Vo t e r of Southwest Santa Clara Valley

Serving Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, & Campbell October, 2017

League of Women Voters The Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley present P.O. Box 2865 Saratoga, CA 95070-0865 Telephone: 408-lwv-1842 An www.lwv-sw-santaclara-valley.org League of Women Voters Impartial Phone: 916 442-7215 Fax: 916 442-7362 http://ca.lwv.org Judiciary League of Women Voters Phone: 202-429-1965 Fax: 202-429-0854 A Cornerstone of http://www.lwv.org Democracy In This Issue President’s Letter 2 Panelists: Board Bytes 3 Honorable Carol A. Corrigan An Impartial Judiciary 4 Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court City & Town Council Observers 5 Honorable Beth Freeman Voter Registration & New Citizens 5 U.S. District Court Judge Water Fix or Alternatives 6 Honorable Rise J. Pichon Clip ‘n Come Discussions 6 Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Climate Change: Paris Agreement Mayors 7 LWVC Advocacy 7 Attorney John Steele Volunteer Opportunities 7 Expert on Judicial Conduct Annual Fiscal Report 8 The Immigration Conundrum 9 October 24, 2017 California Voting Changes 10 Reception: 6:00PM - 6:45 PM • Forum: 7:00PM - 8:30 PM Civil Discourse Project 10 Joe Simitian’s Great Speech 10 Quinlan Community Center Is Democracy Alive In SCC 11 Getting Rid of the Electoral College 11 Cupertino Room LWVSWSCV News Spotlight 11 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 LWVUS Film Partnership 12 Political Book Club 12 This event is FREE & open to the public. Business Supporters 12, 13 Please register via http://bit.ly/ImpartialJudiciary. Event Calendar 14 Further details on page 4. October, 2017 LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley

been victimized by a decision of the 2017-2018 current Administration. DACA gave Board of Directors these undocumented human beings a chance to thrive and have a productive Officers & Directors life and better future. Ending DACA President, Hana Itani will destroy that chance. Beginning on Vice President, Barbara Lea October 5, 2017, less than a week from this writing, Uuniversity of Sourthern Secretary, Nancy Rucker California International Studies will begin Treasurer, Danice Picraux rejecting all INITIAL and RENEWAL Action, Eleanor Yick DACA applications. Santa Clara County Education, Eleanor Yick Council League—which includes our League—supports efforts to protect the Finance Drive, Tom Picraux rights of these undocumented individuals. Natural Resources, Meg Giberson President’s Letter As you already have noticed, traffic Observers, Raquel Durand complaints are on the rise everywhere Programs, TBD As usual, we have great programs during in the Bay Area. Many commuters are Public Relations, Gail Nishimura the fall season. They alternate between understandably upset in dealing with Assistants: Election Forums during election season a 10% increase in traffic. Recently, on Pat White & Nancy Rucker and Educational programs to encourage September 20, I attended an Immigration Voter Editor, Cherri Nelson the informed and active participation of and Refugee Forum Meeting where there Voters Service citizens in government. On September was a discussion about the hardship of Wendy Hendry, Sue Cooney 23, we had Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren taking public transportation by low- speaking at the Saratoga Library with former income individuals. BART and VTA Nominating Committee LWVC president Jennifer Waggoner. They are reaching out to hear from different Chair, Pat White enlightened us on how laws are passed by communities about transportation issues Members legislatures, have direct impact on our and the upcoming rail service into Santa lives, and what we should do to keep Sharon Graham, Gail Nishimura, Clara County. You can voice what is Lois Smallwood democracy working. By communicating important to you by filling out a survey our concerns to our legislators, we help online at bart.gov/SVsurvey. Off-Board Chairs them decide on how to vote. You are also aware of the homeless Bay Area Representative, Patty Weber In the wake of hurricanes, floods, problem in Santa Clara County. I Circulation, Natalie Heling earthquakes, and other natural disasters, I developed more interest in this subject Clip ‘n Come, Dale Hill want to discuss a policy disaster. Attorney after our Leaguers toured The HomeFirst Database Manager, Zina Lou Dyer General Jeff Sessions has announced that Boccardo Reception Center for San Jose President Donald Trump will end the Homeless during the Spring of 2016. As Environment, Dave Yick Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals a result of that trip, I founded AMAAN Great Decisions, Terry Zaccone (DACA) program, putting more than Charitable Organization in December of Health Care, Barbara Lea 800,000 young people in the United that year to help the newcomer refugees Hospitality, Judy Zaccone States, known as DREAMERS, at risk and others in Northern California, to Immigration, TBD of deportation. Through no fault of transition to a stable and more secure their own, and destined to be raised life, become self supporting, and keep a Observers here, they grew to love America and roof over their heads before it becomes Campbell: Jackie Costanzo feel they are Americans. 200,000 of too late for them. Those who do not a Los Gatos: Lynda Jandron them are in California and the United have higher education and make less Monte Sereno: TBD States of America is their home. Those than their rent fees, are at a higher risk Saratoga: Raquel Durand undocumented persons will thus have Youth Outreach, Wanda Alexander Continued on Next Page. Publications, Gail Pedersen Voter’s Edge, Tom Picraux Voters Service Pros & Cons , T. Zaccone, E. Yick You pray for them, then you feed them. Voter Registration, Jackie Costanzo That’s how prayer works. Web Site Pope Francis Cherri Nelson, Gail Nishimura

