pages: CityCouncil/2019-09-17.pdf, 15
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CityCouncil | 2019-09-17 | 15 | (19-521) Consider Addressing Gun Violence by Sanctioning a Town Hall Event on October 14, 2019, and Creating a Subcommittee to Organize the Event and Create Policy Options for Council Discussion. (Vice Mayor Knox White and Councilmember Oddie) Councilmember Oddie and Vice Mayor Knox White made brief comments regarding the referral. Stated that he would like to volunteer to help; discussed rifle sports, teams and scholarships, which should be considered: Gordon Taras, Alameda. Councilmember Vella stated the issue of gun violence has been ongoing; that she is weary of reinventing the wheel; a number of Bills have been carried both federally and Statewide; there have been a number of conversations with community leaders; questioned the context of the referral; stated the issue of addressing gun violence is broad; a number of elected officials will be involved, but there is a limit to what the City can do; questioned the goal specifically related to the City and which staff members will be involved. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there have been three mass shootings recently in: Gilroy, CA, El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH; a letter has been sent urging the Senate to take on gun control safety legislation; 281 Mayors have signed the letter; California has some of the most progressive gun safety legislation in the Country; support letters have been offered to committee chairs and the Governor; Assembly and Senate floor alerts have been sent; outlined 11 State Assembly Bills; stated cities are limited; expressed concern for duplicating staff efforts; questioned whether there is a way to fold the idea and encourage new legislation at the State and federal levels; stated lobbying for stronger federal action is needed; the Bay Area wide United Against Hate Campaign will be in November; community members are encouraged to participate in events to raise awareness to spark actions that stop hate and build inclusions; outlined event topics; questioned whether there is room to fold ideas into the United Against Hate Campaign. Councilmember Vella questioned which staff members would be involved; stated there has been significant work done by Christ Episcopal Church; members of City staff and the community have reviewed the status at State and federal levels; the work has been done by an active and involved group of women and should be recognized; expressed support for combining events. Councilmember Oddie expressed support for building on the work that has been done; stated the City Attorney's office would assist with City limits; letters have been written with no result; there is an opportunity to do something; California has some of the strictest gun laws, but the Gilroy shooting still happened; nothing has been done at the City level; this is a public health crisis; there still is an opportunity to solve the crisis; people are looking to leaders for action. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated a change in Washington DC needs to be made; laws have Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 13 September 17, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-09-17.pdf |