Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. | The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.
Vol 65 | Issue 3 | Date: March 11, 2023 |
League Members Participate in Legislative Interviews
By Julie Rodewald
Voter Service Director
“The experience of sitting in on a legislative interview was another opportunity to see how the League engages in the democratic process.” Ed Cabrera, Interview participant.
Every year, the League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) encourages local League members to interview their state legislators or staff. Legislative interviews provide an opportunity for legislators to share their priorities with local Leagues and develop an understanding of League positions and priorities. Local Leagues learn about plans for state legislation that may impact their communities. Furthermore, the state League learns more about legislators and the interests of local Leagues, gaining information useful in planning statewide advocacy and education.
This year the interview questions covered topics such as the shrinking voter participation gap, equitable funding for California’s School Facilities Programs, and sustainable and equitable water resource management. In addition, Legislators were asked to discuss their own priorities and where they stand on local issues of importance.
Seven San Luis Obispo County League members participated in the interviews along with League members from our neighboring counties – Santa Cruz and Monterey – for interviews with Senator John Laird and Assemblymember Dawn Addis. We participated with LWV Santa Barbara and Santa Maria for the interview with Assemblymember Gregg Hart. After each interview, reports summarizing the responses were submitted to LWVC.
This year’s interviews were especially important as Assemblymembers Addis and Hart just recently started their careers in state government, and it was our first opportunity to get to know them. Each of the legislators gave our teams an hour of their time and we were able to discuss not only the interview questions, but also how the league can support their priorities. They were all familiar and supportive of the work of the League. Assemblyperson Addis specifically mentioned LWV San Luis Obispo County’s civil discourse work and its importance to governmental bodies. I think I can speak for all of the members who participated that it was time well spent collaborating with other Leagues and engaging in these conversations with those who will help shape our future in California.
For more in depth information on the questions, see the Legislative Interview Kit here.
To review the Legislators’ responses see the reports here.
| LEAGUE ASSISTS WITH PASO ROBLES SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION |
League Members Empower, Educate, and Encourage Voters In Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Election
On April 18, a special election will be held in Paso Robles JUSD to select a school district trustee to fill a vacancy on the school board. The school board appointed a replacement for the vacancy in October 2022, however a petition to terminate this provisional appointment was circulated and obtained the requisite number of signatures to require the special election. Two candidates are vying for the vacant seat and all voters in the district are entitled to participate in the election.
League members have stepped up to encourage, educate, and empower voters in this important election.
ENCOURAGE: On Friday, March 3, the high school voter registration team addressed three classrooms of seniors at Paso Robles High School and registered more than 50 students, 18 of whom will be eligible to vote on April 18. During the discussion on the importance of every election, these students were excited to be able to vote so soon in an election that could have a direct impact on their remaining time in school.
EDUCATE: The League is partnering with the Paso Robles AAUW (American Association of University Women) and the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District to moderate a forum for candidates on Wednesday, March 22, from 7 to 9 pm. The forum will be held at the Paso Robles JUSD Board Room, 800 Niblick Road in Paso Robles and will be livestreamed and archived for later viewing on PRJUSD Broadcasts and on the League’s YouTube channel.
EMPOWER: League members are participating as poll workers and hosting a polling place on April 18 as part of the county’s Adopt a Poll program. Even though all registered voters will be mailed vote-by-mail ballots, polling places on election day are an important local resource for voters to turn in voted ballots, receive a replacement ballot, or participate in same day voter registration if they have recently moved. Additionally, some voters prefer to cast their ballot at the polling place to ensure it is counted on election night.
If you live in the Paso Robles JUSD district, the deadline to register to vote is April 3. Vote by mail ballots will be mailed beginning March 20. For more information on the election, visit www.slovote.com and most importantly, VOTE on April 18. | What: 2023 Special Election for Paso Robles JUSD Board of Trustees
When: Wed, March 22, 2023 at 7 pm
Where: Paso Robles JUSD Board Room, 800 Niblick Rd, Paso Robles
Livestreamed on PRJUSD Broadcasts.
