Borrego Sun - Since 1949

I’m reaching out directly following our most recent Board of Supervisors meeting, which lasted over 12 hours and covered some critical topics. One issue that’s been getting a lot of attention is the so-called “Challenged & Banned Books at Their Local County Libraries.” Let me be clear: San Diego County has no banned books. The headline is misleading, and I want to set the record straight.

I voted against this item because it included a recommendation to support California State Bill AB 1825. This bill poses a significant threat to parental rights. AB 1825 would prevent any age restrictions on library content, and even more troubling, it would prohibit parents from knowing what materials their children are checking out from our county libraries.

Currently, our Board of Supervisors policy wisely requires parental consent for minors to check out R-rated videos from county libraries. This common-sense safeguard empowers parents to guide their children’s access to age-appropriate content. If AB 1825 passes, it would strip away this critical right, leaving parents in the dark about what their children are exposed to.

I refuse to stand by and let that happen. As your County Supervisor, I am committed to defending the rights of parents to be involved in their children’s lives, especially when it comes to what they read and watch. This isn’t just about books or movies; it’s about protecting the fundamental role of parents in our community.

Thank you for your continued support. I am here to fight for you, your families, and the values we share. Together, we can ensure that San Diego County remains a place where parents’ rights are respected and upheld.

Jim Desmond

– San Diego County District 5 Supervisor