Dear City Council Members,

I am writing as a long-time resident of Menlo Park (District 5) and as a volunteer with Moms Demand Action (Peninsula Group).

I have been volunteering with Moms Demand Action out of great concern for the children and young adults in our community who are affected by gun violence. It is shocking to me that guns are the #1 cause of death of children and teens, as well as young adults ages 18-25.

Guns cause deaths of our children and young adults not just from mass shootings. Rather, many instances of gun violence (city gun violence, domestic violence, firearm suicide, or unintentional shootings) account for the majority of gun violence in this country.

Research has shown that secure storage of guns reduces incidences of unintentional shootings by children, theft of guns from the home, gun suicide and other forms of daily gun violence.

I strongly support the Safe Storage ordinance being considered by the City Council BUT request that the criminal penalties be removed. Civil penalties are a sufficient deterrent; criminal penalties unfortunately have a disproportionate impact on communities of color.

Thank you for your consideration and your efforts to keep our community safe from gun violence.

Carol Orton