Gun Restrictions In Santa Monica Could Get Stricter With New Ordinance

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted to begin drafting an ordinance that would restrict the sale of guns and propose additional responsibilities for gun owners in Santa Monica at last week's city council meeting.

Councilmembers have 60 days from the June 13 meeting to adopt the ordinance to make gun laws stricter in Santa Monica.

"We've seen these mass shootings close to home in Monterrey Park and Half Moon Bay this year. I think it's important and there's empirical evidence that cities that have additional restrictions on the sale of guns and just safety restrictions make it such that the surrounding community is safer," said Councilwoman Caroline Torosis.

Santa Monica officials said they would look at the best practices from other jurisdictions, such as San Jose which requires gun owners to pay a liability fee and carry liability insurance. Nearby cities such as Beverly Hills, Culver City and Redondo Beach have all passed more restrictions on where guns can be sold within city limits.

At the meeting, councilmembers said Big 5 Sporting Goods is the only place within Santa Monica selling guns and that the store's right to sell was grandfathered in, which means the city cannot take away that property right. However, officials said with the new ordinance the city could restrict the display of guns in store and could require they only bring guns out upon request.

No final decisions about specific restrictions were made at the meeting, but councilmembers said they were considering a variety of options including videotaping gun sales.