101: Parents Just Got Their Power Back in Schools, But NEED to Take Action!

101: Parents Just Got Their Power Back in Schools, But NEED to Take Action!

Coffee Culture and the Capitol, Episode 101: Parents Just Got Their Power Back For decades California schools told parents they could opt out of one thing: sex ed. That era is over. Sophia and Greg break down three major court rulings, Mahmoud v. Taylor, Mirabelli v. Bonta, and Huntington Beach v. Newsom, that hand parents new authority to pull their kids from gender ideology lessons, CRT, DEI programming, and any curriculum that conflicts with their faith. They walk through how to use OptOutCA.org to notify your school district in minutes. Then the conversation moves to the UC system, where four students are suing after a new sexual harassment policy forced them to affirm gender ideology just to register for classes. Greg explains why this is a First Amendment fight, not a policy footnote, and why silence is not an option for Christians on campus. Finally, Greg and Sophia expose what happened to AB 2691, a bill that started as a straightforward ban on convicted sex offenders holding office. After Senator Scott Wiener's amendments in the Senate Elections Committee, it would have carved out exemptions for adults who commit felony sexual acts against minors ages 14 to 17. Greg's viral committee testimony pushed back hard, and this episode explains exactly what was at stake and why it matters. The episode closes with a call to show up. Lobby Day is August 4 in Sacramento. The Life, Family, Liberty Gala is September 12, featuring Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon. Don't just get angry. Get involved. Links: Donate:https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/] Events: https://www.californiafamily.org/savethedate/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/savethedate/] Opt out: https://www.optoutca.org/optout [https://www.optoutca.org/optout] Viral reel: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaQL4JJTqWE/ [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaQL4JJTqWE/]

100: Greg and Sophia Give all the Glory to God and Share What He has Done During Their Time at CFC

This week marks a major milestone—100 episodes of Coffee Culture & the Capitol! Instead of our usual legislative update, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt take a look back at the incredible journey that brought them to California Family Council and reflect on some of the biggest victories God has accomplished over the past several years. From Greg's miraculous hiring story to Sophia's unexpected rise as one of California's leading voices defending girls' sports, this episode is filled with personal stories of God's faithfulness, behind-the-scenes moments, and reminders that showing up in faith can have an impact far beyond what we imagine. They also revisit some of CFC's most significant wins—from defeating legislation that threatened free speech and biblical counseling, to launching California's parental rights movement and helping change the national conversation on protecting girls' sports. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you're just discovering the podcast, this special episode is a celebration of what God has done through faithful supporters like you and a look ahead to what He may have in store for the next 100 episodes. Thank you for being part of the Coffee Culture & the Capitol community. Here's to the next 100 episodes! Links: California Public Library Silences Female Athlete https://www.californiafamily.org/2023/08/california-public-library-silences-female-athlete/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/2023/08/california-public-library-silences-female-athlete/] Ninth Circuit Blocks CA’s Gender Secrecy Law, AB 1955, Affirms Parents’ Right to Know https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/06/ninth-circuit-blocks-cas-gender-secrecy-law-ab-1955-affirms-parents-right-to-know/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/06/ninth-circuit-blocks-cas-gender-secrecy-law-ab-1955-affirms-parents-right-to-know/] Donate:https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/] Events: https://www.californiafamily.org/savethedate/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/savethedate/]

99: Hate Speech, Free Speech, and Sacramento's New Training Mandates

In this episode of Coffee Culture and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down AB 1803 and AB 1578—two controversial proposals that would require mandatory anti-hate training for employees and elected officials across California. Supporters say the bills combat discrimination, but critics warn they could be used to silence dissenting viewpoints and pressure Californians to conform to government-approved beliefs. Sophia shares her experience testifying against AB 1803, while Greg discusses his testimony on AB 1578 and the heated exchanges that followed in committee hearings. Together, they examine the growing debate over free speech, religious freedom, gender ideology, and whether Sacramento is crossing the line from education into ideological reeducation. They also discuss California Family Council's upcoming Lobby Day, how everyday citizens can engage directly with lawmakers, and why showing up matters in the fight for life, family, and liberty. Links: * Lobby day: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/06/join-cfclobby-day-june-24th/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/06/join-cfclobby-day-june-24th/] * Gala: https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala [https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala] * Ab 1578 full hearing: https://youtu.be/S3evfM3_8IA?si=AYi0BKgOkcBBb0t- [https://youtu.be/S3evfM3_8IA?si=AYi0BKgOkcBBb0t-] * AB 1803 full hearing: https://youtu.be/MVXIFYi_4wI?si=JBrdMDZwAIAc8gfH [https://youtu.be/MVXIFYi_4wI?si=JBrdMDZwAIAc8gfH] * Donate: https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/]

98: Boys in Girls' Sports, Race Preferences Return, and California's Push for More Late-Term Abortions

In this episode of Coffee Culture and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down some of the most significant battles unfolding at the California State Capitol. First, they discuss the growing controversy over male athletes competing in girls' sports following the CIF State Track and Field Championships and share highlights from California Family Council's press conference defending fairness and safety for female athletes. Next, they examine ACA 7, a proposed constitutional amendment that would weaken Proposition 209's ban on race-based preferences in public education. Sophia and Greg unpack the heated committee debate and what the measure could mean for California schools. Finally, they cover AB 1973, legislation that would allow nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants to perform second- and third-trimester abortions. Hear testimony from a former abortionist and medical professionals who warned lawmakers about the serious risks this bill poses to women. Plus, learn how you can make your voice heard through CFC's upcoming Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Links: * Dr. Wong interview with greg https://youtu.be/HfDYs336lC0?si=5wecsM5AWq7z149_ [https://youtu.be/HfDYs336lC0?si=5wecsM5AWq7z149_] * Dr. Wong's testimony https://youtu.be/KElYYTnJiLA?si=-yI_Va-qjqfrGtn3 [https://youtu.be/KElYYTnJiLA?si=-yI_Va-qjqfrGtn3] * AB 1973 full hearing: https://youtu.be/2F64dWqBO_4?si=GiK2XkeHAISvwLZ8 [https://youtu.be/2F64dWqBO_4?si=GiK2XkeHAISvwLZ8] * ACA 7 full hearing https://youtu.be/XQKnlYhFwfw?si=hs8ZMxoOLGk-AScp [https://youtu.be/XQKnlYhFwfw?si=hs8ZMxoOLGk-AScp] * Donation * California family Website * Lobby day https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/rsvp/2026-june-lobby-day [https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/rsvp/2026-june-lobby-day] * Gala https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala [https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala]

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/