Nation: Trumpsignsbillensuringvictims’compensationfundhelpingthoseimpactedbySept.11,2001,attacksneverrunsoutofmoney.A4

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111 Volume 169, issue 41 TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019 24/7 COVERAGE: MERCURYNEWS.COM » $1.50 ‘Everyonewantstoknowwhy’DEADLY MASS SHOOTING

Gunman turns last minutesofGilroy Garlic Festival into devastation

By Julia Prodis Sulek, Thy Vo, Erin Woo and Jason Green Staff writers

GILROY » Nineteen days before the ram- page at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, 19-year- old Santino William Legan bought an AK- 47-style assault rifle at a Nevada gun shop. HebroughtitbacktoCaliforniaand to Gilroy, the town where he grew up, po- licesaid.OnSundayevening,cladinpar- tialfatigues,hecarriedtheweapontoa creek near the festi- val grounds and cut a Editorial: No path through a security credibility in fence. With the sounds Trump’s Gilroy of lively rock music and condolences. A6 smellofgarlicintheair, he walked toward a music stage — and be- gan America’s latest inexplicable slaughter. “I think everyone wants to know why,” said Gilroy police Chief Scot Smithee, who said Monday authorities still are investigat- ingwhatdroveLegan’sdeadlymotivations. NHAT V. MEYER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The teen sprayed gunfire, killing a 6-year-oldboynearabouncehouseand Robert Ramirez sits with his son Robbie, 10, during a vigil for the victims of the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting outside of City Hall wounding the boy’s mother and grand- in Gilroy on Monday. A gunman killed three people Sunday at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. mother.Hekilleda13-year-oldgirlanda 25-year-old college graduate, whom festi- valgoers frantically carried to the back of Victims: The awhitepickuptruckandtriedtosavewith CPR. three slain were a Hewoundedmorethanadozenothers, includinga12-year-oldgirlwhowasshy child, a teen and by nature, and now her family can barely get her to speak, and a cheerleader, a ju- nior from Gilroy High School who was vol- recent college grad unteeringinaboothsellinggarlicbraids andaprons.Shelaybleedingonthedusty By Maggie Angst and Joseph Geha Staff writers fairgrounds for 15 minutes while a friend’s momusedherhandasacompressandkept Onewasahappy,6-year-oldboy calling out, “We need help! I need help!” who had just savored one of life’s GARLIC » PAGE 3 earlymilestones—graduatingfrom kindergarten. Another was a teenage girlwhodreamedofsomedaydraw- San Jose inganimations.Athirdwasarecent collegegraduatelivingwithhisgirl- Map Monterey Rd. Santa area friend in Santa Cruz. Cruz Allthreehadcomewithfamilyor - friendstotakeinthefun,fareand d. smells of Gilroy’s world-famous gar- licfestivalonasunnysummerSun- NOAH BERGER — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS day. Before the close of the festival’s Police officers carry evidence bags from the family home of alleged Gilroy Garlic Leavesley R thirdandlastday,allthreeweresud- Festival gunman Santino William Legan on Monday in Gilroy. denlygunneddownbya19-year-old Santa Teresa Blvd. Gilroy man who authorities say had broken Wren Ave. into the festival grounds and sprayed Suspect: Gilroy High grad from longtime gunfire into a crowd. 152 Authorities identified the deceased countyfamilyhadlivedinNevada,policesay 10th St. victimsMondayas6-year-oldSte- 101 phen Romero of San Jose, 13-year-old Santa Clara County family. His late KeylaSalazarofSanJoseand25-year- By Leonardo Castañeda, grandfather, Tom Legan, was a two- old Trevor Irby of Romulus, New York. Ethan Baron, Robert Salonga term county supervisor, the sole Re- and Marisa Kendall Gilroy Atleast19peopleweretakentoSt. Staff writers publican on the board at the time, and Home of Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy aformerengineerandaKaiserCement Garlic suspect’s and Santa Clara Valley Medical Cen- Santino William Legan, the 19-year- executive. As a supervisor, Legan lost a 1/2 mile terinSanJosewithinjuriesrelatedto old identified by police as the teen who reelection bid in 1988 after a jury ac- Festival parents the shooting. shotdeadthreepeopleSundayeve- quittedhimonchargesofmolestinga Asof5p.m.Monday,fivepatients ning at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, was young female relative. BAY AREA NEWS GROUP remained at Valley Medical Center, a2017graduateofGilroyHighSchool TheextendedLeganfamilyalso with one in critical condition, one in whoboughtanassaultriflelegallyin gained prominence in the region HELP FOR VICTIMS serious condition and one in fair con- Nevada this month and apparently cut through the award-winning Kukar’s dition. The other two requested pri- throughasecurityfencetocarryout HouseofPizza,foundedbyGeorgeKu- A family assistance center will be hosted at vacy about their conditions. the seemingly random killings. kar,thelatehusbandofTomLegan’s Rucker Elementary School, 325Santa Clara Theshooter,identifiedasSan- FBI agents early Monday raided an aunt. Ave. in Gilroy, through at least Friday for tino William Legan, was killed in a apartmentlinkedtoLeganinaremote AtanewsconferenceMondaymorn- those affected by the Gilroy Garlic Festival shootout by three officers shortly af- town in Nevada’s Mineral County. ing, Gilroy police Chief Scot Smithee shootings. The American Red Cross, the ter bursting into the festival grounds Legan opened fire with what police saidtheattack“seemslikearandom District Attorney’s Office Victim Services throughacutfence,accordingtoau- describedasanSKSAK-47-stylerifleat act”butauthoritieshavea“longwayto Unit, and county behavioral health services thorities. the close of the three-day festival before go” with their investigation. The chief will offer grief counseling, help filing claims VICTIMS » PAGE 5 he was killed in an exchange of gunfire described the shooter’s gun as “an AK- forstatefundstohelppaymedicaland with three Gilroy police officers. 47-type assault rifle that had been pur- counseling bills and for other assistance, The three people killed were a chasedlegallyinNevadaonJuly9.” and referrals to medical, counseling and 6-year-oldSanJoseboynamedSte- In a post on an Instagram page days other assistance providers. phenRomero,13-year-oldKeylaSalazar SUSPECT » PAGE 5 The center will be open Tuesday, Wednes- ofSanJose,andTrevorIrby,25,from day,ThursdayandFridayfrom9a.m.to10 New York. More than a dozen others p.m., and could be extended after that as were wounded. Online: Hundreds turn out for vigil needed. For more information, call 408- Legan comes from an established for victims. WWW.MERCURYNEWS.COM 209-8356.

