Connecticut Shooting and California Gun Laws

California has some of the toughest gun laws in the country. Debate over how to make them even stricter will be up for discussion after the recent Connecticut tragedy. Here in Santa Barbara, organizers for the Coalition Against Gun Violence worked with other community groups to have a vigil Saturday afternoon at De La Guerra Plaza. The names of each of the Connecticut victims was read with the youngest victim named first. The Coaltion says it’s fed up with the random acts of senseless gun violence after Connecticut, the woman who shot up the Goleta Post office back in 2006 and left 6 dead. Coalition Chair Toni Wellen says her organization wants elected officials to finally listen to the population that doesn’t own guns. Reportedly the murder suicide victim in Connecticut suffered from mental illness. Organizers say though the gun purchases at his home were legal, the fact that he was mentally unstable sends a red-flag warning in which the the young victim cannot be blamed. Meanwhile at the Santa Barbara Winchester Canyon Gun Club this weekend though men on the rifle and pistol ranges enjoyed being behind the firing line there was a somber mood in the air. They toowere affected by the recent tragedy. Gun experts and enthusiasts agree guns are only for responsible and balanced individuals but perhaps the looming question is how can lawmakers legislate for that? The local rangemaster says perhaps the beginning of the battle against gun violence starts with parents instilling responsibility in our children with respect for oneself and others. KEY News is told the assault weapon is designed for foxes and coyotes, this marksman enjoys the range for the sport of it and for now the U.S. Constitution supports that.