August 7th, Redondo Pier Open Holster Carry
http://www.southbayopencarry.org/2010/07/27/august-7th-redondo-pier-open-carry/
UPDATE – Open Holster Only
The city of Redondo Beach has informed us that they will be considering the pier to be park land. This means that carrying firearms on the pier outside of commercial areas is prohibited. For this event please plan on bringing your empty holster in lieu of this recent change of events. We will still be spreading our message and with even more purpose. Looking at recent crime reports, since the passage of their ordinance banning firearms in parks aggravated assault instances have dramatically increased, despite overall crime decreasing. Clearly gun control does nothing but make victims out of innocent civilians by stripping them of their right to defend themselves in public.
It is sad that the city could not provide a simple answer to this question weeks ago when first asked. They have changed their position this week from stating the pier is not a park, to claiming that it is a park. Looks like not all cities’ police departments can be as professional and responsible as Hermosa Beach’s!
Despite the cities claim that it is park land there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary, I will provide it here for your own purposes and the record:
1) The police departments crime website does not list the pier as a park:
http://www.southbayopencarry.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/redondopierpdreport.pdf
2) The park and rec page does not list the pier as a park:
http://www.redondo.org/depts/public_works/parks/default.asp
3) The Redondo zoning map lists the pier as commercial, not park:
http://www.southbayopencarry.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/redondo-zoning.pdf
4) If the pier was a park why do they have duplicate municipal codes banning dogs and skateboarding, if it was a park the park codes would apply:
http://www.qcode.us/codes/redondobeach/view.php?topic=12-2&showAll=1&frames=on
5) Their own municipal code clearly defines the pier as a commercial business district:
http://www.qcode.us/codes/redondobeach/view.php?topic=5-2-3&showAll=1&frames=on
6) The police (Lt. Wrightsman) admit that open carry in commercial space is not prohibited:
“Therefore, carrying a firearm on the Pier (other than on commercial space and in parking space) would be a violation of Redondo Beach Municipal Code Section 4-35.20(a). ”
7) John, in an email I have, from Redondo Recreation & Community Services is not aware of the pier being a park:
“Not that I am aware –John”
8 ) Verbal statements from city attorneys stating that the pier is not considered a park, witnesses willing to provide sworn affidavits.
9) Cities can not preempt California State law. State law does not prohibit open carrying in municipal parks even if the pier really is a park.
10) Many believe the McDonald USC decision affirms citizens rights to bear arms in public, overturning any local and state restrictions.