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Temecula officials proclaim June Pride Month; students, clergy and local groups urge safe spaces for LGBTQ youth
Summary
The Temecula Race, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Commission held a Pride Month proclamation reading and heard presentations and public comments supporting LGBTQ youth, a local Pride center and calls for continued solidarity. The commission approved its consent calendar minutes by roll call.
Temecula officials read a proclamation declaring June 2025 Pride Month and heard presentations from local student leaders and clergy urging continued support and safe spaces for LGBTQ young people.
The proclamation was read during the Temecula Race, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Commission meeting, where Mayor Brenda Kalfus’s written proclamation was presented on behalf of the City of Temecula. The meeting included a video from Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington, remarks by representatives of Great Oak High School’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), and public comments from local clergy and community group leaders.
The proclamation text presented in the meeting states, in part, “I, Mayor Brenda Kalfus, on behalf of the City of Temecula, hereby proclaim the month of June 2025 to be Pride Month in recognition of the support of the LGBTQ individuals and families in our community.” Chair Pastorian read the proclamation to the commission and audience.
The meeting opened with public comment from residents who praised the commission’s work. Justin Daly, identified as president of Temecula Valley Pride, said the group opened a Pride Center in Temecula Valley about a year ago and invited the public to upcoming events, including a Pride Festival in October. A representative from Temecula United Methodist Church read a message from Pastor Drew Davis affirming the church’s support: “God truly is love, and God affirms the whole wholeness of your true identity. God is love.”
Students from Great Oak High School, introduced as Terrence and Asia, presented research and statistics from the Trevor Project on youth mental-health risks for LGBTQ young people. Their presentation cited Trevor Project findings presented at the meeting that nationally 39% of LGBTQ young people reported having considered suicide in the past year and that the figure was 46% among transgender and nonbinary youth. The students said school-based safe spaces such as GSAs are linked to improved academic outcomes, greater school attachment and better overall mental well-being.
Commissioners and staff used the presentation and public comments to emphasize solidarity and protection for vulnerable youth. Commissioner Steed said the presentations underscore that “these are our kids,” and urged community members to show support. Commissioner Lecters and others highlighted the commission’s role in creating safe community spaces and encouraged residents to continue allyship across other causes as well.
The commission also handled routine business. The consent calendar—including approval of previous meeting minutes—was approved by roll call. Commissioner Steed made the motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Wilson. The roll-call vote recorded five ayes (Commissioner Deutsch, Commissioner Lecters, Chair Pastorian, Commissioner Steed, Commissioner Wilson) and one abstention from Vice Chair Eventov, who stated they were absent for the prior meeting.
No legislative actions requiring ordinance passage or formal council votes were taken at the meeting; the Pride proclamation was presented as a ceremonial recognition. The meeting closed with an invitation for photos and to attend the nearby Sunset Market events.
The meeting combined civic ceremony, community testimony and youth-led advocacy, and commissioners repeatedly framed their remarks as calls for continued public support and solidarity for LGBTQ residents and for safe school environments.
