Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. |
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The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.
Vol 67 | Issue 3 | Date: March 31, 2025
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In this issue:
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| LWVUS Responds to President Trump’s Anti-Voter Executive Order
The League of Women Voters responded to President Donald Trump's signed executive order, “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” calling it an attempt to silence voters and a threat to Americans’ freedom to vote. League CEO Celina Stewart stated that the order “tramples states’ constitutional authority to run their own elections” Marcia Johnson, LWVUS Chief Counsel said, “The President can’t unilaterally change election law, This order is not only an attack on American voters’ fundamental freedom to vote; it is also plainly unlawful. The League is committed to working with our partners and legal advocates to pursue all avenues in fighting back against this dangerous order, and we will use every tool at our disposal to defend voters from unjust restrictions on their freedom to vote.”
Read the full statement A Dangerous Attempt to Silence American Voters: LWV Responds to President Trump’s Anti-Voter Executive Order.
LWVUS Responds to Trump Administration’s First 60 Days in Office
In a statement issued by CEO Celina Stewart, the League of Women Voters condemned the actions of the Trump Administration as follows:
“The first 60 days of the Trump administration have been nothing short of an unprecedented, breathtaking assault on American democracy. From the pardoning of January 6 perpetrators and the terrorizing of immigrant communities to the dismantling of crucial government agencies and the blatant flouting of court rulings, to the erasing of contributions of people of color, the Trump administration is waging a full-scale attack on all Americans.”
The League urges its members and all Americans to make their voices heard, to push back against the administration’s abuse of power and to call out Congress for its inaction in combating this unconscionable executive overreach.
Read the full statement An Unprecedented, Breathtaking Assault on American Democracy: LWV Responds to Trump Administration's First 60 Days.
LWVUS Responds to Gutting of Civil Rights Offices
The League of Women Voters of the United States has issued a statement in response to the Trump administration’s closing of civil rights offices in agencies across the federal government. The statement called out the administration for hypocrisy for recognizing Black History Month while “eviscerating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, weakening the Department of Justice’s civil rights work, and now gutting necessary civil and equal rights offices across the federal government.” Noting that the weakening of this vital civil rights work impacts all Americans, the statement confirms LWV’s commitment to DEI. “At the League of Women Voters, we remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and working towards a multi-racial representative democracy.”
Read the full statement from LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart League of Women Voters Responds to Gutting of Civil Rights Offices.
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WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION | 
On Tuesday, March 4, Board Members Ann Havlik, Kim Gravell and Ed Cabrera attended a meeting of the San Luis Obispo City Council where they were presented with a Proclamation marking Women’s History Month. The proclamation from Mayor Erica Stewart and the San Luis Obispo City Council noted that local women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of life in our community; they comprise a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside the home; and they have played and continue to play essential roles in our local volunteer and non-profit sector, starting and growing organizations like the League of Women Voters, the Monday Club, the Women’s Legacy Fund, and Race Matters SLO, among many others.
We were honored to accept this Proclamation on behalf of the League. The Proclamation can be read here and will be on display at our Biennial Membership Meeting on May 10 at Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach. | |
2025 BIENNIAL MEETING & BREAKFAST | 
***** League Members *****
You're invited
2025 Biennial Meeting & Breakfast
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ventana Grill, 2575 Price Street, Pismo Beach
This meeting is open to League members & their guests. $50 per person.
Register Here
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Meeting highlights:
- Hear from keynote speaker Elizabeth "Biz" Steinberg, CEO of CAPSLO, celebrating 60 years of helping people and changing lives in SLO County
- Vote on the League's priority issues and biennial budget
- Elect League officers and board members
- Socialize with fellow League members
- Presentation of the 2024 Sara Horne Award for outstanding service to the League in the area of Voter Service
The fee for the meeting, including a breakfast buffet, is $50.
This meeting is open to League members and their guests. Make sure to log in to your League member account in Club Express to register for the event. Contact us here for assistance. To register for the in-person luncheon and pay by check please contact our Treasurer here. Registration closes on April 27. Register here. |  | |
Monday, April 7 at noon
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Monday, April 14 at noon
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League Members Interview State Legislators on Their Priorities
Each year the League of Women Voters of California asks local Leagues to interview their state legislators. As we have in the past, we teamed up with members from Leagues in Monterey and Santa Cruz to interview State Senator John Laird, and State Assemblymembers Dawn Addis and Gregg Hart. LWVC provided two questions regarding major issues for California and the legislator’s personal legislative priorities. The interview teams then developed locally focused questions on issues such as battery storage safety, wind energy, sea rise, immigration enforcement, and access to health care in our counties. The interviews took place from January 14 to February 19 and were conducted via Zoom.
|  Senator Laird noted that the impact of disruptions in federal funding is a major issue. Education funding is a priority for him and he is deeply concerned about the governor’s proposed 8 percent cut to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.