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2016-2017 Board Bytes work hard on our database. A “hospitality” Elected Officials hostess is still needed for events. Meeting of Sept. 6, 2017 Natural Resources: Meg Giberson reports United States Treasurer’s Report: a Water Fix validation action has been President Donald Trump Graphics were filed with a decision by a court on whether (202) 456-1414 distributed by Tom & Danice the project can be considered part of www.whitehouse.gov Picraux demonstrating the stable health the State Water Project for bonds to be Senator Dianne Feinstein of our finances. Tom suggested building issued. She listed the many problems still (415) 393-0707 up our current reserve fund higher unresolved. Meg encouraged everyone www.feinstein.senate.gov than it is currently. He’ll also look into to read the LWVC President’s article in Senator Kamala Harris investments or accounts that have a the San Jose Mercury. (415) 403-0100 higher percentage yield. http://harris.senate.gov The Oroville dam repair will take much more money and time than estimated. Rep. Anna Eshoo League Book Club: Led by Wendy and (408) 245-2339 Dan Hendry, meetings begin in October Voter: Cherri Nelson talked about (650) 323-2984 at Wesley Manor Library; see details in organizing a support process for the http://eshoo.house.gov this Voter. We will be discussing Dark donated business ads and assigning Money by Jane Mayer. members’ tasks. Barbara Lea and Hana California Great Decisions: There will be afternoon Itani will meet with Cherri to organize Governor Jerry Brown and evening meetings this year to encourage a system. (916) 445-2841 http://gov.ca.gov more participation. Events will begin PR/Social Media: We will be changing in February. Senator Jim Beall, Jr. our website to the new My League Online (408) 558-1295 Programs: It was announced that our (MyLo) hopefully by January. A committee http://sd15.senate.ca.gov League would register voters at Los will be needed to choose the intial 15 Assembly Member Evan Low Gatos High School on National Voter transition page choices. Various Board (408) 446-2810 Registration Day, September 26. members will eventually need to be trained http://asmdc.org/members/a28/ and given access to the site to manage Discussion has begun on the Holiday information for their duties. Santa Clara County Party this year, location to be determined. Suggestions are welcome! Dates of President Itani has done an interview with Supervisor Joe Simitian KCAT on League history. Gail Nishimura (408) 299-5050 the first weekends in December were will obtain a copy of the video in October [email protected] suggested intending to avoid conflict with AAUW’s plans. for members to view. Supervisor Mike Wasserman (408) 299-5010 A Civil Discourse Forum is being developed Nominating Committee: It was decided [email protected] for the sping. that recruitment would begin earlier than in previously years. It was requested that Supervisor Ken Yeager Membership: Barbara Lea has defined the (408) 299-5040 Board members write their job descriptions duties and into recruitment, welcome, and [email protected] for the committee to refer to. mentoring. Zina Lou Dyer continues to Nancy Rucker, Secretary SCC Registrar of Voters Locate your elected officials by your street address: http://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/ President’s Letter (Cont.) Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx them about other areas with cheaper It is mind boggling to hear of such an rent, hoping to secure a job for them in unbelievable situation. their new locations. We also developed a This month we are bringing a great program for them to converse in English program with an opportunity for you to using Skype software. learn more about the rules that govern There is so much going on these days, at how judges work. Please read more about all levels, and it is up to us to participate the October 24 event in this Voter on to help the world become safer and page four and sign up to attend. I am more civil. Today my husband and I looking forward to seeing you there. were shocked to hear of a San Jose State Hana Itani, President LWVSWSCV Professor who struggles living out of her 408-lwv-1842, [email protected]. own car with her unemployed husband. Continued on Page 5.

3 October, 2017 LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley An Impartial Judiciary A Cornerstone of October 24, 2017 Our Democracy Reception: 6:00P.M.-6:45 P.M. • Forum: 7:00P.M.-8:30P.M. Quinlan Community Center

