| April 2023 Volume 50 No. 9 | | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
| | | __________________________________ |  | LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale Annual Community Appeal
Every year at this time our League conducts its Community Appeal. This is when we ask League members and members of the community to help us financially as we continue our work empowering voters and defending democracy. Now more than ever this work is important. We need to inform voters about the issues, help them learn about candidates, and make sure that people are able to register to vote and get to the polls.
To do these things, in addition to the thousands of hours that our members volunteer, it takes money to cover our costs. That’s why we are asking you to donate today.
To donate electronically, go to our website, www.lwvcs.org and click the Donate box or you can mail your donation.
For a tax-deductible donation you can mail a check payable to LWVC Ed Fund or to support the vital and important efforts of running our League, please make your non-deductible donations payable to LWVCS.
Mail all checks to:
League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale
PO Box 2923
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
The need to empower voters and defend democracy is critically important and your financial support allows us to deliver on our mission. Donating to the League is an investment in democracy. Thank you!
in League, Roberta Hollimon and Nancy Smith |
- Community Appeal
- LWVCS Co-Presidents' Letter
- LWVCS Calendar
- LWVCS Coffee Hour - Special Presentation from NEJA
- Updates from Local - Earth Day April 28
- Local Organization News
- State and National News
- LWVCS Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
- LWVCS Committee Updates
- Local Government Updates
- LWV-Bay Area Regional News & Monitor
| __________________________________ | LWVCS Co-Presidents' April, 2023 Letter
US democracy is in decline?
Several major indices suggest that, in fact, US democracy is in decline. A recent report from the Carnegie Endowment identified the following: the Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded the United States to a “flawed democracy” in 2017; Europe’s International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance now classifies the United States as a “backsliding democracy”; and Freedom House shows the United States on one of the fastest downward trajectories of any country.
Democracy vs Tyranny
There are profound differences between a well-run democracy and a tyranny. Our country/our democracy was founded on the belief that the government is run for and by the people, that people have freedom of speech, and hold their elected officials accountable through their vote. Maintaining a Democracy also means that the people have to participate, get informed, and get involved in making things work well. A tyranny doesn’t care what the people think or want and they certainly don’t care about freedom of speech. It is up to the people to elect representatives that believe and work for our democratic principles.
Many organizations, prominently including LWV, understand the threats to our democracy. LWV is working hard to reverse these threats by: Improving voter access, mobilize all voters, improving voter education and voter protections, and promoting transparency and accountability in government. All of these efforts are necessary but still not sufficient.
What more is LWVCS doing?
For some time, as led by Marieann Shovlin, we have sponsored many forums on Civil discourse. Our Civil Discourse team recently hosted an excellent event on March 16th where they held a participative workshop conversation around the elements of Equity & Equality.
1. Elaine Manley recently participated in a panel discussion hosted by Sunnyvale’s Unity Group, which included the Islamic Networks Group. The panel representing 4 different ethnicities and 2 religions discussed how to reduce and prevent bigotry in Sunnyvale.
2. Tracey Edwards, just spoke with high school seniors on why democracy matters and what they can do to make our democracy better.
What can you do? Open the dialogue and have civil conversations with people that have different points of view from your own. Join our Civil Discourse group. Small steps are important in reducing the political polarization we experience today. Small steps help build trust. Please get involved. Do not be overwhelmed by the size of the problem. You are not expected to solve the problem, but neither are you free to ignore it. (An interpretation from a statement made in the Talmud)
Community Appeal
This is the time of year that we encourage members and nonmembers alike to donate to our League to help us undertake the efforts described above. Please see the lead article in this edition of the Voter regarding our Annual Appeal. Please contribute to LWVCS to allow us to continue our work. We have made contributing easy. Just go to LWVCS.org and click on the donate button. We need and very much appreciate your support!
Elaine & Tracey, Co-Presidents |  | __________________________________ | League Updates from Around the Bay - See the links and articles below for the latest!
- Check our website calendar for all our events!
- LWVCS Learning Opportunity - Join the Coffee Hour, Thursday, April 20, 11am, NEJA Presentation
- Cupertino Earth Day Celebration - Join us April 22, 10-3 at Cupertino Library Field
- LWV SCC Civil Discourse Committee, April 17, 1pm via ZOOM - join here!
- Save the Date for LWVCS Annual Meeting June 24, 1:30-3:30 - Live and in person Saturday, June 24, 1:30-3:30 at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, 728 West Fremont Avenue (at Hollenbeck) in Sunnyvale
| __________________________________ | | LWVCS Coffee Hour
LWVCS Coffee Hour Chat with Gail Williamson, Director of NEJA
NEJA, itself an all-volunteer organization,
was formed to aid locally based efforts fighting to end
patterns of injustice, particularly those encountered
by the most poorly paid workforces of our nation.
