We Asked For Help for the California School for the Deaf, Riverside, and Governor Newsom Delivered

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Governor Newsom released his revised 2022-2023 budget proposal which included $43.1M in funding to replace all existing outdoor sports fields (football, track, softball, and baseball) and add a stand-alone soccer field at California School for the Deaf, Riverside. These existing fields have not been updated in nearly seventy years.

The California School for the Deaf, Riverside’s football team earned widespread recognition this past fall after a historic season that led them all the way to the CIF Southern Section championship. The team made national headlines, earning a story in the New York Times and a feature on an episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show”.

Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) shared: “The Cubs’ success story profoundly moved me – these Deaf student athletes were not hindered by their Deafhood as some may expect, rather, it was their greatest asset in bulldozing their opponents and being victorious throughout the season. I then found out the conditions of the field they were playing on and I knew they deserved better.

I shared the football team’s story with my colleague Senator Laird who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Education and the Governor, who were both eager to help. I have immense gratitude for Senator Laird who shared supportive comments when the budget item came before his committee, and for the Governor who has doubled down on his promise by including this critical funding in the May Revise. I am confident that my colleagues in the legislature will agree that the best way to express our commitment to these student athletes, is to ensure they have the most up to date sports facilities. I look forward to continuing to work with them to pass a budget in June that includes this critical funding.”

The Cubs football team’s press coverage shined a light on the dilapidated field conditions the team was practicing under – an original football field from the school’s inception in the 1950s, dim lighting from portable gas lights and portable bleachers with limited seating. As attendance at their games grew with their rising popularity, the Cubs at times had to play at other schools’ stadiums, including when they hosted the November 27th CIF Southern Section championship.

# # #

Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris, and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.