California

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California received $1,540,847 in federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in Fiscal Year 2003.¹

California Sexuality Education Law

California does not require schools to teach sexuality education. However, if schools do teach sexuality education, which they are permitted to do in kindergarten through the twelfth grade, they must follow certain guidelines. In addition, California schools are required to offer sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV education in grades seven through 12 at least once in middle school and once in high school.

State law in California requires that all instruction be age-appropriate and medically accurate which is defined as "verified or supported by research conducted in compliance with scientific methods and published in peer-reviewed journals, where appropriate, and recognized as accurate and objective by professional organizations and agencies with expertise in the relevant field, such as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Additionally, California law dictates that, "instruction and materials shall be appropriate for use with pupils of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and pupils with disabilities." It must also encourage parent-child communication about sexuality.

From grade seven on, all instruction must include information about abstinence while "providing medically accurate information on other methods of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases." This instruction must "provide information about the effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy, including, but not limited to, emergency contraception."

The law also requires that parents or guardians be notified about any HIV/AIDS or sexuality education class. Parents may request that their child not receive such education. This is referred to as an "opt-out" policy. As with all opt-out policies, parental consent is assumed if the notification form is not returned.

See California Education Code Sections 51930, 51933, and 51934.

Recent Legislation

The California legislature carried bills over from the 2003 to the 2004 session. California's regular session is scheduled to end on August 31, 2004.

Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Bill Signed by Gov. Davis

The California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Act, Senate Bill 71, consolidates, clarifies, and amends the state's current provisions dealing with sexuality education. The bill passed the Senate on June 4 by a vote of 23 to 13, the Assembly on September 9 by a vote of 44 to 31, and was signed by Governor Gray Davis (D) on October 2, 2003.

The act authorizes school districts to provide comprehensive sexual health education, as defined, in any kindergarten to grade 12, and to ensure that all pupils in grades seven to 12, inclusive, receive HIV/AIDS prevention education from trained instructors, among other provisions. Current law requires school districts to teach HIV/AIDS prevention education at least once in middle school and once in high school. School districts are not required to teach sex education.

SB 71 requires that all instruction be age-appropriate and "medically accurate." The bill also requires that parents/guardians be notified about any HIV/AIDS and sexuality education class. Parents may request that their child not receive such education (an "opt-out" provision). If the notification form is not returned, parental consent is assumed. The bill also encourages parent-child communication about sex.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Bill Signed by Gov. Davis

Assembly Bill 561, introduced in February 2003 and approved by Governor Gray Davis (D) on October 1, 2003, establishes four programs within the Department of Health Services Office of Family Planning (to the extent funded) with the purpose of reducing teenage pregnancy as continuing programs.

The new law seeks to make the Male Involvement Program, the Community Challenge Grant Program, the TeenSMART Program, and the Information and Education Program continuing annual programs.

Parental Consent for Sexuality Education Requirement Died

Assembly Bill 950, introduced in February 2003, would have amended California's existing Education Code to prohibit any sexuality education instruction without a parent's prior written consent (this is called an "opt-in" provision), even for a special guest speaker or an "outside consultant." Current law prohibits sexuality education instruction unless a parent or guardian has been notified and allows school districts to require an opt-in provision. The bill also would have prohibited such instruction from "advocating drug use, a particular sexual practice, or sexual activities."

AB 950 would have contradicted SB 71 which was signed into law in 2003. The bill died in February 2004.

Bill Requiring California to Develop Abstinence-Only Program Died

The federal government provides $50 million in grants each year to states for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. States are required to match every four dollars of federal money with three dollars of state money. California is the only state that does not take the federal government's grant for abstinence-only-until-marriage. Senate Bill 267, introduced on February 18, 2003, would require the California State Department of Health Services to develop a program that would allow the state to apply for and receive the federal funds.

A hearing was held on March 26, 2003 and the bill failed to pass the committee by a vote of two to seven. The bill subsequently died in February 2004.

Bill Prohibiting Denigration of Religious Doctrine

Assembly Bill 2180, as introduced in February 2004, prohibits denigration of religious doctrines in sexuality education instruction and materials. The bill as amended in March and April extends such prohibition to all courses of study.

On May 5, 2004, the bill failed to pass the Committee on Education.

