The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Board and Members Meeting Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant at 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday June 27, 2025, at 11:45 am. Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door: $25 for members, $30 for guests.
MEET OUR SPEAKER: SENECA SCOTT
Seneca Scott moved to Oakland in 2012 to work as the East Bay Director for SEIU Local 1021, representing and negotiating improvements to wages and working conditions for thousands of workers in East Bay cities, most notably Oakland. He also co-founded community groups Bottoms Up Community Gardens and Oakhella.
In 2020, Seneca ran for City Council to bring a voice to his neighbors that he felt was being ignored.
He later led the successful effort to recall Mayor Sheng Thao and started the YouTube channel Gotham Oakland. He also frequently posts on X about the failures of Oakland’s progressive leadership.
Seneca has worked as a Labor leader and community organizer for over 20 years. He earned his B.S. from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Oakland’s Crisis and Its Implications for Other Cities and Counties
Despite levying high taxes, Oakland suffers from high crime, business closures, blight, and uncontrolled homeless encampments. The City has also faced repeated fiscal crises in recent years.
As Seneca will discuss, the explanations for Oakland’s problems include public corruption and the dominance of a progressive ideology which sounds noble but does a disservice to most residents.
We’ll also learn what lessons Oakland’s troubles might hold for neighboring cities, and whether we in Contra Costa County have anything to worry about
SACRAMENTO, CA — The California legislature continues to disregard the rights of parents and ignore their religious beliefs regarding their children with the introduction of AB 1084, a bill that expedites the process for changing a person’s name and sex on official documents—including birth certificates and marriage licenses—based on “gender identity” rather than biological reality.
While author Assemblyman Rick Zbur (D-Beverly Hills) says the bill is a necessary response to efforts making it “harder for transgender people to live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” it is in fact a profound assault on both truth and parental rights. AB 1084 is not just another procedural update. “Not only does it further legitimize the false idea that sex is a choice,” said Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council. “But it’s designed to sideline the very people God has charged with the care and guidance of children: their parents.”
Biological Reality Can’t Be Legislated Away
A person cannot change their sex. Sex is not “assigned at birth”—it is observed and recorded. It is an immutable, biological reality encoded in every cell of our bodies. It is not up for revision with a court order or a fill-in-the-blank on a government form.
But AB 1084 expedites this legal fiction, compelling courts to issue approval for name and sex changes to reflect not biological sex, but subjective gender identity within two weeks.
The Real Target: Parental Authority
While the entire premise of the bill is flawed, its most egregious offense is against parents.
AB 1084 claims to honor parental rights by requiring both living parents to approve a minor’s request to change their name and sex on legal documents. But this is a bait and switch. If one parent objects, the court will only consider the objection valid if it demonstrates “good cause.” And what is explicitly not good cause? Belief in biological sex.
You read that right. Under AB 1084, a court must disregard a parent’s objection if it is based on the belief that their child’s proposed gender identity does not align with their biological sex. In other words, if you believe—scientifically, morally, or religiously—that sex is binary and unchangeable, your views are disqualified from legal consideration. Here is how the text of the bill explains it: “(D) A hearing date shall not be set in the proceeding unless an objection is timely filed and shows good cause for opposing the name change. Objections based solely on concerns that the proposed change is not the petitioner’s actual gender identity or gender assigned at birth shall not constitute good cause.”
This isn’t just bad policy. It’s discriminatory, unconstitutional, and tyrannical.
A Constitutional Crisis
The U.S. Supreme Court has long upheld the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), the Court declared: “The child is not the mere creature of the state.” And in Troxel v. Granville (2000), the Court reaffirmed that “the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children… is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.”
Yet AB 1084 places the state as arbiter of a child’s identity over and above the rights of parents. It effectively says: “Parents, you can raise your child—unless your views clash with state-endorsed gender ideology.”
This is an ideological test for parental rights. And it must be resisted.
A Slippery and Dangerous Precedent
Once the state arrogates to itself the power to nullify parental objections rooted in deeply held religious or biological convictions, where does it stop?
Will it override a parent’s objection to irreversible medical procedures?
Will it compel schools to keep secrets from parents about their children’s gender identity?
