| April 2025 Volume 52 No.9 | | Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. | | | _________________________________________ | _________________________________________ | |
Co-Presidents’ April 2025 Letter:
Civic Engagement
We had an outstanding event on March 29th where members and residents could speak one on one with our locally elected officials. We also heard from CA Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, CA Senator Aisha Wahab, and DeAnza President Dr. Omar Torres. Not only did we hear about their current focus but we also discussed ways to collaborate together in this politically charged environment. | | | In light of the dramatic changes happening, our league is working with the other four leagues in our county to host a live event later this year about the way democracy in America was designed to work and how we can keep the power between the branches of government balanced rather than one overshadowing on the others. We are actively designing the event which will include speakers from local universities and community leaders on the situation and what can be done/what can we each do. We will be back with more information once the plans are firmed. We are also informed by LWV at the national level on activities we can do as members. You can find these events on our Calendar section at www.LWVCS.org and we will send updates via our Voter and Eblasts.
CEC – The Civil Discourse Committee is now the Civil Engagement Committee, or CEC – our Civil Discourse committee has changed their name to reflect the current environment. Combining with all five Leagues in the County it is now the LWV Santa Clara County Council Civic Engagement Committee (CEC) and they will be announcing events soon.
In the meantime, here is an excellent 5-minute video with Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center which addresses the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a self-governing nation – expressing words that are so very relevant for us today:
Why Have a Civil Dialogue?
2025 LWVC Virtual Convention: Any member can attend the upcoming League of Women Voters of California Convention, scheduled for June 17-22, 2025. Please let our Membership Chair, Nina, know if you’d like to attend on Zoom in a group setting rather than on your home Zoom. She can be reached at Membership@LWVCS.org
We look forward to seeing you at our events soon!
Elaine & Tracey, Your Co-Presidents | _______________________________________ |
LWV US - Democracy Updates
- A Dangerous Attempt to Silence American Voters: LWV Responds to President Trumps' Anti-Voter Executive Order
Press Release / Last Updated: March 26, 2025
“Let’s keep it real: this order is not about protecting elections; it is about making it harder for voters — particularly women voters — to participate in them,” said Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States.
Click here to learn more.
- Democracy at Risk: Reactions to Voter Decline Globally (webinar recording)
Our panel, drawn from countries with widely ranging voter participation, explored barriers to civic engagement and the solutions that have proven effective.
Speaker Bios:
- Dr. Seema Shah is Head of International IDEA Democracy Assessment (DA) Unit that produces an annual Global State of Democracy report.
- Celina Stewart is the Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States.
- Maria Isabel Aninat Sahli is Dean of Faculty of Law at the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez in Chile and Vice Chair of the Board of Advisors, International IDEA.
- Idrissa Mamoud Tarawallie is the Head of Programme Sierra Leone for International IDEA.
- Stuti Bhakat is an emerging legal professional admitted to practice in India & candidate for LL.M in International Legal Studies at NYU School of Law.
Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Celina Stewart issued the following statement in reflection on the first 60 days of the Trump administration.
“If the past 60 days have made one thing clear, it’s this: our democracy is facing a five-alarm fire. “The first 60 days of the Trump administration have been nothing short of an unprecedented, breathtaking assault on American democracy. From the pardoning of January 6 perpetrators and the terrorizing of immigrant communities, to the dismantling of crucial government agencies and the blatant flouting of court rulings, to the erasing of contributions of people of color, the Trump administration is waging a full-scale attack on all Americans.
“But no matter what they throw at us, we will not back down. Americans have proven we can overcome the toughest of circumstances together. And for over a century, the League has remained steadfast in our commitment to empowering the American people and defending our democracy.
"As we witness a barrage of assaults on our democratic processes, institutions, and values, it’s not surprising that many people feel overwhelmed and even frightened. Common reactions to these feelings are fight, flight, freeze, or fawn:
- Flight: Some people will avoid or minimize any political engagement;
- Freeze: Others feel so overwhelmed and powerless they will shut down, unable to do anything;
- Fawn: Fear may drive others to appease or give in to those in power; or
- Fight: We must fight back! Anti-democratic actors want us to feel defeated in order to make us compliant and/or immobile. Instead, everyone must commit to doing their part in defense of our democracy.
"When we collectively rise up and challenge those in power, we make a difference. That includes you — because you have a voice. You have power.
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Check our website for Event Details, Registration and Recording Links - It's all There!
| | - LWVCS Monthly Board Meeting, Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM, check website
- LWVCS Coffee Hour - Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM, join here to share your League experiences
- LWVCS Communications Committee Meeting - April 17 at 2pm, join here
- LWVCS Coffee Hour - Thursday, May 15 at 11am with Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein, join here
- LWVCS Annual Meeting - May 17, 2-4pm, Grand Hotel, Register here. | | | _______________________________________ | |
LWVCS Program Planning 2025 - Summary
In February, LWVCS submitted the following document to the national League outlining our Priorities and plans for the coming two years.