"Tolerance" Bill

Assembly Bill 2220 as introduced in February 2004 would have made technical, non-substantive changes to the state's sexuality education law. The bill was amended in March 2004 by the author to include provisions on "tolerance" and to delete the state's comprehensive sexual health education law.

On April 14, 2004, the bill failed to pass the Committee on Education.

Parental "Opt-Out" for Religious Purposes Bill

Senate Bill 1741, identical to Assembly Bill 2220 as introduced in February 2004 would have made technical, non-substantive changes to the state's sexuality education law. The bill was amended in April 2004 by the author to include a specific parental opt-out provision for religious purposes and delete the state's comprehensive sexual health education law. Current law contains a parental opt-out provision for any reason.

On April 14, 2004, the bill failed to pass the Committee on Education.

Parental Notification for Guest Speakers on Sexuality or HIV/AIDS Bill

Assembly Bill 1925, introduced in February 2004, passed the Assembly and was sent to the Senate in April 2004. The bill would require schools to notify parents of any guest speaker who intends to speak on sexuality education or HIV/AIDS issues no fewer than 10 and no more than 15 days in advance of said presentation. Current law requires that parents be notified about any sexuality education or HIV/AIDS instruction in advance. Parents are also authorized to take their child out of such classes.

At press time, no further action had been taken by the Senate.

Events of Note

Book About Teen Pregnancy Is Under Fire From School Trustees
May 2003, Riverside, CA

A fictional book about teen pregnancy entitled Too Soon for Jeff was approved for use in ninth-grade psychology classes at the alternative Raincross and Summitview high schools in Riverside, CA. The approval from the school board came despite opposition from two school trustees who felt the book did not reflect the high failure rate of condoms among teens.

The passage in question is at the end of the book. In it, the main character, Jeff, suggests that his son use a condom if he has intercourse. One of the trustees felt that this may lead students to believe that condoms can prevent pregnancy and STDs all of the time. She said, "It was the implication in the book that a condom is effective contraception. I'm not trying to censor the book. I'm saying we need to be truthful in the information we give kids."²

In response to the trustees' opposition, school administrators considered placing a label on the book explaining condoms failure rates but later decided against it. Instead, according to the assistant superintendent, teachers of the psychology classes in which the book will be used will be asked to "emphasize that abstinence is the only effective way to prevent pregnancy and the spread of diseases."³

School Board Decides Against Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curriculum
May 2003, Santa Ana, CA

After having been mired in controversy over sexuality education since 2001, the Santa Ana School Board voted to reject Game Plan, an abstinence-only-until-marriage curriculum, because it did not meet state requirements.

The debate over sexuality education in Santa Ana began in 2001 when a group of young people from Camp Fire USA's Speak Out! program became alarmed by the city's high teen pregnancy rate. The young people went to the school board and asked that the district alter its curriculum to include more information about contraceptive use and relationship issues. They asked the school board to establish a committee that included individuals from all sides of the debate to review the sexuality education curriculum. Instead, the school board set up a two-person committee which included the school board president, a strong proponent of abstinence-only-until-marriage, and one other school board member. The young people that had approached the school board were not asked to participate.

The debate about sexuality education heated up when a proposal to the school board suggested adopting Game Plan as a supplemental curriculum to the school's program. Game Plan was developed by Project Reality in conjunction with former basketball player A.C. Green and his abstinence-only youth foundation. The curriculum does not discuss contraceptives.

In May 2003, the school board held a meeting to vote on this proposal. Hundreds of members of the community and representatives from various organizations attended and over 90 people signed up to speak. One of the Speak Out! members said, "The reality is, whether they like it or not, abstinence is not a choice all teens will make… [The district] needs to go more in depth to give information to teens not abstaining who want to make healthy decisions."⁴ In addition, staff pointed out that if the curriculum had been adopted, numerous supplemental materials would also need to be provided, including materials on HIV/AIDS and STDs.

Ultimately the board voted three to two to reject Game Plan. One board member explained, "It's a good plan and I believe in abstinence, but I believe there is a need to give knowledge because knowledge is power."

