Open Carry in Rural Northern California 2011 - Continued
May 21, 2011
As a coordinator, I fail. I PM'd a few here of my plans for this weekend and told them I would be in a particular place at a particular time so we could meet. The particular place was not open at the particular time I indicated. I also said that after I got my hot brewed caffinated beverage, that I would go to a second location- which wasn't where I intended it to be. So- all planning was out the window. I apologize if you were where I was not.
Today the 63rd annual Redding Rodeo parade was held, and I was in attendance while unloaded open carrying. In addition to my planning faux pas, I arrived a little late to park where I would have liked. I ended up parking about two blocks away and walked into the parade area. Streets were already lined with spectators and as I walked across California Street, an older couple obverved me- the man said "Nice gun..." I bid him good morning with no acknowledgement of his ham handed compliment.
On my way to my intended rendezvous two Redding Police officers mounted on dirt bikes passed me making no observation of my pistol. This was the first of a half dozen near misses with law enforcement at the parade. Seeing that the business I wanted to get coffee at was closed, I made a u-turn back to California Street where the parade was commencing. I heard a little boy ask his mother why there were people with a gun nearby. I didnt hear the mothers response. I winced at this internally, like a kid pretending to avoid the 'hot lava' they imagine as their fiery obstacle- though the object is normalization, it isnt thrown in anyone's face and I think its unfortunate that it would result in difficult questions for parents to answer.
I took up residence on the eastern sidewalk on California street and watched the mounted Marines, marching bands, baton twirlers and Shriner's in their sputtering Mini-Cars flow by (how can grown men wearing a Fez riding in go-karts NOT amuse you?). A female RPD officer on a bicycle rode by on the street near me- she would repeat this with various proximities another three times, never observing an armed individual in the crowd. Another officer on a dirt bike (it may have been one of the officers I saw earlier) passed on the opposite side of the street.
Spot the open carrier in this newspaper picture (Credit Record Searchlight/Julie Peters).
Nearing the end of the parade, a man came up to me and asked if I'd like some water and offered to get some for me. Spidey-senses were tingling. This was definately peculiar. I believe the man believed that because I was armed, that I was stationed there as some security or a police officer. I declined and he returned to his spouse. While I did not wholly hear the discussion between them, I think the wife indicated that I was not a 'cop'.
Four minutes later an RPD motor officer rolled up behind me from the parking lot and engaged me in voluntary contact. While he questioned the negative effects that may result in the practice of open carry, the officer never escalated the level of contact, never dismounted his motorcycle, did not engage any investigatory interrogation, did not demand identification or identity, did not ask if my pistol were loaded, did not request or demand to perform a 12031(e) check, and did not conduct a search of me or my pistol. (Score 10/10) I introduced myself and gave him my business card before our conversation was complete. Aside from meeting an outstanding officer, the net gain to this is that the people who had seen me with a pistol were able to also witness to a lawful gun owner interacting with law enforcement with no negative outcome. They now know what I was doing is not illegal.
After the parade concluded, I went to Lake Redding park where another event was being held. The 2nd annual "Cops and Rodders" was being held in part as a fundraiser for the Redding Police Depts K9 unit. I arrived there about the same time Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko did. Also present were officers with the CHP as well as a number of Redding Police, both sworn and community service officers.
I went to concessions immediately and I ate lunch in the shade. I took a look at a few of the cars and sat to wait for Centex to arrive. When he arrived we talked for a bit when we were approached by two CSO's selling raffle tickets. I bought two- and one of them asked me if I were a deputy. I indicated that I was not. They gave me my ticket stubs and left without any comment. Centex and I meandered through and looked at all the old steel and passed within about 6 feet of Sheriff Bosenko. We later passed Redding Police Chief Peter Hansen as well as other uniformed officers. No contact was made by anyone. Bystanders must have assumed that I was an officer, while the law enforcement present either did not care or did not observe that someone was armed in their presence.
In all, it was a pretty good excursion. However, I did find that the batteries in my digital recorder were completely exhasuted after 3 hours and 51 minutes of recording. This would have done me no good if there were a confrontational encounter with police.
look for a "Free State" !