Out at the edges of the progressive Bay Area, you're bound to find some tensions between people whose political and cultural bread isn't exactly buttered on the same progressive side.
That certainly seems to be true at Rossmoor, the upscale, planned senior community that's home to around 10,000 residents in eastern Contra Costa County where two years ago there was a dustup in the months leading up to Trump's election that escalated into a physical fight on a pickleball court.
Now, as the Chronicle reports, there's been some more unpleasantness, some of it aimed at LGBTQ seniors who live in the community. Rossmoor is known to have many active seniors who belong to any number of golf clubs and political clubs — including a Democratic Club that figured into the 2024 incident — and groups like Voices for Justice in Palestine, the Rossmoor LGBTQ Alliance, African Americans and Friends, and Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity.
But tensions are bubbling among the opponents of such clubs. The LGBTQ Alliance sponsored a Pride Month event in June during which a lesbian resident had her tires slashed, as the Chronicle reports. And, reportedly, two men left the dancefloor together at event put on by Rossmoor Advocates for Diversity, and this was met with a middle finger by another resident, who looked at them and said, "Disgusting!"
These incidents, along with one in which a bulletin board posting by the Palestine group was vandalized, has led to a new effort to bring community members peacefully together, which is being organized by 18 Rossmoor community groups including those named above. As the Chronicle reports, it's being called "A Day of Listening, Learning and Unity — Rossmoor Stands United Against Hate," and it's happening on Friday, October 2.
No one is talking about filing any charges, yet, but Contra Costa Chief Assistant District Attorney Simon O’Connell tells the paper that he plans to attend.
"What’s really unique here is that we have an older generation [in Rossmoor] that is saying, ‘Hey, we’re concerned and upset about issues that usually face a different generation in the community," O'Conell tells the Chronicle. "I find that to be actually really unique and refreshing, and gives a lot of hope."
Reportedly, the event will feature screenings of two short films by the anti-hate group Not In Our Town, and subsequent discussions.
The group is also partnering with towns and cities across the state and the country in organizing United Against Hate Week, from October 18 to October 24.
Related: It's a Boomer vs. Boomer Battle Over Political Speech In One Small East Bay Retirement Community
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