By Allen D. Payton

The 340 graduates of the Antioch High School Class of 2025 – smaller than in recent years – were celebrated inside Eells Stadium on Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. They entered the field to the traditional sound of Pomp and Circumstance. The Presentation of Colors was provided by the U.S. Marines Color Guard and the National Anthem, known as “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played over the loudspeakers as all in attendance stood at attention out of respect to begin the ceremony.

Fifita Grewe, Associated Student Body President “for the second year in a row” – she pointed out, was the first to speak to the graduates and audience.

“To all my family and friends, and boyfriend, of course, thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders. I love you all,” she stated. “We are celebrating the beginning of a new journey. High school was definitely not easy. But with the support…I was able to push through.”

Grewe was also Homecoming Queen and the 2023 Antioch Youth of the Year.

“Don’t wait until all the good times are just good memories. Enjoy them now,” Grewe encouraged her fellow classmates. “It’s never a good-bye. It’s see you later.”

Principal John Jimno welcomed everyone to the commencement ceremony and introduced the other student speakers.

Salutatorian Grace Fung spoke of her grandmother who did not get an education because it was not allowed for females.

She also spoke of her parents who are both deaf “living in a silent world.” 

Fung then asked her classmates, “Who’s ready to jump into the end portal with me?” making a reference to the Minecraft online game.

“The game doesn’t end here,” she stated. “I thought high school was the end game. Life is not a linear path. Life doesn’t end here. This is only the first of many…battles we will face.”

“Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did to,” Fung encouraged the graduates. “This is only the beginning.”

Class Valedictorian, Zack Gregson, spoke next, saying, “You all challenged me to grow as a student but also as a person. The connections I made at this school made it more memorable.”

He then spoke briefly in Spanish which was met with a round of applause. 

“Over the past four years we’ve changed both externally and in character,” he continued. “We’ve been fortunate enough to call this school our home.”

“Discipline was the quiet force that brought us all to this stage today. It’s the difference between wishing and doing,” Gregson stated. “We’re here because we kept going. That’s something to be proud of. Let’s take the same discipline and courage with us. Keep showing up. Keep moving forward.”

He spoke in Spanish, again and then ended with, “Congratulations, everyone. We earned this. We’ve already proven we could do hard things. Now let’s do great ones.”

Principal Jimno then offered his thoughts saying, “It is an honor and privilege to stand before this graduating class. It’s been so fun to watch you grow and come together as a class.”

“One thing that stands out about this class is your service to others,” he stated. “You have truly inspired me.”

Interim Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official acceptance of the Class of 2025, having met all the state and district requirements for graduation.

Antioch School Board Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha offered a few words, as well, and reminded the graduates, “you’ll always be a Panther and bleed black and gold.”

The class members then received their diplomas from Trustee Dee Brown and Board President Antonio Hernandez as they crossed the stage to the cheers of friends and family.

Senior Class President Aeowynne Magototo offered Closing Remarks and led her classmates in the turning of the tassels. She’ll be attending UC Davis in the fall.

“Wow. High school is over on a random Wednesday morning,” she said with a chuckle.

Magtoto spoke of her parents, “Emigrating me and my sisters to America” and then spoke briefly in her native Filipino language of Tagalog.

“I want you to take this chance to reflect,” she continued. Referring to the graduates’ shared experience during COVID Magtoto said, “We went from online screens to wearing masks. We were lucky to have all four years on campus.”

“Life isn’t a fairy tale. Tender bruises, growing pains have shaped me into the person I am today,” she stated.

“We are young and wild. There’s nothing stopping us,” Magtoto implored her classmates. “Don’t forget to live in the moment of ‘alwaysness’. We’ve waited our entire lives for this moment.”

She then led the graduates in the turning of the tassels on their graduation caps signifying the completion of the ceremony. A very few tossed their caps into the air to celebrate, and they exited the stadium to the sounds of Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration”, as family and friends met their graduates on the field and surrounding Mike Hurd Track.

See video of the entry procession on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

Congratulations to the Antioch High School Class of 2025!

