League of Women Voters of San Francisco

They did it! 15,000 pink slips. Massive uncertainty (unnecessarily). And the people behind the plan run a City and County?

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:58:00 +0000

Well, if you know a City worker, you probably know someone who received a lay-off notice. 15,000 people were given notice that their employment will be terminated. One of the recipients reports that "in a few weeks," people will be given "more information" about next steps. That is all she was told. Presumably, this "more information" will include how one may be able to be rehired. Not all City workers were affected. For example, the angel of dismay passed over the offices of people who negotiated contracts that require significant severance in the event of such a job action. Those people were lawyers.

Anyway, while we all understand budgets need to be balanced and, in the end, the restructuring means a few less hours worked and paid for -- but no decrease in health, vacation, or pension benefits -- the most feared aspect of the action has been realized: Mobs of people have no idea whether they have jobs. They are still expected to perform their responsibilities. But they have no idea whether they have jobs. And, at the moment, the rehiring process appears to be subjective. Could it be that managers will take this opportunity to prune in ways that would otherwise be illegal? Of course they will.

It is simply cruel. Regular readers (thank you!) will recall that this blog is squarely in the corner of City workers. They are a committed corps of talented professionals who personify the finest in public service. The City had an alternative to this thoughtless process: sort out the end result before advising people of the layoffs. Minimize the senseless uncertainty. Why didn't the lawyers speak up for due process, in the most humane meaning of the phrase?

We hold a cautiously optimistic thought for the workers during this very difficult time. May things end well for all, including those ultimately without a chair when the music stops. For them, we wish a lovely and sustaining severance. Like the lawyers. LLII.

ps. Imagine the chaos when applying this tactic at the State level. It is not too soon to be thinking about your lieutenant governor choice.

Voters voting. As it should be (apart from the bombs).

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:07:00 +0000

Below is an excerpt from a NYTimes blog reporting on today's Iraqi parliamentary elections as they unfolded. First, note that 62% of eligible voters in Iraq voted - despite today's and the past week's violence intended to suppress the vote. Second, note that women voters were right there, undeterred.

****

"In Amariyat al-Fallujah, a rural region near the city of Fallujah, Anthony Shadid reports [for the NYTimes] that veiled women almost outnumbered men, as voting drew to a close at al-Iman Middle School. Electoral officials at the station said about 50 percent of people had turned out. Numbers were low in the morning as a series of bombings shook Fallujah, but grew through the day, said Osma Mohammed, on of the officials there." (emphasis added)

****

The obvious observation is, of course, that we US voters don't need threatened or real physical risk to stay home from the polls. We succumb to the less dramatic but significantly more effective ennui. When next we hear from a fellow registered voter that they can't be bothered to thoughtfully consider their choices, mark a ballot, and get it to the Department of Elections (no more taxing than dropping a vote-by-mail envelope in a postal box), let's remind them of the courage demonstrated by the Iraqis who literally risk their lives, standing in line in open spaces, to cast their ballots. We'll be polite about it, of course.

Note that there is a statewide election on June 8. The San Francisco Department of Elections must receive requests for vote-by-mail ballots by June 1. The request form is located here, but hasn't been updated for the June election. Confirm your own registration is current here.

Amazing, those Iraqis. LLII.

ps. A recurring theme at election time in developing democracies is the crucial role of the election monitors. Something to think about incorporating here in the US. Lawyers and law students, as the November election approaches, be alert for volunteer opportunities with the non-partisan Election Protection.

Civics lessons (March forth on March 4th)

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:57:00 +0000

Welcome to the new activists! Pundits have been opining for years that the X, then Y, generation has no fire. Campuses have been quiet except on binge drinking night(s) and for the occasional sports event - though for the latter the alumni contribute significant noise. No longer. Students are alert and organizing. It's terrific training for the rest of their lives.

Tuition/fees are increasing, school budgets are being slashed, teachers are being surplussed (so to speak) then rehired as temporary workers. School facilities are falling into disrepair. It is a tragedy that society cannot invest in its future, but the germination of activists may be the one side effect that could, in the end, ensure society.2 with thoughtful, aware citizens who understand the value of speaking in ways that will be heard. That is, in thoughtful, rational ways.

