Ok, so I sent a letter to the college President after learning a little more about how the college operates (and about the community college law). He responded in just a few days, and not only thanked me for bringing it to his attention, he had the 'no weapons' signs at the campus bookstore removed. He said he was not aware prior to my letter, and thanked me for bringing it to his attention!
I can't tell you all how shocked I am at how easy this was - I was expecting at least a few letters back and forth explaining reasoning.