During a sermon delivered earlier this month, far-right evangelical church leader Jack Hibbs told his Calvary Chapel Chino Hills congregation to show up at a Chino Valley Unified School board meeting the following night. He promised it would be a ‘freak show’ full of ‘reprobates’ and ‘degenerates.

Chino Valley Unified in San Bernardino County, whose four board member majority were endorsed by Hibbs, was the first school district in California to institute a “parental notification” policy, which would have required teachers to inform parents if a student changed their pronouns or asked to use a bathroom that did not align with the sex on their birth certificate. 

Board President Sonja Shaw, a member of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills who has praised Hibbs at school board meetings, introduced the policy, and several other school districts followed suit after Chino Valley Unified.

In August 2023, the California attorney general sued the Chino Valley Unified school district, and won a temporary restraining order in September 2023 from a San Bernardino Superior Court judge. Then last month, the same judge ordered a permanent injunction on that policy, calling it discriminatory and harmful to students. Gov. Gavin Newsom then signed a bill that outlawed what critics called “forced outing” policies. 

That didn’t deter Hibbs or the Chino Valley Unified school board. At its Oct. 17 meeting, members passed another controversial policy titled ‘No Deception.’ 

It was an attempt to work around Newsom’s signature by using vague language that omitted student’s gender or sexuality.  Teachers had to be ‘at all times truthful and honest and not misrepresent, either directly or by omission’ when communicating with parents, according to the policy.

That night, Hibbs’ followers packed the school board meeting. 

Many of the speakers referenced their Christian faith and described LGBTQ+ students as ‘sinners’ and the teachers who supported them as ‘groomers,’ with one woman proclaiming ‘we’ve got demons in our schools.’

A number of students pushed back against the proposed policy, begging the school board to focus on actual issues — like their broken air-conditioning and spotty WiFi — instead of culture war politics. 

“It feels like the people who are supposed to support our education system are failing us,” one student said.

Despite pushback from students, teachers, parents and community members, the Chino Valley Board of Education voted 4-1 to pass the policy. 

Shaw did not respond to emails seeking comment on this story.

A Growing Trend in Suburbia 

What happened in Chino Valley Unified is just one example of how Christian nationalists, like Hibbs, encourage their followers to target school boards and support far-right candidates and policies across the U.S. 

Jorge Reyes Salinas, spokesperson for the civil rights organization Equality California, said  that conservatives see these local school boards as their opportunity to ‘increase leverage and representation in government because they know they can’t do that statewide.’ 

That’s especially true in California, where Democrats hold both houses in the state legislature. 

The tactics have been particularly successful in Southern California counties like San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside and Imperial — ‘purple’ regions that mostly have an even split between Democrats and Republicans, but also have pockets of deep red.

Church leaders like Hibbs are able to ‘capitalize on the fact that people don’t really pay attention to what’s going on city council and school boards,’ in these outskirt areas, said Kristi Hirst, a former Chino educator and co-founder of Our Schools USA, an organization fighting back against this evangelical agenda. 

Hibbs did not respond to emails for comment on this story. 

Other churches in the Southern California region that also try to influence school board elections include Kevin O’Connor’s  Ark Church in Redlands and 412 Church in Temecula. Tim Thompson runs both 412 and the Inland Empire Family PAC, which endorses far-right extremist candidates like Candy Olson. According to the organization Safe Redland Schools, Olson has attacked critical race theory and spread conspiracy theories about LGBTQ+ people. 

Targeting school elections  to pass anti-LGBTQ+ policies that claim to be for the protection of children has been part of the religious right’s political playbook for decades.

 The Los Angeles Times published a 1993 article titled School boards become the religious right’s new pulpit, featuring an interview with preacher Robert Simonds, who advised Christian politicians how to run for local office.

“Once you have a majority on a school board, you control the money, you control the books,” said Simonds.

In the past few years, Hirst said  these pastors initially rallied their base around opposing mask mandates and vaccinations during COVID-19. When those issues died down, the pastors pivoted to demonizing transgender youth. 

“This idea of gender ideology being a ‘problem’ is not an organic complaint,”said Hirst. “Somebody at the top decided we’re going to tell you that you should be afraid of this, and then the messaging went down.” 

How Churches Pull the Strings 

Hibbs has openly endorsed political candidates for years. 

Sometimes it’s through his own personal social media posts, like a voter guide he recently posted on Instagram to his more than 395,000 followers. Other times, it’s through organizations like Real Impact and Comeback California, a touring political rally he organizes to encourage churches to get involved in elections. 

In February, Hibbs was accused of breaking the law by endorsing from the pulpit.

Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote a letter to the IRS expressing their concern for tax exemption for these churches. The letter states: ‘Some churches, like Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, have chosen to make a mockery of their 501(c)(3) status by reaping all of the benefits of tax exemption, while knowingly violating the statute by openly endorsing political candidates running for public office.’

According to the IRS website, the law prohibits churches from “participating in, or intervening in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.”

But that hasn’t stopped pastors like Hibbs from endorsing candidates during every general election. His actions have had a sizable impact on local school policies and education. 

