Correction: The original headline conveyed that multiple councilmembers opposed Councilmember Diane Pearce’s views — the headline was corrected to reflect only one opposed. 

The fallout over a transgender athlete competing in last weekend’s state track and field championships in Clovis spilled into council chambers on Monday.

Councilmember Diane Pearce was the most prominent opponent of the athlete’s participation in the girls competition. Pearce appeared at several news conferences and media appearances. Vong Mouanoutoua and Drew Bessinger also appeared at a news conference in opposition to the athlete’s inclusion among the girls division.

Several members of the public criticized Pearce and company. Colleague Lynne Ashbeck also had issues with Pearce’s tactics, specifically her use of the Clovis city logo in a news release she issued announcing a news conference.

“This is a serious issue. And no serious issue has ever been solved through social media or a press conference,” Ashbeck said.

While Ashbeck did not necessarily disagree with the fairness of transgender athletes competing against biological females, she called it unfair to “pick a fight” and naming the teen. She called it a “manufactured conflict.”

“In the rush to dominate social media and advance political ambitions, we have lost the real storyline in Clovis. What price did we pay for the events of the last few days?” Ashbeck said.

The city spent $21,000 in overtime costs for police for the event May 30-31 at Veterans Memorial Stadium at Buchanan High School. Ashbeck also expressed concern that the CIF, the state agency administering high school sports, may not renew its contract to host the championship in Clovis.

“There are costs to our reputation, to our brand. Last week’s chaos was damaging to who we are, or who we used to be anyway, as the premier community in the Central Valley. It likely left a pretty unfavorable impression on the visitors to our community,” Ashbeck said.

This is not the first time Ashbeck has openly criticized Pearce for extracurricular political activities. In 2023, Ashbeck did not like the way Pearce spoke out against what she said were inappropriate sex education books at the Fresno County Library branch in Clovis.

Pearce Responds

When Pearce responded, it led to a brief argument with Ashbeck.

“I didn’t expect what went down this evening, and I certainly didn’t expect that. Well, to be fair, I did expect that,” Pearce said.

Ashbeck took exception, saying Pearce’s remarks were “disrespectful.” After a brief argument, Ashbeck stepped away for a moment.

Pearce defended herself, saying speaking out on the transgender issue was “staying in her lane.”

“I stepped up to the plate, being an elected official, to be a representative of the people, and that is what I am doing,” Pearce said. “I’m not going to apologize for that. I’m not going to act like that’s not in my lane. It’s exactly my lane and I intend to stay there.”

Pearce defended the cost of overtime to maintain safety.

Earlier, the public gave the council an earful, calling some of the elected leaders haters, not following the word of Jesus, and delving into areas that a city councilmember should stay away from.

Nasreen Johnson, a State Center Community College District trustee, also spoke. Her district represents part of Clovis, even though she lives in Fresno.

“I’m asking that you please focus on things that this body has control over. And please don’t put children, teenagers in our community, in the line of fire, and in the line of hate, so that you can score media (points), please. I’m asking you as a parent,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she is raising two nonbinary teens.

Several speakers also supported the councilmembers’ position.

Clovis Budget Almost Ready

The Clovis City Council is almost ready to pass its $395 million budget. On Monday, the council voted 3-2 to hold off one more week for a final vote. Lynne Ashbeck, Matt Basgall and Drew Bessinger voted for the delay.

Ashbeck and others wanted to wait until the conclusion of pending labor negotiations with city staff.

Measure Y, the sales tax approved last year, will increase Clovis’ sales tax revenue by 90%, from $29 million to $55 million.

The city will spend 90% of Measure Y on public safety, allowing the city to add seven more police officers and nine firefighters. The city plans to add several vehicles as well.