| March 2025 Volume 52 No. 8 | | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. | | | _________________________________________ |  | | LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale Empowers Voters
Defends Democracy
On February 14, 2025, the League of Women Voters of the United States and League chapters from all 50 states and the District of Columbia sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing strong concern over abandoning its duties and authorities under Article I of the US Constitution, urging leaders to address the unprecedented executive branch overreach threatening American democracy.
In the detailed letter to Congress, the League — a nonpartisan organization with over one million members and supporters across all 50 states and the District of Columbia — highlighted several recent executive branch actions that are causing significant harm to millions of Americans, including the undermining of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, attempts to end birthright citizenship, pause distribution of congressionally allocated federal funds, and dismantle federal agencies without proper congressional oversight.
More…
LWVUS: Condemning the Weaponization of Government Against the People
- Following numerous executive actions threatening democracy, as well as the immigrant and LGBTQIA+ communities, LWV CEO Celina Stewart condemned "the weaponization of government against Americans."
- League leaders from all 50 states and DC urged Congress to stand in its authority and restore stability to our government.
Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
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Co-Presidents’ March 2025 Letter:
Democracy requires participation by all of us
As a nation, we find ourselves in a time of significant change.
With a new administration taking office and shifts in policy direction, it is more important than ever to focus on protecting the foundations of our democracy.
No matter where we stand politically, we share a commitment to free and fair elections, accountable governance, and ensuring every voice is heard. | | | The League of Women Voters has always stood for nonpartisan civic engagement, and in this moment, we must double down on that mission. With the changes brought by the Trump administration and the evolving landscape under the current leadership, we must work together to ensure that we are informed with the facts and working towards good governance for the benefit of all residents.
The League is urging Congress to uphold its constitutional authority and act as a check and balance on the executive branch. This is essential in a functioning democracy. Be sure to read the letter from our LWV President as she speaks to the nation about what we can do. Click here.
What Can We Do?
✅ Stay Informed: Follow nonpartisan sources to understand the changes in policies and how they affect our area and our nation.
✅ Engage Locally: Attend our “Meet the Electeds” event on March 29th from 2-4pm for an opportunity to speak directly with your local elected officials. This year it will be at The Grand Hotel in Sunnyvale.
✅ Advocate: Support efforts that promote good governance, voting rights protections, and more.
✅ Talk to Your Representatives: Hold our leaders accountable by calling, writing, and meeting with them to express your concerns and hopes for the future.
✅ Register and Empower Voters: Join us in voter education efforts to ensure every eligible voter has the information they need to participate.
Our democracy depends on active and informed residents like you. Together, we can ensure that our government truly represents the people.
We held our Annual Program Planning Meeting on February 15 which is covered further down in this newsletter. We voted to focus our efforts on registering new citizens and educating voters, studying the LWV position on immigration, and creating a Leadership Academy designed to provide training and tools to the participants to become a member and/or leader of a government agency, community boards, and be better informed residents.
Please volunteer and help us with these valuable actions. You can email Presidents@LWVCS.org, register for events, and sign up as a volunteer at www.lwvcs.org then go into Members Log In at the top right and under Members click on Volunteer Activities.
Your help is needed and appreciated,
Elaine & Tracey, Your Co-Presidents | _______________________________________ |
LWV US - Democracy Updates
Women Defend Democracy
For over a century, the heart and soul of our work has been centering voters' voices in democracy.
- We’ve participated in many of our nation’s most pivotal voting rights battles, from women’s suffrage to the Equal Rights Amendment to the passage of the National Voter RegistrationAct (NVRA)and the Help America VoteAct (HAVA).
- In light of the current political climate, LWVUS created its own Oath to Democracy.
- League President Dianna Wynn reminds us why we'll always be the the League of Women Voters.
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“That we will faithfully execute our civic responsibility as nonpartisan advocates;"
LWV is proudly a nonpartisan organization. And we’re focused on issues that matter to communities. We believe in a strong democracy by and for all people. We stand for the rights and representation of all voters, no matter their political party — not to mention their race, gender, primary language, and more.