Four positions in five years

UPDATE: Board members, district staff refuse to provide copy of Dr. Darnise Williams’ resume, one says she never had it

By Allen D. Payton

Following the Antioch School Board Closed Session meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Board President Antonio Hernandez stated, “We don’t have anything to report out from Closed Session.” But he then said, “We do have copies of that superintendent contract. The Board has identified as our final candidate, Dr. Darnise Williams.”

Before the regular meeting began, Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha announced a cake in the Board Room in honor of Hernandez who graduated that Sunday with master’s degrees in public policy and education. He said he will now return to finish the last two years of medical school.

Superintendent Appointment

During their June 11th meeting, the trustees on a vote of 3-1 with Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha the lone dissenter and Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith absent, approved Williams’ three-year contract which lasts through June 30, 2028. This reporter was the only member of the public to speak about the hiring of the new superintendent, mainly about the process, that it was not transparent and done without giving the public the opportunity to meet and learn about her background before the school board hired Williams, and suggested they postpone the vote. (See 1:35:50 mark of meeting video)

“As I mentioned from previous closed session, we did identify and we’re super happy to have Dr. Darnise Williams as our contract finalist,” Hernandez stated. “I will reiterate the extensive search we undertook.”

Compensation

According to her employment agreement, for the 2025-2026 school year, she will be paid a Step One salary of $353,045 plus, a Doctorate stipend of $4,189 for total of $357,234 for the school year. Williams will also receive $12,000 for relocation expenses, $1,569 per day for up to a maximum of five eight-hour days to meet with the Interim Superintendent prior to July 1, 2025. Her benefits include a monthly automobile allowance of $300, health insurance and a term life insurance policy.

Controversial Background

An internet search resulted in several articles about the new AUSD superintendent’s current and previous two jobs, all in the past five years, offering details about the controversies surrounding her.

According to a December 14, 2022 article by the Palo Alto Daily Post Williams worked as the Sequoia Union High School District superintendent but left “amid a controversy.” She resigned from the $274,191-a-year job a day before, “though it wasn’t clear whether she jumped or was pushed by the school board to quit.”

“She had been superintendent since April 2021 after leaving a job in the Los Angeles Unified School District where she trained school principals and administrators about race and diversity,” the article reported.

A May 13, 2023, report by The Daily Journal, which serves the Peninsula on the west side of the San Francisco Bay, reported Williams was hired as the “new Pacifica School District superintendent.” She began the position on July 1st that year.

“Williams previously served as superintendent of the Sequoia Union High School District from April 2021 to December 2022,” the report continued. “Williams’ ousting came after she received a positive evaluation and the board voted 4-1 in August to extend her contract for three more years. The decision to separate sparked public outrage, leading some to accuse the board of racism, stocking distrust and acting illegally.”

District’s Announcement

The District announced Williams’ hiring on June 12th. It reads:

———–

Following a rigorous national search that attracted more than 31 accomplished educational leaders, the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Darnise R. Williams as the District’s next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Williams was chosen through a thorough and inclusive process that involved stakeholder engagement, performance-based interviews, and a comprehensive background check.

With over three decades of dedicated service in California’s public education system, Dr. Williams has established herself as a leader with a student-centered approach and a knack for building systems that support all learners. Her journey has seen her excel at every level of education, from classroom teacher to site leader, district executive, and most recently, superintendent. Her belief in the transformative power of public education has always been her guiding light.

Dr. Williams’ career is marked by the successful launch of initiatives that have significantly increased access, enhanced instructional quality, and elevated support for historically disadvantaged students. Her leadership in the Pacifica School District saw the development of a multi-year fiscal stability plan and the successful voter approval for a local parcel tax to support programs. She also spearheaded the funding and groundbreaking of a workforce housing project, a move intended to improve teacher recruitment and retention.

Dr. Williams’ efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has secured state and federal grants for Strong Workforce, Career Technical Education (CTE), and early literacy, expanding opportunities for students to discover their strengths, explore future careers, and excel academically. The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 16, previously recognized her contributions and she was awarded the Curriculum Administrator of the Year title. Her reputation as a thoughtful, solutions-oriented leader is respected statewide.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the next Superintendent of Antioch Unified,” said Dr. Williams. “I believe in the brilliance and potential of every child—and I’m committed to working alongside our students, educators, families, and community to continue building schools where students are seen, supported, and inspired every day.” A proud product of Los Angeles public schools. Williams earned her high school diploma from Crenshaw High School, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a Doctoral degree in

Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Her leadership is rooted in experience, compassion, and a steadfast focus on student achievement, student voice and well-being.

