OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

Legislation

California ban on gun marketing to kids blocked by appeals court!

Daniel Wiessner

Wed, September 13, 2023 at 2:59 PM EDT·

A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday blocked a California law banning gun marketing that is attractive to minors, saying it was unlikely to reduce gun violence or the unlawful use of firearms.

A panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said hunting and sport shooting groups were likely to prevail on claims that the law violates their free-speech rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and blocked it pending the outcome of the case.

The court reversed a January ruling by a federal judge in Sacramento who had said the law properly regulated commercial speech and the groups were unlikely to succeed in their challenge. The 9th Circuit said that because California allows minors to possess and use guns under supervision, the state cannot justify the ban as a way to curb the unlawful use of firearms. "California’s law does not significantly advance its purported goals and is more extensive than necessary," Circuit Judge Kenneth Lee wrote for the court.

The 9th Circuit, which has nearly 30 active judges, is considered to be one of the most liberal U.S. appeals courts. But the three judges on Wednesday's panel was made up entirely of appointees of Republican presidents.

The California Attorney General's office and lawyers for the groups that sued over the ban did not immediately respond to requests for comment. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed the measure into law last year, citing the need for new legislation "as the (U.S.) Supreme Court rolls back important gun safety protections." Newsom's office cited gun manufacturer Wee 1 Tactical's advertising of an AR-15 meant for kids as an example of why the law was needed.

California lawmakers passed the ban days after the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court ruled the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment protects a person's right to carry a handgun in public for self-defense.

That ruling, which said any restrictions on gun ownership must fall within the nation's "historical tradition of firearm regulation," has led courts to strike down other gun control laws.

SSC RECIPE OF THE MONTH

GARLIC BUTTER ROCKFISH

INGREDIENTS

6 small rockfish filets

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon garlic clove, minced.

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh chopped green onions for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Pat the rockfish filets dry with a paper towel

and season all over with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and the salt and pepper. Place the

rockfish in a large (minimum 10”) skillet and turn the heat down to medium. Sear the rockfish for 3 – 4

minutes. Flip the rockfish filets over to cook the other side. Add the butter and when it melts, add the

garlic and lemon zest. Cook for about 1 minute while using a spoon to spoon over the butter on the

rockfish filets. Gently remove from the pan and plate to a serving dish, and garnish with the green onions. Serve with your favorite rice dish and Sauvignon Blanc.

Submitted by Ken Baccetti

SSC Treasurer

Do you have a favorite recipe you would like to share?

The Hunter's Code of Ethics

Recognizing my responsibilities to wildlife, habitat and future generations, I pledge:



• To conduct myself in the field so as to make a positive contribution to wildlife and ecosystems.
• To improve my skills as a woodsmen and marksman to ensure humane harvesting of wildlife.
• To comply with all game laws, the concept of fair chase, and to influence my companions accordingly. 
• To accept my responsibility to provide all possible assistance to game law enforcement officers.
• To waste no opportunity to teach young people the full meaning of this code of ethics.
• To reflect in word and behavior only credit upon the fraternity of sportsmen, and to demonstrate abiding respect for the game, habitat and property where I am privileged to hunt.