Lotto winner Bruce Hilliard celebrates on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, with The 19th Hole co-owner Steve and is wife Marlene Scudero, Dorothy and co-owner Eddie Beaudin next to the machine that issued the winning ticket. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Purchased at The 19th Hole; one of 16 NFL $1M Scratchers available statewide; 2nd million-dollar winner in Antioch in 3 years
Will give some to family, pursue “bucket list”, continue to work at Lowe’s
By Allen D. Payton
According to Eddie Beaudin, co-owner of The 19th Hole, Antioch’s only cardroom, one of their patrons, long-time Antioch resident Bruce Hilliard, bought a winning $1 million Lotto Scratcher last Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, out of the machine at the business.
“It was a $10, 49er-themed NFL Scratcher ticket that won,” Beaudin shared. “It’s pretty exciting.”
Beaudin’s partner, Steve Scudero, their wives, other patrons and friends of Hilliard, as well as Mayor Ron Bernal, gathered at The 19th Hole Friday, September 26, to celebrate his winnings.
Erin, one of the bartenders, who is Irish, said, “I was here when he won. I was his lucky charm!”
Asked what he planned to do with the funds, Hilliard said, “I’m setting up my great grandsons for college and will help out a couple family members, set some aside and enjoy life a little bit.”
About his granddaughter he said, “She said, ‘No’. They’re doing real well. One way or another they’re going to get a chunk of it.”
Hilliard also said he will continue working at Lowe’s on Auto Center Drive.
“It keeps me on an even keel,” he stated.
Lotto winner Bruce Hilliard (center) celebrates at The 19th Hole with the owners and those of the liquor store that had the last million-dollar winner in Antioch, Mayor Ron Bernal, employees and friends on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.
Asked how much he’d spent on the Lotto over the years Hilliard said he’s “been playing the Lotto forever. A lot of years.”
But it was his first $20 that day. He spent $10 on another Lotto ticket and $10 on the winner. He had to go the state Lottery’s district office in Richmond to cash it in. They said he’ll be receiving a check within four to six weeks.
“The federal government will take out $250,000,” he said. “That’s what they told me.”
Asked what else he’s going to spend the money on, a new car or a trip, Hilliard said, “I’m just taking it day by day. My truck is running good. I’m remodeling my house myself.”
“I’ll start doing some of my bucket list. Maybe take a cruise. Play Pebble Beach,” the avid golfer added. “It’s something The 19th Hole has never experienced,” Beaudin stated. “Steve and myself have known Bruce for about 50 years, since the 1970’s. He always comes back and says ‘Hi’ to me and Steve. Bruce gives back to the community.”
He volunteered for the Stand Down on the Delta, earlier this month as an example.
“What a thing,” Beaudin continued. “I’m just glad it’s somebody here.”
“I just wish it was my wife,” he added with a laugh.
“I had to verify this with the state police. An officer came to visit me on Monday morning,” Beaudin explained. “He wanted to see footage of Bruce buying the ticket. We have 17 cameras in the place.”
Describing what he saw on the videos, the co-owner said, “Bruce had to validate it. He walks three steps. There’s no look on his face. Let’s go to another camera. He took three more steps and goes, ‘Yeah. Yeah!’” as Beaudine raised his hands.
“The biggest winners, here, before were $10,000, twice,” Beaudin shared. “We’ve been here 40 years in May as long as the Lottery,” which is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year.”
Lotto winner Bruce Hilliard (49er shirt) is joined by (L-R) Steve Scalise, Mayor Bernal, Ajit Singh Sooch and Jagjit Singh Chawla owners of the liquor store where the other million-dollar winner in Antioch bought the ticket three years ago, and Eddie Beaudin.
Second Million Dollar Winner in Antioch in 3 Years
“Three years ago the owner of the liquor store next door had a million dollar winner,” Beaudin stated. “
Owners Ajit Singh Sooch and Jagjit Singh Chawla of the liquor store next to The 19th Hole and the one in the 7-11 shopping center at Hillcrest Avenue and E. 18th Street, which had the other $1 million Lotto winner, attended Friday’s celebration.
