In the council chambers of Los Gatos, CA, the Bay Area entered the national debate of gun control. Templar Sports, a “sporting goods” establishment which opened in Los Gatos and sells guns was the reason for the town meeting.
Some Los Gatos residents expressed that the approval process for the store did not have enough transparency and lacked a public hearing. In addition to the lack of information and due process, residents against keeping the store in the town of Los Gatos voiced the store was being misrepresented as a sporting good store when the stores main focus is guns. Several people held signs with the words, “Why so sneaky?” Templar Sports is also in close proximity to Van Meter and RJ Fisher Middle School, a Los Gatos elementary and junior high school respectively.
Robert Chang, representing member of Templar Sports, owns the business with a Los Gatos police officer, and a Los Gatos business owner. Residents voiced belief that the reason there was no public hearing was due to “cronyism” on the part of the town business approval board and the unnamed owners.
The terminology and language used in the business license process was questioned by Vice Mayor Steve Leonardis, suggesting there was some misrepresentation of the business during the application period. While Chang addressed the questions, some important questions about time frames and language were unanswered due to Chang not having documentation in front of him to refer to for specific answers, or being advised not to answer by his legal council due to the concern of the safety of the other unnamed owners.
Supporters of Templar Sports showed up with fluorescent signs to ensure both sides of the debate were represented. Mark Varner, a San Jose resident stated, “From what I see they do intend to sell more than just guns, but firearms was their first display and fishing. If business picks up they can expand.” He also said, “The issue the city council has to decide, is this business going to benefit the city.
Robert Shackelford, also a San Jose resident, was a speaker at the council meeting in support of Templar Sport. Several Los Gatos residents in attendance were unhappy at non-Los Gatos members having an opportunity to speak. “I gave everyone the opportunity to not allow me to speak. No one took my offer.” Shackelford shared. The speakers were diverse in demographics and members of surrounding cities were present and allowed to share their’ opinion.
While many Los Gatos residents did speak to the council, including Los Gatos High School Principal, Markus Autrey, at 11:56 pm, the motion to continue the meeting at a later time was presented by Council Member Marcia Jensen. The motion was made because approximately 30 people of the more than 100 people that signed up to speak, had not been heard and the looming mandatory midnite decision was close.
Jensen’s concern was that a decision would be made after such a long day and that not allowing every speaker to be heard on such an important issue would not be in the interest of the town. Other members of the council agreed during the vote and the motion was accepted unanimously.
A continuance of the town meeting will be held in a special session on Monday, February 11, 2013, at 7:00 pm, in the Los Gatos council chambers.
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