dasmi said:
Hey all,
I live in San Diego, California. I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with concealed carrying in my state, possibly in my county. I'd love to hear if anyone had trouble getting a permit, etc.
Hoo-boy! This is a big can o' worms in CA. Where do I start?
First, I suggest you visit
http://www.thehighroad.com and do a search for all threads started by Jim March. Jim has been very active in trying to get CCW reform off the ground in CA.
If
you have had trouble getting a permit (or even the application forms) I know Jim would like to hear about it. He's collecting people's experiences for his legal challenges.
Essentially the CA permit process works like this;
1. California law allows police chiefs and Sherrifs (CLEOs) to issue permits.
2. Law requires you to be "of good moral character" and have "good cause".
3. The CA law is permissive - it says the CLEO
may issue you the permit, but he doesn't
have to issue you a permit.
It seems that some CLEOs refuse to issue any permits at all. Zero. Nil, Nada.
Others will issue permits but hide the details of who's getting them. Why? Would it surprise you that big time campaign contributors and close friends & aides get them?
Some CLEOs resort to "red-lining" areas so if you are from "the wrong side of town" you can forget even having a chance to get one. Others simply tell you that your "good cause" doesn't rise to the necessary level (and if a woman with 2 kids threatened by a stalking, ex-felon ex-husband who previously hosptalized her doesn't qualify, then there is no fairness in the system).
If you're a celebrity, politically connected, a big campaign contributor or own a high profile big business in the jurisdiction then you'll probably not have much trouble. You're a 35 year old ex-Marine small arms instructor and former Camp Perry champion who's neighborhood has had 9 drive-by shootings in the last two weeks? Sorry, sir. Your "good cause" isn't sufficient.
Seek out Jim March on The High Road and read his posts. They're both amusing and infuriating (at the elitism). If you can help, I'm sure Jim can find something for you to do.