CCRKBA.org

BELLEVUE, WA – -(Ammoland.com)- The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today called on newly-sworn-in San Francisco County Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi to step down as a result of domestic violence charges now filed against him.

Mirkarimi, who was a staunch anti-gun rights advocate while serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, also has a major problem with hypocrisy, said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. The San Francisco Examiner reported that the anti-gun Mirkarimi owns three handguns, which he had to surrender because of the domestic violence charges.

“Mirkarimi’s case presents a massive irony,” Gottlieb observed. “Here’s a man who has supported restrictive gun control measures while on the Board of Supervisors, and yet he had three handguns. He just was elected sheriff, and now he’s accused of a crime that, if he is convicted, could cost him his gun rights for the rest of his life under federal law.

“Perhaps Mirkarimi’s biggest problem is that he is now exposed as a double-standard elitist,” he continued. “News reports about this case over the past few days suggest that he may also have an anger-management problem.”

Gottlieb said the case also brings focus on a domestic violence law that seems to treat people as though they are guilty until proven innocent. What other law allows the state to deprive someone of constitutional rights – in this case, the right to keep and bear arms – before they are convicted of a crime?

“Hardly would we advocate allowing someone who has abused a spouse or domestic partner to be armed,” Gottlieb stated, “but our justice system isn’t supposed to penalize someone until after they’ve been found guilty.

“Someone who has been legally disarmed over a criminal charge,” he concluded, “should not be permitted to serve as a chief law enforcement officer. Someone like Mirkarimi, who has done whatever he could to discourage others from owning firearms, should admit his world-class hypocrisy and walk away from the public arena.”

With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is one of the nation’s premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States. The Citizens Committee can be reached by phone at (425) 454-4911, on the Internet at www.ccrkba.org or by email to InformationRequest@ccrkba.org.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)-On January 17, 2012, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to accept and review People v. Delacy, 192 Cal. App. 4th 1481 (2011), review denied (June 8, 2011), cert. denied, No. 11-290, 2012 WL 117549 (U.S. Jan. 17, 2012).

In his Petition for a Writ of Certiorari, lawyers with the Michel & Associates law firm representing Mr. Delacy asked the Supreme Court to decide whether language from its 2008 opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008) concerning “presumptively lawful” restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms allowed courts to simply hold restrictions on the Second Amendment rights of those with certain misdemeanor convictions to be constitutional without being subjected to any level of heightened judicial scrutiny. The Delacy case also touched on what level of judicial scrutiny should apply to an Equal Protection challenge asserting the government is creating discriminatory classifications that deprive those so classified of their Second Amendment rights.

Even though the Supreme Court requested a response to the Delacy petition from the government in October 2011 - an unusual move that shows the high court had unusual interest in the case - Delacy ended up being another in a line of recent Second Amendment-related cases which the Supreme Court declined to accept for review.

Certiorari was also denied on the same day in Lowery v. United States, No. 06-CM-1195, 2010 WL 3501574 (D.C. Sept. 9, 2010), cert. denied, 11-5241, 2012 WL 117590 (U.S. Jan. 17, 2012). The Lowery case sought review of whether the right to keep and bear arms as set forth in Heller applied retroactively to a person who was convicted of possessing a handgun in violation of the very restriction struck down as unconstitutional in Heller.

Other Second Amendment-related cases recently denied review by the Court include Williams v. Maryland, U.S. v. Masciandaro, and Winters v. Willis.

Williams v. State (Maryland), 417 Md. 479 (2011), cert. denied, 132 S. Ct. 93 (U.S. Oct. 3, 2011) asked the Supreme Court to decide whether the Second Amendment protects a right to carry or transport a registered handgun outside the home, the enjoyment of which cannot be conditional on first applying for a permit to do so that is practically unobtainable. Mr. Williams was appealing his conviction for possessing a handgun in public without the required state permit allowing him to do so.

United States v. Masciandaro, 638 F.3d 458 (4th Cir. 2011), cert. denied, No. 10-11212, 2011 WL 2516854 (U.S. Nov. 28, 2011) involved a man convicted of violating the federal prohibition on carrying or possessing a loaded weapon in vehicles in National Parks after he was found asleep in his vehicle with a loaded handgun in a national parks. He sought review from the Supreme Court of whether that prohibition violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms; asking the high court, like the petitioner in Williams, whether the right extends beyond the home.

Willis v. Winters, 350 Or. 299 (2011) cert. denied, 11-120, 2012 WL 33296 (U.S. Jan. 9, 2012) involved a group of Oregon sheriffs asking the Supreme Court to clarify whether they can disregard an Oregon State Supreme Court decision requiring them to issue licenses to carry firearms to medical marijuana patients, which would arguably make them violate federal law. One question that would potentially had to have been resolved - like several other cases seeking review from the Supreme Court - was whether there is a right to carry firearms outside the home for self-defense. This case also could have potentially had a wide-reaching effect regarding who is considered an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance, which is a disqualifier for firearm possession under federal law.

Despite the number of certiorari denials in Second Amendment cases, the fact that the Supreme Court has been requesting responses in many of these cases shows the Justices are paying unusually close attention to the Second Amendment issue. Of the roughly 8000 petitions for review filed with the Supreme Court every year, the Court only requests a response from the opposing party in a few hundred. When the Court requests a response brief, it is a strong sign that the Court is interested in hearing argument in a case. Such a request increases the probability that the Court will grant oral argument by roughly 9 times, from 0.9% to 8.6%.

The fact that the Supreme Court requested a response in all these cases does not mean the Court thinks the cases were decided correctly. It more likely suggests that the Court is interested in further clarifying the scope of Second Amendment rights after Heller and McDonald, but is searching for the right case vehicle to do it in.

Perhaps one of the two remaining Second Amendment cases pending before the Court that we are aware of (United States v. Portillo-Munoz, 643 F.3d 437 (5th Cir. 2011), petition for cert. filed, No. 11-7200 (Nov. 2, 2011) (a challenge to federal law prohibiting gun possession by illegal aliens) or United States v. Booker, 644 F.3d 12 (1st Cir. 2011), petition for cert. filed, No. 11-6765 (Oct. 3, 2011)(a challenge to federal law prohibiting gun possession by persons convicted of domestic violence)) will become the vehicle that settles some of the issues that remain outstanding in the wake of the Heller ruling.

Seventeen years ago the NRA and CRPA joined forces to fight local gun bans being written and pushed in California by the gun ban lobby. Their coordinated efforts became the NRA/CRPA “Local Ordinance Project” (LOP) – a statewide campaign to fight ill-conceived local efforts at gun control and educate politicians about available programs that are effective in reducing accidents and violence without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The NRA/CRPA LOP has had tremendous success in beating back most of these anti-self-defense proposals.

About:
In addition to fighting local gun bans, for decades the NRA has been litigating dozens of cases in California courts to promote the right to self-defense and the Second Amendment. In the post Heller and McDonald legal environment, NRA and CRPA Foundation have formed the NRA/CRPA Foundation Legal Action Project (LAP), a joint venture to pro-actively strike down ill-conceived gun control laws and ordinances and advance the rights of firearms owners, specifically in California. Sometimes, success is more likely when LAP’s litigation efforts are kept low profile, so the details of every lawsuit are not always released. To see a partial list of the LAP’s recent accomplishments, or to contribute to the NRA or to the NRA/CRPAF LAP and support this and similar Second Amendment cases, visit www.nraila.com and www.crpafoundation.org.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)-December 7th was an important day for Gun Safari, firearms enthusiasts and Second Amendment supporters in Los Angeles.

A public hearing took place in Van Nuys in front of the local neighborhood council, which is one of the steps required during the application process for a conditional use permit-a requirement to operate as an FFL in Los Angeles.

It is well known to most firearm enthusiasts in the area that Los Angeles is not a Second Amendment friendly place anymore. Gun shops typically close here, not open, but with the support of Calguns, CRPA, NRA and all the supporters who showed up to let their presence be felt, it looks like that might be changing.

With a simple post on the Calguns forums, an e-mail notification by CRPA, and a flyer posted up at a local NRA meeting, we were able to get our message out to enthusiasts in our area who feel the same.

Going into the hearing we were very uncertain how the board was going to vote, we had met with them prior and were greeted by mixed opinions towards firearms. Multiple members displayed a fear and general misunderstanding of firearms/ammunition, and multiple members also stated they were simply worried about thefts, firearms winding up on the streets, and straw purchases. When our time came to be heard, one lone member who is the wife of an avid hunter, spoke on behalf of Gun Safari. Questions were asked mostly regarding security of the facility and a basic rundown of what items and services were planned on being offered by Gun Safari.

Gun Safari

It is my belief that what happened next is what swayed the vote. Members of the community in attendance were given the chance to voice their opinions, we had individuals speak in favor-not simply of a gun shop opening-but a business that will bring growth back to our community and bring a service people want back to a city that has sought the closure of such stores in the past.

After listening to their fellow community members speak, the board held a vote and passed a motion with a vote of 9-1 in favor of sending a recommendation of approval to the city council and zoning administrators for Gun Safari’s request of a conditional use permit to sell firearms and ammunition in the city of Los Angeles.

Overall the first of two hearings was a great success, with credit due to the wonderful pro-Second Amendment organizations we have operating, and most importantly the people who were willing to come out and make their voices count.

Details for the next and final meeting where a decision will be made are listed below.

