Marina gun store owner reacts to state’s new gun control plan

Gun advocates are gearing up for a fight afterLt. Governor Gavin Newsomannounced a new plan to make California gun laws more restrictive.

Announced Thursday, the plan is to put an initiative on next year’s ballot that would force ammunition sellers to be licensed like firearms dealers.

California has some of the strongest gun laws in the country. For safety reason, retailers spend hours filling out paper work and processing background checks.

If passed, the Golden State would be the first state to require licensing and background checks before every purchase of ammunition.

“It’s kind of ridiculous. If somebody wants to buy a box of ammunition, OK, we are going to have to do fingerprints, it’s going to take 30 minutes for a background check. Is there going to be a waiting period for ammo?” said Ray Parga, the owner of De Valle Gunsmithing in Marina.

The initiative would also prohibit high-capacity magazines. Parga said safety is a priority, but considersthis is too much.

“It’s going to make it harder for us. It’s going to create more paperwork,” said Parga.

Still, Lt. Governor Newsom said it’s meantto create aroadblock to people who illegally own guns. Another provision would mandate anyone whose gun has been stolento report it.

“There are areas where we can do more and strengthen our laws,” said Newsom.

Gun advocate groups are planning to wage a campaign against Newsom’s initiative, calling it an attempt to whittle away at Second Amendment rights.

“It is the one that, quite frankly, defends all others. And if we’re not going to defend it, then every single one of our other civil rights are in jeopardy,” said Craig Deluz with the Firearms Policy Coalition.

Gun shop owners like Parga said there’s something else at stake.

“In my part, it’s time away from my work bench. If I don’t get work done, I’m not making money,” said Parga.

In order to qualify for the November 2016 ballot, the initiative needs about 366,000 signatures.