Southern California
Triple A: Please slow down around tow trucks & CHP on roadsides
Auto Club, CHP & a mom who lost her tow truck operator son asking drivers to slow and move over near disabled motorists & emergency vehicles
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2022/10/AAA-tow-truck-and-CHP-Palmdale-CA.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Southern California’s highways are going to get much busier as the holidays approach and more Californians hit the roads. The Auto Club, CHP and a mother who lost her tow truck operator son are asking drivers to slow down or move over when approaching disabled motorists and emergency vehicles on the roadside shoulders.
An average of 24 emergency responders, including tow operators, are struck and killed by vehicles while working at the roadside each year â meaning someone in this line of work is killed, on average, every other week in America.
“Deaths like these can be avoided if drivers slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles with lights flashing,â said Auto Club Communications Manager Doug Shupe. âAt 65 miles per hour, your vehicle travels over 95 feet in one second and that one second could change everything. Please give roadside rescuers the space they need to safely help stranded drivers.â
Recent data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds not everyone understands the Slow Down Move Over law that requires drivers to give roadside rescuers space or slow way down if they canât move over.
AAA Foundation survey results show:
- Among drivers who report not complying with Slow Down Move Over laws at all times, 42% thought the behavior was somewhat or not dangerous at all to roadside emergency workers. This shows drivers may not realize how risky it is for people who are working or stranded along freeways and roads close to moving traffic.
- Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) are unaware of the Slow Down Move Over law in their state. All states have such laws.
- And, among those who are aware of their state’s Slow Down Move Over law, about 15% report not understanding the potential consequences for violating the Slow Down Move Over law. In California, failure to obey the Slow Down Move Over Law can result in a point on your driving record, and fines of at least $238 but up to $1,000. Even worse penalties are added if the violation results in a crash.
Additionally, a survey conducted by AAA clubs in Southern California and several other states across the country found:
- More than half of drivers associate Slow Down Move Over laws with traditional emergency vehicles, specifically those with their red or blue lights on. But when construction zones and vehicles/motorists stranded on the shoulder are mentioned, many believe moving over is just a courtesy, not the law.
- While more than 90% believe Slow Down Move Over laws require them to slow down and move over when encountering a fire truck, police car, or ambulance with its lights on, a much smaller percentage (65%) believe this is required when encountering a tow truck with its lights on.
Rosita Manu lost her 27-year-old son, Faapuna Mac Manu, nicknamed âLittle Mac,â on December 19, 2012. Her son was a tow truck operator who was helping a stranded driver with a flat tire on the 405 freeway in Long Beach, when an impaired driver failed to move over from the lane closest to Manuâs tow truck and the stranded vehicle, and slammed into them. Manu was killed in the crash and left behind three young children.
âMy son was a people person and was the type of person who would give his shirt off his back,â said Rosita Manu. âLittle Mac wanted to help people and accommodate them as best as he could at the roadside.â
It’s not just tow providers and other first responders being killed at the roadside. Between 2016 and 2020, 1,703 people died while outside of a disabled vehicle, and 271 of those fatalities happened in California.
âPeople need to be more mindful of one another,â said Manu. âHow many more people have to die before people are going to get it?â
About Slow Down, Move Over
Since 2007, AAA has been instrumental in passing Slow Down Move Over laws in all states, including advocating for those laws to cover tow operators and other emergency responders. Additionally, AAA clubs have participated in educational and advocacy initiatives by creating public service announcements and reaching out to state officials. But there is more work to be done. AAA is committed to raising awareness of Slow Down Move Over laws and the dangers associated with working at the roadside.
These laws require motorists to move over one lane, if it is safe to do so, or slow down when approaching an incident where tow providers, police, firefighters or emergency medical service crews are stopped and working at the roadside. In California, the law has been expanded to cover municipal vehicles and the law in the Golden State applies to surface streets as well as freeways.
To protect roadside workers, drivers with disabled vehicles, and others, the Auto Club offers these tips:
- Donât Drive Intoxicated. Donât Drive Intexticated.
