VOTER-May-2008

Wednesday, June 11 ● 5:45 PM
Richard C. Trudeau Training Center
(the former East Bay Regional Park District Headquarters)
Skyline Boulevard
(Between Joaquin Miller and Redwood Roads)

The Speaker will be

Courtney Ruby, CPA

Her topic will be Performance Auditing for a Better Oakland She will answer such questions as: Is Oakland using its dollars effectively and efficiently?

Courtney Ruby assumed office as elected City Auditor on Jan. 1, 2007. She was elected in November 2006 with over 65% of the vote and is currently the only woman holding citywide office in Oakland. Courtney is committed to creating a model City Auditor's office that will work to ensure accountability and transparency in government for all Oakland citizens. She will speak about what she has done and what a performance audit is. There will be time for questions.

The Official Call to Annual Meeting can be found by clicking here

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -

By Helen Hutchison
Those of us who were at the luncheon on April 2 heard an outstanding speech about immigration and its effects on the East Bay. For those who missed the luncheon I suggest you find someone who was there and get a report - though it won't be anywhere as good as the original! The audience was engrossed. I was sitting with high school students. I watched them. At the beginning of the talk they were text messaging and doodling; by about 10 minutes into the speech Prof. Saragoza had them all fully engaged. In talking with their teacher later I learned that they hotly debated points from the speech all the way back to school.
The day after the luncheon I received an email from LWVUS President Mary Wilson letting us know that the national board had adopted the new position on immigration (click here to see details of the position). It was really exciting to see this new position! As we held our consensus meetings here in Oakland, we sometimes worried that we were just one League, from the Bay Area, and our voice would get drowned out or watered down. We fussed and fumed about the constraints of the consensus reporting process. We didn't know what would happen when League voices from all over the country were added together - whether there would even be consensus on any of the important questions. Now, looking at the new position, I can hear our local voices at the consensus meeting. This position reflects what we said and reported from Oakland and it also reflects what happened in consensus meetings in Seattle, Indianapolis, Birmingham, Cleveland and New Brunswick.
One other reminder: this VOTER includes the Call to Annual Meeting click to see it. Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 11, 5:45 pm and plan to be there. It's a great chance to catch up on what's going on in the League, touch bases with your League friends, have some good food, and hear a very interesting program

Activist Training on Ending the Death Penalty on June 7

Are you interested in being active in the work of the Alameda County Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty? Are you interested in learning techniques for taking action on issues in general? You are invited to an activist training session on Saturday, June 7 from 10 AM to 3 PM at 1000 Broadway (5th floor) in Oakland, near the 12th Street BART station.
The League of Women Voters of Alameda County is a member of the Coalition which welcomes everyone, League member or not, to work with it.
Participants will meet local activists who are working to end the death penalty, learn more about the death penalty, find out how to get involved, and hear from very knowledgeable speakers about the death penalty. Workshops will address hands-on projects with organized follow-up activities for volunteers. Lunch is provided.
The Alameda County Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
invites you to an Activist Training
Saturday, June 7th 10 AM - 3 PM

1000 Broadway - 5th Floor (Public Health Bldg.)
Oakland, CA 94607
(Near 12th Street BART station)
Meet local activists who are working to end the death penalty Learn more about the death penalty and how to get involved Hear from amazing speakers with first-hand knowledge of the death penalty
Sign up at http://www.deathpenalty.org/Alameda

New National Immigration Position

After a lengthy and comprehensive study of this complex issue by our grassroots members the LWVUS Board of Directors unanimously adopted the League's position on immigration which calls for a path to citizenship for current unauthorized immigrants. The new position provides for federal enforcement of immigration laws and full due process rights for immigrants.
In addition to a path to citizenship for current unauthorized immigrants the League supports a system for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status, including citizenship, by paying taxes, learning English, studying civics and meeting other relevant criteria. The position opposes deportations of current unauthorized immigrants who have no history of serious criminal activity.
Other elements of the League's position include support for increased enforcement personnel at borders, more effective tracking of individuals who enter the U.S., and significant fines and penalties for employers who hire unauthorized workers. Furthermore, the League will champion due process for all persons, including the right to a fair hearing, right to counsel, right of appeal and right to humane treatment. The League position sets criteria for legal admission to the U.S. including family reunification of spouses or minor children, economic, business and employment needs in the U.S., political persecution or humanitarian crises, and studying in the U.S.
The national League will use this recently adopted position to guide its advocacy work on federal legislation introduced on this very important public policy issue. State and local Leagues may use the position to oppose efforts in their communities to deport, detain or harass unauthorized immigrants who have no history of serious criminal activity.
To see the full position, go to the LWVUS website: http://www.lwv.org, click on "Projects," then click on "Immigration."

VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE ON JUNE 3

NO
on State of California Prop. 98. Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property
Californians deserve protection from eminent domain abuse, but Proposition 98 is a radical proposal that goes too far. Its extreme provisions would eliminate rent control and other renter protection laws; that is why wealthy apartment and mobile home park owners have contributed most of the money to qualify Proposition 98 for the ballot. In addition Proposition 98 contains language that would make it difficult to protect the environment and regulate land use, growth and development. This hidden agenda would threaten water quality, hurt the environment, and thwart regulations that protect our neighborhoods.

YES
on State of California Prop. 99. Eminent Domain. Acquisition of Owner-Occupied Residence
This measure is a real eminent domain reform measure that will protect homeowners, without the hidden agendas and adverse consequences of Proposition 98. Proposition 99 will prohibit the government from using eminent domain to take a home to transfer to another private party. It is supported by a broad coalition of homeowners, business, labor, cities, counties and environmentalists.

YES
on Alameda County Measure F
Measure F would continue the utility tax charged to residents of unincorporated areas. The current tax sunsets in 2009. Measure F would extend it for 12 years. It would make these changes ▪ Increase the tax from the current 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. ▪ Add video and cable to the types of taxable services. It would retain all current exemptions. This includes low-income or lifeline gas and electric utility users, and residents on life-support systems.
The tax is to be voted on by all Alameda County residents although it is paid only by those living in unincorporated areas. Because it is thus a general tax, it requires a majority vote. Were it a special tax, voted on only by those in the unincorporated areas, it would require a 2/3 vote.
The League supports Measure F because it: ▪ continues a local tax that meets tests of equity and adequacy; it is comparable to utility taxes paid by residents of incorporated cities provides for persons unable to pay the charge for essential community wide services.

Thanks To Our Generous Luncheon Supporters

We are grateful to the following Benefactor, Patrons, and Donors for making the League's 17th Annual All-City Luncheon on April 2, 2008 a financial success. Their generosity, and that of all who attend the luncheon, makes possible League programs like our Oakland Easy Voter Guides in English, Chinese and Spanish, Who Represents Oakland, our purchase of state Pros & Cons, and statewide Easy Voter Guides in English, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Benefactor:
East Bay Regional Park District
Patrons:
AC Transit
Earl and Bonnie Hamlin
Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley LLP
KTVU Fox 2
Matson Navigation Company
Port of Oakland
Terry Kulka + Coldwell Banker Residential Sales
Donors:
CBS Outdoor
Earth Tech
Hamilton, Cohn, Thatcher & Associates
Holy Names University, Oakland
Law Offices of Wilson & Casey
Partners for Community Access
Peralta Community College District
Saint Paul's Towers
Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP
Thank you!

LWV California News

Forward Together: A Budget for All Californians
The state budget deficit has reached crisis proportions, with a $14.5 billion deficit projected over the next 18 months.
The League has joined coalition partners in offering guidance to legislators and the administration as they deal with the situation.
We believe California's budget should invest in services and infrastructure for the future. We oppose arbitrary across-the-board budget cuts and believe that all options, including revenue increases, must be on the table.
We believe California's budget should invest in California's future:
▪ We believe in a California that provides high-quality public services for all Californians, protects consumers, the environment, and our quality of life, builds the infrastructure we need to prosper, educates our children, and that fosters opportunity, economic growth, and strong and vibrant communities.
▪ We believe that a responsible California budget would keep its commitment to meet the basic needs of our children, our seniors, our families, and our future. We believe there are budget choices beyond budget cuts.
▪ We believe in a balanced budget that invests in the future, rather than one that mortgages our future with one-time "fixes" that fail to address California's structural problems.
We support a balanced solution to the budget crisis:
▪ We oppose arbitrary policies, such as across-the-board reductions, that ignore critical priorities.
▪ We support a balanced solution to the budget crisis, rather than a budget that seeks to solve the problem only through cuts and borrowing.
We support raising revenues needed to prevent cuts, including closing tax loopholes, eliminating the tax cuts of the last decade, and updating our tax system to reflect our changing economy.

