Politics & Government

Should Guns Be Allowed in San Mateo County Parks?

Guns have been outlawed in local parks for years and the NRA is not happy about it.

Firearms have long been illegal in 17 parks and recreation areas in San Mateo County. 

The law banning guns in the parks was appealed in 2011 by pro-gun groups that claimed the county did not have the authority to preempt state law. But in July, 2012, a San Mateo County Superior Court judge upheld the law. 

Last week, the State Court of Appeal agreed with the ruling, saying that it "clearly bears no resemblance” to broader laws in California.

“No one needs a gun in a park,” said Don Horsley, president of the Board of Supervisors and a former San Mateo County sheriff. "...Our parks are a refuge not only for wildlife, but for visitors. The presence of guns ramps up the chances of deadly accidents and no one should have to worry that just around the corner some hiker with a gun is going to mistake you for a mountain lion.”

Calguns Foundation and National Rifle Association have long argued that guns should be legal in San Mateo County parks. But local officials at all levels of the law have stood behind the policy.

“This is a big victory for local government agencies around the state who wish to use their local police power to restrict firearms,” said San Mateo County Chief Counsel John Beiers. “The country has seen that beating the NRA even post-Newtown is not easy, so we are very pleased with the outcome.”

Do you think guns should be allowed in parks? Do you feel safer without guns in parks? Tell us in the comments!


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