Weapon: Assault rifle, illegal in California, was bought legally in Nevada

members in Nevada when he purchased ual. He ordered the rifle off my internet By Casey Tolan and Marisa Kendall Staff writers the “AK-47-type assault rifle” on July 9, Gil- page. When I did see him, he was acting roy police Chief Scot Smithee told report- happy and showed no reasons for concern.” Thesuspectinthedeadlyshootingat ers Monday morning. The gun could not have been legally pur- the Gilroy Garlic Festival Sunday evening BigMike’sGunandAmmo,agunstore chased in or brought into California, Attor- legally purchased his rifle in Nevada ear- in Fallon, Nevada, about an hour’s drive ney General Xavier Becerra said at a news lierthismonthandbroughtitacrossthe east of Reno, posted a statement on its conference Monday. state line even though it’s illegal to possess Facebook page confirming Legan pur- “ThereachofCalifornialawendsatour TWITTER theweaponinCalifornia,authoritiessaid. chased his gun there. borders, so we cannot control what other A social media post shows Stephen Santino William Legan, the 19-year-old “WefeelsoverysorryfortheFamilies, states do,” Becerra said. “That’s what makes Romero, 6, who was killed at the Gilroy believed to have killed three people and I am heartbroken this could ever happen,” itsotoughifotherstatesdon’tmatchus.” GarlicFestivalonSunday. injured 12 others, was living with family the post read. “I did not know this individ- GUN » PAGE 5

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HOW YOU CAN HELP Nonprofit sets up fund to benefit victims IMPROVEMENTS By Linda Zavoral For community members needing support or counseling services, behavioral health clinicians are available at lzavoral@ bayareanewsgroup.com Live Oak High School, 1505 E. Main Ave. in Morgan Hill, and Christopher High School, 850 Day Road in Gilroy. The Gilroy Foundation, People also can get connected to services by calling a nonprofit that’s been 800-704-0900, and selecting option 2. The Suicide and operating for decades in Crisis Hotline can be reached at 855-278-4204 or by TO THE this southern Santa Clara texting RENEW to 741741. County city, has established 6 a special fund to benefit vic- tive relief to those affected.” Melone. tims of Sunday’s shooting. The Gilroy Foundation The Gilroy group has The Gilroy Garlic Fes- was created by about 60 been affiliated with the tival Victims Relief Fund community leaders in 1980 SVCF since the early 1980s was created in partnership to “meet the needs of the as part of the latter’s Non- with the Silicon Valley Com- community in the specific profit Investment Partners munity Foundation, and the areas of Health, Educa- program. SVCF has donated an initial tion, Recreation, Technol- Donations may be made $10,000 to the fund. ogy, Culture and Civic Ser- online at www.gilroyfoun- Monies collected will be vices.” Among the nonprof- dation.org or mailed to P.O. distributed by the Gilroy it’s Founders Circle were Box 774, Gilroy, CA 95021. NEW Foundation to victims and founders and early support- to other local nonprofit orga- ers of the garlic festival, in- Contact Linda Zavoral at nizations that “provide effec- cluding co-founder Rudy 408-920-5960.

