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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-13 Item 11 - Resolution RESOLUTION NO. __________ RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA URGING ACTION ON GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista is a growing city of over 250,000 people with three public school districts, thriving arts, entertainment and recreational sectors, and engaged citizens deeply committed to the safety and welfare of its residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista recognizes the Second Amendment right of individuals to keep and bear arms, but also notes that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the right to bear arms is not unlimited, and federal and state governments may enact reasonable regulations to protect the public safety; and WHEREAS, in the U.S., individuals with guns injure more than 100,000 people a year, and kill more than 30,000 a year, through homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths; and WHEREAS, according to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 250 mass shootings during this calendar year—more than the elapsed number of days of the year. In a number of these mass shooting events, the shooter used guns designed for military use (assault weapons), and used extra-large capacity magazines, including one that carried a 100-round drum magazine; and WHEREAS, the crisis of gun violence necessitates a collaborative approach involving elected officials at every level of government; and WHEREAS, it is primarily the responsibility of our legislators at the federal and state levels to enact reasonable, responsible, rational laws regulating the safe possession and use of guns. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED in order to help protect our residents, neighborhoods and schools, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby ask the U.S. Congress to take all possible steps to reduce access to and the violent use of guns in America by: 1. Banning the sale of military-style assault weapons as well as high-capacity magazines or clips that can hold more than 10 bullets at a time; 2. Requiring all gun buyers to pass a comprehensive background check, no matter how they purchase the weapon; 3. Passing national “Extreme Risk” laws (also known as a “Red Flag” laws) to take guns out of the hands of persons who may present a danger to others or themselves; and, 4. Supporting the availability and funding of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, and enhanced mental health services for children, so all individuals who are in need of help have sufficient access to these services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council directs that the City Clerk transmit this resolution to Chula Vista’s representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Presented by Approved as to form by Mary Casillas Salas Glen R. Googins Mayor City Attorney Stephen C. Padilla Deputy Mayor