Calling an independent judiciary a Judge Beth Labson liability, risk management, “cornerstone of democracy,” the Leagues Freeman is graduate and the law of lawyering. of Women Voters of Santa Clara County of the University of For over fifteen years, are hosting a forum on this critical California, Berkeley, and he served as the top topic. Why is this topic critical? Our Harvard Law School. internal ethics lawyer Constitution designed a government based Judge Freeman worked at an AmLaw 100 firm, on three equal branches: the Executive, in private practice as where he was Special the Legislative, and the Judiciary. The an associate attorney Counsel for Ethics, Judiciary is rarely discussed beyond court in Washington, D.C., and . and at an AmLaw 200 decisions. This educational forum will After serving as Deputy County Counsel firm, where he was a trial lawyer and explore the meaning of judicial impartiality in San Mateo County Counsel’s Office, litigation partner. and independence, as well as some of the she became a Judge on the San Mateo Mr. Steele has taught professional rules that govern how judges work. Come County Superior Court where she served responsibility at UC-Berkeley School hear and learn from highly respected as an Assistant Presiding and Presiding of Law, Stanford Law School, Santa Clara experts in this field. Judge over civil and criminal matters. University, Golden Gate University, and President Obama appointed Judge Freeman Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Panelists Biographies to the U.S. District Court in the Northern This event is free and open to the public and Justice Carol Corrigan, a native Californian, District of California in 2014. will be held in the Cupertino Room. Please was born and raised in Stockton, California. Judge Rise J. Pichon received her Juris register via http://bit.ly/ImpartialJudiciary. She graduated with a Juris Doctorate Doctorate at Santa Clara University School The Quinlan Community Center is degree in 1975 from Hastings College of of Law in 1976. Judge at 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino. Law and was admitted Pichon worked as an To find the Center, from Stevens Creek to the California Bar attorney for both the Blvd., make a north turn onto N. Stelling the same year. Office of the Public with the Center being between Alves She worked as a Defender and the Office and Christiansen Drives. There is ample prosecutor in Alameda of the County Counsel parking along N. Stelling and Alves Drive. County and became a in Santa Clara County. judge in the Alameda She served as a County Superior Court Commissioner and then Judge in in 1991. Governor Wilson appointed her the Santa Clara County Municipal as Associate Justice of the California Court from 1984-1998. Judge Court of Appeals, after which she was Pichon has been a Santa Clara elected and re-elected in 1994 and County Superior Court Judge since 1998. She served on a commission 1998 and recently served as the that overhauled the state’s court Presiding Judge. rules. She was appointed to the Attorney John Steele, as a solo Supreme Court of California in 2006 by practitioner, represents clients on Governor Schwarzenegger. matters of legal ethics, professional 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014

The League of Women Voters of the Bay Area Education Fund publishes the Bay Area Monitor six times a year. The publication covers policies, plans, programs, and legislation that affect quality of life in the Bay Area and beyond. The Monitor is provided to readers for free, both in print and online (www.bayareamonitor.org). Subscribe to the Monitor; bayareamonitor.org/subscribe. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/bayareamonitor.

Contact us for more information: (510) 839-1608 • [email protected]

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City & Town Council Observers City & Town Councils Campbell: The City Council has decided lasting 45 days. It can be extended for Members are encouraged to attend to form a subcommittee tasked with 10 and a half months. Beyond that, an the Council meeings of the cities figuring out how to attract different additional one year, can be taken to that our League serves. types of businesses to the downtown. allow time for completion or amending Campbell City Council The subcommittee will work with staff the specific plan. Phase 2 is primarily a 1st & 3rd Tuesdays – 7:30P.M. to address the issue. neighborhood-serving commercial mix Los Gatos Town Council The consultant hired for public outreach to reduce traffic. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays – 7:00P.M. on the progress of the General Plan Update Sept. 5 – Summertime measures to address was directed to begin. Five meetings weekend beach-going traffic Monte Sereno City Council are to be held with the public sharing were evaluated. With traffic 1st & 3rd Tuesdays – 7:00P.M. information with feedback on any reduced downtown, residents Saratoga City Council changes that could affect any place noted frustration with 1st & 3rd Tuesdays – 7:00P.M. of business or neighborhood. The increased traffic around expectation is that this should be Highway 9, and business done in the next few months. owners cited revenue loss. CivicPlus, for website and intra-design The developer of the Del Grande Auto Traffic mapping apps being hosting and maintenance. responsible, the town is working with Parts business on East Campbell Avenue Approved a signage directional program WAZE, Apple and others to approve a was directed to rework plans due to for wineries in the city and the Saratoga reclassification of residential streets. design issues still remaining that are sector of the Santa Cruz Mountains. not in keeping with the City’s Master Due to length of meeting time, discussion Continuing discussions from previous Plan. The plans for the building are too of these agendas will continue at future meetings, the City Council approved the tall and provide only half of the open meetings, dates yet to be determined. Planning Commission Policy Update space required. Lynda Jandron, Observer Process for the second phase of the Village Jackie Costanzo, Observer Saratoga: Aug. 16 – Approved a Resolution expansion. This will include potential Los Gatos: Aug. 15 – Council focus was authorizing the City Manager to enter changes to the City’s Tree Regulations. A changing the site-specific plan for the into an annual contract for servicing one-year extension of service with Vista North 40, phase 2. Adoption was approved Information Technology Security and Landscape was also approved. for an Interim Urgency Ordinance, execute an amended agreement with Raquel Durand, Observer Chair establishing a temporary moratorium hWe l c o me !g Voter Registration Day & New Citizens New Members Tuesday, September 26, was National Voter Registration Day. There were four New Citizen ceremonies held at the Heritage Theater in Campbell that day: 8:30A.M., 10:15 A.M., 12:45P.M. and 2:45P.M. The ceremonies lasted about an hour, Janeece Richards and registering the new citizens began after the ceremonies ended. This was an extra day added, so I asked all five county leagues to join in Grace H. Johnston providing volunteers. Palo Alto League and SWSCV League stepped in to Jim Beebe help on this special day. Thanks to our members: Jane Voigts, Helen Athey, Al Stewart, Anne Stewart, Jane Moss, Patti van der Burg and Steve Ravel for We ’re so glad you have giving of their time for this important event. joined the League! Southwest Santa Clara Valley League is responsible for supplying volunteers for the Thursday, October 26, Ceremonies and the Tuesday, November 28, hg Ceremonies. Please check your calendar and see if you could give an hour or two of your time on either or both of these days to register new citizens to Two easy things new members vote. Times of sessions are not yet available as it depends on whether there can do for further participation: will be three or four ceremonies. 1. Sign up for LWVC newsletters and I will send out a formal Opportunity to Volunteer email in early October. action alerts, lwvc.org/stay-informed. Jackie Costanzo, Voter Registration [email protected] 2. Like us on Facebook, www.facebook. com/LWVofCA.