NEJA works with those who are carving out a
definition of equal justice through positive example.
“NEJA operates from a core principle that...
those directly affected by the injustices must take
a lead role in defining the solutions and effecting that change.”
Join Here
| | | __________________________________ | Cupertino Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 22 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Cupertino Library Park
Cupertino’s Earth & Arbor Day Festival invites community members of all ages to learn about environmental issues and solutions in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Cupertino’s Annual Earth Day & Arbor Day Festival is an interactive event that invites community members of all ages to learn about environmental issues and solutions in a family-friendly atmosphere. Consistently attracting thousands of attendees and dozens of partner organizations, the Earth Day & Arbor Day Festival features hands-on activities, live entertainment, and delicious food served by local food trucks.
Help support our community's sustainability efforts by tabling, volunteering, sponsoring, or performing at this one-of-a-kind regional event. Sign up today at cupertino.org/earthday
Attend & enjoy the Fun! | | | __________________________________ |
LWVCS Volunteer Opportunities!
LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale has Opportunities on its Committees – join a fun team, enhance your talents and participate in your League!
We have several Committees that need coordination and additional "hands" - Voter Service, Communications, Database, Activities - and more!
Check out the Committees here!
| __________________________________ |
LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale Events - Participate! - Check out our Calendar of LWVCS Events on our website here!
- If you missed our Meet Tara Sreekrishnan, Santa Clara County Board of Education at our Coffee Hour in February, catch it here.
- Don't miss our April Coffee Hour to hear Gail Williamson of NEJA - join April 20 at 11am here!
- Spring for Education - Fundraising Dinner & Auction to Support Students of Cupertino, Fremont, Homestead, Lynbrook and Monta Vista High Schools
https://fuhsfoundation.org/sp4ed2023/ Join in on April 7, 2023, 5-9pm at Quinlan Center, Cupertino; Event honors Judy & Bill Wilson
Event Program includes: Student Performances, Silent Auction, Sit-down Dinner, Celebrations
- LWVC Convention is scheduled for May 19-21, 2023 in San Francisco. Join in to explore Power and Possibility in the League. Check the website for Convention details here.
| Learning Opportunities in the Bay Area | Neighbor League Events:
- LWV SWSV: GREAT DECISIONS: YOU ARE INVITED!
Our SWSCV League is participating in a foreign policy association’s “Great Decisions’ program” that has flourished for over 60 years. We invite you to join this largest discussion program in America on world affairs.
2023 Great Decision (8) Meetings will take place twice a month, on the 1st & 3rd Fridays, from 10:30-12:30 starting in February.
Apr 7 — Politics in Latin America
Apr 21 — Global Famine
May 5 — Iran and the U.S.
May 19 — Climate Migration
We will be meeting at the Saratoga Senior Centre portable building located at 19655 Allendale Avenue in Saratoga (across from the post office).
The total fee to join is $41 per individual & $46 for couples who are planning to share a workbook.
For more information, please call Ginger Good @ 408-866-1331 or Hana Itani @ 408-838-6416.
- From LWV San Diego on April 13 - The Supreme Court eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by tossing out voter protections in 2013. An upcoming case — Merrill v. Milligan — also deals with an aspect of the Voting Rights Act. Two speakers who follow the rulings of the Supreme Court will discuss this and other important topics before the Court – the Moore v. Harper gerrymandering case, affirmative action, executive action on immigration decisions and the aftermath of the gun rights case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Register here
- LWV Palo Alto Virtual Speaker Event, Wednesday, April 19, 12:00-1:00 featuring Professor Michelle Oberman
The US Abortion War in 2023: A California Perspective, register here.
- LWV/NICD Special Event: Your LWV/NICD network leaders have scheduled the April Network zoom call for Thursday, April 20th at 10am Pacific. Entitled ‘Not Your Grandmother’s Civic Ed: Teaching Hope and Agency to the Next Generation,’ this event falls neatly into the many offerings scheduled for the National Week of Conversation. Attending this energizing presentation is guaranteed to generate conversation and lots of inspiration for your strategy meetings ahead.
Featuring dynamic League presenters from the Greater Pittsburgh LWV, you will be captivated by their achievements in website design, and a website which is populated with graphic ‘fact sheets and explainers.’ Once the deep dive begins, you’ll recognize the quality of their in-depth efforts in civic education and their voter education toolkit, their collaborative partnerships, their use of community grants…..and so much more. Our Pittsburgh colleagues have so much to share, the program is extended from the usual 1-hour format to 90-minutes. Caveat: Be warned. You will head to convention and annual meeting full of ideas and inspiration. Don’t miss out. Sign up today! Click here to register.