For example, Hibbs has endorsed all four members of the Chino Valley Unified board members  who voted in favor of the ‘No Deception’ policy. He has repeatedly endorsed longtime board member James Na, telling his followers on Facebook that ‘God will hold us accountable for our vote.’

In 2010, Na successfully spearheaded a campaign to get Chino Valley to teach the Bible as a history course for seniors.

Hibbs also endorsed Andrew Cruz, who has said that same-sex marriage is wrong. In 2018, Cruz likened school boards that follow non-discrimination policies to being like Hitler’s followers.

“It wasn’t Hitler that was bad,” Cruz said. “It was the people who followed the laws and the agenda.”

In 2022, Hibbs also encouraged his followers to vote for Jonathan Monroe and current board president Shaw. Shaw has spoken on stage during the Comeback California tour and appeared on the campaign trail alongside Donald Trump.

Hibbs also supports John Cervantes, a newcomer running for the board who opposes same-sex marriage and transgender athletes playing on teams that align with their gender. 

His other endorsements include Joseph Komrosky for Temecula’s school board, even though he’d already been recalled by voters in June. 

Beyond endorsing candidates, Hibbs has even taken credit for popularizing the parental notification movement. Republican Assemblyman Bill Essayli first introduced the idea in 2023, but the legislation died without a hearing. 

In an interview with far-right media, Hibbs boasted that he then brought that bill’s language to the  Chino Valley Unified school board. 

“What we did is that we read his bill and we took the verbiage from that bill and then introduced it to our unified school district school board and they voted and adopted the verbiage,” said Hibbs.

Hibbs added that their plan is to make sure this goes all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, where they’re hoping that the conservative judges will make this anti-trans policy the law of the land. 

In the end, LGBTQ+ youth are the most harmed, advocates said.

Hirst and Salinas argued that parents are unknowingly organizing against trans students under the belief they are protecting children, and urged adults to question where the rhetoric is coming from. 

“It’s been happening across the country,” Salinas said. “It’s the same tactics, using fear-mongering, using the unknown, using a disguise of children being in danger as a tool.”

This story is published in partnership with the Queer News Network, a collaboration among 11 LGBTQ+ newsrooms to cover down ballot elections across 10 states. Read more about us here. 

This story was published with Q Voice News. 

REDLANDS, Calif. – After a contentious debate between Redlands City Council members this past Tuesday, a proposal to allow annual display of the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag on city property during June Pride Month was defeated in a 3-2 vote.

Mayor Eddie Tejeda, Councilmember Mario Saucedo and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Barich all voted against adopting the proposal while the amendment was supported by Denise Davis, the city’s first openly LGBTQ council member, who says she wants an even more inclusive flag policy that represents other marginalized communities too.

According to SFGate, Councilmember Davis described raising the flag as a “statement of our shared humanity,” but Saucedo — who opposed the measure — lamented that his friends now have “an issue” with him over his stance and that he’s been “called names on social media.”

“I am accepting of everybody,” he said.

Councilmember Jenna Guzman-Lowery described the debate as “exhausting” before voicing her support for the flag and describing it as a symbol of safety. Her tone visibly upseting and angering Mayor Pro Tem Barich who shot back with “it’s amazing how people say, ‘Well, you judge us.’ Unfortunately, a lot of people in this room judge more than anybody else.”

Barich argued that putting the flag up would create a rift in the community, and complained about people from other cities who have called Redlands about the issue. It’s “lazy just to [say], ‘Oh you’re a bigot or homophobic,’” SFGate reported the Mayor Pro Tem complained then added:

“Denise, have I always respected you? You know me personally,” Barich said, turning toward her. “This is not about me,” she responded.

In seeming justification prior to voting against the proposal Barich noted “One of my dearest, closest friends is gay,”

Across Southern California display of the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag for Pride Month in June has been cloaked in acrimonious debate in multiple jurisdictions. Last month after a tense back and forth between city council members, the city of Downey banned display of the Pride Flag, voting instead to implement a ‘neutral’ flag policy agenda item brought forward for a vote by that city’s Mayor Pro Tem Hector Sosa.

Three months ago the city of Huntington Beach voters passed a ballot measure that enshrines into the city charter an ordinance that would only allow the American flag, California state flag and the city of Huntington Beach flag to be flown or displayed on city property passed by the city council in February of last year.

Related:

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — On Thursday, San Bernardino California Superior Court Judge Michael Sachs issued a preliminary oral injunction against the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education’s mandatory gender identity disclosure policy, further halting the enforcement of the policy.

The provisions of the enjoined policy required staff and faculty of Chino Valley Unified schools to inform parents, with minimal exceptions, whenever a student requests to use a name or pronoun different from that on their birth certificate or official records, even without the student’s permission and even when the school district knows a student may be harmed emotionally, psychologically, or physically by the disclosure.

The other provision of the policy including requirements that staff Out students for identifying as transgender or gender non-conforming, as well as that students are to be outed for accessing sex-segregated programs and activities that align with their gender. Additionally the policies also required notification if a student requests to use facilities or participates in programs that don’t align with their sex on official records.