LWVC - Preparing for State Legislative Sessions 2025
Join the LWVUS advocacy team for tools and resources Leagues can use ahead of upcoming legislative sessions. LEARN MORE
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Check our website for Event Details, Registration and Recording Links - It's all There!
| | - LWVCS Monthly Board Meeting, Monday, Mar 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM, check website
- LWVCS Coffee Hour - Thursday, Mar 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM, join here to share your voting experiences
- LWVCS Communications Committee Meeting - February 20th at 2pm, join here
- LWVCS Meet & Greet Your Elected Officials - Saturday, March 29, 2025, 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, check website | | | _______________________________________ | | Meet and Greet Your Elected Officials - March 29 | |
Meet & Greet Your Elected Officials - March 29
Please join us for an in-person League gathering and opportunity to meet some of the elected officials who represent Cupertino and Sunnyvale. To register, click on the event title above. Then, click the button "Click to Register" on the right side of your screen. Be sure to click all the way through to "Complete Registration."
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SAVE Act: VoteRiders Partner Briefing
Mar 6, 2025 12:00 PM
The so-called "SAVE" Act and other proof of citizenship laws pose major threats to our voting rights. We want to be sure you understand how these laws would drastically undermine our democracy, and what you can do to stop them.
Join VoteRiders, the League of Women Voters of the US, and the Institute for Responsive Government next Thursday, March 6, for a digital learning session about the SAVE Act and other proof of citizenship laws.
From LWV PA –
Climate with Tom Steyer - LWV Climate Interest Group
Thursday, March 27, 2025
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
A longtime leader in the climate movement, Tom Steyer has spearheaded citizen campaigns, championed climate science, and advocated for bold legislation—even running for President to put climate first. Now, he is leveraging decades of experience as a world-class investor to drive climate solutions in the private sector.
He’s the author of Cheaper, Faster, Better: How We’ll Win the Climate War, which was highly praised by Al Gore and Bill McKibben, among others.
Come learn about the climate crisis and why local action is critical.
Register Now
With less than one month until the third annual national Civic Learning Week, we're looking forward to a full week spotlighting civic learning with classroom activities across the nation, conversations with national leaders, statewide celebrations, and youth-led engagement. We hope you'll join us for the following featured events and more!
The American Revolution and Civic Learning: A Conversation with Filmmaker Ken Burns, PBS LearningMedia, and iCivics
Wednesday, March 12
Join award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein on March 12 at 7:00 p.m. ET for a special conversation on the upcoming documentary series, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Burns and Botstein will discuss with teachers how film and video can bring fresh insight to our founding story and how civic learning can come alive for students in the classroom. Register today!
Featured Conversation with Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United StatesFriday, March 14Students will join Justice Sotomayor in a discussion about civic education on Friday, March 14, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Featured Conversation with Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States
Friday, March 14
Students will join Justice Sotomayor in a discussion about civic education on Friday, March 14, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
National Forum: Civic Learning: Many Voices, One Nation
Thursday, March 13 | Hoover Institution, Stanford, CA and livestreamed
Join us in person or livestream at the National Forum on Thursday, March 13, starting at 9:00 a.m. PT. Together, we will explore the importance of a pluralistic civic education, what that looks like in practice, and the leadership needed to make high-quality civic education a nationwide priority.
Featured speakers include Condoleezza Rice, Director, Hoover Institution and 66th U.S. Secretary of State; The Honorable Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah; Sharon McMahon, “America’s Government Teacher,” author, and podcast host; and many more.
Local Power, National Impact: Cities on the Frontlines of Democracy
Join us on Sunday, March 30, 4-5:30 Via Zoom
With incessant attacks on our nation's democracy making daily headlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many of our California cities, however, should also be making headlines. Cities are doing all they can to uphold democracy, and real change is happening at the local level—change that aligns with our values of inclusion, community, and equity. We are proud that some of our Leaguers have recently been elected to serve their cities, and they are stepping up to defend democracy, protect rights, and drive policy that ripples across the nation.