For example, a group of UC students took a little trouble with their attire (suits! matching separates!) and visited legislators in Sacramento. Unfortunately, those people in Sacramento put in cameo appearances as themselves, but for the students, it was a priceless education. Let's hope they keep at it, and many, many of them see enough of our politicians that they decide (a) if those people can be politicians, anybody can be politicians and (b) they themselves should be politicians...of the public servant variety. Imagine.

We all can be new activists. We all can effect change. They teach us that in civics class, which might be revived once education funding is restored. Stand up for education. This Thursday join a Statewide Day of Action for education. Read up first, from this helpful data-rich page published by the California Teachers Association (the teachers like universal healthcare, too). You will be motivated, guaranteed.

Do this now. March forth on March 4th. LLII.

A government health system. Fine. California's SB 810.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:48:00 +0000

It may be Congress will pass healthcare reform legislation sooner rather than not at all. I remain sceptical that it will happen, or that the resulting legislation will actually make meaningful health care, including preventive care, available to the increasing millions who currently do without.

One can be more confident about supporting a California opt-out from any federal program, bringing a single-payer system to the State as an alternative. The Physicians for a National Health Plan (PNHP) a pretty tweedy bunch by the look of them, advocates for the single-payer approach. PNHP, with California chapters, is another source of information regarding the single-payer approach, if the New York Times reporting is feeling old (it remains one of the most fact-based sources of information on the legislation pending in Congress and the human and economic benefits of universal health care).

California's pending legislation, SB 810, would deliver universal health care via a single-payer system. Check out the fact sheet here. We can see what SB 810 would provide. The State legislation isn't padded by nearly a thousand pages including limiting qualifiers and special giveaways to private interests. SB 810 has been vetted for some time now. Implementing the State system would be more manageable - and faster - than implementing whatever the federal program will be.

SB 810 is one government program we can get behind. We the people can see from the terribly disappointing past twelve months that those people in Congress aren't thinking about us. This may be one more case where buying local is the right choice. LLII.

California death spiral (Healthcare reform needed more than ever)

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:50:00 +0000

One of the saddest news pieces I have read in a very long time was about 911 emergency services in Tracy (a commuter's distance from San Francisco). The citizens of Tracy must pay a fee for 911 service. Their choice: $48/year or $300/call. Right. $300/call. And, honestly, not every household can afford $48/year. This system means people will be forced to think about whether to call 911. Someone having a stroke or a heart attack? Can you afford the call or should you try to get the suffering person to the hospital yourself? Do you hear your neighbor being physically abused? Will you call 911 if the response will be charged to you? Carry on with the possibilities. Nothing good comes from the fee structure, except that Tracy will be able to afford to provide the services (which, we acknowledge without hesitation, is not only good but essential for public safety and welfare). This is truly an indicator of California in a death spiral.

But I digress slightly. Paul Krugman had California on his mind last week in the wake of all the hubbub about the health insurance premium increases for privately purchased insurance coverage. Mr. Krugman devoted his February 16 column to what he termed the California Death Spiral. Privately purchased health insurance is a complete, predictable disaster: Premiums get higher so healthy people decide to chance going without coverage which makes the "pool" of insured persons more highly populated with the people who really need and use insurance coverage, which causes premiums to increase which forces more of the less terribly ill people out of that "pool." Etc. We know this spiral. And we are living it.

Who knows if Washington will manage healthcare reform that does anything meaningful. Every good wish to them. In the interim, in California, the legislature may do something. Believe it or not, the California Universal Healthcare Act, SB810, is showing signs of life! Let's remind ourselves of what a good idea this is, and start talking local progress that benefits California. Let's do our part to arrest the death spiral. LLII.

Yes! Fair Elections in California. February 21 Event.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:58:00 +0000

More than 100 people participated in the local campaign kickoff for Prop 15 last Sunday, February 21. People are galvanized by the deadlock at all levels of government. The rallying cry: Getting lobbyists' money out of politics is the one reform that makes all other reforms possible. Visit the San Francisco Fair Elections website often for updates and to see what you can do. Every little bit helps. Remember, we will be fighting those threatened lobbyists, and we know they have $$$$$.