Kristi Hirst, a former teacher, parent, and co-founder of Our Schools USA, in an emailed statement to the Blade said:

“Today’s ruling is a win for students, parents, teachers and community members across California. The judge accurately described the forced outing policy as “discriminatory on its face,” and we agree. 

It’s embarrassing that this school board chooses to ignore the harm they are causing in Chino and in communities throughout California in order to pursue a political crusade. 

Educating children works best with engaged parents and caring teachers working together to create a safe space for all children to learn – and that’s what school boards ought to be focused on. 

This forced outing policy was first passed by CVUSD on July 20, 2023. The lawsuit, The People of the State of California, Ex Rel. et al -v- Chino Valley Unified School District (San Bernardino County Superior Court Case No. CIVSB2317301), was introduced by California Attorney General Rob Bonta on August 28 and was placed under a temporary restraining order on September 6.  

“I commend the San Bernardino Superior Court for reaffirming and upholding the constitutional rights and protections of transgender and gender-nonconforming students,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s bench ruling is a significant step forward that will set a precedent in our efforts to ensure every student is guaranteed the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes nondiscrimination, safety, and inclusivity. Let this decision serve as a stern warning to other school districts that have passed or are contemplating similar policies: enforcing discriminatory practices will not be tolerated in our educational institutions.” 

In his ruling today, Judge Sachs stated that the text of provisions 1a and 1b of Chino Valley’s mandatory gender disclosure policy are facially unconstitutional as they violate the Equal Protection Clause of California’s Constitution and discriminate against transgender and gender nonconforming students.

The bench ruling continues to enjoin enforcement of provision 1a, requiring parental notification when a student requests to use a different name or pronoun, and provision 1b, which requires notification when a student requests to participate in school sports or use gender segregated facilities that do not align with the gender on their birth certificate. Following the hearing, per the court’s request, the state will provide the court with a proposed order to implement the preliminary injunction. 

In September, Bonta issued guidance addressed to all California Superintendents and school board members reminding them that the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the San Bernardino Superior Court against the Board’s mandatory gender identity disclosure policy remained in full force and effect.

The Superior Court’s ruling came after Attorney General Bonta in August announced a lawsuit challenging the enforcement of the Board’s forced outing policy. Prior to filing a lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta announced opening a civil rights investigation into the legality of the Board’s adoption of the policy.

Prior to opening the investigation, the Attorney General in July sent a letter to Superintendent Norman Enfield and the Board of Education cautioning them of the dangers of adopting the forced outing policy, emphasizing the potential infringements on students’ privacy rights and educational opportunities.

Bonta issued statements following Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District, Rocklin Unified School District, Anderson Union High School District, and Temecula Valley and Murrieta Valley Unified School District Boards’ decision to implement copy-cat mandatory gender identity disclosure policies targeting transgender and gender-nonconforming students.

SAN BERNANDINO, Calif. – Today was the first hearing in California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified School District challenging gender notification policy after which Superior Court Judge Tom Garza granted the state’s request for a temporary restraining order to halt the policy.

Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education’s (Board) mandatory gender identity disclosure policy, initially adopted in July, requires school staff and administrators to inform parents, with minimal exceptions, whenever a student requests to use a name or pronoun different from that on their birth certificate or official records, even without the student’s permission and even when officials are aware that a trans or queer student may be harmed emotionally or physically by the disclosure.

Judge Garza’s will immediately halt its enforcement.

“San Bernardino Superior Court’s decision to issue a temporary restraining order rightfully upholds the state rights of our LGBTQ+ student community and protects kids from harm by immediately halting the board’s forced outing policy,” said Attorney General Bonta. “While this fight is far from over, today’s ruling takes a significant step towards ensuring the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of transgender and gender-nonconforming students. As we continue challenging the policy in court, my office will continue providing our unwavering support to ensure every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity.”

In the lawsuit, the state argues that the policy infringes on several state protections safeguarding students’ civil and constitutional rights. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the board’s policy has already placed transgender and gender-nonconforming students in danger of imminent, irreparable harm from the consequences of forced disclosures. These students are currently under threat of being outed to their parents against their will, and many fear that the District’s policy will force them to make a choice: either “walk back” their constitutionally and statutorily protected rights to gender identity and gender expression, or face the risk of emotional, physical, and psychological harm.

In the filing the state also points out that the board’s policy thus unlawfully singles out and discriminates against transgender and gender nonbinary students, subjecting them to disparate treatment and harassment, including mental, emotional, and even physical abuse.

In an email to the Blade, the Indianapolis-based Rainbow Youth Project, which had assisted the Attorney General’s staff with collaborative documents and statements from students and families affected by the policy, issued a statement:

“We are proud to collaborate with California Attorney General Rob Bonta in our ongoing efforts to protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in California schools,” stated Lance Preston, Executive Director at Rainbow Youth Project USA. “By assisting his office in securing the restraining order against the Chino Valley Unified School District, we have sent a clear message that forced outing policies have no place in our educational institutions. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that all students feel safe and supported at school and in their communities.”

