Issue: Concealed-Weapon Permits

For years it has been virtually impossible to obtain concealed-weapons permits in Los Angeles. But the Police Commission last month adopted a policy that, pending current litigation to determine the criteria, could make them available. Should permits be issued to properly trained residents?

* Ene Cardinas: Housewife, mother of five East Los Angeles “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t want parents having these guns because that’s how you end up with kids who are 10 or 11 bringing guns to school. I think we’d see a rise in crime. I think it will just lead to more problems.”

* Clarence Wallace: Traffic officer, Los Angeles “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Usually when people get hotheaded, a gun is the first thing they reach for. I give parking tickets and you may think the average person is nice, but once you give them a parking ticket you see people get crazy. If I tow someone’s car, what do you think they are going to do? I understand people saying they are afraid but there are already too many guns out there.”

* Marty Wakefield: Communications for city of L.A. , Venice “With a thorough background check, I would think it’s OK. People are carrying guns in cars all the time. I think the control situation would be improved, at least it would be legalized. A lot of people need to carry guns. And I don’t think there are going to be that many issued. I doubt there will be thousands of applications.”

* Sandra Stillwater: Defense attorney, Los Angeles “Get real. The last thing we need are more guns. Of course it’s someone’s constitutional right to carry a gun, but let them read the Constitution and then they probably won’t want to carry a gun. Nobody needs a gun. Maybe the SWAT team needs a gun.”