(Los Angeles, CA)— Today the Los Angeles Building and Safety Commission voted 4-1 against providing the owner of a Crenshaw Blvd. firearms store, Botach Tactical, from receiving a six month extension on the occupancy of its existing building.  In effect, the owner of Botach Tactical, Bar Kochba Meir Rotach, must vacate the premise by March 5, 2005.

Congresswoman Diane E. Watson, who spearheaded the move to oust Botach Tactical from its premises in the Crenshaw District, made the following remarks after the Commission’s vote:

“I want to commend the community for empowering themselves and for making such a tremendous impact on the Building and Safety Commission.  They were well informed and spoke articulately about the Crenshaw specific plan and how Botach Tactical violated important aspects of not only the plan but city use ordinances.  The point was made that for the last fifteen years the community was unaware that firearms and ammunition were being sold out of a facility that used to be a bank.  We are very proud the Commission agreed that this business does not belong in a community attempting to revitalize itself.”

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Watson held a press conference in front of Botach Tactical to alert the community that the firearms dealer was operating without proper city permits.  Mayor James Hahn, Councilman Bernard Parks, Assemblywomen Karen Bass, and Culver City School Board Member Saundra Davis also participated in the press conference.