The lead group that is combatting the policy on the ground in Chino, Our Schools USA, reacted to Garza’s ruling :

“Today, the courts confirmed what we knew to be true — this hateful policy poses real safety risks to vulnerable students. Our Schools USA is proud to have supported our local chapter of parents in standing up to a hateful policy that deprives educational opportunities for students,” spokesperson Kristi Hirst told the Blade.

Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education President Sonja Shaw, has been a leading opponent of LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in the district’s schools. During LGBTQ+ Pride month this past June, she led the board in a 4-1 vote to ban LGBTQ+ pride flags in all district classrooms. After the vote in what was best described as a contentious and heated meeting, Shaw addressed the audience saying: “If a teacher has to fly a flag in the classroom to show a kid this is safe space, that is a teacher problem.” That comment brought immediate angered shouts from those gathered in the room.

The current fight over the ‘Outing policy’ culminated in a 4-1 vote by the board this past July to involuntarily Out trans students to parents or guardians in a new parental notification policy after another contentious and heated school board meeting.

During that meeting Shaw battled and then belittled California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, who personally attended and addressed the board.

Thurmond’s presence created a stir with Shaw, who cut the Superintendent’s mic off after he went past the minute speaking time allotted for the public comments section. 

Addressing the board, Thurmond cautioned the policy may “not only fall outside of the laws that respect privacy and safety for our students, but may put our students at risk because they may not be in homes where they can be safe.”

As Thurmond attempted to finish his remarks, Shaw repeatedly talked over him saying “time.” At this point a number of students and others opposed to the policy began cheering which caused Shaw to reprimand those audience members saying: “Guys, be respectful.”

Then Shaw turned her attention back to the Superintendent.

“I am going to do a point of order, which I learned from a previous board president,” She continued. “Tony Thurman, I appreciate you being here, tremendously. But here’s the problem. We’re here because of people like you.”

“You’re in Sacramento, proposing things that pervert children,” Shaw shouted, as the students continued to cheer Thurmond. She then ordered Chino Police officers to escort the Superintendent from the room.

Prior to filing a lawsuit, Bonta announced opening a civil rights investigation into the legality of the board’s adoption of its mandatory gender identity disclosure policy. Prior to opening the investigation, the Attorney General sent a letter in July to Superintendent Norman Enfield and the Board of Education cautioning them of the dangers of adopting its forced outing policy, emphasizing the potential infringements on students’ privacy rights and educational opportunities. 

Recently, Attorney General Bonta issued a statement following Anderson Union High School District, and Temecula and Murrieta Valley Unified School District Boards’ decisions to implement copy-cat mandatory gender identity disclosure policy targeting transgender and gender-nonconforming students.

Chino Valley Unified School District nor Board of Education President Sonja Shaw responded to a request for comment.

 **************************************************************************************

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State schools chief Thurmond kicked out of acrimonious meeting

CEDAR GLEN, Calif. – The news of the shooting death of a beloved local merchant this past weekend spread at a speed that would match a seasonal California wildfire in this mountain community above Lake Arrowhead.

Now that community and its LGBTQ + community are in mourning and deep pain.

Murdered over a Pride flag, Laurie Ann Carleton, 66, is remembered by her husband of 28 years, nine children, family, friends, and fans worldwide, but most especially by the tightknit community where she owned a clothing boutique called Mag.Pi.

A lifelong ally of the LGBTQ+ community, she proudly flew the instantly recognizable rainbow pride flag in front of her store. 

Vandals in the what locals have said is an increasingly homophobic community near Lake Arrowhead tore down her flag repeatedly. Each time, she put up a bigger one. She expressed fear to close friends that one day these constant vandalizations would escalate to an in-person altercation. 

Then, on August 18th, Carleton’s fears came true when a 27-year-old male tried to vandalize Carleton’s flag yet again. She got into a heated verbal argument with the armed man who hurled homophobic remarks at her. He then pulled out a concealed handgun shooting and murdering her.

Prior to the murder, the suspect, Travis Ikeguchi, posted several homophobic images on social media including a burning pride flag.  

“This disgusting hate has no place in CA,” tweeted California Governor Gavin Newsom, shortly after Carleton’s death. 

The destruction of pride flags has been under review in several states as a hate crime. 

“Let’s be clear,” said representatives for Equality California, “— Lauri Carleton was a victim of the hate-filled calls to action made by politicians and extremists that continue to push false narratives and misinformation about the LGBTQ+ community. Her unwavering commitment to standing for the dignity and respect of LGBTQ+ people is a testament to her kindness and humanity and will always be remembered.

“More than 350 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents occurred from June 2022 to April 2023, accompanied by the introduction of more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation introduced across the country in 2023 alone. This hate does not happen in a vacuum — it is all part of a backlash to the advances made by the LGBTQ+ community. We must continue to stand against this rising tide of hatred.”

Before opening her clothing stores, Carleton studied at the Art Center for School and Design. While there, she built a reputation for being kind-hearted and creative. Eventually, she joined the staff of Kenneth Cole Productions in 1982 and worked for the company for more than 15 years, becoming an executive, according to the company’s website.

Cole posted a statement on social media confirming Carleton had been a friend and a long-time associate of his company. He called her killing “an unnecessary and tragic death.”

The Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ group called Carleton a “remarkable figure”, whose “unwavering support” for the community and “dedication to creating a safe and inclusive space within her shop touched the lives of many.” 

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“Today was a very sad day for Lake Arrowhead and for the LGBTQ community. Our friend and supporter Lauri Carleton… was murdered defending her lgbtq+ Pride flags in front of her store in Cedar Glen, California,” the group wrote in a statement. “Lauri did not identify as LGBTQ+ but spent her time helping & advocating for everyone in the community. She will be truly missed.”

Matthew Clevenger, a co-founder of the organization, recalled that “new folks moving into town — new couples, new LGBTQ families — were concerned about moving up here. We hear stories about them driving by her store and seeing the flags and feeling so welcome.

“They immediately felt the acceptance and were no longer afraid to be up here,” Clevenger told KABC 7 and other media outlets. “And Lauri did that for them.”

The suddenness of the heinous crime seemed to leave many family members and friends in disbelief at their loss. A family photo of Carleton has been circulating the internet that embodies her love of nature and effortless style. In it, Carlton wears her long, wavy hair down under a sun hat. She has on turtle shell sunglasses and a denim button-down top under a sand-colored jacket. 

“We are all devastated for her husband Bort,” said film director Paul Feig, a close friend of Carleton’s, “and her family and the LGBTQ+ community, for whom Lauri was such a true ally.” Her alleged murderer was later shot and killed by the San Bernardino police and so no longer poses a threat to the community. But this intolerance has to end. Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter and that their words can inspire violence against innocent, loving people. Let’s all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Let’s not let Lauri’s tragic death be in vain.”

Other friends lamented that they had just seen Carleton alive and well and were making plans to take a trip to the lake together. 

Actress Bridget Everett — of the HBO MAX dramedy “Somebody Somewhere” — also mourned Carleton in a post on Instagram, saying it was not the first encounter Carleton faced over displaying the pride flag.

“In the past, when someone took down her flag or vandalized it, she’d put up another one,” Everett said in her post, which was accompanied by a photo of Carleton. “The last time I saw Lauri was, oddly enough, at Lake Arrowhead Pride both in the parade and then at a party. All that anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has a price. And now, Lauri’s husband Bort, her daughters, friends and community are devastated. And for what?”

The local Mountain Provisions Cooperative wrote a moving tribute on Instagram:

“In loving memory of our dear friend, mom to many, ally, organizer, entrepreneur, founding member and soul of our co-op Lauri Carleton.

Lauri was a pillar in our community, an immovable force in her values for equality, love, and justice. If you knew Lauri you know she loved hard, laughed often, and nurtured and protected those she cared about. She was a force, she loved to crack jokes and wanted to live as joyful of a life as possible. We will continue to stand for the values she so selflessly stood for. Her death will not be in vain 💗

Lauri and her husband Bort were pivotal in organizing our Free Store which provided free food and supplies for 4 months after the blizzard. Lauri put her whole heart into keeping it going as long as we could. Pay an act of kindness forward in her honor. Our community needs as much as love as we can get right now.

Fly your flags in honor of Lauri 🏳️‍🌈 love will prevail. Please respect the privacy and be respectful of family and friends grieving this horrific loss 💔

Sending love to our entire community, especially our queer community. Stay safe friends.”

“I admire her, and I’m so proud of her, and I know she passed standing up for something she believed in,” said Ari Carleton, one of her daughters.

“She was so fearless and any negative reaction she just powered through,” Ari added. “The flags have been torn down before by different individuals, and she always went and ordered an even larger flag in response.”

During his Monday press briefing, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus spoke about the national attention this case has received:

“This particular victim has had an impact really across the United States,” said the Sheriff. “We’ve been reached out by the vice president of the United States. Our victim certainly had a major impact on the community and people that she’s come across with during her lifetime.”

The family has asked for time to hold a vigil for Carleton. The vigil will be announced when the family deems it appropriate to do so and will be open to the public. 

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus held a press conference Monday to brief the public on the updates to the investigation into the murder of beloved Cedar Glen shop owner Laura Ann Carleton last Friday evening.

The suspect was identified as local resident, 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi, who had shot and killed Carleton after she confronted him in front of her store over his removal of an LGBTQ+ Pride Flag. The two exchanged words and after yelling homophobic epithets he shot her then fled on foot.

He was followed by several witnesses who reported his location to sheriff’s dispatchers.

Sheriff Dicus told reporters that deputies from the Twin Peaks substation confronted Ikeguchi near Torrey Road and Rause Rancho Road east of Highway 173, about a mile from the homicide scene at the Mag.Pi clothing boutique at 28938 Hook Creek Road in Cedar Glen.

As deputies attempted to engage the suspect, he refused to drop his weapon and opened fire on them, striking multiple squad cars. The Sheriff said the deputies returned fire striking Ikeguchi who died at the scene. Dicus noted that none of his personnel were hurt or injured.

