Quick Take
Shannon Kessler says her experience as a former athlete, mother of a female athlete and founder of Save Girls’ Sports Central Coast makes her the more qualified candidate for the District 30 Assembly seat, which includes communities across the Central Coast. Kessler, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Assemblymember Dawn Addis, pointing to their differing views on girls’ sports, parental rights and legislation including Assembly Bill 2691, the Public Trust Protection Act, which Kessler says reflects concerns about child safety and public accountability. She argues that her background in business, civic leadership and grassroots advocacy provides a different approach to representing Central Coast families.
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As a Central Coast mother, grandmother, small business owner and founder of Save Girls’ Sports Central Coast, I have spent years advocating for our children. Whether working for fair sports, parental notification rights or safe school environments, my commitment remains clear: children must come first.
Unfortunately, District 30 incumbent Assemblymember Dawn Addis has demonstrated a different approach, which is why I am running against her in the Nov. 3 election.
A stark example is her Assembly Bill 2691, the Public Trust Protection Act. Promoted as a measure to prevent convicted sex offenders and human traffickers from holding public office, the bill initially gained broad support and passed the Assembly easily.
That changed in the state Senate.
Amendments introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener narrowed the list of disqualifying offenses, exempting certain felony sexual offenses involving minors from automatic disqualification. The result was a striking inconsistency: a person convicted of some felony sexual offenses against a minor could remain eligible to hold public office, while someone convicted of a comparable offense against an adult would be barred from serving.
Critics and child safety advocates warn that these changes could allow individuals convicted of serious crimes against children to run for office.
This is particularly concerning for local school boards across our region. Candidates are now announcing and pulling papers for school boards. These trustees make critical decisions regarding curriculum, facilities, sports participation and student safety.
We cannot risk allowing predators to gain influence in these roles.
Why were these protections diluted when the stakes involve our children’s safety in local classrooms and on playing fields? As someone who has consistently fought for biological girls’ rights in sports and parental rights, I believe we cannot accept half-measures on child protection.
Families along the coast and in our rural communities deserve leaders who strengthen safeguards.
I have had a career as a real estate broker and managing our small family construction company. I have extensive real-world experience and I am not a career politician. I have served as a parks and recreation commissioner, PTA president, and have founded two grassroots organizations, alongside leading various local clubs and advocacy groups.
I am a former athlete and mother of a female athlete. I founded Save Girls’ Sports Central Coast and have been speaking locally, at the state level, and on social media for girls’ and women’s rights to privacy, safety and fairness in sports. I started Culture Impact, an organization that helps citizens engage locally and prepare for hands-on civic volunteerism, strengthening communities through participation rather than politics.
This is the fundamental difference in Assembly District 30. I offer leadership rooted in real-world experience, from 4-H and local schools to the PTA and community advocacy.
Addis’ handling of AB 2691 reflects the Sacramento status quo: promising tough action, then compromising when it matters most for our children. Call her Monterey office to voice your concerns at 831- 649-2832.
The Central Coast needs representatives who listen to families and prioritize safety over politics. This November, I urge you to choose strength, consistency and the protection of our children without exception when you cast your vote.
Shannon Kessler is a mother, business owner, and longtime Central Coast children’s and parental rights advocate running for District 30 state assemblymember. She wants to bring practical, common-sense leadership and fairness to Sacramento. Learn more at Kesslerforca.com.
