Proposed Closure of Pistol Range to Cut Budget Is Criticized

A group of about 40 gun enthusiasts packed the Ventura City Council chambers Monday, urging officials not to close the city-run pistol range in an attempt to balance a $101.6-million budget for 1992-94.

The firearm owners told City Council members that the range at Grant Park is one of the only places in western Ventura County where they can practice their skills.

“In light of what has happened in downtown Los Angeles, public safety is not happening around the clock by the police,” said Fred Wessel, referring to the riots after the Rodney G. King verdict. The range, he said, gives citizens a place where they can learn how to protect themselves.

Pamela Conter said she never touched a gun until someone tried to break into her apartment. She said she learned how to shoot at the firearms range.

“There are a lot of us who need a place where we can practice (gun) safety,” said Conter. “It’s a valid aspect of the city.”

To balance the budget and cut spending by 6%, City Manager John S. Baker has presented a list of 151 proposed reductions that range from small luxuries such as bottled water to popular programs such as the Ventura Music Festival.

In addition to closing down the firearms range, Baker has suggested cutting programs for seniors such as minibus transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping services and senior recreation programs. The Senior Recreation Center on Santa Clara Street would be closed on weekends and the senior recreation programs offered at Buena Vida Apartments would be eliminated.

In addition, Baker has proposed cuts in several youth programs, including the elimination of the “Celebration of the Whale” marine mammal education program for elementary school students.

Baker has also suggested that the council reduce youth employment at the Public Works Department during the summer and eliminate special events, including Cottontail Canyon Days, Santa’s Workshop and Halloween at the Plaza.

Maxine Culp, a senior citizens advocate, said many of the elderly residents could not attend the meeting because of troubles with transportation and their health.

“The youths need skills to keep them out of trouble, and they need them now,” Culp said. “Senior citizens don’t have many years left and they need activities right now. You can offer all kinds of services. If people can’t get to them it doesn’t do much good.”

Judee Hauer said she didn’t see much future if services for youths are slashed. “It’s a sad comment that people are down here asking to shoot. What’s happening to society?”

Several City Council members have said they would prefer not to eliminate the programs, but they must choose between scaling back services or doing away with jobs, something officials are trying to keep at a minimum.

So far, at least eight workers are expected to be laid off.

Public hearings on the proposed budget have been set for May 18 and June 1. Officials hope to adopt the budget June 8.