Loomis residents press council over social‑media post they call offensive to LGBTQ community

A steady stream of public commenters at the Loomis Town Council meeting on matters not on the agenda focused on a recent Facebook post by Council Member Amanda Cortez that several speakers called offensive toward the town’s LGBTQ community. The public-comment period lasted more than an hour and included calls for an apology and, from some, for the council member to resign.

Alicia Watkins told the council that "when certain government officials of Loomis validate bigotry, they betray their constituents and put innocent lives in danger," and said the town’s queer support network "has saved the lives of many children." Rebecca Golling described an "offensive meme" posted on Cortez’s page that showed a figure draped in pride colors being kicked by another figure; Golling said the image was "not kind" and urged elected leaders to "be mindful of your position as a leader in the community." Rachel Halverson said she wanted the council to "make that statement" publicly and apologize, adding that "there's actually no fact based evidence that Casey ever did anything wrong" and that earlier public statements needed retraction.

Other speakers defended the council member’s right to post on social media and expressed concerns about allegations raised against a local pastor. Dave Alley said, "Miss Cortez could post whatever she wants. That's her First Amendment right," and questioned whether any exoneration had occurred in related reports. Matthew Oliver, identifying himself as from Rocklin, thanked council members for "advocating for unity" and urged the council to "stand with integrity." Several speakers referenced a Project Veritas interview and disagreed sharply about its reliability and implications.

Mayor Cartwright opened the meeting’s public-comment period with standard time and decorum reminders (three minutes per speaker, a traffic-light timing system) and asked the audience to refrain from applause so others would not be chilled from speaking.

No formal council action was taken on the matter at this meeting. Council members listened during the public-comment period and later proceeded to other agenda items. The council did not vote on any disciplinary or censure motion, and the meeting record shows no formal apology or retraction approved by the council during this session.