On October 26, 2022 Redwood City passed an “urgency ordinance” that bans all firearm and ammunition stores in the city. This makes it more difficult for all Redwood City citizens to conveniently obtain firearms and ammunition. They will need to go outside the city to make their purchases.
Not that they can already do that as, according to the City Council of Redwood City, “there are no known firearm retailers currently located in Redwood City”. However the council noted “recent inquiries have been made regarding new retail firearm establishments”. Their action is a flagrant abuse of power to make sure no firearms dealers can set up shop in their city.
Up to this point, applications for retail businesses in any Commercial and Mixed-Use Zoning District are granted without any staff or council review. The city’s excuse for increased “safety” is:
“Many of the Commercial and Mixed-Use Zoning Districts in Redwood City are in close proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, child day care facilities, places of public worship, places of assembly, community centers, parks, and libraries.”
Studies show the presence of firearm retailers does not increase crime by criminals using firearms. And even gun shows do not increase crime in their neighborhood. This was proved in testimony prior to the Cow Palace gun shows being banned.
Please note that the urgency ordinance firearm retailer ban is good for 45 days. After that, the city can extend the ban for up to two years!
According to the city “Staff anticipate requesting a time extension of the moratorium at the Nov. 28, 2022 City Council meeting in order to conduct research, obtain community input, and review potential zoning changes with the Planning Commission.”
We need to impress upon the Redwood City Council that the inclusion of firearm and ammunition retailers in the city will not put its residents in danger. Call, write and email now! Show up at the City Council meeting on November 28th!
To Attend in Person:
Members of the public will be able to attend City Council meetings in-person at the Council Chamber in City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road. Seating capacity will be limited and maintained at a social distance to protect health and safety. Masks will be strongly encouraged for all in-person attendees.
For public comment, members of the public will be asked to complete a speaker card and when the Mayor calls for public comment, speakers will be called to the podium to give their comments. In-person speakers will be called first, followed by any virtual attendees wishing to give public comment.
Write to the City Council at: City Council, c/o City Clerk, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063. Phone: (650) 780-7220. Email: [email protected]
Call and email the City Council members directly:
Giselle Hale, Mayor – Phone: (650) 275-4253 E-mail: [email protected]
Diana Reddy, Vice Mayor – Phone: (650) 275-4253 E-mail: [email protected]
Alicia C. Aguirre - District 7 – Phone: (650) 306-3222 E-mail: [email protected]
Lissette Espinoza-Garnica - District 3 – Phone: (650) 549-4938 E-mail: [email protected]
Jeff Gee - District 1 – Phone: (650) 483-7412 E-mail: [email protected]
Diane Howard – Phone: (650) 208-4774 E-mail: [email protected]
Elmer Martinez Saballos - District 4 – Phone: (650) 701-4344 E-mail: [email protected]
Some of these members have terms that expire at the end of November, so call now before they vote on the 28th!
Redwood City City Council: https://www.redwoodcity.org/city-hall/city-council/members
City Council Meetings and Agendas: https://www.redwoodcity.org/city-hall/city-council/city-council-meetings-agendas-and-minutes