West Covina City Hall: No guns allowed

That's right, no guns, according to a new law in West Covina. And even if you're a retired law enforcement type, the ban still applies to you. Need we say a bunch of unhappy people made their way to speak at the City Council meeting earlier this week? More details from the SGV Trib:

Fred Sykes, a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's officer and a former council candidate, called the ordinance an insult. Sykes said he takes his gun everywhere he goes, including most City Council meetings.

"This ordinance treats us like sex offenders and criminals, taking away our rights," he said. "Why would they show such disrespect for West Covina peace officers?"

[West Covina Police Chief Frank] Wills also said he would prefer if the ordinance did not include retired law enforcement.   

"If I was sitting where you do," said Wills, "I'd allow the retired officers to keep their arms."      

But council members, who said they worry for their safety, defended the no-guns rule. Though the new law allows people with a permit to carry a firearm, the city of West Covina hasn't issued any gun permits. At least two city residents have received permits from the Sheriff's Department.

The new law also bans knives, tear gas, tasers and BB guns in the council chambers. Next up for West Covina: a metal detector to help enforce the new law.

-- Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Lawrence H. Ko / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[John]

I cant believe how west covina and the state of California have become so controling over the people. They are taking away our rights to have guns to protect ourselves in our own homes. You have these gang members that run around with more guns then the police do and you want us to become victims in our own homes? California has more prisons and jails in california then any other state in the Unitied States. California has become so controling and so expenseive. The "GREAT CALIFORNIA STATE" will coming to an end with everyone leaving to others states. Then we will see who the police will have control over besides their dogs and themselfes. The government/police treat grown people as they are children. I went to AZ state and every person has the right to carry their weapon if they wish as long s they are not convicted felons. The crime rate is low, you know why? When you get some gang member thinking, "I want to go rob someone" they are going to think twice knowing that the people have to right to protect themselfs. Lower crime rate then California. It makes me upset of how we allow people in high places in city and state positions to tell us how and when to live our lives and with whom. Look at the BIG O.C SHERIFF MIke Corona, not so big now huh. That is exactly what I mean. They play these " You cant carry this, its not the right thing to do, I believe, you cant, but then you have the every same people saying not to do dose things doing them or even worse. West Covina is also carrying a finger print device that they use on traffic stops to get your information again. Thats why we have DRIVER LINCESE. Why do the all that? "We need your finger print,we need a DNA test, we want to insert you with micro chips, it's all just for them to know where you are at all times and have complete control you. It's true what the bible says, it will all become a one world money and law enforcement/military will be come one. The end is close and i sat here thinking others where crazy when I heard them saying it. It's sad how people are distroying themselfes. I hope that people can put a stop to this.