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League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
VOTER

March 2015 

March 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.
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Mayor McKeown, with mike, speaking

Mayor McKeown speaking at Lunch with the Mayor

last Saturday.  More pictures on our Facebook page, more about the day in the "President's Corner."

This next Saturday, March 7, is our first local meeting around the LWVC study of access to public higher education in California.  We are learning there are more barriers to access than just financial.  This is an opportunity to hear directly from the students.  We will meet in Business 111 on the SMC main campus.  Free parking near the door. The event is free but we do need reservations for a light lunch.  This is the first meeting of a year long study.  Let us know if you would like to take an active role in this study.

Our next major event is Women Who Shape Santa Monica, Thursday evening, March 26, in the lovely penthouse of Ocean House, 2107 Ocean Ave.  Honorees this year are, in alphabetical order, Rochelle Fanali, Julia Miele, Julie Rusk, and, for the Christobal Pankhurst Award, Sandy Jacobson.  Our special guest that evening will be LWVC President Helen Hutchison.  Come join us for wine and cheese, a beautiful sunset over the ocean and pier and honoring these special women.  Flyer with RSVP information is here.
PRESIDENT'S CORNER

This is a busy season for the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica. We just closed February with a well-attended luncheon with Mayor Kevin McKeown. As we enjoyed a healthy and delicious lunch overlooking the ocean at Seasons 52, Mayor McKeown shared his thoughts on election reform and public participation in government, two areas of long-standing importance to the League.

 

Mayor McKeown pointed out that last fall's election for city council was the most expensive yet, and urged us to consider local election financing reform. He also discussed the importance of fact-based dialogue as the community comes together to debate the major local issues of the day, including land use and zoning.

 

We're not losing a beat as we invite the community to our next event, this coming Saturday, March 7. The League is hosting a forum on access to public higher education moderated by Santa Monica College Trustee Louise Jaffe and featuring students who will share their real-life experiences overcoming obstacles to success in college. This article in the Santa Monica Mirror will tell you more, as will our calendar listing.

 

And on Thursday evening, March 26 we'll gather at the Ocean House Penthouse overlooking the Santa Monica Pier to celebrate Women Who Shape Santa Monica. This year we're honoring Human Services Manager for the City of Santa Monica Julie Rusk, Santa Monica YWCA Director Julia Miele, Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council President Rochelle Fanali and League Member and Candidate forum moderator Sandy Jacobson. LWVC President Helen Hutchinson will also be on hand to help with the festivities. See coming newsletters and our facebook page as the date approaches.

 

We are excited about these and other coming events, and hope to see you there!

 

Ann Williams

President

  

LWVUS NEWS
Action Alert
This week, President Obama fulfilled his promise to veto legislation approving the Keystone XL (KXL) pipeline! The League is proud to stand behind the President's veto because the pipeline is not in our national interest. 
But the fight is not over-President Obama and the U.S. State Department must still make a final decision on the Keystone XL pipeline.
UPCOMING EVENTS

March 7, 11:00a.m. 

First meeting around the LWVC Study of Public Higher Education in California with a focus on access and affordability, this one from the student viewpoint.  Business 111 with parking at the door. RSVP to [email protected] to reserve a lunch.  No charge. Please see the flyer for full details.

March 9, 6:00p.m.  
Film screening and celebration of Women's History Month, The Annex, Pico Library  
March 23, 6:30p.m.  Board Meeting   
March 26, 7:00p.m. 
Women Who Shape Santa Monica again in the beautiful penthouse at Ocean House.  More information above and here.
March 28, 10:00a.m.
County Inter League Convention Carson Center in Carson. Guest speaker County Supervisor Hilda Solis. All members are welcome to attend. Flyer and more information available
April 25  
This will be a look at Water issues from the state level legislative and governmental viewpoint down to regional and local issues and decisions.  Watch for information as to time and location. 
 
DID YOU KNOW?
Less than a week to go!
Next Saturday night we spring forward.  Daylight savings time arrives again, another hour of spring evenings.  This means Women Who Shape Santa Monica will start about sunset.
 



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

 

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