As background, Proposition 15, the California Fair Elections Act (CFEA), represents fundamental election reform that will allow candidates and elected officials to get out of the money game and get back to solving California’s problems by creating a pilot project for a voluntary Fair Elections public financing system of campaigns similar to that successfully used in seven other states. The League of Women Voters is a CFEA sponsor.

At Sunday's event, Senator Loni Hancock, author of the bill that put Prop 15 on the ballot, Senator Mark Leno, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, and California Nurses Association Co-President Deborah Burger, RN spoke with passion about why they support Prop 15 and why all Californians should. Trent Lange, Chair of Californians for Fair Elections, provided detail about how Prop 15 works and how it will change the way we finance election campaigns.

The meeting transitioned into a brainstorming and organizing session for the new local grassroots coalition to support the statewide campaign for Prop 15 by building support locally.

Imagine what California could be if our elected officials could focus on governing instead of fundraising! Be part of making it a reality. Check out Yes! Fair Elections. We can do this. LLII.

A debt worth incurring.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0000

This month the San Francisco School Board approved funding for additional instruction and services related to gay and lesbian issues. The school district is facing a $113 million shortfall over the next two years. Some argue that increased allocations are going the wrong direction. Let's do a back-of-the-envelope cost/benefit analysis.

The allocation is for $120,000 per year. That is the approved allocation, or 0.03% of the district's $400 million annual operating budget.

For this $120,000 - salaries for two classroom teachers - the City's gay and lesbian students will have the attention of a district position to manage "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning" youth issues. The new resolution including the funding requires the district to monitor harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation. It's about time!

According to the SFGate article** states that approximately 13% of San Francisco's middle school students and 11% of high school students self-identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The article goes on to say these students are more likely to consider suicide.

It would be churlish to inquire where SFUSD has been on this issue of protection for the safety and dignity of our children. We rejoice in the district's action now, and urge the district to fill those appointments without delay for everyone's well-being. In fact, we would call this action a bargain. LLII.

** With apologies for the secondary source reference. The SFUSD site is data rich - so much that one can get lost. I simply didn't have the staying power to find the primary budget data reference. Nonetheless, if you have an interest in school funding by program, check out SFUSD's online resources. They are excellent. We understand the district's library, open to the public, also is first-rate.

2009 Lobbying of Members of Congress: $3,470,000,000 (That's Three Billion.)

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:51:00 +0000

The Center for Responsive Politics reports corporations and other interest groups spent a total of $3.47 billion to lobby members of Congress. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce led the top ten lobbying clients, spending approximately $144 million. Number two was Exon-Mobil, at $27.4 million. Analysis by OpenSecrets.org here.

The general business sector, which encompasses an array of industries from retail sales to manufacturing to business associations, experienced a nearly 19 percent increase in its 2008-to-2009 lobbying expenditures. The more than $558 million spent by the general business sector in 2009 is a record for any of the 13 broad sectors that the Center tracks.

It is followed closely in 2009 by the health sector, which includes a variety of health-related industries. In 2009, this sector spent nearly $544 million on federal lobbying efforts, up almost 12 percent from its 2008 total of about $487 million.

Money in politics. And what did it get us in 2009? Hmmm. Consider supporting Proposition 15, the California Fair Elections Act on the June ballot. Learn more this Sunday at a passion raiser starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Main branch of the City Library. Do something now toward achieving elections money can't buy. LLII.

Happy Anniversay, League of Women Voters!

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:21:00 +0000

Ninety years ago, Carrie Chapman Catt first proposed a League of Women Voters to "finish the fight" and work to end all discrimination against women. And so the League of Women Voters was founded on Valentine's Day in 1920, six months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.

Today the League is a grassroots organization with 850 Leagues throughout all 50 states. Although the League is known widely for our voter education efforts, the San Francisco League has been an institution in the City, working on campaign finance reform, healthcare, quality education for all students, and ensuring every local election vote is counted as cast.