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Where’s the “Fix” now? LWVC’s decision to oppose “WaterFix”— (more than twice the predicted future loss supply for a growing area”. He says dry the 35-mile-long twin tunnels, each 40 with new restrictions, but no WaterFix). season hiking trails, basketball courts, feet wide, that would be bored under Recycling wastewater could mean saving open space and playing fields could serve the San Francisco-San Joaquin Delta a good portion of the 200,000 afy that as stormwater capture infrastructure in (Delta) to divert water for use in areas our county discharges into San Francisco the wet season under his plan. to the south—has some asking what, Bay (where its unwanted pollutants may In fact, three LA agencies (Department of if anything, would replace it. (For the cause fines of billions of dollars to Bay Water and Power, Flood Control District, LWVC’s op-ed piece, written by Helen Area wastewater treatment plants). Orange Bureau of Sanitation) are working together http://www.mercurynews. Hutchison, see County Water District already recycles to ensure that any “new water delivery com/2017/09/08/opinion-delta-twin-tunnel- 103,000 afy. SCVWD figures indicate we system also wards against flooding, restores waterfix-bad-for-santa-clara-county- currently recycle about 12,000 afy, which fisheries, cleans the bay — in short, that wont-fix-anything .) will only increase to about 32,000 afy by it does all the things we’d eventually be If 200,000 and 168,000 and 300,000 sound 2040. LA County Sanitation Districts, required to do anyway because of the like more than 40,000, then we are on in partnership with their water district, demands of nature, law or lawsuit ….” the same page. plan a Regional Recycled Water Program (Fifty-eight parties have already filed Some 40,000 acre-feet per year (afy) of to produce, eventually, up to 168,000 suit against WaterFix.) average yearly water imports may not be afy. Since SCVWD’s own survey shows Leak detection and repair could save 260,000 available, says Santa Clara Valley Water people in the county willing to pay for gallons per mile surveyed. California District (SCVWD), if two events occur: wastewater recycling, our program needs Department of Water Resources (DWR) 1) WaterFix is not built and 2) future to ramp up considerably. believes that leaks in state water district restrictions on Delta flows are enacted. Local stormwater capture—something that distribution systems siphon away more However, other water-sourcing solutions voters are willing to pay for—could be than 700,000 afy. Water utility audits can be both cost-effective and beneficial a significant source of water, as League have indicated losses from leaks at 10 to our area, as well as to the health of mentioned. Up to 300,000 afy could be percent of their total supply. the Delta, which has been damaged by saved from stormwater capture in the Even a single tunnel accompanied water exports for decades. LA area alone (which gets about the by upgrades to Delta levees would same rainfall as San Jose) says Stanford Water conservation is the least expensive. be significantly cheaper and less professor, Dr. Richard Luthy. Dr. Luthy is environmentally-damaging than the SCVWD says we saved 28% in the recent working with LA on a stormwater capture drought, which equals about 84,000 afy twin tunnels, but it didn’t receive program that would provide “critical adequate study in the vetting process. However, with infrastructure repair and maintenance costs rising, local projects— like those mentioned above— provide a Another Rousing Discussion at reasonable investment in the economic and Clip n’ Come environmental health of our community, “our” Bay, and the Delta. In September, we met at Anne Stewart’s home for Clip ‘n Come. Those WaterFix unknowns include whether 1) attending were Eileen Barnes, Sharon Graham, Dale Hill, Hana Itani, Renate the State Water Board will approve the Langer, Barbara Lea, Gail Nishimura, Ann Roberts, and Jane Voigts. Dynamic new northern intakes, and 2) whether discussions were sparked by the interesting articles presented, as usual. WaterFix will be legally considered part Topics discussed were Flood Myths, Tolerance with Refugees, the California of the State Water Project. If state does Bullet Train, Conservative Speakers at UC Berkeley, Photo ID for Voting not control it, SCVWD says that State in Texas, the Twin Tunnels in California, the Great Reputation of the Water Project contractors—like our League, ACLU Suing the State over Tossing Mail-in Ballots, Lawyers for SCVWD—“would have to ‘step up’ to the Administration, Regulations on Cannabis, and Water Company Rates in pay the debt service for the outstanding the Bay Area. The last topic launched the decision that a letter to the editor Finance JPA Bonds.” The $16.7 billion would be written about the water rates. This decision will be brought up for beginning construction estimate for this discussion at the next Board meeting. project (only 10% of it has been designed so far) could balloon to $60 billion or If you want to join in the fun and also have a delicious pot luck lunch, put more with financing interest included. the next Clip ‘n Come meeting on your calendar for October 12. Barbara Lea, Vice President Which fix do we need? Meg Giberson, Natural Resources