Will it use the denial of “affirmation” as grounds to remove children from their homes
A False Solution to Real Pain
The advocates of AB 1084 claim that this bill is about protecting transgender and nonbinary individuals from discrimination. But true compassion never requires us to lie. A government that redefines reality to affirm feelings is not protecting anyone—it’s merely swapping one kind of harm for another.
Children, especially minors struggling with gender confusion, need truth, not affirmation of delusion. They need wise, loving guidance—especially from parents, not judges. By empowering minors to legally alter their identity with minimal pushback, California encourages life-altering decisions without adequate reflection or maturity.
And these changes are not harmless. Once legal documents are changed, it can set off a domino effect leading to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries—often before a child’s brain is even fully developed.
What Must Be Done
California Family Council stands firmly opposed to AB 1084 and any law that undermines biological truth and parental authority. We urge the legislature to reject this bill and call on citizens to raise their voices in protest.
We are also calling on constitutional lawyers and religious liberty advocates to prepare challenges to this legislation should it pass. It will not stand the test of judicial scrutiny—and it certainly will not stand the test of time.
Bill Status
This bill has already passed the Assembly Judiciary and Health Committees and now sits in the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File. On May 23 the committee will announce its decision on whether the bill progresses to the full Assembly for a vote.
About California Family Council
California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.
SACRAMENTO—Thirty-four California schools have been named recipients of the 2025 Civic Learning Awards, honoring and recognizing measurable schoolwide achievements in civics. The award program, now in its twelfth year, is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.
“When young people advocate and raise their voices, they have the power to drive meaningful change in their communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “Education is fundamental to achieving our democratic ideals, and these schools have played an exceptional role in shaping the leaders of the future.”
“I find these award applications truly inspiring—each one is deserving of recognition,” said Chief Justice Guerrero. “They highlight the powerful stories of committed educators who, despite the challenges, are finding creative ways to ensure students can fully engage with and understand civics.”
Since their inception in 2013, the awards have been presented more than 500 times to traditional, charter, and magnet schools. In recent years, community schools and continuation schools have submitted high-ranking applications. This year, a court school applied for the first time.
Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from the California courts and the California Department of Education (CDE) who are not tied to counties or districts in the pool.
In addition to the information provided by the applicant, points are added for schools in districts with Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) that include terms and actions associated with civic learning. Applicants also earn points for participating in the Judges in the Classroom program and for creating processes and criteria related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
Mural designed, created, and installed by LMC art students to celebrate the 51st Commencement. Source: LMC
Honors 1,358 Class of 2025 graduates on Friday
By Juliet V. Casey,Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA – Los Medanos College is pleased to announce its 51st Commencement celebration to held at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, May 23 inside the LMC Stadium.
The ceremony honors 1,358 graduates who earned 2,266 awards, including 662 associate of arts degrees, 176 associates of science degrees, 228 associates of arts degrees for transfer, 302 associates of science degrees for transfer and 698 certificates of achievement.
The stadium is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.
“We are exceedingly proud of the Class of 2025,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “This group represents resilience and courage as well as an abiding hope for a brilliant future.”
As part of her address to graduates, Ralston will highlight graduating students for their achievements in the classroom, in their campus life and in the community. She will acknowledge the special status of several of the graduates who persevered as the first in their families to attend and graduate college. Others, she recognizes for their determination to expand their horizons even as they care for children or others. She also recognizes students who continued to work to support their families while attending college, veterans, and those who took courageous steps to start new traditions and events, contributing to the cultural wealth of LMC’s college community.
Featured graduation speakers Naw Shanyda Soe, Associate of Arts: Biological Science, Graduating with Honors and Mikayla Ari Hubbard, Associate in Science for Transfer: Business Marketing, Graduating with Honors. Source: LMC
Other featured speakers include honors graduates Naw Shanyda Soe, Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Math and Science, Associate in Science for Transfer in Biology, and a Certificate of Achievement in Intersegmental General Education, and Mikayla Ari Hubbard, Associate in Arts for Transfer in Business Administration and a Certificate of Achievement in CSU General Education. Los Medanos College Associated Students President Armon Gozalez and District Student Trustee Halena Neyazi will help lead the turning of tassels.
