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League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
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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.
 

June 14, 2015  

Next Sunday is Flag Day memorial_day12.jpg
a holiday that is often forgotten as we don't get an extra day off.  Take time to remember.
 
Then the next Saturday, June 20th, is our annual meeting.  We urge members to attend.  This is your opportunity to participate in the business of the League as we elect officers, adopt a budget, and plan our focus for the coming League year.

After the business meeting and a sandwich and salad buffet, we will hear from our guest speaker, David Martin, Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Santa Monica.

You may make reservations via Paypal on our website  
or by mailing a check to the address below.  Visitors are welcome, this is a good opportunity to learn more about the League, but will not be allowed to vote.

Don't forget to bring the Annual Meeting Kit you were mailed last month! 
PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Civil Discourse - Making Democracy Work

 

Most people these days would agree that we've become politically divided - on a national scale all the way down into our communities. And while differences of opinion can be healthy and fruitful, when we stop treating each other with respect, democracy breaks down.

 

That's why I was so excited to attend the presentation on Civil Discourse at last month's LWVC State Convention. Leagues are taking the lead in promoting and facilitating courteous, constructive interactions between citizens so vital to the proper functioning of our democracy.

 

Here's what some of our sister Leagues have done or are doing to foster Civil Discourse:

           And in case you think this is a recent issue, here's what George Washington had to say about civility (some of the rules are out-of-date, to say the least, but the spirit hasn't changed).    

 

More to come in future months on this topic - I hope you find it as inspiring as I do!

 

Ann Williams

 

  LWVC NEWS
LWVC Joins Coalitions 

The LWVC has joined two new coalitions. One, Make It Fair, is to close the commercial property tax loophole in Prop 13. This movement to reform California's property tax system protects home owners and renters as well as small business owners. The first step is educating people and communities about the need for this change. Watch for information about how your League can get involved. More information is available on their web site .

 

We have also joined California Delivers, a broad coalition devoted to the implementation and advancement of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32 of 2006). Their web site has more information.

 

LWVUS NEWS
First Background Paper Available - Money in Politics Review

The first of the background papers for the Money in Politics Review is posted on the MIP page in the League Management website. This paper, Definitions for Money in Politics Terms, outlines the definitions for terms that are found in statutes dealing with campaign finance reporting. For inquiries on the MIP Review, you can contact Barbara Zia at
This is previously suggested reading:

The MIP Review Committee has added two books to the Suggested Reading List:
Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin's Snuff Box to Citizens United by Zephyr Teachout and 

Buying the Vote by Robert Mutch. Leagues are encouraged to use these and other suggested readings to get a head start on the MIP Review.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS
June 20, 10:00a.m. 
Annual Meeting,     
Ken Edwards Center
Make reservations here

July 18, 10:00a.m.  
Popovers in Pasadena  
The traditional Summer County League Day
Guest speaker, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
Save the date and reserve early.  This will be a sellout!   
DID YOU KNOW?
Washing machines and toilets use almost half the water used inside your home.  Rebates are available to help you replace both with water saving ones.  For more information visit smgov.net/water

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League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
P. O. Box 1265
Santa Monica, CA 90406

www.lwvsantamonica.org   

 

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