To: firearms-alert@shell.portal.com
Subject: CA:  CRPA TO SUE WEST HOLLYWOOD!!
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 13:53:10 PST
From: John Walker <jwalker@ISI.EDU>

Here is a press release from the California Rifle & Pistol Association
(CRPA) with respect to legal action concerning the recently passed
West Hollywood "Saturday Night Special" ban.

Enjoy.
John W.

********************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE				For Further Information
					  Contact CRPA Public Relations
January 18, 1996			  Bob Grego (800) 305-CRPA

			CRPA TO SUE WEST HOLLYWOOD

Fullerton -- The California Rifle and Pistol Association announced
today it will file another suit against the city of West Hollywood,
California, for passing a ban on the sale of so-called "Saturday Night
Special" handguns, which by their definition, will include
high-price/quality models of handguns such as Smith & Wesson, Colt,
Sig Sauer, Glock, Berretta, etc.

"The passage of West Hollywood's Gun Ban is a blatant violation of
state law," said James H. Erdman, Executive Director of CRPA.
"Additionally, this ordinance is discriminatory and infringes on
law-abiding citizens' rights to self protection."

"Californians should beware of local governments passing restrictive
firearms laws, which have proven to be ineffective across the
country," Erdman warned.  "Washington, D.C. tops the list of major
U.S. cities with the most restrictive laws, and the highest rate of
violent crime."

"Attorney General Dan Lungren should move to invalidate the
ordinance," said Mr. Erdman.  He added, "As California's chief law
officer he knows that West Hollywood's ban is not only bad public
policy but it also violates the state preemption over local ordinances
restricting firearms."

"Since the Attorney General must review all handgun purchase
applications," said Erdman, "the city is in the novel position of
imposing the burden of enforcement on an elected official of the
state.  The city is simply not the taskmaster of Attorney General
Lungren."

West Hollywood's ordinance is similar to a 1982 attempt by the city of
San Francisco to ban handguns.  The California Court of Appeals
overturned the ordinance on a 3-0 vote and the Supreme Court refused
to consider an appeal by the city.  "Implementation of the ordinance
could cost West Hollywood an enormous amount in legal fees," concluded
Erdman.

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