Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. |
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The official newsletter of the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County.
Vol 68 | Issue 3 | Date: Mar 18, 2026
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In this issue:
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| The League of Women Voters Questions President’s Decision to Initiate Unprovoked Military Action Against Iran
The League issued a statement expressing concern about US actions and urging Congress to immediately assert its constitutional role, demand transparency, and reaffirm that decisions of war and peace cannot rest with the president alone.
“The Constitution clearly assigns the power to declare war to Congress, an authority that was intentionally ignored. When a president goes around Congress to initiate military action, it is not a sign of strength. It is executive overreach and dangerous to Americans, both domestically and abroad.”
Read the statement here.
LWVUS Joins Suit Urging the Supreme Court to Strike Down Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
The League has joined the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Howard University School of Law’s Civil Rights Clinic on behalf of the NAACP, the Equal Justice Society, the National Urban League, and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to strike down the Trump administration’s order on birthright citizenship.
"Birthright citizenship is not a political bargaining chip. It is a constitutional guarantee," said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters. "The administration’s attempt to eliminate birthright citizenship is an attack on every American, especially Black Americans, and a dangerous escalation in the effort to redefine who belongs in our democracy."
See the full statement here.
LWVUS Denounces Reports of an Executive Order on Elections
The League of Women Voters responded to reports that the President is preparing a sweeping executive order to impose federal control over American elections calling it a power grab and contrary to the powers of the president as defined in the Constitution.
“Court after court has affirmed what the Constitution makes clear. The President’s authority over the administration of elections is minimal to nonexistent. The power to run elections rests with Congress and the states, not the White House.”
Read the full statement here.
Learn more about League Action and Speak out with the League
You can find out more about action the League is taking to defend democracy, amplify the League’s voice, and increase our impact for change by responding to Action Alerts from LWVUS and LWVC. Sign up for LWV Action Alerts.
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2026 LEGISLATIVE INTERVIEWS | Elected Officials Answer Questions from the League
Each year the League of Women Voters of California asks local Leagues to interview their state legislators. LWV SLOCO teamed up with League members from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara Counties 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 energy, immigration, and voting rights. The interviews took place from January 20 to February 10 and were conducted via Zoom. See the full interviews here.
 Senator Laird stressed that finding ways to stabilize the state budget is at the top of his priority list. He supports allowing local entities to regulate on-shore facilities tied to offshore drilling and noted that offshore wind and battery storage are crucial for alternative energy. Read the complete interview with Senator Laird here.
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Assemblymember Addis observed that our environment and fair elections are under attack, while ICE enforcement is creating fear and uncertainty in our communities. She is sponsoring the Save Our Shores Act to close any loopholes for offshore drilling that the federal administration may try to use and working on housing legislation specific to the coastal zone. Read the complete interview with Assemblymember Addis here.
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Assemblymember Hart
stated that there is a clear consensus in the state against expanded offshore drilling and California is using legal challenges and state regulatory authority to oppose federal attempts at expansion. California is also using legal challenges and funding for legal defense to protect immigrant communities and work to "Trump-proof" California from federal immigration enforcement actions. Read the complete interview with Assemblymember Hart here.
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LWV SLOCO also had the opportunity on February 20 to interview U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal, teaming up with members from the North Santa Barbara County League. Representative Carbajal noted that Democrats have sponsored legislation to protect voting rights but they are in the minority and these bills are not advancing. Republicans have sponsored legislation to suppress voting, of which the SAVE Act is the latest example. He also spoke about efforts to curb the excesses of ICE immigration enforcement and the prospects for immigration reform. Calling this an “all hands on deck” time, he urged all citizens and organizations to speak out, write letters, register people to vote, encourage voter engagement, hold forums. Read the complete interview with Representative Carbajal here.
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UPCOMING CANDIDATES FORUMS | The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is partnering with area Rotary Clubs to moderate forums for candidates for District 2 & District 4 Supervisor. Both forums will be livestreamed on SLO-Span by AGP Video and will be available on the League's YouTube channel for later viewing.
Candidate forums are intended to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the candidates and their views on the issues. The League of Women Voters encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League neither supports nor opposes political parties or candidates.