Find more information on our website here. | | | THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT |
The Equal Rights Amendment. Again.
The ERA was first passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification in 1972. The process of ratification has been a long and tortuous one in the 50 years since then. Here’s where we are now: Pending the outcome of a current debate in the Senate and numerous court decisions, there may be enough ‘yes’ votes from states in the coming months to adopt the amendment.
On February 28, the U.S. Senate held a hearing in the Committee on the Judiciary on a joint resolution affirming the validity of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as part of the Constitution. Some have argued that the time limit has expired to enact the ERA and certain states have rescinded their votes in support of the amendment.
Virginia Kase Solomon, CEO of the League of Women Voters US, submitted a statement to the Committee on behalf of the League supporting the final adoption of the amendment. The League supports the final publication of the fully ratified ERA and notes that in 2020 Virginia became the 38th and final state needed to meet the three-fourths state ratification threshold. The League also notes that Congress can take action to address any doubt about the validity of the ERA.
Read her statement here. | SLO COUNTY 5-YEAR HOMELESSNESS PLAN | Support Regional Compact on Homelessness Now!
In August 2022 the Board of Supervisors adopted a countywide plan to reduce homelessness by 50% in 5 years. An important part of the plan is the creation of a Regional Compact on Homelessness which will enable the County and all 7 incorporated cities to allocate responsibilities and resources efficiently.
The implementation of the Regional Compact needs to occur during the current goal-setting and budgeting cycles of all jurisdictions. It is important for each jurisdiction to adopt Housing and Homelessness as a priority goal in its current budget cycle, including a plan to join the Regional Compact. If a jurisdiction does not, it may not be able to include the Regional Compact in the actual work plans it sets for staff.
The Regional Compact is an essential part of the plan’s efforts to improve coordination among jurisdictions. Lack of effective coordination is one of the main shortcomings of the current system.
Some jurisdictions, like San Luis Obispo City, have already included housing and homelessness as a priority goal, and have committed to seeking ways to work with other jurisdictions on a countywide basis. Some are still working on plans. Now it the time to urge all incorporated cities to make homelessness a priority and agree to take part in developing and approving the Regional Compact on Homelessness.
See LWV SLOCO Action Alert on Regional Compact on Homelessness here.
See LWV SLOCO Letter to the Editor here.
Learn more by reading a Regional Compact on Homelessness presentation by Susan Funk, Chair of the Homeless Services Oversight Council here. | UPCOMING EVENTS & WEBINARS |
Member Meeting on June 10
| Community Resource Fair Addressing The Opioid Crisis
| | What: A community event addressing the mental health and opioid crisis
When: Saturday, March 18, 10 am - 12 pm
Where: Mission Prep High School Gym
682 Palm Street, SLO | | |
Join mental health, addiction treatment, social services, and nonprofit agencies
dedicated to combatting the mental health and opioid addiction crisis in our
communities to learn about programs that can help.
See the flyer here.
For more information call Aspire Counseling Services at 805 329-5595. | Webinar: Different Approaches to Public Safety
Wednesday, April 5 at 10 am
Alternative methods of public safety is a topic of nationwide concern. There is strong evidence
that policies that promote interventions in crises with behavioral health services can improve
outcomes and reduce the chance for unintended violence. In San Luis Obispo County the
Sheriff’s Community Action Team and SLO City’s Mobile Crisis Unit are two models that take an
alternative approach. They are part of a re-imagining what public safety services can be.
The Joyce Foundation is sponsoring a free webinar on Wednesday, April 5, at 10 am called “New National Polling Data on Different Approaches to Public Safety in America.” In this webinar, researchers will present findings from a soon to be released nationwide public opinion poll of likely voters on their views of various approaches to addressing public safety issues. The results are expected to include data on voter’s views on police, crisis response, 911 dispatch, and community violence intervention strategies, among others. The presenters will also discuss the challenges that lie ahead as communities continue to grapple with how to improve public safety while working to minimize the potential harms of the justice system.
Registration is required for this webinar. Register here
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League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County
The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.
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