• WHAT:
  Final public hearing considering allowing a new FFL in Van Nuys
• WHEN:
  Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:00pm
• WHERE:
  6262 Van Nuys Blvd, Room 1B, Van Nuys, CA 91401
  (Click for map and directions.)

The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the San Diego County Water Authority have entered into a long-term agreement that will help conserve San Diego County’s natural heritage for future generations while providing a more efficient endangered species permitting process for the Water Authority as it builds and maintains vital water supply infrastructure.

The Water Authority and the state and federal wildlife agencies signed an Implementing Agreement for a multiple species conservation plan, known as a Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP), that meets the requirements of the state’s Natural Community Conservation Planning Act and the federal Endangered Species Act.

The NCCP/HCP protects 63 plant and animal species and their habitats that may be adversely affected by the construction, operation, repair and maintenance of current and future Water Authority facilities. The 63 covered species include 26 plants, 13 birds, nine reptiles, eight mammals, five invertebrates and two amphibians.

Of the 63 covered species, 18 are currently listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to the state and/or federal Endangered Species Acts. Concurrent with signing the agreement, each wildlife agency issued the Water Authority an incidental take permit that allows limited impacts to those listed species. If any of the 45 covered species currently not listed as endangered or threatened become listed as such in the future, those species will automatically be added to the respective permit.

The comprehensive NCCP/HCP conservation strategy spans roughly 992,000 acres where covered activities could potentially occur in San Diego County and a small portion of south-central Riverside County. The Water Authority already has assembled 705 acres of preserve land to compensate for future impacts and the NCCP/HCP contains provisions for adding more preserve lands.

“This is a great example of innovative and effective environmental planning,” said Jim Bartel, Field Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Carlsbad Office. “Our three agencies worked closely and collaboratively to find a way to comprehensively address potential endangered species impacts from the Water Authority’s projects and activities.”

“The assembly, management, and monitoring of the preserve established under the Water Authority’s NCCP will augment and enhance the other biological preserves established under other approved regional NCCPs and several other habitat conservation plans that are in progress,” said Ed Pert, South Coast Regional Manager for the Department of Fish and Game. “We worked collaboratively with the parties involved in the NCCP/HCP to ensure that habitat protection measures would also satisfy the Water Authority’s vital mission to provide the San Diego region with a safe and reliable water supply.”

“The big benefit for our ratepayers is that this plan will save time and money as we build and operate current and future projects,” said Ken Weinberg, Director of Water Resources for the San Diego County Water Authority. “This plan precludes the need to obtain individual federal or state endangered species permits for each of our activities or projects. It also simplifies future compliance with state and federal endangered species regulations. We are very grateful and appreciative for the wildlife agencies’ help and guidance through this process.”

The state’s Natural Community Conservation Planning program and federal Habitat Conservation Plan process promote coordination and cooperation among public agencies, landowners, and other interested parties to minimize conflicts during construction and other activities that may affect endangered or threatened species. The long-term goals of such habitat conservation plans are to provide for the recovery and persistence of populations of covered species and the ecosystems on which they depend.

A copy of the plan is available at: www.sdcwa.org/habitat-conservation.

The San Diego County Water Authority is a public agency serving the San Diego region as a wholesale supplier of water from the Colorado River and Northern California. The Water Authority works through its 24 member agencies to provide a safe, reliable water supply to support the region’s $186 billion economy and the quality of life of 3.1 million residents.

The California Department of Fish and Game manages California‘s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

Gray wolf. Photo by John and Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The gray wolf that was wandering in southern Oregon has crossed the California border.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) this animal is a 2 ½ year old male formerly from a pack in northeast Oregon.

Since the animal has been collared with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device that periodically transmits its location, biologists have been able to document its travels since it was collared in February 2011. Based on the GPS data, he is now more than 300 miles from where his journey began.

His journey, in total, has been more than twice that far with many changes in direction. Several times he has reversed direction and returned to previous locations. Today, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) learned that this wolf, designated OR7, crossed the state line into northern Siskiyou County yesterday. Tracking data puts his most recent location as a few miles south of the Oregon border. It is not possible to predict his next movements which could include a return to Oregon.

DFG continues to collaborate with ODFW and expects to receive daily location data. This information is transmitted daily when atmospheric conditions permit. DFG will be sharing only general location information as this wolf, while in California, is protected as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

“Whether one is for it or against it, the entry of this lone wolf into California is an historic event and result of much work by the wildlife agencies in the West,” said DFG Director Charlton H. Bonham. “If the gray wolf does establish a population in California, there will be much more work to do here.”

Any wild gray wolf that returns to California is protected as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

DFG has been following the recovery and migration of gray wolves in western states with the expectation that at some point they will likely reach California. The last confirmed wild gray wolf in California was killed in Lassen County in 1924. The available historic information on wolves in California suggests that while they were widely distributed, they were not abundant. DFG has been compiling historic records, life history information, reviewing studies on wolf populations in other western states, enhancing communication with other agencies and training biologists on field techniques specific to wolves. This effort is to ensure that DFG has all necessary information available when needed, it is not a wolf management plan and DFG does not intend to reintroduce wolves into California.

There are more than 1,600 wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains following a federal reintroduction effort which occurred in the mid-1990s. In 1999 a single wolf crossed into Oregon from Idaho, after nearly a 60-year absence in that state. There are now at least 24 wolves in Oregon in four reproducing packs. It has taken an additional 12 years for the first wolf to now reach the California border. This particular animal is exhibiting normal dispersal behavior for a young male and there is no way to predict whether he will stay in California, return to Oregon, or travel east into Nevada. Eventually, DFG expects that other wolves will reach California. Whether this will lead to the establishment of packs or simply transient individual animals is unknown.

Gray wolf recovery in other western states has been controversial, particularly regarding impacts on prey populations, livestock depredation and human safety. There have been instances where gray wolf predation has contributed to declines in deer and elk populations, however, in most cases, predation has had little effect. Some gray wolves have killed livestock – mostly cattle and sheep – while others rely entirely on wild prey. In other western states the impact of depredation on livestock has been small, less than predation by coyotes and mountain lions, although the effect on an individual livestock producer can be important, particularly when sheep are killed.

Concerns about human safety are largely based on folklore and are unsubstantiated in North America. In recent years there was one human mortality in Canada caused either by wolves or bears and one confirmed human mortality in Alaska by wolves. Based on experience from states where substantial wolf populations now exist, wolves pose little risk to humans. However, DFG recommends that people never approach a wolf, or otherwise tamper with or feed a wolf. More about how to avoid human-wildlife interactions can be found on DFG’s website at www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/.

In the near future DFG expects to add information to its website (www.dfg.ca.gov) to provide extensive information on wolves to the public.

California Offers One-day Turkey Hunting Clinic in February

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Advanced Hunter Education Program is offering a turkey hunting clinic Feb. 18 at Tejon Ranch in Kern County.

Jointly sponsored by DFG, the Hunter Education Instructor Association of Southern California and Tejon Ranch, this clinic is open to hunters of all ages and skill levels.

Experienced instructor and longtime turkey hunter Dave Holbrock will lead this exciting clinic.

Topics to be covered include decoy placement, blind design, ballistics, calling, equipment, game care and cleaning, cooking tips and safety.

The clinic starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. The cost is $45 and space is limited.

Youths 16 years and younger are free but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. DFG’s Advanced Hunter Education Program will provide all necessary class equipment.

Registration forms are available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced/index.aspx. After registering, participants will receive an e-mail with a map to the facility and a list of items to bring.

Tejon Ranch is located along Interstate 5, approximately 30 miles south of Bakersfield and 60 miles north of Los Angeles.

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation has joined the Calguns Foundation and three California citizens in a federal lawsuit against the California Department of Justice and Attorney General Kamala Harris, challenging the state’s requirement that gun owners wait at least ten days before taking possession of an additional firearm.

The case is known as Jeff Silvester et.al. v Kamala Harris, et.al.

“We’ve joined in this lawsuit because it makes no sense for California to require a gun owner who already possesses a firearm from buying another one within a few days,” said SAF Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb. “We recall what Dr. Martin Luther King said, that A right delayed is a right denied’.”

“Laws that infringe on the right to purchase arms have to be more than just merely rational and must directly serve important governmental interests,” added Gene Hoffman, chairman of the Calguns Foundation. “Here, the law is not just irrational but actually contradictory. We filed this case right before Christmas in the hopes that, by next Christmas, gun owners will not suffer this continuing infringement on their right to acquire firearms.”

“The State has absolutely no reason to infringe the rights of California gun owners who already possess firearms when they buy another one,” said attorney Jason Davis who is representing the plaintiffs.

California currently requires the registration of handguns in California. And, beginning January 2014, it will also require the registration of all newly-purchased rifles and shotguns. Notably, California keeps a current database of all residents who are prohibited by state or federal law from owning or possessing firearms. Individual plaintiffs Jeff Silvester, Michael Poeschl, and Brandon Combs each have firearms registered with the State of California. Mr. Combs and Mr. Silvester also have firearms licenses from the State that constitute ongoing background checks.

“In just about every other state in the U.S., I as a law-abiding gun owner could walk in and, after passing an instant national background check, walk out with a firearm to defend myself in my home,” Poeschl said. “What’s really frustrating is that California is one of the very few states that forces gun owners to register all handguns that they buy. If the State’s database saying that I already lawfully own a gun isn’t proof that I don’t need a cooling-off’ period, then what is?”