These forums are sponsored by Rotary Club of SLO, Rotary Club of SLO de Tolosa, Rotary Club of Cambria, Rotary Club of SLO Daybreak, and Rotary Passport Club of the Central Coast. For additional information contact the Rotary Club of SLO at (805) 550-6406 or jgachief@charter.net or the League of Women Voters at (805) 242-6990 or candidateforums@lwvslo.org. |
Board of Supervisors District 2
Candidates Forum
📅 Wednesday, April 22
🕘 5:30 - 7:00 pm
📍 Morro Bay Vets Hall, 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay
Community members are encouraged to attend the forum and to submit questions for the candidates, Jim Dantona and Michael Erin Woody, to answer at the forum. Questions should be on the issues and applicable to both candidates. |
Board of Supervisors District 4
Candidates Forum
📅 Wednesday, April 29
🕘 5:30 - 7:00 pm
📍 South County Regional Center. 800 W Branch St, Arroyo Grande
Community members are encouraged to attend the forum and to submit questions for the candidates, Jimmy Paulding and Adam Verdin, to answer at the forum. Questions should be on the issues and applicable to both candidates. | |
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY | 
On International Women’s Day, March 8, the League of Women Voters of SLO County was a proud sponsor of the 2026 Women of Color Symposium, a space for women of color to reflect, strategize, and support each other. The theme, Holding the Fire, honored the legacy of the generations of women of color who have “carried movements, protected communities, and created change in spaces not built for them.” The participants were inspired by a powerful call to action: “This is not about shrinking or softening. It’s about sustaining. It’s about protecting what matters. It’s about leading with vision and conviction in uncertain times.” At the Makers Market, we engaged with attendees about LWV SLOCO, civic engagement, and women’s issues, and were motivated by their energy and commitment to work in our community. | 
Join thousands in San Luis Obispo on March 28 for a powerful rally declaring: America has NO KINGS!
📅 Saturday, March 28, 10 am - 12 pm
📍 Osos & Monterey in SLO
The League of Women Voters is joining "No Kings" as a partner in a national day of action - a reminder that in a democracy, power must be held accountable. We encourage League members to lean in locally and participate in actions with partners on the ground in a nonpartisan manner.
Plan to invite family and friends and find a spot to either stand or bring chairs to sit. Don’t forget your signs and flags! Come by our booth in Action Alley to say hello and pick up a League t-shirt ($20). See you there!
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LEAGUE FUNDRAISER AT SLO REP - APRIL 30 | Join us on April 30 for a fundraising event: a pre-opening viewing of The Lifespan of a Fact at the SLO Rep Theatre. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a social hour with wine and desserts, followed by the show at 7 p.m. Don't miss out - space is limited so buy your tickets before it's sold out!
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Thursday, April 30, 6:00 p.m.
The Lifespan of a Fact
A whip-smart comedy of fact vs. fiction.
At the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre
Social hour with wine and desserts precedes the play.
Tickets are $50 per person.
This event is open to League members, non-members and guests.
Buy your tickets here
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Cocktails and Engaging Conversation. Join us!
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 25
🕘 Time: 6 pm - 7 pm
📍 Location: On Zoom
Our next cocktail hour of the year will be on March 25th at 6 pm. Bring your beverage of choice and join other LWV SLOCO members for an hour of casual social interaction. Everyone is welcome - you don't need to be a League member to attend. Register here or just drop in using the link on our event webpage here. | | | |
LWV SLOCO CELEBRATES LUNAR NEW YEAR | | Five league members, joined by three Cal Poly interns, braved chilly temperatures to staff the League booth at the San Luis Obispo Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, February 19. And what a celebration it was, complete with food vendors and performances by dancers and the Cal Poly Lion Dance team. Members talked to quite a few people about voting and concerns about the SAVE Act, helped voters check their registration status, and got pledges to be future voters from kids in exchange for stickers and chocolate. The highlight of the evening was helping a recently naturalized citizen navigate online registration! It was also the first unveiling of our DEMOCRACY IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT aprons, although it got too dark to read the message. It was a worthwhile event and wonderful to have the Cal Poly students join in the conversations.
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Fresh off the presses: Democracy’s Urgent Call, a poetry anthology by members of the League of Women Voters from throughout the United States.
League members and poets Christy Schwan and Eloisa Gomez from LWV Wisconsin have curated this collection of 58 poems by League poets representing 25 states. Our own Juliane McAdam has a poem in the collection. Read Juliane’s poem “History Revisited” here.
Poetry is indeed a great way to cope with life’s stresses. As Christy wrote to the poets who contributed to this anthology, “It takes courage to put yourself out there, just as it does to be a member of LWV. Your words are an inspiration to us all. We know first-hand that poetry can be centering, yet clarifying, during chaotic times.”