Parent Fights for Bias-Free Sex Education in the Classroom
December 2002, Mt. Diablo, CA

A parent in California is fighting to end CryBabies, an eight-day abstinence-only-until-marriage program in the Mt. Diablo school district, because of biased and graphic information about abortion included in the curriculum. First Resort, the organization that provides the CryBabies program, also operates crisis pregnancy centers in the area.

The parent felt that the CryBabies program was biased, inaccurate, and insufficient in terms of information on how to prevent pregnancy or STDs. She pointed to one activity in which her son participated where he was asked to list "pros and cons" of abortion. Her son had written "killing a baby" as a "con." She also felt that her son was taught inappropriate information, such as the use of seaweed to soften a woman's cervix before an abortion.

The parent expressed her complaint in a letter to the school district and the state superintendent in mid-December 2002. "What I send my kids to school for is to get an education," she said. "My expectation is that education is going to be based on educationally-sound, research-based, age-appropriate information. I don't expect a political agenda in school."⁵

Both the district administrator and the First Resorts program director responded to her complaints by saying the program provides factual and unbiased information about the consequences of sexual activity and the options students have if they become pregnant. They stated that abstinence is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and STDs. The program director said that the CryBabies instructors leave their personal and religious beliefs outside the classroom to comply with the state education laws.

The program faced similar criticism in years past when a parent in the Oakland Unified School District complained about inaccurate information in the CryBabies program. As a result, the program was pulled from the schools in that area. It was reinstated in 2001 after the curriculum materials were revised and updated.

The Mt. Diablo school district planned to assemble a task force in January 2003 to review the health curriculum, including the CryBabies program. The concerned parent in Mt. Diablo organized a coalition of parents, community members and organizations in her area. As of result of their efforts, Mt. Diablo school district revised its health curriculum, including the CryBabies program. According to a school district employee, the program is no longer being taught in the school district.

Students Protest Restrictions on Sexuality Education
May 2002, Modesto, CA

The Modesto City School District rejected a request made by students to bring speakers on teen pregnancy, abortion, and birth control to their human relations class, which focuses on diversity and conflict resolution. The teacher of the class received affirmative permission slips from 34 of 35 families. The district office, however, ordered her to cancel the program because the class was not "the proper venue" and discussions on human sexuality "belong in health class."

The students claim that their required health class "glosses over" sexuality and that when the issue is addressed, conversations focus on the physiological aspects rather than social pressures and personal beliefs. A sophomore at Modesto High School urged the school to address this issue head-on because "there are just too many students out there having sex." Another student asked, "Is preaching abstinence effective? Ask the teens."

Students voted unanimously to address the school board and challenge the district's decision.⁶

School Board Considers Opt-In Policy
October 2001, San Diego, CA ⁷

The Grossmont School District Board of Trustees considered a proposal for an "opt-in" policy that would require parental consent before students could receive sexuality education. Several trustees felt that the current "opt-out" policy, in which students automatically receive sexuality education unless a parent submits a written request to remove them from class, was inadequate. One trustee proposed the opt-in idea because of "concern [that] students would learn about homosexuality, bisexuality or transgender issues in classrooms or other school activities."

In 2001, only 28 students out of 24,000 were "opted-out" of sexuality education classes. While some viewed this as support for the program, parents and trustees who supported the "opt-in" policy suggested that this was evidence that the "opt-out" notices are "often overlooked or left crumpled at the bottom of a backpack." Nonetheless, the board rejected the proposal.

California's Youth: Statistical Information of Note

• In 2000, California's abortion rate was 36 per 1,000 women ages 15-19 compared to a teen abortion rate of 24 per 1,000 nationwide.⁸
• In 2001, California's birth rate was 44 per 1,000 women ages 15-19 compared to a teen birth rate of 45 per 1,000 nationwide.⁹

California does not participate in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Study. However, several of California's cities do. Where available, information is listed below.¹⁰

