Well hello there!

[aplinker]

This is cool to see.

Will CRPA reps be on Calguns?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[domokun]

Originally Posted by uclaplinker

This is cool to see.

Will CRPA reps be on Calguns?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Ditto!

[6172crew]

And only a few mods so take it easy on em'

[5150Marcelo]

4th!

[fed20]

let's Hope

[Jon Se]

Interesting, I just applied for membership not too long ago...

[Ahhnother8]

Have heard that things are changing for the better regarding CRPA, but it wouldn't take too much effort for that to be true.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Hopefully, soon I won't have to hide the fact that I'm a CRPA life member.

Oops!

[doughboy334]

Got a membership letter in the mail from them today

[Quiet]

It better change for the better.

[wildhawker]

Congrats on the opening of the forum, CRPA.

Thanks for doing this Kestryll- let's hope that it will be as useful to the betterment of CRPA in its application as it was anticipated.

[rweller]

Great to see a CRPA forum. Thank you for opening it. As a CRPA board member fire away. You aren't going to hurt my feelings. There isn't much you can say that I haven't said myself either in public or in the board meetings. I posted a comment under the Second Amendment forum on some of the things going on with CRPA as a result of the board meeting, adding to Gene Hoffman's comments.

I think it's fair to say the organization has changed as of late. New board members including adding Gene Hoffman into the group. He's a good man and folks at Calguns are lucky to have someone as committed to the cause as he is. And, now we are lucky to have him.

I'm not going to repeat what I posted under the Second Amendment forum, but I will be visiting this forum regularly. I don't speak for the board or our Executive Director, but anyone who knows me will tell you I have no problem speaking my mind. I can rumble with the best.

As for this board member, (Since inquiring minds want to know) I quite accidentally got into the gun rights movement in the mid-eighties when I thought my rights we're being flushed down a toilet. I went to a book signing in San Diego County to see and meet Wayne La Pierre shortly after I became an NRA member. My wife, also a gun nut, was with me. All my gun nut friends think I'm the luckiest guy in the world having a wife to likes to buy and shoot guns. To some, having a wife that meets those qualifications might be a dangerous proposition, but it does keep me off the streets at night and in line. But I digress. We ran into some NRA Member Council members at the book signing and joined their group immediately.

About ten years later I hooked up with the CRPA as a member.
After working with the group as a contractor for a few years, as well as volunteer work, I left part time contract employment and became a board member. Been on the board now about 4 years.

There is no question, moving the group to take action and modernize has been slow in coming. But, leadership is everything, and even though our new Exec Dir reports to the board, he brings a leadership position that is energizing the board members as a whole. That's not to say the organization was bad previously, because it was what the board wanted the CRPA to be. But, us new board members want more from CRPA. We want outreach to other gun owners, other pro-gun organizations, and we want aggressiveness in litigation and in dealing with the California legislature. I believe we are now making progress in that area, especially with the CRPA Foundation.

In addition to my participation and life membership in CRPA, I've been an NRA member for about 25 years. I was the editor of CalNRA.org, now currently known as GunNewsDaily.com, which I currently manage. If you've been visiting Gun News Daily, you know where I stand.

Again, thanks for opening this forum. I'm looking forward to participating. I'll let other board members know.

Ralph Weller
CRPA Board Member
Editor: Gun News Daily

[CA357]

Originally Posted by doughboy334

Got a membership letter in the mail from them today

Me too. I'd never heard of them, but the letter had an NRA endorsement with it.

[Scout106]

This forum is a welcome addition. I've been a CRPA member for a number of years and I hope for good things to come now that the Board has been revitalized.

[otteray]

I just sent in my dues after a year or so off!

[nick]

Originally Posted by otteray

I just sent in my dues after a year or so off!

You're easy

[wooger]

I was a member many years ago, and will be watching this change.

[wildhawker]

Originally Posted by rweller

Again, thanks for opening this forum. I'm looking forward to participating. I'll let other board members know.

Ralph Weller
CRPA Board Member
Editor: Gun News Daily

Thank you for joining us here; I think you'll find (and I hope the other members of the BoD will agree) that there is much offered here and we CRPA members appreciate your participation.

[chris]

Originally Posted by doughboy334

Got a membership letter in the mail from them today

yeah i got one too the other day.

[hoffmang]

All of the CRPA board members were invited to join and post here. Let's go easy welcome them as many of them are a touch computing neophytes.

-Gene

[rkt88edmo]

Originally Posted by hoffmang

Let's go easy welcome them as many of them are a touch computing neophytes.

Dunno Gene - if they compose sentences like that I may have a hard time. :P

[hoffmang]

Originally Posted by rkt88edmo

Dunno Gene - if they compose sentences like that I may have a hard time. :P

When did Ohsmily take over you account?

However, it's a fair cop. I edited the sentence in mid stream. One of these days I'll learn to re-read before hitting the post button.

-Gene

[oaklander]

I joined a few days ago, based on the welcome changes I am seeing.

Let's welcome them, and help them get up to speed on Calguns.

