In today's newscast:
Three Monterey County school districts under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Soledad Unified School District Superintendent Randy Banks was surprised by a letter from the DOJ this week announcing a compliance review.
According to a DOJ press release, the review will examine whether the districts are allowing parents to opt their children out of instruction involving topics like sexual orientation and gender identity.
"Right now we're on our first step, which is to gather the information that's been requested," said Banks. The review will also look at bathroom policies related to gender.
"We aim to follow the prevailing laws, be they federal or state, to that point on restroom access," said Banks. No federal law requires school districts to limit access to bathrooms or locker rooms based on a person’s sex assigned at birth.
California law explicitly allows people to use the ones that correspond with their gender identity. Banks says he’ll comply with the review and the district will continue supporting all students.
The other Monterey County districts under investigation are Santa Rita Union and Graves Elementary in Salinas. The Justice Department did not respond to questions in time for this story.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to stream World Cup
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has plans for a world soccer celebration from June 24 through June 28, during the FIFA World Cup.
Boardwalk spokesperson Kris Reyes says this is the first time they’ve broadcast a live sporting event.
“It just made perfect sense to have a watch party on the beach in Santa Cruz," Reyes said.
The boardwalk’s first watch party will be a match between Mexico and Czechia on June 24.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins Thursday, June 11.
