L.A. Now Live: Californians favor stricter gun laws

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Californians are overwhelmingly in favor of strict gun control measures that impose background checks for all gun purchases and toughen penalties for illegally purchasing or using a gun, as well as enhancing efforts to keep guns away from the severely mentally ill, a new poll has found.

The findings crossed demographic and political lines, with nine of 10 gun owners and even more non-gun owners favoring background checks for all gun purchases. However, two-thirds of state residents opposed arming teachers in schools.

A more in-depth look showed some issues divided among racial lines and geographical boundaries. Whites were twice as likely to own guns as Latinos and less likely to favor a five-cent bullet tax. Latinos felt more favorable toward putting armed guards in schools.

The poll, conducted this month by USC and the Los Angeles Times, surveyed 1,501 people. It comes just as Congress debates tighter gun restrictions nationally, including increased background checks for gun purchases.

Join us at 9 a.m. as we discuss the poll and what it means for gun laws with Times reporter Seema Mehta.

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