Starting July 1, 2026, Norte Vista will no longer be the home of the Braves. 

The California Mascots Racial Act was proposed on February 2nd, 2024 to stop the use of Native American iconography in California schools. This bill, known as the Assembly Bill 3074, officially passed on September 27th, 2024. This act will require Norte Vista to select a new and cease using the term Braves. The slogan “Home of the Braves,” which is both on the field and in the library, and all murals and buildings with the name “Braves” will have to be altered.

The decision on what Norte Vista’s new mascot will be decided by a committee made up of students, staff, and community members.

“The committee will have to decide what our mascot is and whether it aligns with our values of respect, integrity, and determination. But what is going to be the name that unifies us for the next 60 years? I think that’s important and a big decision,” Principal Jason Marquez said.

The school as a whole has changed over time, already having removed Native American imagery over the years. The change will not take full effect until the official start of the next school year, and it will be the class of 2027 and those to follow that will be known as this new mascot. 

There is a long standing debate over the school’s mascot and identity, as there are many strong opinions revolving around this situation. This does not just include students, but also alumni, some of whom are vocally against the change.

In the flurry of mixed opinions, one of such is senior Fabian Flores, who is happy that the school’s mascot is changing.

“I do feel like it reflects the school changing itself. We have more programs, move involvement from people, and I feel like it just shows that we’re expanding in a way.” Flores said. “It also makes me feel a little bit sad though, because I’m about to leave.”

“I think we’ve done a lot to address what the community feels is the wrong way to show Native Americans, but the new law specifically says we need to get rid of the word Braves,” Principal Jason Marquez said.

As of now, there is an ongoing search for what will represent the class of 2027 and onward. No official decisions have been made, and there are several different opinions on what it should be floating around.