Crime & Safety

Police Prepare for Pro-Gun Demonstration

Hermosa Beach police Chief Greg Savelli discusses an upcoming South Bay Open Carry event, during which demonstrators will carry unloaded firearms while picking up trash.

Demonstrators seeking to promote their right to openly carry a gun will do just that as they clean up trash in Hermosa Beach on July 10.

Harley Green, founder of South Bay Open Carry and organizer of the event, informed police Chief Greg Savelli last week about the demonstration. A little-known California law permits residents to carry unloaded weapons so long as they are visible.

In the midst of the event planning, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Monday that city and state gun laws must not violate the Second Amendment. 

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Savelli explained in an interview how local law enforcement will prepare for the upcoming demonstration and how the city monitors gun control.

Hermosa Beach Patch: How are officers preparing for the South Bay Open Carry demonstration  July 10?

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Chief Greg Savelli: The organizers and our officers will meet prior to the event to determine how many will be attending and the route they plan to take.  The officers may conduct inspections to confirm the guns are unloaded. 

Patch: With the open carry law, how can an officer determine if someone carrying a gun is a law-abiding citizen?

Savelli: Most criminals do not wish to call attention to themselves, so they would not likely wear a weapon openly.  If they carry weapons, they are often concealed and that is illegal in itself.  Certain persons, such as felons or those deemed mentally ill, may be restricted from carrying a weapon.

Patch: Has gun control been much of an issue or concern in Hermosa Beach? 

Savelli: No, Hermosa Beach, like most cities, relies on federal and state laws that deal with the carrying of weapons. [Weapons are banned in] certain places, like within 1,000 feet of a school, or in federal, state or local government buildings or during open public meetings held by state, city or local governments.

The only local ordinance regulates and restricts possession of a firearm in the parklands of our city, which includes our greenbelt and the beach.  In regards to the recent ruling, these appear to be reasonable restrictions, which are allowed.  However, in light of the ruling, many legal experts are examining the issue for further clarification.  As that information becomes available, I will share it with the community.

Patch: What do you say to local families who are concerned about potential violence in the area if more residents practice open carry?

Savelli: I do not anticipate there being any violence related to this event.  When approached by this organization I recognized the majority of citizens are not aware it is legal to openly carry in public.

Frankly, I was not fully aware of the laws. Since that time, it has been my hope that the community becomes more informed through forums such as this.  Without this education, it is my belief that residents would call and make a report of a "man with a gun" and our officers would be dispatched not knowing the full circumstances.

When and if an officer approaches them while they are openly carrying a weapon, I recommend they immediately acknowledge their weapon is unloaded and that they will submit to verification if so desired.  This makes it clear from the start they are law-abiding members of the community and willing to comply with the law.  

There are conflicting reports as to whether openly carrying weapons (loaded, as in other states, or unloaded here in California) decreases or increases incidents of gun violence. It is our desire to monitor the advancement of this movement and any changes in the law to ensure the community keeps pace with the changes. 

By doing this, we hope this will minimize any potential violence.  

This discussion followed an exclusive interview with South Bay Open Carry founder Harley Green about his effort to educate the public about  the open carry law. Next up: A gun control advocate gives another perspective.


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