San Bernardino, California's Youth: Statistical Information of Note

• In 2003, 36% of female high school students and 43% of male high school students in San Bernardino reported ever having had sexual intercourse compared to 45% of female high school students and 48% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 4% of female high school students and 11% of male high school students in San Bernardino reported having had sexual intercourse before age 13 compared to 4% of female high school students and 10% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 8% of female high school students and 16% of male high school students in San Bernardino reported having had four or more lifetime sexual partners compared to 11% of female high school students and 18% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 24% of female high school students and 26% of male high school students in San Bernardino reported being currently sexually active (defined as having had sexual intercourse in the three months prior to the survey) compared to 35% of females and 34% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students in San Bernardino who reported being currently sexually active, 18% of females and 28% of males reported having used alcohol or drugs the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 30% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students in San Bernardino who reported being currently sexually active, 58% of females and 68% of males reported having used condoms the last time they had sexual intercourse compared 57% of females and 69% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students in San Bernardino who reported being currently sexually active, 9% of females and 11% of males reported having used birth control pills the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 13% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, 5% of female high school students and 3% of male high school students in San Bernardino reported ever having been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant compared to 5% of female high school students and 4% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 86% of high school students in San Bernardino reported having been taught about AIDS/HIV in school compared to 88% of high school students nationwide.

San Diego, California's Youth: Statistical Information of Note

• In 2003, 38% of female high school students and 43% of male high school students in San Diego reported ever having had sexual intercourse compared to 45% of female high school students and 48% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 3% of female high school students and 10% of male high school students in San Diego reported having had sexual intercourse before age 13 compared to 4% of female high school students and 10% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 9% of female high school students and 16% of male high school students in San Diego reported having had four or more lifetime sexual partners compared to 11% of female high school students and 18% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 27% of female high school students and 26% of male high school students in San Diego reported being currently sexually active (defined as having had sexual intercourse in the three months prior to the survey) compared to 35% of females and 34% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 18% of females and 30% of males in San Diego reported having used alcohol or drugs the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 30% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 56% of females and 65% of males in San Diego reported having used condoms the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 57% of females and 69% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 17% of females and 15% of males in San Diego reported having used birth control pills the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 13% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, 4% of female high school students and 3% of male high school students in San Diego reported ever having been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant compared to 5% of female high school students and 4% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 91% of high school students in San Diego reported having been taught about AIDS/HIV in school compared to 88% of high school students nationwide.

San Francisco, California's Youth: Statistical Information of Note¹¹

• In 2001, 29% of female high school students and 31% of male high school students in San Francisco reported ever having had sexual intercourse compared to 43% of female high school students and 49% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2001, 3% of female high school students and 7% of male high school students in San Francisco reported having had sexual intercourse before age 13 compared to 4% of female high school students and 9% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2001, 5% of female high school students and 11% of male high school students in San Francisco reported having had four or more lifetime sexual partners compared to 11% of female high school students and 17% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2001, 21% of female high school students and 19% of male high school students in San Francisco reported being currently sexually active (defined as having had sexual intercourse in the three months prior to the survey) compared to 33% of females and 33% of males nationwide.
• In 2001, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 14% of females and 17% of males in San Francisco reported having used alcohol or drugs the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 31% of males nationwide.
• In 2001, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 56% of females and 70% of males in San Francisco reported having used condoms the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 51% of females and 65% of males nationwide.
• In 2001, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 11% of females and 8% of males in San Francisco reported having used birth control pills the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 15% of males nationwide.
• In 2001, 3% of female high school students and 2% of male high school students in San Francisco reported ever having been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant compared to 5% of female high school students and 4% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2001, 90% of high school students in San Francisco reported having been taught about AIDS/HIV in school compared to 89% of high school students nationwide.

Los Angeles, California's Youth: Statistical Information of Note

• In 2003, 33% of female high school students and 44% of male high school students in Los Angeles reported ever having had sexual intercourse compared to 45% of female high school students and 48% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 4% of female high school students and 8% of male high school students in Los Angeles reported having had sexual intercourse before age 13 compared to 4% of female high school students and 10% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 5% of female high school students and 14% of male high school students in Los Angeles reported having had four or more lifetime sexual partners compared to 11% of female high school students and 18% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 26% of female high school students and 26% of male high school students in Los Angeles reported being currently sexually active (defined as having had sexual intercourse in the three months prior to the survey) compared to 35% of females and 34% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 16% of females and 36% of males in Los Angeles reported having used alcohol or drugs the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 30% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 56% of females and 73% of males in Los Angeles reported having used condoms the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 57% of females and 69% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, among those high school students who reported being currently sexually active, 8% of females and 8% of males in Los Angeles reported having used birth control pills the last time they had sexual intercourse compared to 21% of females and 13% of males nationwide.
• In 2003, 2% of female high school students and 3% of male high school students in Los Angeles reported ever having been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant compared to 5% of female high school students and 4% of male high school students nationwide.
• In 2003, 81% of high school students in Los Angeles reported having been taught about AIDS/HIV in school compared to 88% of high school students nationwide.

