FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Friends,

As we celebrate the holidays, let’s remember the core of our mission is service. 

Please support those in need—whether by donating to our food drive for families, giving gifts for children, or volunteering at the shelter, every act of kindness makes a difference. Let our CFWC banner represent compassion and community.

This year, your dedication and service, friendship, and community has shone brighter than ever. From our local clubs to our statewide initiatives, your passion for making a difference in   California has truly been inspiring.

Thank you for your incredible work, your unwavering support, and for embodying the heart of the Federation. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of a bright

New Year!

Yours in Federation and Love, Sonya

ARTS & CULTURE - KELLY DAVIS, Chair

Music is an art that, in one guise or another, permeates every human society. Modern music is heard in a bewildering profusion of styles, many of them contemporary, others engendered in post eras. Music is a protean art, it lends itself easily to alliances with words, as in song, and with physical movement, as in dance.

GFWC Special Program, Community Service Programs: Share the Music

Pasadena Woman’s Club is dedicated to helping children appreciate arts in our community. This year one of our members donated a beautiful Samick Baby Grand Piano for a piano student in the 4th grade. We voted to support arts and culture through this project by donating to a student who has desire and talent but may not have the resources to learn and succeed. This piano was delivered to the student and donated from our club. We hope that this facilitates her dreams of being a professional pianist-and also that she may have fun along the way.

--Chairman: Laura Schano

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT and OUTREACH - ANNE COCHRAN, Chair

In celebrating Christmas this week I like to share the joy of visiting with the veterans and active service members to express my heartfelt gratitude .I usually offer to buy them their fav. drink or meal. For that moment its all about them. Let’s all be a little more generous with our time. 

ENVIRONMENT - NANCY B. JONES, Chair

One focus of the Environment Program area is PROTECT WILDLIFE AND DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. The “Critter Causes” project of the Bonsall Woman’s Club provides educational information and resources to club members pertaining to animal rescue and protection efforts in North County San Diego. Members donate animal food, supplies, blankets, towels, and toys; they keep an inventory and deliver to local rescue organizations including SPOT (Saving Pets One at a Time), Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary, Love Your Feral Felines, Project Wildlife. Members research and add articles about pet safety to the club newsletter - hot cars in summertime, Fourth of July anxiety, and holiday food dangers. Members learn about animals that are available for adoption and/or fostering. From domestic dogs, cats, and birds to farm animals and abundant local wildlife, this club’s members have a soft spot for all “critters.”

LEGISLATION & PUBLIC POLICY - KATHLEEN HOLM, Chair

Key New Laws Taking Effect in 2026

California will implement several significant new laws in 2026. These new laws reflect California's ongoing commitment to improving workplace conditions, enhancing employee rights, and addressing emerging challenges in technology and labor practices.

Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294): Employers must provide written notice to all employees about their rights, including workers' compensation benefits and protections against unfair immigration-related practices. This notice is required by February 1, 2026, and annually thereafter.

Amendments to the Equal Pay Act (SB 642): This law expands the definition of wages to include benefits and non-salary compensation, imposes stricter pay scale requirements in job postings, and extends the statute of limitations for pay equity violations. It aims to promote greater pay transparency and prevent undercutting of pay requirements.

Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act (SB 53): This law requires employers developing advanced AI systems to implement safety and transparency measures, including whistleblower protections for employees who report unsafe practices related to AI.

Ban on "Stay-or-Pay" Contracts (AB 692): California will prohibit many "stay-or-pay" contracts, which require employees to pay back training costs if they leave the company. This law aims to enhance employee mobility and protect workers from financial penalties.

Minimum Wage Increase: The minimum wage in California will increase to $16.90 per hour starting January 1, 2026. This change will also raise the minimum salary threshold for overtime exemption to $70,304.

Data Breach Notification Requirements (SB 446): California will require organizations to notify individuals of data breaches within a strict 30-day timeframe, enhancing consumer protection against data privacy violations.

(Above article from Yemela Bell-Gomez,

San Bernardino District Chair of Legislation & Public Policy)

Just a thought ......

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

--Eleanor Roosevelt