Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol

97: Governor Newsom Responds to Save Girls’ Sports Movement

In Episode 97 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down the latest controversy surrounding girls’ sports in California after another male athlete dominated multiple girls’ track and field events at CIF prelims. Sophia shares behind-the-scenes details from a powerful press conference where brave female athletes spoke out for fairness, safety, and equal opportunity, even as Governor Newsom’s office accused critics of “bullying.” Sophia and Greg discuss why teenage girls should not be left alone to defend their own rights, the growing national attention on the Save Girls’ Sports movement, and why parents, pastors, and leaders must finally speak up. They also unpack AB 2017, a California bill that would expand religious holiday observances in public schools, and what it reveals about the state’s approach to religion and education. Plus: practical ways listeners can take action, support female athletes, and stay involved in what’s happening at the Capitol! Watch the press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMhaGFBkvv0 Sign the Petition urging CIF to follow Title IX: https://www.xxonly.org/petition/ AB 2017 Article: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/05/california-wants-to-give-public-schools-permission-to-celebrate-the-end-of-ramadan/

96: Chaos at the Capitol: Hate Speech Bill Without a Definition & Abortion Bill Hits Headlines

In this episode of Coffee Culture & The Capitol, the team breaks down a chaotic and high-stakes week in California politics—from testimony at the State Capitol to national media coverage. They unpack AB 1973, a controversial bill expanding who can perform second and third trimester abortions, raising serious concerns about medical safety and standards of care. The conversation then turns to AB 1578, a so-called “anti-hate” training bill that sparked intense debate after lawmakers struggled to define what “hate speech” actually means. With powerful testimony, sharp questioning from legislators, and a moment that left the room silent, the episode highlights the growing tension between free speech, faith, and public policy. After their testimony gained attention from major media outlets like the New York Post, the hosts reflect on how local advocacy can shape national conversations—and why staying informed and engaged has never been more important. Links: New York Post Article: https://nypost.com/2026/04/28/us-news/california-dems-plot-to-let-nurses-perform-late-term-abortions/ [https://nypost.com/2026/04/28/us-news/california-dems-plot-to-let-nurses-perform-late-term-abortions/] Action center AB 1973 https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/160547/ [https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/160547/] AB 1973 Hearing https://youtu.be/6uBTmrAN2uc [https://youtu.be/6uBTmrAN2uc] Action Center AB 1578 https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/161032/ [https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/161032/] AB 1578 Hearing https://youtu.be/ce4dovJo60M [https://youtu.be/ce4dovJo60M] National Day of Prayer https://www.californiafamily.org/2026-national-day-of-prayer/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/2026-national-day-of-prayer/] America Reads the Bible https://youtu.be/5UKbmaHFcpc [https://youtu.be/5UKbmaHFcpc] California family Website https://www.californiafamily.org/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/]

95: Opt Out & Speak Up: The Battle for Parents, Kids, and Truth in California

In Episode 95 of Coffee, Culture & the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt unpack two major developments impacting families, faith, and freedom in California. First, they highlight a powerful new webinar designed for parents and teachers, featuring legal experts from organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom, Pacific Justice Institute, and National Center for Law and Policy. The discussion centers on recent Supreme Court decisions—especially Mahmoud v. Taylor—that expand parental rights in education. Listeners will learn how families can exercise opt-out rights from controversial curriculum and how teachers can navigate growing pressure in the classroom. Then, the episode turns to a heated California Senate hearing on SB 934, introduced by Scott Wiener. Sophia and Greg break down the bill’s implications, including concerns about free speech, counseling practices, and potential legal risks for professionals. Featuring clips and commentary from the committee hearing, they explore the broader cultural and legal tensions shaping policy in California—and what’s at stake moving forward. Links: Watch the webinar here: https://youtu.be/WMB8wgnJ3lE?si=CM6XylMbi3b2oJUh [https://youtu.be/WMB8wgnJ3lE?si=CM6XylMbi3b2oJUh] Parental rights resource: https://californiafamily.org/parental-rights-resources.html [https://californiafamily.org/parental-rights-resources.html] Watch ADF Chiles V salazar explanation here: https://youtu.be/wT_P24m5jGE?si=5r3aEXzEorQi9ToH [https://youtu.be/wT_P24m5jGE?si=5r3aEXzEorQi9ToH] Watch Full SB 934 hearing here: https://youtu.be/IvrR7TIeGo8?si=HPLWvostxiSPCXB9 [https://youtu.be/IvrR7TIeGo8?si=HPLWvostxiSPCXB9]

