| Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. | | | _________________________________________ | | Join us on May 17th for the
LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale 2025 Annual Meeting
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Join us May 17th for the LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale 2025 Annual Meeting. We're back at the Grand Hotel in Sunnyvale
10:00am - Noon.
Please download and review the annual meeting kit when you register and bring it with you on the day of the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Co-Presidents’ May 2025 Letter:
May - A very Busy Month
Annual Meeting May 17th: As we head into May, we have many activities planned that we’d love to have you attend most important of which is the Annual Meeting. Here is a brief preview of some of the topics for this Annual Meeting:
- We will discuss the changes to our membership system and the impact of those changes to our financials,
- Our Nominating Committee will present with a new slate of officers and board members for your vote, and
- We will thank our 2023 - 2025 LWVCS Board.
We encourage all members to attend our Annual Meeting on May 17th at The Grand Hotel from 10-noon. You can register here. | | | Coffee Hour: We have the honor of Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein joining our Coffee Hour on May 15th at 11am. This will be held on Zoom, and you can find the link here. What a great opportunity to ask your questions directly. Please add it your calendar!
LWVUS has been very busy reviewing what is happening at the national level politically. LWVUS has launched the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, aiming to mobilize 8.5 million voters by November 2026 to protect and preserve our democratic institutions.This is one of the many actions you can take to ensure our democracy continues to work.
Starting May 1, this campaign will focus on:
- Advocacy
- Mobilization
- Civic education
- Engagement
This initiative is part of LWV’s Women Defend Democracy campaign, emphasizing the importance of protecting our democratic institutions.
LWVC State Convention
The League of Women Voters of California will host its biennial convention virtually from June 17 to 22, 2025. This event offers workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities to discuss policy priorities and strengthen democracy. Any member can register to attend as a non-voting participant for a $30 fee. Registration information can be found here.
We look forward to seeing you at an event soon,
Elaine & Tracey, Your Co-Presidents | _______________________________________ |
LWV US - Democracy Updates
About Unite and Rise 8.5:
LWV US CEO Celina Stewart has said:
"Joining Unite and Rise 8.5 means taking a stand — not just by voting, but by helping others vote, fighting disinformation, holding leaders accountable, and building communities where everyone can thrive. Whether you’re registering voters, pushing for better laws, calling your legislators, or hosting a local forum, you're part of a growing, coordinated movement rising up when it matters most."
That’s why the League of Women Voters is fighting back with Unite and Rise 8.5.
We’re empowering people to stand up and make their voices heard. Unite and Rise 8.5, launching today as a key part of our Women Defend Democracy campaign, is at the heart of this effort. Our goal: mobilize 8.5 million people to engage in our democracy by November 2026, ahead of the midterm elections.
Why 8.5 million? It represents 3.5% of registered voters. Historically, when just 3.5% of the population get involved, real, lasting change becomes possible. With 245 million Americans eligible to vote in 2026, that means we need 8.5 million people! By strengthening voter engagement — a cornerstone of a fair and representative democracy — we can push back against authoritarian tactics that threaten to destroy our nation. And through a people-powered movement of advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and civic education, we are primed to make a meaningful impact.
We can’t do this without you. Will you rise up with the League and drive this movement forward? Together, let’s confront executive overreach and stop the reckless abuse of power before it’s too late. Join us and make sure you are part of the story that saves our democracy."
Starting May 1, the League will launch the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, which aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy. Unite and Rise 8.5 will showcase the many ways voters can drive change, including through advocacy, mobilization, civic education, and engagement. The initiative is part of LWV’s Women Defend Democracy campaign.
Lobby for Democracy - Urge Your Members of Congress to Stand Up for Democracy
Democracy at Risk: Reactions to Voter Decline Globally (March, 2025 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.
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Check our website for Event Details, Registration and Recording Links - It's all There!
| | - LWVCS Monthly Board Meeting, Monday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM, check website
- LWVCS Communications Committee Meeting - May 15, 4:30pm, join here.
