When Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 3074 into law in 2024, school leaders across California were called to take a meaningful and necessary step forward. This legislation — an expansion of the original California Racial Mascots Act — prohibits public schools from using certain racially insensitive Native American terms, including “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Apaches,” “Indians,” and others, as mascots, team names or nicknames. For Alta Loma High School, which has carried the Braves name for decades, this was not only a legal obligation but a moment of reflection and opportunity. It allowed us to consider who we are, what we stand for, and how we can better reflect our values of respect, inclusivity and community.

As the principal of Alta Loma High School, I am proud to share how we have approached this important transition. Our experience may serve as a helpful model for other school communities navigating the same path in response to AB 3074.

The law goes into full effect on July 1, 2026. While it allows for temporary continued use of uniforms and materials bearing the now-prohibited names (if purchased before the deadline), the clear intent is full compliance and a forward-looking shift. From the outset, we decided to embrace the process rather than simply meet its requirements. We knew that honoring our students, families and local Native American communities would be essential to creating a transition that is respectful, unifying and lasting.

The very first step was working closely with our district superintendent and school board. With careful consideration for the outcome and impact, both the superintendent and school board unanimously approved the motion to move forward with changing the mascot. Their thoughtful support was instrumental in setting the tone for the work ahead and affirmed that this transition was not simply about compliance — it was about values.

We also began to outreach within the Native American community. We engaged in meaningful conversations with representatives from multiple Native American tribes with historical ties to the region, including the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. These conversations were deeply informative and helped ground our approach in cultural understanding and authenticity. Tribal leaders graciously shared insights into the ways Indigenous identities have been appropriated in school and athletic settings, often without full knowledge of the impact. These discussions reinforced our responsibility to model change in a way that reflects genuine respect for all communities.

We then formed the Alta Loma High School Mascot Transition Committee, a diverse and inclusive group made up of students, staff, alumni, coaches and parents. Our goal was to ensure that every voice had the opportunity to be heard and contribute to the process. Through an open survey, students, staff and community members were invited to submit mascot suggestions, which we promoted via social media and school communication channels. The committee established clear criteria for selecting a new mascot, then reviewed the nominations to identify the top 15 options. A series of student and staff votes narrowed those down to the top 10, then five, and ultimately, the final choice. Throughout the process, there was a deep respect for the history and emotional significance of the Braves identity. At the same time, a growing consensus emerged that our school’s future should be grounded in values that unify and uplift every student.

Through this open and collaborative process, the Lions were selected as our new mascot. The lion mascot was chosen for its representation of courage, strength, pride and leadership — all characteristics that our students and staff strive to embody every day. The announcement was celebrated through a campus-wide Mascot Reveal Rally that gave students a chance to interact with the new mascot, participate in our new school chant, and shape the emerging identity of the Lions community. Every student and staff left that event with a new ALHS Lions lanyard. The excitement and support surrounding the reveal confirmed that our school is ready to write the next chapter with pride and purpose.

As we move through the rebranding phase, we are working methodically to update athletic uniforms, signage, promotional materials, websites, and other visual elements across the campus. While the legislation allows schools to temporarily use existing items, our goal is a full, timely and well-planned rollout of our new identity.

We began this process in December, when our board took action, and unveiled our new mascot in mid-March, completing the process in just three and a half months. What began as a mascot change has evolved into an educational journey, sparking meaningful conversations around cultural representation, identity and institutional responsibility. Our students haven’t just embraced the change — they’re leading it.

To fellow administrators preparing for this transition, I offer you this recommendation: Lean into your community, consult with local tribes, give your students voice, and allow the process to be one of growth and reflection. The key to success is not just what name you move away from, but how you guide your community toward something new that resonates, inspires and unites.

Leading Alta Loma High School from Braves to Lions has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my career. The process reminded us that true leadership does not fear change — it embraces it with transparency, inclusion and heart. We are proud of where we have been, and even prouder of where we are headed.

These changes are not easy — but they are absolutely worth it.