“There are 16 million NFL team ticket winners statewide. We’re the first ones,” Beaudin exclaimed. Scudero said in amazement, “He put just $10 in there. That’s a first. He plays more scratchers than anyone else. I just want to say congratulations, Bruce. It couldn’t happen to a better guy. I’m just happy it was a regular.” Hilliard shared a few words to those in attendance saying, “I just want to say thank you all, especially to The 19th Hole and to the Lottery for loading the ticket.”
Representatives of the state Lottery, who were on hand said, “We didn’t load the machine. They did,” pointing to Beaudin and Scudero.
“And you’re a true Niner fan!” Eddie said.
“Congratulations Bruce. I’m just glad it wasn’t more money,” Bernal said with a laugh. “That ruins people. It was just the right amount of money.”
He will receive a check for $750,000 in about four to six weeks, Hilliard reiterated. The state doesn’t receive any of his winnings. The business that sold the ticket receives one-half percent of the winnings or $5,000, Sooch shared.
My family moved here in 1964. Except for 16 years in Oakley, he’s been here ever since.
“Bruce was a 1973 Antioch High grad and played wide receiver on the 1972 league championship Turkey Bowl team,” Beaudin shared about the winner.
“The game was played on Thanksgiving against Miramonte at DVC,” Scudero added.
Then all who wanted took photos with Hilliard next to the Lotto banner and machine which issued the winning ticket. The 19th Hole is located at 2746 W. Tregallas Road behind the Main Post Office.
SB771 attempts to curb online “hate speech”, awaits Newsom’s decision by Oct. 12; second effort in two years to limit online speech, first one failed
Computer & Communications Industry Association warns California bill “could undermine free speech online”
“It effectively incentivizes broad suppression of speech through the threat of legal action.” – TechNet
“sets stage for…fight” and “could create a messy, drawn-out legal battle” – Washington Examiner
CalChamber also opposes
By Allen D. Payton
SB 771, by State Senator Henry Stern, entitled “Personal rights: liability: social media platforms” has passed both the State Assembly and Senate and currently awaits the governor’s decision as of September 22, 2025, would allow fines of up to $1 million per violation for social media companies that generate more than $100 million in annual gross revenues, whose algorithms amplify content violating California’s civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. (Source: compliancehub.wiki)
The platforms could also face fines of up to three months of the platform’s gross revenue preceding the judgment for intentional violations, or up to $500,000 per violation for reckless violations, which is designed to address platforms that show disregard for potential harm without specific intent.
Newsom has until Oct. 12, 2025, to either sign or veto the bill. If he signed, bill would become operative on January 1, 2027, giving social media platforms time to prepare.
According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “Existing law generally regulates social media platforms, including by requiring a social media company to post terms of service for each social media platform owned or operated by the company in a manner reasonably designed to inform all users of the social media platform of the existence and contents of the terms of service, as prescribed.
Existing law generally prohibits a person from using violence or intimidation to interfere with another person’s enjoyment of certain rights or because of certain attributes of that person, including the person’s political affiliation, race, or sexual orientation, and punishes violations of that law with certain civil penalties or as misdemeanors, as prescribed.
This bill would make a social media platform, as defined, that violates the above-referenced provisions of law relating to personal rights through its algorithms that relay content to users or aids, abets, acts in concert, or conspires in violation of those laws, or is a joint tortfeasor in an action alleging a violation of those laws, liable for specified civil penalties. The bill would declare its provisions to be severable and would declare attempted waiver of its provisions to be void and unenforceable.”
The bill specifically references violations of:
Penal Code Sections 31 and 422.6 (hate crimes and interference with civil rights)
Civil Code Section 51.7 (Ralph Civil Rights Act)
Civil Code Section 51.9 (Civil rights protections against violence or intimidation)
Civil Code Section 52 and 52.1 (Tom Bane Civil Rights Act)
According to a report by Reason.com, “The Legislature says the bill is needed because of a rise in documented hate crimes. It cites a report by the Human Rights Campaign that found “anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation and harmful rhetoric” increased by 400 percent following the passage of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill in 2022, as well as a report by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations that found that “hate crimes involving anti-immigrant slurs increased by 31 percent” in FY 2024, the highest number since tracking began in 2007.
“The bill additionally cites the Anti-Defamation League’s 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, which found an 893 percent increase in antisemitic incidents over the previous 10 years, and a 2023 study by nonprofit Global Witness, which found that paid advertisements promoting violence toward women were placed and distributed across social media platforms.”