Board of Education Welcomes a Leader with Heart and Vision

Statement from Antonio Hernandez, Board President

“Dr. Williams emerged as the clear and compelling choice in a pool of highly qualified candidates. She brings the vision, integrity, and calm strength needed to guide Antioch into its next chapter of growth and transformation. Her leadership is both strategic and deeply human—grounded in a commitment to see every student for their academic potential and their whole story. Dr. Williams’ focus on foster youth, students with special needs, and multilingual learners aligns powerfully with the heart of our District’s mission. She brings a rare combination of technical expertise, inclusive instructional knowledge, and the ability to listen with empathy and act with decisive clarity. We believe her leadership will leave a lasting, positive imprint on our schools, students, and the broader Antioch community.”

Dr. Williams will officially begin her role as Superintendent of Antioch Unified School District on July 1, 2025. Please click here to access Dr. Williams’ narrative bio.

———–

UPDATE: CV/Resume Not Provided

While District staff provided the narrative biography for Williams, with glowing accolades, a two-week effort to obtain he curriculum vitae, i.e. resume, from either Hernandez, the other board members or district staff was unsuccessful. Trustee Rocha said she was never given one and the same was reiterated by one of the panelists who interviewed the candidates but chose to remain anonymous. However, that person said they did meet the candidates in person, disputing what Area 3 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan said about the hiring process during the meeting. A LinkedIn profile showing Williams’ work history could also not be found in an online search.

Although Dr. Williams introduced herself to this reporter following the vote, she did not respond to an email to the account with her current position at Pacifica School District asking for a copy of her resume and for her to call this reporter for an interview.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

Deer Valley High School celebrated 331 graduates in the Class of 2025 inside Wolverine Stadium Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. The traditional processional of Pomp and Circumstance was performed by the Deer Valley Band led by Music Director Ryan Carr. That was followed by the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. The National Anthem was announced by Salutatorian Jordynn Chung and performed by the Deer Valley Divine Voices led by Choral Director Alivia Logan. Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies.

Opening remarks were offered by Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez who spoke of his own journey through Antioch schools and will be graduating with two master’s degrees from Stanford University in public policy and education.

Principal Veronica McClennan welcomed all in attendance and offered her appreciation saying, “To the family and friends, you have been a guiding voice for these graduates. You have shaped who they are, who they’ll become.”

“To the teachers, coaches and staff, your guidance goes well beyond the grade. You have…believed in our students,” she continued.

McClennan then offered encouraging, departing words to the graduates.

“To our graduating Wolverines…you are stepping into this world…full of promise,” she stated. “You are ready to enter this world to write your story. Be bold, be courageous, be humble.”

“Remember, success is measured by impact. Congratulations, graduates. We are already incredibly proud of you,” McClennan added.

Class Speakers

Class President Priscilla Rodriguez spoke first acknowledging, “the families who motivated us and kept pushing us to the end.”

“Thank you to our teachers…who made a big impact on our lives,” she continued.

To her fellow classmates Rodriguez said, “I wish you all nothing but the best because the world doesn’t know what’s coming next. Only you do.”

Valedictorian Zeb-Alexander Congson, who will be attending UC Berkeley and studying aerospace engineering, also thanked the families, his fellow classmates and the faculty. 

“Your belief in us is what made this rare moment possible,” he stated.

Then speaking about his own experience Congson said, “I never wanted to be a scholar, an athlete. It wasn’t until my first volleyball try out that my thinking began to shift. That one push kick started four seasons. I realized how much I gained from one step into one unfamiliar territory.”

To his fellow graduates he advised, “It won’t always be easy. But growth is rarely easy. Push your comfort zone.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official acceptance of the Class of 2025, having met all the state and district requirements for graduation.

The Divine Voices performed again, singing, “Shine Like Stars” and “It’s So Hard to Say Good-bye”.

