiction. The permits cannotbe used to deny business operations
if all standards are met, and have been applied to existing retailers in other jurisdictions.
The_City of Sacramento has implemented codes and procedures to require individual identification
checks: for ammunition sales; as is otherwise done for the sale of firearms. Staff understands that
State legislation is also being considered to require such statewide. This requirement might be
possible in Los Gatos through either the Conditional Use Permit and/or Police Permitting processes
discussed above.
PAGE 5
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Firearm sales
February 4, 2013
Last, a national non - profit based in San Francisco, called Legal Community Against Violence, is
working with Mayors Against Illegal Guns (a coalition of 500 Mayors nationwide), to encourage the
local adoption of ordinances to require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms to local Police agencies
within 24 hours. The City of Campbell adopted such an ordinance in 2011.
Pending Council direction, additional research will be done to identify additional or alternative
approaches for dealing with perceived and potential problems resulting from the sale of firearms and
ammunition in Los Gatos. This research would include further surveys of municipal solutions,
identification of legal issues, and consideration of potential Federal and State regulatory changes.
CONCLUSION:
Beyond the recommended research identified above, additional options or alternatives for Council
consideration include:
® No change to existing standards or requirements
® Continue the matter pending Federal or State legislative changes
® Support or oppose pending Federal or State legislative changes
There are no discretionary permits or licenses that may be revoked to force Templar Sports to cease
operations. Further, any new land use regulations applied retroactively to Templar Sports would
likely face signification legal challenges as a "taking" of constitutionally protected property rights,
and possibly as violations of Second Amendment rights related to firearms.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This action is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
While no immediate fiscal impacts are known or budget changes required, the extensive research and
work required for this issue will displace or delay other Town projects and policy matters. A
schedule and prioritization of pending staff projects will be presented with the Mid -Year Budget
Report on Feb. 19, 2013.
Attachments:
1. Letter from Donald Kilmer, received January 30, 2012.
2. Public Comments received between January 25, 2013 through 12:00 p.m. January 31, 2013 in
support of firearm sales (Emails and letters).
3. Public Comments received between December 5, 2012, through 12:00 p.m., Thursday, January
31, 2013 in opposition of firearm sales (Emails and letters).
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Law Offices of Donald Kilmer
A Professional Corporation
January 30, 2013
Via: E -Mail
Los Gatos Town Council: Mayor
Spector, Vice Mayor Leonardis,
Council Members: McNutt, Pirzynski,
Jensen — and —
Mr. Greg Larson, Town Manager
Town of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, California 95030
1645 Willow Street, Suite 150
San Jose, California 95125
E -Mail: Don (@DKLawOffice.com
Phone: (408) 264 -8489
Fax: (408) 264 -8487
RECEIVED
JAN 3 0 2013
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
E -Mail: manager @Los Gatos CA. L7ov
RE: Templar Sports (dba) and Templar Armaments, LLC
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Members and Mr. Larson:
My firm represents Templar Sports and Templar Armaments, LLC. I would like to
provide this letter and request that it be made a part of the record in any staff
report or project and any potential legislation that the elected officials of Los Gatos
may be considering with respect to regulating gun stores.
It is not my intent to give or offer legal advice to the Town of Los Gatos. My clients
are Templar Sports (dba) and Templar Armaments, LLC and I don't want to create
any confusion or potential conflict. The information I am providing is largely from
the public domain or is public record. Nor do my clients contemplate initiating any
litigation at this time.
It seems that my clients' existing retail firearm business has generated public
protest and a demand for action by the Town of Los Gatos. The purpose of this
letter is to offer my clients' best good - faith, efforts to integrate themselves into the
Los Gatos business community without any undue controversy. To that end they
have authorized me to prepare this letter outlining public domain resources about
federal and state law with respect to firearm dealers. I have also included a short
section addressing the real benefits that a licensed firearm dealer brings to a
community.
ATTACHPEW 1
Page 1 of 4
My clients would also like, if possible, to have some input into any staff report or
any studies that might be generated that would form the basis of any legislation the
town might consider. We believe that by being involved in the process early, in a
cooperative spirit, that costly and time- consuming litigation can be avoided.
Furthermore, my clients have many business policies and practices for running
their""' store that address public safety issues that are NOT currently mandated
by state an&federal law. These practices might form the basis of local regulations
that would meet the needs of all stake- holders.
.V
Constitutional Rigrhts
As you are no doubt aware, the United States Supreme Court has affirmed that the
Second Amendment's "right to keep and bear arms" is an individual right. District
of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008). Furthermore, this fundamental right is
enforceable against state and local governments through the Fourteenth
Amendment's due process clause. McDonald v. City of Chicago, 130 S.Ct. 3020
(2010).
It should not be controversial that land use regulations that impact businesses
associated with exercising fundamental rights are particularly scrutinized if it
comes to light that the regulations are thinly veiled attempts to discourage or
harass those seeking to exercise their rights.
It would be our position that local governments are required to produce admissible
evidence that any regulations enacted will address the alleged problems associated
with the constitutionally protected commerce. See generally: Berger V. City of
Seattle, 569 F.3d 1029 (9th Cir. 2009); and Annex Books v.:.City, of Indianapolis, 581 ,
F.3d 460, 463 (7`h Cir. 2009). And while there is ample evidence of crime clustering
around adult book stores, tattoo parlors, liquor stores and night clubs; I am as yet
unaware of any legitimate study showing that crime tends to cluster around gun
stores. Unlike the examples cited above, people purchasing firearms, and
employees of the'gun store, must be law - abiding to pass the background checks
required by state and federal law.
Federal Regulation of Firearm Dealers
The United States Government, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF), regulates commerce in firearms with a uniform set of rules
for all licenced dealers. The statutes and agency regulations require dealers to
keep records of all firearm transactions, including acquisition and disposition logs of
all firearms, and paperwork on each individual transaction.
Dealers are periodically inspected by the ATF for compliance with all inventory and
paperwork regulations. In addition, the agency contacts dealers when a particular
person and/or weapon becomes the subject of a state and/or federal investigation.
Page 2 of 4
Because the dealers are the repository for the various forms and paperwork
required to be a licensed dealer, gun store owners are a critical link in
investigations of crimes and suspicious conduct that comes to the attention of the
authorities. (i.e., A compliant local gun dealer makes it easier for the police to solve
crimes that are committed with firearms.)
There is a wealth of information about the ATF's regulation of the firearms industry
available on that agency's website at: http: / /www.atf.gov /firearms /industry/
California Regulation of Firearms Dealers
It should not come as a surprise that California adds its own layer of laws and
regulations relating to commerce in firearms. In addition to federal law requiring
federally licensed dealers to know and comply with state and local law (as well as
federal law), California has its own separate system of licenses and permits before
anyone can "engage in the business" of operating a gun store.