However, the report continues, “the bill is sure to face scrutiny under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which largely protects platforms from being held liable for user speech.”
Sets State for Free Speech Fight
According to a Washington Examiner report, the bill “sets stage for free speech fight” and “could create a messy, drawn-out legal battle with multibillion-dollar tech companies over what people can post on their platforms.”
CCIA Warns California SB 771 Could Undermine Free Speech Online
The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), whose members include Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads; Google and Apple, is opposed to the bill. It testified in July “before the California Assembly Judiciary Committee…reiterating its opposition to SB 771. The association warns that the proposal could limit access to lawful content, discourage open dialogue online, and conflict with key constitutional and federal legal protections.
SB 771 would allow lawsuits against large social media platforms if their recommendation systems are accused of amplifying unlawful content targeting protected groups. But the bill’s broad language and legal uncertainty could force platforms to take down more content than necessary — not because it’s harmful, but to avoid the risk of litigation.
CCIA believes this approach would reduce the availability of protected speech and place platforms in a legally precarious position. The bill also raises serious concerns about First Amendment protections and may conflict with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online services from liability for content moderation carried out in good faith.
“We all want to create safer online spaces and are concerned that SB 771 takes the wrong approach,” said Aodhan Downey, State Policy Manager for CCIA. “The bill creates vague legal standards that could prompt platforms to over-remove content out of fear of lawsuits. That would limit access to important conversations and weaken free expression online. California lawmakers should reject this bill and pursue targeted, effective solutions that protect users while respecting constitutional rights.”
According to the company’s website, CCIA is an international, not-for-profit trade association representing a broad cross section of communications and technology firms. For more than 50 years, CCIA has promoted open markets, open systems, and open networks. CCIA members employ more than 1.6 million workers, invest more than $100 billion in research and development, and contribute trillions of dollars in productivity to the global economy.
TechNet, CalChamber Oppose SB771
In a July 10, 2025, letter to Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and who represents portions of Western Contra Costa County, TechNet, whose members include Comcast NBC Universal, Google and Meta, was joined by CCIA and the California Chamber of Commerce in writing, “TechNet and the following organizations must respectfully oppose SB 771, as it raises significant concerns about potential conflicts with longstanding internet law by exposing social media platforms to substantial liability, calculated in the billions, for user-generated content.
TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of the innovation economy by advocating a targeted policy agenda at the federal and 50-state level. TechNet’s diverse membership includes dynamic American businesses ranging from startups to the most iconic companies on the planet and represents over 4.5 million employees and countless customers in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, e commerce, the sharing and gig economies, advanced energy, transportation, cybersecurity, venture capital, and finance.
Although SB 771 does not explicitly mandate content removal, it effectively incentivizes broad suppression of speech through the threat of legal action. In practice, the elevated liability risk could compel platforms to take down content based solely on unsubstantiated allegations of violence. This dynamic sets the stage for a heckler’s veto, in which bad actors or politically motivated users can flag content they disagree with, knowing the platform may err on the side of removal to avoid potential lawsuits.
This bill’s implicit concern is harmful content. It is impossible for companies to identify and remove every potentially harmful piece of content because there’s no clear consensus on what exactly constitutes harmful content, apart from clearly illicit content. Determining what is harmful is highly subjective and varies from person to person, making it impossible to make such judgments on behalf of millions of users. Faced with this impossible task and the liability imposed by this bill, some platforms may decide to aggressively over restrict content that could be considered harmful.
Furthermore, platforms would need to evaluate whether to eliminate their fundamental features and functions, which are the reasons users go to their platforms, due to the legal risk involved. For instance, direct messaging features could potentially be misused for contacting and bullying other teens; such features would likely be removed.
Serious First Amendment concerns.
It is well established that the companies covered by this legislation have constitutional rights related to content moderation, including the right to curate, prioritize, and remove content in accordance with their terms of service. By exposing these companies to civil liability for content they do not remove, SB 771 creates a chilling effect on their editorial discretion. The significant, prescribed civil penalties – potentially amounting into the billions for each violation – would lead platforms to over-remove lawful content to mitigate legal exposure. Therefore, if this law passes, it will almost certainly be struck down in court (see NetChoice v Paxton) because it imposes liability on social media platforms for whether certain types of third-party content are shown to users, as well as the expressive choices social media platforms make in designing the user experience. This violates the First Amendment rights of users and social media platforms.