Then the graduates enjoyed what they all looked forward to, receiving their diplomas. Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate read the names, as Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown and Hernandez, who represents the District’s Area 1, handed out the diplomas.

Senior Class President Rodriguez returned to the stage to lead the class in the turning of their tassels to conclude the ceremony. A few graduates followed the celebratory tradition of tossing into the air their caps – many of which were decorated with personal messages.

Congratulations to the Deer Valley High Class of 2025!

See video of the processional on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

Lake Shasta is source of all water, Los Vaqueros Reservoir will not be expanded, CoCoTax members learn

By Allen D. Payton

During the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Members and Leaders monthly luncheon in May, Contra Costa Water District Board President, Ernesto Avila provided an update on the district’s current work and plans. They include repairing 20 of the 48-mile canal at a cost of $1 billion, keeping water rates as low as possible and expanding service to keep up with growth.

The district includes the Central County cities and communities of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton, Pacheco, Clyde, Port Costa and portions of Walnut Creek, and in East County, the cities and communities of Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Bay Point, and portions of Brentwood.

Half of the district’s water is provided to treated water customers and the other half to raw water customers, Avila stated and then spoke about ensuring adequate “water supply during disasters such as fire and earthquake emergencies.”

“When PG&E outages occur all of our tanks go full,” he shared. “Water only stays sweet for six to seven days to meet the water quality requirements of the state.”

“Lake Shasta is where we get all of our water from through the Central Valley Project,” he continued. “It’s currently 94% full.”

The district owns Los Vaqueros Reservoir for storage, which is currently 93% full. But “we can’t just draw water whenever we want,” Avila stated. “All of our intakes are screened to protect fish.”

“We are out of our drought,” Avila added. However, “during the drought there were no constraints on water supply for development and growth.”

Canal Replacement Program

There have been “landslides on the west side of the canal and repairs can cost millions,” he stated and spoke of the district’s “Canal Replacement Program” which will cost “$1 billion”.

“Nobody likes to raise rates,” Avila continued. “We’ve replaced four miles, so far and have 16 miles to go. It will be a pipeline”

Asked what happens to the pipe during an earthquake he said, “If it’s an older pipe, it will probably crack. We’re looking at a very ductile pipe that can move easily.”

Asked if there will be solar panels over the canl

Click here to learn more about the Contra Costa Canal.

Water Supply

Avila then spoke about providing enough water to meet the demands of residential growth including “redevelopment of the Concord Naval Weapons station” where “15,000 homes” are projected to be built.

“Ten percent of the district’s water is provided through recycling,” he stated. “We want to bump that up to fifteen percent.”

Budget & Water Costs to Users

“Energy costs have been the greatest increases from 2020 to 2024, medical coverage is second greatest,” he shared. Those are followed by “pension and OPEB (other post employee benefit) liabilities.”

“The average customer spends about $3.00 per day for water,” Avila stated. “The cost is 1.3 cents per gallon per day.”

He compared that to EBMUD rates which are at 2.0 cents per gallon.

According to the slide show from his presentation, costs to the district for water production include the following:

INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE – Pipeline Renewal, Canal Replacement, Water Treatment Plant Upgrades;

PURCHASED WATER

WATER SUPPLY AND RESOURCE PROTECTION – Water Supply Planning, Watershed Management, Recreation;

SYSTEM OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE – Water Treatment, Water Delivery, Leak Inspection and Repair;

ADMINISTRATION – Human Resources, Safety, Accounting and Payroll;

CUSTOMER CARE – Customer Service, Billing, Water Efficiency Support, and Public Affairs; and

COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT K-12 Water Education and Field Trips, and Internships.

The district has an AAA Bond Rating which keeps interest costs on bonds down, Avila shared.

He was then asked about “money going to DEI programs. I this something you should be doing anymore?” Avila responded, “there are three employees dedicated to it. There are 317 employees which is 30-40% of the budget We have one person in Human Resources dedicated to it. We have a $200 million per year budget. Not even one percent is dedicated to it.”

“It’s about trying to enhance the culture for our employees to work together better,” he added. “We review it every six months. Our Master Plan is on the website.”