In terms of local issues, Senator Laird is pursuing grant funding to repair a dam in south Monterey County, working on agreements with regard to the land surrounding Diablo Canyon, and addressing drinking water issues in San Lucas. Another priority is addressing homelessness in Santa Cruz County.
Senator Laird also discussed battery storage and wind energy issues. In 2023, he introduced a bill requiring safety plans for battery storage plants but he noted that the issues that arose from the Moss Landing fire need to be addressed. He is exploring broader safety standards for these batteries.
See the full article on the interview with Senator Laird here. |  Assemblymember Addis emphasized emergency preparedness – including insurance, healthcare, and making sure that disaster relief dollars get to the people who need them. She discussed the healthcare budget and noted that the state is facing potential rollbacks to federal subsidies for the Affordable Care Act and Medicare. She emphasized the need to focus on reproductive, gender affirming and mental health care.
Assemblymember Addis was asked about Prop 1 which provides for several programs in the area of behavioral health. She noted that she is still reviewing and analyzing these programs to understand if they can deliver on their promises. The goal is to get people the services that they need and deserve.
She emphasized the past session’s coastal and preservation efforts such as $5 million for Wild Cherry Canyon near the Diablo Canyon reactor and AB 3233, which gives local jurisdictions a say in oil and gas development. She noted her support for the SLO County Citizens Redistricting Commission legislation sponsored by Senator Laird.
See the full article on the interview with Assemblymember Addis here.
Assemblymember Addis is hosting a Town Hall conversation with local community organizations on Monday, April 14, at 7 pm in Paso Robles. Find more information here.
|  Assemblymember Hart expressed concern that President Trump’s series of executive orders contain massive budget cuts detrimental to California. He noted that California has joined other states to push back. The five lawsuits have resulted in temporary stays on the federal executive orders. He said the cuts may affect federal Medicaid funding that is critical for the MediCal program and hospital reimbursements. The proposed 30-40 percent funding cuts could severely impact healthcare costs for all Californians and result in the closing of rural hospitals.
He also noted the potential impact of funding cuts to wind energy and other environmental programs and clean energy initiatives. He spoke about the need to improve battery storage safety to prevent incidents like the Moss Landing fire.
Assemblyman Hart reported that he has sponsored bills dealing with a broad range of issues including consumer protection, emergency assistance, mental health access, and oil spill protection. He has introduced the Blue Skies Blue Whales Bill which requires tankers to reduce speed to let whales get out of the way. The speed requirements also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He spoke about his efforts to improve data collection and accountability in homeless services programs and his efforts to restore funding for crime victim services.
See the full article on the interview with Assemblymember Hart here.
| | ~~~ You're Invited! ~~~
Virtual Coffee Hour
Wednesday, April 30 at 9 am
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Bring your morning beverage and join other LWV SLOCO members for an hour of casual social interaction. This is chance to get to know other members and discuss topics and issues that are important to you - or just shoot the breeze! Bring your questions and ideas - we'd love to hear them! 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 this link. Your meeting host is long-time League member Nancy Welts.
Can't make it to this coffee hour? See dates of future coffee and cocktail hours here.
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Joanne Schultz, though a relatively new member, has stepped gamely into the League’s culture and blossomed by taking advantage of the myriad volunteer opportunities available. She now occupies a solid leadership position as League Secretary and a member of the Voter Service and Government Policy Committees. We are excited to introduce Joanne in this month’s League Member Spotlight.
Joanne has always had a positive impression of the League, but it was the SLO County League’s actions challenging the Patton redistricting map that reflected her concerns about gerrymandering and convinced her that” these are my people.”
Her advice to new members is to find a group that has common interests and values and to make the connection. She pointed out that membership is inexpensive and that our website has great information about our program, our committees and how to get involved. After joining, she attended the new member orientation and a member meeting. She found members welcoming and excited to have someone new become active in the organization.
Her initial involvement with the League was with the Voter Service Committee as a volunteer, first, at a high school registration event and then, later, at a candidate forum. She noted how both were fun and well organized. It was an easy way to get involved.
Since she was already monitoring Pismo Beach City Council meetings, it was a natural fit for her when Government Policy Committee Chair Leslie Brown suggested that she do so as part of her committee. Joanne added that she found the monthly meetings with that committee always stimulating and a continuing education for her.
Her bravest undertaking, this past year, was to take on the enormous, all-day position of poll inspector for one of the five polls overseen by the League for the county. She felt intimidated because of her relative inexperience but the training and support provided by Julie Rodewald and Patti Dale helped her overcome her trepidation. Joanne gave special thanks to her mentor, Shelly Higginbotham. Finally, she praised to the caliber of League volunteers who helped her poll run smoothly.
