In a significant victory for Second Amendment rights and common sense, the Pleasant Hill Planning Commission voted unanimously on May 6 to recommend against the adoption of a new zoning law designed to put firearm retailers (FFLs) out of business. This vote was also a blow to the influence of billionaire anti-gun zealot Michael Bloomberg, whose supporters on the City Council are pushing this ordinance.
Two lawyers who work with the gun-ban lobby were at the hearing and spoke in support of the anti-gun proposal. After listening to the lawyers’ statements, the Planning Commission soundly rejected their spin. One commissioner even said, “Please don’t come back to Pleasant Hill; I don’t want to see you ever again.”
The Commission recognized the overwhelming public opposition to and unjust nature of the measure thanks to the many supporters of pro-Second Amendment organizations, including the National Rifle Association, who attended the meeting and contacted commissioners. You can view the entire video of the Planning Commission meeting here.
Unfortunately, the struggle in Pleasant Hill is far from over. The City Council is scheduled to hear this matter at 7:30 pm on Monday, June 9, in their chambers located at 100 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. Contact the members of the City Council today and express your opposition to this attempt to drive lawful FFLs from the city.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) sued Pleasant Hill to block enforcement of the ordinance, alleging that enacting the zoning requirements as the City did was illegal. The NRA’s attorneys in California are closely following this legal effort so that the NRA may weigh in when appropriate.
In response, the City Council prepared a new set of zoning regulations—essentially identical to those it had enacted in 2013. But this time, to correct the clear legal mistakes highlighted by the NSSF lawsuit, the Council first presented the proposal to the Planning Commission. After weighing the comprehensive material provided by the measure’s opponents, including a letter from the NRA exposing the City Council’s true agenda, the Commission voted to reject the Council’s scheme.
This is an example of the positive results that can be achieved when intellectually honest individuals who listen to reason, like the members of the Planning Commission, are in charge, rather than political animals motivated by their own gain. It also demonstrates the importance of electing the right candidates. Remember, it is crucial that all Second Amendment supporters register to vote. Your rights depend on you showing up and voting for the people who will defend them.
To further support this fight to defend gun owners’ rights in California courts, please consider donating to the NRA Legal Action Project today. For a summary of some of the many actions the NRA has taken on behalf of California gun owners, including the tremendous recent victory in the Peruta case, click here.
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