Source: Sacramento Bee [follow link for complete article]
Shuttered gun range in south Sacramento park leaked toxic lead dust
A note taped to a side door of the James G. Mangan Rifle and Pistol Range in south Sacramento tells only a small part of the story.
The city-owned gun range in Mangan Park, on 34th Avenue near Freeport Boulevard, shut down more than 15 months ago, and a “temporarily closed” note on the door is the only notice neighboring residents and park users received.
The city closed the indoor range because it was polluted by hazardous levels of lead dust after decades of operation. But it has never cleaned that toxic dust from the interior of the shuttered range, nor from the roof, according to interviews and internal city documents. Environmental scientists specializing in lead contamination say the tainted particles that remained should have been cleaned long ago, and may pose an environmental hazard for park users and residents in the surrounding neighborhood.
The scientists interviewed by The Sacramento Bee said soil in the surrounding park and neighborhood should have been tested at the time the facility closed, to see if the toxic particles had spread through wind and rain. The city failed to do any soil testing until April 1, after The Bee began asking questions for this story...
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
CAMPUS SAFETY MAGAZINE: With Concealed Carry Laws, Operational Uncertainties Confuse School Administrators
Source: Campus Safety Magazine [follow link for complete article]
With Concealed Carry Laws, Operational Uncertainties Confuse School Administrators
By Brian Armes · December 29, 2014
This former principal describes the questions and concerns he and other K-12 officials would have should a person who is not in law enforcement legally bring a gun onto school property.
With Concealed Carry Laws, Operational Uncertainties Confuse School Administrators
By Brian Armes · December 29, 2014
This former principal describes the questions and concerns he and other K-12 officials would have should a person who is not in law enforcement legally bring a gun onto school property.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH: Mental Illness, Mass Shootings, and the Politics of American Firearms
Source: American Journal of Public Health
Mental Illness, Mass Shootings, and the Politics of American Firearms
Jonathan M. Metzl, MD, PhD, and Kenneth T. MacLeish, PhD
Jonathan M. Metzl is with the Center for Medicine, Health, and Society and the Departments of Sociology and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Kenneth T. MacLeish is with the Center for Medicine, Health, and Society and the Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University.
Contributors
Both authors conceptualized and designed the analysis and wrote and edited the article.
ABSTRACT
Four assumptions frequently arise in the aftermath of mass shootings in the United States: (1) that mental illness causes gun violence, (2) that psychiatric diagnosis can predict gun crime, (3) that shootings represent the deranged acts of mentally ill loners, and (4) that gun control “won’t prevent” another Newtown (Connecticut school mass shooting). Each of these statements is certainly true in particular instances. Yet, as we show, notions of mental illness that emerge in relation to mass shootings frequently reflect larger cultural stereotypes and anxieties about matters such as race/ethnicity, social class, and politics. These issues become obscured when mass shootings come to stand in for all gun crime, and when “mentally ill” ceases to be a medical designation and becomes a sign of violent threat.
A .pdf format of the article is available here.
Mental Illness, Mass Shootings, and the Politics of American Firearms
Jonathan M. Metzl, MD, PhD, and Kenneth T. MacLeish, PhD
Jonathan M. Metzl is with the Center for Medicine, Health, and Society and the Departments of Sociology and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Kenneth T. MacLeish is with the Center for Medicine, Health, and Society and the Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University.
Contributors
Both authors conceptualized and designed the analysis and wrote and edited the article.
ABSTRACT
Four assumptions frequently arise in the aftermath of mass shootings in the United States: (1) that mental illness causes gun violence, (2) that psychiatric diagnosis can predict gun crime, (3) that shootings represent the deranged acts of mentally ill loners, and (4) that gun control “won’t prevent” another Newtown (Connecticut school mass shooting). Each of these statements is certainly true in particular instances. Yet, as we show, notions of mental illness that emerge in relation to mass shootings frequently reflect larger cultural stereotypes and anxieties about matters such as race/ethnicity, social class, and politics. These issues become obscured when mass shootings come to stand in for all gun crime, and when “mentally ill” ceases to be a medical designation and becomes a sign of violent threat.
A .pdf format of the article is available here.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
PBS - PLEASE WATCH "Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA" on Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Source: PBS
FRONTLINE investigates the politics and power of the NRA.
In Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA, FRONTLINE goes inside the politics of America's gun debate. Veteran FRONTLINE filmmaker Michael Kirk investigates the NRA, its political evolution and influence, and how it has consistently succeeded in defeating new gun control legislation.
Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA
How the NRA became a powerful lobbying force. Included: remarks from individuals on both sides of the gun-control debate, including former NRA spokesman John Aquilino; Vice President Joe Biden; and former NRA executive vice president Warren Cassidy.
In the Sacramento, CA area, this program airs on KVIE at 9pm.
Source: PBS
FRONTLINE investigates the politics and power of the NRA.
In Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA, FRONTLINE goes inside the politics of America's gun debate. Veteran FRONTLINE filmmaker Michael Kirk investigates the NRA, its political evolution and influence, and how it has consistently succeeded in defeating new gun control legislation.
Gunned Down: The Power of the NRA
How the NRA became a powerful lobbying force. Included: remarks from individuals on both sides of the gun-control debate, including former NRA spokesman John Aquilino; Vice President Joe Biden; and former NRA executive vice president Warren Cassidy.
In the Sacramento, CA area, this program airs on KVIE at 9pm.
Source: PBS
Thursday, November 27, 2014
CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA - SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA ITEM FOR DECEMBER 1, 2014
The City of Rancho Cordova posted a Facebook announcement for their next City Council meeting on Monday, December 1, 2014 and provided a link for the agenda.
I followed the link and discovered in reading the agenda for their SPECIAL MEETING (a CLOSED session held prior to the REGULAR meeting) included this item:
SPECIAL MEETING ITEM
3.1 Subject: Upcoming Zoning Code Amendments – Process and Schedule Overview.
Recommendation: Consider the project information and provide direction relative to public outreach as appropriate.
Result of Recommended Action: Staff is in the process of preparing various amendments to the Zoning Code that will clarify and enhance the standards and procedures within the Zoning Code, consistent with the scope of work presented herein. This discussion will provide Council direction on the appropriate level of public outreach and Council Study Sessions to be conducted within this update process. Council. The Zoning Code Amendments are anticipated to be presented for Council action in Spring 2015.
Staff Report: Jessica Jordan, Principal Planner.
Advances Goals: 1, 2, 6.
There were TWO links to .pdf documents providing additional information for this SPECIAL MEETING ITEM, and they are:
http://ccmeetings.cityofranchocordova.org/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=87677
This one includes:
"There are three major policy areas within the Zoning Code update that would benefit from public input and staff is requesting Council direction of the best approach and level of involvement for these topic areas. These topics include:
· Regulation of gun-related uses (zones where gun related uses should be allowed, indoor versus outdoor ranges, retail sales of guns and ammunition)
· Brewery, winery, distillery, brew pub (clarify and streamline review process, distinguish between tasting rooms and bars/nightclubs)
· Mixed Use Zoning (primary focus on how and when residential should be allowed in office and commercial mixed use zones)"
WHAT YOU - OUR RANCHO CORDOVA PARENTS/NEIGHBORS/FRIENDS CAN DO!
Please, please, please write letters and/or e-mails to the Rancho Cordova City Council and ASK them to include in their Zoning Codes amendments that ANY indoor or outdoor shooting range, and/or retail gun store, should be PROHIBITED from opening within 1,000 FEET of any school.
In addition, that neighborhoods, specifically like the neighborhood of Routier RD between Old Placerville Rd and Folsom Blvd, should be re-evaluated on their zoning code status as OIMU (Office Industrial Mixed Use), which is a carry-over from the Sacramento County Zoning Codes that the City of Rancho Cordova adopted when they incorporated as a City in 2003, and have NOT been updated to reflect the true character/nature of what the neighborhood exists as NOW.
Here is the list of Rancho Cordova City Council members AND their e-mail addresses:
- Mayor Dan Skoglund - e-mail: dskoglund@cityofranchocordova.org
- Vice Mayor Robert McGarvey - e-mail: rmcgarvey@cityofranchocordova.org
- City Council Member Donald Terry - e-mail to: dterry@cityofranchocordova.org
- City Council Member Linda Budge - e-mail to: lbudge@cityofranchocordova.org
- City Council Member David Sander - e-mail to: dsander@cityofranchocordova.org
I would also include:
- City Manager Brian Nakamura - e-mail: bnakamura@cityofranchocordova.org
- Planning Director Paul Junker - e-mail: pjunker@cityofranchocordova.org
The snail mail address for the City of Rancho Cordova is:
2729 Prospect Park Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
The phone number for the City of Rancho Cordova is: 916-851-8700
The second link provides the long range planning for this process, which includes a Pubic Review scheduled for March 2015.
http://ccmeetings.cityofranchocordova.org/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=87676
I'm thinking START our letters now to the City of Rancho Cordova - let them know the strength of OUR interest and our resolve.
