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The Voter 9/26/2025

Published on 9/26/2025
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.


Vol 67 | Issue 9 | Date: Sept 26, 2025

 In this issue:



THE LEAGUE SPEAKS OUT
LWVC Urges Governor to sign SB 42 and AB 1071
Governor Newsom is facing a September 30 deadline to sign two important pieces of legislation sponsored by the League of Women Voters of California. LWVC is urging the Governor to sign SB 42 to lift the ban on public financing of campaigns and AB 1071 to ensure that the landmark Racial Justice Act (RJA) delivers on its promise of equal treatment under the law.

For more information and to make your voice heard see the links below.

SB 42 Take Action to Lift the Ban on Public Financing of Campaigns in California
AB1071 Strengthen the Racial Justice Act
LWV Responds to the murder of Charlie Kirk
The League of Women Voters of the United States expressed horror at the targeted murder of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University on September 10 and called on Congress to take action and put an end to gun violence and political violence once and for all.

See the statement here.
LWV responds to revised policy guidance from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For decades the League of Women Voters has been a trusted partner with USCIS and federal courts to register new voters at naturalization ceremonies. This has resulted in hundreds of thousands of new citizens registering to vote.

USCIS recently changed its policies to bar nonpartisan organizations from providing voter registration services at naturalization ceremonies. LWV decries this policy change. LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart stated, “By shutting out the League and other civic partners, USCIS is making it harder for new citizens to register to vote, which is yet another intimidation tactic and attack on the immigrant community. Our democracy is stronger with the voices of new citizens.” The League vows to find ways to continue this vital work and calls on USCIS to reverse this policy.

Read the full statement here.

Speak out with the League
How can YOU amplify the League’s voice and increase our impact for change? Make your support for fairness and democracy known by responding to Action Alerts from LWVUS and LWVC.

Get involved. Sign up for LWV Action Alerts
Sign up for LWVC Communications
Take Action | League of Women Voters US
Respond to these Action Alerts
Action Alert Take Action to Lift the Ban on Public Financing of Campaigns in California
Action Alert Strengthen the California Racial Justice Act
Action Alert Tell Congress to Oppose Federal Interference in DC | League of Women Voters
Action Alert Tell your Senators to Oppose the SAVE Act | League of Women Voters



NOVEMBER 4 SPECIAL ELECTION RESOURCES
Get Ready to Vote!

“Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.”— John Lewis
Register to Vote Image
Check Your Registration
Already registered?
What

Easy Voter Guide Image 11.4.25
Learn about the November 4 Special Election in the Easy Voter Guide.

Find out more about Proposition 50 at our virtual forum on October 7 at 5:30 pm. See info below or find out morehere.



PROP 50 WEBINAR OCT 7
Prop 50 Oct 7 webinar image
Date: Tuesday, October 7
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Where: Online via Zoom

The League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara will present a virtual information forum on Prop 50, the redistricting proposal on the Nov. 4 special election ballot on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 5:30 pm.

Presenters from the Santa Barbara League will address:
  • the origins of Proposition 50
  • what it says
  • what it will do and won’t do
  • what proponents and opponents say about it
  • how it will affect Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties
There will be an opportunity to ask questions through the Chat function of the webinar. The presentation will be recorded and available for later viewing on the LWV Santa Barbara YouTube channel in both English and Spanish.

Register for the forum here.

This forum is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, the League of Women Voters of North Santa Barbara County, the Fund for Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara-Goleta Valley, Lompoc-Vandenberg, and Santa Maria branches of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).



LUNCH WITH THE LEAGUE

Lunch with the League
Understanding Local Law Enforcement
& Immigration Issues
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Noon
Where: Online via Zoom |Registerhere.

SLO County's top law enforcement leaders will discuss how the law applies to immigrants.

Immigration is one of the most pressing issues on the minds of Californians. What is the residential status of immigrants and how does the law apply to them? When and how can local law enforcement agencies take part in enforcement actions directed at individuals who are immigrants? Our expert panel includes top law enforcement leaders in SLO County who direct the policies and actions of the departments responsible for these issues. This webinar will explore these policies and actions in the context of community needs.