There is a need within our community to identify and encourage individuals to become effective future civic leaders and to provide education on how local government works and the many ways individuals can contribute to effective governance. A local grassroots groups has already been meeting to develop a “Leadership Academy” to meet this need. As a founding member, LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale will continue their involvement and support the development of the “Leadership Academy” for Cupertino and the surrounding community while also continuing to offer a portion of the program for a similar course in the City of Sunnyvale.
The who: Roberta Hollimon, Polly Bove, Tara Martin Milius, Marieann Shovlin, Tracey Edwards, and Beth Claywell.
Our second priority is to continue our efforts and focus on New Citizen Voter Registration and broaden and continue voter education and registration.
The who: Pam Anderson and 10 other members helping her
The third priority is to consider updating the study done in the recent past on immigration policy in light of the current policy changes and actions by the federal government and to determine possible advocacy and action by the League at all levels.
The who: Bill Wilson, Elaine Manley, Marieann Shovlin, Meagan McLeod, Tara Martin-Milius, Bruce Paton, Tracey Edwards and Roberta Hollimon.
Our League also voted unanimously to support California's stated Issues for Emphasis.
Submitted by Polly Bove
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- Restoring the Lost Purposes of the United States Constitution
Ingrid Gudenas Presenting Live and In Person: Restoring the Lost Purposes of the United States Constitution on Saturday, April 12, 2025 1:00 – 3:30 pm at the Los Gatos Church of Scientology, 650 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129
In a world that is ever more fractured and divided, join us on an exploration of THE common purpose that unites us all together. Join us for a truly uplifting and enlightening presentation about the real purposes of the US Constitution.
While most people think of the United States Constitution as a relic from ages past, we will help you unlock its power to completely transform your present-day world. In the span of just 2 hours, we’ll use the first sentence of the Constitution, known as the Preamble, to create a type of shared understanding that will transform your family, empower your community and improve almost every area of your life. RSVP now to let us know you will attend. RSVP to Jenny Funderberg - 408-249-7400 or elaine.manley@comcast.net
- VTA Oversight Needed
Valley Transportation Agency (VTA) is looking to fill multiple vacancies on its 206 Measure B Citizens Oversight Committee. VTA is taksed with distributing millions of dollars in Measure B Sales tax for transportation projects throughout Santa Clara County. The Committee was established to ensure transparency and accountability in that process. The Committee provides oversight to ensure that funds are spent according to the approved ballot requirements.
Committee members conduct audits and public hearings; help inform the community with annual reports and enhance transportation oversight. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.vta.org/apply-mbcoc. For questions, contact secretary@vta.org or call 408-321-5680.
- New Donation and Dues Process!
Heads Up - We are now a 501(c)3 so all of your donations will be 100% tax-deductible, and your dues will be 20% tax-deductible (The portion that we receive from the new membership system). No more needing to write checks to LWV California Education Fund for a tax-deductible contribution to our league.
So going forward, Use your credit (or debit) card when paying your dues (and you also have an option to donate at the membership portal that will flow 100% to us and it will be 100% tax-deductible -- but if paying by check for membership and a donation done via the membership portal, you'll have to write a separate check to LWVCS -- yes 2 checks the first to LWVUS and the second to LWVCS).
Other times if you make a subsequent donation during the year, go to Club Express to donate. We now only have 1 fund within Club Express and it is 100% tax-deductible whether you use a debit/credit card and or mail a check to our PO Box.
If you pay your dues by check, the check will have to be made out to LWV US and mailed to LWVCS, PO Box 2923, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. The Treasurer will then complete a form that US is requiring for all checks and will mail to the designated Lockbox, where they will then notify the Treasurer, and they will transmit to us the 20% of your dues back to us.
If you have questions about any of this, please feel free to reach out to Beth, our Treasurer, at Treasurer@lwvcs.org or her number is 408.772.1269.
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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 on May 17.
If you are interested in 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 the 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
September 16 - National Voter Registration Day - Cupertino Library 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm
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Updates on Voter Registration
Cancellation of Voter Registration Assistance at Citizenship Ceremonies
We are disappointed to announce that the federal government has cancelled its contract with the City of Campbell to host citizenship ceremonies at the Heritage Theater. Effective immediately, new citizens will be sworn in at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) parking lot in San Jose. This location was previously used for ceremonies from 2020 through most of 2024 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ceremonies had only recently returned to the Heritage Theater late last year.
There is no space for registering voters at USCIS. The newly sworn in citizens will receive a voter registration form in their packet, but there will be no one there to encourage them to fill out the form or answer their questions.
Helping with voter registration at these ceremonies has been a valued activity for our league members, and we are very sorry to lose this important opportunity.
We will continue to register voters at events in our community, such as the Cupertino Earth and Arbor Day festival on Saturday, April 5. If you would like to help with voter registration, please email Pam at voterservice@lwvcs.org.
