Logo   
League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
VOTER

May 2014 

May 13, 2014
LWVSM 80th Anniversary Logo
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Social Media

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter 

Donate

 Join Us

Join the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica

Our Mission
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Diversity Policy
The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica in both its values and practices, affirms its belief and commitment to diversity and pluralism, which means there shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of the LWV on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
More Election News

The May 3 Forum for the Third District Supervisor's seat was very successful.  For those of you who could not make it in person, the entire forum is up on YouTube for your convenience.  


The League of Women Voters of California, together with California State PTA, hosted a forum for the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a state wide office, last Friday.  We don't yet have a direct link but it will soon be available at lwvc.org.  Follow us on Facebook to know when it is up.

The most vexing decision for many voters is choosing among the candidates for judges.  Much good information on all candidates is available at SmartVoter.org.  Another source of good information is the L.A. County Bar Association.  

Monday, May 19th is the last day to register to vote on June 3rd.  You must reregister if you have moved, changed your name or wish to change your party registration.  

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Civic Education

 

A new class of Seniors will be graduating soon, and many of them will be eligible to vote. Are they well enough educated in their civic responsibilities to make the most of this right and privilege?

 

Last week, LWVSM Vice President Barbara Inatsugu and I addressed Jenna Dillon-Gasparino's English class at Santa Monica High School. The students had been studying a controversial referendum and wanted to know how to analyze it in an unbiased way - something we at the League do every election season.

 

It was exciting to hear their pointed questions, and we look forward to mentoring them as they refine their analyses.

 

They're on board and eager to learn and the League of Women Voters is there to help them.

 

Last March, LWV California President Jennifer Waggoner joined State Superintendent for Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye as they established the California Task Force on K-12 Civics Learning which has created the draft proposal: 

 

 

Waggoner serves on a sub-committee to create a blueprint to address curriculum, instruction, and resources. For more information about the State League's involvement, go to to this website or go on the Yahoo Group the LWVC has created so you can participate in the process.  

 

Our democracy will soon be in the hands of these young voters. Let's give them the first-class civics education they deserve.

 

May Cocktail Social

 

Save the date for another fun get together on May 29th.  More details in the May 27th Update.

 

MORE ELECTION INFORMATION

Measures on the Ballot  
There are only two state wide measures on this ballot.  The Pros and Cons for each are available on our website. 
 

Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond Act of 2014

 

Proposition 41

Should California sell $600 million in new general obligation bonds to fund affordable multifamily housing for low-income veterans?

Read details �


Public Records. Open Meetings. State Reimbursement to Local Agencies

 

Proposition 42

Should the state Constitution be amended to require local governments to comply with state public-access laws, and to eliminate the requirement that the state reimburse local governments for the costs of such compliance?

Read details 


 MEMBER NEWS
Dr. Louise Jaffe, LWVSM member and member of the Board of Trustees at SMC has been selected President of the California Community College Trustees.  More on this great news is here.

 

DID YOU KNOW

Climate Change is a major focus of LWV from the national level down.  League members are invited to the CA Climate Change Exchange (CA-CCX) second free forum on Sunday, May 18, at 1:00PM (Doors open at 12:30) at the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St.  It is free but you must RSVP due to limited space.  More information and RSVP at
 
There will be NO Update on May 20th as we will be at LWVC Leadership Council.  Last Election related news on May 27!

League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
P. O. Box 1265
Santa Monica, CA 90406
Phone: 310-692-1494
www.lwvsantamonica.org  

 

Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter