Guest Column
by Michael A. Schwartz
In case you missed it last week, Tommy Knepper and I were on Carl DeMaio’s KOGO 600AM radio show to announce the formation of a committee and ballot measure in the city of Carlsbad that will secure a permit for Lisa Gunther’s indoor gun range!
Politicians are attacking our Second Amendment rights in our own backyard, yet again, and it’s time to take a stand.
In May, the Carlsbad City Council voted to deny a permit for an indoor gun range. On a 4-1 vote the Council cited that gun ranges are not “recreational use” and therefore cannot be built in the industrial park where Lisa Gunther owns her warehouse. Here’s my prior Rostra coverage of that City Council meeting.
If a family-friendly, indoor range isn’t recreational, then what is it?
Council Member Keith Blackburn, the only dissenting vote, told the Coast News, “In this particular case, I view this as kinda simple, that in my opinion, this is a recreational activity.”
Enough is enough. Our committee has been formed, we have retained an attorney, and we are gathering more and more support every day. There is an ever growing army of grassroots supporters anxious to take the matter to the people via the initiative process. Once passed, the ballot initiative will change the Carlsbad zoning code to include gun ranges in this industrial area!
Those of us who support the Second Amendment and support small business are tired of government not following its own rules, so it is time for us all to get involved! This ballot initiative is how to make a difference in a very real way. We will send a clear message to the county that you can’t continue to infringe on our rights without consequence.
We need to gather 10,000 signatures in order to qualify the initiative. Here is how you can help:
1. Visit our website: CarlsbadCitizens.org
2. Make a donation: There are no contribution limits. Please consider giving $5000, $2500, $1000, $500, $250, or $100. All amounts help.
3. Sign up to help us gather signatures.
4. Share this on Facebook and via email today!
With your help we will win!
Individual and Corporate Checks are accepted. Please make your check out to “Carlsbad Citizens for Responsible Government” and mail your check to PO Box 27227, San Diego, CA 92198, or visit the website CarlsbadCitizens.org to donate.
Thank you!
*****
Schwartz is the Volunteer Regional Coordinator for Gun Owners of California