TVUSD protesters scream profanities after board ends tenure of Dr. McClay

Richard Saunders Special to Valley News

On June 13, the majority of the Temecula Valley Unified School Board voted to end Superintendent Jodi McClay’s tenure with the district, echoing a desire for new administrative leadership in working with the school district’s policy board. TVUSD Board President Joseph Komrosky said, “We thank Dr. McClay for her long service to the school district, but the majority of the board determined that it was time for new leadership, with new ideas.”

However, Temecula Valley Educators Association union members who packed the auditorium voiced their opposition stating that the union has always supported McClay because she supported them in years past with their wants and needs. The superintendent had a relationship with the union where the members appreciated her full cooperation.

At times during the three-hour long meeting, there was screaming, yelling and obscene language used by TVEA members. Komrosky queried for clarification if some members were actually issuing threats. According to the reading of the rules at the beginning of the meeting, no persons were allowed to disrupt the procedures and interfere with the board meetings.

Trustee Schwarts, who watched the meeting remotely while on va- cation, responded, “The audience was upset at the actions of the three newly elected board members, and rightly so.”

The meetings are set up for observation for the public’s benefit with some comments afforded by the public only. According to the rules of procedures for the school district, the rules have been established to ensure orderly communication and to assist the board in its efficiency in conducting policy.

Despite this, screaming accusations and calling board members fascists, racists, anti-gay and comments attacking faith-based individuals and other epithets continued throughout the meeting.

In support of solidarity for TVEA, some members displayed rainbow flags. They stated that their organization, along with supporters for previous members who were voted out, were organizing to recall the elected officials. This is as a result of the board not approving curriculum with support materials including the biography of gay activist Harvey Milk.

Komrosky stated personally, and not on behalf of the entire board, “The district is steadfastly committed to complying with all state laws regarding the adoption of the new curriculum, including compliance with the FAIR ACT. The district is also steadfastly committed to, when allowed, discretion as to what curriculum to adopt that is appropriate for the grade level and that it will be a compulsory part of the student’s education.”

He further stated, “My personal comments have been misappropriated as an attack on the LGBTQ community. Absolutely not. My comments were non-gender specific, non-sexual orientation specific, and the view of the California legislature: That 33-yearold adults should not have sexual relationships with a 16-year-old minor, regardless of gender.”

Milk’s biographer Randy Shilts wrote about Milk’s underaged lover Jack McKinley in his biography, “The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk.” He wrote, “Sixteenyear-old McKinley was looking for some kind of father figure. … At 33, Milk was launching a new life, though he could hardly have imagined the unlikely direction toward which his new lover would pull him,” Shilts wrote.

At an earlier press conference, Komrosky said, “My remarks about Mr. Milk were not based upon him being a homosexual but rather based upon his being an adult having a sexual relationship with a minor. That is the source of my objection to his example to TVUSD K-5 children, not his sexual orientation.”

Komrosky further asked at this press conference, “Do you approve of any 33-year-old person, regardless of their gender identity or sexual preference, having a sexual relationship with a minor?”

Trustee Steven Schwartz wrote to Valley News, “With respect to Mr. Milk, I have seen articles indicating the young man in question was over 18. The fact that Mr.Milk was ‘mentioned,’ in a supplement to the textbook has no bearing on the value of the curriculum.”

Komrosky mentioned that when he was a member of the U.S. Army, he swore to defend the U.S. Constitution and also swore an oath to the State Constitution when he was elected Trustee to TVUSD.

“The protection of LGBTQ kids is required by both constitutions and I am committed to that,”

Komrosky said. He followed up by saying these remarks were his own opinion and not the opinion reflecting the entire board and that individuals could reference those comments at the very end of his June 14 meeting where he referenced the LGBTQ students at TVUSD and their protections.

On behalf of union members, Governor Gavin Newsom personally dispatched State Attorney General Rob Bonta as his emissary of support for the opposition against the new board members which also include Jen Wiersma and Danny Gonzalez, along with Komrosky. Newsom just recently had the Attorney General also investigate Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s actions in his operation of Riverside County jails. Bianco is also an elected official.

Through Bonta, Newsom also dispatched a letter of possible action against the City of Temecula for considering possibly declaring the municipality a sanctuary city for women who are struggling and need help with resources for having their babies.