Moreover, the proposed liability framework likely conflicts with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides strong federal protections for platforms against civil liability for third-party content and for good-faith content moderation. Courts (see Twitter,inc V. Taamneh, 598 U.S.__ (2023)) have consistently upheld Section 230 as preempting state-level attempts to impose liability for content hosting or moderation decisions.
For these reasons, we respectfully oppose SB 771. If you have any questions regarding our position, please contact Robert Boykin at rboykin@technet.org or 408.898.7145.”
The letter was signed by Robert Boykin, Executive Director for California and the Southwest TechNet, Ronak Daylami attorney and Policy Advocate with the California Chamber of Commerce and Aodhan Downey of the CCIA.
Second Legislative Attempt to Limit Online Speech, First Failed in Court
This is the second attempt by the California legislature and Newsom to limit online speech in the last two years. Last year, AB2839 and AB2655 were signed into law, banning deceptive elections-related media, known as “deep-fakes”, in advertisements including those containing parody.
AB2839 would have “prohibited a person, committee, or other entity from knowingly distributing an advertisement or other election communication, as defined, that contains certain materially deceptive content, as defined, with malice, as defined, subject to specified exemptions. The bill would apply this prohibition within 120 days of an election in California and, in specified cases, 60 days after an election.”
AB2655 would have required “a large online platform, as defined, to block the posting of materially deceptive content related to elections in California, during specified periods before and after an election…and to label certain additional content inauthentic, fake, or false.”
However, parody website, The Babylon Bee sued the state and according to the Alliance Defending Freedom which represented the media outlet, “California officials agreed they cannot enforce one of those laws (AB2839) against The Babylon Bee and Kelly Chang Rickert, a California attorney and blogger, after a federal district court ruled that the law likely violates the First Amendment.”
Contact Governor Newsom
To contact the governor’s office to offer your opinion on the legislation, use the website form at www.gov.ca.gov/contact and select Legislation Issues/Concerns in the drop down menu, mail Governor Gavin Newsom at 1021 O Street, Suite 9000 Sacramento, CA 95814 or call (916) 445-2841.
Join us at our Antioch HQ location to meet the team, and to celebrate with us as we hold an official Ribbon Cutting celebration with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m.
With over 30+ Years experience and 10 years serving Antioch, Perfect Star is your Contra Costa County Heating and Air Conditioning specialist. Perfect Star provides A/C repair and furnace repair, maintenance, and replacement / installation for new or existing HVAC systems.
Special thanks to the Antioch Chamber and City of Antioch for your support!
By City of Antioch Economic Development Department
The City of Antioch received funding from the National League of Cities (NLC) to pilot a grant program aimed at advancing local jobs through collaboration between Antioch businesses and nonprofits. The City invites teams of three or more Antioch-based small businesses and/or nonprofits to propose creative projects that will help residents, especially those with low incomes, find and grow in meaningful employment.
This is a pilot grant program. A total of $20,000 will be split between 2–4 selected teams ($5,000-$10,000 per team). All grant funds must be spent by June 1, 2026.
Rendering of proposed G Street restaurant dining deck and City parking lot with view of river. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
Just like the deck at Monica’s Riverview; similar to previous lease to Sean McCauleyof City-owned land next to Smith’s Landing for new patio
Will also discuss two ongoing lawsuits
By Allen D. Payton
During a Closed Session meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider the use of the City-owned parking lot at the north end of G Street by Sean McCauley, owner of the adjacent property at 113 G Street, which is planned to be a restaurant. The area for the proposed outdoor dining deck, like the one he built at Monica’s Riverview, is approximately 1,275 square feet.
Renderings of the Smith’s Landing Patio. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
Smith’s Landing Patio
Previously, the Council approved the rental of land near the Antioch Marina adjacent to Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill to McCauley for an outdoor dining patio for that restaurant. It is also approximately 1,300 square feet in size.