Join us on March 30 for a powerful conversation with three League members recently elected to local office:
- Adena Ishii – Mayor of Berkeley
- Lorrel Plimier – Piedmont City Council
- Natalya Zernitskaya – Santa Monica City Council
They’ll share why local government is more important than ever, how they’re making a difference, and why strengthening democracy starts at the community level.
Tickets for this unique event are only $10. Get tickets and learn more! Register Now
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Nominating Committee seeks leaders for 2025-2026
The Nominating Committee is continuing its work in identifying League members to serve as officers and board members for 2025-2026. The committee will also recommend three League members to serve on next year's Nominating Committee. These positions are voted on by the membership at the Annual Meeting in June.
If you would like to discuss moving into a leadership role, or if you have suggestions of other individuals you think have time and talent to share, please email Nominating Committee Chair Marieann Shovlin at lwvcommunications@lvcs.org.
Consider LWV LWVCS Observer Corps
Interested in understanding how local government works? Want to help the League ensure that our leaders are making decisions transparently? Consider joining the Observer Corps, where you act as our local representative and reporter on actions by city councils and school board meetings.
No minimum time commitment, no prior knowledge necessary.
Join the Crowd – Meet & Register New Voters – Volunteers Needed!
In addition to the two dates for Citizenship Oath Ceremonies, we will also be tabling at the Cupertino Earth & Arbor Day Festival and at the Cupertino Library in September.
Please email Pam Anderson, LWVCS Voter Services, as to which of these dates/shifts you would like to help with. We'd love to have your help!
April 5 - Cupertino Earth&Arbor Day - Cupertino Library Field, 10am-1pm OR 1pm-4pm
June 25 - Citizenship Oath Ceremonies - Heritage Theater in Campbell,8:45 a.m.-noon OR 1:15-4 p.m.
September 16 - National Voter Registration Day - Cupertino Library 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm
November 19 - Citizenship Oath Ceremonies - Heritage Theater in Campbell,8:45 a.m.-noon OR 1:15-4 p.m.
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2025 Legislative Interviews Summary
Each year, members of the League of Women Voters throughout California participate in Legislative Interviews where they meet with California State Senators and Assemblymembers to learn more about their goals and priorities for the coming year. This year, LWVCS members participated in interviews with State Senators Josh Becker and Dr. Aisha Wahab, and State Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens. Senator Becker represents Cupertino, Senator Wahab represents Sunnyvale, and Assemblymember Ahrens represents both cities.
Several issues were discussed across all interviews:
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The state budget
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The impact of the Los Angeles fires, including wildfire cleanup and recovery
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Housing policy, affordability, and home insurance
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Homelessness and unhoused populations
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Challenges arising from differences between California’s priorities and new federal policies
In addition to the shared concerns, each legislator addressed topics specific to their roles and interests:
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Senator Becker: As Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, Senator Becker discussed bills to reduce energy costs. He also spoke about legislation related to technology, data privacy, and Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, he expressed support for AB 11, the Social Housing Act, which would establish a state agency to implement public housing.
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Senator Wahab: Senator Wahab, who sits on the Public Safety Committee, discussed public safety, PG&E, and immigration policy. She emphasized the need to balance fairness and justice while addressing organized crime. Regarding PG&E, she highlighted the need to address that PG&E has been raising rates while also reporting increasing profits. On immigration, she advocated for an assessment of current laws to identify areas for updates and improvement.
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Assemblymember Ahrens: As a new Assemblymember, Ahrens is prioritizing measures to reduce poverty and its related impacts. He has introduced a bill to reduce barriers to higher education for at-risk youth and is considering bills to increase the California Earned Income Tax Credit and the personal exemption for Medicaid. Assembly Ahrens Assemblymen Ahrens also highlighted the risk that the budget impacts from the LA wildfires could reduce the availability of state funds to support grants to cities and counties to work on more local projects and priorities.