On Thursday, February 11, the San Francisco League commemorated ninety years of League activism with its annual Women Who Could Be President Gala. League members and friends honored five Bay Area women who make outstanding contributions to the community.

The League is strictly non-partisan, but we have always been political, advocating to effect change at the national and local level. Our members join the League because they know that whatever happens to our democracy over the next ninety years, it should be up to us, the people.

The League of Women Voters - not just for women, by the way - is the organization where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement. Come join us! Do as much or as little as you can. Call the League office at 415/989-8683 to talk about your interests and how we can work together. LLII.

Saving Jobs by Laying Off Workers. And Rehiring them.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:34:00 +0000

City Hall is open to creative measures to balance the City's $522 million 2010 - 2011 budget deficit. One plan being discussed (not approved) is to lay off people who are paid for working 40 hours/week jobs, and hire people who will work the same jobs but be paid for 37.5 hours/week. Details are in formulation. Some departments weighed in about the possibility of paying overtime to cover the hours not worked following the change. Or perhaps people will find that they can do the work that filled 40 hours in 37.5. This is not to say City workers are slackers. Don't believe that for a moment. I've seen City workers first-hand, day after day, while I worked in City Hall. Those people personified accomplishment and commitment to public service.

Still, it is only 2.5 hours over a week. One-half hour a day. Considering the talent the City employs, it may well be that this reduced workweek will produce the $50 million in projected savings (health and vacation benefits will remain intact) and still deliver quality services. Many private companies pay their hourly staff for only 37.5 hours/week. For these companies, it is a normal week.

No one should minimize the disruption and uncertainty for the thousands of workers who could be affected by such a plan. People will lose their jobs. They will have to apply for a job. The transition period will definitely not be conducive to improved productivity and may feel abusive. It could create resentment. Destroy trust. In a civilized world, uncertainty about whether one job will follow a lost one, to shave 2.5 hours from a work week, should be minimized. If such a plan is adopted, civilized implementation should be a priority for the City. If that can be managed, the savings will be savored.

We'll stay tuned. LLII

That "Encouraging" Unemployment Rate.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 04:16:00 +0000

Just a reminder: The unemployment rate that gets all the press isn't a true measure of unemployment. It does not include people who want to work but have stopped looking. These people are referred to as "discouraged." Well. Sure. The employment rate our governmental leaders are describing as "encouraging" is 9.7%, or just under 16 million people. This is an "improvement" of ten percent compared to December's,and is considered surprising since companies tend to shed the holiday seasonal workers in January; instead, temporary workers and service workers increased. The average hourly wage is $18.89 per hour, which is $39,291.20, gross, per year. 41.2% of the 9.7% unemployed have been out of work for 27 weeks or longer. That is 6.3 million people out of work for 27 weeks or longer. See the data and the trends for the current 9.7% at the Bureau of Labor Statistics' informative site.

661,000 workers opted out of the labor force during December, probably not because Cabo called. Approximately 1.7 million workers dropped out between July 2009 and December 2009. The participation rate, or the share of the population in the labor force, fell to 64.6 percent in December, the lowest level since 1985, from 64.9 percent. For African Americans, the feel unemployment rate is 16.5%. The so-called underemployment rate -- which includes part- time workers who would prefer a full-time position and those people who want work but have given up looking -- rose to 17.3% in December from 17.2%. See Bloomberg for more.

Such a waste of talent and productivity. It's true more people are volunteering at schools, non-profits, and courts. Some are volunteering (euphemistically called "interning") in jobs companies used to pay people to do. But why bother, when there a so many people wanting to be productive, desperate to keep skills fresh, or thinking a change of profession is the answer? When will state and federal employment divisions finally decide those "volunteers" and "interns" are employees in fact, for whom companies enjoying the free labor owe employment tax, plus the 100% penalty for not paying timely. It should happen, but it probably won't until the states have exhausted every other source of revenue to close their budget gaps.

Some would say that jobs should not be artificially created, which is what socialist societies do to give their citizens a reason to leave the house in the morning and put money earned in their wallets to spend or save. Maybe.