Thank YOU so much. We'll update and/or provide additional information as it becomes available.
I followed the link and discovered in reading the agenda for their SPECIAL MEETING (a CLOSED session held prior to the REGULAR meeting) included this item:
SPECIAL MEETING ITEM
3.1 Subject: Upcoming Zoning Code Amendments – Process and Schedule Overview.
Recommendation: Consider the project information and provide direction relative to public outreach as appropriate.
Result of Recommended Action: Staff is in the process of preparing various amendments to the Zoning Code that will clarify and enhance the standards and procedures within the Zoning Code, consistent with the scope of work presented herein. This discussion will provide Council direction on the appropriate level of public outreach and Council Study Sessions to be conducted within this update process. Council. The Zoning Code Amendments are anticipated to be presented for Council action in Spring 2015.
Staff Report: Jessica Jordan, Principal Planner.
Advances Goals: 1, 2, 6.
There were TWO links to .pdf documents providing additional information for this SPECIAL MEETING ITEM, and they are:
http://ccmeetings.cityofranchocordova.org/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=87677
This one includes:
"There are three major policy areas within the Zoning Code update that would benefit from public input and staff is requesting Council direction of the best approach and level of involvement for these topic areas. These topics include:
· Regulation of gun-related uses (zones where gun related uses should be allowed, indoor versus outdoor ranges, retail sales of guns and ammunition)
· Brewery, winery, distillery, brew pub (clarify and streamline review process, distinguish between tasting rooms and bars/nightclubs)
· Mixed Use Zoning (primary focus on how and when residential should be allowed in office and commercial mixed use zones)"
WHAT YOU - OUR RANCHO CORDOVA PARENTS/NEIGHBORS/FRIENDS CAN DO!
Please, please, please write letters and/or e-mails to the Rancho Cordova City Council and ASK them to include in their Zoning Codes amendments that ANY indoor or outdoor shooting range, and/or retail gun store, should be PROHIBITED from opening within 1,000 FEET of any school.
In addition, that neighborhoods, specifically like the neighborhood of Routier RD between Old Placerville Rd and Folsom Blvd, should be re-evaluated on their zoning code status as OIMU (Office Industrial Mixed Use), which is a carry-over from the Sacramento County Zoning Codes that the City of Rancho Cordova adopted when they incorporated as a City in 2003, and have NOT been updated to reflect the true character/nature of what the neighborhood exists as NOW.
Here is the list of Rancho Cordova City Council members AND their e-mail addresses:
- Mayor Dan Skoglund - e-mail: dskoglund@cityofranchocordova.org
- Vice Mayor Robert McGarvey - e-mail: rmcgarvey@cityofranchocordova.org
- City Council Member Donald Terry - e-mail to: dterry@cityofranchocordova.org
- City Council Member Linda Budge - e-mail to: lbudge@cityofranchocordova.org
- City Council Member David Sander - e-mail to: dsander@cityofranchocordova.org
I would also include:
- City Manager Brian Nakamura - e-mail: bnakamura@cityofranchocordova.org
- Planning Director Paul Junker - e-mail: pjunker@cityofranchocordova.org
The snail mail address for the City of Rancho Cordova is:
2729 Prospect Park Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
The phone number for the City of Rancho Cordova is: 916-851-8700
The second link provides the long range planning for this process, which includes a Pubic Review scheduled for March 2015.
http://ccmeetings.cityofranchocordova.org/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=87676
I'm thinking START our letters now to the City of Rancho Cordova - let them know the strength of OUR interest and our resolve.
Thank YOU so much. We'll update and/or provide additional information as it becomes available.
Friday, November 14, 2014
SACRAMENTO KCRA NEWS: Owner claims she is being targeted by city of Rancho Cordova
Source: KCRA [Follow link for complete article.]
SACRAMENTO GUN CLUB MENTIONED IN ARTICLE
Owner claims she is being targeted by city of Rancho Cordova
City places moratorium on alcohol-serving businesses next to strip club
By Claire Doan Published 11:04 PM PST Nov 13, 2014
[Please follow link for complete article. I'm posting the pertinent paragraphs here.]
"... "When we welcome new businesses to Rancho Cordova, our goal is to be business friendly, but to also continue to protect the local community and our residents," said Ashley Downton, the communications specialist for Rancho Cordova.
However, the controversial Sacramento Gun Club that is slated to open soon in the city, did not trigger such a moratorium.
"At the City Council meetings in which we had public hearings, we did not have a large turnout in relation to the (restaurant)," Downton said.