The California Department of Justice — Bureau of Firearms maintains a website
with a wealth of information about our state's laws relating to firearms at:
http: / /oag.ca.gov /firearms ,
Local Communities Benefit from Having Firearm Dealers
Firearm dealers who are local small business merchants, who are also part of the
community, is just another way to insure responsible commerce in weapons.
Municipalities that use local ordinances in an attempt to drive firearm dealers
beyond their borders (NIMBY) just makes it more likely that these transactions will
be conducted elsewhere by strangers without ties to the local economy and without
local law enforcement oversight.
Firearm dealers provide other important public safety functions. For example:
1. When someone is served with any of the civil or domestic violence
restraining orders embodied in California law, they are given only two
choices for the required surrender of their firearms. They can turn
their guns over to a law enforcement agency or a licensed dealer. I
helped the County of Santa Clara develop the procedures for the
surrender of firearms in these circumstances. Having a local firearm
dealer in your community makes it more likely that someone who is
required to surrender their firearms will comply with those
requirements when they have the choice of using a local merchant.
2. Under California law, no one is permitted to purchase a hand gun
without having passed a state - mandated written safety test. These
tests and the study materials are typically administered by licensed
gun dealers. Since it is in everyone's interest to ensure the widest
Page 3 of 4
possible dissemination of safety literature with respect to firearms,
having a local business providing this service is good public policy.
3. Additionally, firearm dealers are required to provide instruction in the
safe handling of firearms at the point of sale and to insure that a gun
owner has the means to comply with California's safe- storage laws.
4. Finally, the presence of a licensed dealer in the neighborhood, also
makes it more likely that firearm owners will comply with California's
strict laws regulating the transfer of firearms between private parties.
I am happy to provide further information, citations to specific statutes, and
additional material in the form of academic and scientific studies on this topic.
My clients want to assist the town and its elected leaders in putting to rest the,.
rumors and wild speculation that- having a gun store �in the community is somehow
a detriment. Given the almost universal right of law- abiding citizens to "keep and
bear arms" it makes more sense for the stake - holders (local government, firearms
dealers and concerned citizens) to work together using reason and verified facts to
develop sound policies that will work and withstand a constitutional challenge.
My clients have authorized me to work with the Town and any of its departments to
set up town -hall meetings, provide print material, and make submissions to any
study /work groups to make this process as transparent as possible for the public.
After all, the laws and regulations of the retail firearm- industry are public domain
and the more information the public has the better off everyone will be.
Please don't hesitate to contact me.
cc: clients
Jjudd @losgatosca. gov
Planning• @losgatosca. gov
Sincerely,
/s/ Donald Kilmer
Donald E. J. Kilmer, Jr.
Attorney for Templar Sports (dba) and
Templar Armaments, LLC
Page 4 of 4
Dear Council Member, (Uk' D�- WbN1 l `C -,,' *,A�O A`l`"k,,,�>
I am writing to you to let you know that I completely support Templar Sports as a new business in Los
Gatos. I believe it would be wrong to put any restrictions on the business should they decide to expand
or relocate within the town limits. The business is owned by people who live in Los Gatos, have children
in schools in Los Gatos, and work in Los Gatos. They have gone above and beyond in regards to their
commitment to safety and security in our community. I sincerely hope you will understand my position
and will share this view which I believe to be the position of the majority of town residents that reside in
Los Gatos.
Thank you for your valuable time,
Los Gatos, CA
JAN 2 5 2013
,` VOWN COUNCIL
ATTAcMU,NT 2
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List of form letter submittee names
(letter received 1/25/13)
RE: Support of Templar Sports
Name
Notes
Address (If given)
Chris Delaossa
16920 Cypress Way
Yvette Bonnett
147211 Mulberry Drive
Thomas M Col
last name illegible
16788 Leroy Ave
Matt Chroust
16001 Stephenie Lane
Geoffrey Yates
Eddie Chase
John Hannegan
Travis Tatum
Jan Albert De Beer
Florian M. Barth
Chris Gikas
Bruce Greene
Toni Zanger
John Worden
Corty Tatum
Marty McCormick
Robert Zimmerman
Wendy Fox
Linda Fink
Gloria Guenther
Gerry Naylor
Don Woodward
Keeleigh Kaufman
Robert Davini
Todd Jones
Carroll Blackstock
Ton Helder
Jeff Berg
Ron Fink
Alice Scott Fink
Diana Vara
Jim Patrick
Ron Cates
Byron Chaney
Hector Ruiz
Brad Cabral
Denise "Huleer"
last name illegible
Ed "At"
last name illegible
Richard "Spelver"
last name illegible
Bryan "Mayhribi"
last name illegible
"Bob"
first and last name illegible
Larry "Dreger"
last name illegible
Dennis "L"
last name illegible
Jeff "S"
last name illegible
2/4/13 TC Staff Report Attachment
List of form letter submittee names
(letter received 1/25/13)
RE: Support of Templar Sports
Name
Notes
Address (If given)
Thomas "U"
last name illegible
Nicholas B, "Cammado"
last name illegible
P "McIntyre"
last name illegible
"V"
first and last name illegible
"L"
first and last name illegible
Michael "B"
last name illegible
Janson "Falarski"
last name illegible
Troy "F"
last name illegible
"N" "F"
first and last name illegible
Troy "Harnell"
last name illegible
"Murphy"
first and last name illegible
"Seth" "Larson"
first and last name illegible
Dan "Dvl"
last name illegible
"G"
first and last name illegible
"Zanger"
first and last name illegible
"GB"
first and last name illegible
"D W"
first and last name illegible
"P"
first and last name illegible
"WV"
first and last name illegible
"R"
first and last name illegible
2/4/13 TC Staff Report Attachment
From: Rick Nemcik -Cruz <rnemcik @nemcik.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 4:03 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Support for Templar Sports operation
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing this email is support of the continued operation of Templar Sports in Los Gatos. I am a certified pistol instructor and
have taught courses in Northern California since 2004. 1 am also an attorney and member of the California Bar.
Templar Sports benefits the community by providing a ready source of arms and ammunition for self- defense. It is also a center for
firearms safety instruction. Templar has established and promoted firearms safety classes at it's establishment. Currently, BayProfs,
inc., a California non - profit group of firearms instructors has agreed to teach Home Firearms safety at Templar on -site. This is a
valuable resource to the community.
I am aware of the current concern regarding the potential danger of firearms abuse. The danger real and need to be addressed.
However, given the current state of crime, the elimination of firearms from our current environment is neither possible nor
desirable. Attacking the visible symbols of firearms, like a store, does nothing to enhance citizen safety. Promoting proper training
in safe storage and use of firearms does enhance public safety.
In addition to Federal laws regulating firearms dealers, who are subject to inspection by Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) inspections at any time, California's gun control laws are among the strictest in the nation. Templar
has complied with every applicable Federal, State and Local law and regulation in order to operate. The location's security is second
to none. It's clear that it's current operations pose no threat to the community. It is located in a proper business location and
almost a mile from the nearest school.