“I have a license to carry a loaded firearm across the State,” Silvester noted. “It is ridiculous that I have to wait another 10 days to pick up a new firearm when I’m standing there in the gun store lawfully carrying one the whole time.”

“As a collector, I submitted to a Live Scan background check and obtained a Certificate of Eligibility to Possess Firearms from the State of California at my own expense,” added Combs. “In the Internet era, where every California gun dealer has a computer connected directly to the State’s databases, there is no logical reason to force me to wait 10 days and make another trip simply because California doesn’t want to acknowledge the Certificate that it issued to me. I have registered guns, and I have the State telling me that I can possess guns, but for some reason I can’t exercise my constitutionally protected rights for another ten days? That’s insane.”

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. In addition to the landmark McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court Case, SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; New Orleans; Chicago and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and numerous amicus briefs holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

Calguns Foundation - 2011 Year in Review

Calguns Foundation

California --(Ammoland.com)- I know that our fundamental right to keep and bear arms for self-defense is important to you.

This individual liberty ensures that we have an opportunity to protect our lives and those of our loved ones should the need arise. We Californians are all too aware of the many infringements of this enumerated right that regular, law-abiding people like us face on a daily basis, yet it’s for this very reason the road to freedom runs through the Golden State.

2011 was a notable year for gun rights and our culture of respect for the constitution. Over the past twelve months we’ve made some significant advancements in Second Amendment issues and taken major steps forward in our fight for this critical civil right, including:

• Taking the federal carry case of Richards v. Prieto to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to strike the “good cause” and “good moral character” prior restraints in California law and secure the People’s right to bear loaded firearms in public for self-defense on a “shall issue” basis (brought by attorneys Alan Gura and Donald Kilmer);
• Filing a lawsuit in federal court challenging as unconstitutional California’s “Assault Weapons” ban on common semi-automatic firearms, as well as Penal Code Section 12031 “(e) checks” (Richards v. Harris brought by attorneys Jason Davis and Donald Kilmer);
• Filing a federal civil rights case against Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith for violating Mr. Tom Scocca’s constitutional right to equal protection of the laws by denying him a firearms carry license while approving others (brought by attorneys Donald Kilmer and Jason Davis);
• Supporting the long-running federal lawsuit Nordyke v. King as it heads back to an “en banc” (full court) panel in March, 2012 (brought by attorneys Donald Kilmer and Don B. Kates);
• Winning the important carry license records case Calguns Foundation v. Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks, et al., and receiving $21,000 in court-ordered attorney fees (brought by attorney Jason Davis);
• Creating and publishing the CGF Carry License Model Policy for law enforcement agencies;
• Partnering with new Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean and his staff to create a vastly improved carry license policy and process, as well as the near-total adoption of the CGF Model Policy;
• Forcing the Los Angeles District Attorney to dismiss false charges against a law-abiding person properly carrying an exposed firearm (defense by Jason Davis funded by CGF);
• Causing San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey to follow the law and establish a written carry license policy;
• Filing a lawsuit against Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin and the County of Merced over unlawful carry license policies (Rossow v. Merced brought by attorneys Jason Davis and Donald Kilmer);
• Acquiring up-to-date statewide statistics on carry licenses from CA DOJ and publishing a comprehensive report down to the licensing authority level of detail;
• Filing a lawsuit against the County of San Mateo over its pre-empted ban on the carry of firearms in parks (Early v. San Mateo County brought by attorney Donald Kilmer);
• Numerous direct and indirect criminal defenses of innocent Californians;
• And many, many more.

While this isn’t anything nearing an exhaustive list of our efforts over the last year, we hope you’ll see why we’re excited about the future and how your generous donations have gone directly to the front lines of Second Amendment advocacy.

For more on these and other CGF cases, see our Litigation Past and Present Wiki page. 2012 will be full of new lawsuits, grassroots actions, and education campaigns to advance our rights, so be sure to sign up at our website and check back often for news and updates.

We’ve made it easier than ever to make a fully tax-deductible donation to CGF and hope you’ll include us in your charitable giving. To contribute by check or credit card on a one-time or (hopefully!) recurring basis, please use our secure website donations page, also linked at at www.calgunsfoundation.org/donate. (If you’re interested in sponsoring the Carry License Sunshine & Compliance Initiative and supporting our efforts to reform carry license policies in your county and across the state, please visit the Sponsorships section of the new CGF Store.)

Another exciting and easy way for you to contribute to CGF is to shop at Amazon… that’s right, just by making your purchases at Amazon.com through our convenient direct link, up to 15% of the total purchase will be sent directly to CGF! Please do share this email with your friends, family, and fellow gun rights supporters; we’re counting on you to get the word out that California gun owners have every reason to be optimistic about the future of our rights.

Advancing the Second Amendment and keeping government accountable to the People is a full-time job. With your help and support, 2012 can indeed be a monumental year for the right to keep and bear arms. Happy holidays, and best wishes to you and yours.

The Calguns Foundation (www.calgunsfoundation.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which serves its members and the general public by providing Second Amendment-related education, strategic litigation and the defense of innocent California gun owners from improper or malicious prosecution. The Calguns Foundation seeks to inform government and protect the rights of individuals to acquire, own, and lawfully use firearms in California.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)-In a victory for self-defense civil right activists, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge has ordered the City of Los Angeles to produce documents relating to the LAPD’s policies and procedures for processing applications for a carry license.

In 1992 and 1994, the City’s unlawful refusal to properly process carry license applications was challenged in two lawsuits. To settle the suits, LAPD agreed to a court ordered application processing procedure.

The LAPD agreed to a definition of “good cause” that was articulated in the settlement, and agreed that all citizens who request a carry license permit application would be provided a carry license application at any LAPD station house, along with a copy of the LAPD’s procedure for handling the application, and the procedures for appealing the denial of a carry license application. The settlements also resulted in the establishment of a Citizens Advisory Review Panel, made up of appointed citizens who would review carry license applications denied by the LAPD and make recommendations regarding whether the Chief should reverse the denial.

A memorandum discussing these suits is posted here.

The LAPD has repeatedly failed to honor its legal obligations under the settlements. It has not made carry license applications and a written copy of the carry license policy and appeal process available at all station houses. And it has ignored the recommendations of the Citizens Advisory Review Panel and has instead enacted a de facto policy of again issuing no carry licenses, despite whatever showing of good cause the applicants might make.

To rectify this situation two new legal actions, financed by NRA and CRPAF through their Legal Action Project, were filed.

The first is a motion to enforce the court’s old order in the 1994 case, Assenza v. City of Los Angeles. Some of the original plaintiffs from that Assenza case seek to force the LAPD to reinstate its agreed-to policy of providing applications and copies of its written policy at all LAPD station houses. In support of its motion, NRA grassroots activist citizens were recruited to investigate the LAPD’s practices and submitted declarations about their recent attempts to get carry license applications. They were frustrated by uncooperative officers at individual station houses, all of whom had a complete lack of understanding of the LAPD’s application process, and who in almost all instances could not provide a carry license application to the requesting citizen, much less a copy of the LAPD’s written policy.

Perhaps most egregiously, LAPD officers bluntly told citizens that unless they were celebrities, they shouldn’t even bother filling out the carry license application because they would be denied a carry license as a matter of LAPD policy.

The second recent legal action is a new lawsuit, Davis v. City of Los Angeles. The nine plaintiffs in this new lawsuit, some of whom have had carry license applications pending and unresolved with the LAPD for years, have been subjected to a litany of abuses by LAPD in its handling of their carry license applications relating to LAPD’s continued failure to comply with the original Assenza judgment. These abuses include not only the failures to provide applications and copies of the written policies at LAPD station houses, but also refusals to timely consider their applications, failures to respond to inquiries regarding the status of applications, failures to acknowledge the availability of the Citizens Advisory Review Panel as a method of appealing denial, and failure to give any weight to recommendations by the Citizens Advisory Review Panel.

As part of the Davis lawsuit, NRA/CRPA sought documents relating to the Chief Charlie Beck’s review of the recommendations of the Citizens Advisory Review Panel, documents showing any evaluation, assessment, and decisions about the positive recommendations of the Citizens Advisory Review Panel, and documents relating to the current City and County of LA residents with active carry license licenses issued by Chief Charlie Beck. The City refused to turn them over. So the Court was asked to intervene.

In ordering the City to produce the documents, the Court noted that the City’s attempt to justify its refusal to turn them over consisted of mere “boilerplate objections,” some of which were not made “in good faith.”

We’ll keep you posted as the case develops…

Seventeen years ago the NRA and CRPA joined forces to fight local gun bans being written and pushed in California by the gun ban lobby. Their coordinated efforts became the NRA/CRPA “Local Ordinance Project” (LOP) – a statewide campaign to fight ill-conceived local efforts at gun control and educate politicians about available programs that are effective in reducing accidents and violence without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The NRA/CRPA LOP has had tremendous success in beating back most of these anti-self-defense proposals.

In addition to fighting local gun bans, for decades the NRA has been litigating dozens of cases in California courts to promote the right to self-defense and the Second Amendment. In the post Heller and McDonald legal environment, NRA and CRPA Foundation have formed the NRA/CRPA Foundation Legal Action Project (LAP), a joint venture to pro-actively strike down ill-conceived gun control laws and ordinances and advance the rights of firearms owners, specifically in California. Sometimes, success is more likely when LAP’s litigation efforts are kept low profile, so the details of every lawsuit are not always released. To see a partial list of the LAP’s recent accomplishments, or to contribute to the NRA or to the NRA/CRPAF LAP and support this and similar Second Amendment cases, visit www.nraila.com and www.crpafoundation.org.