The Sheriff noted that the handgun found on Ikeguchi was believed to be the same weapon used to murder Carleton adding that semiautomatic pistol was not registered to him, and he did not have a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Dicus also said during Monday’s media briefing that Ikeguchi’s family had reported him missing the day previous to the shooting.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s investigators said that Ikeguchi frequently posted hate-filled content on social media. News media outlets including the Blade were able to locate X (formerly known as Twitter) and GAB accounts matching his name.

His social media posts were filled with Christian Nationalist hate-filled themes and retweets often targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Both accounts were still active Monday evening Pacific Time.

Sheriff Dicus said that the investigation is actively ongoing and that the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office will investigate the shooting of Ikeguchi, as is standard practice with all lethal force encounters involving law enforcement agencies.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. 

Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or got to www.wetip.com. 

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Lake Arrowhead shop owner shot to death over Pride Flag

CEDAR GLEN, Calif. – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a shooting call in the unincorporated Lake Arrowhead area on Friday, August 18, 2023, at around 5:00 p.m. discovered the owner of a clothing boutique suffering from gunshot wounds outside of the store.

The victim, identified as 66-year-old Laura Ann Carleton, the owner of the Mag.Pi clothing at 28938 Hook Creek Road, in Cedar Glen was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.    

A spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office said that during the response to the initial scene on Hook Creek Road, deputies received updates from Sheriff’s Dispatch indicating the suspect, who has not been identified, fled on foot, and was seen on Torrey Road, east of Highway 173. 

Deputies located the suspect near Torrey Road and Rause Rancho Road, armed with a handgun.  When deputies attempted to engage the suspect, he refused to drop his weapon and a use of lethal force encounter occurred and the suspect was pronounced deceased.  No deputies were injured during the incident.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail also responded and assumed the investigation.  

Through further investigation, detectives learned the suspect made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store before shooting Carleton.  

According to a source familiar, the suspect who arrived at Carleton’s store erratically removed a pride flag hanging as a decoration outside the shop. Carleton confronted the unidentified man who removed the flag. The male shot her multiple times before fleeing.

Carleton, who is married, also owns the Mag.Pi clothing boutique in Studio City. According to friends she was a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community and beloved in the Cedar Glen area. She is survived by her husband of 28 years and their 9 children.

“Everyone deserves to live free of hate and discrimination and practice their constitutional right of freedom of speech. Lauri was a remarkable member of the community and I send my deepest condolences to her family in this time of grief,” San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement also labeling the shooting a “senseless act of hate and violence.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Twitter/X said: “This is absolutely horrific. A shop owner has been shot and killed by a man after he criticized the pride flag hanging outside her business. Lauri leaves behind her husband and 9 children. This disgusting hate has no place in CA.”

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A post shared by Mountain Provisions Cooperative (@mountainprovisionscooperative)

According to the Sheriff’s Department spokesperson the investigation is ongoing, and no further details are being released. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. 

Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or got to www.wetip.com.  

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OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Friday that his office is opening a civil rights investigation into potential legal violations by the Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), which adopted a policy that forces schools to “out” students whose gender identities may be changing.

In an urgent letter sent to Superintendent Norman Enfield and the Board of Education has month, Bonta expressed serious concern over the then proposed Parental Notification policy, emphasizing the potential infringements on students’ privacy rights and educational opportunities.

After a contentious board meeting two weeks ago after forcing the removal by local police officers of California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, who personally attended and addressed the board, at the direction of school board President Sonja Shaw, the board voted 4-1 to involuntarily Out trans students to parents or guardians in a new parental notification policy.

The “Parental Notification Policy” requires schools to inform parents, with minimal exceptions, whenever a student requests to use a name or pronoun different from that on their birth certificate or official records, even if such disclosure is against the student’s wishes or could expose a student to parental abuse or increase their risk of self-harm or suicide.

The policy also requires notification if a student accesses facilities or participates in programs that don’t align with their sex on official records.

“Students should never fear going to school for simply being who they are,” said Bonta. “Chino Valley Unified’s forced outing policy threatens the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students vulnerable to harassment and potential abuse from peers and family members unaccepting of their gender identity. Today’s announcement stresses our commitment to challenging school policies that target and seek to discriminate against California’s most vulnerable communities. California will not stand for violations of our students’ civil rights.”

A group of Chino Valley parents who have been battling for the LGBTQ+ students in the district issued a statement regarding the AG’s announcement:

“We hope the civil rights investigation launched today by Attorney General Rob Bonta serves as a sign to other districts that these invasive and discriminatory practices will not stand. This was never about parental rights. If it was, the CVUSD Board would not have actively inserted its employees into the private affairs and parenting practices of CVUSD parents.,” said Kristi Hirst, a spokesperson and COO for Our Schools USA.  

“All this policy has accomplished is making students afraid to return to school. It does not create an environment of trust, one that should exist between parents, students, teachers, and staff. It has merely been a major distraction from the larger issues facing the school district, which actually need immediate attention,” she added.

Requests for comment from the Chino Valley Unified School District or its board went unanswered.

UPDATE: KABC 7 reports:

The school district board president said state officials are “overstepping their boundaries.”

“This is a ploy to try to scare all the other boards across California from adopting the policy,” Sonjia Shaw said in a statement to The Associated Press. “I won’t back down and will stand in the gap to protect our kids from big government bullies.”