LWVUS News

ACTION ALERT: The Senate Must Act on Global Climate Change
Global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world. With the U.S. Senate expected to take up legislation this spring, now is the time to let your Senators know that they should support strong action to control global warming.
Please contact your Senators and tell them to support and strengthen S. 2191, America's Climate Security Act.
Recent scientific studies show that global warming is already causing environmental changes that will have significant global economic and social impacts. America's Climate Security Act, S. 2191, sponsored by Senators Lieberman and Warner, will establish the basic framework that is necessary to curtail the pollution that is causing climate change.
S. 2191 is a good first step. The bill establishes a "cap and trade" system that will, if properly carried out, achieve two essential goals: cutting green-house gas emissions enough to prevent the worst impacts of global climate change, and doing so in an economically efficient manner. The "cap" sets a limit on allowable emissions from electric power, transportation and manufacturing sources that will decline over time to meet the pollution-reduction goal. The "trading" system sets up a market that allows sources to buy, sell, borrow and trade emission allowances so reductions can be achieved in the most cost-effective ways.
However, the legislation should be strengthened in two ways. First, the bill should ensure that pollution reduction goals are consistent with the best scientific analyses. Currently, the legislation does not achieve all the reductions that will likely be needed, and advances in scientific knowledge may later indicate a need for quicker or greater reductions. Second, the auction system should be expanded to include more emissions earlier in the process. This will both speed compliance and increase the economic efficiency of the program.
Tell your Senators to oppose weakening amendments, particularly loopholes that undermine the emissions cap through such mechanisms as a so-called "safety valve" that would allow sources to purchase unlimited emission allowances.
Take action today to encourage your Senators to take quick and strong action against global climate change!

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Senators now, by phone or by email, and tell them to strengthen and pass S. 2191, as well as to oppose weakening amendments. Tell them that global climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation and our world.
2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Senators today!
▪ Learn more about what the League is doing to protect against global climate change by going to: http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Global_Climate_Change
Sign up to receive Action Alerts directly by email. Don't miss an opportunity to take action! It's easy to sign up and the League will never share your email with others: http://takeaction.lwv.org/lwv/mlm/signup/

Sister Ethel Mary Tinnemann 1916-2008

Long time members of the League of Women Voters of Oakland will remember the tall, stately, humbly-dressed champion of voters' rights that was Sr. Ethel Tinnemann. Those of you who did not have the privilege of knowing her or working with her can consider yourselves deprived of a unique role model. There have been many recent obituaries written for her since she died on March 11 at the age of 91. These mention her devotion to accurate history, to Oakland, to sports, to her garden, and to her real profession which was to serve God as a Sister of the Holy Names. It was her devotion to the democratic process and to having every citizen be a registered voter that led her to the League of Women Voters. On election day she was often seen being an inspector in a polling place and before every election she would be seen going from door to door in housing developments or standing on a corner, clipboard in hand, to register voters. One obituary ends: "And from her heavenly perch, I can imagine Ethel involving her family and friends in a voter registration campaign during this important election year." Her memory will be an inspiration to all who knew her and the greatest tribute we can pay her is to continue to advocate for voters' rights, continue registering voters, and never let an election go by without voting. Thank you, Sister Ethel.

CALL TO 2008 ANNUAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2008 5:45 PM
Dinner/Meeting followed by:
"Performance Auditing For a Better Oakland"
A presentation by

Courtney Ruby, Oakland City Auditor

Richard C. Trudeau Training Center
(the former East Bay Regional Park District Headquarters)
11500 Skyline Blvd., between Joaquin Miller and Redwood Roads)
$ 15 - Dinner, meeting and program
$   5 - Coffee, meeting and program
Guests Welcome
All LWVO Members are called to attend the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Membership of the League of Women Voters of Oakland
At the Annual Meeting, the members shall:

