Political life in California is heating up! That means our League members have got to start paying attention. On June 3rd we will have our California primaries. Before us are at least two State ballot measures. Proposition 41 is a Veterans Housing and Homeless Bond Act and Proposition 42 is a Legislative Constitutional Amendment regarding public records and public right of access. We will also have all our State Constitutional Officers up for reelection, as well as our Mayor, two council members, AUSD will need two members and the Healthcare District will need three new Directors. In addition our Assembly member will be up for reelection as well our County Supervisor.
In November, we will have an enormous ballot as all the issues involving finances are now required to be in the fall election. Of course we will have candidates as well. This is just a partial list, but it is a call to action! Our work doesn’t happen magically and if you have a few hours to volunteer, it would be much appreciated.
There are two ways you can get involved. We have our Voter Service Committee run very ably by Dorothy Fullerton. Over the next several months, she will start initiating activities such as registering voters, gathering and distributing flyers, setting up speaker forums, and writing up pros and cons for the various measures. In general, doing what the League is poised so well to do. She can’t do it alone so if you’re interested in educating the public please contact Dorothy at dorothy.fullerton@gmail.com
On another front, we have our Action Committee superbly led by Karen Butter. For the next 6 months and perhaps further, this committee will be focused on campaign reform. We will be studying three cities that are close by and similar in size: namely, Davis, Richmond and Walnut Creek. They each have ordinances focusing on campaign finance, full disclosure and enforcement. It is time Alameda creates its own ordinance and becomes more transparent. In that regard, the committee will be meeting with City Clerks in those cities and hopefully have them come to a public forum here in Alameda so we can learn what they are doing and if it would a model for our City. Come study and learn by contacting karenbutter@comcast.net and help the League put together a public spring forum.
Finally, there are two League activities that require travel. On May 17 and 18 the League of Women Voters of California will be holding a Leadership Council gathering in San Jose. These two days are filled with interesting activities and discussions. In addition, the League of Women Voters United States is holding its convention in Dallas from June 6 – 10th. Both promise excellent speakers and high level debates. If you are interested in either you can contact me at felicez@ymail.com for more information. The League is very busy. Do you have a contribution to make?
Now that we are becoming totally electronic, you can view all our activities at www.lwvalameda.org .
Felice Zensius Co-President
CALENDAR
OF
EVENTS
3/7 - First Friday Social Dinner No host informal gathering of League members and friends for dinner and friendship. Meet at Pier 29, 1148 Ballena Blvd, Alameda, CA 94501. Contact Robby Kiley at (510) 764-1022 to RSVP.
3/20 - Board meeting Board meetings are held at Alameda Hospital, Conference Room C starting at 7 pm. All members of the League and the public are invited to attend.
3/24 - Book Club Book club meets at Applebee's Restaurant, 2263 South Shore Center from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. on the 4th Monday of the month. See article below. Contact Anne Spanier at (510) 522-3426 for additional information.
3/27 - Forum - State of the AUSD League's annual forum featuring AUSD board President Margie Sherrett and Superintendent Kirsten Vital highlighting the accoomplishments of 2013 and the challenges the District will face in 2014. See PROGRAM COMMITTEE report below.
Save these dates in April
4/4 - First Friday Social Dinner 4/17 - Board meeting 4/28 - Book Club 4/23 - Meet Your Public Officials
Plus 6/14 - Annual Meeting and Luncheon
SUMMARY of BOARD ACTION
BOARD BRIEFS 2/14
Motion passed: to fund up to three delegates to the National Convention in Dallas as budgeted.
The Action Committee continues to work on creating a Campaign Finance Reform ordinance in Alameda.
Motion passed to refer to LWVUS a recommendation to review and update its existing position on Campaign Finances.
The LWV Alameda Action Committee is working on two aspects of Campaign Finance Reform. In order to understand the implications and opportunities for cities of comparable size to Alameda committee members are planning to consult with neighboring cities who have enacted some level of campaign finance reform. Specifically, we are looking at communities such as Walnut Creek, Richmond and Davis. While Berkeley and Oakland have strong CFR ordinances covering contribution limits, disclosure and an ethics commission their size does not provide suitable models for Alameda. The committee is also working to develop a general program on some aspect of CFR for June following the very successful program last Fall.
Additionally the committee is inviting League members who are interested in working on campaign finance reform to join us. It's a great opportunity to learn more about CFR and work on area critical to citizen particpation in politics. Please consider joining us to explore how to implement CFR in Alameda! Contact Karen Butter at karenbutter@comcast.net to get involved.