A spokesperson for the school district said that Bonta did not notify them about the investigation. The board has argued that parents have the right to know.

Related:

State schools chief Thurmond kicked out of acrimonious meeting

AG Rob Bonta tells Chino school district protect student privacy

CHINO VALLEY, Calif. – The four hour meeting of the Chino Valley Unified School District school board at Don Lugo High School Thursday resulted in a 4-1 vote to involuntarily Out trans students to parents or guardians in a new parental notification policy.

The policy mandates that faculty and staff notify parents within three days, in writing, if their child identifies as transgender or gender non-conforming, asks to be called by a name that does not match school records or their birth certificate.

Additionally it would also require schools to “notify parents if their child seeks to change their name or pronouns or asks for access to gender-based sports, bathrooms or changing rooms that do not match their assigned gender at birth.”

Among those opposed to the implementation of the policy is the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, who personally attended and addressed the board.

Thurmond’s presence created a stir with school board President Sonja Shaw, who cut the Superintendent’s mic off after he went past the minute speaking time allotted for the public comments section. 

Addressing the board, Thurmond cautioned the policy may “not only fall outside of the laws that respect privacy and safety for our students, but may put our students at risk because they may not be in homes where they can be safe.”

His words echoed a warning issued by California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a letter sent to Chino Valley Unified School’s Superintendent Norman Enfield and the Board. Bonta expressed serious concern over the proposed Parental Notification policy, emphasizing the potential infringements on students’ privacy rights and educational opportunities.

“By allowing for the disclosure of a student’s gender identity without their consent, Chino Valley Unified School District’s suggested Parental Notification policy would strip them of their freedom, violate their autonomy, and potentially put them in a harmful situation,” Bonta wrote. “Our schools should be protecting the rights of all students, especially those who are most vulnerable, and should be safeguarding students’ rights to fully participate in all educational and extracurricular opportunities.”

As Thurmond attempted to finish his remarks, Shaw repeatedly talked over him saying “time.” At this point a number of students and others opposed to the policy began cheering which caused Shaw to reprimand those audience members saying: “Guys, be respectful.”

Then Shaw turned her attention back to the Superintendent.

“I am going to do a point of order, which I learned from a previous board president,” She continued. “Tony Thurman, I appreciate you being here, tremendously. But here’s the problem. We’re here because of people like you.”

“You’re in Sacramento, proposing things that pervert children,” Shaw shouted, as the students continued to cheer Thurmond.

“You had a chance to come and talk to me, Tony. By all means you had a chance to come talk to me. Why was it so important for you to walk with my opponent? You are the very reason why we’re in this.”

Thurmond, who had left the podium at this point, pivoted and returned to answer her accusatory remarks.

“May I have, as a point of order, as the board –” he began before she interrupted him.

“This is not your meeting,” she snapped. “You may have a seat because if I did that to you in Sacramento, you would not accept it,” she angrily shouted.

“Please sit,” she ordered.

“Can I get a point of order?” Thurmond said repeating his request.

“You’re not gonna blackmail us!” said Shaw, shouting again. “You already sent us a blackmailing letter on previous things, you will not bully us here in Chino. Please seat,” Shaw shouted, as Thurmond continued to ask to be recognized.

It was at this point she declared a short recess, but Thurmond, who had not yet left the podium found himself surrounded by Chino police officers and later he was then escorted from the room.

Politico’s California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago tweeted:

California’s schools chief went before a conservative school board tonite to oppose their plan to notify district parents if their child is transgender.

Tony Thurmond got heckled, admonished by a local official and then was escorted from the meeting. pic.twitter.com/fIIkDlFUqm

— Christopher Cadelago (@ccadelago) July 21, 2023

Addressing the situation after he was removed on his Twitter page, Thurmond noted:

“Tonight I went to a school board meeting to stand up for LGBTQ+ students who invited me to join them as they spoke out against a radical new policy that threatens their safety. When done speaking, the board president verbally attacked me an instructed the police to remove me.

“I don’t mind being thrown out of a board meeting by extremists. I can take the heat — it’s part of the job. What I can’t accept is the mistreatment of vulnerable students whose privacy is being taken away.

I ask — if I am forcibly removed from a public school board meeting as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, how are everyday parents and students in Chino Valley Unified supposed to have their voices heard?

“Let me be clear: I will always stand with California students and will use every power of my office to protect them from politicians who seek to divide our communities instead of keeping our kids safe.”

The local newspaper, the Daily Bulletin reported:

“If you pass this policy, you are telling trans kids they don’t matter and you are placing a burden on teachers,” recent Chino Hills High School graduate Daniel Mora told trustees.

“Students don’t want your policies, we just want our education back,” Chino Hills High School graduate Esther Kim told the board.

Chino Teachers Association President Brenda Walker said the policy would be “divisive and unnecessary.”

There were some in support the Bulletin noted:

“It is morally repugnant that they think parents shouldn’t be involved with their children,” Chino Valley school parent Nick Wilson said.