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Climate Action: U.S. Climate Mayors Commit to Uphold Paris Climate Agreement Goals A bipartisan group of mayors from across Celsius target, and work together to create who have already signed the resolution the country has unanimously backed an a 21st Century clean energy economy. and encourage other local entities in ambitious commitment for US cities to We will continue to lead. We are increasing our League area to sign the resolution: run entirely on renewable sources such investments in renewable energy and Mayor Jesse Arreguin (Berkeley), Mayor as wind and solar by 2035. energy efficiency. We will buy and Trish Herrera Spencer (Alameda), Mayor As the recent US Conference of Mayors, create more demand for electric cars Lori S. Liu (Brisbane), Mayor Ricardo leaders from more than 250 cities voted and trucks. We will increase our efforts Ortiz (Burlingame), Mayor Liz Gibbons on symbolic resolutions pushing back to cut greenhouse gas emissions, create (Campbell), Mayor Savita Vaidhyanathan against the administration on climate a clean energy economy, and stand for (Cupertino), Mayor Glenn Sylvester (Daly change and immigration. Since that environmental justice. And if the President City), Mayor Lily Mei (Fremont), Mayor conference ended, many more mayors wants to break the promises made to Debbie Ruddock (Half Moon Bay), Mayor have signed the resolution: our allies enshrined in the historic Paris (Hayward), Mayor “As 369 US Mayors representing 67.5 Agreement, we’ll build and strengthen Mary Prochnow (Los Altos), Mayor million Americans, we will adopt, honor, relationships around the world to protect Gary Waldeck (Los Altos Hills), Mayor and uphold the commitments to the goals the planet from devastating climate risks. Marico Sayoc (Los Gatos), Mayor Kirsten enshrined in the Paris Agreement. We The world cannot wait —and neither Keith (Menlo Park), Mayor Reuben D will intensify efforts to meet each of will we.” Holober (Millbrae), Mayor Ken Rosenberg our cities’ current climate goals, push We acknowledge the following list of (Mountain View), Mayor for new action to meet the 1.5 degrees peninsula and other local area mayors (Oakland), Mayor Greg Scharff (Palo Alto), Mayor John Seybert (Redwood City), Mayor (Richmond), Mayor Bob Grassilli (San Carlos), Mayor Ed LWVC Advocacy: Legislative Tracking Lee (San Francisco), Mayor In an article written in Feburary 2017 Total 2013 bill introductions as of the (San Jose), Mayor David Lim (San Mateo), by Chris Mitchell, a Principal with the deadline: 2,256 Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor (Santa Clara), Mayor Cynthia Chase (Santa Cruz), Sacramento governmental relations firm of As you can see, this year there are just Aprea & Micheli, Inc. The 2017 California Mayor Emily Lo (Saratoga), Mayor Glenn shy of 2,500 bills introduced. That figure Hendricks (Sunnyvale). Legislative Session, which began last is usually 2,000 to 2,200 on average Dave Yick, Environment December 5, is officially “off to the races” historically. Of those, roughly 1,000 get now that the bill introduction deadline to the Governor’s Desk annually and he of February 17 has passed. This year, signs, on average, about 850 of them. there was an almost 25% increase in the League Volunteer number of bill introductions compared Of those 2,495 introduced bills, LWVC Opportunities to last year’s total, although there are identified 25 various categories related to historically more bills introduced in the our positions and 81 bills were identified for Below are a few ways to participate first year than in the second year of the tracking. The LWVC has a robust advocacy and/or contribute to our League: 2-year Legislative Session. program on our behalf. If you go to this site, http://ctweb.capitoltrack.com/public/ * Board positions: Program Chair, In the meantime, the following sets forth publish.aspx?session=17&id=efb5b39d- Immigration Director needed! the number of bill introductions each 6b0e-4edf-a0af-c0f69e9c1e6f you can track * NextDoor.com, Members to post year for the past five years: the status of each of the bills submitted our programs for their community. Total 2017 bill introductions as of the in 2017 that the League has identified Contact Gail Nishimura. deadline: 2,495 for either support or opposition. * Voters Service, Register voters at the Total 2016 bill introductions as of the Action Alert Update: Thank you to New Citizen’s ceremonies. Contact deadline: 1,993 all our members who responded to the Jackie Costanzo at [email protected]. Total 2015 bill introductions as of the recent Action Alert: Yes on AB 249, the * Observers, Attend the Monte Sereno deadline: 2,297 California Disclose Act. Twenty-two (22) Council Meetings. They can also be Total 2014 bill introductions as of the of our members responded and helped listened to on tape. Contact Raquel deadline: 1,930 to have our voices heard. Durand at [email protected] Eleanor Yick, Director Action