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

Gray wolf. Photo by John and Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- Recent news accounts have reported that a gray wolf has been wandering in southern Oregon.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) this animal is a 2 ½ year old male formerly from a pack in northeast Oregon.

Since the animal has been collared with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device that periodically transmits its location, biologists have been able to document its travels since early September. Based on the GPS data, he is now more than 300 miles from where his journey began. As of yet, there are no direct observations confirming his presence, or that of any other wolves, in California.

“It’s too early to say with any certainty whether wolves will again become a resident species in California,” Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Director Charlton H. Bonham said. “But it is definitely an historic predator surrounded by legend and lore.”

Any wild gray wolf that returns to California is protected as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

DFG has been following the recovery and migration of gray wolves in western states with the expectation that at some point they will likely reach California. The last confirmed wild gray wolf in California was killed in Lassen County in 1924. The available historic information on wolves in California suggests that while they were widely distributed, they were not abundant. DFG has been compiling historic records, life history information, reviewing studies on wolf populations in other western states, enhancing communication with other agencies and training biologists on field techniques specific to wolves. This effort is to ensure that DFG has all necessary information available when needed, it is not a wolf management plan and DFG does not intend to reintroduce wolves into California.

There are more than 1,600 wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains following a federal reintroduction effort which occurred in the mid-1990s. In 1999 a single wolf crossed into Oregon from Idaho, after nearly a 60-year absence in that state. There are now at least 23 wolves in Oregon in four reproducing packs. It has taken an additional 12 years for the first wolf to now approach the California border. This particular animal is exhibiting normal dispersal behavior for a young male and there is no way to predict whether he will enter California, stay in Oregon, or travel east into Nevada. Eventually, DFG expects that wolves will reach California. Whether this will lead to the establishment of packs or simply transient individual animals is unknown.

Gray wolf recovery in other western states has been controversial, particularly regarding impacts on prey populations, livestock depredation and human safety. There have been instances where gray wolf predation has contributed to declines in deer and elk populations, however, in most cases, predation has had little effect. Some gray wolves have killed livestock – mostly cattle and sheep – while others rely entirely on wild prey. In other western states the impact of depredation on livestock has been very small, certainly less than predation by coyotes and mountain lions, although the effect on an individual livestock producer can be important, particularly when sheep are killed.

Concerns about human safety are largely based on folklore and unsubstantiated in North America. In recent years there was one human mortality in Canada caused either by wolves or bears and one confirmed human mortality in Alaska by wolves. Based on experience from states where substantial wolf populations now exist, wolves pose little risk to humans.

In the near future DFG expects to add information to its website (www.dfg.ca.gov) to provide extensive information on wolves to the public.

CA Department of Fish and Game Completes Bay Area Deer Capture Project

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Fish and Game has successfully completed the first phase of the deer capture project along Interstate 280.

“Our goal was to get in and out with minimal disturbance to the deer and the neighborhoods, and our teams successfully accomplished that,” said David Casady, Environmental Scientist for DFG.

As part of a two-year project, the 18-month study focuses on the capture of deer along a 13 mile stretch of the freeway from Millbrae to Woodside. The purpose is to collect information and data that will help experts reduce the high number of automobile/deer collisions on this stretch of highway. The project is being funded by Caltrans and executed by UC Davis and DFG.

Using tranquilizer darts fired from a rifle, 14 female deer were sedated by trained biologists. Blood and hair samples were taken, length and weight measurements were recorded and an overall health inspection was conducted on each animal.

The captured deer were also fitted with GPS collars that will record their location and send the information to researchers via satellite. The researchers will use the data to track the deer as they move along the areas adjoining the freeway or onto the roadway itself. Automatic release mechanisms will cause the collars to fall off the deer after six months.

“All of the deer captured appeared to be healthy and many of them had fawns of all ages at their side,” Casady said. “I look forward to assisting UC Davis researchers with the next capture phase of this project.”

The next phase of the project is set to be conducted in six months using the same techniques with deer in the same vicinity.

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The application deadline is fast approaching for hunters who wish to enter the permit drawing for the Joice Island pig hunts. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will be accepting application cards through close of business Feb. 10, 2012. The drawing will be held on Feb. 14, 2012.

Contact:

• Patrick Graham, DFG Bay Delta Region, (707) 425-3828
• Eric Larson, DFG Bay Delta Region, (707) 944-5528
• Janice Mackey, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8908
• Public Contact: (707) 425-3828 or (707) 944-5500

A total of 24 two-day permits will be issued. DFG will be holding these limited-entry, permit-only hunts to control a small population of wild pigs on the Joice Island Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County. Joice Island is a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, some brush and standing water.

The first weekend of this hunting opportunity has been reserved for apprentice hunters. Two-day pig hunt permits will be issued by drawing only for the following weekends:

Apprentice Hunters (12 years of age and older with Junior Hunting License)

• March 3-4

General (Adults or apprentice hunters may apply)

• March 10-11
• March 17-18
• March 24-25
• March 31-April 1
• April 7-8
• April 14-15
• April 21-22

Three hunters will be drawn for each of the eight weekends, for a total of 24. Permits with maps and additional information will be mailed to successful applicants. A permit holder may bring one non-hunting partner. Only shotguns using slugs and archery will be allowed as well as dogs. In addition to a hunting license, participants must also possess a validCaliforniapig tag.

To apply for a permit drawing, please send a standard postcard with the hunter’s name (apprentice hunters must also provide name of adult chaperone), valid hunting license GO-ID number, address, telephone number and desired hunt date.

Mail the application card to Joice Island Pig Hunt, 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun City, CA 94585. Each hunter may apply only one time and for only one date. Applications will be accepted for parties of up to two hunters, but the card must contain all information for both hunters. Incomplete cards and multiple entries will not be accepted. There is no fee to apply.

DFG reserves the right to cancel this hunt and close the area to all public users without prior notification due to unforeseen circumstances or emergency situations.

For more information, please contact DFG at (707) 425-3828.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Public comments are now being taken on the strategic vision for the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the California Fish and Game Commission (F&GC).

If you have not commented on the Draft Interim Strategic Vision, it is not too late. Comments are most effective if received by December 16, 2011, but may still be submitted after that date.

There are fifty-one stakeholder groups represented in the CFWSV process, and the hunting community is in the minority.

The stakeholder groups include commercial fishing, recreational fishing, hunting, non-profit conservation, non-consumptive recreation, aquaculture, landowners, science, education, labor, agriculture and ranching, water supply and delivery, forestry, water quality, business/industry and environmental justice.

Your personal comments are important to the future management of California’s fish and wildlife resources. It is important that the strategic vision promote sport hunting as a recreational opportunity, as well as a wildlife management tool in California. Please take the time to review the draft at www.vision.ca.gov/ or call (916) 653-5656 for a copy of the draft.

Send your comments by email using an online public comment form: StrategicVision@resources.ca.gov), or by mail:

Background:
In September 2010 Assembly Bill 2376 (Huffman) was signed into law, requiring the California Natural Resources Agency to convene a committee to develop and submit to the Governor and California State Legislature, before July 1, 2012, a strategic vision for the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the California Fish and Game Commission (F&GC). The California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Project is intended to establish a strategic vision for DFG and F&GC that addresses, among other things, improving and enhancing their capacity and effectiveness in fulfilling their public trust responsibilities for protecting and managing the state’s fish and wildlife.

As part of the project a blue ribbon citizen commission and a stakeholder advisory group are supporting the executive committee in developing three deliverables: A draft interim strategic vision in November 2011, an interim strategic vision in February 2012, and a strategic vision by July 1, 2012.

The California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Executive Committee has released the draft interim strategic vision for public review. This document is the first draft of potential recommendations for a strategic vision for the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the California Fish and Game Commission (F&GC) that will be presented to the Governor and California State Legislature in February 2012.

This first draft of the strategic vision contains two important elements that give the public a chance to further engage in a dialogue about the future of DFG and F&GC:

Chapter 3 is a draft interim framework for a strategic vision, where potential core values, underlying principles, goals, and objectives are identified and intended to initiate a public conversation. Reviewers of the draft interim strategic vision are encouraged to focus on chapter 3 as it will form the foundation for a future strategic vision and such review will best inform the reader’s understanding of the direction of the visioning process.

Appendix B presents diverse preliminary ideas about improving the function and structure of DFG and F&GC. The numerous and sometimes conflicting ideas in the tables emphasizes the draft nature of the product intended to initiate public dialogue.

The ideas in this draft document have not been finalized in any way and are meant for discussion purposes only. For more information on the California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Project visit www.vision.ca.gov/.

The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world.

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- In cooperation with several hunting-oriented conservation organizations, DFG will offer 13 big game fund-raising license tags for eight mule or black-tailed deer, two desert bighorn sheep, one Grizzly Island tule elk, one multiple zone elk and one pronghorn antelope.

Following a competitive bidding process, DFG proposes to award agreements for the auction or sale of the 13 tags to the following organizations: Wild Sheep Foundation (National and California Chapter), Safari Club International (Orange County and San Francisco Bay Area chapters), The Mule Deer Foundation (National, Central Coast, Chico, Shasta-Lassen and Redding chapters), and the California Deer Association (North Valley, Salinas Valley, Gridley and Mount Saint Helena chapters).