“We are here today because our kids are in danger,” parent Oscar Avila said. “Our kids are in danger from groomers.”

After the meeting, Thurmond told reporters: “The actions of this board are deeply troubling—and I’m not talking about being thrown out of a public meeting—I am talking about the blatant disregard for student privacy and safety. Forced outing policies harm everyone—students, parents and guardians, families, and school staff. What CVUSD has done may be in violation of state law. We will be working closely with the State Attorney General’s office to verify and enforce California law.” 

“Choosing when to come out and to whom is a deeply personal decision that every LGBTQ+ young person has the right to make for themselves. This policy is taking away a student’s ability to seek comfort, safety, and security in our schools and from trusted adults and peers. As educators and education leaders, we should always be putting students first and doing all we can so they can learn and thrive.” 

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement from its Executive Director Tony Hoang:

“Equality California is appalled and alarmed by the level of blatant homophobia and transphobia leveled against LGBTQ+ youth by the Chino Valley Unified School Board yesterday evening. With LGBTQ+ youth around the country under attack, the school board put their most vulnerable students in harm’s way with their dangerous vote to forcibly out trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth without their consent. The policy they passed last night is dangerous and in direct opposition to recommendations made by the California Department of Education. 

At yesterday’s meeting, the rhetoric and behavior of many of the board members, especially Board President Sonja Shaw, was dangerous and unfit for an elected official. Shaw and fellow members referred to LGBTQ+ students as being mentally ill, a harmful and wildly false statement to make in front of students attending the meeting. They also forcibly removed meeting attendees who did not agree with their extremist agenda, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Chino Valley USD students, and Equality California staff members. Shame on them.”

Also present in the audience were persons who live outside the Chino Unified District, who are not parents within the schools system according to sources who spoke to the Blade. Many were wearing T-Shirts that have been seen at other anti-LGBTQ+ protests in Southern California including recent protests at Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood, two school board meetings of the Glendale Unified School Board and then at the Temecula Valley Unified School District School Board meetings.

Kristi Hirst, an executive with ‘Our Schools USA’ a parent group that is proactively opposing anti-LGBTQ+ groups plus other extremists and a parent of children attending the district’s schools told the Blade in an email Friday:

“Last night’s Chino Valley Unified School District Board meeting was a disgrace to the Chino Valley and a disservice to every single student who attends its schools. 

The meeting was not filled with local concerned parents or community members supporting the “outing policy” – it was filled with agitators and members of hate groups who travel around Southern California harassing community members at Board meetings. Of the actual parents, community members, students, and staff who attended the meeting and spoke, the majority were not in support of this harmful policy. They were not listened to, and, in fact, they were kicked out of the meeting. The Board President even kicked a student out of the meeting.  

School Board leadership have openly invited the Proud Boys, Gays Against Groomers, Lexit, and other extremist and hate groups to school board meetings. These are known and dangerous people, and they are being invited onto a school campus. These are same agitators who incited violence in North Hollywood and Glendale.  

This meeting is a reflection of the extreme agenda being pushed by national groups like Moms for Liberty. Their endorsed candidate is now the Board President, and they are capitalizing on fear and victimizing our most vulnerable students. This will continue to happen throughout California and the country. This is not about parental rights or parental voice – if it was, the actual parents who attended and whose kids go to Chino Valley schools would not have been ignored.” 

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OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement urging the Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) to prioritize protecting student privacy.

In an urgent letter sent to Superintendent Norman Enfield and the Board of Education, Attorney General Bonta expressed serious concern over the proposed Parental Notification policy, emphasizing the potential infringements on students’ privacy rights and educational opportunities.

The Attorney General’s office is committed to protecting the rights and well-being of students in California schools.

“The protection of every student’s privacy and safety is of utmost importance, and that includes protecting their right to choose when, how, and with whom they share their gender identity. That is a personal decision for them, and them alone,” wrote Bonta.

“By allowing for the disclosure of a student’s gender identity without their consent, Chino Valley Unified School District’s suggested Parental Notification policy would strip them of their freedom, violate their autonomy, and potentially put them in a harmful situation. Our schools should be protecting the rights of all students, especially those who are most vulnerable, and should be safeguarding students’ rights to fully participate in all educational and extracurricular opportunities. I strongly encourage CVUSD to prioritize the rights and privacy of all their students.” 

The proposed policy is up for consideration tonight at the CVUSD Board of Education meeting. If approved, it would require schools to inform parents, without exception, if a student wants to use a name or pronoun different from what’s on their birth certificate or official records.

It would also require notification if a student wants to use facilities or participate in programs that don’t match their gender on official records or if a student wants to change any information in their school records.

In the letter, Attorney General Bonta calls on CVUSD to fulfill its weighty responsibility as educators to create an inclusive and safe environment for all students. Additionally, the letter underlines that decisions about gender identity are deeply personal and should be handled with sensitivity, allowing students to make their own choices regarding when and how to disclose their identities to their parents.

Furthermore, this proposed mandate demonstrates a reckless disregard for the real-world dangers some children may face at home. Any child harmed following such a mandatory parental notification could lead to potential liability for the school district. 

A copy of the letter can be found (here).