The Times said Congress will be voting on a jobs bill next week, though whatever this legislation might be did not have many details, according to the Times. Swell.

I can't help thinking that if we had a higher calibre of elected public servants at all levels of government we might have a more strategic framework from which to address the systemic problems tormenting us. People involved in campaign finance reform describe it as the reform that makes all other reforms possible. Maybe. It is certainly a step forward. Not much use in the short term except as another worthwhile deployment of all that unemployed talent, should that talent choose to volunteer to promote campaign finance reform. It is something constructive and productive. For all of us, as elections near, it is a concept worth investigating and debating.

Here in California, we will be voting to accept Proposition 15, the California Fair Elections Act, already passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. The California League of Women Voters is a sponsor. Consider attending a public forum for the Proposition 15 on February 21, at the Main branch of the San Francisco Library, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is something constructive and productive to do. LLII.

Healthcare Bill Limps Along

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:02:00 +0000

The top priority of the Obama Administration when it took office last year was to pass healthcare reform, but that effort has been stymied by opposition from both Republicans and some Democrats. Now the Administration appears to be modifying its message and talking about Health Insurance Reform as the goal. House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi has talked about breaking the bill down into smaller pieces and trying to pass some reforms if not the entire bill. This is a tremendous disappointment to many Americans, including League members, who have fought to have this important reform passed. Health insurance is a right for all Americans and healthcare costs must be kept down so the country can afford to pay the bill for providing it. Both the Senate and House Bills that were passed before the Christmas break contain important elements of reform. If you care about healthcare, contact your representatives and tell them they need to pass a meaningful reform bill this Spring.

Much ado about bags

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:36:00 +0000

In the S.F. Chronicle this morning C.W. Nevius tells us of a new move by Supervisors to encourage reusable bags in grocery stores. Current law in the City bans plastic bags in grocery stores and requires the stores to provide paper bags. All the stores I've seen offer inexpensive reusable bags for sale and encourage shoppers to use these by offering a nickel off the grocery bill for people who don't require a paper bag. Unfortunately, this still hasn't persuaded the majority of shoppers to use the reusable ones. Now Supervisor Mirkarimi has suggested that grocery stores be required to pay shoppers ten cents if they don't require the paper bags. Maybe this would work, but it would mean more costs for grocers, who would pass it on to all shoppers, even those of us who carry our own bags. A more effective system, as Nevius points out, would be a small fee for people who don't bring their own bag, but this is forbidden by law in San Francisco. Let's repeal that law and get the city moving toward eliminating one-use bags whether plastic or paper. It's remarkable what changes in behavior even a small fee can bring.

Don't stop worrying about water

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:35:00 +0000

The rains that have poured down in the Bay Area for a week have brought us a lot of rain, but not so much that we can stop conserving water. That's the word from water experts as reported in the S.F. Chronicle today. One year with plenty of rain--and it's too early to know whether we have that yet--is not enough to end a drought that's been going on for three years. It took three dry years to get to the point we are at now and it will take at least two or three years to build up enough water for a while. The truth is, we will never be secure about water. The climate in the Bay Area was not arranged for the convenience of all the humans who live here, not if they insist on maintaining green lawns and exotic gardens planned for far different climates. Let's face reality. If we want to enjoy the benefits of our mild climate and almost-always sunny skies, we have to change our habits to suit our location. Don't let a few days of rain make us forget that cooperation with nature always works better than fighting against it.

But will it last?

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Stories and pictures of the tragedy in Haiti have dominated our news for almost a week now. According to most reports, Americans are responding with an outpouring of relief money, as are people throughout the world. Water, food, and medical care are the critical needs at the moment, but what happens after the immediate problems end. When the dead are buried, water and food supply channels restored, and transportation moving, what kind of lives will Haitians lead? Unless something is done about the level of poverty--the precarious buildings, dangerous roads, and fragile infrastructure--tragedies will occur again. Former Presidents Bush and Clinton are serving to raise money and help organize aid to Haiti. They have made a plea for help for Haiti over the long term. If you haven't given any money yet, you should act quickly. If you have already contributed to the cause, try to set aside some money so you can continue to offer help during the months and years to come. Let's not forget the people of Haiti as we have forgotten so many others when the shock of an event wears off.