More detailed summaries of these interviews are available on the LWV Santa Clara County Council Website: https://my.lwv.org/california/santa-clara-county/legislative-interviews | _______________________________________ | |
LWVCS Coffee Hour -
Informal Conversations related to League stuff.
Join us at our regular third Thursday, March 20th Coffee Hour at 11am here
This month - share YOUR ideas about League and what we do!
You can view recordings from all our Coffee Hours here.
| | | _______________________________________ | | AROUND THE COUNTY and STATE |
LWV Santa Clara County News:
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Save The Date - State Of The County Address 2025 - March 14th
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Dear Friends & Neighbors -
Special Invitation - County of Santa Clara Board President Otto Lee will deliver the 2025 State Of The County Address on Friday, March 14, 2025 beginning at 5:30 PM at Board Chambers, County Government Center, 70 West Hedding Street, San José, CA 95110.
Please join us for this special event. Address will be livestreamed online. Follow link below for more information.
Thank you!
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- Santa Clara County Office of Education
- Youth Voter Toolkit link here
LWVC Our Biannual Convention is Virtual!
Every two years, the California membership gathers at the LWVC Convention to craft our policy priorities for the next two years, to enlighten each other by sharing our successes and learnings, to inspire a new generation of League leaders, and to celebrate our shared passion for making California a well-governed and vibrant state.
This year, our Convention will be held virtually from June 17-22, with workshops throughout the week. We will focus on bringing League members together to learn, share, and energize our membership as we continue to work toward strengthening democracy.
More information will be available at lwvc.org/convention. We hope to see you there!
The 2025 legislative session has begun, and LWVC is already tracking key bills on reproductive rights, immigration, and voting rights.We continue to lead in key areas. A few of our early sponsored pieces of legislation are:
- SJR 1 (Wiener): Calls for California to rescind past requests for an Article V Constitutional Convention, which could threaten core protections in the U.S. Constitution.
- Campaign Finance Reform: A new bill aims to let voters decide in 2026 whether to lift California’s ban on public financing of campaigns, reducing special interest influence and increasing candidate diversity.
- Voting in Jails: After last year’s veto of AB 544 (Bryan), we are exploring bringing back in-person voting in jails as a state budget request.
Find our latest bill positions in the Bill Status Report or check out the Advocacy Dashboard to learn more. Interested in joining our advocacy team? Email Savannah Jorgensen.
Coming Soon! In March, we’re launching a 3-part webinar series on key issues affecting California communities. Stay tuned for details!
Leagues Making a Difference: Coast to Coast
LWV of Illinois has established a Mis/Disinformation task force that has created a webpage and educational resources for local leagues to use in their communities to bring awareness to mis/disinformation. Email misdisinfotaskforce@lwvil.org
LWVUS has established the Democracy Truth Project which provides resources and weekly rumor reports of mis and disinformation. You can find social media graphics and guidance here For further information contact Chelsey Cartwright at ccartwright@lwv.org
LWV Diablo Valley website is filled with resources regarding fact checking, media literacy, lessons, curriculum and programming about mis and disinformation.
LWV Larimer County has multiple resources. podcasts and webinars devoted to news literacy to bring awareness to the necessity of being wise information consumers
LWV Alameda is ingenious in that they have created a game called Verfiy it
“Verify It is the game that will clarify your rights as a citizen, answer your voting questions, and challenge the persistent misinformation and disinformation claims that we see every day. We are all susceptible to believing misinformation or disinformation, and we must all become informed citizens to exercise our vote and to protect our democracy.”
- The League of Women Voters of Sonoma County offers a virtual series on how our government works:
Three Sessions
Quickly and easily improve your "government IQ". If you know a lot about government, this series will be a good refresher. If you have been thinking you should learn more about government but never seem to find the time – you’ll love this series!
