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California governor takes aim at concealed carry, Fresno DA

February 2, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

In response to recent deadly shootings in the state, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced new legislation this week that would make obtaining concealed carry permits more difficult. Likewise, he engaged in a war of words with the Fresno County District Attorney over the case of a Central Valley police officer whom a gunman shot and killed on Tuesday.

Newsom announced the introduction of Senate Bill 2, authored by state Sen. Anthony Portantino and also backed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. SB 2 would make California’s licensing system for concealed carry permits more stringent; set a minimum age of 21 for obtaining a concealed carry permit; create stiffer training requirements related to handling, loading, unloading and storage of firearms; and establish “safe community places” where concealed firearms would be restricted.

“The mass shooting incidents we have seen over recent weeks bring to light the need for stronger protections for our communities,” Attorney General Bonta said in a statement. “The fact is, individuals who are not law-abiding, responsible citizens simply shouldn’t possess firearms — and they especially shouldn’t be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in public.”

Fresno District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp

Newsom’s office claims efforts to loosen concealed carry restrictions across the country have resulted in an increased in violent crime. Gun homicides increased by 22% in states that passed permitless carry laws, while violent crimes with a firearm rose by 29%, according to the governor’s office.

Following the killing of Selma Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. by a gunman with a criminal background, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp criticized Newsom for policies allowing the early release of inmates from prison.

Newsom responded to Smittcamp during a press conference on gun law reform saying, “She should blame herself. I’ve been listening to this for years. She has the prosecutorial discretion. Ask her what she did in terms of prosecuting that case. I’m sick and tired of being lectured by her about public safety.”

In turn, Smittcamp released a statement saying, “Governor Newsom continues to demonstrate his ignorance and lack of understanding of how the criminal justice system works. His arrogant and defensive response is proof positive that he is attempting to deflect responsibility for his failed policies, but he also proves, once again, his lack of understanding of the sentencing structure and process in which criminal cases are handled in the Superior Courts of the State of California.”


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Violent crime is a cultural social issue, not a gun control issue.

This country is made up of so many different groups, religions, ethnicities, political parties that dislike each other, social groups that feal left out.

The common thread that once connected us is coming apart, the common goals we once shared are less common. People are only concerned with what is best for them and to hell with the other guy. Empathy in individuals and our governments is disappearing. Social media has instilled the belief you must like someone to respect them. This is so wrong and detrimental to society.


5

“Violent crime is a cultural social issue” This country is made up of so many different groups”


Yes, but other place have even more disparate cultures yet they don’t shoot each other as much as Americans, the difference? Easy access to guns, lack of education.


For example people thinking they can shoot down a balloon at 60k feet, math is hard /s.


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I agree, and would ad that the breakdown of the family unit combined with the corny concept of good citizenship has contributed to the degradation of our society.


0

The problem seems to be creating effective laws against gun violence. Think we can all agree that owing and using a gun for enjoyment, practice, hunting or self protection is not gun violence. So how to have effective laws that solely address gun violence seems to be the difficulty.


14

So creating effective laws, raising taxes to hire guards and build prisons is your fix?




-3

In 2020 fifty-six percent of gun violence in the US was suicide, so new laws will have little effect on lowering these numbers, suicide is illegal but not an effective deterrent.

Forty-four percent was homicide, of which ten percent was legal, accidental and undetermined. So that leaves thirty-four percent, I would think most would be gang, drug and other criminal activity related, but I can’t find the stats, in other words criminals committing gun violence with illegally possessed firearms. New laws will have little effect on criminals. Open borders will bring illegal guns and criminals from south America and China. California rated 42 out of 50 states for gun deaths in 2008 to 2017,1 being highest number of deaths per hundred thousand and 50 the lowest.


3

Have people approved to have a California concealed carry permit engaged in gun violence or other criminal activity?


19

Good question. The answer is NO. USDOJ and FBI statistics have shown for some time that licensed, CCW holders use a firearm (per capita) less than cops do, and, are ALMOST never involved in a crime.


And no, I don’t have any links to give you but I know this for a fact. If you care to look it up, please do. But don’t go to NPR, or MSNBC, or the Brady anti gun groups. Use reliable data from US DOJ (not Ca) or USCCA.


20

One would think a simple stat could be produced and agreed to by all.


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