- Stay alert, avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.
- Slow down when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the side of a two-lane roadway, unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker.
- On multi-lane roadways, slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle at the roadside and, if possible, move over into an adjacent lane. If you are unable to switch lanes, slow down to a speed that is safe and reasonable.
Southern California
Triple A: SoCal gas prices continue dropping quickly
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Gas prices in Southern California have dropped by more than 50 cents a gallon in most areas after two straight months of price declines, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.46, which is two cents lower than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.83 per gallon, which is 10 cents less than last week and 13 cents less than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.85, which is 10 cents lower than last week and eight cents lower than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.97, which is five cents lower than last week and two cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.75, which is 10 cents lower than last week and 10 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.96 average price is eight cents less than last week and nine cents higher than a year ago today.
âOil Price Information Service reports the latest Energy Information Administration data shows that West Coast refinery utilization rates reached their highest production levels of 2024 at the beginning of this month,â said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. âCalifornia continues to have the highest gas prices in the U.S., but this week for the first time since March, gas prices in most local areas are lower than at this time a year ago.â
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on June 13, averages are:
![061324](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/46/files/20245/061324.png)
Southern California
Triple A: Statewide gas price average drops below $5 a gallon
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.98, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – The California gas price average dropped below $5 a gallon for the first time since late March, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.98, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.48, which is eight cents lower than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is 12 cents less than last week and the same price as last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.95, which is 12 cents lower than last week and six cents higher than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.02, which is eight cents lower than last week and 12 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.95, which is 11 cents lower than last week and three cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.04 average price is eight cents less than last week and 17 cents higher than a year ago today.
âAccording to Oil Price Information Service, Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices are dropping as large supplies of imported gasoline continue to arrive in Southern California,â said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. âA few Southern California gas stations are now charging less than $4.10 a gallon for regular unleaded.â
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on June 6, averages are:
![060624 CA](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/46/files/20245/060624+CA.png)
Southern California
‘Heat dome’ brings scorching conditions but coastal areas spared
The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued an excessive heat warning as high temperatures have been forecast
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2024/06/SOCAL-Heat-warning-60524.jpg)
OXNARD, Calif. – The first significant heat of the season has arrived for the interior, and is expected to last into Thursday. Temperatures will be warmest Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the deserts from 98 to 108, and 92 to 102 for the mountains and interior valleys.
Drier conditions along with breezy conditions will lead to an increased risk for grass fires. Reduce exposure to the heat, and stay hydrated. Look before locking vehicles for children, elderly and pets. Vehicles can become dangerously hot in a short period of time. Report any wildfires to authorities.
High Temperatures Forecast for Parts of Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued an excessive heat warning as high temperatures have been forecast for the following areas:
- Antelope Valley:Â Wednesday June 05, 2024 through Thursday June 06, 2024
- Western Antelope Valley:Â Wednesday June 05, 2024 through Thursday June 06, 2024
- Eastern Antelope Valley:Â Wednesday June 05, 2024 through Thursday June 06, 2024
Public Health reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with a chronic medical condition who are especially sensitive to negative health impacts from extreme heat. Public Health offers the following recommendations during high temperature days:
- Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
- If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are âcrackedâ or open. Never leave children or pets in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
- Beware of and know what to do for heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Call 911 right away if you see these symptoms: high body temperature (103°F or higher), vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
- Check on those at risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, those who live alone, pets, and outdoor workers and athletes.
- If you are wearing a mask, avoid strenuous workouts wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purpose
- Visit your power companyâs website or contact them by phone to determine if you are scheduled for a rolling power outage.
âOn hot days, it’s important for everyone to both take care of themselves and check on others, especially those who have a higher chance of getting ill due to the heat. Some of them include children, the elderly, those with health conditions, pregnant people, those living alone, and pets,â said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. âHot days can be dangerous for anyone, so it’s crucial to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave children, the elderly, or pets alone in hot homes, places, or vehicles. Make sure to check on elderly or unwell neighbors and relatives regularly.ââŻ
County and City partners have planned ways to safely operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers. To find a location near you, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.
Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs can call 2-1-1 for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting 211la.org.
Southern California
Triple A: Finally, some SoCal cities drop below $5 a gallon
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.09, which is six cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Six straight weeks of price drops at Southern California gas stations have pushed average prices below $5 a gallon in a few cities, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.09, which is six cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.56, which is four cents lower than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.05 per gallon, which is six cents less than last week and 12 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.07, which is six cents lower than last week and 17 cents higher than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.10, which is six cents lower than last week and 21 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.96, which is six cents lower than last week and 13 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.12 average price is five cents less than last week and 29 cents higher than a year ago today.
âOil Price Information Service reports that wholesale Los Angeles gasoline prices are continuing to drop because of increased availability of imported gasoline and reportedly lower levels of demand compared to last year,â said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. âThose factors should help pump price drops to continue for now.â
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 30, averages are:
![socal blue gas chart May 30](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/46/files/20244/socal+blue+gas+chart+May+30.png)
Southern California
Triple A: Memorial Day travelers get a break at the pump
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.15, which is nine cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Gas prices continued downward for a fifth straight week, giving some Southern California Memorial Day travelers the chance to fill up for about $4.50 a gallon or even less in a few areas, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.15, which is nine cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.61, which is one cent higher than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.11 per gallon, which is ten cents less than last week, 27 cents less than last month, and 25 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.13, which is ten cents lower than last week, 23 cents lower than last month, and 29 cents higher than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.16, which is five cents lower than last week, 17 cents lower than last month, and 30 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.02, which is ten cents lower than last week, 28 cents lower than last month and 25 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.17 average price is five cents less than last week, 15 cents less than last month, and 36 cents higher than a year ago today.
âWith an all-time record number of Southern California travelers expected for this Memorial Day getaway weekend, the gas price drops are providing some welcome relief,â said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. âThose travelers who are planning out-of-state trips should expect to pay even less when they fuel up for their return, since California continues to be the only U.S. state with a gas price average above $5 a gallon.â
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 23, averages are:
![052324 FINAL CHART CA](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/46/files/20244/052324+FINAL+CHART+CA.png)
Southern California
Triple A: Gas prices drop for four straight weeks
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.24, which is eight cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Local gas prices have dropped for four straight weeks, but California continues to be the only state with an average price above $5 a gallon, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.24, which is eight cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.60, which is four cents lower than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.21 per gallon, which is eight cents less than last week, 18 cents less than last month, and 37 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.23, which is six cents lower than last week, 14 cents lower than last month, and 41 cents higher than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.22, which is five cents lower than last week, 14 cents lower than last month, and 38 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.12, which is eight cents lower than last week, 19 cents lower than last month and 36 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.23 average price is three cents less than last week, eight cents less than last month, and 40 cents higher than a year ago today.
âCalifornia continues to have the highest average gas prices in the U.S., and despite a month of price declines, the state average price is still more than 40 cents higher than Hawaii, which is the second most expensive state for fuel,â said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 16, averages are:
![051624 Final](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/46/files/20244/051624+Final.png)
Southern California
Triple A: Gas prices head down for third straight week
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.32, which is six cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices have dropped for the third straight week, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.32, which is six cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.64, which is three cents lower than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.28 per gallon, which is six cents less than last week, six cents less than last month, and 42 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.29, which is five cents lower than last week, five cents lower than last month, and 44 cents higher than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.27, which is six cents lower than last week, two cents lower than last month, and 41 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.20, which is seven cents lower than last week, five cents lower than last month and 43 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.26 average price is four cents less than last week, five cents more than last month, and 42 cents higher than a year ago today.
