Pearblossom - At the Keppel Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday, May 4, 2021, Erika Schwerdt walked the board members through a printed deck of information on Gabriel’s Law, AB-31, which was in both English and Spanish. Attending in support was Anna Livingstone, Luz Torres from LLA NAC, Maria Teresa “Tessa” Rabaja of Best Start Lancaster, Tracey LaMonica from The Children’s Bureau and Shirley Harriman of Best Starr. Luz Torres testified on behalf of the bill in Spanish, Schwerdt translating to English.

Schwerdt gave a brief history of the bill, explained the role of the ombudsman and touched upon the three most recent tragedies involving children in the Antelope Valley.

The presentation inspired a brief but very thoughtful comment session from the Board. One concern was that this would be a government agency checking on another government agency. Trustee Halliman said, “I was that child. A teacher saved my life.” Trustee Cullors spoke about the importance of supporting the protection of children on all levels. Trustee Ballante agreed that there needs to be a continued grass root effort for child abuse prevention. The compelling concerns and comments will be transmitted to Assemblyman Lackey. The Board voted 4-1 in favor of submitting a letter of support.

This was the second school board that has hosted the presentation, Wilsona School District being the first presentation. Plans are to reach all of the school boards in the Antelope Valley as the bill passes through all of the legislative steps in Sacramento.

Best Start will track AB-31 on its journey as well as how the communities can support the bill.

• AB-31 would establish the Office of the Child Protection Ombudsperson

• AB-31 would require the State Child Protection Ombudsperson to be appointed by the Governor for a term of 2 years.

• AB-31 would specify duties of the office including investigating specific child deaths caused by abuse or neglect.

• AB-31 would also authorize the office to take specific actions including investigating systemic issues and suggesting corrective action accordingly.

On Wednesday April 21, 2021, Assemblyman Lackey spoke to the Committee of Human Services. He fought back tears as he described the fate of Gabriel and the other children who had been abused, tortured and murdered by their parents or the parent and parent companion and the system that failed them. Community members from Strength Based Community Change (SBCC) countywide network of organized residents mobilized to sign hundreds of letters and to call legislators’ offices to request the bill be approved by the Committee. SBCC, a social change agency, First Five/Best Start Lancaster/Palmdale and Children’s Bureau joined hands and voices to call in to the committee hearing in support of AB-31 – Gabriel’s Law. The calls came in at such a fast pace and in such huge numbers, they overwhelmed the AT&T system and shut it down. Over 500 people were not able to voice their choice as a result. However, almost 100 did get to express their choice to overwhelmingly support AB-31.

The bill was approved by the Committee of Human Services by a 6-0 vote to be moved on to the Appropriations Committee. Erika Schwerdt, Community Organizer SPA-1, Community Organizer Best Start Region 5 said of the victory, “We truly believe this is a step in the right direction and that there are several cracks in the Child Welfare system. We are here to close those cracks and will do what it takes. We are all on this one!”

The Board was asked to author a letter supporting AB-31 because as schools are mandated reporters, AB-31 would be a resource for the district keeping children safe.

Next steps are to work together to make certain the bill passes its next hurdles.

Photo : Family Photo FB

By Shirley Harriman