VOTER-November-2008

League of Women Voters^®
of Oakland

General Meeting. Hot Topics. President's Message. Board Notes. Holiday Party. Coffee. California Constitutional Reform. Advisory Committee Vacancies. LWVO Acknowledgements. Public Health and Particulates. Action Report. KQED. States Illegally Purge Voter Rolls.

November General Meeting

PROPOSED REFORMS FOR OAKLAND CITY GOVERNMENT
In July City Attorney John Russo and City Auditor Courtney Ruby proposed a package of reforms to make city government more accountable, transparent and effective. In October the Public Ethics Commission made a parallel proposal to the City Council for a massive overhaul to the City Records Management process.
Featured Speaker
City Auditor Courtney Ruby
Thursday, November 13 ■ 7 PM
Rockridge Branch Library Community Room (Upstairs)
5366 College Avenue at Manila
(use front door to access lobby)

NOVEMBER HOT TOPICS

Come to the Hot Topics meeting to talk more about these reforms. We adopted improving the functioning of city hall as one of our action priorities for the year. Now that we can catch our breath from election activities we need to discuss how we want to proceed on this important topic.
Monday, November 17 ■ 6:30 -- 8 PM
Dimond Library
3565 Fruitvale Avenue

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -

By Helen Hutchison
I have just come from a very exciting and invigorating discussion at UC Berkeley School of Law. The Law Students of African Descent (LSAD) put together a panel discussion on voting rights that included the League of Women Voters as part of the panel.
The invitation came almost a month ago and my initial reaction was to say why me?, why the Oakland League? They wanted me to talk about the work that is going on locally and initially I couldn't think of any specific work that we were doing on voting rights. I could point proudly to the Indiana League that is continuing to work against the voter ID law and the Florida League that is working so hard on voter registration - but what were we doing here in Oakland?
Then I thought a bit longer and realized that all the work that we do at a county level with the Registrar of Voters to monitor elections and to improve pollworker training is important voting rights protection work. So I felt ready to speak and to be a part of the panel.
The panel consisted of me and three attorneys - two professors and a practicing attorney. The discussion was varied and active. We covered redistricting (a very spirited debate on Proposition 11 - I held my own against two law professors) in addition to the more traditional definition of voting rights.
All of this served to remind me about why we are the League of Women Voters. We talked about the core value of voting to our democracy and about the need for an active, educated electorate to keep our democracy strong. I saw a roomful of young attorneys in training who came to hear about voting rights. They got inspired to sign up to work as volunteers on Election Day to help protect voting rights. I was tired and somewhat discouraged about some of my work when I went into the meeting and energized and invigorated when I left two hours later.
On a completely different subject:
The League is moving ahead in using technology to get information out. In this election, we have forums on YouTube and SmartVoter has a Widget. The San Francisco League has a "League Lady Blog." Anyone in the Oakland League who is interested in participating in or creating a similar blog here in Oakland should contact me.

Board Notes:

At its October meeting, the Board:
▪ adopted revised Board policies
▪ adopted the Action Committee recommendation not to speak on any of the city budget items
▪ confirmed the Luncheon date of May 27, 2009
▪ heard about an exciting forum on air quality which will be held in Oakland on Tuesday, December 2

Holiday Party

A Festive Celebration of the Season
A League of Women Voters holiday party--no agenda, no consensus questions, just good company, good conversation and good food!
Bring your partners, spouses and friends, and a finger food (hors d'oeuvres or dessert) to share - or just bring your appetite!
Friday, December 5 ▪ 6:30 PM
The Hutchison-Aurich home
5108 Cochrane Avenue
Directions to the Hutchison-Aurich Home: From Broadway Terrace and Hwy 13:
Go west on Broadway Terrace (towards downtown Oakland)
At the first intersection (Sheridan), turn left
At the next intersection (Agnes), turn right
At the next intersection (Cochrane), turn left
The house is a long block down on the left - gray/brown house with circle window in the front center top
From Broadway Terrace headed east (away from downtown Oakland):
Turn right on Proctor
At first intersection (Agnes), turn left
At next intersection (Cochrane), turn right
The house is a long block down on the left - gray/brown house with circle window in the front center top

Coffee with the League

Are you new to the League? An old-timer who would like to find out how to be more active? A mid-timer who would like to know more about the League?
We're starting a new drop in "Coffee with the League" just for you. The first one is at:
Ultimate Grounds
4225 Park Blvd., Oakland
Thursday, November 13 from 7 AM to 9 AM
Come by for coffee and a chat. Look for people wearing League buttons. If the weather is nice we'll be on the back patio.
In the coming months we will rotate times of day and places around the city. If you have a favorite coffee or tea place that you'd like to suggest or have questions about this new program contact the LWVO office: info@lwvoakland.org or 510-834-7640.

