While it was simply a letter of support for a piece of federal legislation, the June 26, 2023, Culver City Council meeting saw a council united against assault weapons, and “to require the safe storage of firearms.”
City support for gun safety, which had been frequently cited by residents and supported by Culver 878, an organization working for gun safety in the community, had waited several months for a hearing. Having an item on the agenda during Gun Violence Awareness Month gave supporters an additional platform.
Megan Oddsen, speaking from the podium, pointed out that there had been “330 mass shootings, and 20,714 shootings of people between the ages of 12-17, and 20,800 gun deaths… and we are only halfway through the calendar year.”
Sarah McMahon, also a community member, offered her applause for all those wearing orange ribbons in support of gun safety, including all members of the council.
All council members were vocally in favor of the Bill. Council member Dan O’Brien spoke about growing up in North Idaho, where “I had my hunting license when I was 11. It was a very rigorous test… I know it’s harder in California, but I am in favor this being a national standard.”
Council member Eriksson concurred, noting that California already had very high standards, “but this should be a federal [requirement.]”
United States Senate Bill 173 includes background checks for all weapon sales.
Judith Martin-Straw