There are always questions regarding the legality of regulatory restrictions that can be raised. However, that would be for another
time and place. This brief note is merely an expression of my opinions a lifelong hunter, camper and target shooter that Templar is
not a liability, but a community asset.
Thank you for your attention to this note.
Rick Nemcik Cruz
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Madam Mayor and members of the council.
My name is Bob Rosenthal. I live at 217 Tait Ave. here in Los Gatos.
I grew up in Los Gatos, graduating from University Ave. School in 1953 and Los Gatos High
School, 1957. Except for about 10 years I have lived in Los Gatos.
In the 50's there was a sport shop on Santa Cruz Ave., approximately where the Black Watch is
now located. They sold fishing gear, camping gear and, Heaven forbid, guns. In fact I bought my
first revolver from them.
There has been concern voiced about children walking past the new sport shop on University
Ave., Templar Sports. Well, the Wildcat Sport shop was on Santa Cruz Ave. within walking
distance of University Ave School, and accessible to anyone walking past, any day of the week. I
can't recall there ever being a problem because of the location of the Wildcat Sport shop, and the
residents of Los Gatos certainly didn't have a Hissy fit because it was located in town.
Later, some time in the early 60's, it was moved to Main Street, where Summit Bicycles is now
located. Talk about being in the path of school children. Los Gatos High is about a block away.
Was there trouble? Not that I can recall.
I recently bought a revolver from Templar Sports. I am now going through the 10 day waiting
period and background check. In 1959 up until.... it was a 3 day waiting period. Templar also has
their own 1 day waiting period, so total is I 1 days before I can pick up my revolver. I have
absolutely no problem with this. Before I could buy the gun I had to take a 30 question test on
Handgun safety with a passing grade of 75 %. I missed 1 because of my haste. I was then given a
handgun safety certificate, good for 5 years. Then I had to fill out paper work relating to my
citizenship status, etc. I had to give my drivers license number and provide proof of residency.
Then I had to physically demonstrate safe gun handling procedure, and ability to properly attach a
safety cable to the revolver cylinder, rendering it inoperative. The whole process took about 1
hour. Quite a difference from the 50's. Needles to say, I am quite impressed with the staff and the
laws governing the sale and purchase of a hand gun. Except for the sales of assault rifles,
automatic weapons, and the sale of clips that hold more than 10 rounds I don't think we need
more laws. We need to teach our children safety regarding guns, and that begins at home.
California already has some of the strictest laws that include a 10 round magazine limitation on
firearms, a 10 day wait and background check on all firearm transactions in the store and at gun
shows, a safe storage law for all firearms, a one handgun purchase per 30 days rule, a mandatory
reporting of specific multiple rifle purchases, a multi -phase assault weapon ban, a required
handgun safety test /demonstration and certificate program for all handgun sales and many more
rules and regulations that have severe criminal and monetary penalties.
I would like to close by saying I have no connection to Templar sports or any of the employees or
owners. I will support Templar Sports in any way I can and hope that the council will allow
Templar to operate their business at their present location.
Thank You for your patience,
Bob Rosenthal
RECEIVED
JAN 2 9 2013
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
nry-is
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3 'VF.
1
W)l8jACI Di,411141A.111
Subject: FW: FW: guns?
On Wed, Dec 5, 2012 at 4:00 PM, Lisa Mammel <lmamzmelowcomeast.net> wrote:
Steve:
Please tell me that this can be addressed so that it does not remain!
What actions can be taken, and how /when?
Best,
Lisa
ATTACHMENT 3
From: Deborah Weinstein <deborahlweinstein @yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 6:03 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: GUN SHOP opening on University Avenue ? ??
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
HI Greg,
Thanks for all your work to make Los Gatos a wonderful place.
I saw that there is a GUN shop opening on University Avenue, right across from where my 8 year old daughter will be taking
ballet classes, very close in proximity to Oak Meadow Park and Fischer Middle School. This doesn't seem to be an appropriate
business to be located that close to children serving businesses and community resources.
Does Los Gatos itself need a business to provide guns to its residents?
Are we that desperate for tax revenue?
Will a gun shop be able to promote a sense of community in a neighborhood which clearly is at odds with it?
Should this shop, located across the street from family residences, next to a ballet studio for children, a few feet to a local park
serving children be situated in a commercial hub at all?
I believe the answer to all four questions is a resounding 'NO!"
A gun store plunked right in the heart of a residential area and located that close to community resources serving children does
NOT fit the picture of Los Gatos we love and live in.
We need a get a new law on the books that Gun stores are required to have a Conditional Use Permit for use within a few Beet-of
children serving businesses!
Please let me know what we can do to prevent this store from opening!
Thank you for your time,
Deborah Weinstein
132 Tait Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
deborahLweinstein cr.vahoo.com
cell (510) 882 -3170
Subject: FW: GUN SHOP Opening on University Avenue ??
From: Deborah Weinstein [deborahlweinstein @yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 6:11 PM
To: Joe Pirzynski; BSpector; Steve Leonardis
Subject: GUN SHOP Opening on University Avenue ??
HI Barbara, Joe and Steve - --
Thanks for all your work to make Los Gatos a wonderful place.
I just saw that there is a GUN shop opening on University Avenue, right across from where my 8 year old daughter will be taking
ballet classes, very close in proximity to Oak Meadow Park and Fischer Middle School. This doesn't seem to be an appropriate
business to be located that close to children serving businesses and community resources serving children.
Does Los Gatos need a business to provide guns to its residents?
Are we that desperate for tax revenue?
Will a gun shop be able to promote a sense of community in a neighborhood which clearly is at odds with it?
Should this shop, located across the street from family residences, next to a ballet studio for children, a few feet to a local park
serving children be situated in a commercial hub at all?
I believe the answer to all four questions is a resounding 'NO!"
A gun store plunked right in the heart of a residential area and located that close to community resources serving children does NOT
fit the picture of Los Gatos we love and live in.
We need a get a new law on the books that Gun stores are required to have a Conditional Use Permit for use within a few feet of
children serving businessesl
Please let me know what we can do to PREVENT this store from openingl
Thank you for your time,
Deborah Weinstein
132 Tait Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
deborahLweinsteinC@yahoo,com
cell (510) 882 -3170
From:
Josh Davidson <JDavidson @e- miles.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 7;55 PM
To:
Town Manager
Subject:
Gun store
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Completed
Dear Greg
I am a resident of Los Gatos and deeply disappointed in the decision to allow a gun store in our community. It is such a
stain on what is otherwise a wonderful family town. I really hope your team thinks twice about this decision. Thanks for
listening.
e -Miles has anew advertiser website. Come visit us today at advertisina.e- miles.com.
