Parents feel blindsided by gun shop location

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) An Nextdoor.com thread about Goodland Guns going in next the Here We Grow

Early Learning Center on Hollister Ave in Goleta led to this meeting in a park near Ellwood Elementary.

Dr. Daniel Mizrahi said parents feel blindsided.

"I am encouraged by the amount of people that came out, the conversation that we had that was very civil, the conversation needs to continue but I think our councilmembers specifically James Kyriaco said it pretty plainly that these are two incompatible uses next to one another, a day care next to a gun store so we need to find a solution that is viable but this isn't about gun rights, it is about both businesses being able to exist successfully but maybe not next to each other" said Mizrahi," and the city needs to step up and revise their rules and take accountability for their lack of action and also get involved with helping relocate the Goodland Guns store to an acceptable space."

Councilmember, the school board president, and both business owners showed up, too.

Goodland Guns CEO Daniel Ashton said he found the new place after his Old Town landlord doubled the rent.

Goleta Union School District Board President Ethan Bertrand understands the emotions running high in a community that has experienced gun violence nearby.

Councilmember Stuart Kasdin took a lot of heat as he explained that he was blindsided, too.

He said he found out about the issue last week.

Kasdin said the zoning allows for a sporting goods store and that Goodland Guns falls into that category.

Goodlad Guns signed a 25 year lease with an out of town landlord.

The shop is planning a soft opening on Sept. 5.

Even so parents say they are not giving up.

Your News Channel will have more on this story tonight on the news.