At least one remained in the audience, and every- Garlic critical condition Monday. body panicked and fled,” REVERSE Many of the shooting sur- said Bill Weir, a south FROM PAGE 1 vivors were improving Mon- San Jose resident who has day, hospital officials said. played bass and sung with “I saw stuff that no one “I’ve been doing this 20 the band for 13 years. MORTGAGE should ever see,” said that years, and it’s just sicken- About a dozen people, in- mother, Molly Guerin, 40, ing,” said Gov. Gavin New- cluding the band and sound from Morgan Hill, who says som, who visited five gun- crew, he said, hid under the the moment she ducked be- shot victims at Santa Clara stage as bullets ricocheted hind the cash register, she Valley Medical Center in off the ground. saw the glint of a bullet fly San Jose. “The gunman was very overhead. “I saw blood and “Nothing I can say can close, and it wouldn’t have people screaming. I’m not change what’s happened,” taken but a swing (around) going to get the images out he told reporters about his to open fire on the stage,” of my mind, and the sounds conversations with victims said Weir, crediting police of the gunshots were terri- inside. “I don’t know what with arriving so quickly fying. I feel nauseous, and I I can possibly say to make and probably saving the don’t know how to describe you feel better except, God lives of the band. “I’m sad it.” bless you, and I’m so sorry, and angry that we have The carnage ended not only what’s happened to victims, including children quickly, police say, when you, but what’s happening that pay the price. And I’m three Gilroy police officers in this country, in this state, angry that guns find their with handguns who had in this nation of ours. We’re way into the hands of peo- been on routine festival here for you.” ple who obviously should duty engaged in a gunfight The horror started Sun- not have them.” and shot dead the teenager day evening for Alberto Many of those fleeing the armed with a semiauto- Romero at home in San gunfire were volunteers, matic weapon built for bat- Jose when his wife, Barbara vendors and so-called “pyro tle. Aguirre, called to say their chefs” wearing aprons from “It could have gotten 6-year-old son, Stephen, a day spent grilling garlic so much worse, so fast,” had been shot in the back steak sandwiches and de- Smithee said. “I’m really and taken away by para- lighting crowds by setting proud that they got there as medics. She had been shot pans ablaze while making quickly as they did. There in the stomach and hand garlicky calamari. absolutely would have been and her mother in the leg. “One minute we were more bloodshed.” “I couldn’t believe what making funnel cakes. One Legan — a 2017 graduate was happening, that what minute we were on the of Gilroy High School who she was saying was a lie, ground protecting our son posted support for white that maybe I was dream- from a stray bullet,” said NEW OPTIONS INCLUDE: supremacist literature on a ing,” said Romero, a San Dave Davies, 60, who has now-deactivated Instagram Jose electrician who was worked as a funnel cake page — died close to where home with their 9-year-old vendor at the festival since 1. No closing costs* he opened fire, surrounded daughter when he received 1993. by hay bales near the Vine- his wife’s call. He was first On Monday, he and about yard Stage that some of his summoned Sunday night to 20 other vendors were stay- victims had been sitting St. Louise Regional Hospi- ing at a Red Cross shelter 2. Access to more cash on and enjoying the last 19 tal in Gilroy, where doctors set up at nearby Christo- minutes of the three-day tried desperately to save pher High School, where festival. his son, a playful boy who peanut butter sandwiches 3. No mortgage insurance The massacre is the lat- looked forward to starting were being served as they est in a series of deadly first grade. waited for police to reopen mass shootings, reigniting “They said they were the festival grounds so they (Non-FHA) the national debate over working on him,” Romero could retrieve their vehicles gun control and adding to said, “and five minutes later and gear. the tension between Cal- they told me he was dead.” The tragedy left every- 4. Maximum loan amounts close to ifornia, with some of the Shortly before midnight, one shaken and brought out strictest gun laws in the he was racing to his wife’s their humanity. $5 million country, and neighboring bedside at Santa Clara Val- Guerin’s 16-year-old states such as Nevada that ley Medical Center. daughter, Caitlin Hinz, who are more permissive. Ken Christopher, scion also is on the Gilroy High Smithee described the of the Christopher Ranch cheerleading squad, said 5. FHA condo approval no longer gun Legan used as an AK- garlic empire, missed the Monday that she and her 47-style assault rifle “that shooting by two hours. He cheerleading friends who required (Non-FHA) had been purchased legally had spent half the day Sun- had been holed up in a tent in Nevada on July 9” — al- day at the festival taking with emergency crews left though it would have been U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta the park “crying and hold- illegal to bring it across of Monterey and Panetta’s ing each other.” 6. Use it to purchase a home state lines to California. middle-school-age daugh- “There was a lady, an FBI agents early Monday ter on a tour of the festi- older lady walking. She had raided a unit in a triplex val grounds. They started fallen on her face,” Hinz Choose your monthly payments OR in Walker Lake, Nevada, at the heart of the event, said. “Me and my friends that Legan was believed to “Gourmet Alley,” sampling carried her all the way back make no mortgage payments at all.* have used “during the days the garlic scampi before fin- down the hill to the fire prior” to the Gilroy shoot- ishing off with a cone of the booth. We stayed with her.” ings. famous garlic ice cream. She also watched in hor- Around the same time, Christopher’s grandfa- ror as a woman tried to re- officers and agents searched ther, Don Christopher, had vive Irby, the 25-year-old CALL US FOR DETAILS the Gilroy home of Legan’s co-founded the festival in from Santa Cruz, in the family Monday morning. 1979. The family’s Christo- back of a pickup truck. It’s unclear when Legan pher Ranch brand of fresh, Adella Garland, a trauma AND GET STARTED TODAY! moved to Nevada and when chopped and minced garlic surgeon at Santa Clara Val- he returned, Smithee said. fills grocery store shelves ley Medical Center, said He would likely have had to around the world. Monday she was especially have been a resident of Ne- “I was so excited to show struck by the emotional im- 760-607-6097 vada to purchase the gun off to him, and he was so pact on children. legally. dazzled by everything,” said “You know before that Why he came home to the Ken Christopher, choking time, they were just think- Garlic Festival, to carry out up. “Last night, I had to ing about how garlic ice his deadly shooting spree, call him and apologize be- cream would taste,” Gar- was a question authorities cause I put his daughter in land said. “And now their couldn’t answer. harm’s way.” lives are changed forever The event that draws The Garlic Festival has by this experience.” 100,000 people over three raised millions of dollars Hundreds turned out days is considered one of for local nonprofits and in- 24 hours after the shoot- the largest food festivals in cludes 4,000 volunteers, ings for a vigil Monday the country and a “home- many of whom work in evening. It was the second coming” for locals who at- booths that raise money for one in just over a month Rated 9 out of 10 tend every year. their local organizations. that Ron Esparza, 61, of The suspect is the grand- “It’s innocent. It’s com- Gilroy had attended. Just ARAMCO is rated Excellent son of former Santa Clara munity. It’s an escape from 12 miles north, community County Supervisor Tom the entire world,” Christo- members had gathered in Legan, who died last year. pher said. “To see some- late June after a disgrun- The three victims include thing like this strike at the tled employee killed two su- 6-year-old Stephen Romero, heart of our identity — it’s pervisors and then himself who is related to San Jose a violation. Three days cel- at the Ford Store in Mor- City Councilwoman Maya ebrating food and music — gan Hill. Esparza, and Keyla Sala- and now it’s shattered.” Esparza kept the candle zar, 13, who is also from San At the Vineyard Stage from that night. Jose. Also killed was Trevor at just about 5:40 p.m., the “I couldn’t throw it away,” Irby, 25, who was from up- band TinMan had started he said. “It’s been in my car. state New York but recently its final song of the festi- I didn’t think I’d need it so DRE license #01853626 NMLS #277316 living in Santa Cruz with val, the classic rock tune soon.” his girlfriend. “American Band,” when the Nearly two dozen peo- shooter came in from the Staff writers Joseph Geha, ple were injured, includ- side and started shooting. Robert Salonga, Emily *Not all borrowers qualify. Borrowers still have to upkeep their home and pay their property taxes, insurance and complete ing 11 who were hospital- “We had a few hundred DeRuy and Maggie Angst reverse mortgage counseling. This material is not from HUD or FHA and has not been approved by HUD or a government ized with gunshot wounds. people still dancing and in contributed to this report. agency. ARAMCO Mortgage, Inc. is an independent mortgage brokerage licensed under the California Department of Real Estate DRE. TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019 111 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP A5

