Santa Barbara County gun shop moratorium

Dear Councilmember Gutierrez, On September 1, 2026, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to impose a 45-day moratorium on new gun shop planning permits. They directed county planners to draft an ordinance banning gun shops within 1,000 feet of schools and other sensitive areas. This decision was made in response to community concerns about the relocation of Goodland Guns near a preschool and daycare center. The proposed ordinance considers evidence-based regulations and community input to balance public safety with constitutional rights. As a resident of Santa Barbara who pays taxes here, I support these efforts to ensure that our children and families are safe from potential dangers associated with gun shops too close to schools. It's essential that we prioritize the safety of our community's most vulnerable members, especially young children. The proposed ordinance reflects the community's desire for a safer environment. What is your position on this specific ordinance? Will you support the efforts to ensure gun shops are not permitted near schools and daycare centers in our community?