City Council — August 12, 2026

Goodland Guns Relocation and Zoning Concerns

• Public comment highlighted safety risks of locating a firearms retailer near schools and a preschool.
• Speakers criticized the lack of prior notification and the classification of the business as general retail.
• Council members acknowledged a regulatory gap and expressed support for reviewing local ordinances.
• The Mayor proposed commissioning a staff report to explore ordinance amendments and buffer zones.

Closed Session

• The Council recessed to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation threats.
• The session was convened pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(a) and 54956.9(i).
• No reportable action was taken during this session, with future deliberation scheduled for an open meeting.

Agenda Item: Special Closed Session Meeting Regarding Potential Litigation and Public Comment

Discussion and Proceedings

• The meeting convened as a special closed session on August 12, 2026. Prior to entering the closed session, the Council held an open session to receive public comment and provide Council remarks regarding the relocation of Goodland Guns to 7443 Hollister Avenue in the Elwood neighborhood.
• The City Attorney provided an overview of the Brown Act limitations, noting that while public comment was permitted, substantive discussion on those points could not occur during the open session. The City Attorney also clarified that any reportable action following the closed session would be limited to specific actions regarding litigation threats, with a future open session planned for broader deliberation and public participation.
• Public comment was received from multiple residents, business owners, and community members. Speakers expressed concerns regarding the placement of the firearms retailer adjacent to a preschool (Here We Grow Early Learning Center), an elementary school, and a Class 1 bike path used by students. Key points raised by the public included:
• The lack of public notification prior to the ministerial approval of the business license and zoning compliance.
• The classification of firearms retail as "general retail" under the Community Commercial Zoning Code, which speakers argued was inconsistent with the nature of the business and local safety ordinances.
• Safety concerns regarding the proximity of the store to children and the potential impact on the viability of the adjacent childcare facility.
• Requests for the Council to pause the development, form a working group, or adopt new ordinances establishing buffer zones around child-focused facilities.
• Concerns regarding the security implications of the location, citing a previous burglary at the business's former location.
• Following public comment, Council members provided remarks. The Mayor acknowledged the community's concerns and the emotional impact of the situation, citing past local tragedies. The Mayor stated an intention to request a staff report on how to amend the relevant ordinance to address the issue and proposed holding a future meeting to review the report and engage in further public dialogue.
• Other Council members echoed support for reviewing the ordinance and addressing the regulatory gap. They noted that while the process may have followed the letter of the law, the spirit of the law and community safety were compromised. Council members emphasized the need for leadership to recognize when a decision requires higher-level review, particularly regarding sensitive locations like schools and childcare centers. One Council member highlighted the distinction between state laws prohibiting firearms near K-12 schools and the specific carve-out for licensed gun stores, noting the need for local policy to address this gap. Another Council member discussed the broader question of appropriate locations for gun stores citywide, noting that the current location in Old Town also presents proximity issues with residential areas and community centers.

Motions, Decisions, and Vote Outcomes

• No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during the open session portion of the meeting. The Council did not take any reportable action during this session.
• The meeting concluded with the Council recessing to enter a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. The City Attorney confirmed that the closed session was convened pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(a) and 54956.9(i). It was stated that any reportable action would be limited to decisions regarding litigation threats, and a future open session agenda item would be scheduled to allow for a staff report, public comment, and full deliberation on the matter.