0
Josh Davidson
Digital Sales Manager
Tel: +1 408 310 9767
e- Miles, Inc. I Los Angeles, CA, United States 90028
www e- miles,com
Follow us: R x 2 [Ell
i
The information contained In this e-mail message is intended for the use of the recipients) named above and is privileged and
confidential. If you.,.are not the Intended recipient, you are formally notified that you have received this message In error and
that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of the message is strictly prohibited, If.you have received this
communication in error, please notify us immediately by e -mail and delete the original message,
1
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Dena Crawford [mailto:dnadance earthlink.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 8:21 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: New Gun Shop @ 611 University Ave
Dear Town Manager,
I am personally very concerned that a new gun shop has opened in town, presumably without needing any sort of permit or town
approval. I am
concerned about this as a town citizen. While I understand the sale
of guns are legal, there are businesses that require a permit like salons, and I would like to see a similar approval process required
for these types of businesses that might have be controversial in our town.
Please let us know what we can do to make our voices heard on the matter.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and for all that you do to make our town the special place that it is
Sincerely,
Dena Crawford, town resident
From:
Kim Wheeler <kim @maxwheeler.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 8:52 PM
To:
Town Manager
Subject:
Re: Gun Store
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Dear Mr Larson,
As a Los Gatos resident and a mother, I ask you reconsider allowing a gun store in town. It especially disturbs me as it is close to
schools, a park and other kid's activities. I don't believe we need that element in Los Gatos. Gun stores attract criminals who want
the guns also. It's a magnet for crime.
It's all around a bad idea. We can attract better businesses. Once we let a gun store in, more of the same will apply. Let's aim for the
best in Los Gatos.
Sincerely,
Kim Wheeler
From: Miller Family <themillerfamily @sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 8:11 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Alleged Gun Shop @ 611 University Ave.
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Good evening,
I am writing to express my concern about the news in the Los Gatos Patch pertaining to the upcoming opening of a gun
shop on University Avenue. Please consider the proximity of the store to family residences, schools, parks and
establishments catering to our community's children. I am so very disillusioned and disappointed as I have just
purchased a home on Ohlone Court (off Roberts) in October. If we had received knowledge of a gun store opening in
the neighborhood, we definitely would not have purchased a home here! I did not realize that something like this could
happen in Los Gatos without community discussion.
Respectfully,
Matt and Laura Miller
From: Kathy Winkelman <kathywinkelman @hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2012 10:09 AM
To: Town Manager; mike.wasserman @bos.sccgov.org; Kathy Winkelman;
dgustafson @calvarylg.com; Terri Trotter; Karl Winkelman; Ben Winkelman; los gatos
community foundation; los gatos community foundation; Joanne Rodgers; Karla
Albright; Dean Crawford; Faustine comstock; Chris Miller; Ifraser @lgusd.kl2.ca.us;
jlatorre @lgusd.kl2.ca.us; patty denevi; Lois Anderson; ducky @serenogroup.com
Subject: Our Town of Los Gatos
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Hello to everyone,
Los Gatos has been and hopefully will continue to be a healthy environment attracting families of all
income and backgrounds to enjoy our schools, safe neighborhoods,, parks, mountain and bi.ke,trai.is arts,.., -
shopping and community activities. Many families are attracted to our town that are working in the Silicon
Valley or moving from other states and California communities.
We have had and still have a serious problem with drugs and alcohol and our youth. It is my sincere
feeling that a sporting good shop that will sell guns is not in our character as a bedroom community. I
have worked 'with youth for over 20 years in this town as a volunteer, raising our own, and continuing to
promote Los Gatos in many arenas, a member of the LG chamber, business owner, and resident since
1976, non- profitaholic. I am proud to be part of the generation that transformed Los Gatos from
retirement, run down homes, to a vibrant community of restaurants, shops, and the beautiful restored
Victorian homes of downtown today. This is Our Town and I strongly advise against this decision, sporting
goods fine, guns NO! Alcohol, youth and guns spell much trouble.
The history of Los Gatos, and the current tempo of our community families do not lend itself to welcoming
a gunshop, or the need for guns provided locally. IT IS COMPLETELY OUT OF CHARACTER FOR OUR
TOWN!!ll Children's community.parade? Carriage Rides? Opening Days of Little League? Community Clean
Up days? Beautification committees? Soup Kitchens at Episcopal Church downtown? St Mary Country Fair?
Guns? I don't think so.
Sincerely, Kathy Winkelman
K.atRZriv& W Lnke4na,yv
Cj6&6a.C&mpa wy LLC
408.640.6628
htiv: /_, /www.�wY,acv-rn7�ccwv.co-Yw
'Joy for 77wn&wh&g6ve a l&77 &WWhO- Zecewe;'
FLn& U 0 m Fa celsoo�v..
http: / /www�;�c�ce7zacr��co-w�c /GC&ta/- .ltaliavv- Art- a4,i&-
Pracuc; 1124457388801734
Subject: FW: Our Town of Los Gatos
From: Albright Karla M. fmailto:kmalbrightCa)gmail com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 6:19 PM
To: Janette Judd
Cc: Police; Winkelman Kathy
Subject: Re: Our Town of Los Gatos
Hi all,
I do not know if I have any influence at all but I need to voice my concerns.
I have a visceral reaction to the news that a gun store is coming to our town. I have a hard time putting into
words. It goes against everything I teach my kids and what I believe in. Why make it such easy access for our
community? What message does this send to our kids? To the community, to our visitors ? ? ??
Growing up in my neighborhood, and in my class, there was a fella named Brad. The summer before 10th
grade he was showing his parent's gun to a cousin and accidentally shot her. He was so upset that he
impulsively shot himself. Both died way too young. A double tragedy easily prevented if there were no guns
present. Of course it is up to the adults to be careful but we all know, we make mistakes and when guns are
involved the mistakes are deadly. We do not NEED a gun shop. There are other venues to purchase guns. Let
gun enthusiasts go outside of our town.
Please what can we do to prevent this business from opening in out town ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply.
Karla Albright
110 Clover Way
Los Gatos
From: Georgina Van Horn <george_vh @msn.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2012 10:57 AM
To: Council
Subject: Store
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Dear Council,
Please, please reconsider having the store selling guns in town. I know it's a legitimate and lawful business
but there are many places very close that someone can buy their products—we have held firm in not having
Starbucks in the center of town ... this is so much more important. Newtown is so much like our special Los
Gatos ... I'm a former elementary school principal and realize this tragedy could have been my school. I beg of
you to reconsider... thanks for all you do for our town.
Sincerely,
Georgina Van Horn
706 Winchester Blvd.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408 395 -6740
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Council Members:
Suzanne Rollin <sfrollin @gmail.com>
Monday, December 17, 2012 7:02 AM
Council
Gun and Ammunition Sales in Los Gatos
Follow up
Completed
It is my understanding that you are considering approval of a new retailer in Los Gatos that will sell guns and
ammunition in Los Gatos.
