Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association filed suit today against the Wilmington, Delaware Housing Authority in the case Jane Doe v. Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA). The case centers around the WHA's unconstitutional gun ban amongst its tenants, which denies these public housing residents their Second Amendment rights.

“This is a clear case of discrimination against housing authority residents. It’s illegal, shameful and wrong to deny residents their constitutional rights, and it could have serious life or death consequences,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “Self-defense is a fundamental, God-given right that every law-abiding American is afforded -- no matter their tax bracket, zip code or street address.”

Wilmington Housing Authority leases contain provisions that prohibit residents from possessing a firearm. Such a restriction is unconstitutional. Thousands of Delaware’s most vulnerable residents live in some of the state’s most dangerous neighborhoods, and have been prohibited from possessing firearms to defend themselves from the drug dealers and thugs who infest their communities. Those who reside on WHA properties risk being evicted should they exercise their Second Amendment freedoms and violate the gun ban, which for many families would mean living on the streets.

NRA has long fought this battle both in the courts and in legislatures around the country, from San Francisco to Washington D.C. NRA has also worked to remove related language from Newark Housing Authority leases.

“A person shouldn't be forced to give up Second Amendment rights just to have a place to live," concluded Cox. “Many public housing projects are high-crime areas where people most desperately need the right to defend themselves.”

-NRA-

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

Lake Piru’s Bass Tournament will be held March 21st, 2010. Day Tournament Location: Lake Piru Marina, Target: Bass.

April 24th, 2010 Night Tournament, Location: Lake Piru Marina, Target: Bass. May 7th, 2010 Night Tournament, Location: Lake Piru Marina, Target: Bass.

All tournaments are open to the public call ahead and register with the front office at (805)521-1500 (X 500); Boats are available for rent during tournament hours; All California boating laws apply; Location is available for private tournaments as well public. Day or Night (805) 521-1500 (x 500).

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Fairfax, Va. – Today, the Glenn County Board of Education reversed the decision of the Willows Unified School District and Principal Mort Geivett to expel Gary Tudesko, a 17-year-old high school senior from Willows High School. Tudesko was represented by National Rifle Association/California Rifle and Pistol Association Foundation attorneys Chuck Michel and Hillary J. Green of the Long Beach-based law firm Michel & Associates, P.C.

“This is a victory for law-abiding young Americans, over nonsensical, irrational and unreasonable policies,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA-ILA. “Mr. Tudesko broke no laws and we are pleased that the Board of Education has cleared his name and allowed him to complete his education at Willow High School.”

In October 2009, Tudesko went duck hunting before school. Not wanting to be late for classes and knowing the school's zero-tolerance policy for firearms on campus, he parked his locked truck containing his hunting firearms off campus. While it was determined Tudesko broke no laws, he was expelled from Willows High School. NRA’s Michel and Green filed an extensive brief with the Board of Education in support of Tudesko’s appeal.

“Preserving our nation’s rich hunting heritage among our youth should not be discouraged and success in this important case sets a precedent that will further protect this cherished pastime,” concluded Cox. “We are thankful that the Board of Education agrees with NRA that the school’s ‘one size fits all’ policy did not apply to Tudesko.”

-nra-

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

Standing at nearly 43 inches tall from paw to shoulder and weighing a staggering 245lbs could this be the world's new tallest dog?... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1237727/Is-Giant-Georg...

Additional photos: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=460&sid=9143859&pid=0

After months of negotiations, the National Rifle Association and Safari Club International are proud to announce a positive change in the antler and animal horn policy for United Airlines.

“We’d like to thank United for their attention to this matter and the commitment they’ve shown to their customers who use the airline when traveling to hunting excursions,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director for NRA-ILA. “For more than a year, hunters were prohibited from transporting many types of trophies in checked baggage on United Airlines flights, but this move will remove that ban.”

United Airlines published new packaging and cleaning requirements for antlers and animal horns to ensure their safe, clean transport. Also, the new language provides information on the size of antlers and animal horns United can accept based on the type of aircraft being flown and the special handling fee.

“Transporting antlers and animal horns in a safe, efficient manner is the goal of NRA, SCI and United Airlines,” concluded Cox. “Resolving this issue and providing a benefit to traveling hunters is a great victory for all parties involved.”

The U.S. Forest Service will be closing East Camino Cielo Road (5N12) to all traffic from 8:00 AM Friday, December 18, until 8:00 AM Saturday, December 19, to apply asphalt seal coating. Travelers should avoid using this road during this 24-hour period and seek alternative routes until this operation is completed.