The anthology is 66 pages in a 6” X 9” glossy paperback cover. It is available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.
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LWV SLOCO CONNECTS WITH CAL POLY STUDENTS |
History is Made on March 7
For many years the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County has had a goal – make meaningful and lasting connections with students at our local university. We took a giant first step in this direction on March 7 with the inaugural Bridging Voices, a campus-community exchange aimed at establishing an enduring relationship between county residents and the young people who attend Cal Poly.
Seventeen League members participated in a full day of dialogue organized by students from the university’s debate team. Under the direction of their professors, Dr. Marion Winrow Hart and Dr. Victoria Zamora, more than 20 students acted as facilitators and partners for the majority of the day and then as debaters in a culminating event.
The event featured a range of perspectives through activities and conversation and key topics and questions were provided to build comfort and recognition before diving into deeper dialogue. The League volunteers moved from group to group to optimize their interaction with a mix of students.
The day’s agenda also included a panel discussion featuring Cal Poly Economics Instructor Solina Lindahl and Civil Rights Attorney Areva Martin on the day’s key topic of women and income security.
After lunch, six debaters modeled a parliamentary debate. Parliamentary debate is a competitive debate format that simulates a legislative session, where two teams—the Government and the Opposition—engage in extemporaneous arguments on a resolution with very limited preparation time. The activity became lively when the audience was encouraged to support arguments that resonated with them by rapping on their desks and even adding a “here, here” when inspired to do so.
Compliments were the order of the day. Kim Gravell summarized her experience, “I was so energized by the thoughtful and meaningful "generational dialogue". And I was equally inspired by the debate team's extraordinary critical thinking skills - something that is too often lost or discarded.”
Glenn Silloway added “it’s hard to think of a better place to build a bridge”. Julie Rodewald, who was the first to reach out to make meaningful connections with Cal Poly, put it best at the end of the day, “I feel the moat around Cal Poly shrinking.”
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LWV SLOCO provides information on upcoming community events that may be of interest to readers of the Voter. Inclusion on the list does not necessarily indicate LWV SLOCO endorsement of the event, or the opinions and actions of the sponsoring organization. | Diversity Coalition: Loretta J. Ross
Calling In: Navigating Challenging Conversations and Cultivating Compassionate Connections
📅 Date: Thursday, Mar 19
🕘 Time: 5:30 pm
📍 Location: Associated Students Auditorium - Cuesta College
Loretta J. Ross is a nationally renowned activist, public intellectual, and professor whose work over five decades has shaped conversations on human rights, equity, and social change. Based on her book Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel, this session introduces the practice of “calling in”—a compassionate alternative to cancel culture that centers accountability and empathy as tools for building stronger communities and sustaining collective work.
In this conversation, Loretta J. Ross will share insights and practical approaches for navigating difficult conversations while fostering connection, responsibility, and collective progress.
Find more information and register here.
SLO Climate Coalition: 2026 SLO EARTHFEST
Resilient Futures
📅 Date: Saturday, Apr 18
🕘 Time: 11 am - 5 pm
📍 Location: Santa Rosa Park, SLO
Get ready for a day of inspiration, education, and community connection at SLO EarthFest 2026! This family-friendly event celebrates sustainability and highlights actionable ways to combat climate change at the local level!
Tickets are free. Registration is required. Find more information and register here.
ECHO Empty Bowls Fundraiser
Every Bowl Filled, Every Need Met. Support El Camino Homeless Organization!
Your participation in these incredible fundraisers makes a meaningful impact on those experiencing homelessness in our local community.
ATASCADERO LUNCHEON
📅 Date: Wednesday, Apr 8
🕘 Time: 11 am - 1 pm
📍 Location: Atascadero Lake Pavilion
Enjoy delectable soups, artisan breads, delicious desserts and take home a handmade ceramic bowl as your souvenir. Enjoy music while you visit with community members and supporters of ECHO. Celebrity servers will reprise their role to serve you. Limited space is available so be sure to get your tickets early at $50/person here.
PASO ROBLES EVENING RECEPTION
📅 Date: Wednesday, Apr 22
🕘 Time: 5 - 7 pm
📍 Location: Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St. Paso Robles
The Paso Robles Evening Reception is hosted by Studios on the Park. Enjoy an evening of soup tastings, desserts, curated wine selections, studio art and live music from 5pm to 7pm. Take home an artisan ceramic bowl. Limited space is available. Get your tickets early at $100/person here.
| 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. | |