Los Gatos residents debate town gun sales

Critics, supporters clash at hearing over sports shop

LOS GATOS — Hundreds of people turned out for a public hearing Monday night over gun sales at Templar Sports.

Before the hearing, opponents held a candlelight vigil at the civic center, with Templar supporters gathered on the other side of the civic center to hand out bright orange cards showing their support.

“The opening of Templar Sports, a gun shop, has created a huge division in our town,” Los Gatos resident Cynthia Schneider, 27, said. “It has brought fear and shame to our community. Most alarming, many of our children, teachers and principals are extremely distressed about this decision and are too afraid to be heard.”

Schneider called for an “independent investigation” into the permitting process for Templar and asked that a moratorium on its gun sales be instituted until an investigation is completed.

Town manager Greg Larson said Templar first approached the town on June 21, 2012, about obtaining a business license for a sporting goods, retail and repair shop at 611 University Ave. He did not say when town staff learned that retail sales would include gun sales, saying only that town staff believes it does not have the authority to prohibit gun sales.

While the vast majority of the people who spoke at the hearing were Los Gatos residents, out- of- towners spoke as well, including Benjamin Cogan from San Jose.

“The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed,” said Cogan, citing the U. S. Constitution. “It’s a freedom just like the freedom of speech that you’ve allowed me today.”

A lengthy exchange between Vice Mayor Steve Leonardis and Templar coowner Robert Chang also took place, with Leonardis asking Chang to identify a Los Gatos police offi cer and a local businessman who are also co- owners of the store.

“Who are those individuals, for the record?” Leonardis asked.

Citing the safety of the other owners, Chang said, “We are more than happy to meet with you and disclose the identities of the other owners outside of the public.”

The public hearing was continued to Feb. 11 at 7 p. m. at the council chamber at 110 E. Main St.