2023: Jim Desmond Voted Against Supporting Gov. Newsom’s Proposed Constitutional Amendment Implementing Universal Background Checks, An Assault Rifle Ban, And Waiting Periods

2023: Desmond Voted Against A Resolution To Support Gov. Newsom’s Proposed Gun Control Amendment To The U.S. Constitution. “A resolution to support Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed gun-control amendment to the U.S. Constitution was defeated by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, with members evenly divided 2-2. Board Chair Nora Vargas and Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, who authored the resolution in support of Newsom's ‘Right to Safety’ amendment proposal, voted yes. Their colleagues Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond voted no.” [KPBS, 10/24/23]

• Newsom’s Proposal Would Mandate Universal Background Checks, Ban Assault Rifles For Civilians, And Impose A Waiting Period For All Gun Purchases. “Newsom's proposal would add an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would raise the minimum age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21, mandate universal background checks, ban assault rifles for civilians and impose a waiting period for all gun purchases.” [KPBS, 10/24/23]

Desmond Said The Focus Should Be On What He Called The Mental Health Crisis, Not Law-Abiding Gun Owners. “During Tuesday's meeting, Desmond stressed the need to focus on the mental health crisis — and not law-abiding citizens who own guns. ‘This is more laws on top of laws on top of laws,’ Desmond said. ‘Guns are not violence — people are.’ Desmond said he didn't want to diminish gun-related violence, including school shootings, but mentioned 70% of the county's gun-related deaths were suicides. He also mentioned that the San Diego Union-Tribune recently reported that the number of 72-hour holds for those experiencing a mental health issue has increased two-fold.” [KPBS, 10/24/23]

Desmond: “Guns Are Not Violence — People Are.” “During Tuesday's meeting, Desmond stressed the need to focus on the mental health crisis — and not law-abiding citizens who own guns. ‘This is more laws on top of laws on top of laws,’ Desmond said. ‘Guns are not violence — people are.’” [KPBS, 10/24/23]