One observer named Melinda, who didn’t want to give her last name, felt threatened at board meetings by individuals in the crowd. She said, “I was even called a racist by someone just because I had a different opinion from them.”

One woman, who gave comment at the meeting, stated that she voted Democrat and had more liberal views than most but “as a parent, I don’t want anyone talking about any kind of sexual content to my children. That right should only be reserved for parents.”

Some parents in the audience, who were supportive of the new board, wanted to know why the lawsuits occurring in the district are always in closed session. As parents, they wanted to know, “What’s really been going on in our schools? That’s why many of us voted for the new officials,” one person said. She also mentioned there are actually many union members who quietly support Komrosky and the other newly elected members. The next board meeting is scheduled for June 27.

FESTIVAL from page A-1 guards continuously spectating the area.

Local businesses offering handmade goods on the grounds included Weld + Wool: A Legacy Brand, Kelsey’s Korner, and Temecula Crowns, known for their handpainted and burned hats.

Even when the sun began to settle against the hills, the energy from the crowd outside never depleted. Inside the Stampede building, folks were seen line-dancing, grabbing drinks at the bar, and riding the mechanical bull. All the while, the dance-floor was aglow with colorful lights.

In-between acts, people would restock on both drinks and food, or happily talk amongst their parties. The vendors providing drinks and food included Wilson Creek Winery, Michelob Ultra, Peltzer, and Da Big Show BBQ. Had it not been for the help of The Stampede's owner, Brandie Newman, and the production folks working behind the scenes, the festival would not have been possible.

Redneck Rodeo from Orange County, was the first group of

% the festival’s lineup. They were high-energy and possessed strong musicality. Following them was Runaway June. The trio’s take on the song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” combined with their harmonies and fiddle solos, entertained the audience.

Each of the artists singing that day held true to the patriotic theme of the festival. This was evident in Creed Fisher’s performance, as he passed around the United States flag. Coffey Anderson, dedicated his performance of “Mr. Red White and Blue” to those fighting for the country, and also held the American flag high. He specifically mentioned the military, Navy, his father’s Air Force, and the police officers.

For Anderson’s encore performance, he sang “Sweet Home California,” a unique take on the “Sweet Home Alabama,” and tossed roses out into the audience.

Much to everyone’s delight.

American country artist, Eddie Montgomery, started off his performance by singing “Where I Come From,” whilst twirling a microphone stand in an engrossing manner. He encouraged the audi-

% ence to sing along if they knew the words, continuing with pieces like “Lonely And Gone,” “She Couldn’t Change Me,” “Lucky Man,” “Ain’t No Closing Me Down,” “One In Every Crowd,” before concluding with “My Town”. He shared gracious words for Troy Gentry, as well as the heroic individuals who protect the country, and for the nation itself.

Montgomery effortlessly worked the crowd, hyping them up through sharing stories and remaining conversational. The audience was especially receptive to his music, raising their hands up high, mirroring the energy on-stage.

The presence of country music superstars, Big Kenny and John Rich, of the Big & Rich duo, felt like a momentous occasion in itself. The crowd had raced towards

% the center of the area to get a better view of the closing act. Cameras were out and recording, stagelights flashed sporadically. The duo commented on how good it was to see the American flag, and to be back in California, that it felt alive and well.

Big & Rich were openly appreciative of those coming out to attend the festival. They even commented on how California’s heartland is the farmlands, far beyond big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. To them, that is where the heart of California is.

Some of the songs they performed included, “Rollin’,” “Wild West Show,” and “Look At You,” which was dedicated to all country girls in the audience. In addition, they sang a cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “I Won’t Back Down.”

At one point during the performance, Big & Rich welcomed three veterans onto the stage. Brian Foster, USMC, Eric Mencha, USN, and Ron Morales, USMC, were offered time to speak about the specifics of their service, and personally thanked by the duo. All three men reaffirmed their devotion to the country and everyone’s freedom.

Before performing “8th Of November,” the duo elaborated on the origins of the piece. It was inspired by a bartender they met in Deadwood, South Dakota. He was a Vietnam veteran, who spent two years healing from injuries he sustained, only to embark on three more tours for the USA immediately after getting out of the hospital. They labeled him a hero, dedicating the song to him, and those who didn’t make it home. Ava Sarnowski can be reached by email at valleystaff@reedermedia.com.