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 8 | Date: Aug 20, 2025
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In this issue:
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| LWV Responds to President Trump's vow to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines
“President Trump’s call to eliminate vote-by-mail is a direct attack on Americans’ freedom to vote,” declaimed LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart in a statement issued on August 18. “President Trump has no constitutional authority to take this action. Under our US Constitution, the states have the power to run elections, and only Congress can step in to regulate those elections when needed.”
Read the full statement here.
LWV Denounces Federalizing DC – a Dangerous March Toward a Military State
On August 11, LWVUS and LWV of the District of Columbia issued a joint statement in response to the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, DC, and the takeover the DC Metropolitan Police Department. “Today President Trump fabricated yet another emergency as the basis to abuse his power and target his perceived political enemies.”
The League of Women Voters calls on Congress to fully investigate the legality of this action, ensure transparency, and guard against any misuse of federal authority, and calls on individuals to contact their members of Congress to demand an immediate oversight hearing.
Read the full statement here.
Redistricting must be fair, transparent, and rooted in the voices of voters, not partisan retaliation.
On August 6, LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart responded to states’ efforts to institute mid-cycle redistricting. "The League of Women Voters does not support a tit-for-tat approach to redistricting. State legislatures redrawing their maps mid-cycle reflects political gamesmanship that erodes public trust in our democracy.”
See the full statement here.
LWV Supports the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
The US Senate is currently considering the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA), a measure needed to protect and strengthen our democracy. The JLVRAA is a direct response to relentless attacks on voting rights, including voter suppression laws and efforts to redistrict election boundaries midcycle. LWV proudly supports this critical legislation noting that “For more than a century, the League of Women Voters has fought to make our elections fair, accessible, and inclusive. Today, as states enact restrictive voting measures that disproportionately impact communities of color, the need for robust federal protections could not be clearer.”
See the full statement here. | |
UNITE AND RISE 8.5: A CAMPAIGN TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY | 
| The League of Women Voters launched the Unite & Rise 8.5 campaign in May to engage and mobilize 8.5 million voters to protect and preserve our democracy. We rallied members to oppose the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote or change your registration. We mobilized voters to oppose the cuts to Medicaid in the so-called One, Big, Beautiful Bill. We have urged support for due process and the rights of immigrants. We haven’t prevailed, but we’re continuing the fight on all fronts.
Beginning in August and continuing through October, our focus is on holding power accountable, defending and advancing voting rights, and fighting for transparency and fairness in midcycle redistricting. We urge voters to show up for the town halls elected officials hold in August and make their voices heard. Tell your elected representatives how you feel about the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. Do you support the cuts to safety net programs, environmental protections, public broadcasting, and national parks?
We support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full power of the historic Voting Rights Act. As things now stand, the right to vote remains vulnerable to manipulation and abuse. We oppose Governor Newsom’s proposal for midcycle redistricting because we believe independent Citizens Redistricting commissions are the fairest, most representative way to establish voting districts. This is a not a partisan issue – we oppose gerrymandering whichever political party is doing it.
What can you do?
- Follow the news.
- Find your issue.
- Support the institutions and organizations you care about.
- Make your views known.
Whatever your issue, your voice matters and your elected officials need to hear it.
Commit to support Unite & Rise here. Find out more here. | 
2025 Opening Meeting
Saturday September 20
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in SLO from 2:00 - 4:30 pm for a gathering of League members and guests.
The event will start with appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, followed by a short business meeting, a panel presentation: "Our Immigrant Community: Contributions and Current Challenges" and an update on League events and activities.
| Meet the League introduces you to the people, committees, and partners behind the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County. Learn about the volunteers driving our mission, the work we do in the community, and how you can get involved in empowering voters and defending democracy. Read our spotlights below and our entire blog here.
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Board Spotlight: Meet Ed Cabrera, Director of Voter Service
 For Ed Cabrera, civic engagement has always been more than an abstract concept—it was part of his daily lesson plan. A high school educator for four decades, Ed spent the last chapter of his career teaching 12th-grade political science, encouraging students to understand how government works and why their participation matters. Now, as Director of Voter Service for the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Ed brings that same passion to his work supporting democracy.
Read the blog post here.
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Committee Spotlight: Meet our Voter Service Committee
The Voter Service Committee of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is at the heart of the League’s mission to empower voters and defend democracy. With six subcommittees—each focused on a distinct aspect of voter outreach and education—this dynamic team helps ensure voters throughout the county are informed, registered, and ready to participate.
Read the blog post here.
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~~~ You're Invited! ~~~
Virtual Coffee Hour
Wednesday, August 27 at 5 pm
This month we'll feature an overview of the Executive branch of government
| | | Bring your favorite morning beverage and join other LWV SLOCO members to get to know each other and discuss topics and issues that are important to you. This month we'll focus on the Executive branch of government. Everyone is welcome - you don't need to be a League member to attend.
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 get-together? See dates of future coffee and cocktail hours here.
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LIFELONG LEARNERS WITH SUPERVISOR BRUCE GIBSON |  County Government Q & A with 2nd District Supervisor Bruce Gibson
Wednesday, October 22, 1 - 3 pm, Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, SLO
Second District Supervisor Bruce Gibson will be the featured speaker when Lifelong Learners of the Central Coast meets on October 22 from 1-3 pm at the Odd Fellows Hall in San Luis Obispo. He will discuss recent successes and current challenges facing San Luis Obispo County as well as the workings of the board and county government in general. After his initial comments he will open the floor for questions from the attendees.
Mr. Gibson, who has served as San Luis Obispo County District 2 Supervisor since 2006, has announced that he will not run for re-election. He previously served as District 2 Planning Commissioner and was active in a number of community organizations including the Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council, the Land Conservancy of SLO County, the Cayucos Land Conservancy; and Hearst Ranch Conservation NOW.
Throughout his time in office, Supervisor Gibson has been active in the California State Association of Counties and is currently the Association’s Immediate Past President. He also serves on the Paso Basin Cooperative Committee, the Diablo Canyon Independent Peer Review Panel, and the Coastal Commission’s Sea Level Rise Working Group.
The Odd Fellows Hall is located at 520 Dana Street, with ample, free parking available. There will be no admission charge for the event. Register here.
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FREE HOME ENERGY ADVISING SERVICE |  SLO Climate Coalition is pleased to announce the launch of its Home Energy Advising Service, a new initiative offering free, personalized support to San Luis Obispo County residents interested in home electrification upgrades. Find more information and learn how you can upgrade your home here. |
ECHO Fundraiser
Feeding Hope- One Slice at a Time
Saturday, September 6 | 4 – 8 pm
Volatus Winery | Paso Robles | $25
Find more information & buy tickets here.
4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival
Mujeres de Acción
Sunday, September 14 | 2 - 9 pm
Downtown City Park, Paso Robles
Find more information here.
ECHO 14th Annual Long Walk Home
Saturday, September 20 | 10 am
Walk in Solidarity. Celebrate in Community.
Find more information here.
How Affordable Housing is Built in SLO County
San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
7:30–10:00 am | Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo
Find more information & buy tickets here.
Journey of Hope Festival 2025
Transitions-Mental Health Association
Saturday, September 27 | 12 - 3 pm
SLO Public Market, 3845 Higuera St, SLO
Find more information here.
Support Local Farmworkers
The Community Foundation SLO County's Fund for Vineyard & Farm Workers
Established by Brian & Johnine Talley
Donate here.
Transitions-Mental Health Association
The Central Coast Hotline has always been proud to serve the LGBTQ+ population.
Find more information and resources here. | 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. | |