[Darklyte27]

welcome

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Welcome aboard Mr. Weller.
I am looking forward to some state shaking actions from the coalition.
Or is it a covenant now?

Vick

[jeffyboy]

Glad to see the forum..welcome!

[rweller]

Originally Posted by Can'thavenuthingood

Welcome aboard Mr. Weller.
I am looking forward to some state shaking actions from the coalition.
Or is it a covenant now?

Vick

It's a 'new world order'. Thanks for the welcome.

Ralph

[jacques]

Will there be news and updates, interesting events the CRPA is putting on posted here?

And welcome.

[artherd]

Looking forward to seeing some constructive dialogue on the issues.

[rweller]

Originally Posted by artherd

Looking forward to seeing some constructive dialogue on the issues.

I as well.

[rweller]

Originally Posted by jacques

Will there be news and updates, interesting events the CRPA is putting on posted here?

And welcome.

Sure, we can post all kinds of stuff here about CRPA, events. I've notified the board of the forum. I would think some of our folks, especially the shooters, would like to post CRPA sponsored competitive shoots. We will, as it comes available, post links to the CRPA site when new legal and legislative stuff comes up in Sacramento, cities or counties.

Thank you for the welcome. I'm looking forward to becoming an active part of Calguns.

Ralph
CRPA Board Member
Editor: GunNewsDaily.com

[bulgron]

Well, yet another forum for me to keep an eye on.

Does this mean I should join the CRPA? Hmmm.... Think I'll lurk for while before I make that decision.....

[DirectAction - JPD]

Just joined here - been a Lifer of CRPA for a while.....

[Apex]

This can only be a good thing

[Mirage]

I am hoping for some coordinated efforts between CG, CRPA, and NRA.
I am also hoping for some insight, as to what the CRPA is doing, and that they will acknowledge and consider input from it's members.

[rweller]

Just wanted to let you folks know that CRPA is now publishing news on their main page at CRPA.org. The news links come from another site, but we are expanding it to include unique information on California and the legislature and news originated by CRPA. It's a good start.

Ralph

[rweller]

Originally Posted by Mirage

I am hoping for some coordinated efforts between CG, CRPA, and NRA.
I am also hoping for some insight, as to what the CRPA is doing, and that they will acknowledge and consider input from it's members.

Mirage,

CRPA has always been aligned and worked with Gunowners of California. Historically, we have had a close relationship with that group.

CRPA is an NRA state affiliate, so by definition we work with NRA. However, that relationship has been at times at arms length in the past. That has changed within the last year or so. We have caligned CRPA to work closely with their legislative team in Sacramento, along with our rep in Sacramento. At times in the past it seemed like we were 'doing our own thing' sometimes to the detriment of each organization. That's unacceptable.

Since Heller, the NRA seems to be taking a keen interest in California legislation and laws. In discussions with the legal types of CRPA, and based on what I have heard, NRA sees California as a state that may decide Second Amendment incorporation once and for all. If incorporation doesn't ring a bell, let me know and I'll run through it with you. But essentially, it takes Second Amendment issues and to some degree limits the states from infringing on it. Right now, the states have every legal and constitutional right to infringe on the Second Amendment because it doesn't apply to the states. (I know I'll get the obligatory "you don't know what you're talking about" reply to that statement, but it's twue, it's twue) We need to get incorporation. It's critical to our rights in California and other states where gun control is out-of-control like New Jersey, New York and Maryland. But, if you live in Texas, Utah, Vermont or Arizona, you probably don't want to hear about incorporation.

Ralph

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Regarding the NRA of which I am a member in good standing. My preference is for the NRA to stay under the radar and allow the homegrown organizations to push the envelope publicly. We must be out in front, we have the power of the ballot box, not the NRA though we are the NRA.

We, Calguns and CRPA members are the constituents of the elected officials and we are making some significant moves. They are aware of us as a voting bloc and very serious about our choices of how best to defend ourselves and families. We are here in the trenches, they are not. They work for us the people, not as nanny's but as caretakers to the infrastructure needed to run a state. Look at the criminal industry, both crime and the state agencies that feed on it, another crime though one of ethics.

Hindering an individuals choice of a means to self defense is contrarian and controlling. From there is why I say we Calgunners are the ones needed to put the pressure on the politckers, not a paid lobbyist making deals out of turn.
We vote with the ballot, we are a non-partisan, no particular religious beliefs, male and female, mothers and fathers, Union & non Union and I think by now every vocation is represented here on this board. If the politicians are not yet listening its because they are something other than diligent and need new staff. DeLeon's staff comes to mind.

I think its safe to say we are done with the arrogance of Sacramento.

Vick

[rweller]

Originally Posted by Can'thavenuthingood

Regarding the NRA of which I am a member in good standing. My preference is for the NRA to stay under the radar and allow the homegrown organizations to push the envelope publicly. We must be out in front, we have the power of the ballot box, not the NRA though we are the NRA.