really painful experience,” to his LinkedIn account. Lesley Sanchez, according SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH Victims her aunt, Katiuska Pimen- Amy Storey, president of to their family and friends. tel, said Monday. Keuka College, released a Gaus was grazed by a FROM PAGE 1 “You don’t go to a garlic statement offering her con- bullet on her left shoulder festival and expect to come dolences to Irby’s family. and back, and bullet frag- Alberto Romero was out without a loved one who “Our hearts go out to ments are still stuck in her home in San Jose late Sun- has been shot and killed,” Trevor’s family and loved shoulder, according to a Go- day afternoon when he got she said. ones,” Storey wrote. “We FundMe page set up for her. a frantic call from his wife, Pimentel said Keyla was are shocked that this latest “She recently turned 26 who told him their 6-year- a compassionate and loving episode of senseless gun vi- and is no longer covered old son had been shot in the little girl who worked hard olence resulted in the loss with health insurance. The back at the festival, she her- at school in East San Jose, of one of our recent gradu- cost of these new medical self was shot in the stomach loved spending time with ates — graduates in whom bills are still unknown but and hand and her mother her younger sisters and we place so much hope be- we can only imagine that was hit in the leg. liked animals and playing cause of their potential to without insurance they “I couldn’t believe what video games. create a brighter tomor- will be expensive,” the page was happening, that what “She wanted to build her row.” states. she was saying was a lie, own YouTube channel and Wendy Towner, the Sanchez, a member of the that maybe I was dream- her dream was to draw an- owner of the beekeeping Gilroy High School cheer ing,” said Romero, a imations for video games and bee removal company team, was volunteering 33-year-old electrician. and movies,” Pimentel said. The Honey Ladies, and at the team’s fundraising STAFF FILE PHOTO Police officers found Ste- “It’s a shock for all of her her husband, Francisco booth when she was struck In a video posted to Twitter, Scott Adams said he was phen suffering from a gun- family. We cant believe it, Aguilera, were among the by a bullet in the abdomen, trying to let people know about his app, “a tool” that could shot wound in the back. that it’s happening.” 11 who suffered gunshot according to Molly Guerin, quickly disseminate information about a major news event. Emergency responders Irby was living in Santa wounds, according to a 40, of Morgan Hill. quickly transported the boy Cruz with his girlfriend GoFundMe page started Guerin, who quickly re- to St. Louise, where he was when they decided to at- by Wendy’s brother, Troy alized Sanchez had been in- ‘Dilbert’ creator defends pronounced dead, accord- tend the festival, according Towner. jured, pressed her hand to ing to authorities. to a GoFundMe page set up The pair were among her wound to try to stop the After the shock of saying by his friends. dozens of vendors selling bleeding, she said. video post: ‘What this goodbye to Stephen at the “Trevor was a brother, goods at the weekend festi- “There was still gun- hospital in Gilroy, Alberto a son, a grandson, a boy- val when the gunfire began, fire happening, everyone is about is Trump’ Romero raced 30 miles friend, a best friend and according to The Honey La- screamed and ran into a north to Santa Clara Valley a bright light to all who dies Facebook page and the booth next to us, but I didn’t Medical Center in San Jose, knew him,” the page states. GoFundMe page. leave her side,” Guerin said Cartoonist urges including witnesses to a where his wife and mother- “Trevor was an excellent Towner and Aguilera in an interview Monday. high-profile crime, to dis- in-law had been taken. pillar of the Keuka College were both shot in the leg Mark Mendoza, a cousin Gilroy survivors to cuss what they know over His wife, Barbara, was & Romulus communities and underwent surgery of Andres, said he was eat- sell stories to media a video call. placed in a medically in- and a kind & positive soul. but are expected to remain ing at some picnic tables Adams told people they duced coma. Trevor will forever live on in the hospital for up to 10 with his family, includ- By Martha Ross could “set their price” Keyla, 13, was anticipat- in the memory of his loved days, according to the page. ing several relatives visit- [email protected] and make money talking ing her 14th birthday on ones.” Their son was saved ing from Mexico, when the about what they experi- Aug. 4 when she was shot According to a state- from the gunfire when an- shooting started. PLEASANTON » “Dilbert” enced during the shoot- in the chest while trying to ment from Keuka College other festivalgoer dragged “There were a lot of kids; creator Scott Adams is ing. As the app works, Ad- flee with family from the in upstate New York, Irby him under a table, the page the shooter was next to a blaming critics of Donald ams’ company would take sound of bullets ripping graduated there with a bi- states. kids play area,” Mendoza Trump and gun control a 20% cut. through the air. ology degree in 2017. He Other victims injured said. advocates for whipping up The condemnation for “It was supposed to be a spent nearly three years as during the shooting in- the social media firestorm Adams’ tweet was swift, beautiful Sunday with the a wine server at Hunt Coun- clude 26-year-old Gabriella Staff writers Thy Vo he encountered Sunday with people accusing him family and it ended up be- try Vineyards before mov- Gaus, 12-year-old Leslie An- and Julia Prodis Sulek when he urged survivors of being a “ghoul” and a ing a horrible experience, a ing to California, according dres and high school junior contributed to this report. of the Gilroy Garlic Festi- “grifter.” val shooting to use an app “Not many people would he co-founded to sell their see the upside to a mass the federal Bureau of Alco- lence, not how do we restrict no red flags. Still, he was stories to the news media shooting and the death of Gun hol, Tobacco, Firearms and the rights of law-abiding concerned enough by the — with him taking a cut. a