I have resided in Los Gatos for the past 25 years and have had the privilege of raising my four children in our
beautiful town. I urge you not to permit any retailer to sell guns and ammunition in Los Gatos!
Sincerely,
Suzanne Rollin
715 University Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95032
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Los Gatos Town Council,
Mary Ursettie <mary @haveabetterday.net>
Monday, December 17, 2012 7;49 AM
BSpector; Steve Leonardis; Diane McNutt; Joe Pirzynski; Marcia Jensen; Town
Manager; dsparrer @community- newspapers.com
No gun shops in Los Gatos
Follow up
Completed
The purpose of a gun is to fill or injure someone. By allowing a gun shop in town we are saying that we approve
of making guns more available, and by implication, that we approve of violence.
If we want to change the world, we have to be the change we tied 'to see. The world will change" when every
town refuses to allow a gun shop.
Let's start here and now in our own community.
Sincerely,
Mary Ursettie
Los Gatos
Subject: FW: No Gun store in Los Gatos
From: Carol Anglin [ mailto:carolanglin @comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 8:45 AM
To: BSpector; Steve Leonardis; Diane McNutt; Joe Pirzynski; Marcia Jensen; Town Manager
Subject: No Gun store in Los Gatos
Dear Los Gatos Town Council,
I recently read that a retail gun store will open in Los Gatos. The only purpose of a gun is to kill someone or
something. By allowing a gun shop in town we are saying that we approve of making guns more available, and
by implication, that we approve of violence.
I have lived in Los Gatos all of my life and am appalled that a gun store would be approved. If we want to
change the world, we have to be the change we want to see. The world will change when every town refuses to
allow a gun shop.
Let's start here and now in our own community.
Please let me know what I can do to prevent this store from opening.
Carol
Carol Anglin, Ed.D.
Executive Consultant
95 Church Street #2305
Los Gatos, CA 95030
main: 408.395.4447
cell: 408.313.4183
carolanglin(o)comcast. net
<Templar Sports Official Release 12.7.12.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf.pdf>
Subject: FW: Templar Sports
---- - - - - -- Forwarded message ---- - - - - --
From: The Ristows <ristows cLcomcast.net>
Date: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Subject: Templar Sports
To: Barbara Spector <barbara4lgQccomcast.net >, Steve Leonardis <steveablvdfinancial.com>
Cc: Deborah Weinstein <deborahlweinstein yahoo.com>
Hi Steve and Barbara,
I will not be able to attend the Town Council meeting tonight, but I am upset that Templar
Sports, a retail store, was able to open in an area-zoned light manufactur.i.ng; without a CUP.. I
am dismayed for two reason. First, I think it hurts our zoning when exceptions are made
without good reason. And a decision to allow a zoning exception should be made by the Planning
Commission, not the town staff.
Secondly, I know that this store has created controversy, where the immediate neighbors, plus
a good number of residents, feel they should have been alerted that a store selling firearms
was planning to open in town.
I do understand that all permits have been obtained, and I am not opposed to this, store per se,
however I strongly request that there be public input received on limiting the signage and image
in the windows and store exterior. This building is near a residential area and on a major route
to elementary and middle school, as well as very close to Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks. I ask
that no guns or images of them, or even the word "gun" be displayed where it is visible from
outside the store.
Thank you,
Maria Ristow
Steve Leonardis
Boulevard Financial Group, Inc.
408.813.3098
1
From: support @civicplus,com
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 5:13 PM
To: Town Manager,
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Jose Ponce de Leon
Address:: 847 Acacia Dr.
City:: Burlingame
State:: CA
Zip:: 94010
Home Phone Number:: 916 -300 -0410
Daytime Phone Number:: 916 - 300 -0410
Email Address:: ig.poncedeleon@me.com
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for youk Please do not allow another gun shop to open in your town. Do
we really need to have more weapons out in the streets. Save our children.
Additional Information:
Form submitted on: 12/17/20125:13.:17 PM
Submitted from IP Address: 75.25.112.243
Referrer Page: http: / /www. town .los- gatos.ca.uslindex.aspx ?NID =229
Form Address: http: / /www, town. los- gatos.ca.us /Forms.aspx?FID =48
1
From: Jennifer Liebthal <jliebthal @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 5:13 PM
To: Council
Subject: Templar Sports
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Hello,
I was just listening to the news and heard about Templar Sport opening in Los Gatos and that the store will sell guns. I am a 13 year
resident of Los Gatos and I am very concerned about a gun store opening in Los Gatos. I do not wish to live anywhere near a fun
store but yet now I may soon be. Has this business been approved already?
Is there any avenue to raise these concerns?
Regards,
Jennifer Liebthal
From: Cristina Burkett <cburkett22 @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 5:41 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; Diane McNutt; Joe Pirzynski; Steve Leonardis; BSpector; Janette Judd
Subject: Templar Sports
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Dear Esteemed Leaders of Los Gatos,
I am writing to express my concern about Templar Sports opening just a few blocks from my house, across the
street from my daughter's ballet studio, and within walking distance of Fisher School and Oak Meadow
Park. We moved to Los Gatos to give our children the experience of a safe and caring community, and a gun
store in the path of so many children is inconsistent with that message. We lost a piano class friend, Andrew
Daou of Los Gatos, when his father purchased a gun and shot him last year. Although I understand that most
gun owners are responsible, I'm worried about the disturbed young person who is marketed to whenever s /he
walks by the store on her/his way home. We have youth who watch violent movies and learn about how to
handle anger from them. If we can't stop the store from opening, I think we should control how they
advertise. Our schools are doing everything possible to teach our children about conflict resolution with
programs such as Project Cornerstone, but we also need a community that nurtures that by providing a
wholesome environment for our children. Gun laws are way too lenient and any advertisements that glamorize
gun ownership is irresponsible.
Thank you for reading my letter.
Sincerely,
Cristina B.
From: Georgina Van Horn <george_vh @msn.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 1:55 PM
To: Council
Subject: Store
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Dear Council,
I'm extremely disappointed and frustrated with the situation. Does this mean they could have put it in the center of
town? If no one has the power to decide if we. want a particular store, it means they can go anywhere. Don't we always
debate if we want another restaurant in town ? ? ?? I don't get it ... please explain why our town has to accept any store
that wants to come in but can deny restaurants /coffee shops. Also will the council be hearing from townspeople again ??
Sincerely,
Georgina Van Horn
706 Winchester Blvd.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408 395 -6740
From: NikkiSegall <nikkisegall @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 3:10 PM
To: Council
Subject: Fwd: new store in Los Gatos
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Begin forwarded message:
From: NikkiSegall <nikkisegall(a)c mail.com>
Date: December 18, 2012 3:08:21 PM PST
To: bspector ,losgatosca.goy
l3cc: Mark Segall <mmsegall Qgmail.com>
Subject: new store in Los Gatos
Dear Mayor Spector,
I just read in the Los Gatos Weekly today about the opening of Templar Sports in Los Gatos. While I am still
trying to absorb the tragedy of the massacre of the little children in Connecticut, seeing this article felt like a
punch in the stomach.
