On Sunday, Oct. 11, Governor Jerry Brown rejected SB539 by Sen. Steve Glazer of Orinda, which would have banned naming schools, parks, buildings and other public property after Confederate leaders, saying it’s an issue “quintessentially for local decision makers.”

In July, The Leader wrote about the proposed ban which would have meant the City of Oakdale would possibly have to look at some of its street names and the history surrounding them.

“Local governments are laboratories of democracy which, under most circumstances, are quite capable of deciding for themselves which of their buildings and parks should be named, and after whom,” Brown wrote.

Brown did sign into law a bill that now bans public schools from using the name “Redskins” as a school mascot. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Luis Alejo of Watsonville, said the name was offensive and dates from a period in California history when bounty hunters were rewarded for slaying Native Americans and should not be dignified with school affiliations.

The governor also signed a bill banning concealed weapons from California schools and universities. Active and retired law enforcement and reserve officers who are authorized to carry concealed weapons would be exempt.

The measure banning concealed handguns is expected to be challenged in court.