City Council Approves Two Gun-Control Resolutions

The Calabasas City Council has voted to support two gun-control resolutions: to support the Fix Gun Checks Act and the reinstatement of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.

At the council's meeting Wednesday night, Mayor Mary Sue Maurer and Mayor Pro Tem Fred Gaines introduced both resolutions to support the 800-member Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition. 

Under the Fix Gun Checks Act, a background check would be required for every gun sale. In addition, all criminals and other "dangerous individuals" who are prohibited from buying a gun will be listed in the national instant criminal background check system. 

The mayors' coalition is also pushing to keep military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines off the streets and out of schools.

"This act closes the loophole of when you get background checks ... under this act, everyone's background wlll get checked," Gaines said. "It also closes the loophole on who's on the list, as some states don't report on a regular basis."

"It's common-sense legislation," Maurer said. "Who can argue against this?"

The council also voted to support the reinstatement of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban proposed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

The ban has already earned the support of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as well as the 80-plus mayors in Los Angeles County, according to Maurer.

Gaines said he supports reinstating the ban, which expired in 2004 after 10 years, because he has heard "no good arguments on why citizens need these assault weapons."

Councilman James Bozajian voted against supporting the ban, saying, "the resolution has no nexus to the city."

If reinstated, the ban would stop the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of assault weappons as well as magazines, strips and drums that hold more than 10 rounds.