La Mesa Municipal Code Ch. 10.28 Firearms

As used in this chapter, the word "firearm" means any weapon, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosive. The word "explosive" includes, but is not limited to, compressed air.

(Ord. 641 § 3; August 9, 1955)

No person under the age of eighteen shall be allowed to have in his possession within the city limits of the city of La Mesa any firearm presently capable of expelling a projectile.

(Ord. 641 § 1; August 9, 1955)

No parent, guardian of the person, or person having temporary control and custody of a person under the age of eighteen years shall knowingly allow said person to do any act prohibited by Section 10.28.020.

(Ord. 641 § 2; August 9, 1955)

Should a policeman of the city of La Mesa apprehend a person acting in violation of Section 10.28.020, he shall thereupon impound the firearm in question in the police station; and such firearm shall remain impounded until the owner of the firearm requests possession of said firearm, if he be a person other than the person who violated Section 10.28.020.

(Ord. 641 § 5 (part); August 9, 1955)

If the owner of the firearm be the person who violated Section 10.28.020, then the firearm in question shall be returned only to a parent of such a person, or the guardian of the person.

(Ord. 641 § 5 (part); August 9, 1955)

It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot, fire or discharge any firearm within the city of La Mesa; provided that nothing contained herein shall apply to or prevent the firing of guns under the authority of the United States, or the state of California, nor to shooting galleries or to target ranges. Provided further that the chief of police of the city of La Mesa may issue a permit or permits to any person or persons to shoot, fire or discharge guns, pistols or firearms of any description upon such terms, and under such conditions and times as he deems advisable and which terms, conditions and times shall be set forth in such permit when exercising the privileges therein. Provided further that the city council of the city of La Mesa shall have the authority by resolution to designate certain areas within the city of La Mesa where it shall be lawful to shoot, fire or discharge guns, pistols or firearms upon such terms and at such times as it deems advisable.

Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(Ord. 1212 § 1; February 10, 1961)