Nonpartison sorrow

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Partisan politics plays an important role in California and legislators seem locked within their parties, but when Governor Schwarzenegger gave his last state of the state address, you didn't have to be partisan to feel sad. Timothy Egan in the N.Y. Times expressed best perhaps the general sense of sorrow for lost opportunities that now pervades the state. The high hopes of six years ago when Californians thought a new hand at the helm could steer the state through its problems have faded. The governor and the legislature are locked into an endless battle of meeting ever-growing needs with ever-shrinking resources. It's not the government that has failed us, however, but we the citizens who have failed at directing ourselves. Californians struggled for the right to change the state through citizen initiatives and the idea was a good one. What has happened over the years, though, is that we have voted in opposing initiatives, demanding services but making it impossible to raise taxes to pay for them while making no provision for facing a recession like the one we are currently facing. Many concerned citizens believe the initiative process is broken. Our constitution surely needs an overhaul. It's time for citizens to take responsibility. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in the stars...and not even in the politicians, but in ourselves.

Hope springs eternal

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:26:00 +0000

Life in San Francisco can look bleak in January as we look at the gray skies knowing we should wish for rain but secretly hoping the sun will come out. In this post-holiday mood it's encouraging to see that young people are still coming up with imaginative ideas to make our city more enticing. The S.F. Chronicle today reports on a project at the Berkeley College of Environmental Design in which students designed uses for the abandoned Bay Bridge link now being replaced by a new bridge. Although the reality is that the structure will probably be torn down when the new bridge is ready, it is nonetheless fascinating to see how housing, hotels, and even farms might flourish on the span. People have unexpected ways of using space and some city projects throughout the country have provided far more pleasure than expected. New Yorkers use of the old high line railway on the West Side of Manhattan is a case in point. Wouldn't it be nice to think that in San Francisco too, we might imaginatively make abandoned spaces into places of beauty? We should all thank the students and instructors who have shown us how to dream.

Can we afford fresh air?

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:09:00 +0000

Sometimes it looks as though there are no good answers to the problems that plague Californians. Yesterday, as reported in the S.F. Chronicle, the EPA recommended strict new limits on smog. Many parents who have watched their children suffer from asthma will be grateful for stricter standards. Elderly people who have trouble breathing when the air gets bad will also welcome the change. But progress seldom comes without a price to be paid. Stricter controls will cost corporations money for new equipment and will cost county governments money for enforcement. San Franciscans are lucky that their air already meets the new standards, but all of us occasionally venture into other counties. Even the pristine beauty of Napa County isn't safe from having unacceptable air quality. Is there any solution that will be palatable to everyone? Probably not. Concerned citizens can be careful about their own carbon-producing activities like unnecessary driving, especially on Spare the Air days, but government regulation is what is really needed. Probably also needed are new tax revenues to pay for the regulation. What is the best way to share the costs of improving life for all of us? California needs tax reform, as Governor Schwarzenegger mentioned in his state of the state speech. We should all support the movement to put the state's fiscal house in order. Everyone needs fresh air to live, even in golden California.

California Redistricting - Commissioner Selection Process Underway

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:20:00 +0000

California's Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts will be redrawn to reflect the 2010 census by the new fourteen member Citizens Redistricting Commission. The first phase of selecting the Commissioners is underway, with initial applications, completed online, due no later than February 12, 2010. Your immediate questions are answered in these FAQs.

Successful applicants must have voted in the last three elections, have belonged to the same party or no party during the past five years (that is, no party jumping for purposes of becoming a Commissioner), and withstand a fairly rigorous conflict of interest inquiry. In contrast to the prior, Legislative-driven redistricting system, impartiality counts in this position.

Commissioners will be paid a $300/day honorarium when conducting Commission work, as well as expenses. Appointment is for a ten-year term; however, the work will be time-consuming primarily during most of 2011. If you are fortunate enough to be employed, your employer cannot discharge you or otherwise discriminate against you for conducting Commission business once you are appointed. Of course, you will want to work out something to amicably accommodate the Commission position and your relationship with your employer.