- LWVCS Coffee Hour - Thursday, May 15 at 11am with Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein, join here
- LWVCS Annual Meeting - May 17, 10 am - noon, Grand Hotel, Register here. | | | _______________________________________ | |
Second Call to CA State Convention 2025
What: The 70th State Convention of the League of Women Voters of California
When: Saturday, June 21 - Sunday, June 22, 2025. The general sessions on those days begin at 9:00 AM and are scheduled to end at 4:00 PM. Workshops and special events are scheduled from Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 20, 2025.
Where: Virtual teleconference meetings, using Zoom.
Who: Attendance at Convention is open to everyone; we encourage all members to attend and are eager for the public to come learn about the League. We ask that you extend invitations to your friends and contacts.
Why: LWVC meets every other year to conduct business as outlined by the bylaws. See below for specifics. But just as important, the purpose of Convention is to inspire and empower Californians to increase their active and informed participation in civic life. Come meet passionate people from across the state who are making democracy work!
Read about the schedule, workshops, special activities, and more on our site: https://lwvc.org/convention. This site is updated as plans take shape, so please check this site frequently.
Registration is now open! Please visit https://lwvc.org/conv25-schedule-registration/ to register and view the schedule.
Registration rate for delegates is $75 per person. This gives you participation and voting access during the general sessions and access to workshops and other events throughout the week.
Nonvoting attendees are welcome to observe the general sessions, and participate in workshops and other events at a flat-fee registration rate of $30 per person.
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- 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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- May is Affordable Housing Month
More than 30 events are scheduled for Affordable Housing Month in May by a number of local organizations and educational institutions that cover a wide variety of affordable housing topics. Learn more about affordable housing financing, tour a senior apartment complex, watch a documentary on homelessness and more.
Affordable housing/homelessness is a program priority for the League, and members are encouraged to broaden their understanding of these complex issues. See list HERE of what is planned.
- Solutions for voter participation gap in California
A recent LWV California webinar focused on California’s voter participation gap
featuring a panel of distinguished experts in research and community engagement. They delved into the ongoing challenges of voter participation, especially addressing the persistent participation gap among youth and voters of color as compared to the older, non-Hispanic white population in California. The panelists proposed actionable solutions that can be implemented at both the local and state levels to address this issue. Watch the recording here.
- 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. Please contact Marieann Shovlin to learn more about this valuable role.
- LWV Cupertino-Sunnyvale Members Visited Our CA Capital - as part of the Leadership Sunnyvale (LS) program and toured the Capital building, met with our representatives and learned a lot! Many thanks to LS ED Tara Martin Milius. | _______________________________________ | |
LWVCS Coffee Hour -
May 15th - Special Guest Larry Klein, Mayor of Sunnyvale sharing his vision of the future! Join here
You can view recordings from all our Coffee Hours here.
| | | _______________________________________ | | AROUND THE COUNTY and STATE | |
- LWV MV Los Altos League
Join us for a Sustainability Update on Sunday, May 4th, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Learn what our local governments are doing to adapt to and to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Panelists:
- Sally Meadows, Los Altos City Council
- Pat Showalter, Mountain View City Council
- George Tyson, Los Altos Hills City Council
Los Altos Hills Town Hall, Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills
Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
- LWVCS Program Planning 2025 - Upcoming Events: VTA Oversight
Valley Transportation Agency (VTA) is looking to fill multiple vacancies on its 206 Measure B Citizens Oversight Committee. VTA is tasked 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. |
- LWV Santa Clara County News:
- Santa Clara County Office of Education
- Youth Voter Toolkit link here
- Why Urban Forests Matter - Nature's Air Conditioning • Carbon Capture Keys to a Healthier Community
Friday, May 16, 2025 10 a.m.-12 noon at West Valley Public Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd., San Jose
This workshop and information session about the Santa Clara County Urban Forest Master Plan will discuss potential impacts of the plan on our cities and why the League’s concerns about both climate change and basic human rights are intertwined. Urban forests are key to better mental and physical health and they save money! Speakers include:
- Michael Cappon, Project Manager, Santa Clara County Urban Forest Master Plan, Davey Consultants
- Briana Horta, Santa Clara County Office of Sustainability and Resilience
- Marc Landgraf, Deputy Director, Santa Clara Open Space Authority
Come to learn and be informed and leave with ideas for taking action!, Presented by the 5 Leagues of Women Voters in Santa Clara County
- Pop Up Bug Museum on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Cupertino Library, Room 101
Come to the pop-up bug museum, where you can see many interesting specimens up close and personal! We are excited to host Dr. Stephanie Dole, a.k.a. Beetlelady, who has been educating the masses about a plethora of biological sciences since 1997. Beetlelady's Pop-Up Bug Museum includes displays of terrestrial arthropods from around the world, live bug terrariums, and activities for all ages.