We have raised four children in Los Gatos who attended the Los Gatos schools. I think non stop about the
horror of what these parents are going through, and shudder at the thought that this could happen anywhere,
even here in Los Gatos.
What an unfortunate time to open a store that sells guns.
How could this have been approved in a town that does back flips whenever a new nail salon, or a new
restaurant, or a restaurant wants to serve wine, or a chain store with beauty products or clothing wants to open
in town? This is absurd that this store so easily won town approval. If it is true that a part owner is a former
Los Gatos police officer, did that have any influence on winning town council approval?
It is not too late.
The citizens need to be heard about this extremely troubling situation.
Thank you very much.
Nikki Segall
15690 Oak Knoll Dr.
Los Gatos
408 - 354 -9223
From:
PAT GAHAN <charmainegahan @me.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 6:36 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Support preventing gun shop operiing
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Dear Town Council
I find it deeply disturbing that the town would permit a gun shop to open in town without public Input. I will support any measure to
prevent this from happening including protest. Since it does appear to be happening, I am in full seriousness planning to move
elsewhere as soon as possible.
My family relocated here from the East Bay in August due to my husband's job change. We are renting a house and up until now
have been looking to buy a house in this community. No longer. I cannot morai1y`bxist fibre. ram disgusted to read all th`e remarks of
town residents who support the opening of a gun shop and who, in fact, promote the ownership of guns. Clearly this is not the right
town for me.
I just wanted to let you know you have my support to say no to this business, and I hope to see the mater pursued for the well being
of the community, even in my absence.
Charmaine Gahan
16880 Kennedy Rd
Los Gatos
Sent from my iPad
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
To all City Council Members:
Barbara Brothers <barbaraannbrothers @yahoo.com>
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 6:52 PM
Council
Gun Store
Follow up
Completed
I wish to state my opposition to the new gun store in Los Gatos. Today is the first day I heard about it and am
very surprised and disappointed. I also heard on the news this evening that the Town had no power to regulate
the type of store that was going into that location. I couldn't believe my ears. I have lived in Los Gatos for 43
years and have watched many trivial issues brought to the Board and acted on, for instance:
Purple awning on Los Gatos Blvd. - not allowed
Selling balloons outside of a store in downtown Los Gatos - not allowed
Teenage clothing store downtown - ads too risque - not allowed
Beauty salons, restaurants, bars - not allowed or at least put through the grill by the Town Council before being
allowed to open.
Now a store selling guns and ammunition allowed to open close to the high school, right after the horrific
shooting in Connecticut and not a word said until a few days before the grand opening. Absolutely ridiculous
and irresponsible. Shame on you all.
Barbara Brothers
Subject: FW: Guns in town
From: Ryan Rosenberg [ryanrosenberg @yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 9:20 PM
To: Steve Leonardis
Subject: Guns in town
Dear Vice Mayor Leonardis:
My family and I have been living happily in the town of Los Gatos for many years. I've never written to the city government about
anything before but] would Like to write now. 'I am concerned'about the opening of a store selling guns in Los Gatos. I don't think it
is necessary or helpful to our town. I do realize that our current rules are such,that there is little you can do. But I encourage you to
consider changing the laws to stop this now. Or at least to prevent such things from happening in the future.
Sincerely,
Ryan Rosenberg
From:
Donna Wright (donwrigh) <donwrigh @cisco.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 7:35 AM
To:
Town Manager
Cc:
mobina n. (mobinant @yahoo.com)
Subject:
Gun Store Opening
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Completed
Dear Greg,
We have lived in Los Gatos for over 25 years. We have.always been proud of the community involvement in making the
town a great place to live.
We were very disappointed to see the news of a gun store opening on University Avenue. How is it that the town
council can regulate American Apparel,
Coffee Houses, and Hair Salons and have no idea a Gun Store is opening?
There have been many tragedies in the past couple of years, all involving guns bought legally. Why even take this
risk? Near Vasona Park where
children play every day. We don't have hunting in Los Gatos. I really hope that the town council relooks at this
decision. Will it take another
tragedy to change it? Don't the police have enough to do?
Sincerely,
Donna and Phil Wright
1
From: support @civicpIus.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 11:05 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Elizabeth Graham
Address:: 133 El Olivar
City:: Los Gatos
State:: Ca
Zip:: 95032
Home Phone Number:: 408 3747247
Daytime Phone Number::
Email Address:: betsy95032 @gmail.com
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for youl: What were you thinking? A gun store in downdown Los Gatos is a
good idea? I am shocked and hope this store will fail.
Additional Information:
Form submitted on: 12/19/2012 11:05:26 AM
Submitted from I Address: 69.107.98.42
Referrer Page: http : / /www. town .los- gatos,ca.us /index,aspx ?NlD =229
Form Address: http: // www. town. los- gatos.ca.us /Forms.aspx ?FID =48
From: Kevin Flynn <keflynnl @gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 11:45 AM
To: Council
Subject: PLEASE Stop the Gun Store
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Hello,
I am shocked that a store that sells the kind of guns that murdered 20 little children in Connecticut will be sold
in our town.
PLEASE stop this store. Do whatever you can. It is just 0.9 miles from St Mary's school, and 1.3 miles from
Los Gatos High School and Van Meter Elementary school!!!
Each of you should look at your children and your neighbors' children and tell them what YOU'VE done to
protect them. What will you tell them?
Regards,
Kevin Flynn
Los Gatos, CA
From:
baywife @aol.com
Sent:
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 1:27 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Guns in Los Gatos?
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
understand from today's Mercury News that you have approved gun sales in Los Gatos. What on
earth were you thinking?
I realize this was before the MOST RECENT massacre, but isn't it time we made an effort to CURB
gun sales, not encourage them?
No one needs a weapon on their home. They only endanger the family and the 'other residents' of Los
Gatos. If someone needs a hunting rifle, let him buy it somewhere else. We should do NOTHING to
encourage the gun culture that has done such incredible damage to our communities and our
country.
If there is anything you can do that UNDO that bad decision, please consider it.
This is just an awful decision.
Catherine Noble
139 Johnson Ave.
LG
408 - 460 -9905
Subject: FW: Newtown CT, gun control, and Templar Sports
From: gloria chen [gloriachen216 @yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 2 :13 PM
To: Diane McNutt
Subject: Newtown CT, gun control, and Templar Sports
Dear Councilwoman McNutt,
In light of recent events at Newtown, CT, I was saddened and appalled to read in the paper that Templar Sports,
a gun - selling shop, will be opening virtually at our doorsteps.