Title V Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Funding

California is the only state that has never received Title V abstinence-only-until-marriage funding. Therefore, the state does not match funds nor does it have organizations supported by this type of federal money.

However, the state legislature has allocated $825,000 of the California Department of Health Services Office of Family Planning budget for abstinence-only programs. This money is used to produce bilingual abstinence messages, which are displayed as print ads in shopping malls, as well as posters for community based organizations. A website with the advertising campaign can be found at http://www.itsuptome.org. The campaign focuses on male responsibility, clinical services available for those at risk for teen pregnancy, and adult involvement.

Special Projects of Regional and National Significance-Community Based Abstinence Education (SPRANS-CBAE) and Adolescent Family Life Act (AFLA) Grantees

There are four SPRANS-CBAE grantees in California: the Await and Find Project, Teen Awareness Inc, County of San Benandino Department of Public Health, and Public Health Foundation Inc. There are three AFLA grantees in California: YMCA of San Diego, Northridge Hospital Foundation, and Vista Community Clinic.

One SPRANS-CBAE grantee, Teen Awareness Inc., has a fairly comprehensive website. In 2001-2002, Teen Awareness Inc. claims to have provided abstinence-based presentations to 19,000 middle and high school students. It also conducted parent education in both Spanish and English. It plans on expanding to promote peer support on high school campuses, distribute commitment to abstinence cards, and move into more school districts.

A "Stats & Facts" webpage states, "Don't believe the hype about 'safe sex.' Condoms don't cover all skin to skin contact-offer little protection from Herpes and no protection from HPV. That's why messing around is even risky. Condoms don't cover the heart. The only 'Safe Sex' is abstinence!!!!!"

Teen Awareness also has a self-assessment program that tracks changes in behavioral intent by having participants complete a pre-program test and a post-program evaluation. In Fiscal Year 2002, the program had a total revenue of $234,902 with $117,418 from government grants.

The Vista Community Clinic, an AFLA grantee, runs "Project Wait." This program uses the Managing Pressures Before Marriage curriculum, which is "founded on the belief that postponing sexual involvement is the healthiest decision for young teens." This program includes peer education, direct education (taught by clinic staff), community events, and parent education and is taught in both Spanish and English.

Federal and State Funding for Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs in FY 2003

State Contact Information (There is no Title V Coordinator in California)

Rosanna Westmoreland
Media Campaign Manager
California Department of Health Services
Office Family Planning
714 P St., Room 440
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 657-2959

California Organizations that Support Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Campfire USA
14742 Plaza Dr., Suite 205
Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: (714) 838-9991

CARAL
32 Monterey Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94131
Phone: (415) 334-1502
http://www.caral.org

Northern California Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
601 Van Ness Ave, Suite E3-830
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 674-8840 Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
555 Capitol Mall, Suite 510
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 446-5247
http://www.ppacca.org

Southern California Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
P.O. Box 8396
Van Nuys, CA 91409
Phone: (213) 744-1974 Teen Pregnancy Coalition of San Mateo County
Fair Oaks Community Center
2600 Middlefield Rd.
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (650) 780-7519
http://www.teenpregnancycoalition.org

California Organizations that Oppose Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Abiding Truth Ministries
5150 Sunrise Ave., Suite #H-4
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Phone: (916) 965-8925
http://www.abidingtruth.com Alternate Avenues Women's Resource Center
300 E. 7th St. Suite 1E
Upland, CA 91786
Phone: (909) 920-5518
http://www.alternateavenues.org

California ProLife Council
(California Affiliate of National Right to Life)
2306 J St., Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 442-8315
http://www.californiaprolife.org Capital Resource Institute
1414 K St. Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95817
http://www.capitolresource.org

California Right to Life
P.O. Box 4343
Walnut Creek, CA 94596-4343
Phone: (925) 944-5351
http://www.calright2life.org Citizens for Excellence in Education
P.O. Box 3200
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
http://www.nace-cee.org