Fairfax, Va. – The careless action by the Bloomington Herald-Times making public the private information of Indiana's Right-to-Carry permit holders drew widespread outrage after NRA alerted members to this senseless act and urged them to contact the paper and its advertisers to express their displeasure. Thanks to the efforts of NRA members, one of the newspaper’s pro-Second Amendment advertisers has taken a stand.

In a press release issued December 10 from Bloomington Harley-Davidson the business states, “Harley-Davidson of Bloomington believes in freedom and is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights … We believe the decision of the Herald-Times, a valued business partner, to publish a searchable database of gun permit holders in the state of Indiana by street, is an unnecessary and dangerous practice.”

“I want to sincerely thank Harley-Davidson of Bloomington for their strong support of Indiana gun owners. Gun owners appreciate their principled denunciation of the Bloomington Herald-Times’ reckless action of publishing a database of law-abiding right-to-carry permit holders,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA-ILA. “Our freedom is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we are grateful to have businesses like Harley-Davidson of Bloomington on the side of the Second Amendment.”

On Dec. 1 the Bloomington Herald-Times published a searchable database of individual law-abiding right-to-carry permit holders. While house numbers were not included, the database continues to be searchable by street name and zip code. It remains NRA’s firm belief that media outlets abuse their First Amendment rights when they harass and demonize lawful citizens for exercising their Second Amendment rights.

“Once again, NRA members and gun owners have stood up on principle, and have shown that they will not tolerate any effort by a media outlet to try and malign law-abiding gun owners” concluded Cox. “NRA remains steadfast in our commitment to seek a legislative remedy to ensure that media outlets in Indiana and across the country will no longer be able to exploit lawful gun owners.”

GOLETA, Ca…Snow and rain across Los Padres National Forest has provided sufficient moisture levels to reduce fire restrictions on the forest effective immediately.

Under the reduced fire restrictions, campfires and charcoal barbeques will be allowed in all areas of Los Padres National Forest. A California Campfire Permit, available free of charge, is required to build a campfire outside of a designated Campfire Use Site. A list of Campfire Use Sites and information about how to acquire a campfire permit is available at all Los Padres National Forest offices.

Visitors who construct wood or charcoal fires outside of designated Campfire Use Sites also must abide by the following rules:

Clear all flammable material for a minimum of five feet in all directions; Have a shovel available for preparing and extinguishing the fire; Have a responsible person in attendance at all times; Extinguish the fire with water, using the "drown, stir and feel"method.

Prohibitions on smoking and target shooting in Los Padres National Forest are also being lifted.

"As we move into the rainy season and relax some of our restrictions, it’s important to remind the public that fire can happen at any time of the year," said Los Padres National Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez. "I strongly encourage all visitors to be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution while they are out in the forest."

The following fire restrictions will remain in effect:

Spark arresters are required on all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion engines and equipment; A permit is required for all welding, grinding, cutting, or use of explosives; Tracer ammunition is prohibited at all times; Fireworks are prohibited in Los Padres National Forest at all times and in all places.

Forest visitors are encouraged to call the local Ranger Station for more information on conditions and restrictions.

Santa Barbara Ranger District – (805) 967-3481

Ojai Ranger District – (805) 646-4348

Mt. Pinos Ranger District – (661) 245-3731

Santa Lucia Ranger District – (805) 925-9538

Monterey Ranger District – (831) 385-5434

Fairfax, Va. -- An Arizona man who spent nearly three years in prison for justifiably shooting a man in self-defense is now free and clear of all guilt in his case. This week the Arizona Supreme Court let stand the state appellate court’s decision to overturn Harold Fish’s second-degree murder conviction. The National Rifle Association provided assistance in this case. NRA’s Office of General Counsel advised Fish’s defense counsel, and the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund provided financial aid for Fish’s defense.

Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action said, “We are pleased that justice has finally prevailed for Mr. Fish in this case that was clearly justifiable self-defense. We wish the best for Mr. Fish and his family in the future.”

In 2006, Harold Fish was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Grant Kuenzli. Fish encountered Kuenzli and his vicious dogs while hiking on a trailside in Coconino County in May of 2004. After Fish fired warning shots at the aggressive dogs, Kuenzli tried to attack him, and Fish was forced to shoot him in self-defense. At the time of the shooting, current self-defense laws in Arizona -- which put the burden of proof on the prosecutor instead of the defendant -- did not exist. During Fish’s trial, the jury was not allowed to hear evidence that Kuenzli had acted violently in similar situations in the past. In June, an Arizona appellate court overturned Fish’s conviction, acknowledging the jury should have heard this evidence and also saying the jury was not instructed properly on the meaning of “unlawful physical force.” Attorney General Terry Goddard had asked the Arizona Supreme Court to review the appellate court’s decision, and this week they declined.