These conservation organizations submitted a bid package describing their intent to auction off a particular tag at their annual fund-raising dinners/conventions during late winter/early spring. Auction of these tags typically generates more than $300,000 per year for DFG to put back into conservation and management actions that include surveys, habitat improvement, applied research and translocation of animals to historical ranges where they may currently be absent. Such translocation efforts in California have been a great success for tule elk, desert bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope.

“California’s hunting organizations continue to demonstrate they are at the forefront in support of wildlife conservation through their support for these auction tags and for the purchase of licenses and tags by their members, as well as all hunters,” said DFG Director Charlton H. Bonham.

In addition to the auction tags, DFG is expanding the random drawing program initiated earlier this year through the Automated License Data System (ALDS), when chances for a deer tag and an elk tag opportunity were offered to the public for $5.40 each. The drawings for those two opportunities alone generated more than $130,000 for conservation in 2011.

“In our continued support of hunting and quest to increase hunting and fishing opportunity in California, I’m pleased that our hunters can purchase multiple chances through our ALDS application process for a special hunt tag next year,” said Bonham. ”And I am particularly excited that this year we will include a once-in-a-lifetime desert bighorn sheep tag as well as a coveted northeastern California pronghorn antelope tag.”

As an added bonus for the hunter who draws the sheep tag from that random drawing, a private entity, San Gorgonio Wilderness Outfitters, has offered free guide services for the hunt in the Kelso Peak/Old Dad Mountains zone to the recipient.

“This is a wonderful offer and commitment by the San Gorgonio folks and demonstrates the great support of one another within the hunting community,” said Bonham.

Availability of all fund-raising tags remains contingent upon the approval of annual hunting regulations by the Fish and Game Commission.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)-To all members, please be aware that a new FFL “Gun Safari“ is in the process of opening a store front in Los Angeles.

It is not an easy task; there has not been a new gun shop opened in Los Angeles in quite some time.

All legal hurdles have been met and now part of the process is an open forum for residents to voice their support for or against the opening of a new firearms dealer in the area.

This obviously weighs on the city’s decision on whether or not Gun safari will be permitted to sell firearms.

We are asking Los Angeles area CRPA members to attend this hearing and speak your support for this gun shop.

Gun Safari

The meeting is scheduled for December 7th at 7 p.m.

For those of you who would like to see another FFL open in Los Angeles, we ask that you come show your support.

When: Wednesday, December 7 at 7 p.m.

Where: 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406. In the Tillman water plant at the Japanese Gardens.

Thank you and we hope to see you there!

The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Executive Director, John Fields and CRPA President, Tony Montanarella report on:

• - AR-15 “Train a Soldier” program
• - CRPA 137th Gala at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario
• - Jackets and Vests Sale! https://store.crpa.org/
• - Nevada Firearms Coalition — http://www.nvfac.org
• - RCC – Responsible Citizens of California – http://responsiblecitizensofcalifornia.org/
• - CRPA Foundation Fundraiser
• - The Firing Line Online

Sincerely,

The CRPA Staff

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

Colt Defense

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- Colt Defense LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of rifles and carbines, is pleased to offer five rifles that are compliant with California’s bullet button laws.

Colt’s LE6920CA, three of Colt’s Magpul-accessorized 6920s (the LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE and the LE6920CMP-O) and the LE6940CA will all be made available in California for 2012.

“We are pleased to offer such a varied assortment of rifles for California,” said David Ridley, Vice President, Colt Defense LLC, “This selection of guns, complete with the necessary bullet button, give sportsmen numerous options when choosing a quality Colt rifle that meets the state’s compliance requirements.”

With its lightweight design and potent firepower capability, the Colt 6920 Law Enforcement carbine is a popular choice for tactical deployment and traditional patrol. Weighing 6.95 pounds and measuring 35.5 inches with the stock extended, the 6920 is effectively mobile. The LE6920CA has a 16-inch barrel with a safe-semi rate of fire and an effective range distance of 600 meters.

The Colt LE6940CA is another popular option for tactical operators. This M4 rifle weighs slightly less than the 6920 and offers a one-piece monolithic rail that extends from the rear of the upper receiver to the front sight. Built for long-range acquisition capability, the 6940 offers unmatched advantages in situations where accuracy is key. Other features of the LE6940CA include the A2 pistol grip, DCH rear sight, Colt flash suppressor and a nine-round magazine.

Colt’s LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE and LE6920CMP-O are the bullet button versions of Colt’s newest rifle offering, the LE6920MP. Complimenting the black 6920 Colt M4 carbine are some of Magpul’s most popular firearm accessories in either black, flat dark earth or olive drab. Magpul parts that come standard on these rifles include the MOE Vertical Grip (MVG), MOE Hand Guard, Generation 2 Rear Back-Up Sight (MBUS), MOE-K Hand Grip, MOE Trigger Guard, MOE Carbine Stock.

About Colt Defense LLC
Colt Defense LLC is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of small arms weapons systems. The Company has supplied military, law enforcement and individual customers throughout the world for 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt Defense LLC and its subsidiaries please visit www.colt.com.

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California’s ban on so-called “assault weapons,” claiming that the statute is “vague and ambiguous” in its definition of assault weapons, leading to the arrest of a California man on two different occasions.

SAF is joined in the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, by the CalGuns Foundation and Brendan John Richards, an honorably-discharged Marine and Iraq war veteran, who was arrested and jailed in May 2010 and August 2011. On both occasions, charges against Richards were dismissed when it was determined that he had not violated the law because firearms in his possession on both occasions were not “assault weapons” as defined by California law. They are represented by attorneys Donald Kilmer of San Jose and Jason A. Davis of Mission Viejo.

Named as defendants in the lawsuit are California Attorney General Kamala Harris, the California Department of Justice, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Greg Myers.

“It’s an insult to be arrested once for violating a law that is so vague and ambiguous that law enforcement officers cannot tell the difference between what is and what is not a legal firearm under this statute,” said SAF Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “but to be arrested and jailed twice for the same offense is an outrage. Brendan Richards’ dilemma is a textbook example of why the California statute should be nullified.

“On both occasions,” he continued, “Mr. Richards was jailed and had to post non-refundable bail fees. He lost work due to his incarcerations. In both cases, the same Senior Criminalist John Yount issued reports that the firearms in Richards’ possession were not assault weapons’ under California law. Mr. Richards now has a reasonable fear that his exercise of his fundamental Second Amendment rights will result in more wrongful arrests. We’re delighted to step in, with the CalGuns Foundation, on his behalf.

“This nonsense has to stop,” Gottlieb stated, “and the only way to insure that is to show California’s assault weapon statutes and regulations are unconstitutionally vague and ambiguous. Brendan Richards is not the only citizen faced with this kind of harassment under color of law.”

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. In addition to the landmark McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court Case, SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; New Orleans; Chicago and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and numerous amicus briefs holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

Golden State Second Amendment Council Logo

California - -(Ammoland.com)- There will be a public hearing this Friday, November 18th in the Board of Supervisor’s Chambers at 10:00 a.m.Santa Cruz to consider the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club‘s proposal to add a new 1-story 3,200 sq ft clubhouse.

This is nothing more than ANOTHER attempt to use zoning regs to shut down the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club.

All interested persons are invited to provide comments to the Zoning Administrator either at the hearing or in writing.

If you decide to write a letter, deliver it to the GS2AC Meeting on Thursday, November 17th at Harry’s Hoffbrau. We will have people who will deliver the letters in person to the board.

If you can personally attend this meeting, please show up in business attire – no camouflage or BDUs, please.

For local people who plan to mail a letter, be sure it is in the local mail by tomorrow morning or it may not be delivered in time.

Los Altos Rod & Gun Club

We also recommend sending an email to Frank Barron, the project planner at pln782@co.santa-cruz.ca.us

Remember the meeting is at 10:00 am sharp. We recommend showing up earlier to ensure you get a seat.

There have been overtures made by the Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District to object due to noise, litter, tree damage and lead pollution.

This is the same Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District that advises everyone to protect themselves from attacking mountain lions by hitting them with their hats.

GS2AC Mountail Lion Fighting Article:

About the GS2AC
The Golden State Second Amendment Council is an independent firearms rights organization dedicated to the advancement of the right to keep and bear arms in California. Formerly organized as the NRA Members’ Council of Silicon Valley, we have reformed ourselves as an affiliation of Second Amendment activists in order to do those things a Member’s Council generally can not. In summary, there is a void to be filled in the firearms rights community and we seek to fill it.
Our core concern is that the Second Amendment community must go on the offensive if we are to retain our right to bear arms in this state. Visit: www.gs2ac.com

Golden State Second Amendment Council Logo

California - -(Ammoland.com)- In the Sierra Azul Preserve next to Los Gatos, the government warns you that you may be attacked by a mountain lion while on the trails.

And they clearly state they want you to fight off the attack……but they just don’t want you to use a weapon.

And especially not a gun.

So just how do the benevolent Environmentalists at the Open Space District suggest you defend yourself?

Trail Regulations posted on the website are quite clear about what you are not allowed to do in the Preserve. They state……..

“For Your Safety and the Protection of the Environment…

Visitors are responsible for knowing and obeying the District’s Land Use Regulations District Ordinances

Weapons: Weapons of any kind are prohibited on preserves.”

