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California Bans Carrying Guns Openly in Public

Frequent sight of guns was scaring people: police

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 10, 2011 12:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill banning the open carrying of handguns in public, he announced today. Police had opposed existing rules allowing Californians to carry unloaded guns openly, saying the practice scared onlookers, Politico reports. "As law enforcement officials tell me, it’s not safe and someone is going to get hurt," said the assemblyman who introduced the bill. Added Brown: "I listened to the California police chiefs."

"California families will now be able to take their families to the park or out to eat without the worry of getting shot by some untrained, unscreened, self-appointed vigilante," a Brady Campaign activist tells the Los Angeles Times. The measure is one of many bills that Brown has addressed in recent days—including California's DREAM Act and one that bars minors from using tanning beds. He signed bills requiring health insurers to cover autism and giving kids 12 and up the right to get anti-STD health care without their parents' consent; but Brown vetoed a bill to legalize industrial hemp production in four counties. The Times has more.

In this photo taken Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, Gov. Jerry Brown, left, looks over a measure while going over legislation approved by the lawmakers in the closing days of this year's legislative session.
In this photo taken Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, Gov. Jerry Brown, left, looks over a measure while going over legislation approved by the lawmakers in the closing days of this year's legislative session.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Gov. Jerry Brown speaks during a Capitol news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011.
Gov. Jerry Brown speaks during a Capitol news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 112 comments
witchymare
Nov 3, 2011 12:26 PM CDT
As a horsewoman and hiker this gun law upsets me. We always carry side arms while horseback riding and or hiking in the mountains and deserts of California. In the past we have had issues with druggies and have come upon meth labs and other illegal activities. The fact we had side arms helped us as the criminals did not want any problems and we just rode the other way. We have never had to pull out our weapons, just the fact that they could be seen was enough to keep things peaceful. Gov Brown and others who want this law do not live in the real world. This law applies to everyone who is outdoors in California not just families taking their kids to local parks. What police force do I call to help me when im in the mountains and come accross a criminal we evil intentions?
serious
Oct 11, 2011 6:36 AM CDT
I do live in California.  In day to day living, a citizen gun is not necessary.  But I live in a Southern California beach city not Los Angeles or the Inland Empire.  My daughter lives in Los Angeles.  I wish she carried a gun. 
JohnQT
Oct 10, 2011 8:42 PM CDT
"right to get anti-STD health care without their parents' consent"  Also this is worrisome..so he says ban guns in public but we can stick needles in your kids without your consent..what a douche..glad I don't live in California

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