Fish’s case spawned two laws in Arizona strengthening the rights of CONTINUED »

Due to expected rain and snow this weekend, the Pine Mountain/Reyes Peak Road (Forest Road 6N06); Potereo Seco Road (Forest Road 6N03) and the Nordoff Ridge Road (N508); all located in the Ventura County portion of Los Padres National Forest’s Ojai Ranger District are now closed to all motorized vehicles for the winter and will remain closed to vehicles until further notice.

Pine Mountain/Reyes Peak Road (Forest Road 6N06) intersects Highway 33 thirty-two miles north of Ojai. It provides access to Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak campgrounds and the Reyes Peak Trailhead.

Potrero Seco Road (Forest Road 6N03) also intersects Highway 33 directly across the highway from Pine Mountain Road and is a popular hunting area on the Ojai Ranger District. The road is accessed by permit only.

The Nordhoff Ridge Road (N508) also is accessed from Highway 33 through Rose Valley Campground. This road also is accessed by permit only.

"The temporary closure is needed to prevent damage to the road surface during wet weather and snow," said Ojai District Ranger John Bridgwater. "These roads are all native surface, dirt roads that are easily damaged during the wet winter season of rain and snow. The roads are closed annually to eliminate damage from vehicles during the wet weather and they will remain closed until further notice. The roads will remain open to all foot traffic, for hunting, recreational hiking, or horseback riding. The closure may be lifted if we receive extended periods of dry weather."

For further information on winter road conditions, recreation opportunities and permit requirements on the Ojai Ranger District, call the Forest Service office in Ojai at (805) 646-4348. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Fairfax, Va. – Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman of the Chancery Court for Davidson County, Tennessee ruled last week that Tennessee’s restaurant carry law is unconstitutionally vague because of a perceived ambiguity over the state’s definition of restaurants. This law gave right-to-carry permit holders the chance to defend themselves from criminal attack while in a restaurant.

"This ruling is a setback for Tennessee’s law-abiding concealed carry permit holders," said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. "We strongly urge Attorney General Robert Cooper to defend the Tennessee statute and appeal this unwise ruling."

HB 962, Tennessee’s Restaurant Carry legislation, passed both the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support, but Governor Phil Bredesen vetoed the bill on May 28, disappointing more than 200,000 right-to-carry permit holders in the state. While an override of the veto only needed a simple majority vote to pass, it cleared both chambers with overwhelming, bi-partisan support. This law went into effect in July of this year after the Tennessee House and Senate successfully overrode Gov. Bredesen's veto of HB 962. Tennessee joined 35 other states which recognize the right to carry in restaurants that serve alcohol when it enacted this legislation into law.

This law is crucial because crimes do occur in restaurants. On April 2, 2009, Benjamin Felix Goeser was gunned down at Jonny's Sports Bar on Nolensville Road in Nashville. His wife, Nicole Goeser, has a right-to-carry permit, but she had to keep her gun locked in the car because of Tennessee law. Mrs. Goeser actively lobbied for the passage of this measure.

"Right-to-carry permit holders in Tennessee need to be aware that the chancery court's regrettable and incorrect decision effectively suspends the law the legislature enacted and that they should not carry in restaurants until this litigation is resolved on appeal," concluded Cox. "The NRA will continue to fight on behalf of our members, permit holders and victims of crime until this reasonable self-defense measure is restored as Tennessee law."

In honor of America’s Veterans and Armed Services personnel, Wednesday, November 11, has been designated as a “Fee Free Day” in Southern California National Forests. A National Forest Adventure Pass will not be required for visitors recreating in the Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino and Cleveland National Forests.

“Veterans Day is a great way to connect communities with public lands while honoring the sacrifices made by America’s Veterans and Armed Services personnel," said Los Padres National Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez. “The Fee Free Day is an opportunity to get outdoors and appreciate the open spaces and national treasures of our public lands here in Southern California.”

The Veterans Day-Free Day is observed each year on November 11, regardless of the day of the week. In addition to Veterans Day, Southern California National Forests also waive the Adventure Pass requirement on National Trails Day in June and National Public Lands Day in September.

Visitors who inadvertently commit a Daily Adventure Pass on a Free Day, can have it replaced free-of-charge. Visitors are reminded that even though the Adventure Pass fee will be waived on November 11, other fees such as campground, reservation and group site fees may still be applicable.

Note: The November 11 Fee Free Day applies to all areas of Los Padres National Forest EXCEPT the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area.