Mountian Lion Martial Arts?

Do not run from a lion. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up if possible so they don’t panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.

Do not crouch down or bend over. If you’re in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.

Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.

Fight back if attacked. Hikers have fought back successfully with sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

So, in summary…….. Stand up straight, engage in a staring contest, bad mouth the lion in an authoritative voice, wave your arms, and make yourself look big. And if all this fails, get in a wrestling match with the cat.

Try as I might, I can’t find any reference to a Mountain Lion martial arts program being sponsored by the Open Space District.

Maybe it’s time someone locked up one of these idiots in a cage with a Mountain Loin and let them show us how it is done.

Mountain Lion Fighting Comments

About the GS2AC
The Golden State Second Amendment Council is an independent firearms rights organization dedicated to the advancement of the right to keep and bear arms in California. Formerly organized as the NRA Members’ Council of Silicon Valley, we have reformed ourselves as an affiliation of Second Amendment activists in order to do those things a Member’s Council generally can not. In summary, there is a void to be filled in the firearms rights community and we seek to fill it.
Our core concern is that the Second Amendment community must go on the offensive if we are to retain our right to bear arms in this state. Visit: www.gs2ac.com

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- Permits will be issued for two California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) special apprentice waterfowl hunts at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County.

On Saturday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 28, spaced blinds on Pond 11 and the Crescent Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area will be available only for apprentice hunt participants. The area will be closed to the general public on those days.

An adult chaperone (18 years or older) must accompany and supervise each apprentice hunter.

The adult may hunt with the apprentice and must possess the required 2011-2012 California hunting license and state and federal waterfowl stamps and the free Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation.

Junior hunting license holders must have a federal waterfowl stamp and the free HIP validation to hunt waterfowl.

All available blinds can accommodate two persons: the apprentice hunter and the adult chaperone. Nontoxic ammunition approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required for waterfowl hunting. A minimum of one dozen duck decoys are required at all blind sites and chest waders are recommended.

Sunrise at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. DFG photo

To apply, please mail a standard-sized post card to Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun, CA 94585.

On the back of the card, please include the following information:

• Apprentice hunter’s name
• Junior hunting license number
• Mailing address and phone number
• Name of chaperone
• Hunt date desired

Each hunter may apply only once and for one date. Application cards must be received by close of business on Nov. 23. Apprentice hunt reservations will be filled by a random drawing conducted on Nov. 28. There will be 24 reservations issued for each date, and all successful applicants will be notified by mail.

The Grizzly Island Wildlife Area will also accept apprentice hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the hunt to use the free roam areas and to fill any no-shows from the reservations. As a reminder, all chaperones who wish to hunt must have either a Type A One Day, Two Day or Season Pass, which must be purchased prior to arriving at the check station. These can be obtained through either a License Agent or online at www.dfg.ca.gov (allow two weeks mailing time if ordering online).

DFG would also like to encourage use of the West Family Unit, which is available only to apprentice hunters. Hunt days are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the open season. Gates will be opened approximately two hours before shoot time. An adult chaperone is required and five double blinds, including one mobility-impaired blind and one three-person blind are available.

The unit is north of Benicia on Goodyear Road; from Highway 680 take the Marshview Road exit and turn right onto Goodyear Road from the off-ramp and the hunt area will be on the left.

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds veterans that service-related injuries need not keep them from enjoying wildlife and the great outdoors.

America’s disabled veterans get a break on the price of sport fishing and hunting licenses and are provided some special opportunities.

DFG offers reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses to both resident and nonresident disabled veterans. Any honorably discharged, disabled veteran with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability who wants to hunt birds or mammals, or fish in California is eligible. The 2011 Sport Fishing License (Reduced – Disabled Veteran) and Disabled Veteran Hunting License cost only $6.44 when purchased at DFG license counters.

Special hunting blinds have been constructed to be accessible to people with mobility impairments at some state wildlife areas and ecological reserves, and at some National Wildlife Refuges.

DFG also works with military installations on wildlife management and provides tags for those installations to issue to military personnel for deer and Tule elk hunting opportunities.

“We recognize the service, commitment and sacrifice of our veterans, military members and their families by offering special hunting opportunities when and where we can,” said Charlton H. Bonham, Director of DFG. “Veterans, and especially disabled American veterans, are all heroes who have accomplished the remarkable, often during the worst of times. For that, we are truly grateful.”

The first disabled hunting license must be purchased from a DFG License Sales Office. Proof of having taken a hunter safety course and certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs or a copy of a previous year’s California Disabled Veteran Hunting License is required at the time of application.

These offices are located in Eureka, Fresno, Los Alamitos, Monterey, Napa, Rancho Cordova, Redding, Sacramento, San Diego and Stockton. Hours, addresses and phone numbers can be found on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/officelocation.html. Subsequent licenses may be purchased from any license agent or online.

Fish and Game Code, section 7150, authorizes DFG to issue Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing Licenses to anglers who meet specific criteria. Additional validations or cards are required for certain species and areas and must be purchased at the regular fee.

All California sport fishing licenses are valid Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 each year, and make excellent holiday gifts for veterans. The 2012 reduced-fee fishing license applications are on our website at www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/sportfishingfreereduced.html. Reduced-fee hunting license applications are at www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/hunting/reducedfee.html (hunting licenses are valid July 1 through June 30).

Fishing and hunting regulations and more information about licenses are available on the DFG website at www.dfg.ca.gov.

CRPA & CalGuns Tactical Turkey Shoot

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)-This year we are at it again, bigger and better!

The Tactical Turkey Shoot is coming up November 13 at Burro Canyon Shooting Park in Azusa.

Once again we will meet from 9am – 4pm. It’s time to start planning some of the fun!

Join Calguns.net and CRPA to help us track down the ever tricky tactical turkey. Last year 200 Californians got together to shoot, eat, meet and greet. Over 200 tactical turkey targets met their maker that weekend.

We will have two challenge stages for a grand prize, and you must compete to win. Tactical Avenues will be donating their time to run one of the challenge stages, so it should be pretty turkey terrific!

There will be a few more special surprises, but you must show up to find out what they are.

This time special guests will stop by to donate special goodies.

• Addax Tactical
• Franklin Armory
• Tactical Avenue
• Alco Targets

This special day is for you, the California shooting community. The CRPA, Calguns.net and our sponsoring partners believe that you are the greatest asset in the battle to regain, retain, and strengthen the civil rights our countries founders fought and died for.

So come out and enjoy the Tactical Turkey Shoot, bring your family, friends, invite new shooters, and come enjoy a fantastic day of shoot, eat, meet and greet!

Click here more information and to see the grand prize.

The California Rifle and Pistol Association, founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world.

California 2011 Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest Winner

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The California Department of Fish and Game is sponsoring an art contest for the 2012-2013 design for the state upland game bird stamp.

Open to all U.S. residents age 18 and older, entries will be accepted beginning Saturday until the Jan. 31, 2012 deadline. Entries must feature the band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata), and must include at least one adult bird.

A California upland game bird stamp is required for hunting resident and migratory upland game birds, including quail, wild turkey, pheasant and dove. Hunters are no longer required to physically attach the stamp to their license, but the stamps are still produced and mailed to purchasers upon request.

The department sells about 200,000 of the stamps annually, which are also prized by art collectors. Limited-edition signed prints may also be available for purchase. Proceeds from sales are spent on upland game bird-related projects, including conservation, education and outreach programs.

Designs will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print. The winning entry will be chosen during a public judging event next spring, date and location to be determined.

Contest rules, entry forms and further information can be found on the department’s website.

Image of 2011/2012 upland game bird stamp by artist Jeffrey Kleinefelter, of Etna Green, Ind., courtesy of Matt Elyash / Department of Fish and Game

NRA - ILA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- On Sept. 27, Judge Richard Seeborg of the United States District Court, Northern District of California, let plaintiffs move ahead with a case challenging San Francisco’s enactment and enforcement of three city ordinances requiring firearms be disabled by a trigger lock or stored in a locked container, banning the sale of ammunition that “serves no sporting purpose,” and prohibiting firearm discharges with no self-defense exception unduly burdens the right to self-defense.

The case of Jackson v. City & County of San Francisco, fully funded by the NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol Association Foundation, can now move forward on its merits.

The case has already been successful in forcing the City to amend its discharge ban, a law that has been in place for some 73 years, to allow for discharges in self-defense, defense of others, and all other circumstances allowed for under state and federal law.

In February of this year, the City of San Francisco filed a motion claiming that plaintiffs had no standing (that is, no right to bring the suit) because the city did not enforce the laws in question. Therefore, claimed the city, the plaintiffs have no legitimate fear of prosecution and suffer no injury by complying with the law.

In his ruling, Judge Seeborg rejected the city’s effort to have the case thrown out, ruling that the plaintiffs have “adequately alleged an intent and desire to engage in conduct that is prohibited by the ordinances but which they contend is constitutionally protected.”

The full text of the court’s order can be viewed here at www.calgunlaws.com.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Now, here’s something really exciting!

Most of you know that the CRPA Foundation, (our 501 (c) (3) organization,) has been selling limited edition Henry Golden Boy .22 rifles with the CRPA logo as a fundraiser for the past year or so with great success.

Effectively immediately we are launching a similar fundraiser for our 501 (c) (3), The CRPA Foundation, and we’ll be using the same format CRPA has been using with the Henry Golden Boy rifles.

