City Likely to Delay Regulating Cheap Guns, Await State Action

A controversial proposal to regulate “Saturday night special” handguns within city limits probably will be shelved by the City Council tonight.

A council majority favors waiting for the state Legislature to act before considering a local ban.

“At this point, my feeling would be to punt,” Councilwoman Marcia Rudolph said. “It’s not that we’re backing out. . . . I just don’t see much hazard in waiting three to six months to see how this comes out” in the Legislature.

Lake Forest looked into a ban earlier this year in reaction to a West Hollywood ordinance against cheap handguns passed in 1996.

An earlier council meeting brought out organizations on both sides of the issue.

Mary Blek, a Mission Viejo resident whose son was killed in New York City by a street-bought handgun, expressed disappointment that Lake Forest probably won’t act on a handgun-control ordinance tonight.

‘I understand, but I’m still sorry that Lake Forest won’t be part of the solution at this time,” said Blek, who with her husband founded Orange County Citizens for Prevention of Gun Violence.

There are currently seven bills before legislators to ban or restrict Saturday night specials.

In addition, Lake Forest officials want to monitor the progress of a lawsuit against West Hollywood.

West Hollywood, which was taken to court by the National Rifle Assn. and Fullerton-based California Rifle and Pistol Rifle Assn., won the initial court battle. Chuck Michel, an attorney for the Orange County group, said it is appealing the court’s decision.

‘I think it makes sense for [Lake Forest] to hold off” on a proposed gun ban, said Michel.

There are no gun stores in Lake Forest, although 16 registered gun dealers live in the city.