He owned a hand gun that was properly licensed.
= = =
This statement does not really say he has a carry permit.
It says the hand gun was licensed. Oh, what’s that mean in Calif? Was it purchased through an FFL and the CA DOJ background check (which is de facto gun registration)?
And if you are carrying it in your car to go to the range, it stays in the car till then, unless he has a CCW which has not been clearly claimed.
Some commie states require you to register firearms with the state. Most states have no such registration.