Successful applicants will be good essay writers, in order to survive phase two of the selection process where you will explain in writing why you really ought to be selected. This phase follows the February 12 deadline, but check out the questions in advance for insight into what the selection group will be looking for, and a reality check regarding your appointment chances. The third phase involves in-person interviews. By then, you will have solidified in your own mind why you are driven to respond to the higher calling of a redistricting Commissioner's responsibilities, and will be able to articulate that passion.

The Citizens Redistricting Commission, permitting redistricting relatively untainted by partisan politics or money, is just one reform that will help make other reforms possible. Is this something you want to do, and can do? Or, do you know someone you would trust with our future, who could serve? Act now. The initial application doesn't take much time to complete, but it must be submitted by February 12 - not so long from today.

More useful information may be found at www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov, a website whose url rightly manifests the confidence we should all feel for this new Commission. LLII.

Holiday Table Topics

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:51:00 +0000

In no particular order:

1. If the news sources didn't keep filling space with Sarah Palin, would there be a crush of letters to the editor/online comments demanding Sarah Palin coverage? That is, is the Palin coverage pulled by readers or pushed by unimaginative news sources?

2. What is the difference between a politician and a public servant? Name some of each whom you believe have been most successful in their role (define successful).

3. When you think about the vote-by-mail process, can you say with certainty that your ballot reaches the ballot counters, and the ballot is counted as you marked it? What if you chose to not vote for someone? Ever wonder if a ballot counter voted for you? Discuss.

4. If the family members (or cluster of friends) were each to give $5/month to a pooled donation, what organizations would receive the gifts throughout the year?

5. If you were responsible for selecting participants to a California Constitutional Convention, what criteria would you use to construct the Convention population?

6. How should California pay for 100% publicly funded candidate elections? A surcharge on vice fines, fees, and charges? A limit on the campaign period? Restricting campaign television advertising to public access channels? (These are starter solutions, some designed to be terrible ideas, so they can be "fixed.")

7. How should the blighted section of Market Street between 5th and 7th be improved?

8. How can the fabulous Obamamaniacs who have fallen back into inaction be reactivated? What issues might entice them? What conditions would have to exist to motivate them? What can the groups you are involved with do to reach out to them?

9. If the oceans do indeed rise because we can't contain global weirding, what should be done with and for the people who will be displaced?

10. What are the most beautiful spots in San Francisco? Discuss.

Happy holidays, San Francisco. LLII.

Last minute gifts of an enduring quality

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Below are a few worthy gift-giving opportunities that are available via a few clicks online. Remember, as noted in a recent LL blog, it is the gift of $$$$, rather than time, that often is the most useful. [Even if you can't give, check out the amazing work these organizations do!]

San Francisco Beautiful has devoted itself for forty years to keeping our City lovely. San Francisco Beautiful led the opposition to Proposition D (the League also opposed Prop D), which would have brought blinding general advertising to already blight-ridden mid-Market Street. They also were instrumental in stopping authorities from selling naming rights to the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out their inventory of beautiful places all over the City!

The Aids Legal Resource Panel (ALRP) helps people living with HIV and AIDS through free or affordable legal assistance. Nothing quite says empowerment to people being bullied by the system than a letter on a law firm's letterhead. ALRP is held in high esteem by its legal profession partners - mostly volunteers - for its efficient operations. Those donations go to services.

La Cocina Community Kitchen is a non-profit incubator kitchen located in the Mission. La Cocina - led by Patricia Loya with an all-women board - provides space, technical assistance, and training to people starting their own food business. Donate, purchase gift food baskets, or use their catering services!

Counterpulse energizes the San Francisco performing arts community and makes new work accessible to audiences. This organization provides rehearsal and performance space, promotion and logistical support to area artists. It makes new work possible and visible. Give, and go. Counterpulse's performance calendar guarantees weekend after weekend of interesting work to see, at a ticket price anyone can manage.

