Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. |
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The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.
Vol 67 | Issue 4 | Date: April 25, 2025
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In this issue:
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| League Declares US Facing a Constitutional Crisis
On April 17, Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, and Dianna Wynn, president of the League of Women Voters, declared that the United States is in a constitutional crisis and announced a new initiative to use the power of voter engagement to protect and preserve our democratic institutions.
“It has now been 87 days since the start of the Trump administration. From the flagrant disregard for congressional authority and governmental checks and balances to defying Supreme Court orders to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back home, one thing is abundantly clear our country is in a constitutional crisis.”
Starting May 1, the League will launch the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement to defend the foundational principles that have sustained our democracy — checks and balances, the rule of law, and free and fair elections.
Read the LWVUS statement here.
League Joins Coalition Challenging Unlawful Anti-voter Executive Order
The League of Women Voters has joined a coalition of voting rights organizations to file a lawsuit in US District Court challenging President Trump’s unlawful executive order on voting. The order attempts to seize the power to set voter registration rules from Congress and the states. Key provisions of the order could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly voters of color, women voters, naturalized citizens, voters with disabilities, voters with low incomes, and first-time voters.
“This executive order is a dangerous and unprecedented abuse of power — one that threatens to make it more difficult for American voters, particularly women voters, to participate in our elections,” said Celina Stewart, chief executive officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States.
See the press release here.
LWVUS opposes EPA deregulations
The League of Women Voters has signed onto a statement opposing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) plan to eliminate air quality standards for smog, soot, and mercury, and limits on carbon pollution and coal waste. The Trump Administration has announced their intention to destroy over 50 years of lifesaving progress to protect our air, water, and land. Their plan to eliminate air quality standards for smog, soot, and mercury; carbon pollution limits on power plants and vehicles, and limits on coal waste is a threat to all of us, and a direct assault on the most vulnerable.
See the joint statement and the full list of signatories here.
California League opposes AB 85 Law Enforcement: Cooperation with Immigration Authorities
The Trump Administration has invoked a cruel and inhumane policy, deporting hundreds of Venezuelans under an archaic 18th-century wartime law and denying them due process. This blatant disregard for fundamental rights reminds us why we must stay vigilant here in California.
LWVC strongly opposes AB 85, a bill introduced by Assemblymember Bill Essayli (Corona) that would require local law enforcement to notify federal immigration authorities when undocumented individuals complete their sentences, and to share information about transfers and holds.
AB 85 is a broad and vague mandate that would apply to anyone with a felony conviction, including low-level and nonviolent offenses and those who have already completed their sentences, creating a sweeping policy that could lead to harmful consequences for many individuals and undermine trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement making our communities less safe.
See the full letter to Assemblymember Essayli here.
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2025 BIENNIAL MEETING & BREAKFAST | 
***** League Members *****
You're invited
2025 Biennial Meeting & Breakfast
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ventana Grill, 2575 Price Street, Pismo Beach
| This meeting is open to League members & their guests. $50 per person.
Register now - Registration closes on April 27!
Register Here
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Meeting highlights:
- Hear from keynote speaker Elizabeth "Biz" Steinberg, CEO of CAPSLO, celebrating 60 years of helping people and changing lives in SLO County
- Vote on the League's priority issues and biennial budget
- Elect League officers and board members
- Socialize with fellow League members
- Presentation of the 2024 Sara Horne Award for outstanding service to the League in the area of Voter Service
The fee for the meeting, including a breakfast buffet, is $50.
This meeting is open to League members and their guests. Make sure to log in to your League member account in Club Express to register for the event. Contact us here for assistance. To register for the in-person luncheon and pay by check please contact our Treasurer here. Registration closes on April 27. Register here. |
Get Involved - Make a Difference
Our local League will be staffing a booth at two upcoming events and we need your help!
In keeping with LWVUS initiative “Unite and Rise 8.5” which seeks to engage and mobilize 8.5 million voters between now and November 2026 to protect and preserve our democratic institution, voter registration and engagement at these events will be a priority. In addition, both of these events give our League members the opportunity to educate the community about the important work that we do locally as well as statewide and nationally.
If you are interested in helping with the events, please reach out to Julie Rodewald at voterservice@lwvslo.org. | |
Join our Lunch with the League webinar on May 5 at noon on Zoom. Attendance is free, registration required.
