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.

September 1 , 2015

As we write Santa Monica is still in the middle of a late summer heat wave, but fall is in the air. There somehow seems to be a change in the energy. Kids are back in school, college has started here, summer vacations are just memories and Facebook pages, and Vin Scully has promised to be the voice of the Dodgers for another year. Now THAT is planning ahead.

That fall "new year" energy is prompting League planning. First is the fall membership luncheon September 19th with Rick Cole, our new city manager, as guest speaker. This is the beginning of a new membership year, a pot luck (meaning guaranteed good food) no-charge event, the ideal time to invite a friend and introduce them to the League. See below for reservations.

In October and November we will be holding consensus meetings on the two national studies, both part of our approach to opposing Citizens United. In October we will examine ways to amend the constitution, in November we will consider Money in Politics, possible changes in our positions on campaign finances. Save the date information below.

Any of our readers can attend any meeting, but only members in good standing can take part in the consensus part of these meetings. If these issues are a passion of yours, or just a real concern, consider joining now.

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

It's September!

September is a busy month for us all, as summer winds to a close and our "regular" schedules kick in.

It's become the month when our local League focuses on membership. That means if you're already a member you can look forward to receiving a renewal letter and schedule of upcoming events in the mail. And if you're not, well, what are you waiting for!

Membership in the League ensures that you can fully participate in the studies we have planned for this year. It also means that you'll actively support the good work of the State and National Leagues.

For example, the LWV of California is hard at work supporting vital climate change legislation. And our members can participate in this year's Access to Higher Public Education state study consensus meeting. That means you'll be able to help shape the state position that will guide legislative advocacy in Sacramento.

The LWVUS is fighting for voters' rights throughout the country. If you join, you can also have a voice in formulating national positions on Amending the U.S. Constitution and on Campaign Finance Legislation at the federal level by participating in our consensus meetings in October and November.

So, if you are a member, renew and if not, join! You can do both here.

And be sure to come to our membership meeting where you'll get a chance to meet our new City Manager, Rick Cole.

See you there!

Ann Williams
President

LWVC NEWS

Legislative session draws to a close

This year's session is near the final days, September 11 is the closing date. This weeks actions in the Appropriations Committee sealed the fate of some bills, let others go on to a floor vote and, if passed, to the governor's desk. You can follow the fate of League supported bills on our Bill Status Report.

Two crucial climate change bills, SB 32 and SB 350, will be voted on in the full Assembly soon. If your assembly person supports these bills, give them your support as the oil industry is pushing hard to block these changes. If they do not support these critically important bills, or if you just don't know, please urge them to do so.

Then share our action alert on Facebook and Twitter,

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 19, 11:00a.m.

Fall Membership Luncheon
Guest Speaker: City Manager Rick Cole
Private home, directions with RSVP to Pres
This is a special opportunity to bring a prospective member and introduce them to the League as well as meet our new city manager in a small group setting.

September 26, 10:00a.m.
County Fall League Day--Voter Outreach
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pasadena

Ideas for reaching non-voters and getting out the vote.
More information and a reservation form are here.

September 28, 6:30p.m.
Regular Board Meeting All members are welcome
Call or email for location

October 24
Save the date Consensus meeting on Constitutional Amendments
Time and location to be determined.

November 14, 1:00p.m. Save the date

Consensus meeting on Money in Politics
Location to be determined

Did You Know

Water Use is Down

Water use in Santa Monica for July was down 24.72% from July 2013, well over the goal of 20%. We "only" used 328.20 million gallons, compared to 436.00 million in July of 2013. Per capita residual use was 21.90 less than the state wide average of 97.32 gallons. We are learning how to save water, now we need to make a habit of these good behaviors. Little things, multiplied by many can, make a big difference.

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