Thank you,
Pam Anderson, LWVCS Voter Services
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
Voter ID & Citizenship Bill in CA Legislature - AB25
There are currently Bills in the California Legislature aimed at making it harder to vote by requiring government-issued identification and citizenship documentation to vote in the state of California. Learn what it’s about and what you can do.
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The so-called "SAVE" Act and other proof of citizenship laws posemajor 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.
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For the full article, click here to learn more.
Contributed by Marilyn Sherry
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LWVCS Coffee Hour -
Informal Conversations related to League stuff.
Join us at our regular third Thursday, April 17th Coffee Hour at 11am here
This month - share YOUR ideas about League and what we do!
May 15th - Special Guest Larry Klein, Mayor of Sunnyvale sharing his vision of the future!
You can view recordings from all our Coffee Hours here.
| | | _______________________________________ | | AROUND THE COUNTY and STATE |
- LWV Santa Clara County News:
- 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!
- 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
| ________________________________________ | LWV Santa Clara County
Civic Engagement Committee
Join our Civic Engagement 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 April 21st here.
Join us for a very Special Event on April 29 at noon -
Stripped for Parts - American Journalism on the Brink
Join us, April 29, at noon PDT via Zoom here.
See more info below!
Upcoming topics include protecting the freedom of the press, immigration and mis/disinformation.
View the recordings of prior LWVSCC Civil Discourse events here. |  | | LWV Santa Clara County Civic Engagement Program presents:
Stripped for Parts –
American Journalism on the Brink
Join us, April 29, at noon PDT via Zoom here.
The loss of local news threatens democracy and communities.
This film reveals the causes and consequences of the loss and lack of local journalism.
Rick Goldsmith, film Producer & Director, will facilitate online conversation after the film.
“Hedge fund Alden Global Capital is quietly gobbling up newspapers across the country and gutting them, but no one knows why-- until journalist Julie Reynolds begins to investigate. Her findings trigger rebellions across the country by journalists working at Alden-owned newspapers. Backed by the NewsGuild union, the newsmen and women go toe-to-toe with their “vulture capitalist” owners in a battle to save and rebuild local journalism in America. Who will control the future of America’s news ecosystem: Wall Street billionaires concerned only with profit, or those who see journalism as an essential public service, the lifeblood of our democracy?”
Register here.
| ________________________________________ |  | LWC Bay Area - LWVBA
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Watch the recording here.
LWV Bay Area’s Annual League Day 2025 - Regional Government: How Does It Affect You?
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Keynote Speaker - CA Sen. Josh Becker
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Panels on Understanding MTC-ABAG and its role in Regional Government, How Regional Decisions Impact Local Jurisdictions and Re-study of Regional Government Positions Update
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- Interested in participating in the LWVBA Study on Regional Government Equity? Contact us here.
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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.
| ________________________________________ | City of Cupertino
City Council Meetings - (Check website for current dates)
Cupertino Chamber of Commerce - check out their activities here
City of Cupertino Teen Commission Recruitment is Open
Apply by Friday, May 9
Cupertino teens are encouraged to apply for five vacancies on the Teen Commission. Applications may be submitted online using the Online Teen Commission Application. Please visit the Commissions Vacancies and Teen Commission webpages for more information. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9. The City Council will conduct interviews beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29 (as needed).
For more details, please see the website or email the City Clerk's office at cityclerk@cupertino.gov.
What We Need to Know About the Housing Crisis:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/jerusalem-demsas-on-the-housing-crisis-book/679666/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the-atlantic-am&utm_term=The+Atlantic+AM
It’s the local regulations!
From Santa Clara County Dept .of Education
Public transportation in Cupertino has always been challenging since our population is geographically dispersed on account of typical land uses, namely single-family homes. Recognizing this need, our city council approved an on-demand local shuttle service, originally named VIA, now called Silicon Valley (SV) Hopper. Originally limited to just Cupertino, it was expanded based on resident demand to provide transportation to Caltrain and major medical facilities at Kaiser and El Camino Hospital. In 2023, Santa Clara also joined the network to extend service to southern Santa Clara. Now, Sunnyvale is poised to significantly expand the Hopper network, as highlighted in a San Jose Spotlight article Silicon Valley cities get funding for ride-share service. Rod Sinks, Fremont Union High School District Trustee, with successful experience with Hopper in Cupertino, has been a strong advocate for a micro-transit service as a solution to the lack of adequate transportation for north Sunnyvale high school students. In addition, seniors and others who don’t drive will also benefit from an expanded network.
| ________________________________________ | Sunnyvale City Events Calendar - and More... here
Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce events | ________________________________________ | |
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 April 7, 7pm, join via website link. All are welcome!
- LWVCS Nominating Committee is looking for potential Board Members to make things happen!
- LWVCS Student memberships extended through 2025
April, 2025 Quote:
“There is always a large horizon…. There is much to be done,” “It is up to you to contribute some small part to a program of human betterment for all time.” Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor, 1935, driving force for FDR’s social safety net programs and Social Security.
| ____________________________________________ | 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
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:
Editors: Meagan McLeod & Marieann Shovlin
| | 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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