Los Gatos is a wonderful town to raise our kids - it is a safe & nurturing community. As such, our reputation
and real estate prices reflect this. After the Newtown tragedy, our hearts are broken, as the President rightly
puts it, and now, with a New gun shop opening right at the heels this massacre, it simply adds salt to injury. I
have signed a petition to the President, and have written to our State Senators already advocating my support for
tighter gun regulations. When I found out about Templar, I felt that the threat of gun violence is now coming
closer than ever to our community, our homes.
I realize the opening of the Templar wasn't tabled at the recent Town council meetings. And I don't know if at
this point, it is within you or your office's powers to delay or stop the opening of the store in any fashion. But if
you can find it in your heart, in your conscience, to do something about curbing the spread of guns in our town,
please exercise your power. We are forever grateful.
Sincerely yours,
Gloria Rollins & family
From: Scott L Holtslander <sholtslander @yahoo,com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 4:08 PM
To: Council
Subject: A gun shop?
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Dear Council,
Really? And with no pubic notice, no months of debate, no sides publicly taken, no reporting of the fuss weekly in the weekly paper?
Anyhow, I think it's not a good business for the town to support, but I hope the rest of the mail is agreeing with me, too. Please let
me know about that. What is the public comment on this matter?
Regards,
Scott Holtslander
cell 408 - 309 -7665
From:
Tedi Uhrowczik <tediu @comcast.net>
Sent:
Friday, December 21, 2012 11:38 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
Gun store
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
I am totally AGAINST Los Gatos having a gun store. It is horrible that this was just rubber stamped by the
town leaders. Los Gatos is a community like Newtown and neither community needs, wants, or should have
guns or easy access to them.
Tedi Uhrowczik
50 Ellenwood
Los Gatos
33 year resident
From:
Anneke Dury <annekedury @gmail,com>
Sent:
Friday, December 21, 2012 4:23 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Gun store
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
WHY on earth do we deface our pretty little town with a gun store? PI
From: Mary Ellen Kaschub <mekaschub @comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 5:05 PM
To: Council
Subject: Gun store opening in town
To Los Gatos Council members;
I send a copy of the Letter to the Editor which was submitted this week and I want to make you aware of its content. We, the
signers, are upset about the opening of the gun store in town: the nature of the product; the use of retail space; location and most
definitely the products sold. Our letter:
From: Jeanie Kane <jeanie @thekanefamily.org>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 5:38 PM
To: Council
Subject: Templar Sports
To whom it concerns,
I sincerely hope the town council will reconsider allowing Templar Sports to open and operate in Los Gatos. We do NOT need that
kind of business here in our town. Seems like the last thing we need right now.
Please, do not allow Templar Sports to do business here.
Sincerely,
Jeanie Kane
Sent from my iPad
From: Deepja Bansal <deepjamittal @hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 11:59 AM
To: Town Manager; Police; Fu(neighbour) Hingho ; Allison(neighbour) Luong ; rhpate183
@gmail.com; rachana.r.patel @ gmail.com; iyhoy @naver.com; khjeongin @gmail.com;
ccongcl6 @yahoo.com; dbcheung @gmail.com; Rakesh Bansal
Subject: Voice for Choice: Gun Shop in Los Gatos
Please forward this to any manager, police, law makers, changers, influencers, teachers, friends, neighbors, family
you know, If this issue is of importance to you.
As a resident of Los Gatos, I consider this issue (guns being sold in our town) important enough and
would simply like to have the right to have a voice on the matter in the form of a vote.
Consequently, I request the City Council, to give it equal regard and take all steps required to bring
this within voteable preview.
Not leave it saying, it is out of their hands.
This has to be settled as a civilized society.
To read further :
httpJ /Iosgatos.i)atch.com /articles /new- los -gatos -gun- shop- may -see- protestors
http: / /Iosgatos.patch.com /articles /town- of- los- gatos- issues - statement -on- new - gun -store
From: Jennifer Morazes <jennifer.morazes @sjsu.edu>
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 . 9:51 AM
To: Council
Subject: Town Council Meeting re: Selling of Guns in Los Gatos
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Hi,
My husband and I read in one of the Los Gatos publications there was going to be a discussion concerning the selling of guns in Los
Gatos.
I thought I remember the date was the 16th, but I could find nothing on your web'site. Could you verify when this meeting will be
held, and where, and if there other community meetings scheduled to discuss the issue?
Thank you, Jennifer Morazes
*Connectedness * Belief* Responsibility *Positivity *Adaptability*
Jennifer Lynne Morazes, PhD.
Educational Counselor
Counseling Services
lennifer.morazes @sisu.edu
htto: / /www.sisu.edu /counseling /Educational Counseling/
Administration Building, Rm 201
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192 -0035
408 - 924 -5910
Please note that electronic mail is NOT confidential. If your communication requires privacy or needs immediate attention, please
call Counseling Services at 408 - 924 -5910.
From: lori ingle <loriinglel @gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 11:01 AM
To: Town Manager
Cc: burningbushx @comcast.net
Subject: Templar Sports
Dear Greg—
The reason for my email is to express my concern regarding Templar Sports opening up on University Avenue
in Los Gatos. It is extremely upsetting for me to hear that a store that will sell guns is welcome in Los Gatos.
How did a store that sells guns get approved, and suddenly appear without any notice to the residents of Los
Gatos? I am so disappointed with the "fast tracked" process that took place to allow this. It would seem to me
that the process that allowed Templar Sports town approval is shady at best. The argument that your hands were
tied because of the zoning makes no sense to me. Other potential businesses that have had the same zoning have
gone through a much more rigorous process. I think that you have some explaining to do!
Recently, a seven year old boy was shot in a gun store parking lot when his father's gun accidentally went
off. Please seethe
article: http: / /onlhae.wsi. corn / article/ SBI0001424127887324339204578169493535248354 .html
I personally do not want something like this to happen in Los Gatos!
I am hoping that the Los Gatos Town Council will do everything in their power to stop Templar Sports from
staying open in Los Gatos.
Thank you for your time,
Lori Ingle
Newell Ave. Los Gatos
From: ROBERT GUTHRIE <marthaguthrie @mailstation.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 4:23 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Stop the Gun Shop
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
I just want to express to you my support of the "Stop the Gun Shop" group. I feel Los. Gatos is NOT the place to sell guns. I actually
believe NO place should sell guns, but that will probably never happen. But, I would at least like my home town to not be a part of
that.
I hope the Town Council will do what it can to stop that shop.
Sincerely,
Martha Guthrie Resident of L.G. since 1976
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
A Quick Update.
Deepja Bansal <deepjamittal @hotmail.com> r
Monday, January 28, 2013 11:26 PM `� GOB (GAfl a4
cjones02O938 @yahoo.com; 'manager@ losgatosca.gov'; 'Police@ LosGatosCA.gov';
'Fu(neighbour) Hingho'; 'Allison(neighbour) Luong'; 'rhpatel83 @gmail.com';
'rachana.r.patel @gmaii.com'; 'iyhoy @naver.com'; 'khjeongin @gmail.com'; 'ccongcl6
@ yahoo.com'; 'dbcheung @gmaii.com'; 'Rakesh Bansal'
Food for thought, Questions, Answers, Actions
Follow up
Flagged
I have send following question to the 'Town Planning Dept.'. I am told they would the most reliant
source for answers as these issues fall under their preview.