âAccording to Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), California and all West Coast refineries are continuing to operate at higher capacities and West Coast gasoline inventories are increasing in anticipation of higher summer demand,â said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 9, averages are:
![050924 gas chart](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/46/files/20244/050924+gas+chart.png)
Southern California
Triple A: SoCal gas prices continue downward
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.38, which is three cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are continuing to drop for a second straight week, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.38, which is three cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.67, which is one cent higher than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.34 per gallon, which is three cents less than last week, 18 cents higher than last month, and 44 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.34, which is two cents lower than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.33, which is the same as last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.27, which is two cents lower than last week, 21 cents higher than last month and 45 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.30 average price is one cent less than last week, 29 cents more than last month, and 44 cents higher than a year ago today.
âAfter a few months of supply interruptions from refinery breakdowns and maintenance, Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) reports that California refineries have been operating at above 86% of their capacity for the past two weeks,â said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. âAdditionally, OPIS reported the US Energy Information Administration believes that the country has already experienced its highest gas price point for the first half of this year. Although California prices often go against national trends, that prediction is an encouraging sign for further price drops at the pump.â
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 2, averages are:
![050224 final](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/46/files/20244/050224+final.png)
Southern California
Triple A: Southern California gas prices begin to slowly decrease
The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.41, which is four cents lower than a week ago
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2023/08/Triple-A-Weekend-Gas-watch-logo.jpg)
LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices slightly decrease in almost every metro city, according to the Auto Clubâs Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.41, which is four cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.66, which is also one cent higher than a week ago.
The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.37 per gallon, which is two cents less than last week, 33 cents higher than last month, and 44 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.36, which is two cents lower than last week, 34 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than this time last year.
On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.33, which is two cents lower than last week, 31 cents higher than last month, and 43 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.29, which is three cents lower than last week, 37 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.31 average price is the same as last week, 40 cents more than last month, and 43 cents higher than a year ago today.
âFor the first time in almost two months prices in Southern California have slightly decreased,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “The reasons for gas prices moving lower include slowing domestic gasoline demand between Spring Break and summer travel, as well as the cost of crude oil retreating.”
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on April 25, averages are:
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2024/04/image-28-600x280.png)
Southern California
Bonta files for permanent ban of Chino school’s forced outing policy
Bonta noted that the policy was detrimental to the physical, emotional safety, well-being, & privacy of trans students
![](https://www.losangelesblade.com/content/files/2024/04/Attorney-General-Bonta-press-conference-2024.jpg)
OAKLAND, Calif. â California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a motion for final judgment in Bonta v. Chino Valley Unified School District seeking injunctive and declaratory relief to ensure that the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education (Board) does not reenact or implement their recently-rescinded forced outing policy.
In a press release, the Attorney General noted that the policy â Policy 5020.1 â was detrimental to the physical and emotional safety, well-being, and privacy of transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
In August 2023, Attorney General Bonta sued to challenge the policy on the basis that it violated studentsâ civil and constitutional rights under California law, and in October 2023, obtained a preliminary injunction enjoining the facially discriminatory provisions of the forced outing policy. While the District voted to rescind the forced outing policy on March 7, 2024, in response to the San Bernardino County Superior Courtâs preliminary injunction order, the Districtâs Board continues to stand “proudlyâ by Policy 5020.1, the Districtâs counsel continues to maintain that it was âcommon sense and constitutional,â and the District continues to make comments echoing the anti-trans comments they made publicly before enacting the policy.
As a result, Attorney General Bonta is seeking a permanent injunction and declaratory relief to protect studentsâ civil rights and ensure that the Board does not reenact or implement its original, discriminatory policy. Â
âChino Valley Unified has an obligation to protect the safety and well-being of the students it is charged to serve, especially our most vulnerable student communities who are susceptible to violence and harassment,â said Attorney General Bonta. âIt took a lawsuit and court order to get Chino Valley to rescind their discriminatory forced outing policy, but even now, the Board has continued to assert that it was lawful, and board members continue to echo the anti-trans rhetoric they relied upon when passing it. Todayâs motion seeks to ensure no child becomes a target again by blocking Chino Valley Unified from ever adopting another forced outing policy. As we continue to defend the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students, I urge all school districts to take note and ensure every student can enjoy their right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity.â
Even though Attorney General Bonta issued a letter to the Board on July 20, 2023 stressing the potential harms and infringements on studentsâ civil rights from the adoption of Board Policy 5020.1, the Board enacted the policy nonetheless. The forced outing policy required schools to inform parents, with minimal exceptions, whenever a student requested to use a name or pronoun different from that on their birth certificate or official records, even without the studentâs permission and even when disclosure would cause physical or mental harm to the student.
