Gun Shows Shot Down
- Rose Ann Sharp | Crest Road
Del Mar might be the smallest coastal community in California, but we took on the biggest, most powerful gun industry advocates in the country and won.
“On April 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States let stand the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court: California’s gun shows on state owned property can be prohibited.
The gun industry tried to make this case about free speech when it was really about safe streets. It proves the Constitution allows for communities to protect themselves from gun violence.
Wins like this will inspire millions of Americans to continue working for a safer future. In 2019, Todd Gloria introduced the first legislation for the gun show ban at the Del Mar Fairgrounds; it passed. By 2022, State Senator Dave Min passed legislation that banned the sale of firearms and ammunition throughout the state of California on all state-owned property.
Our small coastal community fought for this ban because we wanted a different future, one without unchecked gun proliferation. It’s the same future most Americans want and frankly deserve. Especially, at this time, we cannot underestimate the power of community activism. I wouldn’t be surprised to see other states follow California’s lead now.
Taking on the NRA and its surrogates took community support, a consistent strategy, confirming the economic viability for the Fairgrounds without gun shows, and researching crimes related to gun shows. We obtained support from every nearby city and elected officials; we spoke respectfully at each fair board meeting and demonstrated at each gun show. We collected over 3000 signatures to petition the fair board. We were the first to warn of the endangerment of ghost guns found at gun shows.
We proved the danger to our communities with reports of stolen guns, straw purchases and ghost guns through earned media. Our research uncovered that two convicted felons were operating the gun shows.
Then we worked to provide an approach that would withstand the inevitable legal challenges from the NRA.
The success of all this community effort was highlighted when Todd Gloria stated at the first Assembly committee hearing for the gun show ban: this is what my constituents want.
Del Mar won and so did our country. Deaths by gun have decreased nationally and in San Diego county. As the largest state per capita, we made a difference.
Rose Ann Sharp is a Founder of NeverAgainCA and a Member of Brady’s Leadership Council.