On a Saturday morning in Fresno, families and supporters gathered at the corner of Blackstone and Nees Avenues near River Park to call for changes to California’s Proposition 57. The protest, held October 11 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, brought together parents who have lost children to violent crimes committed by juveniles. They argue that the law, which shifted power from prosecutors to judges in deciding whether minors are tried as adults, too often leaves families without full justice. Among the speakers was Stephen Quick, father of 18-year-old Caleb Quick, who was fatally shot outside a McDonald’s in Clovis in April 2025.

Two teenagers have been charged in connection with the killing, and prosecutors are seeking to transfer the case to adult court. Quick expressed frustration with how long these transfer hearings take and how easily serious offenders can remain in the juvenile system, where sentences typically end at age 25. “Rewarding this behavior is what they’re doing,” he said. Also present was Julia Sanchez, whose 17-year-old son Lorenso was stabbed to death outside a Kohl’s store in Hanford that same month.

The accused killer, a 15-year-old, faces trial in juvenile court.

Sanchez fears he could serve only a limited term and avoid a lasting felony record. “We are using our voices for the victims of our kids that never got justice,” she said. Families like hers have formed coalitions, organized rallies, and are pushing for new legislation, which they call “Lorenso’s Law,” to toughen penalties in violent juvenile cases. Other grieving families joined, including relatives of 22-year-old Anthony Calderon, killed in a mass shooting last Thanksgiving in Fresno.

They say the current system puts rehabilitation before accountability, even in extreme cases of violence. Proposition 57, passed by voters in 2016, was designed to reduce prison overcrowding and promote rehabilitation.

It allows judges, rather than prosecutors, to decide whether juveniles aged 14–17 should face adult charges for serious crimes. Critics say the result has been fewer transfers to adult court and shorter sentences for offenders, while victims’ families are left with lasting pain. At the Fresno protest, participants waved handmade signs, shared stories, and received honks of support from passing drivers. “If they aren’t tried as an adult, they’re going to be out by 25—that’s not right,” said Franceen Holden, another advocate.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has voiced support for reforming the law. As the protest ended around midday, the families pledged to continue.

For many, the rally was about more than one case—it was a call to ensure that justice is not only about rehabilitation but also responsibility.