six year old as clearly as Explosives. citizens should they have news to arrange to hand In a video posted to you have, much less pro- FROM PAGE 1 “Our nation is a patch- to confront someone who over the lease and other Twitter, the Pleasanton mote their business to work of gun laws, and seeks to engage in this kind documents related to his cartoonist on Monday benefit directly from it as California has some of the that’s why we continue to of violence against them,” tenant’s rental to the Min- also denounced “trolls” you have,” tweeted a user, strictest gun control laws in see these horrific shoot- he said. eral County District Attor- for “showboating fake who identifies himself as the country and bans pos- ings,” said Shannon Watts, Legan grew up in Gilroy. ney to aid its investigation outrage” by suggesting a mobile series reliability session of most assault ri- the founder of the Moms De- It’s unclear when he moved into the shooting. he lacked empathy for engineer from San Jose. fles. Californians younger mand Action gun control to Nevada and when he re- “I don’t think anybody the two children and one In his video, Adams than 21 years old also are group. “You’re only as safe turned, Smithee said. Pub- knows anybody” in Walker adult who were killed and pushed back against crit- prohibited from purchas- as the closest state with the lic records show that a per- Lake, he said, “because the more than a dozen ics, saying he was simply ing rifles in the state, un- weakest gun laws.” son by his name lived as they’re there to get away people who were injured trying to get people with der a law passed in the wake The federal government recently as May in Walker from everybody else.” in the Sunday night mass information about a major of the Parkland, Florida, banned assault weapon Lake, a small town more Legan was killed in a fire- shooting. news event in contact with school shooting last year. sales in the 1990s, but that than 100 miles southeast of fight with three Gilroy po- In the video, Adams reporters as quickly as Nevada, on the other ban expired in 2004. Sen. Reno wedged between the lice officers soon after he be- said he was simply trying possible. He said his app hand, has far looser rules. Dianne Feinstein, who in- lake from which it gets its gan shooting at the festival, to let his followers know is another “news gathering Nevada law allows residents troduced the original ban name and the mountains. according to authorities. about “a tool” that could tool” and agreed the pub- 18 and older to purchase as- and has been pushing to The District Attorney’s “Despite the fact they quickly disseminate infor- lic “has a legitimate need sault rifles from licensed reauthorize it, argued that Office in Mineral County, were outgunned with their mation about such a major to know” about a mass firearm dealers after pass- Legan would not have been Nevada, confirmed that FBI handguns against a rifle, news event. shooting in their town or ing a background check and able to buy his rifle if the agents early Monday raided those three officers were “We’re all feeling very, region. currently doesn’t require a ban had been in place. a unit in a triplex in Walker able to fatally wound the very bad for the people Adams added that check for sales between pri- “It’s time for Congress Lake that Legan was be- suspect, and the event ended who experienced it,” Ad- in such a situation, he vate individuals. A new law to debate this bill and vote lieved to have used “during fairly quickly,” Smithee said. ams said in his video. wouldn’t expect a witness — inspired by the Las Ve- on it,” Feinstein said in a the days prior” to the Gilroy John Donohue, a Stan- Attempts to reach Ad- to charge for sharing their gas mass shooting in 2017 statement. “We know these shootings. ford University law profes- ams for further com- story. The witness would — also will mandate back- weapons are falling into the The property manager sor who studies gun vio- ments were unsuccessful. “set their price at zero,” ground checks for private wrong hands and we know who runs the triplex said lence, said the shooting rep- His phone voicemail box which means his com- sales or transfers, although there are ways to prevent he rented the second apart- resented more evidence that was full and he did not re- pany wouldn’t benefit fi- it doesn’t go into effect un- this from happening, but ment three months ago to a states’ gun control policies spond to a tweet seeking nancially. But if a witness til next year. still Republicans block our man between the ages of 19 can have a huge impact on comment. chose to charge for an in- A UC Berkeley study in every effort to help.” and 25, who showed up with their neighboring states. Adams gained world- terview, a news organiza- 2017 found that in the two Craig DeLuz, a California no furniture and hardly any “This shooting shows that wide fame and acclaim tion would have the option weeks after gun shows take gun rights activist and the belongings. The man didn’t the lax gun control states through his cartoon “Dil- “to not pay if it doesn’t feel place in Nevada, there’s a publisher of the 2A News use the name Santino Le- contribute to deaths in the bert,” which debuted in right.” corresponding spike in gun- website, argued that it was gan when he moved in, said most serious gun control 1989, but in recent years Most news organiza- related deaths and injuries premature for officials to the property manager, who states,” Donohue said. “It re- has become known for his tions, including the Mer- across the state line in Cali- call for stricter gun control doesn’t live near the prop- ally is shameful that we’re controversial expressions cury News and East Bay fornia. And more guns that laws without getting all the erty, and declined to give his surrounded by states that of admiration for Presi- Times, do not pay news are traced by law enforce- facts about the shooting own name or the name his don’t take this seriously.” dent Trump. He claims sources for interviews or ment agencies in California first. renter used. The manager that’s why he’s getting at- information. Certain tab- come from Nevada than any “The real discussion has said the renter paid three Contact Casey Tolan at tacked