The policy also required notification if a student requested to use facilities or participate in programs that did not align with their sex on official records. In August 2023, Attorney General Bonta announced a lawsuit challenging the enforcement of Policy 5020.1, asserting it violated several state protections safeguarding studentsâ civil and constitutional rights.
Shortly after securing a temporary restraining order, the San Bernardino Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction against the Boardâs forced outing policy in October 2023. The Court held that several provisions violated Californiaâs equal protection clause and discriminated against transgender and gender-nonconforming students, causing them irreparable harm.
In todayâs motion seeking a permanent injunction and declaratory relief against the forced outing policy, Attorney General Bonta underscores the importance of the Courtâs issuance of final adjudication to guarantee the safety and well-being of transgender and gender-nonconforming students from future identical or similar forced outing policies, and declare that the forced outing policy violates studentsâ constitutional and statutory rights to be free from unequal and discriminatory treatment on the basis of sex, gender, and gender identity.
As part of todayâs motion, Attorney General Bonta urges the Court to issue a final judgment because a live controversy exists, as the Districtâs conduct signals that it could re-adopt the discriminatory policy absent a final ruling by the Court, the discriminatory message communicated by the enactment of a discriminatory policy must still be redressed, and the case presents clear issues of public interest broadly affecting students, parents, school officials, and teachers that are likely to recur.
The Attorney General underscores the importance of securing final injunctive and declaratory relief against Policy 5020.1 to:
- Prevent the Board from re-enacting the discriminatory forced outing policy in the absence of a final injunction.
- Provide relief against the stigmatic harms inflicted by the Boardâs adoption of the forced outing policy.
- Declare that the Boardâs forced outing policy violates Californiaâs equal protection and antidiscrimination laws.
Todayâs motion also asserts the Boardâs plain motivations in adopting Policy 5020.1 were to create and harbor animosity, discrimination, and prejudice towards transgender and gender-nonconforming students, without any compelling reason to do so, as evidenced by statements made during the Boardâs hearing.
In discussing the policy before its passage, board members made a number of statements describing students who are transgender or gender-nonconforming as suffering from a âmental illnessâ or âperversionâ, or as being a threat to the integrity of the nation and the family. The Board President went so far as to state that transgender and gender nonconforming individuals needed ânon-affirmingâ parental actions so that they could âget better.â
The Attorney General has a substantial interest in protecting the legal rights, physical safety, and mental health of children in California schools, and in protecting them from trauma, harassment, bullying, and exposure to violence and threats of violence. Research shows that protecting a transgender studentâs ability to make choices about how and when to inform others is critical to their well-being, as transgender students are exposed to high levels of harassment and mistreatment at school and in their communities when those environments are not supportive of their gender identity.
- One-in-10 respondents in a 2015 national survey said that an immediate family member had been violent toward them because they were transgender, and 15% ran away from home or were kicked out of their home because they were transgender. Fewer than one-in-three transgender and gender nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming.
- Nearly 46% of transgender students reported missing at least one day of school in the preceding month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable there and 17% of transgender students reported that they left a K-12 school due to the severity of the harassment they experienced at school.
- Seventy-seven percent of students known or perceived as transgender reported negative experiences such as harassment and assault, and over half of transgender and nonbinary youth reported seriously considering suicide in the past year.
A copy of the motion seeking declaratory and injunctive relief is available here.
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