Politics & Government
Tea Party Gathers in Opposition to 'Anti-Gun' Bills
Assemblyman Brian Jones urges conservatives to ask for a veto of bills on the governor's desk.
Several bills being called "anti-gun" by conservatives are awaiting signature by California's governor by Oct. 9.
But if Assemblyman Brian Jones of Santee has his way, the proposed legislation will never see the light of day as enacted law.
Jones represents the 77th Assembly District, which includes Santee, Ramona, Lakeside, La Mesa and Alpine.
Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Jones won a standing ovation from some in the audience at a Tea Party movement forum in Ramona on Saturday, after telling people he wasn't in Sacramento to produce legislation so much as to try to stop what he sees as unnecessary bills—some related to guns.
About 150 people sat at small, round tables inside to hear Jones and Sam Paredes, who is on the board of directors for Gun Owners of America. Paredes is the executive director of Gun Owners of California.
Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The event was one of the monthly forums hosted by Ramona Tea'd. The forums draw Tea Party supporters from all over San Diego County.
On Saturday, Jones' staff gave out packages of blank postcards with some messages that Jones wants conservatives to send to Jerry Brown:
"We the People will not tolerate these attempts to undermine the 2nd Amendment" was one of the suggested responses to the bills.
"A gun in the hand of a law abiding citizen is a threat to no one," read another phrase that Jones is hoping Tea Party followers will write to Brown.
The four bills, listed with Jones' expressed concerns, are:
AB 144, which would make it a misdemeanour to carry an unloaded gun in certain public areas.
AB 809, which would require registration of long guns.
SB 427, which would require written notice to local law enforcement by any retailer who wants to sell ammunition.
SB 819, which would allow the Department of Justice to increase fees charged on new guns whenever they wish to and to use that money for any firearms-related matters in addition to background checks and processing costs.
On Friday, to highlight his concerns about the bills. Participants were able to practice at a shooting range.
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