This Zoom event is free to the public, but registration is required. Register here.

Have questions? Contact Glenn Silloway, Social Policy Committee Chair, atsocialpolicy@lwvslo.org.



UNITE AND RISE 8.5 – JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18

Breaking News – League of Women Voters is a National Partner for No Kings 2

Unite and Rise 8.5 ImageThe League of Women Voters of the United States is joining No Kings 2 as a national partner on Saturday, October 18. On this day of nationwide mobilization LWVUS will stand in solidarity with our partners and stand up against hate and authoritarianism. The League has consistently and boldly spoken up in the face of rising authoritarianism. We are putting our words into action and will proudly show up in defense of democracy and as an effective ally of all others fighting to save our institutions and values.

No Kings 2 Rally | October 18 | 11 am – 1 pm | 1000 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo

We urge our members and supporters to make their voices heard at a protest near them. If you want to be part of a League group attending the event in SLO, we’re meeting up at the SLO County Library, 995 Palm St at 10:30 am.

We have signs! If you would like to have one for a donation, contact Wendy Brown at billing@lwvslo.org.

* Protect Our Constitution
* Protest to Preserve Democracy
* Join Us in Solidarity on October 18!




STUDENT ELECTION AMBASSADOR PROGRAM KICKS OFF
2025 Student Ambassador ImageThe Student Election Ambassador Program, previously reported in the July Voter, is off to a terrific start. As high school students returned to class this September, 20 juniors and seniors signed up to be part of the pilot program. They are taking on the important work of educating and registering their peers to vote. The Student Election Ambassadors Program is a joint effort between the SLO County Elections Office and the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County. The Elections Office provides essential support and materials, while the League assigns members to assist the students with their projects. The special election scheduled for November 4th has forced the students to act quickly to organize classroom presentations and information tables to highlight the importance of voting and encourage their fellow students to register and vote. While many students won't be eligible to vote in the November 4th election, the Ambassadors’ activities will continue throughout the school year with a primary focus on registering students for the 2026 election.



FOCUSING ON VOTER REGISTRATION ACROSS GENERATIONS
In recent years, LWV SLOCO has focused its voter registration efforts on encouraging younger people to register and participate in elections. These efforts continue with visits to high schools and community colleges. However, we also recognize the vital need to assist residents of senior living facilities to ensure that their registrations are up-to-date and provide them with essential information about upcoming elections. League members met with the Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) staff and identified several needs particular to this community. In the short term, the League will provide the facilities with voter registration forms and copies of the Easy Voter Guide for the November 4th election. If time allows and the resources are available we will visit several of the larger facilities before the October 20th voter registration deadline. Over the long term, our local League plans to develop a regular program of visits to meet the registration needs of these residents. As Karen Jones, director of the LTCO, noted, "many of our residents have not missed an election in over 50 or 60 years." The League is committed to making sure they can continue to vote as long as they are able. If you are interested in participating in these registration events, please contact Julie Rodewald at voterregistration@lwvslo.org.



OPENING MEETING RECAP
On September 20, 2025, LWV SLOCO launched its program year with an opening meeting at the United Methodist Church in San Luis Obispo. More than 70 members and guests attended.

The event began with a League mixer, providing an opportunity for members and guests to interact with new members and reconnect with long-standing colleagues.

Following the mixer was a panel forum titled Our Immigrant Community: Contributions and Current Challenges, organized by the Government Policy Committee. Panelists were Christine Dawson (CEO, The Community Foundation), Joel Diringer (Diringer and Associates), and Genevieve Flores-Haro (Associate Director, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project). The panel was moderated by Kim Gravell, DEI Lead on the board.

Kim reiterated the League’s Immigration Position approved in 2008. The policy states that immigration should facilitate the reunification of immediate families, address economic, business, and employment requirements, and consider the needs of individuals experiencing political persecution or humanitarian emergencies.