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Annual Fiscal Report Audited Financial Statement For Fiscal Year 07/01/16 – 06/30/17 Category Actual Budget Difference Income Finance Drive 4,573.90 4,000.00 573.90 Contributions 550.67 300.00 250.67 Dues 4,255.98 8,880.00 -4,624.02 Fund Raising - Business Card Ads 1,750.00 1,800.00 -50.00 Interest and Misc. 1,079.27 0.00 1,079.27 Events—Self-Funded 1,900.00 0.00 1,900.00 Transfer from Education Fund 666.00 2,298.00 -1,632.00 Total Income 14,775.82 17,278.00 -2,502.18 Expenses A. Administration 1. General Supplies – Postage, Stationery 230.00 200.00 -30.00 2. P.O. Box, Bank Charges 139.62 100.00 -39.62 3. Officers 50.00 100.00 50.00 4. Finance Drive 147.00 175.00 28.00 5. Membership and Hospitality 24.79 400.00 375.21 6. Directory and Handbook 295.24 300.00 4.76 7. Public Relations 971.70 180.00 -791.70 8. Website Maintenance 176.49 160.00 -16.49 9. Board Meeting Room 220.00 240.00 20.00 10. Liability Insurance 594.00 960.00 366.00 B. Service and Educational Activities 1. VOTER Newsletter 550.07 400.00 -150.07 2. Voters Service 582.75 900.00 317.25 3. General Meetings, Program 343.97 500.00 156.03 4. Annual Meeting 47.20 100.00 52.80 5. Study Materials 10.00 50.00 40.00 6. Position Support (Advocacy, Action) 0.00 25.00 25.00 C. Delegates/Travel 1. Bay Area Council 450.00 50.00 -400.00 2. Convention 3,613.87 3,500.00 -113.87 D. Financial Support 1. Santa Clara County Council 135.00 135.00 0.00 2. LWV Bay Area Per Member Payment 128.00 115.00 -13.00 3. LWVC Per Member Payment 3,276.00 3,220.00 -56.00 4. LWVUS Per Member Payment 3,744.00 3,648.00 -96.00 5. Smart Voter 500.00 1,000.00 500.00 6. Dues Assistance 320.00 320.00 0.00 E. Contingency 0.00 400.00 400.00 F. Events--self-funded 2,039.72 0.00 -2,039.72 G. Helga Ruby Award 0.00 100.00 100.00 Total Expenses 18,589.42 17,278.00 -1,311.42

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Annual Fiscal Report (Cont.) Audited Financial Statement For Fiscal Year 07/01/16 – 06/30/17 Category League Accounts 7/1/15 6/30/16 Wells Fargo Bank - Checking 21,998.81 $18,185.21 Fidelity Investments - Cash Fund 3,381.48 $3,391.00 Education Fund 6,368.11 $5,702.11 Balance $31,748.40 $27,278.32

Report Submitted by Treasurer Danice Picraux An audit of the SWSCV financial records for 7/01/16 to 6/30/17 was conducted by Dale Hill and records found to be in order and in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. We thank Dale for checking to make sure our financial books are in order!

The Immigration Conundrum If you were a League member four years Here in California, there is an additional Lately, there is a new immigration ago, you would remember that there crucial argument that immigrants, illegal problem to be investigated. A number was a nationwide LVW Immigration or otherwise, are needed to work our fields. of years saw rampant illegal entry of study in which our League participated. In other states food is grown on family literally millions of people from south Immigration is an emotionally charged farms, which are primarily smaller and can of the border, hoping to find gainful issue with many opinions and a myriad be worked without help, just the farmer employment, This has resulted in a of complicated issues involved, dating and his family. California historically whole subculture of undocumented back to the beginnings of our federal has used Chinese, then Japanese, then residents. All are guilty of breaking government. Our consensus group, however, Mexican/South American workers. In the law. But, what about their children came up with a view which most of us 1943, a temporary program called the not born in the United States? Are they could agree on: that this nation should be Bracero Program was instigated allowing also guilty? The fate of the “Dreamers” open to those who were threatened with unskilled agricultural workers to enter is currently being decided. persecution or hardship and were faced temporarily to bring in a harvest and Immigration has always been a with death if they remained where they then return home. It has become a fact stormy problem, but it has become a were. There are many other qualifications, that without these imported workers, the problem which is dividing citizens into however, that each applicant for entry fields lay unharvested. In a state whose entrenched camps. What is the solution? is expected to meet. primary industry is food production, We will take a look later at ”Sanctuary Each year Congress adds to this list this is potential financial disaster. Some Cities/States” which is California’s attempt of qualifications to the point that the solution must be found. at a solution. process grows longer, more ponderous, Patty Weber, LWVSWSCV Member and time consuming. It becomes more and more obvious that an Immigration Reform is necessary. But, nothing happens. Why? There are very strong opinions on immigration on both sides (Let immigrants in/Keep them out), causing rancorous discussions, ending in deadlock, here and in Washington, DC. There have been efforts to reform for years, but, nothing happens.

9 October, 2017 LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley

California Changes in Voting Civil Discourse Are you a Sacramento, San Project Mateo, Napa, or Nevada County voter? Find out Sunday • October 22 • 2:00 – how voting is changing in your county: VotersChoice. 4:00P.M. org. Want to prepare your Home of Marieann Shovlin, community for big voting 10277 Vista Knoll Boulevard, Voting is getting easier in changes in 2018? Check out Californa! Visit the new Voters the new effort at VotersChoice.org. Cupertino Choice California website. Work with League of Women Voters Our audience includes: members to master the art of courteous Is Your County Ready for Big Voting • Election officials constructive communication characterized Changes in 2018? • Community leaders and other potential by mutual respect, fairness and attentive We’re excited to be part of Voters partners in participating counties listening that promotes understanding. Choice, preparing voters for the big • Organizations that conduct voter The team uses civil discourse principles changes ahead under the Voters Choice outreach and education, and to promote informed discussion of public Act. Voter’s Choice California (VCC) • Non-profit and public sector leaders issues essential for government bodies launched it’s public website which in related fields. and communities to make good decisions. includes public education information It develops workshops and activities to Send us feedback about the new website about California’s Voter’s Choice Act as share its learnings with others. well as several tools for election officials to lwvc at lwvc.org! For questions contact Marieann Shovlin and community leaders. LWVC September 18, 2017 at [email protected]