Or, create a 2010 giving circle. Get together with a few family members or friends and commit to pooling small individual contributions into a combined monthly donation to non-profits you all believe are doing important work. You can make difference to twelve organizations over the course of the year, both in cash and expanded awareness of their efforts.

Finally, the League of Women Voters - San Francisco, does essential work in ensuring free and fair elections, where every vote is counted as cast. The League also asserts positions and influence in healthcare, climage change, education, and other foundational issues required to sustain an active democracy. The League does need active members, as well as funding. Join and get active, or give.

LLII.

www.tcktcktck.org

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Keep current with Copenhagen, what people are doing, and what we can do right now by visiting http://www.tcktcktck.org/. Climate change is one subject well served by the immediacy of online content. Go now and often.

Then, as you convert from your 2009 calendar to the one for 2010, mark Saturday, January 30, for the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area's annual Bay Area League Day — this year entitled “Big Steps, Little Steps to Addressing Climate Change” — in the Metro Center at 101 Eighth Street in Oakland, next to the Lake Merritt BART Station. Learn more and register. LLII.

Why all the drama over UC fee increases?

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:16:00 +0000

This blog is directed toward people with no first-hand knowledge of the California college and university education system. That would be all of us who attended school out of state, and do not have children in the system now or will not be in the system in the next decade or so (which is why we haven't looked too deeply into UC education costs).

You will have noticed in this blog that we view education as the foundation of civilization (paraphrasing somewhat). According to news reports and other commentary, recent, continuing increases in the fees associated with higher education at the various California systems will squeeze people out of class and degree programs. Around the state, students have been protesting, most recently at San Francisco State University, where this morning a handful of activists were removed from premises they seized. The SFGate article noted order was restored in time for classes to start without delay. Earlier last Fall, similar respect for the importance of making education available to the determined was demonstrated when law school students (UCLA, I believe) negotiated with their professors to reschedule class so the students could protest and attend lecture.

Before tonight, I had no idea what it costs to attend California colleges and universities. I always had the impression they were quite reasonable, in real and comparative terms. Plus, in the news, the fuss seemed to be about fees. At my Midwest university, fees were $150 per semester to cover handouts, locker maintenance, and whiteboard markers. Tuition killed you. A 25% increase in fees would be annoying but not enough to kick anybody to the curb.

Well, for in-state students, California does not charge tuition. It charges fees. That's why a 25% hike is material to the students and the people paying those fee invoices. That's why people are being kicked to the curb, where there aren't any jobs that might fund the hiked fees. That's why people are protesting. We should cheer them on, maybe join them. And we should think about taxes in support of accessible, affordable higher education, proposed a few blogs back.

2009/2010 annual fees for California State universities, such as San Francisco State University, are $4,026 for undergraduates. Additional fees apply, which vary by campus. These costs are a 27% increase over the prior school year. Check out fees, i.e., tuition, per campus here. LLII.

Necessary reading

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Every day, it seems, there is more disturbing news about global warming, and today's installment is a blockbuster. Governor Schwarzenegger has released a backup plan for the state based on various assumptions about how high water levels will reach by 2100. Most people agree that we should take steps to control the speed with which climate change is coming, but just in case we don't work fast enough, we need to consider various scenarios that might occur. The article in today's S.F. Chronicle includes a slide show of pictures, the most chilling of which is a map of the Bay Area regions that will be underwater of the worst-case scenario happens. No one likes to consider the possibility of losing coastal beaches, homes, and businesses, but every citizen should take a look at what the possibilities are. It makes our small sacrifices to slow climate change seem even more imperative. Think about New Year's resolutions now!

A few steps forward

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Going green is not easy, nor is it cost-free, but the SF School District is taking a few steps in the right direction by encouraging schools to be a little greener. Not all of the steps may be feasible immediately. Board member Jill Wynns is right when she says that buying food from small local producers when the district is facing massive deficits will only cause more problems. There are some things that can easily be done, however, and should be done right away. Turning off lights and computers when leaving a room or a building makes sense. We teach our children to do this and teachers and other school personnel should set a good example. Just because SFUSD can't be perfect doesn't mean it should try to take a few steps forward. Even a pale shade of green would be an improvement.