For more information regarding recreational opportunities, current fire restrictions and volunteering, contact the Forest Service office listed below which is nearest to your area of interest.

Santa Lucia Ranger District (Santa Maria) - (805) 925-9538
Santa Barbara Ranger District (Santa Barbara) - (805) 967-3481
Ojai Ranger District (Ojai) - (805) 646-4348
Mt. Pinos Ranger District (Frazier Park) - (661) 245-3731
Monterey Ranger District (King City) - (831) 385-5434

The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) endorsed candidates in Virginia, including Bob McDonnell for governor, Ken Cuccinelli for attorney general and Bill Bolling for lieutenant governor, won yesterday’s general election. Additionally, 98 percent (58 out of 59) of NRA-PVF endorsed candidates in the Virginia House of Delegates won their respective races.

“Candidates who support the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen prevailed in up and down ballot races yesterday,” said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. “These exceptional numbers are an indication of the solid support and influence of the Second Amendment and the NRA on voters.”

NRA-PVF actively campaigned across Virginia and other key states to secure the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. In Virginia, Steve Shannon, candidate for attorney general, was the only statewide candidate to actively campaign on a gun control platform. He lost by double-digits. In New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, NRA-PVF urged NRA members and gun owners to vote against ‘F’-rated Jon Corzine. He was also defeated.

“We are pleased at the outcome of these important elections and are thankful to NRA members and gun owners who continue to exercise their constitutional freedoms,” continued Cox. “NRA is looking forward to working with these newly-elected officials.”

The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund is responsible for political candidate rankings. These are based on candidate voting records, public statements and responses to NRA-PVF questionnaires.

Forest Service officials today announced that construction is underway to improve facilities at Plaskett Creek Campground and Sand Dollar Beach. New restrooms are being built at Plaskett Creek Campground, which will remain open during construction. One flush restroom as well as portable toilets will be available for use throughout the construction period. New restrooms will also be installed at Sand Dollar Beach and the stairway to the beach will be repaired. All improvements are expected to be completed by the end of December, 2009.

For more information contact the Monterey Ranger District at: 831-385-5434, or on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/

Forest Service officials announced today that beginning October 8, 2009, a popular rock climbing location known as the "Brickyard" and the area known as the "Playground", including the trails leading to them, will be re-opened. Walking, biking or horseback riding on hydromulch that has been applied to surrounding areas will compromise the protective mat and reduce its effectiveness leading to more erosion. All other areas of the Gap Fire where hydromulch was applied will remain closed through June 1, 2010.

The closure prohibits all public entry to national forest lands, trails, roads and recreation sites within the designated area. It does not apply to private land within or adjacent to the national forest.

For more information and current conditions, contact the Los Prietos Ranger Station at: (805) 967-3481.

Fairfax, Va. – This week the United States Senate passed crucial legislation that will protect pocketknives used by tens of millions of Americans. The amendment, actively supported by the National Rifle Association, was included in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill and will keep pocketknives from being classified as illegal switchblades. U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) authored the amendment and were instrumental in its passage through Congress. U.S. Congressmen Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Walt Minnick (D-Idaho) also played vital roles in the amendment’s passage in the House.

"This amendment was necessary to prevent commonly-used pocketknives from being branded as illegal switchblades," said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. "The National Rifle Association is grateful to Senators Cornyn, Pryor and Hatch and Congressmen Latta and Minnick, whose leadership fixed a provision that would have criminalized tens of millions of law-abiding Americans -- including millions of hunters and sportsmen."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposed amending the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 earlier this year, which would have changed the interpretation of the definition of switchblade knives to include assisted-opening knives. Assisted-opening knives are frequently used by hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, firefighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel and others who may need to open a knife with only one hand. The measure, which will prevent this re-classification, now awaits President Obama’s signature.

Effective immediately, areas of the Ventana Wilderness which have been closed to the public since the Indians and Basin Complex fires have now been re-opened. Escondido Campground however will remain closed until further notice.

When traveling through areas of the wilderness that were burned, the following hazards may be expected.

Ash and needles on the trail which can make the trail slippery
Burned out stump holes. This condition can make the ground weak and unstable and is a danger that is often unseen.
Unstable dead trees and branches, which are especially dangerous during windy conditions.
Rolling debris from loose rocks and logs.
Flash flooding and mud flows. Conditions can change very quickly with winter rains.
Conditions in areas of the forest that have been burned, are constantly changing; PLEASE BE SAFE!

For more information regarding the fires and emergency closure, contact the Monterey Ranger District at: 831-385-5434, or on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/