ACTION COMMITTEE - SPECIAL REPORT
Recently, The IRS contacted all LWVUS requesting comments to a proposed change in regulations which would have a significant impact on the League's mission of educating voters. Following is the LWVAlameda's comments submitted to the IRS:
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ALAMEDA comments :
The League of Women Voters of Alameda (California) has a well-established program working with local high schools to register graduating seniors to vote. In the high schools we explain about the importance of the voting process and how the voting system works in our community.
The League also prepares a voters’ guide including all the candidates and we sponsor candidate forums for voters to hear and question those candidates. In candidate’s forums, the League maintains a nonpartisan environment giving equal time to all candidates and random choice on the order of candidates to answer questions from the public. These sessions are recorded and available on the internet for later viewing. In California, there are as many as 15-20 measures on each ballot that citizens must study and vote on.
The Alameda League sponsors impartial meetings on the ballot measures describing their intent, possible impact, the sponsors and opponents, and the financial implications. For local measures, the League develops educational materials as well. These activities are designed to educate voters and encourage participation in elections. The public views the league as a nonpartisan source of election information. Nonpartisan voter service activities will be jeopardized if the proposed IRS definition of “candidate-related political activity” includes such efforts to inform voters.
The League of Women Voters of Alameda strongly urges the IRS to correct that proposed definition and instead to apply the “facts and circumstances” tests currently used by the IRS for 501(c)(3) organizations to 501(c)(4) organizations as well. Citizens need assistance and education to fully participate in the electoral process.
At the same time, the League of Women Voters of Alameda believes the “dark money” system of campaign financing and political activity must be stopped. The IRS should prohibit “candidate-related political activity” by 501(c) (4) organizations. Such activity, which includes any form of mass communication that clearly identifies candidates and political parties, can be directed to tax-exempt 527 organizations, which can carry out any activities they want, but with the requirement that the source of funding be disclosed. Voters deserve to know who is paying for campaign activities.
Truly nonpartisan voter services activities, such as those provided by the League of Women Voters at the national, state and local levels should be allowed and encouraged. Activities that support specific candidates and political parties should have to disclose all the sources of their funding. Our democracy can thrive only when its citizens are informed and aware.
The League of Women Voters of Alameda urges the IRS to change its regulations to stop the secret “dark money” that pollutes our elections. We need real transparency and tough rules to stop “candidate-related political activity” by these organizations.
Karen Butter - Action Chair
League of Women Voters of Alameda (California)
BOOK CLUB
Anne Spanier annespanierleague@att.net
On Monday March 24 The LWVA book club will meet to discuss "Come Back to Afghanistan: by Said Hyder Akbar. The story is of a 17 year old who grew up in California the son of an Afghanistani who immigrated to America. After 9/11 his father returned to Afghanistan to assist Pres. Karzi in the rebuilding of that country. Said spent summers with his father and recounts his personal story of the troubled years there. The group meets at Applebee's Restaurant,2263 South Shore Center from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. on the 4th Monday of the month. Contact Anne Spanier at (510) 522-3426 for additional information.
Over the last several months, the Communications Committee has been working on developing a "communications brand" that is more user friendly to those that want to connect with the Alameda League.
Our new website address is: LWVAlameda.org.
Our Facebook address is: Facebook.com/LWVAlameda
Our Youtube Channel can
be found by searching: LWVAlameda
There is new League email address in the works as well. More "branding" updates will be announced in the coming months.
Welcome to 2014!! Our annual report to Nationals on January 31st showed our Alameda League at 106 paid members. We have grown to 110 members at this time, thanks to renewing members and new members (shown below).
We have a very exciting year ahead! Through new tech programs, such as Mailchimp, Facebook, website, etc, our exposure in the community is growing. Coupled with thought-provoking programs, an election year and exciting social events, we have a year full of advocation and education in store for us.
With so much to plan, many committees are in great need of member assistance.
As you read this edition of the VOTER, if a topic hits home with you or an activity interests you, please do not hesitate to raise your hand (even virtually, through an email) and let us know you would like to get further involved. No experience necessary, just motivation and interest suggested! If you would like to get further involved, but don’t know where to start, consider attending the next New Member Orientation, planned for March 29th 10:00 am at the High Street Station (1303 High Street, Alameda). This is open to new and returning members. Nothing formal, just coffee and pastries in a casual environment! We'll talk about the League, committees and how you can be involved.
If you have a specific thought on Membership for the League including comments and suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at blaze00031@aol.com. My role is not to simply have you as a member, but to assist you in being active and enjoying your membership. Let me know what I can do to help with this goal.
Please join me in welcoming our new and returning members:
Plan on joining other League members to hear the accomplishments and milestones AUSD achieved in 2013 and what challenges 2014 will bring. This District will be implimenting Common Core Standards, finalizing a Facilities Master Plan, potentially voting to place a facilities bond measure on the November ballot, and may be required to issue refunds to commercial property owners who over paid a parcel tax.
