CLEARLAKE— Lake County Republican Women Federated started 2019 with a full house to hear retired Judge Richard Martin and Don Jones, Chief Range Safety Officer and Chair Person of the Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) program at Ukiah Rifle and Pistol Club, speak about guns, gun control and safe handling of guns.
The luncheon meeting took place on Feb. 13 at Howard’s Grotto in Clearlake.
Martin began by saying that there are a lot of bad things going on in the world and lead into a discussion of restraining orders, battery, new gun laws, ammunition and background checks. Other important subjects were: How does one buy or sell a gun? How many permits and taxes are placed on purchases of guns and ammunition? Can guns and ammo be carried across state lines?
Martin explained that first degree robbery is punishable by three to six years imprisonment. If a robbery includes conspiracy and takes place in a home or other inhabited dwelling, it can be punishable by three, six or nine years imprisonment. Second degree robbery is punishable by two, three or five years imprisonment.
According to Martin, defending oneself at home is becoming an even greater problem. When confronted with all of the rules and regulations for buying a gun and required ammunition, plus locking guns ‘safely’ in storage cabinets, how, when awakened by a burglar in the middle of the night, can a person possibly defend oneself? There are many rules regarding how the innocent person can defend him or her self against an intruder. Can you just run out of danger? In some liberal states one is to run out of danger before firing back.
Specifically, Martin emphasized crime needs to be addressed. Laws have changed. He stated that robbery and killing are serious crimes because of over-crowded state prisons and California’s early release program and moving inmates from state prisons to county jails is causing problems throughout the state. An example of what is happening is that someone sentenced to six years will be out in three years roaming around in the community again.
A law passed in California that took effect on Jan. 1, 2018, removed the mandatory prison time for using a gun during a crime. Supporters of the new law say it is a major step in making California’s justice system more equal and fair.
What was heard from Martin was a wake-up call for all to study the issue and learn the rules and follow the legislation that many people feel is slowly taking away the lawful rights of citizens to use guns to protect themselves and families.
Martin noted that we are to remember that criminals don’t buy guns, criminals steal guns.
Don Jones stepped forward to discuss the use and safe handling of guns as well as where one might go to receive instruction. As an instructor on the subject for 18 years, Jones has a depth of knowledge.
Both speakers agreed on the following four rules: (1) Always assume a gun is loaded; (2) Never point a gun at anyone or anything you aren’t willing to shoot; (3) Always be sure of your target, and what’s behind it; (4) Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
Jones also shared a quote from the National Rifle Association: “A gun is a tool. The trigger is your brain.”
Jones described the activities of the Ukiah Rifle and Pistol Club – Firearm Classes include CCW Program, NRA and Hunters Education classes. Shooting Disciplines range from Trap to Archery. Knowledge and safety are paramount in the handling of firearms. To reach Jones regarding CCW and other programs at the range phone 707-462-0424.
Jones also explained The Well Armed Woman Chapter located at the range. It is a member of a non-profit organization that organizes local groups of women around the country that meet monthly to practice, learn and grow as shooters. It creates opportunities for women to be introduced to issues important to women shooters, learn safe gun handling skills and train together. There are over 335 chapters well over 10,000 members strong. To learn more about this organization, contact Cheryl Trapani at 707-479-8377 or Email: TWAWwinecountry@ gmail.com.
