Update: Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley Is Again Attempting To Drive Out Firearm Retailers

Anti-gun forces are back at work in Scotts Valley, California.  Following the August 19th defeat of a proposed ordinance that would have effectively zoned FFLs out of existence, the Scotts Valley Police Department, in concert with the City Council, is once again attempting to drive out FFLs under the guise of “public safety” through two new proposed ordinances.

The first proposal would place moratorium on the development of any new FFL in City of Scotts Valley while the City drafts and adopts a zoning scheme similar to that defeated in August.  The City justifies the moratorium by claiming that without it, “a new firearms dealer could obtain a City business license and locate in any commercial zoning district which could be in close proximity to schools or other areas frequented by minors.”  The City also makes the wild claim that the lawful operation of an FFL is such an immediate threat to the public welfare that urgency legislation of this sort is necessary to protect the public.  But with Scotts Valley already home to several FFLs, and a much lower than average violent crime rate, it is difficult to see exactly what threat exists.

The second proposal would require all FFLs located in Scotts Valley to pay a city licensing fee of $100 to obtain a license to operate their business.  In addition to this fee, all FFLs will be required to install a third-party-monitored alarm system and video surveillance system.  The City pushes for these restrictions because, they claim, federal and state regulations of FFLs do not go far enough – despite the fact that FFLs are among the most heavily regulated businesses in all of the United States.  And despite the fact that the proposal itself expressly states that the City’s existing FFLs maintain adequate security systems.

Both proposals are scheduled to be heard by the City Council at 6 p.m. on September 2, 2015.  The City Council Agenda for this meeting can be viewed here.  Members are encouraged to contact the Scotts Valley City Council to politely voice their opposition to this proposed moratorium and ordinance.  Members are also encouraged to attend the September 2, 2015, meeting to voice their opposition to the City Council directly.

To simultaneously contact all members of the City Council, click here.  Or contact each member individually using the e-mail addresses below:
Mayor Dene Bustichi, dene@bustichi.com
Vice Mayor Donna Lind, dlindslind@gmail.com
Council Member Stephany E. Aguilar, seajems@pacbell.net
Council Member Randy Johnson, rlj12@comcast.net

Council Member Jim Reed, jimreedSV@gmail.com
City Clerk Tracy Ferrara, tferrara@scottsvalley.org
City Manager Stephen H. Ando, sando@scottsvalley.org
Telephone: (831) 440-5602
Fax: (831) 438-2793