Adopt the 2008-2009 Local Program

Adopt the 2008-2009 LWVO Budget

Elect 2008-2009 Officers and Board of Directors

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
RSVP by Friday, June 6, by mailing your check to the League office,
1305 Franklin Street, Suite 311
Oakland CA 94612
or by calling the office at (510) 834-7640
To save paper, please bring the paper "Call" with you to the Annual Meeting
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF OAKLAND ANNUAL MEETING
June 11, 2008
Richard C. Trudeau Training Center
PROPOSED ORDER OF BUSINESS

5:45 pm        Registration
6:00 pm        Dinner served
6:30 pm        Call to Order

Appointment of committee to review 2008 Annual Meeting Minutes
Appointment of Timekeeper and Parliamentarian
Adoption of the Order of Business and the Rules of the Meeting

6:35 pm        Credentials Report
6:37 pm        Approval of 2007 Annual Meeting Minutes
6:40 pm        Introduction of current Board of Directors
6:45 pm        Presentation and discussion of proposed 2008/2009 Budget
6:55 pm        Presentation and discussion of proposed 2008/2009 Program
7:05 pm        Presentation and discussion of proposed change to Bylaws
7:10 pm        Adoption of Program, adoption of Bylaws change, adoption of Budget
7:15 pm        Report of the Nominating Committee Additional Nominations from the Floor

Election of Officers, Directors, and Nominating Committee
Introduction of New Board (continuing and newly elected)

7:20 pm        Remarks from the President
7:25 pm        Advice and Directions to the Board from LWVO members
7:30 pm        Announcements
7:35 pm        Business meeting adjourned
7:35 pm        "Performance Auditing For a Better Oakland", Courtney Ruby, Oakland City Auditor
9:00 pm        Adjourn
RULES OF THE MEETING
1. QUORUM        The meeting shall not begin until a quorum is present. Ten percent of the membership shall constitute a quorum.
2. ELIGIBILITY        Every LWVO member who was current in his or her dues as of June 1, 2008 shall be entitled to vote. Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.
3. WRITTEN MOTIONS        Main motions and substantive amendments shall be given to the secretary in writing, with the name of the maker of the motion included.
4. DEBATE TIME        There shall be two minutes per member for debate. No one may speak for a second time on a given item until others wishing to speak have had their turns. Each speaker shall address all remarks to the Chair and shall limit such remarks to the item being considered.
5. PROGRAM ADOPTION

a. Each recommended program item shall be moved and seconded, but there will be no vote on any item until all items (recommended and non-recommended) have been discussed. A majority vote is needed to adopt a recommended item.
b. Any non-recommended program item may be moved for consideration by a majority vote of members present and voting. A three-fifths vote in favor is needed to adopt a non-recommended item.
c. The vote will be taken on recommended items (with possible amendments) in the order moved, followed by the vote on non-recommended items. Amendments may be deletions from, but not additions to, program positions.

6. NOMINATIONS        Additional nominations for Officers, Directors, and the Nominating Committee may be made from the floor, provided that the consent of the nominee shall have been secured in advance.
Following is a short version of the Local Program. The full text of the positions is available on the League website, lwvoakland.org. To receive a printed copy of the full positions, call the League office at 510 834-7640.
Proposed LWVO LOCAL PROGRAM 2008-09
I. Issues for emphasis 2008-09:

Single payer health care

Functioning of Oakland city government
The Board recommends adoption of the issues of emphasis for 2008-09.

II. Re-adopt existing positions:
EDUCATION - OAKLAND (1971, 1980)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on Education in Oakland.
INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING - OAKLAND (2003)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on Instant Runoff Voting in Oakland.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT - OAKLAND (1970, 1993, 2001)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on Local Government in Oakland.
HOUSING - OAKLAND (1992)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on Housing in Oakland.
WATERFRONT - OAKLAND (1993)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on the Waterfront in Oakland.
ALAMEDA COUNTY LEAGUES' POSITIONS
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (Adopted 1979)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on Children's Mental Health Services in Alameda County.
JUVENILE JUSTICE (Adopted 1977)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on Juvenile Justice in Alameda County.
ALAMEDA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AND ALAMEDA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION (Adopted 2007)
The Board recommends retaining the current position on the Alameda County Board of Education and Alameda County Office of Education.
We will be voting to accept the 2008-2009 budget. It is not on the website, but can be examined on the paper VOTER.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: June 5, 2008 13:47 PDT.