Q. What is the town policy on, opening of businesses which could impact or are of concern, for general
safety of its residents?
Are they opened for residential voting, as to acceptability or conditional acceptability, prior to licensing?
If they are, Under what conditions and how are they opened for public voting/ opinion/ majority?
If not, what actions, legislations are required to change that? What would /could be the councils and
planning departments role?
From: Deepja Bansal [ mailto :deepiamittal(c�hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 11:59 AM
To: 'manager @losgatosca.gov'; 'Police@ LosGatosCA. gov'; Fu(neighbour) Hingho (fuhingho@ mail.com);
Allison(neighbour) Luong (aluongftotmail.com); 'rhpatel83 @gmail.com'; 'rachana.r.patel @gmail.com';
'iyhoy @naver.com'; 'khjeongin @gmail.com'; 'ccongcl6 @yahoo.com'; 'dbcheung @gmail.com'; Rakesh Bansal
(rb987 @hotmail.com)
Subject: Voice for Choice : Gun Shop in Los Gatos
Please forward this to any manager, police, law makers, changers, influencers, teachers, friends, neighbors, family
you know, If this issue is of importance to you..
As a resident of Los Gatos, I consider this issue (guns being sold in our town) important enough and
would simply like to have the right to have a voice on the matter in the form of a vote.
Consequently, I request the City Council, to give it equal regard and take all steps required to bring
this within voteable preview.
Not leave it saying, it is out of their hands.
This has to be settled as a civilized society.
To read further :
http : % /Iosgatos.batch.cbm /articles/ new- los- gatos -> un- shop -may- see - protestors
htfO'. / /los�atos`patch com % articles/ town- of -los- Gatos= issues- statement -on- new -i tin -store
z
MAYOR & TOWN COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Spector
Vice Mayor Steve Leonardis
Council Member Diane McNutt
Council Member Joe Pirzynski
Council Member Marcia Jensen
Town Manager Greg Larson
All facets of government rely on public trust. Trust is acquired by consistent actions and
is lost by actions that betray or run counter to what the public ... large or small... expects.
It is built up over time and lost easily by inconsistent administration and /or even the
appearance of favoritism otherwise known as a "fix"... in this case, a fix with intent,
knowledge, and influence. Public trust in Los Gatos... knowingly or unknowingly, by
action or inaction ... was severely damaged when many public servants squeezed through
a narrow loophole in building regulations to approve Templar, a gun shop. The units or
individuals are:
-the planning department
- police
-fire
-the Town Manager
-the Town Council
It is left to the Town Council to admit the errors and act forthrightly to begin to restore
public trust by going back to where the beginning should have been in the first place.
It should begin again using its land use authority. The result could be a final open Town
Council public hearing on "the merits ". While there will still be persons dissatisfied with
the result even then, they will have been heard.
Templar should be closed in the interim. There is some risk of litigation, but it is
unlikely Templar would proceed because it might effect the final outcome and all
involved in the initial approval would be examined under oath.
P.�AL_
Given all the day -to -day contact of the staff involved in this matter for 3 -4 months, it
stretches credulity to maintain that no Member of the Town Council knew of Templar's
application. Knowledge even of one Member makes the greater Council complicit in the
ultimate approval.
Finally, the person behind the curtain is Greg Larson, Town Manager. He has
responsibility for the Planning Department and orchestrated the approval behind a
wall of secrecy. He should be relieved of his responsibility for that and for his
scrambling invention that Templar was just another "retail enterprise ".
In absence of firm action, the public trust of the governed will remained severely
damaged.
Wi m J. Kaschub
320 Massol Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Enclosure; Handbill
LOS GATOS?,
How did this happen
Stand up and be heard
It's n ®t t®® late!
Please sign our petition!
"http: / /www.gopetition.com /petitions /stop- the -gun- shop.html"
www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-the-,qun-shop.htmI
*Citizens Coalition for Safa,Lo's Gatos*
stopthegunshop @grnail.com
Xn
A BEAST SURE TO GIVE YOU NIGHTMARES...
Is it in your future ? ? ? ? ??
}',�?;�ttls4 S ts +3 a.l �•�� ? nY i-� e r .- .- :*74.4 ,.� �r.
calguns.net post
1/5/2013
I just had, a .g.reat experience over at the new gun 'shop, in Los Gatos. There °aren't really any
good shops :in Los Gatos, and so Rob (owner) took..nottce and put together a really'g�reat
little place. Well Lit, spacious, a very positive atmosphere and environment. Lots of older
gun stores in the area (here's looking at you, Gun Exchange and Sportsmans) feel dark and
cramped, almost like things might fall on you. Nothing like that at Templar Sports,
it looks like he put together a great staff, lots of law enforcement and ex- military guys.
They all seemed to know their stuff, at Feast as much as I do. He says they're working
closely with the armorer for the county sheriff, as well as several police departments around
the area.
There was the usual selection of pistols under the counter, both semi autos and wheelguns.
They've got. a .decent stock of non -scary rifles, for what Looked like decent prices. They also
actually had 3 Colt 6920's on the shelf, in stock, ready to DROS. They wanted $2500 each,
which would have been outrageous 3 weeks ago, but now is more reasonable. Thei also
had an Armal!te .338. bolt gun, and a Barret .416-semi auto. that thing is a beast.''
Rob has big plans for the shop. He's..got a classroom, where he plans to offer free family
instruction classes, in safe gun handing, flylt eing, and '.lots of other stuff. They've also got
space for a machine shop.-,,.He brought me in the b,ac,k room, and there's a large shop space
for gunsmithing. They've got a mill on order, and he was telling me about how their
gunsmith has taken all the full gunsmith classes from all the'big manufacturers.
He doesn't stock any reloading materials right now, but they're working on getting the
proper permits to store and sell powder. They are an 07FFL, and make their own lowers
(and eventually complete rifles.) They've 'got permits for AOWs and suppressors, and
they're working on permits for the rest of the NFA items. He's working on getting an Assault
Weapons permit, for his LEO customers, but that also means you can ship him firearms
from out of state to add bullet buttons,
Overall, it seems like a great little shop. They've onl.y:.been open a week, so I encourage you
to go check them out. If you're anywhere In the South Bay Area, its definitely worth the
trip, even if just to shoot the breeze with some:great` gun nuts. They're at 611 University
Avenue in Los Gatos, at the corner of Roberts and University. (Right behind the DMV.) I
forgot to check out their hours, but they're open afternoons, at least until 5 today. Their
phone number is 408 827 4646. Tell them Cal'guns sent you!