May 11, 2010 (Sacramento) – The Senate Education Committee has passed SB 1290 by a unanimous vote. The measure, authored by Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego), would allow self-defense training for middle and high school districts to provide self-defense training for boys and girls as part of the standard physical education curriculum.
Current state law only allows such training for students in grades 10-12. Last December, a woman jogger trained in self-defense fought off the same assailant who later murdered Chelsea King.
The measure will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Kehoe has asked supporters to contact committee members to urge support. To find a list of committee members, visit www.senate.ca.gov, then click "committees" and "standing."
View a video about self-defense training, including an interview with Kehoe, demonstrations of techniques, and Kehoe receiving pointers on self-defense.