Joanne has been part of the League’s legislative interview team for the last three years and that has provided a unique opportunity for her to meet with state senators and assemblymembers. She appreciates that our League encourages new members to get involved in this. Participating in the development of interview questions and reports expanded her understanding of legislators records and interests as well as the legislative process.
Now as a board member and secretary, she sees what each of the committees – Civil Discourse, Communications, Government Policy, Membership, Natural Resources, Social Policy, and Voter Services – undertakes each month. She pointed out that gaining an understanding of the overall work of the League and supporting them administratively has been very rewarding.
Joanne fully retired in 2022 after a 30-year career in project management and construction management holding positions such as project coordinator and scheduler for Walt Disney Imagineering, project controls for CH2MHill and Jacobs Engineering, vice president and EEO officer for Brutoco Engineering & Construction and proposal manager for Flatiron West. During that time, she worked on a wide variety of construction projects, including roadway, bridge, aviation, ports, water treatment, facilities, retail development and theme parks. She received a B.A. from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and an M.F.A. in Theatre Arts from Cal State University Fullerton.
These days she enjoys attending movies at The Palm Theatre, going to life drawing sessions, and walking Shell Beach with her husband Steve and dog Buddy.
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Town Hall
Event Date: Monday, April 14, 2025 | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board Room, 800 Niblick Rd, Paso Robles
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Join California State Assemblymember Dawn Addis for a Town Hall conversation on April 14 at 7 pm with local community organizations discussing healthcare, civil rights, immigration, social justice, environment and education. RSVP is required to attend as space is limited. Door opens at 6:30 pm. Find more information and register here.
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Hands Off! National Day of Action April 5
San Luis Obispo | SLO County Courthouse | 12 – 1:30 pm
Cambria | Cambria Drive & Main Street | 12 – 1:30 pm
| On April 5 at noon, the League of Women Voters will join a coalition of national and local organizations to protest what League CEO Celina Stewart has called an “unprecedented, breathtaking assault on American democracy” by the Trump Administration. The administration is undermining voting rights, dismantling crucial government agencies, terrorizing immigrant communities, gutting civil rights offices and watch dog agencies, and flouting court rulings.
We Won’t Back Down
We the People must make our voices heard and stop this blatant overreach of executive power by the Trump Administration. “Hands Off” protests will take place San Luis Obispo and Cambria.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. We must act. We must come together and make our collective power as Americans felt.
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ECHO Empty Bowls Fundraiser is Back for 2025!
Every Bowl Filled, Every Need Met. Join Us in Supporting El Camino Homeless Organization!
Your participation in this incredible fundraiser makes a meaningful impact on those experiencing homelessness in our local community.
Experience the Heartfelt Touch of Local Artists. Talented creators from across the Central Coast are crafting unique bowls for the event. Selecting your very own custom-made ceramic bowl becomes a cherished memento, a tangible reminder of your contribution to fulfilling the needs of our community.
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ATASCADERO LUNCHEON
Thursday, April 10, 11 am - 1 pm
The Pavilion on the Lake, Atascadero
Enjoy a heartwarming afternoon featuring delectable soups, artisan breads, and live music while connecting with fellow community members and supporters of ECHO. Celebrity servers will reprise their role to serve you. Take home an artisan ceramic bowl. Space is limited so get your tickets early at $50/person here. |  |
PASO ROBLES EVENING RECEPTION
Thursday, April 24, 5 pm - 7 pm
Studios on the Park, Paso Robles
Enjoy a selection of delicious soup tastings, expertly curated wine pairings, and the inspiring ambiance of studio art and live music. Take home an artisan ceramic bowl as a keepsake of this special evening. Limited space is available so be sure to get your tickets early at $100/person here. | | |
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Saturday, April 26th, 11 am - 5 pm
Meadow Park, SLO
SLO EarthFest 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of the collective power of our community to build a sustainable future.
Get ready for a day of inspiration, education, and community connection at SLO EarthFest 2025! Hosted in beautiful Meadow Park, this family-friendly event celebrates sustainability and highlights actionable ways to combat climate change at the local level!
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- Live Music - featuring favorite local bands.
- Kids Zone - fun and educational activities for the littles.
- Makers Market - sustainable treasures from local creatives.
- Beer Garden - pouring Firestone Walker Brewing Company
- Climate Solutions Stage - panel discussions & speakers with inspiring messages on sustainability for our future.
- Wellness Zone - yoga, sound bath, and local exhibitors for the mind, body, and soul.
- Habitat Restoration Projects - onsite restoration projects and community art.
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Grab a FREE ticket to save your spot, as venue space is limited. Tickets are free but registration will be checked at the entrance.
Find more information and register to attend here.
Let’s create a brighter, greener future—together! | League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County
The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations. | |