Title
Recommendation to Provide Direction to City Staff Regarding Local Firearm/Gun Control Regulation. (City Manager)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Gun safety is a serious concern as firearm-related deaths are at epidemic levels annually in the United States. California is not immune from gun-related deaths. The City of Alameda continues to engage in this dialogue by gathering community input, convening meetings, and advocating for greater accountability. Most recently the City convened a Gun Safety Town Hall, held on October 14, 2019. Following the Town Hall, staff is now seeking City Council direction on next steps related to potential local firearm/gun control measures.
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda (City) is committed to the safety, health and welfare of all its residents and ensuring the safety of Alameda residents is a top priority.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that firearm related deaths in the United States is at epidemic levels, claiming over 40,000 lives annually. In 2018 there were over 3,000 deaths involving a firearm in California. So far in 2019, there have been at least 21 mass shootings across the country in which 124 people were killed.
Through the City Council referral process earlier this year, Vice-Mayor Knox White and Council Member Oddie raised the issue of local gun safety and the possibility of hosting a Gun Safety Town Hall (Town Hall). The Town Hall occurred on October 14th, 2019. Panel speakers included: Assembly Member, Rob Bonta; District Attorney, Nancy O'Malley; Alameda Police Chief, Paul Rolleri; Stephen McHale, Priest at Christ Episcopal; Gordon Taras, Junior Optimists; Louise Reed, Moms Demand Action for Common Sense Laws. The Town Hall was well attended by approximately 65 members of the public and a wide range of issues, questions, and options to address gun violence were discussed.
DISCUSSION
The City has demonstrated an on-go...
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