New state laws could spur gun-show attendance

The Crossroads of the West gun show returns to the Orange County Fairgrounds this weekend, and gun enthusiasts are expected to be out in force buying up weapons and ammo amid concerns of ever-tightening gun legislation.

Earlier this week, California lawmakers advanced new gun-control measures that include new requirements for buying ammunition. If Senate Bill 53 were enacted, residents would have to submit personal information and undergo a background check conducted by the state.

The legislation would intensify the state’s already-strict gun controls.

Crossroads, a Utah-based gun show company that has showcased at the fairgrounds for nearly 25 years, will be at the state-run venue in Costa Mesa on from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The show saw high attendance numbers in January amid similar concerns and an ammo shortage. Organizers at the time estimated a record turnout of as many as 24,000 attendees.

Security was also beefed up as a precaution, with extra patrol help from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the fairgrounds’ on-site security.