Last night’s school board meeting did not go well. After some reflecting on the events of last night I have come to the conclusion that a lot of assumptions have been made about myself and Cornerstone Center for Substance Abuse Treatment without getting all of the facts. The individuals who stood against the initiative for Substance Abuse prevention and treatment programs on the school campuses did not gather all the facts and whose research only appeared to consist of a couple Google searches.

If Cornerstone and I stood for the things they say we do in terms of the LGBTQIA+ communities, then I understand their anger. But, as I have stated many times that is not where I or Cornerstone stand.

Rather than continue these conversations on a Facebook page, I have invited all those who were at the school board meeting and anyone else interested to a community conversation where we can talk this through, face to face. The goal of this conversation is not to convince anyone to support the initiative, but clarify any misunderstandings and perceptions about Cornerstone and myself. My goal is to help the teens of Tehachapi and if you share that goal please come.

I do not have a set date or time yet because I wanted to see if there is any interest. If it does happen in person masks are required, because common decency is a thing.

while we definitely hit a set back, I am still as determined as ever.