Cupertino City Events:
- 2023 Big Bunny 5K at Cupertino
Saturday, April 8 at Cupertino Civic Center, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino
Every year, our city hosts this fun event which is perfect for families and friends to enjoy together during the beautiful springtime. Hope to see you come with your kids and friends.
- Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday, April 29th, 11am to 4pm, at the Cupertino Memorial Park
- Earth Day & Arbor Day Festival
Cupertino's Earth Day & Arbor Day Festival is an interactive event that invites community members of all ages to learn about the environment
City of Cupertino, Sat, 22 April 2023, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM PDT at Cupertino Library Park 10400 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014
| __________________________________ | Civil Discourse Committee
Our regular monthly meetings to update events and plan our 2023 program have begun!
We need your ideas and participation.
Join our next meeting April 17, 1pm here
| __________________________________ | LWV News State & National
California - LWV California Leaders Update: Catch up on program planning results, legislative priorities LWVC info and more here.
LWV National -
News about LWV’s Transformation Journey – Framing the Future
The League Structure Transformation Plan is an initiative to grow League membership in number and diversity, strengthen our grassroots power, and bolster our ability to empower voters and defend democracy.
| __________________________________ | Related Organization Events:
- AAUW Invites you to Celebrating Diversity Month, Monday, April 24, 2023, 2 p.m. ET
AAUW’s upcoming webinar on Celebrating Diversity Month has been rescheduled to April 24, 2023 at 2:00pm ET. If you have already registered, there is no need to take action. If you haven’t yet registered, please join us by registering today. We hope to see you there!
- Santa Clara County invites you to the sixth annual Santa Clara County Women’s Leadership and Policy Summit, held this year in partnership with the Valley Medical Center Foundation. This year's event promises to be an engaging and empowering day, filled with mindful activities, educational workshops, and opportunities to share resources for equitable policy changes, leadership development, and tools to uplift women.
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023, 9am - 3:30pm (Registration will open at 8:30am) at West Valley College
Address: 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE RSVP BY: Friday, April 21, 2023
RSVP at: bit.ly/womensummit_2023
Since its inception in 2018, the Women's Leadership and Policy Summit has been incredibly successful, filling to capacity each year with community leaders and allies who are passionate about women's issues. This year, we are expecting 600 attendees, including elected officials, business and community leaders, and youth advocates.
| __________________________________ | Cupertino News
To view the minutes and webcast archives visit: Agenda, calendar and archives
| | | Participate in these Events:
Morning Chat with Cupertino Mayor
Grab your mug and a free coffee or tea on Mayor Hung Wei, and get ready to talk about the issues that matter most to you. Residents, business owners, and community members are invited to these casual meetings where they can discuss any topic they want with one of Cupertino’s decision-makers.
Morning Chat will take place on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Holder’s Country Inn, located at 10088 North Wolfe Road.
Cupertino Earth & Arbor Day Festival -
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. join LWVCS at Library Field Park to celebrate our shared earth and help the environment. Cupertino’s Earth & Arbor Day Festival invites community members of all ages to learn about environmental issues and solutions in a family-friendly atmosphere. Consistently attracting thousands of attendees and dozens of partner organizations, the Festival features hands-on activities, live entertainment, and delicious food served by local food trucks.
Cupertino’s Annual Earth Day & Arbor Day Festival is an interactive event that invites community members of all ages to learn about environmental issues and solutions in a family-friendly atmosphere. Consistently attracting thousands of attendees and dozens of partner organizations, the Earth Day & Arbor Day Festival features hands-on activities, live entertainment, and delicious food served by local food trucks.
Cupertino Releases Housing Element Draft
The City of Cupertino has released a draft of its 6th Cycle Housing Element and is inviting public comment through December 23. The draft will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period. After the comment period closes, the City will review and consider all comments received and will revise the element for consideration and final adoption. Learn more from the revised version here. | __________________________________ |
Sunnyvale City Governance
City of Sunnyvale Top 30 Project Summaries
Project Summary List Which Has Valuable Updates On Priority Projects For Sunnyvale.
The agenda for the March 7, 7 pm 2023 Council
City Council Welcomes In-person Public Participation
To join in person and comment:
- Council Chambers, 607 All America Way*
*Use this address for entrance to City Hall and for GIS mapping. The W. Olive Avenue entrance is closed during construction.