KCRA 3 asked why the gun club did not trigger any motion by the City Council.
"That would actually be a legal question for the city attorney’s office," Downton said...
Source: KCRA [Follow link for complete article.]
Or click here for a video of the interview.
SACRAMENTO GUN CLUB MENTIONED IN ARTICLE
Owner claims she is being targeted by city of Rancho Cordova
City places moratorium on alcohol-serving businesses next to strip club
By Claire Doan Published 11:04 PM PST Nov 13, 2014
[Please follow link for complete article. I'm posting the pertinent paragraphs here.]
"... "When we welcome new businesses to Rancho Cordova, our goal is to be business friendly, but to also continue to protect the local community and our residents," said Ashley Downton, the communications specialist for Rancho Cordova.
However, the controversial Sacramento Gun Club that is slated to open soon in the city, did not trigger such a moratorium.
"At the City Council meetings in which we had public hearings, we did not have a large turnout in relation to the (restaurant)," Downton said.
KCRA 3 asked why the gun club did not trigger any motion by the City Council.
"That would actually be a legal question for the city attorney’s office," Downton said...
Source: KCRA [Follow link for complete article.]
Or click here for a video of the interview.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
SEATTLE TIMES INVESTIGATION: PART THREE - CHILDREN EXPOSED TO LEAD
Source: Seattle Times [Please follow link to read complete article]
Young shooters at risk
At a shooting club in Vancouver, Wash., 20 youngsters tested positive for lead overexposure. ‘We would get lead on our hands and eat finger food,’ one teenager recalls.
By Christine Willmsen and Lewis Kamb Oct. 20, 2014
The youngsters knew their sport could be dangerous, even deadly.
But for the junior team at the Vancouver (Wash.) Rifle and Pistol Club, the peril that emerged from their sport didn’t come from a stray bullet.
It came from lead.
In 2010, blood tests revealed that 20 youths had been overexposed to the poisonous metal after shooting in the club’s dirty, poorly ventilated range.
“It was devastating,” said Marc Ueltschi, the junior team coach and a club member. “It scared the life out of me. No one knew anything about lead poisoning and what to fix.”
Vancouver Rifle is just one of several private gun clubs across the United States that have posed health hazards in a sport with growing numbers of youths and women.
While those most likely to be poisoned by lead in gun ranges are the workers themselves, The Seattle Times has found dozens of avid shooters overexposed in such states as Washington, Massachusetts and Alaska.
The most vulnerable are children learning to shoot and compete in clubs operated by volunteers who may have little knowledge of the risks of firing lead ammunition. Gunfire can put lead residue in the air, and on the skin and nearby surfaces...
Of particular interest is their document (with data supplied from OSHA), of the shooting ranges inspected by OSHA. There were 19 California shooting ranges inspected, and there were a grand total of 93 lead violations for just the CA ranges alone.
Source: Seattle Times [Please follow link to read complete article]
Loaded with lead: How gun ranges poison workers and shooters
Young shooters at risk
At a shooting club in Vancouver, Wash., 20 youngsters tested positive for lead overexposure. ‘We would get lead on our hands and eat finger food,’ one teenager recalls.
By Christine Willmsen and Lewis Kamb Oct. 20, 2014
The youngsters knew their sport could be dangerous, even deadly.
But for the junior team at the Vancouver (Wash.) Rifle and Pistol Club, the peril that emerged from their sport didn’t come from a stray bullet.
It came from lead.
In 2010, blood tests revealed that 20 youths had been overexposed to the poisonous metal after shooting in the club’s dirty, poorly ventilated range.
“It was devastating,” said Marc Ueltschi, the junior team coach and a club member. “It scared the life out of me. No one knew anything about lead poisoning and what to fix.”
Vancouver Rifle is just one of several private gun clubs across the United States that have posed health hazards in a sport with growing numbers of youths and women.
While those most likely to be poisoned by lead in gun ranges are the workers themselves, The Seattle Times has found dozens of avid shooters overexposed in such states as Washington, Massachusetts and Alaska.
The most vulnerable are children learning to shoot and compete in clubs operated by volunteers who may have little knowledge of the risks of firing lead ammunition. Gunfire can put lead residue in the air, and on the skin and nearby surfaces...
Of particular interest is their document (with data supplied from OSHA), of the shooting ranges inspected by OSHA. There were 19 California shooting ranges inspected, and there were a grand total of 93 lead violations for just the CA ranges alone.
Source: Seattle Times [Please follow link to read complete article]
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