Ceremony Details
The 2025 ceremony will be held on May 23, 2025, at 2:15 PM inside the LMC Stadium on the Pittsburg campus. Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 PM for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.
The ceremony is general admission and no tickets are required to attend. There is NO RESERVED SEATING at the stadium. The stadium bleachers have wheelchair access with limited seating for people with disabilities. Chairs will also be placed on the walkway at ground level of the field for additional seating and accessibility. Guests should arrive early for optimal seating.
Source: LMC
LMC Stadium Policy: Prohibited Items
Los Medanos College is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation with the following:
The following are not permitted anywhere on-campus:
1. Alcoholic beverages and smoking
2. Dogs/animals (except for service animals)
3. Weapons or explosives of any kind
The following are not permitted inside the Stadium:
Guests who attempt to bring the following inside the stadium will be asked to take them outside and/or return them to their vehicles.
1. Artificial noise-making devices
2. Glass bottles
3. Balloons
4. Signs/displays larger than 11”x17”. (All signs must be hand carried and may not be mounted on posts/poles/etc.)
5. Umbrellas larger than 42” are not permitted in the bleachers. (Larger umbrellas may be used in other areas of the stadium.)
For more ceremony details for the Class of 2025, please visit the LMC Commencement website. Additional details regarding the event will be available soon. Keep checking that page for more information.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.
Supporting The Pride of Antioch High School and Deer Valley Marching Band and Color Guard
Get ready for the most thrilling night of the year at the 4th Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament!
Join us for an unforgettable evening supporting the AHS and DVHS Marching Band and Color Guard. This event is packed with excitement, including:
Fantastic prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
A delicious dinner to satisfy your taste buds
Exciting raffles with amazing prizes
A lively atmosphere with great company and lots of fun
Whether you’re a poker pro or just looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. The cost is $75 for the full event, or $20 for the Dinner Only option.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to support our talented musicians and performers while having a blast. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for a night of fun, excitement, and great memories!
Join us for the second event of the awareness and education series — a screening and community discussion of Fentanyl High, a powerful short film exploring the hidden dangers of fentanyl. Monday, April 29 | 6–8 PM | Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way Register at https://bit.ly/3R2fOSQ
Please SHARE this! Together, we can educate, empower, and protect our youth.
The Antioch Rotary Club will hold its 9th Annual BunnyHop 5K fundraiser on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Corteva (formerly Dow) Wetlands in Antioch. Proceeds will go directly toward scholarships and sports programs at AUSD high schools. The race will happen rain or shine!
All Finishers will receive a BunnyHop 5K Medal. First Place Overall in Men’s and Women’s divisions will receive a plaque, and a Gift Card. Age Group Medals will go to the Top 3 in each of these Age Groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, & 70 and up.
Registration is $40 plus, fees. The fee for our Annual Kids’ Kwik Dash is still $0. To register visit 9th Antioch Rotary Club Bunny Hop 5K and click the Sign Up button.
Instructions
Race start time is 9:00 a.m. Please park in the Antioch Marina lot at 5 Marina Plaza at the foot of L Street. The Bunny Hop Start Line is about 3/4-mile from the parking lot – please plan on a 20–30-minute nature walk. Plan on arriving at the Antioch Marina by 8:00 a.m. – there will be plenty of parking and porta potties.
For participatnts from the Antioch Unified School District – please arrive at the Antioch Marina by 7:30 a.m. to pick up your Race Bibs and GoodyBags – There will be a special line for AUSD-sponsored runners.
Cheer teams from Antioch Charter Middle School (left), Dallas Ranch Cheer (center) and Park Middle School (right) won at the JAMZ NorCal Challenge Cup Competition on March 29th. Photos courtesy of Jazmine Vega Zanders
By Jazmine Vega Zanders, MSW
Three Antioch middle school-aged cheerleading squads went to JAMZ NorCal Challenge Cup Competition on Saturday, March 29th and all competed in the same division. All teams did a great job representing Antioch at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, CA.
The Dallas Ranch Cheer team members display their 2025 JAMZ NorCal Challenge Cup Competition championship banner, ribbons and rings.
Dallas Ranch Cheer powered by Vega Stars Elite took first place and went home with Champion Rings. Park Middle took second place, and Antioch Charter took 3rd.
