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Del Mar Fairgrounds Board Now Aware Of Gun Show President's Felony Conviction

The Del Mar Fairgrounds Board of Directors listens to public comment for and against the fairgrounds' annual Crossroads of the West Gun Show, April 24, 2018.
Matt Hoffman
The Del Mar Fairgrounds Board of Directors listens to public comment for and against the fairgrounds' annual Crossroads of the West Gun Show, April 24, 2018.
Del Mar Fairgrounds Board Now Aware Of Gun Show President's Felony Conviction
Del Mar Fairgrounds Board Now Aware Of Gun Show President's Felony Conviction GUEST:Phil Diehl, reporter, The San Diego Union-Tribune

. Our top story on midday edition. The president of a company that puts on gun shows at the Delmar Fairgrounds has a felony conviction for gun law violations. Now the fairgrounds board is conducting an investigation. The background and promoter has come to light because of the heightened scrutiny being given to local gun shows by anti-gun show advocates joining me is Phil Diehl. >> Thank you. >> What do we know about his gun conviction? >> We know from court records and previous stories that he was indicted by a federal grand jury in 19 30 on counts of unlawful cells of firearms. He ended up pleading guilty to one of those which was selling a handgun to somebody outside the state. >> So he was convicted of one felony count, did he spend any time in jail? >> I do not think so, he was placed on probation for 2 years. >> So how do the Delmar Fairgrounds below a find out about his background? >> Delmar residents who have been trying to stop the gun show wrote a letter outlining his circumstances to the board and the board president said that this was the first time he had heard of that. Samet does the fairgrounds do background checks on promoters [ laughter ] >> It is not clear how much or what sort of background check, the show has been going on for 28 years. So it's nothing new there. The show is crossroads of the West. They have shows in 4 states and about 60 shows a year. >> What did Mr. Templeton say about the conviction, and how it affects the gun show? >> He readily admits to the conviction, but he said that all the contracts and all the responsibilities for the show is handled by his daughter Tracy all caught. And the permits and everything are in her name. He said this is what makes it legal. Samet but he still a president of the company that puts on the show? >> Yes, and that is what the fair board wants to investigate. >> He's not the only member who has a criminal history? >> Correct, one son Jeff, was originally involved in operating show, but he also has gun convictions and some drug convictions. He has not been involved in the show since about 2003. >> The city of Delmar, as well as others, has voted to ask the fair board to end the gun show. Why does the fair board have authority over the gun show? >> The fairgrounds are owned by the state. And the fair board is 9 members all appointed by the governor to oversee the activities at the Fairground. So that is why. >> So they have total control about what goes on what does not at the fair West Mac >> Yes. That they are required to be responsible to the community. So, the opponents of the gun show think that if they can impress upon the board, that a lot of residents are concerned about this. This could affect their decision. >> Are anti-gun show active it's becoming more vocal about their opposition, thinking in light of the recent school shootings and mergers. >> There is the never again movement which developed after the Parkland shootings. They are taking a strong hand in this. It's come up several times in years past, usually after another national event. But each time, nothing has happened. >> Are there protests out side of his gun shows? >> Yes, after the last few shows, there was one last weekend where there were demonstrators who wear orange shirts that say never again California. They carry signs that say and the gun show and they are trying to make their presence known. >> But gun show supporters are also making their voice heard. Samet yes, there are a lot of gun show supporters. At the meeting in April there was a huge turnout. Most of those people were gun show supporters, a lot are members of the San Diego gun club which is pretty well organized here in San Diego County. >> Is the board already considering steps to put more restrictive on gun shows? >> They have placed it on the agenda for discussion in September which is still a little bit away. They are waiting for the results of this investigation that they have asked for. The board president said there were things they would like to consider though I don't think anybody has discussed them officially yet. Something they talked about was restricting the age limits. Because right now, anybody of any age can go to the show. Although minors are supposed to be supervised by a parent or guardian. But, they are talking about possibly changing that. >> When is the next show scheduled? >> The next one is in July after the fair. >> That was Phil Diehl from the San Diego Tribune, thank you for your report

The Del Mar Fairgrounds board of directors was recently made aware that the president of the company that puts on gun shows at the fairgrounds has a felony firearms conviction on his record.

Now the board is conducting an investigation, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Phil Diehl.

Crossroads of the West Gun Shows' president Bob Templeton's background has come to light as a result of the heightened scrutiny by activists who don't want gun shows held at the fairgrounds.

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Diehl joins Midday Edition Friday to discuss the next steps the fairgrounds board plans to make.

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