First Educators' Alliance
P. O. Box 2354
Novato, CA 94948
Phone: (415) 892-5319
http://www.feanet.org First Resort Medical and Counseling Offices
400 30th St., Suite 401
Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: (510) 891-9998
http://www.firstresort.net

Life Research Institute
4279 Armand Dr.
Concord, CA 94521
http://www.geocities.com/kekogut/
http://www.lri2.org Pacific Justice Institute
P.O. Box 4366
Citrus Heights, CA 95611
http://www.pacificjustice.org

Right to Life League of Southern California
1028 N. Lake Ave., Suite 104
Pasadena, CA 91104
Phone: (626) 398-6100
http://www.rtllsc.org Sanctity of Human Life Network
Sacramento, CA
http://www.sohlnet.org

Traditional Values Coalition
California Office
100 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 350
Anaheim, CA 92805
http://www.traditionalvalues.org United States Justice Foundation
2091 East Valley Pkwy Suite 1-C
Escondido, CA 92027
Phone: (760) 741-8086

Westside Pregnancy Resource Center
828 Pico Blvd. #7
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 581-1140
http://www.w-cpc.org Women's Resource Network
P.O. Box 460127
Escondido, CA 92046
Phone: (760) 741-4010
http://www.WomensResourceNetwork.org

Newspapers in California

Los Angeles Times
Julie Marquis
Medical/Health Editor
202 W. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 237-7718

Los Angeles Times
Sonia Nazario
Social Issues Writer
202 W. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 237-7088

The Orange County Register
Jenifer McKim
Social Issues Reporter
625 N. Grand Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 796-2295

The Orange County Register
Lisa Liddane
Personal Health Writer
625 N. Grand Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 796-7854

Sacramento Bee
Dorsey Griffith
Medical/Health Writer
2100 Q St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 321-1089

The San Diego Union-Tribune
Ray Tessler
Medical/Health Editor
350 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 293-1293

The San Diego Union-Tribune
Sandi Dolbee
Social Issues Editor
350 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 293-2082

San Francisco Chronicle
Carl Hall
Medical/Health Staff Writer
901 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 777-7215

San Francisco Chronicle
Julian Guthrie
Social Issues Reporter
901 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 777-7930

San Francisco Chronicle
Sabin Russell
Medical/Health Staff Writer
901 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 777-8447

San Jose Mercury News
April Lynch
Medical/Health Editor
750 Ridder Park Dr.
San Jose, CA 95190
Phone: (408) 920-5539

Siskiyou Daily News
Lori Sellstrom
Editor
309 S. Broadway St.
Yreka, CA 96097
Phone: (530) 842-5777

References

1. This refers to the fiscal year for the Federal Government which begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, fiscal year 2003 begins on October 1, 2002 and ends on September 30, 2003.
2. M. Garcia, "Book Choice Causes Concern," Press Interprise (Riverside, CA), May 7, 2003.
3. Ibid.
4. D. Bonilla, "Orange County; Santa Ana School Board Rejects Abstinence-Only Curriculum," Los Angeles Times, May 15, 2003
5. S. Pardington, "Parent Files Complaint Over Sex Education Program," Contra Costa (CA) Times, December 23, 2002.
6. S. Herenden, "Students Sound Off on Sex Ed," Modbee.com, http://www.modbee.com/local/story/2541073p-3024678c.html
7. J. Spielvogel, "Grossmont Rejects 'Opt-In' Sex Ed Proposal," The San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego, CA, Oct. 12, 2001.
8. U.S. Teenage Pregnancy Statistics: Overall Trends, Trends by Race and Ethnicity and State-by-State Information, (New York: Alan Guttmacher Institute, February, 2004). Available online at http://www.guttmacher.org.
9. A. Papillo, et.al., Facts at a Glance, (Washington, DC: Child Trends, February, 2004).
10. Unless otherwise cited, all statistical information comes from: J. Grunbaum, et. al., "Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance - United States, 2003," Surveillance Summaries, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 53, no.SS-2, May 21, 2004, pp. 1-95. Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/yrbs/.
11. J. Grunbaum, et. al., "Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance - United States, 2001," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 51, no.SS-4, June 28, 2002, pp. 1-64. Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/yrbs/. San Francisco did not participate in the 2003 YRBS.