Asked about “EPA clean water requirements getting tougher each year” Avila spoke about “unfunded mandates we have to comply with. We work with various associations and collaborate on a national level as regulations are mostly at the federal level.”

“Our biggest concern is the issue of diminishing return on conservation,” he explained. “During the drought, people in our area reduced use by 25 percent while Southern California only reduced 2-3 percent.”

According to the chart in Avila’s presentation total water use has actually decreased over the past 17 years even though the population has significantly increased.

No Los Vaqueros Capacity Increase Due to Too Much Cost and Regulation, Offline for Too Long

Asked about increasing capacity at Los Vaqueros, Avila said, “The district spent $10 million on raising the…reservoir, for a cost/benefit analysis funded by the state. It was over subscribed with more customer demand than supply, 250,000 versus 120,000 acre feet.”

“But with so many constraints on pumping water into the reservoir, demand dropped to 50,000 acre feet then to zero,” he continued. “The cost increase with inflation went from $800 million to $1.6 billion, mainly from more material and labor cost increases, plus, engineering costs.”

Finally, Avila shared, “Los Vaqueros Reservoir would have had to be offline for six to seven years. It just wasn’t viable. They knew that, going in. The issue was negotiating supply from EBMUD and others” who “couldn’t guarantee any water.”

He also spoke about future supply including the proposed offstream Sites Reservoir project west of Colusa in the Sacramento Valley.

“In California, for every one million acre-feet of storage, there is eight to nine acre-feet of surface storage,” Avila stated.

Finally, in response to a question, he said, “Water from a canal behind a house is not grandfathered in if the home is sold.”

See Avila’s complete presentation slide show.

CoCoTax June Luncheon

The next CoCoTax Members and Board Luncheon will be held on Friday June 27, 2025, at 11:45 AM at Denny’s Restaurant, 1313 Willow Pass Road in Concord, and will feature Oakland Mayor recall leader Seneca Scott as the speaker. Advance registration is available on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online, or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door: $25 for members, $30 for guests. www.cocotax.org/event-6189658/Registration

About CoCoTax

Founded in 1937, CoCoTax leads the way in providing fiscal oversight of local government.  We actively resist unwarranted taxes and fees, discriminatory regulations, ill-advised public expenditures and government secrecy, inefficiency and waste. For more information and membership visit www.cocotax.org.

About CCWD

The Contra Costa Water District delivers safe, clean water to approximately 520,000 people in central and eastern Contra Costa County in Northern California. Formed in 1936 to provide water for irrigation and industry, we are now one of the largest urban water districts in California and a leader in drinking-water treatment technology and source water protection. For more information visit www.ccwater.com.

U.S. Marshals assist; Raymond Leon Greene, IV held on $1.75 million bail; also arrested for domestic violence in February

Woman shot May 20th

By Antioch Police Department

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Antioch Police detectives and officers working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service served a search warrant at an apartment complex in Antioch as part of an attempted homicide investigation from a recent shooting in the 3900 block of Delta Fair Blvd.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at approximately 8:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located a 31-year-old female victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Responding officers immediately provided first aid until relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital. (See related article)

30-year-old Raymond Leon Greene, IV (born 2/16/95) was arrested and taken into custody without incident. Investigators also recovered evidence from the residence.

The victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

According to localcrimenews.com, Green was also arrested by San Pablo Police on Feb. 18, 2025, for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. Acting Lt. Whitaker confirmed that information and said the suspect is in custody.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 11-inch tall, 205-pound Green is Black, being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.75 million bond.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Det. Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or email abecerra@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Police seek unknown suspect

By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

Officers with the Antioch Police Department investigated an early morning shooting that sent one person to the hospital. On June 4, 2025, at approximately 2:51 AM, Antioch police officers were alerted to a shooting via a ShotSpotter activation in the 30-block of East Lake Drive. As officers arrived on scene, a 31-year-old male victim arrived at a local hospital suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Investigating officers located the crime scene and canvassed the area for additional evidence and witnesses. The victim was admitted to an area hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

Based on the initial investigation, this appears to be an isolated incident. This is still an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.

Additional inquiries oor information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or by emailing ribanez@antiochca.gov.