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Civil Discourse Committee
Join our Civil Discourse Committee to participate, learn, and develop skills in discoursing civilly!
We meet on the third Monday of the month at 1pm via Zoom here - and all are welcome!
Our next planning meeting is March 17th.
Upcoming topics include protecting the freedom of the press, immigration and mis/disinformation.
View the recordings of prior LWVSCC Civil Discourse events here. | ________________________________________ | LWC Bay Area - LWVBA
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Catch Up on Monitor Notes
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LWVBA Program Priorities:
-Housing and Homelessness
-Support the implementation of sustainable, integrated regional governing policies and practices that recognize the interdependence of environmental, social; health, and economic impacts, and provide for long term protection of natural and social resources.
-Advocate how agencies address the interrelated regional issues of housing, transportation, conservation of natural and agricultural landscapes, climate change/sea level rise, social and health community equity, in a truly integrated and holistic fashion.
-Extend Regional Government and Planning Study position consensus building with Leagues.
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Recent Public Health Series events: Adverse Childhood Experiences & Toxic Stress - What can be done to mitigate the lasting impacts on our health? and Is Housing Healthcare? - View recording here
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You can view prior event recordings here.
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City Meeting Agenda
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Special City Council Meeting (Council Goals and Work Program), March 3 meeting agenda here
City Council Meeting, March 4 meeting agenda here
Contact: cityclerk@cupertino.gov Contact Phone: 408.777.3223
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Cupertino City Updates
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Updated City Council status here
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Cupertino News & Events here.
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Safety Info: In light of recent wildfires in Southern California, the Santa Clara County Fire Department (County Fire) is offering valuable resources to help residents prepare for wildfire season. Please review the Wildfire Safety Information from County Fire in its entirety.
| ________________________________________ | Sunnyvale City Events Calendar - and More... here
Sunnyvale City Governance
- City Council Welcomes In-person Public Participation
- To FIND INFORMATION ABOUT COUNCIL & COMMISSION UPCOMING MEETINGS:
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Sunnyvale City Council Meeting Agenda
The agenda for the Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Council meeting is available for:
- Special Meeting of the City Council: "Hollenbeck Bike Lane Study Community Meeting"
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To join in person and comment:
- Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
To join online and comment:
City Council Meeting Agenda
The agenda for the Thursday, March 13, 2025 Council meeting is available for:
- Special Meeting: Council Strategic Priorities Workshop - 9 a.m.
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To join in person and comment:
- • Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
To join online and comment:
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- Go to https://sunnyvaleca.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx, find the date of the meeting, then click on Meeting Details.
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- City of Sunnyvale Top 30 Project Summaries Project Summary List Has Valuable Updates On Priority Projects For Sunnyvale.
Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce events
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LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale
Board of Directors
Co-Presidents: Elaine Manley & Tracey Edwards
Secretary: acting: Debbie Timmers
Treasurer: Beth Claywell
Voter Service Director: Pam Anderson
Membership Director: Nina Wong-Dobkin
Online Access Team Director: Marilyn Sherry
Technical Services Director: Bruce Kendall
Online Events Coordinator: Debbie Timmers
Director at Large: Polly Bove
Director at Large: Bill Wilson
Nominations Chair: Marieann Shovlin
| | | ________________________________________ | LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale Board Meeting
- Next Board meeting March 3rd, 7pm, join via website link. All are welcome!
- Save the Date for LWVCS Meet and Greet with Electeds on March 29, 2-4pm - and join us!
- LWVCS Nominating Committee is looking for potential Board Members to make things happen!
- LWVCS Student memberships extended through 2025
March, 2025 Quote:
“Freedom is when the people can speak, democracy is when the government listens.”
Alastair Farrugia, Computer Programmer
| ____________________________________________ | Elected Officials Representing Cupertino & Sunnyvale
For contact information and more detail visit:
| ____________________________________________ | 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:
$100 Individual member
$50 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
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