now. loid news companies, such state other than California to be around how do we ad- months’ rent upfront, and a 510-208-6425 and Marisa “What this is about is as TMZ or American Me- or Arizona, according to dress these incidents of vio- background check showed Kendall at 408-920-5009. Trump,” said Adams in dia, the owner of the Na- the Twitter video. “All of tional Enquirer, have the pushback I’m getting sparked debate for their ily members worked out reg- the name his renter used. sino told him he was in the is fueled by an intense ha- willingness to pay news Suspect ularly in a gym in their ga- The renter paid for three car with his cousin, search- tred of Trump, or there- sources. rage, according to neigh- months upfront, the man- ing for his little brother, fore for anyone who has As of Monday after- FROM PAGE 1 bor Elia Scettrini, who ager said. Santino, according to the ever said anything good noon, no Gilroy survi- described Legan’s father as Walker Lake, about two Times. Rosino couldn’t find about Trump. It also is vors had taken Adams up before the shooting, a user a devoted parent. hours south of Reno, is the his brother and was think- about gun control, and it’s on his offer. The only per- identified as Santino Wil- Scettrini said she last saw kind of place where res- ing of going to the emer- about people feeling help- son offering himself up liam Legan told followers, Santino Legan about a week idents leave each other gency room. “They wanted less to be able to do some- as an “expert” was some- “Read Might is Right by ago and raised her hand to alone, the property man- to be sure he was OK. That thing about it.” one named Jeff Horwitz Ragnar Redbeard” — an say hello. “You don’t know ager said. “I don’t think any- was the last contact I had On Sunday night, Ad- who appeared to want to apparent reference to the what’s going through the body knows anybody,” he with him,” Turcan said. ams shared a message with troll Adams, by saying he racist manifesto “Might minds of people,” Scettrini said, “because they’re there “And then I learned this his more than 300,000 was willing to talk to any- is Right or The Survival said. to get away from every- morning it was Santino who Twitter followers about one for $50 an hour about of the Fittest,” written in However, police said body else. We have scorpi- did the shooting.” his “Interface by When- “Scott Adams being vile” 1890. The work, penned Monday that Legan had ons, we have rattlesnakes on Hub” app. The WhenHub and “journalism basics.” under a pseudonym, has been living in Nevada, but the property. We have bears Staff writers Maggie Angst, app allows experts or become a key part of the it was not immediately that have been picked up on Emily DeRuy and Thy Vo anyone else with unique Contact Martha Ross at modern white supremacist clear when he returned to the property. Walker Lake is contributed to this report. knowledge of a situation, 925-943-8254. and neo-Nazi canon, and is Gilroy, or whether he was not a place for a person who frequently mentioned on ex- staying or living at his par- doesn’t like the outdoors to tremist websites. ents’ house at the time of the live. You have to seek it out. In the Instagram post, shooting. I even told him this is not ENJOY LIFE MORE! which has since been taken The District Attorney’s the right place for you. Move down, the writer also used Office in Mineral County, into town.” A Reverse Mortgage could racial and misogynistic Nevada, said FBI agents One of Legan’s brothers, slurs to describe “hordes” of early Monday raided a unit Rosino, was listed by the provide you with the Silicon Valley workers and in a triplex in Walker Lake U.S. national boxing team people of mixed race origin that Legan was believed to as a lightweight fighter in Financial Freedom you need! “overcrowding” towns. The have used “during the days 2015, when at age 17 he won post was accompanied by a prior” to the Gilroy shoot- one bout and lost one in the photo of a Smokey Bear sign ings. elite class at the USA Boxing IfIf you you are are 62 62 or or older older and and own own your your house, house, warning of high fire danger. A property manager at national championship that a reverse Mortgage May benefIt you! In a post dated Sunday, the a triplex that public re- year. Rosino Legan, accord- writer referenced the Gil- cords linked to Legan said ing to a 2017 Gilroy Dispatch • Turn Home Equity into Cash • No Monthly Mortgage Payments* roy festival. “Ayyy garlic fes- he rented out a unit three article, sparred with San- • FHA-Insured Program for Seniors tival,” the post read. “Come months ago to a man be- tino and two other brothers, get wasted on overpriced tween the ages of 19 and Nick and Carlo, and their fa- TO REQUEST A FREE QUOTE Reverse Mortgage Specialist (expletive).” 25, who showed up with no ther, Tom, in a boxing ring Certified Public Accountant 510.436.3100 With over 30 years of experience Neighbors said Legan, furniture and hardly any be- set up in the family’s garage. as a financial professional. who had three brothers, had longings except a computer, Jerome Turcan, who said lived in his parents’ two- saying he worked in online he trained Rosino in box- “I pledge to provide story suburban home not far tech support. The renter ing and martial arts, told extraordinary service from the site of the Garlic didn’t use the name San- the Los Angeles Times that with honesty, straightforwardness Festival. Outside the home tino Legan when he moved when he heard on the radio Serving the Bay Area! David C. Chee, CPA Monday, two cats were lying in, according to the prop- that there had been a shoot- and integrity.” NMLS ID 263222 in front of the garage door erty manager, who would ing in Gilroy, he called Ros- *Borrower to remain current on their property taxes and homeowners insurance and HOA fees, occupy home as primary residence and maintain the property. near a scratching post. Fam- not give his own name or ino. Turcan recalled that Ro- HighTechLending, Inc., Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. #4130937 NMLS #7147. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. This material is not from HUD for FHA, and was not approved by HUD, FHA or any other government agency.