Does Prop 1 Fix the Problems in Mental Health Services?
Learn how Proposition 1 will change the services provided by agencies in SLO County and how the housing bond may impact local housing and homelessness. Register Here | | |
Proposition 1, or the Behavioral Health Services Act, was approved by California voters in an exceedingly close vote in November 2024. Voters approved the $6.4 billion plan to build treatment beds and housing for people experiencing serious mental health issues. The new law shifts priorities for local mental health and behavioral health service providers from prevention services to intensive services for people with the most significant mental health needs, including housing and full-service support. The law includes a bond to build treatment facilities and permanent supportive housing for people with mental health and addiction challenges.
Find more information and register here.
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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK |  Thank You to our League Volunteers!
This is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. As an organization built on the dedication and hard work of volunteers, we want to thank you. From registering voters in our community and speaking up at town halls to managing the League’s website or encouraging candidates to fill out our voter guides, every League volunteer is critical to our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy. We hope you take this moment to celebrate yourself and your friends at the League. We could not do this work without you!
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Experience the Impact: Join a CAPSLO Program Tour!
May 1 and May 2, 11 am - 3 pm
For over 60 years, CAPSLO has been a cornerstone of community action, and offers program tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the programs and services your partnership makes possible—from early education classrooms to the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center. Meet dedicated staff, witness CAPSLO's mission at work, and learn how your contributions have helped transform lives across San Luis Obispo County for six decades. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our community, CAPSLO would love to show you the heart of CAPSLO and the lasting impact of your support.
Interested in attending one of CAPSLO's upcoming program tours this spring? Mark your calendars! CAPSLO is offering tours on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2. Simply fill out the attached Google Form to reserve your spot. CAPSLO looks forward to welcoming you and sharing the impact of your support! Travel to and from the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center will be provided by CAPSLO.
Register here.
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LUNCH WITH THE LEAGUE REPLAY |
Miss one of our webinars? You can watch them on our YouTube channel by clicking on the links below.
| | ~~~ You're Invited! ~~~
Virtual Coffee Hour
Wednesday, April 30 at 9 am
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Bring your morning beverage and join other LWV SLOCO members for an hour of casual social interaction. This is chance to get to know other members, discuss topics and issues that are important to you, or just have a casual discussion. We would love to hear from you, so bring your questions and ideas. You don't have to be a League member to attend. Everyone is welcome
This meeting is held online on Zoom. Register to receive event reminders or just drop in using the link on the registration page. Your meeting host is long-time League member Nancy Welts. Register here.
Can't make it to this coffee hour? See dates of future coffee and cocktail hours here.
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Polarization is Hurting Us All: Let’s Have a Conversation
A free Structured Braver Conversation about Polarization, how it’s hurting us, and what to do about it.
Sunday, May 18 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1301 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo
Host Organization: San Luis Obispo Alliance
Partner Org(s): Improv for Good
This is a free in-person event. Find more information and register here. Use code BRAVER.
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In-Person Earth Month Action Hour
Wednesday, April 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church, Social Hall
2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo
Take Action to Protect People & the Planet at SLO Sierra Club's first In-Person Action Hour. We'll start with social time before hearing the latest updates. Then we'll write to elected officials and ask them to protect our climate, public lands, and democracy. Snacks will be provided. Register here. | | | |
Saturday, April 26th, 11 am - 5 pm
Meadow Park, SLO
SLO EarthFest 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of the collective power of our community to build a sustainable future.
Get ready for a day of inspiration, education, and community connection at SLO EarthFest 2025! Hosted in beautiful Meadow Park, this family-friendly event celebrates sustainability and highlights actionable ways to combat climate change at the local level!
| | SLO EarthFest has something for everyone in the family!
- Live Music - featuring favorite local bands.
- Kids Zone - fun and educational activities for the littles.
- Makers Market - sustainable treasures from local creatives.
- Beer Garden - pouring Firestone Walker Brewing Company
- Climate Solutions Stage - panel discussions & speakers with inspiring messages on sustainability for our future.
- Wellness Zone - yoga, sound bath, and local exhibitors for the mind, body, and soul.
- Habitat Restoration Projects - onsite restoration projects & community art.
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Grab a FREE ticket to save your spot, as venue space is limited. Tickets are free but registration will be checked at the entrance.
Find more information and register to attend here.
Let’s create a brighter, greener future—together!
| League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County
The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations. | |