San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore says he won't fight a federal appeals court decision that overturned the county's concealed-weapons restrictions.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that people seeking concealed weapons permits need only cite a need for self-defense.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department required applicants to show they had good cause to carry concealed weapons, such as working in a dangerous job.
Others now allowed to carry concealed weapons include victims of stalking or domestic violence or someone who has been threatened.
Gore said Friday that he won't ask the full appellate court to review the ruling.
The case now returns to a lower court.
Gore says people can apply to the sheriff's department for permits under the looser guidelines but the permits won't be issued until the lower court rules.
A freelance news photographer who sometimes works in San Diego had his application denied and filed suit. Ed Peruta spoke to KPBS media partner 10News via Skype from his part-time home in Connecticut.
"I am relieved for the people of San Diego who are law-abiding citizens and desire a CCW for personal and family self defense," said Peruta.
He also explaining why he wanted a permit, saying, "I am a video journalist; I respond to incidents -- fires, accidents, homicide scenes, and I sometimes get there before law enforcement. That can be very dangerous for a person with a camera and no gun."
A recent scientific 10News/U-T San Diego poll asked, "Should a person who wants to carry a concealed weapon need to show a specific concern for their personal safety?"
Most sided with the sheriff, as 51 percent responded yes, 45 percent said no, while 3 percent weren't sure.
Peruta thinks there will be a run on the sheriff's office seeking the permits.
He plans to take a refresher course on gun safety and re-apply.