No registration is required, so come immerse yourself in the fascinating world of bugs!
This event was made possible with the support of the Cupertino Library Foundation.
For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), please fill out the online form at sccld.org/accessibility 7+ days prior to the event. If you need assistance with the form, speak with a staff member at your local library, call (408) 540-3945, or email us at ask@sccl.org
- New America’s Town Hall Program (IN PERSON AND ONLINE)
Constitutional Meaning in the Shadow of the Articles of Confederation on Monday, May 12 | 11 a.m.–4:15 p.m. ET
The Brennan Center for Justice and the National Constitution Center present a symposium exploring how the Articles of Confederation shaped the U.S. Constitution. Historians, legal scholars, and journalists—including Aditya Bamzai of the University of Virginia School of Law; Jay Cost of American Enterprise Institute; Jonathan Gienapp of Stanford University; Johann Neem of Western Washington University; Farah Peterson of the University of Chicago School of Law; Jack Rakove of Stanford University; Kermit Roosevelt of University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School; Ilya Somin of Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University; and Alan Trammell of Washington and Lee University School of Law—will examine the legacy of the Articles of Confederation, the founding debates over federal power, and the lasting influence of these debates on constitutional interpretation today.
Moderators and special guest speakers include NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, Brennan Center President and CEO Michael Waldman, Brennan Center Judiciary Program Director Alicia Bannon, Brennan Center Fellow Wilfred Codrington, Brennan Center Steven M. Polan Fellow in Constitutional Law and History Maureen Edobor, and Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland. Learn more
This program is presented in partnership with the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.
| ________________________________________ | 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 May 19th.
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 April Event:
The LWV SCC Civil Discourse Committee April 29, 2025 Event “Stripped for Parts – American Journalism on the Brink” was a big success. It could not be recorded due to copyright restrictions however we want to share the film resources and contact information with all.
Some information on the film and resources you may find valuable include the following:
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, the film's Producer and Director, has been producing and directing documentary films for four decades, with his most acclaimed films focusing on journalism: Tell the Truth and Run: George Seldes and the American Press (1996) and The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (2009), both Academy Award nominees for Best Documentary Feature.
About 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?”
Educational and non-profit organizations can contact Rick to arrange showings and if one has a public library card, one can access the film via public libraries and the Kanopy service. Additional resources are available on the website: https://strippedforpartsfilm. One can check out what you can do about local news here: https://strippedforpartsfilm.com/action-toolkit/.
| ________________________________________ |  | LWC Bay Area - LWVBA
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You are invited to participate in the LWV Bay Area Biennial Council 2025, Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10am-12pm via Zoom - Register Here
Each Bay Area local League is eligible to send two voting delegates to the Biennial Council. All are welcome to attend, and voting delegates may vote as needed.
During the meeting, we will provide an update on the status of our re-study of regional government positions.
Please note: No new positions will be adopted during this Council, as those are typically considered during convention.
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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 & Environs
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
City Council Meetings - May 6, 13, 20 - more info 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 Notes:
- Next Board meeting May 5, 7pm, join via website link. All are welcome!
- 2025 Electeds Meet & Greet very successful
- 501c3 Status effective April 2, 2024
- Annual Meeting confirmed May 17, 10-noon at Grand Hotel
- New Citizen Events changed venue
- Participated in Cupertino Earth & Arbor Day Festival
- Civic Engagement event April 29 on First Amendment Rights
- LWVCS Nominating Committee is looking for potential Board Members to make things happen!
May 2025 Quote:
“Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
| ____________________________________________ | 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.
To get more information about the League, Join, Renew or Donate, click here.
| | | ____________________________________________ | | 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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