California city declares itself a 2nd Amendment Freedom City - East Bay Times

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San Clemente City Council members declared the city’s support for people’s right to bear arms, but stopped short of labeling the town a “sanctuary city” for the Second Amendment.

For a fourth time in two months, City Councilman Gene James brought a resolution up for the council’s consideration to make San Clemente a Second Amendment sanctuary city, joining the city of Needles which was the first in California to do so early last year. He delayed previous votes for various reasons.

• Councilman Gene James at a council meeting behind a plastic shield where they later voted to make San Clemente a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary City, June 1, 2021. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

• An overflow crowd in a separate room watches the San Clemente council meeting on a screen, June 1, 2021, as the council debates an ordinance to make San Clemente a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary City. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

• Councilman Gene James is congratulated by supporters after the an ordinance he introduced to make San Clemente O.C.’s first and the state’s second 2nd Amendment Sanctuary City passed, June 1, 2021. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

• Dawn Vogelgesang, a San Clemente resident for 22 years, congratulates Councilman Gene James after an ordinance he introduced to make San Clemente O.C.’s first and the state’s second 2nd Amendment Sanctuary City passed, June 1, 2021. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

• Jill Waton, a San Clemente homeowner for 36 years, spoke in favor of Councilman Gene James’ ordinance to make San Clemente a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary City, June 1, 2021. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

• Mayor Kathy Ward, left, listens to residents talk about an ordinance to make San Clemente a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary City, with Councilman Gene James and Councilman Chris Duncan, right, during a council meeting, June 1, 2021. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

• Barbara Helton, a 12-year resident of San Clemente, speaks out against an ordinance, June 1, 2021, to make San Clemente a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary City. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

This time on Tuesday, June 1, dozens packed the overflow area outside City Hall and nearly 40 people spoke for and against the idea – many becoming emotional.

After more than two hours of discussion, the City Council, in a 3-2 vote, passed a resolution supporting gun owners’ Constitutional rights to bear arms, but dropped the term sanctuary city.

Councilwoman Laura Ferguson joined Councilman Gene James, who wrote the resolution, and Councilman Steve Knoblock, who supported James’ effort,  in passing the non-binding resolution, which means it is a symbolic gesture and doesn’t change local laws.

“I’m a big supporter of the Second Amendment,” Ferguson said.

But in voicing her support, she said, “I have an issue with the word sanctuary, it created a lot of panic in the community.”

Knoblock also voiced concern about the “sanctuary” label.

“The phrase has been hijacked in the last few years,” he said, proposing using the words “Freedom City” instead.

He also asserted that there are threats to the Second Amendment.

“Anyone who says the Second Amendment is not under attack are deceiving themselves,” he said. “Totalitarian nations first disarm their populace.”

James changed the wording to: “The city of San Clemente is hereby declared a Second Amendment Freedom City and opposes any effort to eliminate or diminish the Second Amendment.”

In addition, the resolution is supportive of background checks and encourages all firearm owners to complete safety training and ensure guns are safely stored. It also calls for gun owners to teach their children firearm safety. The resolution will now be sent to the California State legislature and to the governor.

Public comments were split nearly equally with 19 people speaking against the resolution and 18 in support.

Those in opposition called the resolution divisive and said it would make the city a sanctuary for gun owners and not for families as the town’s founder, Ole Hanson, intended.

“This will not help businesses. Many have told me they will not come to San Clemente and will take their business elsewhere,” one long-time resident said, saying this wasn’t a local issue. “I’m saddened this is up for discussion. It’s an embarrassment. Let San Clemente be known for the city it is, our seaside charm and small-town values.”

Some in opposition wore orange to support National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Weekend to honor lives taken or forever changed by gun violence.

But others, including military veterans and non-military residents who identified themselves as gun owners, called for a need to show the Second Amendment support.

“I’ve watched California change and it isn’t for the better,” said a woman who identified herself as a 63-year resident and native Californian. “I wonder why these people are so afraid of guns. The criminal, the lawbreakers will not worry that we have strict gun laws and will use their guns freely.

“If someone opens fire, I’m praying to God there will be someone there with their God-given rights that will take the criminal down,” she said. “I hope we have the guts to show California that we appreciate our Constitution.”

James said he sees “our rights being eroded.”

“This is about the right to bear arms, which should not be infringed. The rule of law is being ignored,” he said.

James added that he was sorry about how divisive the topic had become, but added, “Sometimes by hitting arguments head-on, we come out on the other side understanding each other’s points.”

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