A6Opinion BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 111 TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019

Sharon Ryan: President and Publisher, Bay Area News Group Cartoonist’s view

Frank Pine Ed Clendaniel Executive Editor Editorial Page Editor Bert Robinson Michael Turpin Senior Editor Executive Vice President Randall Keith and Chief Revenue Officer Managing Editor Digital Lisa Buckingham Sarah Dussault Senior Vice President Managing Editor Features, Sports, Photo and Chief Financial Officer

Contact us: Phone: 408-920-5679 Email: [email protected]

Editorial Trump sympathies for Gilroy shooting lack any credibility TOM MEYER The mass shooting at the and sorrow.” It was similar to ONLINE Gilroy Garlic Festival was yet his response after the Florida EXTRA To view our cartoon galleries, go to www.mercurynews.com/opinion another slaughter of inno- school shooting and the Las cent Americans made possi- Vegas massacre. On this issue, ble by congressional and pres- his condolences have lost all idential indifference to assault credibility. TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF IT weapons. “We reaffirm our national And it could have been will to answer violence with much, much worse. the courage, determination It’s horrifying enough that and resolve of one American Parkland, Orlando, Las Vegas, three innocent people were family,” Trump said Monday killed and 12 others injured morning at the White House. when 19-year-old Santino Wil- Courage? Oh, please. Cour- liam Legan opened fire with age would require having the Sandy Hook — and now Gilroy what police describe as an “resolve” to stand up to the AK-47-style weapon. gun lobby. To recognize that, I was at the Gilroy Garlic officers on duty a debt of grat- assault weapon and registered But there could have been when claiming gun rights, Festival for four hours Saturday itude for responding within a the firearm with the California many more fatalities. Like the there’s a legitimate difference with my wife, my daughter and minute of the shooting and kill- Department of Justice. 17 students killed in Parkland, between a hunting rifle and her boyfriend. ing the gunman. My brother is But that still leaves too many Florida. The 20 first graders an assault weapon. To support We spent most of our time at a former deputy sheriff in the assault weapons out there, in and six educators at Sandy reinstatement of the assault- the northern end of the park, state of Washington, and we’ve this state and across the na- Hook Elementary School in weapons ban that Congress al- sampling the gar- talked about the incredible tion. In this case, the shooter Newtown, Connecticut. lowed to expire, and univer- lic-laden food, courage it takes to run toward bought the gun 19 days ear- The 14 people at a confer- sal background checks that taking in a bit of a shooting when every bone in lier in Nevada. It’s time to ad- ence center in San Bernardino passed in the Democratic-con- a cooking show your body is screaming at you dress this problem on a na- and 12 in a movie theater in trolled House, but stalled in and exploring the to do the opposite. Dozens are tional scale. Aurora, Colorado. Or the 58 Republican-led Senate. various booths. likely still alive today because I’m not anti-gun. I grew up gunned down and hundreds To top it all off, Trump went That’s right: If of the Gilroy officers’ actions. going hunting regularly with wounded in Las Vegas. on, “We thank the brave mem- Ed the shooter who But now what? my dad, who taught me the im- Fortunately, in Gilroy, there bers of law enforcement — Clendaniel killed three and We’ve attended the Garlic portance of gun safety. My high was already a significant po- they never let us down — who injured 12 on Festival every year for the past school had mandatory ROTC lice presence at the very pop- swiftly killed the shooter.” Sunday had cho- five years. We love the food. We for sophomore boys. We were ular festival. Less than a min- You bet they were brave — sen to come to the park a day love the family atmosphere, taught to disassemble and reas- ute after the call came in, offi- running toward someone with earlier, we could have been in and we especially love that all semble a rifle and went to the cers had responded and were an assault weapon rather than the middle of the tragedy. the money goes to charity. It’s rifle range for target practice. firing at Legan. away. For that, we’re all deeply Like many of you, I spent the simply one of America’s great I have always found hunt- Otherwise, “There abso- grateful. night trying to make sense of it food festivals. ers to be among the most en- lutely would have been more But that raises the question: all. I found that impossible be- Will we go again? I don’t vironmentally and safety-con- bloodshed, I believe, with Why are we repeatedly put- cause it’s such a senseless act. know about you, but I’m plan- scious people I know. I respect the number of people and ting our law enforcement of- Who turns a rifle on a crowd ning to attend in 2020. And I’m people’s right to own guns — as the small area they’re in,” ficers in such danger rather of people? Who randomly kills hoping you will, too. long as they do so in a respon- said Gilroy Police Chief Scot than taking steps to get rid of a 6-year-old boy or a 13-year- I refuse to be a part of let- sible fashion. Smithee. assault weapons altogether? old girl? Who decides to make ting fear destroy an event that But assault rifles are another Credit good planning. If the president truly wanted a mass shooting his life legacy? has raised nearly $12 million matter. I don’t believe that our And credit bravery. Three to show his thanks, he would What would have happened if for worthy charity groups and Founding Fathers would have cops with sidearms fatally stop putting police in needless we had been there? nonprofits that do so much advocated that people be able wounded Legan even though danger. I thought about security as good for the community. to own assault rifles any more they were, in the word of the This has gone on too long. we entered the festival Satur- And I plan to redouble my than they would have sanc- chief, “outgunned.” California lawmakers have day. There were guards with efforts to do something about tioned people possessing any How many more times will taken steps to stop the sale of metal-detecting wands check- the number of available as- weapon of mass destruction. this nation go through this be- assault weapons here. But, as ing people before they en- sault weapons in California and They would have been horri- fore mostly Republican mem- Legan showed, they’re easily tered. One examined my wife’s across the country. I hope you fied at what happened in Sandy bers of Congress and Presi- purchased out of state. This bag and asked me if I had any will, too. Hook, San Bernardino, Or- dent Donald Trump stop gen- is a national problem that re- knives or sharp objects. California already prohibits lando, Las Vegas, Parkland — uflecting to the National Rifle quires a national solution. But he didn’t use a wand to anyone from possessing an as- and now Gilroy. Association? In the meantime, we’re left verify that I wasn’t carrying a sault weapon unless he or she Rather than even hint to feel lucky that “only” three weapon. He took my word for possessed the firearm before Contact Ed Clendaniel at at any meaningful reform, innocent people died. That’s it. the date it was defined as an 408-920-5679. Trump fell back on his ex- how low the bar has been set. I remember being troubled pression of “deepest sadness It’s time to change that. by that. But I also recall think- A man who ing that anyone who wants to witnessed the President Donald do anyone real harm will likely shooting stands Trump on Monday find a way to elude security outside Gilroy expressed “deepest precautions. High School after sadness and Gilroy Police Chief Scot being allowed sorrow” for the Smithee said Sunday night to leave the shooting deaths that’s exactly what happened. festival by law at the Gilroy Garlic The 19-year-old shooter, identi- enforcement Festival. fied as Santino William Legan, Sunday in Gilroy. reportedly entered the festival PABLO MARTINEZ by cutting a fence and crossing NHAT V. MEYER — MONSIVAIS — Uvas Creek. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS We all owe the Gilroy police