The difference is that we are selling limited edition AR-15 type rifles, California legal, of course, for $1,395.

The purchaser will be able to use a portion of that purchase price (approx. $700) as a tax deductible donation. We will send each purchaser a letter clearly defining the amount of their tax-deductible donation. The price includes shipping to all states except Alaska and Hawaii. Delivery time is about 45 days. Franklin Armory will ship your rifle to the licensed dealer of your choice. Send us a copy of your FFL’s license.

Your local dealer, in addition to collecting the $25 state DROS fee, may also require a transfer fee to receive the rifle for you. If you have any questions regarding this limited time special offer, please call the CRPA office at (714) 992-2772.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit our ongoing litigation funding and a new project called “Train a Soldier.” This new project will provide supplemental funding to the marksmanship training and competitive shooting programs of the California Army National Guard which now trains active duty military for deployment to the Middle East. There are numerous mutually beneficial sub-projects that this partnership will foster, including a new state wide multi-gun competitions on military installations.

This customized CRPA AR-15′s is a LIMITED EDITION, so order yours today and help CRPA continue to fight anti-gun litigation and help assist the California Army National Guard.

Make Checks Payable to THE CRPA FOUNDATION, and Return to:
CRPA, 271 Imperial Hwy., Suite 620, Fullerton, CA 92835
Phone: (714) 992-2772 FAX (714) 992-2996

For more information click here.

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

NRA - ILA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- NRA has filed friend of the court briefs in two separate cases involving the right to carry firearms outside the home for self-defense.

In Shepard v. Madigan, currently pending in the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, the lead plaintiff is church treasurer Mary Shepard, who, along with an elderly co-worker, was severely beaten at her workplace by an attacker with a criminal record. Mrs. Shepard has carry permits issued by two other states, but was left unarmed and defenseless by Illinois’ law. Her challenge – in which the Illinois State Rifle Association, NRA’s state affiliate, also joins as a plaintiff – contends that Illinois’ carry ban cannot stand in light of the Heller and McDonald decisions.

In Richards v. Prieto, currently pending in the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in California, plaintiffs brought suit against Yolo County, Calif. Sheriff Ed Prieto for his refusal to issue carry permits to law-abiding applicants. The case was first heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, where the court ruled for the sheriff.

In both cases, the NRA, as the leading organization in the nation advocating for gun owners’ rights and specifically in advocating for the passage of right-to-carry laws in the states, has lent its expertise on the issue by filing briefs in strong support of the right to carry.

The briefs stress that the right to carry is an important part of the fundamental right of self-defense. Additionally, the briefs counter the arguments that permit holders are a public safety threat. Specifically, the brief responds to Brady Campaign claims that passage of right-to-carry laws lead to increases in crime. In fact, the briefs show not only that crime does not increase in right-to-carry states, but that right-to-carry laws contribute to a reduction in crime.

Gun Talk Radio

MANDEVILLE, LA --(Ammoland.com)- It’s a new law in California and a new way to see the threat, this week on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk (R) Radio, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports.

One state the entire firearms community watches closely is California, where Governor Brown just signed into law a bill that bans openly-carried handguns.

Gene Hoffman with the online forum site Calguns.net drops in on Sunday to discuss this latest law, and what else has been happening in California. More on Calguns can be found at www.calguns.net.

You saw the new Crimson Trace Lightgaurd on this season of Guns and Gear TV, and next week, they’ll be available in stores. Iain Harrison with Crimson Trace stops by to talk about the Lightguard, currently made for Glocks, Smith & Wesson M&Ps and Springfield Armory XDMs and XDs.

Find out more at www.crimsontrace.com. To watch the Guns and Gear segment about the Crimson Trace Lightguard, visit www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=728.

Also this week, it’s back out to the Remington Arms Versa Max tour with Firearms Development Director Andrew Haskin. This Sunday, the Versa Max Tour Truck will be supplying shot shells to test the Versa Max Shotgun from 9am to 3pm at River Valley Sportsmen Club in Clarksville, AR.

More details on both the Versa Max tour and the new Remington shotgun are available at www.remington.com/pages/community/versa-max-ontour.aspx.

About:
In its 17th year of national syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio airs live on Sundays from 2PM-5PM Eastern, and runs on more than 120 stations, plus on XM (Ch. 165) Satellite Radio. All Gun Talk shows can be downloaded as podcasts at http://www.guntalk.libsyn.com and Apple iTunes, or through one of the available Apps: the Gun Talk iPhone App, the Blackberry Podcast App, the Android App and the Gun Talk App for Android on Amazon. More information is available at www.guntalk.com.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- On October 3, 2011, the Azusa City Council voted to pass on first reading a proposed ordinance which would amend various sections of Chapter 88 of the Azusa Municipal Code and place onerous new restrictions on firearm vendors.

If enacted, the proposed ordinance (Code Amendment 233) would, among other things, amend the City of Azusa’s Development Code to require a special Use Permit for businesses selling retail firearms, and prohibit these businesses from operating in or next to residential zones, or within 500 feet of any school or church.

The proposal was scheduled to come before the Azusa City Council again for final enactment on October 17, 2011. On Thursday, October 13, 2011, after being made aware of the issue, attorneys from Michel & Associates, P.C. submitted a letter to the City of Azusa on behalf of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) opposing the proposed ordinance. A copy of the letter is available HERE.

The letter detailed the issues with the proposed ordinance, and laid out how it violated various constitutional principles, including the First and Second Amendments. The letter also pointed out how the City of Sunnyvale recently rejected a similar ordinance, and noted that Sunnyvale’s Staff Report on the issue indicated that “there ha[d] been no evidence of increased crime, property devaluation or land use incompatibilities as the result of the businesses,” and that Sunnyvale “staff ha[d] not identified any adverse land use impacts associated with a firearms store.”

At the October 17, 2011 Azusa City Council meeting, the provisions of the proposed ordinance relating to firearms were tabled. Whether this means the City Council is rejecting the ordinance altogether or it is just following procedure remains to be seen.

The NRA, CRPA, and their attorneys will continue monitoring the status of Code Amendment 233 and provide updates accordingly.

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- At its October 3, 2011 meeting, the City Council for the City of Azusa passed on first reading Code Amendment 233, which will effectively zone out at least some of the city’s several firearm vendors.

With regard to firearm vendors, Code Amendment 233 would, among other things, prohibit firearm vendors from being 500 feet from any school, church, or other firearm vendor, prohibit firearm stores from being in or abutting residentially zoned areas, and create revised standards for firearm sales that “will be more restrictive than they are currently.”

Attorneys for the NRA-CRPA Local Ordinance Project have submitted a letter to the City Council addressing the legal ramifications of Code Amendment 233′s provisions, explaining that they violate various constitutional principles and should not be adopted.

The proposed ordinance will soon come before the City Council on second reading for potential adoption today at 7:30pm at the Azusa Civic Auditorium, 213 E. Foothill Blvd.

All NRA and CRPA, as well as all freedom loving people, are encouraged to attend and respectfully, but forcefully, voice their opposition to the Azusa City Council’s adoption of this unreasonable attack on lawful businesses that are the purveyors of our right to arms.

If you are not able to attend, please E-mail all the members of the Azusa City Council. Please be respectful but firm in your comments. The more people that voice their outrage, the more difficult it is for them to ignore us.

There is still time to help defeat the adoption of this ordinance, and the NRA-CRPA Local Ordinance Project, along with your help, plans to do just that.

Below is the contact information for for the Azusa City Council.

• Mayor Joseph R. Rocha:
  jrocha@ci.azusa.ca.us
  (626) 334-1582
• Council Member Angel Carillo:
  acarrillo@ci.azusa.ca.us
  (626) 633-0520
• Mayor Pro-Tem Keith Hanks:
  khanks@ci.azusa.ca.us
  (626) 334-5056
• Council Member Uriel E. Macias:
  umacias@ci.azusa.ca.us
  (626) 625-9218
• Council Member Robert Gonzales:
  robertgonzales@ci.azusa.ca.us
  (626) 945-9280

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Despite an outpouring of phone calls from sportsmen, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a new gun registry bill that will require sportsmen to register all of their firearm purchases and transfers with the state.

The bill, Assembly Bill 809, applies the state’s current handgun registration requirements to all firearms, including rifles and shotguns commonly used by sportsmen for hunting and recreational shooting.

Sportsmen will now have to provide the state a laundry list of personal information anytime they buy or transfer a firearm. The information includes their name, address, place of birth, telephone number, and occupation as well as a detailed description of the handgun and the gun’s serial number.

The Governor’s official signing message accompanying his signature on the bill states that “[s]ince the state already retains handgun purchaser information, I see no reason why the state should not also retain information pertaining to the sales of long guns.”

“Governor Brown’s reasoning for signing the bill is absurd,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services.

“He is essentially telling sportsmen that since the state has already taken away some of your gun rights it is ok to take away more. Sportsmen should contact the Governor and tell them how disappointed they are that he signed this unnecessary bill. They certainly should also remember how their elected officials voted on this bill when they go to the polls in the future.”

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)-Thank you to all members and readers who took the time to write and/or call legislators and the Governor.

Here are the results on key bills. For a complete listing of bills tracked by CRPA please refer to the Bill Status Update on the CRPA website at www.crpa.org.

SIGNED: SB 610 – License to Carry a Concealed Handgun (CRPA Position: Support)
SB 610 requires that applicants for a license to carry a concealed handgun will not be required to pay for any training courses prior to a determination of good cause being made.