By Greg Burt, VP, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California legislature continues to disregard the rights of parents and ignore their religious beliefs regarding their children with the introduction of AB 1084, a bill that expedites the process for changing a person’s name and sex on official documents—including birth certificates and marriage licenses—based on “gender identity” rather than biological reality.

While author Assemblyman Rick Zbur (D-Beverly Hills) says the bill is a necessary response to efforts making it “harder for transgender people to live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” it is in fact a profound assault on both truth and parental rights. AB 1084 is not just another procedural update. “Not only does it further legitimize the false idea that sex is a choice,” said Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council. “But it’s designed to sideline the very people God has charged with the care and guidance of children: their parents.”

Biological Reality Can’t Be Legislated Away

A person cannot change their sex. Sex is not “assigned at birth”—it is observed and recorded. It is an immutable, biological reality encoded in every cell of our bodies. It is not up for revision with a court order or a fill-in-the-blank on a government form.

But AB 1084 expedites this legal fiction, compelling courts to issue approval for name and sex changes to reflect not biological sex, but subjective gender identity within two weeks. 

The Real Target: Parental Authority

While the entire premise of the bill is flawed, its most egregious offense is against parents.

AB 1084 claims to honor parental rights by requiring both living parents to approve a minor’s request to change their name and sex on legal documents. But this is a bait and switch. If one parent objects, the court will only consider the objection valid if it demonstrates “good cause.” And what is explicitly not good cause? Belief in biological sex.

You read that right. Under AB 1084, a court must disregard a parent’s objection if it is based on the belief that their child’s proposed gender identity does not align with their biological sex. In other words, if you believe—scientifically, morally, or religiously—that sex is binary and unchangeable, your views are disqualified from legal consideration.
Here is how the text of the bill explains it: “(D) A hearing date shall not be set in the proceeding unless an objection is timely filed and shows good cause for opposing the name change. Objections based solely on concerns that the proposed change is not the petitioner’s actual gender identity or gender assigned at birth shall not constitute good cause.”

This isn’t just bad policy. It’s discriminatory, unconstitutional, and tyrannical.

A Constitutional Crisis

The U.S. Supreme Court has long upheld the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), the Court declared: “The child is not the mere creature of the state.” And in Troxel v. Granville (2000), the Court reaffirmed that “the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children… is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”

Yet AB 1084 places the state as arbiter of a child’s identity over and above the rights of parents. It effectively says: “Parents, you can raise your child—unless your views clash with state-endorsed gender ideology.”

This is an ideological test for parental rights. And it must be resisted.

A Slippery and Dangerous Precedent

Once the state arrogates to itself the power to nullify parental objections rooted in deeply held religious or biological convictions, where does it stop?

• Will it override a parent’s objection to irreversible medical procedures?
• Will it compel schools to keep secrets from parents about their children’s gender identity?
• Will it use the denial of “affirmation” as grounds to remove children from their homes

A False Solution to Real Pain

The advocates of AB 1084 claim that this bill is about protecting transgender and nonbinary individuals from discrimination. But true compassion never requires us to lie. A government that redefines reality to affirm feelings is not protecting anyone—it’s merely swapping one kind of harm for another.

Children, especially minors struggling with gender confusion, need truth, not affirmation of delusion. They need wise, loving guidance—especially from parents, not judges. By empowering minors to legally alter their identity with minimal pushback, California encourages life-altering decisions without adequate reflection or maturity.

And these changes are not harmless. Once legal documents are changed, it can set off a domino effect leading to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries—often before a child’s brain is even fully developed.

What Must Be Done

California Family Council stands firmly opposed to AB 1084 and any law that undermines biological truth and parental authority. We urge the legislature to reject this bill and call on citizens to raise their voices in protest.

We are also calling on constitutional lawyers and religious liberty advocates to prepare challenges to this legislation should it pass. It will not stand the test of judicial scrutiny—and it certainly will not stand the test of time.

Bill Status

This bill has already passed the Assembly Judiciary and Health Committees and now sits in the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File.  On May 23 the committee will announce its decision on whether the bill progresses to the full Assembly for a vote. 

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.