Joe Simitian’s Great Speech I hope you were at Joe Simitian’s speech Michigan—This County was more • They said they like Joe Biden and on September 9, sponsored by the Mt. prosperous because of the auto industry. would have voted for him. View-Los Altos and Sunnyvale-Cupertino • They talked less about terrorism and • Describing these people, Supervisor Leagues! The title was Listening to immigration and more about social Simitian quoted H. D. Thoreau. “The mass Trump’s America, Bridging the Divide.” issues than he expected. of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” If you were there, you heard one of the • Clinton and the National Democratic • People no longer wanted to be quiet— great speeches of all time—Supervisor Party were out of touch. One man textile plants have gone to Mexico, Simitian was interesting, informative, said, “I would vote for Joseph Stalin China, and Brazil, and the last jobs and charming. before I would vote for Hillary Clinton.” were gone. He visited three counties in three Another said, “She is the Anti-Christ.” • They are now earning about 45% of states—North Carolina, Pennsylvania, They didn’t trust her because of the what they did in 2001. e-mails, Benghazi, and the Foundation and Michigan—chosen because they • The Federal Government hasn’t and said she was corrupt and elitist. had voted for Obama in the last two helped them, and they want to know elections and then for Trump in 2016. • Gender was an issue for both men and what happened to all the tax money He interviewed 100 people and really women who didn’t like the fact that she they paid. had stayed with Bill only for her own listened to them, never an easy task • The results are sickness, suicide, and political gain. An older white military for any of us. Here are just a few of the drug abuse. highlights of his speech: man said the Bible tells them that this is not a proper role for women. • The bad situation is long standing— • Demographics of the Counties with the loss of tobacco revenue • Clinton supporters were less enthusiastic, and NAFTA. N. Carolina—County was rural, poor and the Republicans ran a better with 1/3 of the population at or below campaign—giving out free tee shirts • They want the coal and steel jobs back. the poverty line, 70% people of color, and even making their own yard signs, They have lost wages, dignity and hope. 5-1 Democrats. which favored Trump 200 to 1. • They said, “I don’t know where Trump’s Pennsylvania—County was rural, with • Unions were going down in all going, but I don’t want to keep going coal and steel industry; and they voted three areas. in the same direction.” and “False hope is better than no hope at all.” 67% for Trump. • They voted Democratic in local elections. Barbara Lea, Vice President

10 LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley October, 2017

Is Democracy Alive in Santa Clara County? Meeting Featuring Our New Jon R. Gundry, the County Superintendent decline in newspaper readership and Member, Ann Ravel of Schools, made one of the introductions the importance of becoming informed to the program. He quickly reviewed citizens in our polarized nation. On August 9, The Santa Clara County the changes in school curricula coming Office of Education presented an event The keynote speaker was Ann Ravel, through the shared values of the 60’s former chair of the Federal Election entitled The Power of Democracy—Civic and then the narrowed curricula of the Engagement in Santa Clara County, which Commission and member of our League. 80’s. He said that with the mandate for She sees this as an alarming time the world was attended by a quite varied audience more testing, the subject of civics has of over 200 people. over for democracy—with citizens more Different organizations had tables with brochures about their organizations. The The United States is not a melting pot League was represented at one of these tables, with our new local brochures —it’s a salad bowl! and newsletter. An innovative company makes Civics Video Games where the often gotten left behind; and we have lost cynical, less hopeful, and more willing to participants take a government role, the focus of who we are as Americans. support authoritarian leaders. A horrible such as governor, and make decisions County Supervisor Cindy Chavez statistic she shared was that only 30% unique to that situation. What a wonderful commented, “Politics is now black and of the millennial generation feel that it “hands-on” simulation! white, and we have to teach young people is important to live in a democracy and to navigate the gray.” She went on to saw no problem with the military taking Tuesday remind us that only 42% voted in the last over. She said that in the 50’s at least half presidential election, and that we need of the population trusted government November to teach our children to think critically. and now it is only 19% and that “trust is Joseph Di Salvo, Member of the Santa Clara a basic assumption of democracy.” And 7, 2017 County Board of Education, commented those who feel that their vote doesn’t count are correct in some cases, with 7P.M. that a recent survey showed only 50% of students surveyed found Democracy campaign financing, gerrymandering, Can We Get Rid important! The panel members all talked and voter suppression. In conclusion, about giving the students important she urged the group to make needed of the decision-making opportunities and setting changes to civic organizations, strive to up situations where the students—especially be inclusive, and require transparency Electoral College? minorities—will feel they are part of for government officials. the community. They talked about the Barbara Lea, Vice President Speaker Professor LWVSWSCV Spotlight in the News Jack N. Rakove An article appeared about our League Pulitzer Prize Winner titled League of Women Voters Steps Into the Spotlight in the San Jose Mercury Professor Rakove will provide a News on September 8. The program on Impacting Federal Legislation with U.S. historical context of the Electoral Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and former LWVC President Jennifer Waggoner College and information on how it was mentioned. The main feature of the article, however, was the presentation of has affected politics in our country. results of our League’s study on Local Money in Politics. Tom and Danice Picraux The program will explore what it are making these presentations at our four communities’ Council meetings and would take to do away with the local school boards offering some recommendations to encourage more candidate Electoral College and have the participation and transparency in the election process. U.S. presidency determined by national popular vote. Find the article at www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/08/league-of-women-voters- steps-into-the-spotlight. in cosponsoship with There will be an article in a future Voter once all presentations have been completed. and located at It will be interesting to hear about the recommendations from the study as well as the reactions and comments by mayors, city/town council and school board members. Stay tuned!

