(SACRAMENTO)- Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) introduced Assembly Bill 1747 on the first day of the Legislative Session in Sacramento to better protect children in schools from violent incidents.
“As a parent and former PTA President, I know we all care very deeply about the safety and education of our children. Our State Constitution guarantees children the right to attend public schools which are safe, secure, and peaceful. This legislation will help us better meet that promise to students by preparing school communities to respond to violent incidents, like active shooters. Stronger communication and planning between administrators and local law enforcement will help prepare for any future violence and lead to a more coordinated response. We also must utilize and share State resources to support local schools and Districts in meeting safety expectations.”
On November 14, 2017, the administration of Rancho Tehama Elementary immediately responded to the disturbance of nearby gunshots by conducting a lockdown of the campus, a safety procedure which was drilled regularly. Shortly after, a gunman drove his truck onto the campus grounds and began shooting through windows and attempted to enter classrooms. Just as they had practiced, students did not move or make noise during the intrusion. Unable to get into any classrooms due to the lockdown, the shooter left the campus. This is the kind of reaction and coordination that we should replicate throughout California.
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Assemblymember Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 52nd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and portions of unincorporated Fontana. He is Chair of The Assembly Committee on Public Employees, Retirement, and Social Security and Vice-Chair of the Inland Empire Caucus.