COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 27 to adopt a resolution affirming its support for the Second Amendment, a largely symbolic action that county staff and supervisors emphasized does not change or override state or federal firearm laws.
The resolution, brought forward at the request of Supervisor Janice Bell in December, declares the board’s support for the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms while acknowledging the role of responsible firearm ownership and public safety. County officials stressed that the action does not alter enforcement responsibilities or existing regulations.
County Administrative Officer Joshua Pack said the board asked staff to return with a resolution reaffirming its position on the Second Amendment.
“We reviewed five different counties who already perform a similar action,” Pack said. “Fresno County had an option that seemed to be most in line with the board’s request, and so we utilized theirs.”
Pack said staff time spent preparing the resolution was minimal and described the measure as an extension of a previous board action.
“This is a little bit of an expansion on what this board adopted in 2020 or 2021, which was a commitment to the Bill of Rights,” Pack said. “This has additional language reaffirming the Second Amendment.”
The resolution itself states that it does not amend or supersede federal, state or local laws and that all applicable laws remain in full force and effect. It also references lawful purposes for firearm ownership, including self-defense, hunting and recreational shooting.
Public comment in support of the resolution framed the vote as a political and symbolic statement rather than a regulatory action.
Lauren Manor-Craft told supervisors she supported Colusa County becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary county, saying restrictions primarily affect law-abiding citizens.
“A criminal is going to be a criminal, but a law-abiding citizen can’t protect themselves if their resources are limited and their hands are tied behind their backs,” Manor-Craft said.
She said the resolution sends a message to state leaders and reflects local priorities.
“It is a statement that Colusa County’s priorities are the people,” she said. “This is not defiance. It shows priority.”
Manor-Craft also connected the resolution to broader frustrations with state firearm policy.
“We would not even be needing to have this conversation if our rights were not constantly being taken away from us by Sacramento,” she said.
Bell said the issue ties directly to rural traditions and activities that rely on firearm access.
“I’ve gone to the state Capitol to speak to legislators about our rights to hunt, gather and fish,” Bell said. “If they start hammering away at our rights, this will greatly affect all of our lives.”
Bell pointed to youth shooting sports and food security as additional concerns.
“We’ve got many people who depend on hunting and fishing to feed their families,” she said. “I think it’s very important that we reaffirm that we’re supporting our citizens.”
Bell also addressed the cost and scope of the action.
“It’s not costing us anything to do this,” she said. “I’ll pony up the five cents for the piece of paper that was printed on.”
Supervisor Daurice Kalfsbeek-Smith said she supports the Second Amendment but questioned the practical impact of adopting a resolution.
“We took an oath of office to support the Constitution,” Kalfsbeek-Smith said. “We’ll continue to follow the law, the state and the feds.”
She said voters should focus on legislative elections if they want policy change.
“Change happens at the legislation and policy level,” she said. “You need to know who you’re voting for.”
Bell responded that the resolution is not intended to encourage confrontation or resistance.
“We’re not saying we’re going to take up arms against anyone,” Bell said. “We do want to stress the importance of the messages being conveyed by the legislators we vote for.”
The board approved the resolution unanimously. While the vote does not alter gun laws or enforcement practices, it places the county on record amid ongoing statewide debates over firearm regulation.