AUSD Board President Margie Sherratt addressed the League's first State of the AUSD forum back in 2012. She returns to the podium joined by Superintendent of Schools Kirsten Vital(above) Doors open at 6:30 for coffee and conversation. Bring your questions, and invite your friends and neighbors!
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
27 ATTEND LWVA SOCIAL AT
CHICHA PERUVIAN BISTRO
League members socialize
The scene at Chicha
In February, League members travelled to Webster Street to enjoy contemporary Peruvean cuisine from Chicha Bistro. (Click HERE for website)
Carolina Yong, one of our newest League members is the owner and provided us with a wonderful dining experience. In addition to great, authentic food at reasonable proces, Chicha service Pisco Sours, the national drink of Peru. Many members left with a full stomach and a big smile thanks to Carolina and her staff.
T H A N K Y O U !
MARCH 7 • FIRST FRIDAY SOCIAL AT PIER 29
The March No-Host informal gathering of LWVAlameda members and guests for dinner and friendship will be held at Pier 29 Friday, March 7th beginning at 5:30 for pre-dinner socializing around Pier 29's bar. Robby Kiley will be taking RSVP's until Thursday morning at noon.
To RSVP, clickHERE. To check out the regular dinner menu, clickHERE. To check out the Early Bird dinner menu, clickHERE. To get directions to Pier 29, clickHERE.
The League remains in a strong cash position. We have a cash balance of $15,422 and a CD containing $10,040. We have no outstanding obligations at this time.
During January, we received $3,465 and spent only $250. Our receipts were primarily dues, bringing our paid membership up to 110 members. In addition, we also received donations in excess of $500.
Now that this year’s membership drive has been completed, we can fairly compare our current cash position with that of last year. Despite having more members on February 1 than we did last year, our actual cash position is less favorable by $894. It’s still possible that a strong MYPO event in April will offset that difference. As we move toward the end of our fiscal year on June 30, however, it appears likely that total expenses for the year will have slightly exceeded total revenues.
PROGRAM PLANNING UPDATE
At its February 2014 meeting, the LWV Alameda board approved the results of our January Program Planning meeting. The January meeting was well attended, and our thanks go to our hostess, Elizabeth Bechtold.
After going over the Summary of Public Policy Positions by the LWVUS, the group focused on and expressed interest and consensus on the following issues:
1. REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT
Campaign Finance - We should take a new look at campaign financing. Specifically we should review and update full disclosure in light of Citizens United to enhance the public’s right to know, combat corruption and undue influence…No dark money.
2. NATURAL RESOURCES
We must address the causes and consequences of climate change, either by initiating a new study or in concurrence with an existing League position. We wish to pursue a strong position on curbing climate changes.
3. SOCIAL POLICY
We would like more specificity on the issues as listed. The language is too broad and duplicative making it less meaningful. For example, “Education, Employment and Housing…support equal access to education, employment and housing”. Could anyone disagree with that? Does that say anything?
4. Gun Control
Should be changed to gun safety…a less ‘explosive’ term of art.
5. Other Issues
PARTICIPATION - There is an overall need to better inform local leagues when other leagues are taking positions. Better use of social media.
PRIMARIES – Since States have many different electoral practices, we would like to see a LWVUS ‘best practices’ policy statement on conduct of elections from beginning to end. Knowing that elections are within the purview of the States and that State practices have a major impact on national elections, we believe some general guidelines for all States would be extremely useful.
The LWVA is willing to ask the LWVUS for concurrence with the LWV New Jersey position on Human Trafficking.
The LWVA is willing to join with the LWV Massachusetts in asking the LWVUS to review and update the existing position on campaign finance in light of the impact of Supreme Court decisions in the last 40 years on the nation's campaign finance system.
Not a member of the League of Women Voters of Alameda?
Click HERE to download a membership form.
The League relies on membership dues and donations to support our educational programs, candidates forums, and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of Alameda is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your membership dues and donations are tax deductible. You can download a contribution form by clicking HERE.
League of Women Voters of Alameda
Board of Directors 2013 - 2014
Co-Presidents Administrative VP Program VP Kate Quick Felice Zensius Robertamarie Kiley Ruth Dixon-Mueller Secretary Treasurer Action Chair. Earleen Hamlin Ted Fry Karen Butter Voter Services Chair. Membership Chair. Communications Chair. Dorothy Fullerton Gayle Thomas Jeff Cambra
At Large
Marian Breitbart Jessi Bushey Juelle-Ann Boyer Shubha Fanse Donna VaughnMike Williams Alice Wilson-Fried
You are receiving this email because you are a member of the League of Women Voters of Alameda, or because you requested to be put on the distribution list for the monthly newsletter.
Our mailing address is:
League of Women Voters of Alameda
P.O. Box 1645
Alameda, CA 94501