Renderings of the Smith’s Landing Patio and marina point concept with beach umbrellas and seating that are not included. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
He said the “concept for the Smith’s Landing Patio took over three years to approve and plans were submitted for permits earlier this month. We are excited about it and wanted to share it with the public.”
“We are planning to open the patio in spring of 2026,” McCauley added.
Rendering of proposed G Street restaurant dining deck. Source: Sean McCauley Investments
G Street Parking Lot Needs Improving
“It will cost about $100,000 to improve the G Street parking lot,” he shared. The costs of the deck are separate and part of the restaurant improvements.
“There will still be parking there,” McCauley explained. “We’re only taking five stalls.”
The council previously rejected his proposal during their meeting on Aug. 9, 2025, he said.
Interim City Attorney Derek Cole reported out from that Closed Session meeting simply that “Direction was given to the City’s negotiators.”
Will Discuss Two Lawsuits
The Council will also discuss two lawsuits during the Closed Session meeting, including one by the California Resources Pipeline Corporation v. City of Antioch regarding use of the natural gas pipeline which was blocked by the previous council majority. The case is being heard in Superior Court in Contra Costa County. The other, a federal lawsuit against the City, six cops and former police chiefs, was brought by murder suspect Trent Allen and others. The case is labeled Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., and is being heard in U.S. District Court Northern District of California.
Public Comment will be received on all three meeting agenda items before the Council adjourns into Closed Session. That meeting will be followed by a Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m. to appoint a new City Clerk and the Council’s regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo and Job Fair will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park located at 4703 Lone Tree Way. The Business Expo will allow local businesses and organizations to introduce their products or services to the local community.
It also offers businesses the opportunity to market and create a business-to-business network that is often overlooked in distinct network venues. The Antioch Business Expo will showcase over 50 local businesses, organizations, non-profits, government entities and community business resources. The Business Expo is designed to create an environment for East County businesses to grow, prosper, and learn how to build meaningful relationships with the community and other businesses and organizations.
Open and free to the public! Free raffle ticket to enter to win many prizes including an iPad! Also, free food and wine samples!
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Antioch demonstrates both the City and Chamber’s intention of supporting local businesses and the continued planned economic growth of Antioch and the surrounding area. Securing a booth at this event is a great opportunity to connect your business or services with the community.
Proceeds from the Antioch Business Expo will help support the Antioch Chamber member initiatives and other Chamber events.
The Lemon Tree is officially opening its doors on Saturday, September 20th at 2:00 PM! This will be our Grand Opening Celebration, and the whole community is invited to come see what The Lemon Tree is all about.
It’s a creative third place – a cozy, welcoming but minimalist space designed to be whatever you need it to be. Whether you’re a creative looking for a place to host a sip & paint night, a photographer in need of a clean backdrop, a mom planning a kid’s birthday party, or a leader organizing a community event, this flexible space is ready to support your vision.
The open layout features simple, neutral styling so you can make it your own. Rearrange tables and chairs, set up for vendors, decorate for celebrations. The space is a blank canvas for your creativity. From intimate gatherings and workshops to pop-ups, meetings, or private events, this versatile venue offers a welcoming environment for work, play, and everything in between.
The Lemon Tree interior. Photo by Allen D. Payton
The Lemon Tree is where you can:
Come in on open days to work, relax or create
Book a private table with friends for crafts and connection
Celebrate birthdays, showers, or special events
Join community gatherings already filling our fall calendar
This space was created with love for our community, and I would be honored for you to join us in celebrating Antioch’s newest creative hub.
The Lemon Tree is located at 514 W. 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
Saturday, September 20 at 2:00 PM.
Light bites, lemonade and community love
The Lemon Tree is more than a space—it’s a community hub for connection, creativity, and growth. We’re excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for those who want to support and be part of this vision.
3 Sponsorship Tiers + Community Collaborator
We’ve created different levels of sponsorship so both business owners and community supporters can get involved, Lemon, Lime and Sunshine
Business Owners: These tiers come with perks and visibility for your business while helping us expand community programs and events.
Community Collaborators: Not a business owner but still want to support? You’re welcome to contribute at any level. Every donation—big or small—helps strengthen this community.
This is about building a thriving local network that runs parallel to the Girl Gang Tribe community I’ve been blessed to grow with. Together, we can continue creating spaces that uplift, connect, and inspire.