What Do You Think of California Constitutional Reform?

As Californians have watched our state government grind to a virtual halt there has been a growing sense that band-aid solutions to our problems may no longer be enough. The League has been approached by several groups who are calling for a constitutional convention to step back and take a look at our government structure from top to bottom. Proposals for reform encompass a range of areas, including most obviously the state budget and the initiative processes, but other areas such as elections have been mentioned. The LWVC will be a part of the discussions. Just what shape efforts at reform may take is not certain at this time, but the League will be at the table as the conversations develop.
Members interested in learning more should first review the full range of our positions (ca.lwv.org/lwvc/issues/index.html). Also, check the LWVC.org Web site for the latest news on League action on redistricting (ca.lwv.org/lwvc/action/redistrict/) and the budget (ca.lwv.org/lwvc/action/budget/index.html).
For background on the breakdown of the initiative process look at the Center for Governmental Studies' latest report, Democracy by Initiative: Shaping California's Fourth Branch of Government; Second Edition, at: http://www.cgs.org/. It describes the growing importance of the initiative process in setting California's policy agenda. It identifies existing and emerging ballot initiative problems. And it presents a comprehensive package of reforms to modernize the state's system of citizen democracy.
There are many sources of solid information on issues in California government. Here are just a few:
▪ Public Policy Institute of California (http://www.ppic.org/main/home.asp)
▪ Center for Governmental Studies (http://www.cgs.org)
▪ Next Ten (http://www.next-ten.org)
▪ EdSource (http://www.edsource.org)

For a broader view of election reform issues throughout the country, members might like to read the book, Democracy in the States; Experiments in Election Reform; Bruce Cain, Todd Donovan, Caroline Tolbert, ed. Brookings Institute Press, Washington, D.C., 2008

MTC Seeks Bay Area Residents to Fill Advisory Committee Vacancies

Are you someone who wants to contribute their time and talent to improve Bay Area transportation? The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is seeking applicants to fill several vacancies on its Minority Citizens Advisory Committee (MCAC) and its Elderly and Disabled Advisory Committee (EDAC), and one vacancy on the Advisory Council. The deadline for applications is Monday, October 27; however, applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
Information on each of the committees and their specific vacancies can be found online at http://www.mtc.ca.gov/get_involved/advisory/index.htm.
MTC's governing board of commissioners will review all applications and make final appointments to the advisory committees. For more information or to obtain an application, call 510-817-5757, go to MTC's Web site at http://www.mtc.ca.gov/get_involved/advisory/index.htm or visit the MTC offices at 101 Eighth Street, Oakland, during regular business hours.

