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Public comment after State of the City features clashes over transgender visibility and school materials
Summary
Four public commenters expressed sharply different views after the mayor’s address: a critic alleged school materials and medical treatments are harmful, while transgender residents and allies urged inclusion and safety; Vice Mayor Darren Soon moderated and asked for decorum.
After Mayor Bobby Singh Allen’s address and a 10-minute recess, the council opened a public-comment period that featured four speakers with sharply divergent views on transgender visibility and school materials.
Beth Bourne, the first speaker, alleged what she called an “unfolding medical scandal” in Elk Grove middle schools and said more than 30 book titles at middle schools portrayed transgender topics; she criticized puberty blockers and hormone treatments and said children were being taught about multiple gender identities. The vice mayor and meeting staff intervened during the comment to ask speakers to refrain from pointing out people in the audience and to observe decorum.
Two subsequent speakers — Tristan Bazzini and Casey Mantilla — identified as representatives and members of the transgender community and urged inclusion and safety. Bazzini thanked the mayor and council for recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility and said, “You are seen. You are valued. You are safe here, and you belong today and every day.” Mantilla, who said they had served on the Diversity and Inclusion Commission, urged one-on-one engagement and described seeking authenticity rather than being a “menace.”
A final commenter, Delia Baldwin, identified as a board member and praised the city’s leaders and the council’s resolution recognizing transgender residents, saying she was proud to be a resident of Elk Grove and to raise a family there.
Vice Mayor Darren Soon opened and closed the public-comment period and reminded attendees of a three-minute time limit for speakers. No formal council action followed the public comments during the special meeting; the session was then adjourned.
