League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
VOTER
February 2015

February 3, 2015

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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.



February is our birthday month and you will be hearing bits of League history throughout the month. The organization, the 'League of Women Voters" was formed 95 years ago on Valentine's Day in St. Louis, Missouri, as leaders began to feel confident that the 19th Amendment would be ratified. Carrie Chapman Catt was our first president and here are a few interesting facts about her life and influence. LWV Santa Monica is "only" 81, the second oldest League in Los Angeles County. We are joining other Leagues around the state and nation as we begin to plan for the 100th.

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Many of you know about our excellent and reliable election information and our community events.

What's not always so widely understood is how we develop positions to guide effective advocacy.

Local, County, State and National Leagues' advocacy is based on carefully studied positions backed by consensus reached by local leagues like our own. That's why we call the League a grassroots organization, and it's why our reputation is so powerful.

And it's why we have what we call program planning meetings where local leagues get together to decide what we want county, state and national Leagues to focus on and possibly study.

For instance, a few weeks ago we met and recommended a study and areas of emphasis to the LWV of California. This May, a contingent of LWVSM voting delegates will attend the LWVC convention in San Diego, where together with delegates from throughout the state we'll vote on these issues. Of course, we'll let you know the results.

This Spring we'll have a local program planning to review local positions and consider possible local areas of study.

In the future, we'll have program planning meetings for County and National Leagues. These meetings are a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the League of Women Voters.

You can also get involved in a study. This year we'll kick off our participation in a State study on higher public education at an upcoming community meeting. More to come soon on that.

And don't forget to join us for Luncheon with Mayor Kevin McKeown on February 28. I know I'm looking forward to hearing from our new Mayor as we share delicious, healthy food in a spiffy venue across the street from Palisades Park.

Ann K. Williams, President

League of Women Voters of Santa Monica

p.s. Do you want to get together to talk about all the League has to offer in 2015? Meet us for cocktails on Wednesday, February 11 at 6 p.m. at Shutters on the Beach at the end of Pico Blvd. A special invitation to all members celebrating birthdays this month. We plan to make this a monthly event.

LWVC NEWS

Convention is coming.
The first call to Convention went out February 1. The dates are May 15-17 in San Diego, with special events on the 14th.

The big, unusual event that could only happen in San Diego is the Border Tour on Thursday the 14th. With much member interest in issues surrounding immigration, the San Diego area members have arranged a special bus tour visiting both sides of the border talking to border officials, visiting a home for recently deported mothers and children and much more. The linked flyer has all the details. If you are interested in this we advise you to book early as it is an expected sell out.

We also have flyers for two other events--the Friday Night Dinner sponsored by the hosting League and walking lunchtime tours of the Gaslamp Quarter where our hotel is located.

More convention information about speakers, workshops and caucuses as the time grows nearer.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lunch with the Mayor

This is our next major event upcoming February 28, 11:30a.m. at Seasons 52, right on Ocean Avenue at Broadway. The linked flyer has RSVP information and menu choices. This is a LWVSM tradition in the February after council elects a new mayor. Mayor McKeown is an experienced council member with a deep understanding of Santa Monica and I am sure we will have many questions for him. Book early to assure space.

Other Events

Board meetings are open to all members They are on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30p.m. Contact information is below.

Ann referred to the study of Public Higher Education in California with a focus on access and affordability. We are currently planning a mid-March meeting to talk about these issues from the student viewpoint. More information in the next few weeks.

And save the date for Women Who Shape Santa Monica Reception March 26 at Ocean House. We have wonderful honorees and a special guest will be the President of the League of Women Voters of California, Helen Hutchison. Save the date!

Plans for April and May events are underway!

DID YOU KNOW?
What is next for the Civic? Last weekend was the two day workshop to discuss not only what we would like to see but how it could be paid for. For those of us who missed the real time version, we can still provide input. This awesome technology that balances dreams and budget reality is available on line until February 14.

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