In a recent Orange County government meeting, Supervisor Foley proposed a new ordinance aimed at enhancing gun safety through secure storage requirements. This initiative comes in response to the U.S. Surgeon General's declaration of gun violence as an urgent public health crisis, highlighting the need for immediate action to prevent firearm-related tragedies, particularly among children and teens.

Several community members voiced their support for the ordinance, sharing personal stories that underscored the devastating impact of gun violence. Dr. Cheryl Long, a retired family physician and volunteer with Moms Demand Action, recounted the tragic suicide of a young man from her community, emphasizing the critical role that secure gun storage can play in saving lives. Other speakers echoed her sentiments, stressing that proper storage of firearms is essential to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by minors.

The proposed ordinance would require all gun owners in unincorporated areas of Orange County to store their firearms in locked containers or to disable them with trigger locks. This measure aims to close existing loopholes in state law, which currently mandates safe storage only in homes with children but lacks comprehensive guidelines for all gun owners.

While the ordinance received strong backing from advocates, some supervisors expressed concerns regarding privacy rights and the limited jurisdiction of the ordinance, which would only apply to unincorporated areas. Critics argued that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that insecure gun storage is a significant issue in these regions, labeling the proposal as a \"solution in search of a problem.\"

Despite the mixed reactions, Supervisor Foley emphasized the importance of the ordinance in light of rising gun thefts and the potential for firearms to fall into the wrong hands. The board is expected to further discuss the ordinance and its implications in upcoming meetings, as community members continue to advocate for safer gun storage practices to protect children and families in Orange County.