Guns 'n' Neighbors

Two business owners expressed their concerns to the Solana Beach City Council on May 26 regarding a new shopping-center tenant that will be selling guns.

The shopping center is located on Genevieve Street near Stevens Avenue and was described by the proprietors as a location that typically attracts women, children, and mostly families.

“I know that all gun owners are not bad or dangerous, but I can’t imagine that my clients are going to look at a business like the one that is supposedly proposed with open arms,” said Laura Frankel, who spoke on behalf of the owner of TRC Gymnastics. Frankel reminded the council that the shopping center is within close proximity to schools, churches, and family restaurants.

Lori Allen, owner of Pure Barre Studio, stated that she was extremely concerned at the prospect of the gun shop.

“I think it will project fear,” said Allen. “I believe there are real dangers to this type of business operating in this area. I don’t see any kind of synergy whatsoever with this type of business going into this center. I think it could affect the bottom line of a lot of businesses there.”

According to city staff, the business will be relocating from another location in Solana Beach and presented itself as an antique store that does gun sales and specializes in World War II pieces.

Mayor Thomas Campbell requested that the city attorney write a memorandum on the issues regarding this topic and stated that the concerns expressed by the public are “very real and deserve our attention.”