The bill will also provide that no applicant will be required to obtain liability insurance as a condition of the license. In addition, the licensing authority must notify the applicant if the request for a license was denied and shall state the reason from the department’s published policy as to why the license was denied.

VETOED: SB 427 – Ammunition Registration (CRPA Position: Oppose)
SB 427 would have required registration of handgun ammunition and some rifle cartridges, including .22 rimfire and would have stop online and mail order purchase for delivery to your home or business. For example, you would not have been able to purchase handgun ammunition and some rifle ammunition online or by mail from Midsouth or BassPro Shops for delivery to your home or business. It also would have required vendors to obtain a local license to sell ammunition.

SIGNED: AB 809 – Rifle and Shotgun Registration (CRPA Position: Oppose)
AB 809 was reintroduced this year by Assembly Member Feuer in an attempt to require registration of all rifles and shotguns purchased on or after January 1, 2014. This is another form of AB 1810 which you may recall was defeated last year.

SIGNED: SB 819 – Redirection of Dealer Record of Sales Fee (DROS) (CRPA Position: Oppose)
SB 819 will allow the state Department of Justice (DOJ) to raid the DROS and take “excess” money to pay for local enforcement of laws related to firearms possession. The primary purpose of the DROS fee paid by every firearms purchaser is to fund the purchaser background checks performed by the Department of Justice. DROS fund fees are a fee for service and should be used for their intended purpose: background checks. The concern is that the DROS fund will be depleted and soon require an increased DROS fee for all firearms purchase. Note: A lawsuit has been filed by CRPA and NRA challenging the illegal use of DROS by DOJ.

SIGNED: AB 144 – Ban on Open Carry of Unloaded Handguns (CRPA Position: Oppose)
AB 144 authored by Assembly Member Portantino is a remake of last year’s AB 1934. AB 1934 was introduced by Assembly Member Saldana and to the relief of firearms owners was defeated on the last night of the legislative session. AB 144 will prohibit the open carry of an unloaded handgun in most public places. It leaves no option for self-protection especially in counties where it is impossible to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun.

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

OpenCarry.org

Sacramento, California --(Ammoland.com)-  OpenCarry.Org Predicts that result will be widespread open carry of long guns in California’s urban areas.

“It’s disappointing that Governor Brown has signed AB 144. The new law forces citizens to open carry long guns in urban public places where holstered handguns are now the norm in California and 42 other states.

AB 144 also adds even further complexity to California’s already convoluted gun laws that confuse citizens and law enforcement officers alike.

But on the bright side, banning handgun open carry undermines the constitutionality of California’s discretionary concealed handgun permit scheme.”

About:
OpenCarry.org was founded in 2004 by Virginia gun-rights activists John Pierce and Mike Stollenwerk and has served to ignite the “Open Carry Movement” that is sweeping the country. In addition to being an invaluable legal resource for gun owners, the site has quickly grown to be a social networking portal for thousands of American gun owners. Visit: www.OpenCarry.org

Lone black brant, flying low over water and grassy shoreline. Chris Nicolai/USFWS photo.

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds hunters the north coast black brant hunting season is open from Nov. 7, 2011 through Dec. 6, 2011.

An error in the California Waterfowl Association’s 2011-12 Waterfowl Hunter’s Pocket Guide shows the season beginning and ending a day earlier.

A brief list of season dates and bag limits are on the 2011-2012 Waterfowl Hunting Season Summary at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/11-12-waterfowl-sum.html. The complete, detailed regulations are on the Fish and Game Commission website at www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/waterfowlregs.aspx#502d5D1.

The 20 to 30-inch black brants appear similar to the Canada goose but are smaller and shorter-necked, lacking the white cheek patch of the latter.

Black brants breed in coastal Alaska and the Canadian Arctic in summers, then spend winters along both coasts of the U.S., and as far south as Mexico.

They feed primarily on eelgrass and other marine plants, so seldom stray far from salt water. The greatest threat to the species is loss of winter habitat to development.

Again, the correct season dates for the Northern Brant Management Area are Nov. 7, 2011 through Dec. 6, 2011.

MasterPiece Arms Defender Pistol California Compliant

MasterPiece Arms

CARROLLTON, GA --(Ammoland.com)- MasterPiece Arms (MPA) Defender series of Pistols has been tested and has met with all of the State of California’s requirements on the sale and ownership of a single-shot pistol.

The California Edition Defender pistols include models for the top and side-cocking, 9mm and .45 ACP. MPA redesigned the Defender CA pistols in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Carrollton, Georgia to meet California pistol requirements for the weapon to be considered a single shot pistol.

This includes “single-shot only” capability, a permanent muzzle-break and zero round capacity “dummy” magazine. MPA’s magazine lock design renders the “dummy” magazine “non-detachable” under California law.

The California compliant Defender pistols meet all size and length requirements, as well. All pistols include a MasterPiece Arms case for the pistol and accessories and a lifetime warranty on every one of MasterPiece Arms Defender pistols.

For more information on MasterPiece Arms and any of their rifles or pistols, visit www.masterpiecearms.com

About MasterPiece Arms:
MasterPiece Arms, main offices located in Carrollton, Georgia, was founded in 1992 by Gary Poole and purchased in 2008 by Phil Cashin. MasterPiece Arms combines quality engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing to design and produce firearms, such as the re-innovated MAC 10 Defender Series. MasterPiece Arms is proud to offer one of the highest quality, subcompact, double action only pistols on the market while maintaining a very affordable price. MasterPiece Arms uses state of the art CNC machining, turning, laser cutting and bending in its manufacturing process. MPA puts more than a year and a half into engineering, testing and re-testing its weapons to provide customers with one of the most enjoyable guns available. With versatile uses such as protection, hunting, tactical or novelty interests, MPA products are one of a kind and backed by a lifetime warranty for original owners. Learn more MasterPiece Arms products at www.masterpiecearms.com, call 866.803.0000. MasterPiece Arms is now on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MasterPiece-Arms

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Help COHA defeat the following bills that threaten your firearms freedoms:

1) AB 809 (Feuer), legislation which would require a permanent registry of long guns – including all shotguns and rifles. Under AB 809, those who purchase, or even transfer a shotgun or rifle to a family member, will be required to permanently register that firearm by submitting their name, address, place of birth, phone number, occupation and sex to the CA Department of Justice.

“AB 809 will not help law enforcement agencies solve crime, but rather unnecessarily invade the privacy of law-abiding hunting and other sport-shooting enthusiasts,” stated Jason Rhine, Director of Advocacy for COHA.

2) SB 427 (De Leon) would redefine “handgun ammunition” to include many commonly used rifle rounds and allow for full implementation of AB 962 – an ammunition registration law passed in 2009, portions of which were recently ruled unconstitutional by the courts.

Under the provisions of AB 962, mail order and internet sales of handgun and some rifle ammunition would essentially be banned given that all transactions would have to be completed “face-to-face”. Additionally, sportsmen and women would be forced to submit personal information when buying commonly-used sporting ammunition, even though they had already undergone an extensive background check with the purchase or transfer of a firearm.

COHA has been actively working with our founding member, California Waterfowl, as well as the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Rifle Association and California Rifle and Pistol Association, to defeat these anti-gun bills.

“Sportsmen and gun owners need to make their voices heard before its too late by contacting the Governor and asking him to protect their rights,” said Rob Sexton U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Vice President of Government Affairs.

Please contact Governor Brown’s office immediately and ask that he veto AB 809 and SB 427. For the Governor’s contact information, click here.

About:
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the preservation of our hunting rights in California. COHA is a 501(c)4 Political Advocacy organization dedicated solely to influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policy decisions which promote wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage. For more information about COHA, visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

California Anti-Airgun Bill Defeated

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- California’s Senate Bill 798, sponsored by Sen. Kevin De Leon (D- Los Angeles), failed to make it out of the Assembly Committee on Public Safety and it has been defeated.

The bill, which would have threatened many sportsmen who use airguns, was changed a number of times throughout California’s legislative session.

Originally, the bill would have banned the sale of airguns, including BB and pellet guns used by sportsmen, unless the entire exterior surface of the gun was predominately colored white or bright red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, or purple, or was transparent. Essentially, airguns would have been required to be made to look like “toy” guns.

The most recent version of the bill did away with the “toy” coloring requirement for airguns, and instead would have repealed the state’s preemption law that prohibits local ordinances from regulating most airguns, like BB and pellet guns. Repealing this section of law would have opened the door for local municipalities in the state to set their own regulations or bans.

“If passed, Senate Bill 798 would have allowed each local government to enact its own set of regulations for airguns,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services. “One city could have required airguns to be bright pink while another could have banned them outright. Thankfully, sportsmen can rest a little easier knowing that this ridiculous idea has been put to rest for this session.”

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)-CRPA Executive Director and President’s Monthly Report for August 2011

Executive Director, John Fields and CRPA President, Tony Montanarella report on:

• Director’s Board Meeting
• Legislature: SB 819 and AB 144
• AR -15 Project
• Sportsmens Business Alliance
• CORONA 210 September 17-18
• CRPA’s Annual Gala

You can also leave us a message! Please call (714) 992-2772 and leave a brief message with your name and phone number, or you can contact us through our website at www.crpa.org.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation and we hope you have a safe and wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Sincerely,

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org