DEVOTE ONE DEBATE TO THE CRISIS Make presidential candidates discuss climate change

By Rebecca Auerbach CNN held town halls with pres- fused to allow a climate debate. cians and media have not even ing that the public will back idential candidates in April. A DNC members who disagree are kept the public informed of what them. threat to human life on earth bringing the matter to a vote at we’re facing. And this isn’t just about Dem- An unusual coalition of ac- needs be a focal point, not a dry the committee’s summer meet- For example: How many ocrats. Many Americans are tivists and party insiders in the footnote. ing Aug. 22-24 in San Francisco. Americans know that the cli- looking for ideas from both sides Democratic Party is squaring off The movement for a climate Why the urgency? The In- mate crisis, escalating a mas- of the aisle. The left doesn’t have with Tom Perez, the party’s na- policy debate began with youth tergovernmental Panel on Cli- sive drought in Central America, a monopoly on climate. tional chair. The issue: whether activists and has caught fire mate Change reported last year is driving refugees to our south- Although the White House is to devote one of the Democratic among local Democratic leaders that we must cut greenhouse gas ern border? We continue to dis- doubling down on denial, more- presidential primary debates to as county party chapters from emissions nearly in half by 2030 cuss immigration policy with- moderate Republicans acknowl- the climate crisis. Los Angeles County to Miami- to prevent a climate catastrophe. out discussing the far larger mi- edge the climate crisis and dis- It is time for Perez to listen to Dade rush to pass resolutions in The winner of the 2020 presi- grations that will happen as cuss market-based solutions. the members of his party who support. dential election will be the last the planet heats and the conse- When Democrats make climate want to put a spotlight on this Here in the Bay Area, support U.S. president to have a chance quences worsen. the focal point of the 2020 elec- threat to everything we depend is clear. The Democratic Party to set us on that path. As they prepare for a climate tion, Republicans will need to on. chapters for Alameda, Santa The Democratic Party has debate, candidates will immerse bring their own solutions to the News networks are trying to Clara and Marin counties are claimed to be the party that vot- themselves in the effects of the forefront to win the votes of the fill the void, but Democratic Na- likely to pass resolutions in Au- ers can turn to for a serious re- climate crisis on every aspect of American center. tional Committee rules won’t gust calling for a Democratic cli- sponse to the climate threat. Yet our lives and our political sys- We already have the technol- let them hold a presidential de- mate debate. San Francisco, So- in the first party debates this tem. They will make clear to the ogy and the resources to win bate without DNC sponsor- noma and Contra Costa counties year, many Democratic candi- public what is at stake, starting the war against climate break- ship. CNN announced last week have already done so. dates seemed unprepared to go a dialogue that continues into down. All we need is the politi- that it will hold a “climate town I am one of the Contra Costa beyond a brief acknowledgment the election cycle. cal will. It’s time for a major po- hall,” where audiences question residents who brought a reso- of the issue. Candidates presenting and litical party to put climate on one candidate at a time. Unfor- lution to my county party. I be- Every candidate should be defending their climate plans the stage. tunately, town halls are sparsely lieve we must place urgent focus working to mobilize the public clearly and in depth will focus watched and generate none of on the climate crisis in the 2020 to protect this country and the attention and excitement on our Rebecca Auerbach of the excitement of debates. Many election. world from climate breakdown. climate mobilization, pushing Concord is a Democratic and people don’t even know that But Perez has steadfastly re- Far short of mobilization, politi- leaders to act on climate know- environmental activist.