94: The Fight for Women’s Spaces & Against Abortion on Campus: Breaking Down AB 2563 & AB 2540

In this episode, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down a fast-paced and impactful week at the California State Capitol, where key legislation took center stage and critical voices were heard. From a press conference addressing concerns over gender-related policies affecting minors to multiple high-stakes bill hearings, the team shares what it’s like to be on the frontlines of a busy legislative session. The episode highlights two major bills, including AB 2563, which raises serious concerns about the redefinition of sex in California law and its potential consequences for women’s rights, privacy, and free speech. Policy Engagement Coordinator Leandra Wells joins the conversation to share her powerful firsthand testimony opposing AB 2540. Drawing from her own experience as a college student facing an unexpected pregnancy, Leandra offers a compelling perspective on the challenges women face—and the importance of real support systems like pregnancy resource centers. Her story sparks meaningful discussion among the hosts and even drew strong reactions from legislators during the hearing. The episode also explores broader cultural narratives surrounding abortion, the lack of resources for women who choose to carry their pregnancies to term, and the importance of sharing personal stories to challenge prevailing assumptions. With behind-the-scenes insights, heartfelt testimony, and a call for greater public engagement, this episode captures what it means to advocate for life, truth, and compassionate support in the public square. Links: Alternatives Pregnancy Resource: https://alternativespc.org/ [https://alternativespc.org/] Full hearing of AB 2540 https://youtu.be/6nJvh0IstDE?si=F9FnNQ4IZHFoDHD0 [https://youtu.be/6nJvh0IstDE?si=F9FnNQ4IZHFoDHD0] Full hearing of AB 2563 https://youtu.be/ouBfBeSAAx8?si=JGDdCrNu55qKX60C [https://youtu.be/ouBfBeSAAx8?si=JGDdCrNu55qKX60C]

93: Silence or Truth? Sophia and Greg Call Christians to Speak Out as Church Protections Fail

Episode 93 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, highlights both cultural and legislative challenges facing Christians in California. Sophia reflects on speaking at a women’s conference, emphasizing that young girls are increasingly exposed to issues like gender ideology at early ages and encouraging parents to engage in honest conversations with their children. Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt stress the importance of boldly speaking biblical truth, even when it is unpopular, rather than offering a “watered-down” version of the Gospel. The episode also covers the failure of SB 1070, introduced by Shannon Grove, which sought to strengthen protections for churches against disruptive protests; despite arguments that it was necessary to protect religious freedom, the bill was voted down in committee, reflecting ongoing political divisions over public safety and First Amendment rights. Links: Full Sophia Lorey [sophial@californiafamily.org] speech at women conference Full SB 1070 hearing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6J88vX6xc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6J88vX6xc] https://www.foxnews.com/us/anarchistic-mob-blockaded-california-synagogue-using-israel-hamas-war-excuse-violence-expert [https://www.foxnews.com/us/anarchistic-mob-blockaded-california-synagogue-using-israel-hamas-war-excuse-violence-expert] https://www.christianpost.com/news/anti-israel-agitators-disrupt-christian-jewish-worship-services.html [https://www.christianpost.com/news/anti-israel-agitators-disrupt-christian-jewish-worship-services.html] National church report https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF25H55.pdf [https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF25H55.pdf]