Union cites legal violations, retaliation and toxic workplace under Jonathan Lee.

CONCORD, CA (June 17, 2025) — In a dramatic escalation of tensions at a prominent Contra Costa LGBTQ+ organization, unionized staff at the Rainbow Community Center recently issued a unanimous Vote of No Confidence and formal Motion to Censure against Board Member Jonathan Lee, alleging legal violations, retaliation against a whistleblower, and conduct that created a toxic work environment.

The action comes amid years of instability at Rainbow, marked by financial difficulties, internal conflict, and high staff turnover since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The June 2 letter, signed by all union staff, calls for Lee’s immediate removal, formal censure, and the reinstatement of Co-Executive Director Cori Johnson, who was terminated after raising concerns about Lee’s behavior.

According to the union, Johnson disclosed concerns about Lee’s conduct on May 23. That evening, Lee allegedly called an emergency board meeting—without Johnson present—and with two newly appointed members, voted 3–2 to remove her.

“I was retaliated against after raising serious concerns about Jonathan Lee’s unethical and potentially illegal conduct,” Johnson told the Pioneer. “Rainbow needs to heal, and that healing is not possible while Jonathan Lee remains in any position of power.”

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The union also claims Lee directed Co-Executive Director Jorge Chamorro to file a police report against Johnson the same day, over a routine administrative change to Lee’s Google account access. Johnson, the center’s only Black staff member, was reported to Concord Police for what staff describe as a standard adjustment reflecting Lee’s board-level status.

These actions, the union alleges, violate California’s whistleblower protection law—Labor Code Section 1102.5—and constitute retaliation, racial discrimination, and abuse of power.

The letter also accuses Lee of violating the National Labor Relations Act by interfering with collective bargaining rights and bypassing procedures—issues now under review by the National Labor Relations Board.

Lee is further accused of demanding ongoing Google Admin access to internal systems—privileges typically reserved for executive staff—raising concerns about conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance.

“Jonathan Lee’s behavior has created an unsafe and distressing work environment,” the union wrote. “Staff want to focus on serving clients and community members but are now forced to manage the fallout.”

The board has not issued an official response, but leadership appears split.

In a statement to the Pioneer, board president-elect Jassy Mopera defended Lee: “I fully support the truth. As the evidence showed, the truth is in Dr. Lee’s side. I value all the work Dr. Lee has contributed, especially getting us out of a financial crisis.”

Lee declined to respond to questions but posted a lengthy defense of his actions on Facebook.

The union requested a board response by June 6. As of press time, no public action had been announced.

Founded more than 30 years ago, the Rainbow Community Center serves 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families across Contra Costa County with youth and senior programs, counseling, HIV prevention, and events. Its mission centers equity, racial justice, and healing.