We, Calguns and CRPA members are the constituents of the elected officials and we are making some significant moves. They are aware of us as a voting bloc and very serious about our choices of how best to defend ourselves and families. We are here in the trenches, they are not. They work for us the people, not as nanny's but as caretakers to the infrastructure needed to run a state. Look at the criminal industry, both crime and the state agencies that feed on it, another crime though one of ethics.

Hindering an individuals choice of a means to self defense is contrarian and controlling. From there is why I say we Calgunners are the ones needed to put the pressure on the politckers, not a paid lobbyist making deals out of turn.
We vote with the ballot, we are a non-partisan, no particular religious beliefs, male and female, mothers and fathers, Union & non Union and I think by now every vocation is represented here on this board. If the politicians are not yet listening its because they are something other than diligent and need new staff. DeLeon's staff comes to mind.

I think its safe to say we are done with the arrogance of Sacramento.

Vick

Vick,

NRA strategically focuses its efforts in states where progress can be made. California is viewed as a very dangerous place for other states and the nation. This is a state where initial legislation is developed because we have a legislature willing to implement most any goofy gun control idea that comes along. NRA feels strongly that they must make every effort to stop it here, or it spreads like a virus across the country and ultimately at the federal level. Bans on semi-autos come to mind.

However, CRPA is the organization that has stayed under the radar in California, purposely based on the Boards desire in past years. Right or wrong, a desire to not send messages that might cast the organization in a negative light in any way shape or form was SOP. As a result, we rarely received media coverage, good or bad. Compare that to NRA, who is in the news daily.

The organization when I started working with them was clearly oriented around competitive shooting and promoting such. Having watched the board as a member in meetings since about 1998 to now the org has transitioned to be more active in other areas with more of an orientation towards legislative matters. Now, some may disagree with my view, but that is what I have seen from my perspective.

We took a step a year ago in getting our name out to California gun owners. We started reviewing whether sponsoring a radio talk show would give us exposure within California. We have worked in the past with a radio personality from central California by the name of Jerry Pearce. He has a radio show in Fresno called "The Radio Detective". I was on the exploratory committee a year ago to determine whether using professional expertise to expand the show into syndication would have merit. In October of this past year it was launched. CRPA owns 50%, Jerry Pierce 25% and our syndicators/promoters own 25%.

I have to say, this is a risky deal to some degree. We are spending significant amounts of money to syndicate the show, pay Jerry Pearce, satellite time, outfitting a new studio, ISDN lines (or similar) form the studio to the satellites, you name it, we're paying for it. The show started in central Cal at a small ESPN station. It recently expanded to KLAA, a 50,000 watt station in L.A. It's the home of the Angels. It is expanding to KERN, a 50,000 watt station in Kern County which should cover the entire, or most of the entire central valley. Other stations are lining up and it has been estimated that within the next few months, most all of California from the Mexican border to Oregon will be covered by the show. Oddly, a station in Florida picked it up as well.

It airs between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM on most stations. Now, it isn't exactly drive time, but it is in a slot that can compete with the 800lb gorilla of night radio "Coast to Coast". Those stations that have nothing to compete want something.

Our radio syndicators are probably two of the bigger names in radio. One has been producing talk radio shows for a couple of decades, the other has been in the radio business for 40 years. Dr. Laura and others was produced by one of them, so they have the experience. I can't tell you how difficult it is for media advertising these days, but they're pushing hard on getting sponsors for the show so it can be self-sustaining from a financial standpoint. The next 3 - 6 months will be critical.

With CRPA owning 50% of the show, I can only say, we are a prime advertiser on the show. If we had to pay for advertising to get the penetration this show offers would cost a fortune. I've bought radio advertising and I have to tell you, it needs to be frequent and continuous to get radio to pay off. It may not cost much for one ad. But when you need to do it daily during times to reach your market, the single ad price quickly explodes into significant expenditures. We couldn't afford that level of advertising that we get with this radio program. In the long haul our ownership is cheap.

This program is an effort to get people to know us. Night radio may not be the most logical time, but it's better than nothing, which is what we had prior to the show. As a side note, having seen some historical numbers, our website online membership renewal rate is hopping at a rate not seen for years. Something is going on and its good. We need to get people on our site, join and give them a reason to return to the site. We've added news to CRPA's front page that will be updated daily.

CRPA is finally not just preaching to the choir. We needed to go beyond our membership and get new membership. We are trying that it in a big way. As I said, the next few months will be critical.

This program has been controversial. It is a complete departure from anything we have done in the past. I can say that when you look at those wanting the program to continue, it's for the most part, newer board members. Those who don't want it are long time board members. But, to be completely honest, it isn't split along those lines exclusively. There are those on both sides, long timers and new, that are on the other side.

Enough said. I agree with you that the California organizations need to take the lead. That's why we exist. If not, close it down because we bring nothing to the table. Give the state to NRA and walk away. We aren't doing that.

Ralph

[r08ert209cali]

cool I just got my new member card a week ago. Maybee this will help me see what its all about. Welcome aboard.