Serving the people of San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Morgan Hill & Gilroy
February 2021
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President's Message from Carol Watts
Reflections on a memorable January
and planning for our future
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January 6th might go down in history as a date to remember like September 11th. Watching a band of people storm the Capitol Building while almost all of our elected representatives were working inside was appalling. We saw how fragile our democracy has become. We saw how divided we are as a nation.
How far we have come from a day in May 1964 when I was a junior in college visiting the Capitol Building with my political science class. From the visitor’s gallery above the Senate, we saw a floor full of Senators gathering for debate and a vote on a motion leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Among others, we saw Barry Goldwater, Ted Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Everett Dirksen, Eugene McCarthy. Absolutely no one would have thought to be afraid of a mob. Margaret Chase Smith was the only female Senator. There were no black Senators. No one was wearing a mask.
At lunchtime, a classmate and I were roaming the halls and saw the House Dining Room. Boldly, we asked the host if we could have lunch. “Sure, right this way” he said. Even then, it seemed surprising that the building was so open to the public. No one had even thought of security checks in this building let alone in airports. So much has changed.
We have watched recent events and asked ourselves “how did we get here?” and “what can we do?”. This feels like an extremely critical time in our history: will we rescue our democracy or see the fall and decline of the American dream?
What can we do to stop the decline? What are the root causes of the problems we face today? How do we work in our own communities to restore trust in government and . . . READ MORE
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Virtual Lunch With League
"A Shot in the Arm: COVID-19 Challenges & Responses in Hard-Hit Local Communities"
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Thursday, Feb 18, 2021, 12 noon
A Zoom Online Event
Michele Lew, CEO of The Health Trust, will discuss the impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable populations in Santa Clara County including seniors, low income neighborhoods and the homeless. Learn what is being done to help these individuals and other get through this public health crisis.
Also note Thursday, March 18, on your calendar when we will hear from Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen on "Rebuilding Trust with Law Enforcement."
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Bay Area League Day 2021
"Equity in Action"
Saturday, March 6, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
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Have you been concerned about how to determine if your local community is doing all it should to implement equity? How we can create a more equitable economy? The Bay Area League's annual educational day for 2021 focuses on tools and measurements that implement equity and further our goals for a just and inclusive society.
"Equity in Action" begins with a keynote address by Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country.Speakers and panels will look at the League's past, typical of the times, and will illustrate how we define, measure and implement equity. Speakers will examine the economic impact of racism on multiple groups in our society, and how to create good legislation that promotes equity. The morning concludes with a call to action by Stephanie Doute, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of California.
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Help us define the League's priorities for the next two years
Program Planning meeting is February 20
The League is a grassroots organization that sets its agenda through the “Program Planning” process. This is your chance to help choose our priorities for action and determine what we want for the future of the League of Women Voters of California and our local League.
Join us on Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m., when we will discuss League issues for the next two years. Where should the State League focus its energy? Also, what are the issues of concern here in our community? Where is there need for legislative activity and other types of advocacy? Are there areas we have not taken a position on that you think we should?
You voted in November because you care about our political future; now make your opinions heard and help set the agenda for the next years. Note on your calendar and REGISTER NOW HERE.
Help us get the conversation started, whether you can attend or not, by participating in an ONLINE SURVEY about issues that are important to you. Thank you!
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THANK YOU! to these recent donors! |
The League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara is a grassroots all-volunteer organization. Our members pay modest dues and our expenses are minimal, but there is still a gap in our budget that needs to be filled with donations to fund our important work. We appreciate the recent contributions made by these individuals to support our mission:
Vicki Alexander
Claire Bleymaier
Elizabeth Bogatin-Starr
Anne and Johnathan Cross
Louise Detwilfer
John Fioretta
Beth Hughes
Constance Hunter
Soccoro McCord
Julia O'Keefe
John Powley
Sandy Serpa
Santa Clara County Supervisor S.Joseph Simitian
Russell and Laura Smith
Rodney and Alice Thorn
Carol Watts
You, too, can be one of our "Rock Star" donors with a convenient ONLINE DONATION. It's tax deducible and your contribution will be put to good use!
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Can We Have Equity in Education?
Saturday, March 20, 1-3 p.m.
Participate in this Zoom forum to learn and to have a civil conversation about providing education equity for students. More details to come, but you can REGISTER NOW HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation and instructions for joining this meeting.
Learn more about the pros and cons
of different forms of local government
As part of its research, the League's Study Committee on Local Governance has compiled an extensive list of books and articles that discuss many aspects of types of city government including council-manager and strong mayor. This list is available to the public on the League's website. Click HERE to view. Learn more about the Study Committee and how the League develops its positions by clicking HERE.
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Join the League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara HERE
Donate to the League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara HERE
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