Personal postcard messages call for stricter gun control laws

SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Dozens of people gathered in South Pasadena on Sunday to call for stricter gun control laws in the U.S. Whether spelled out in bold letters or as a sketch looking down the barrel of a gun, the message was the same: "Not one more."

"When is the madness going to stop? Why do people feel the need to have guns? Why are guns not regulated in this country? Why is everything regulated in this country but guns?" asked Terrence Rorie of Pasadena.

Rorie was among dozens who turned out at Space Arts Center in South Pasadena to get the message out.

"Hopefully if we all do something, even something as small as writing postcards, hopefully, eventually, we'll have reasonable legislation that will regulate guns," said Kendis Heffley of San Gabriel.

Co-organizer Kathryn Compton said they wanted to create a forum where people could come together to talk about the issue and create art.

"It sends a message in a different way than rioting or protesting, so it's kind of more peaceful," said 12-year-old Olive Mitchell.

The event was organized by eight friends who teamed up after the Isla Vista shooting and the call to action by one of the victim's fathers.

For Perry Helm, the cause hits close to home. His daughter was killed the day before Mother's Day. The mother of two was murdered by a mentally ill friend in Texas. Her father says loopholes in the law cost him his daughter.

"I had no idea that a mentally disturbed person -- that messed up -- could turn right around and go buy a gun that easily and then walk right in and kill two people," said Helm.

Organizers hoped to complete 1,200 art postcards all bound for Washington on Monday.