LWVO Acknowledgements

Candidate Forums and KTOP
By Nikki Harris
We planned 11 local candidate forums and held nine. For the forums at Allen Temple, thanks to moderators Helen Hutchison/Earl Hamlin, Timekeepers Suzanne Loosen/ Susi Butler-Berkley, and question sorters Barbara Newcombe/Katherine Gavzy.
We conducted seven forums at Oakland City Hall which KTOP, Channel 10 on Oakland Cable, showed live and taped for repeat showings until Election Day. Thanks to moderators Marion Taylor/Iris Winogrond/Sandra Coleman/Michael Coleman, time keepers Susan Veit/Gerry Merrill/Suzanne Loosen/Judy Merrill, question sorters Judy Merrill/Judi Bank/Katherine Gavzy/Helen Hutchison, and hosts Polly Amrein/Judi Bank.
KTOP asked us to produce a Pro and Con presentation on the ballot measures. This will be aired several times before Election Day. Thanks to moderator Mony Flores-Bauer and Marion Taylor/Libby Schaaf/Suzanne Loosen, who provided ballot content and pro and con arguments. A special thank you to Lee Aurick for putting our show on YouTube: http://youtube.com/lwvoakland
Distributing Easy Voter Guides
By Miriam Laska
Despite several challenges distribution of this election's Easy Voter was fast and successful. Our volunteers graciously adapted and charged ahead to complete the job. We reached more than 68 agencies including libraries, health centers, churches, cultural programs, senior centers, and schools. We distributed 5600 state guides in five languages and 16,700 local guides in three languages.
Many League members stepped up and helped either sorting the EVG, working in a team to deliver the bags and boxes, or coming over to pick up bags to make it easier on the deliverers. We also took the opportunity to share coffee, a snack, and good conversations. I want to thank Polly Amrein, Mary Bergan, Adele Louise Bertaud, Karen Engel, Mony Flores-Bauer, Carmen Hartono, Helen Hutchison, Marcie Jenkins, Eleanor Luce, Deborah Malbec, Judy Merrill, Eileen Peck, Ann Rainey, Bea Rudney, Gary Schleimer, Gordon Seligson, Leslie Smith, Fumi Sugihara, Rae Victor, Allene Warren, Iris Winogrond, and Jan Young. I most particularly want to thank Polly, Iris, and Rae for filling two shifts. Also, thanks to Bonnie and Earl Hamlin who graciously opened their home and gave us a beautiful work environment.
Over 20 people were involved in this job. Everyone was a cooperative, adept, pleasant, and just good worker. It was a great deal of preparation for me, but it was a pleasure working with and getting to know these League members. I thank them.
LWVO's KTOP Ballot Measure Taping Team
Mony Flores-Bauer (moderator), Libby Schaaf (pro speaker), Suzanne Loosen (con speaker), Marion Taylor (background and proposal), and Nikki Harris (producer).
KTOP showed the hour presentation many times during the month of October.

Public Health and Particulates

The League of Women Voters of the Bay Area and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Invite you to a Forum

Particulate air pollution is a public health issue of growing concern. Scientific study has linked it to asthma and other serious respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Medical and scientific professionals will discuss these public health impacts and communications experts will explain how local Leagues and other concerned organizations can help increase public awareness on this issue.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has been a long time supporter of our Bay Area Monitor. They have asked us to co-sponsor a forum to reach Bay Area decision makers and League members about Public Health and Particulates. The timing of this forum coincides with the start of wood burning season. The BAAQMD is hoping that we can help clear up some of the misinformation about the new regulations on wood burning.
Please plan to attend. There is no charge to attend the Forum.
Tuesday, December 2
Preservation Park's Nile Hall
in Downtown Oakland
9 AM REGISTRATION AND BREAKFAST

9:15--NOON FORUM

Action Report

The Action Committee has been following the City budget hearings, but not speaking at them because we don't have a real in depth knowledge of all of the cuts and the implications of the various cuts.
The Action Committee is also following the Central City rezoning process and the Oak to Ninth revised EIR.
We have been sending letters to the editor on a variety of the state ballot measures, but they aren't getting printed.

LWVO Supports KQED

On a dark early morning in September five intrepid souls braved BART, the elements and an unknown neighborhood to wend their way to the KQED studio in San Francisco. Their purpose was to answer the phones for the pledge break along with several seasoned regulars who were very adept at talking on the phone and using the computer at the same time.
Most of us performed admirably; about $60,000 was raised on our watch; we were assured the League of Women Voters of Oakland was acknowledged at least three times during our hour at the phones; and our desire for adventure was well satisfied for one day. Many thanks to Helen Hutchison, Nikki Harris, Sandra Coleman, Katherine Gavzy, and Susie Butler-Berkley who arranged it all.

STATES ILLEGALLY PURGE VOTER ROLLS

A recent New York Times article has highlighted the illegal removal of tens of thousands of voters from the rolls in at least six states: Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina. The LWVUS is in regular communication with the article's author and we spoke to him at length prior to the article's publication. According to federal election law, states are not allowed to purge rolls within 90 days of Election Day except in very specific circumstances. States are also wrongly applying the data available from the Social Security Administration to accept or reject voter registration applications. The LWVUS urges state and local Leagues in ALL states to get in touch with their elections officials to make sure eligible voters in every state are afforded the right to cast their ballot. Visit the League's Public Advocacy for Voter Protection project, http://www.lwv.org/PAVP, for more information.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: December 30, 2008 10:54 PST.