11 LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley October, 2017

LWVUS News New Film Partnership Let’s Read • Let’s Meet • Let’s Talk We are excited to share in a new partnership with We the Voters, wethevoters.com, A Political Book Club with a series of nonpartisan educational Those League Members interested the Methodist Church next door. short films that focus on voting and in our newly formed book club will Numbered spots near Wesley democracy. Check out these films, meet on Monday October 9, at Manor are reserved for Wesley specially curated for screenings by LWV: 7P.M. The first book for discussion Manor residents. MediaOcracy, https://wethevoters.com/ will the national best seller, Dark film/mediaocracy At the first meeting we will discuss Money, by Jane Mayer. This date other book selections and the So You Thank You Can Vote, https:// should give members ample time frequency of the meetings. Members wethevoters.com/film/so-you-think- to read this very timely book. are encouraged to bring friends, you-can-vote The location for our first meeting whether League members or not, Why We March, https://wethevoters. is the Wesley Manor library, located to join the discussion. Hope to see com/film/why-we-march at 1655 Winchester Blvd. Campbell, you there. For further information just south of Hamilton Ave. There contact Dan Hendry. For more details on utilizing these is ample free parking behind films, go to http://forum.lwv.org/sites/ Eileen Barnes, Member default/files/we_the_voters_-_lwv_ partnership.pdf

Broker Associate DRE #00786544 LOS GATOS SRES, Previews Poperty Specialist Birdwatcher Lisa Myers Owner C. 408.348.8303 D. 408.355.1555 Kings’s Court Shopping Center F. 408.355.1599 792 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95032 [email protected] www.nathera.com 408-358-9453 fax 408-358-4673 410 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030 [email protected]

Join the League of Women Voters Mail this coupon with your dues to: LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley PO Box 2865 Saratoga, CA 95070-0865 Name: ______Date: ______$ ______Individual $80.00 Membership Renewal: c New Member: c Check# ______An (Elected or Appointed) Public Official: c Yes c No $ ______Household $120.00 Address: ______$ ______Student $30.00 City, State, Zip: ______$ ______Voter Mailed to You $20.00 Home Phone: ______$ ______Total Enclosed

Work/Cell Phone: ______$ ______Donation to LWV-SWSCV Ed Fund E-mail: ______(include as a separate check) Membership year is from July 1 to June 30. Members Joining at the local level makes you a member at all joining after January 1 shall pay one-half the annual levels: County, Bay Area, State, and National. Financial dues amount. Dues and contributions to the League assistance is available; please address questions are not tax deductible. Contributions to the Education regarding membership to at [email protected] or Fund are deductible to the extent allowed by law. call 408-354-2287.

12 LWV Southwest Santa Clara Valley October, 2017

Support LWV SWSCV Supporters! We appreciate the support of the following businesses and business professionals! Please remember to mention seeing the ad in our Voter when you utilize their services.

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Please remember to mention seeing the ad The Rinconada Center 1484 Pollard Road, Los Gatos, CA in our Voter Phone: 408-374-9255 • Fax: 408-374-9258 when you Rob Rennie, [email protected] Owner Hours: M-F 9am - 6pm • Sat 10am - 5pm utilize these Notary • Mailbox Rental • Printing & Binding • Flyers businesses Passport Photos • Expedited Passports • Video Transfer services. 20% Discounts to Non Profits

13 h Event Calendar g Oct 4 Wed Board Meeting, 10:00 A.M. Saratoga Fire Station Oct 9 Mon Let’s Talk Political Book Club, 7P.M. Discuss Dark Money, Jane Mayer. Wesley Manor Library, 1655 Winchester Blvd., Campbell Oct 12 Thu Clip ‘n Come, Noon, Bring Salad/Food & Clipping to Share Home of Dale Hill, 150 Robin Way, Los Gatos Call (408) 356-7679 • Please let hostess know you will be coming. Oct 24 Tue Judicial Impartiality, Judges Panel Discussion 6P.M. Quinlan Community Center, Cupertino. hSave the Date g Nov 7 Tue The Electoral College, Jack Rakove, Saratoga Library 7P.M.

Contact Information for LWVSWSCV Phone: Email: Web: 408-lwv-1842/408-598-1842 [email protected] www.lwv-sw-santaclara-valley.org Facebook: Twitter: Instagram www.facebook.com/lwvswscv lwv_swscv Name: lwv.swscv / Password: board111

Mission Statement: The League of Women Voters is a diversified, nonpartisan political group of women and men, influencing public policy through education and advocacy and encouraging informed and active participation in government.