Jornal Do Brasilia - Pismo Beach Mayoral Candidate Faces Allegations of Harassment Against Transgender Teen

Shelby Bowen, a former mayoral candidate in Pismo Beach, California, is facing serious allegations of harassment and intimidation after allegedly confronting a 16-year-old transgender girl during Halloween trick-or-treating. The incident, which occurred on October 31 near the family’s Shell Beach home, has drawn attention to the conduct of political candidates and sparked legal action from the victim’s family.

According to reports by the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Bowen approached River, an autistic transgender teenager, while handing out candy and Christian pamphlets titled "A Pumpkin Tale." River stated that she declined the religious material, which allegedly triggered an aggressive response from Bowen. River told the newspaper that Bowen grabbed her firmly and forced the pamphlet into her trick-or-treat bag.

The confrontation escalated as Bowen allegedly shouted insults at the teenager. River recounted that Bowen called her a "sin to God" and exclaimed, "You people are the problem." The candidate reportedly directed further hostility toward the teen’s physical presence, shouting, "Get your filthy hands off my candy, and your filthy body out of my city."

River also alleged that Bowen used the occasion to promote her political campaign, instructing young children, including five-year-olds, to vote for her and telling them they had "met the mayor." When River urged her mother, Katt Winter, to contact authorities, Bowen allegedly responded that the police were "on my side anyway."

Winter, who was present during the encounter, described being stunned by the candidate’s behavior toward children. She noted that she initially did not recognize Bowen but identified her after noticing a campaign sign outside their home. The family had been trick-or-treating near Dinosaur Caves Park, a tradition they have maintained for about a decade.

Following the incident, Winter posted details of the confrontation on Nextdoor, where neighbors encouraged her to file a police report. The dispute subsequently moved to Facebook, where Bowen allegedly responded to posts about the event with disparaging comments directed at Winter. In a comment that has since been deleted, Bowen reportedly wrote, "Says the girl addicted to crystals," referencing Winter’s ownership of a local mineral shop, and added, "You are welcome for the candy. Might wanna take an English class."

Winter stated that she filed a police report and plans to pursue harassment charges against Bowen over her alleged treatment of her daughter. It was not immediately clear whether authorities had opened a formal investigation or if any charges would be filed.

Bowen, an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran and former aircraft maintenance officer, later served as a leadership instructor for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at San Diego State University. She also operates Equine Coastal Wellness, a business providing equestrian therapy and training services.

Bowen’s bid for mayor was unsuccessful. Election results showed her finishing in third place with 5.1% of the vote. Her attorney, C.J. Huck, disputed the allegations, stating that the story originated from an anonymous post on a neighborhood app that was removed for violating platform guidelines. Huck claimed no police report had been filed and cited a witness who disputes the entire account.

River believes she was singled out due to her gender identity, telling the Tribune that she felt Bowen harbored disdain for her as a transgender individual. Local police were contacted for comment regarding the ongoing situation.

V.J. Coelho--JDB