Does the fact that appellant had no knowledge of the prohibition on the possession of an unlicensed firearm constitute a criminal offence?

In People v. Mendoza, 251 Cal.App.2d 835, 60 Cal.Rptr. 5, this statewide court held that under this section neither intent nor knowledge is an element of the offense. 'The only knowledge required is knowledge of the character of the object possessed; knowledge that the possession is illegal is unnecessary.' (Id. at 843, 60 Cal.Rptr. at 10.) Therefore, the fact that appellant claims that he had no knowledge of the prohibition is irrelevant.