Regarding gun violence, we are considering Los Gatos "safe," even as Mark Achilli has been murdered in his driveway by a killer in broad daylight.
When we read about gun murders and self-killings in other cities, we still may think that this didn't happen in Los Gatos.
Now, reality comes to us: first in the form of a gun store and then with the crowd it will attract aside from law-abiding citizens.
I respect the Second Amendment even as the needs for a "well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State ... " are moot as we are a stable democracy with police and our armed forces firmly supporting our Constitution.
As a former Army officer I have great respect for fire arms as deadly weapons. Their use requires thorough ethical and practical training also in regards to safety and safe storage.
Aside from getting into wrong hands due to loop holes, a big danger with fire arms in our country is the often amateurish approach by legally sound owners, as a background check isn't confirming the skills and operational ability of a gun buyer like e.g. in Germany or Switzerland.
This incompetence - amplified by angry emotions or depression - makes people shoot their neighbors over loud music, their spouses in a fight or themselves.
Sadly, the murdered children and teachers of Sandy Hook Elementary School have died in vain, and so did the about 1,700 victims killed by guns in the United States since then.
I agree with Mr. Markus Autrey, our Los Gatos High School principal, that providing a safe environment is the result of good decisions.
I hope that our Los Gatos Town Council will live up to this standard.
Los Gatos doesn't need a gun store.
—By 30-year Los Gatos resident Hartmut Esslinger