We heard from our panelists about:
  • the contributions of the immigrant community to the San Luis Obispo area
  • how many organizations have come together to work with the immigrant community
  • their current challenges and the work underway to overcome these challenges
  • ways in which we may assist
The panel shared resources where we can learn more, volunteer, and donate to their organizations. The panel presentation and resources are available on the League’s YouTube channelhere . We invite all to watch and learn about these challenges and how you can help.

Following the forum, Elaina Cano, SLO County Clerk-Recorder, addressed participants regarding her team's preparations for the upcoming Special Election and their outreach initiatives via social media.

After hearing from our guest speakers, the League convened a business meeting during which the updated bylaws were approved. The bylaws revisions addressed definitions and requirements pertaining to meetings, as well as provisions related to specific League committees.

The event concluded with an overview of forums, events, and activities scheduled for the 2025/26 year and suggestions for ways members can get more involved in the League.

2025 OM Photos

Miss the meeting?
Watch a replay of our panel discussion:
Our Immigrant Community:
Contributions and Current Challenges
2025 OM Immigration Slide

 



VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
Virtual Coffee Hour Image
~~~ You're Invited! ~~~
Virtual Coffee Hour

Wednesday, October 29 at 5 pm
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. 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.Registerhere.

Can't make it to this get-together? See dates of future coffee and cocktail hourshere.



INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a national holiday to celebrate Native American customs and heritage. Indigenous Peoples’ Day coincides with Columbus Day of which there is a shared history and ongoing debate as to which one should take precedence. In the interest of full inclusion of all perspectives, October 13th represents an opportunity to reflect on our history and celebrate the historical and current contributions of our Native American tribal cultures.



TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOPS IN SLO COUNTY
The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) invites all residents to attend a community workshop to learn more about the Local Roads First transportation initiative, a measure that could be placed on the November 2026 ballot in SLO County.

Six workshops will be held throughout SLO County, including one occurring online. These special events will give residents an opportunity to connect with SLOCOG staff, learn more about local transportation funding needs, and share their thoughts on what projects matter most in their community.

Join a workshop in-person in SLO:
• Saturday, Sept 27 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | San Luis Obispo
• Monday, Oct 6 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Atascadero
• Wednesday, Oct 8 | 2:00 – 3:30 PM | San Luis Obispo
• Wednesday, Oct 8 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Pismo Beach
• Thursday, Oct 9 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Paso Robles

Online Workshop:
• Wednesday, Oct 15 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Zoom Webinar | Link: bit.ly/slo-localroads | Meeting ID: 828 5613 8033

To learn more or get details about all six workshops, visit https://www.localroadsfirst.com/ or contact SLOCOG Communications Coordinator Annie Bowsky at 805-781-1385 or abowsky@slocog.org.



UPCOMING EVENTS

EV EXPO at Madonna Inn
Sept 27 | 10 am - 3 pm, Madonna Inn parking lot by the Superchargers
Test drive an electric vehicle from a variety of manufacturers and talk to owners about the electric driving experience. There will be e-bikes to test drive, too!
Wildfire Protection | Sierra Club Santa Lucia Chapter
Oct 1 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
French Hospital, San Luis Obispo
Eva Grady, Fire Captain with SLO CAL FIRE, will share strategies for local wildfire preparedness.
Find more information here.
SLO Braver Angels Alliance Workshop: Skills for Tough Conversations
Oct 7 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
In Person | Polin Community Room | Atascadero Library
Come to learn and practice valuable skills you can use in every aspect of your life!
Find more information & register here.
Public Study Session on New Property Fire-Safety Standards
Oct 7 | 5 pm
City Hall, San Luis Obispo
The SLO City Council will host a public study session to discuss state regulations that impact thousands of properties in San Luis Obispo following the adoption of new Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Together for SLO County: A Critical Response Fund
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
This critical response fund was created to protect and strengthen the safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors. As nonprofits face deep and unexpected funding cuts, the Fund will provide rapid, flexible grants to ensure essential services such as food, housing, access to healthcare and mental health services, and childcare go where they are needed most. Learn more about this fund and how you can support the cause.


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Email: info@lwvslo.org

Phone 805-242-6990

League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County

P.O. Box 4210

San Luis Obispo, CA 93403