To join online and comment:
- Join on ZOOM
- Call-in: 833-548-0276 | Meeting ID: 961 1158 0540
To watch:
To stay informed:
|
| The City Manager's report, Update Sunnyvale, is a summary of updates related to City programs and projects, responses to City Council inquiries, effects of COVID-19 on our community, and events and activities of interest to the community. |
In this issue:
- Drought Update and Water Supply Outlook
- New Traffic Signal at Wolfe Road and Dartshire Way
- Columbia Neighborhood Center is Seeking Community Input
- Electric Forklifts
- Redesigned Aquatics Webpage Makes Finding Information Faster, Easier
- Summer Activities Guide
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class 61 Started
- Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Provides Mutual Aid to Town of Pajaro
- Public Safety Officers in Training Begin the Police Academy
- NOVA Releases Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
| __________________________________ |  |
Covering 20 Bay Area Leagues In Nine Bay Area Counties
Special Events:
Meeting Bay Area Legislators
Fighting Voter Cynicism with State Senator Josh Becker
LWV Bay Area hosted Senator Josh Becker to talk about what he and his Senate colleagues have been doing to fight voter cynicism while listening to the voices of diverse interest groups and crafting legislation. This is the beginning of a series of conversations with BayArea legislators. Watch the interview here on our Youtube channel.
LWV Bay Area's "Equity In The Bay Area" - Scott Weiner Keynote Speaker, Bay Area Equity Atlas, Health Equity Panel, Transportation Panel
Watch the event video here
Read more
LWV Bay Area Regional Board Briefs:
-
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Updates - The Air District is urging the passage of AB 953 to expand Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program statewide. Visit BAAQMD for the complete press release and for more information.
-
Decarbonization - Implications for the Gas System and What Local Governments Are Doing
-
Concord Reuse Project Delayed Again, Council Drops Master Developer
- Looking for additional members for our Regional Government and Land Use Study Committee.
- Want LWV Bay Area news? Join the LWV Bay Area mailing list. Add names to our email lists. Ask local to “volunteer” additions noting we always include an Unsubscribe. Contact LWVBayArea@gmail.com
| __________________________________ | April Quote:
Frances Perkins, and all those who worked with her, transformed the horror of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire into the heart of our nation’s basic social safety net.
“There is always a large horizon…. There is much to be done,” Perkins said. “It is up to you to contribute some small part to a program of human betterment for all time.” | Board Briefs
- Next Board Meeting April 3, 7pm via Zoom
- Feb Meet & Greet a success with 25 Elected's & 40 Members
- Bylaws changes to be submitted to members at Annual Meeting
- Brainstormed ideas to engage more DEI in membership
- Decided to participate in Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival Jun 4 & 5
- Nancy Smith proposed Student Internship Program
- We need YOU to join us in our programs - join the fun group below!
| | | __________________________________ | LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale
Board of Directors
Officers serving from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023
Co-Presidents: Elaine Manley & Tracey Edwards
Vice President: Open
Secretary: Pam Anderson
Treasurer: Beth Claywell
Voter Service Director: Open
Programs Director: Nancy Smith
Database Management Director: Open
Membership Director: Pam Anderson
Communications Directors: Marieann Shovlin, Marilyn Sherry
Resource Development Director: Open
Technical Services Director: Bruce Kendall
Nominations Chair: Roberta Hollimon | __________________________________ | Elected Officials Representing Cupertino & Sunnyvale
For contact information and more detail visit:
| |
United States
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Vice President Kamala D. Harris
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Alex Padilla
US Congressional Representative 17th District, Ro Khanna
California
Governor Gavin Newsom
Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
State Senator District 10: Aisha Wahab
State Senator, District 13 (Sunnyvale) Josh Becker
State Senator, District 15 (Cupertino) Dave Cortese
State Assembly, District 24 (Sunnyvale) Mark Berman
State Assembly, District 26 (Cupertino & Sunnyvale) Evan Low
| | Santa Clara County
County Supervisor, District 3: Otto Lee
County Supervisor, District 5: Joe Simitian
Cupertino
Mayor: Hung Wei
Vice Mayor: Sheila Mohan
Councilmember Liang Chao
Councilmember J.R. Fruen
Councilmember Kitty Moore
Sunnyvale
Mayor: Larry Klein
Vice Mayor: District 2: Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember Seat 1: Gustav Larsson
Councilmember Seat 2: Glenn Hendricks
Councilmember Seat 3: Tony Spitaleri
Councilmember District 4: Russ Melton
Councilmember Disctict 6: Omar Din
| | | __________________________________ | Join the League of Women Voters
Voting membership in the League of Women Voters is open to men and women 16 years of age and beyond.
Annual Membership:
$80 Individual member
$40 for each additional member in the same household:
Free for full-time students at this time
| | | __________________________________ | | The Cupertino-Sunnyvale VOTER
Published 10 times a year by the
League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale.
This newsletter is posted on our website:
| | The LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
.
Permission is granted to reprint any part of this newsletter with credit to the League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale | | | __________________________________ |
League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale
PO Box 2923
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
|
League of Women Voters of Cupertino-Sunnyvale
PO Box 2923
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
| |