Centennial Celebration a Success!

On February 10, during a festive celebration of 100 years of women’s suffrage, nearly 200 League supporters cheered this year’s exceptional honorees. Many of San Francisco guiding lights mingled with the League’s guests, among them Mayor Willie Brown, Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, and Supervisors Malia Cohen, Mark Farrell, and Scott Wiener. A scan of the room also would have revealed City Attorney Dennis Herrera and Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting chatting with League members and the evening’s honorees.

As if the gaily-decorated centennial cake and sparkling wine weren’t enough, the proverbial frosting on the evening was recognition for the occasion from the California State Legislature. Members Resolution No. 355, sponsored by Fiona Ma, Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore, Assemblyperson Tom Ammiano, and Senator Mark Leno commended the League of Women Voters “on the vital role it has played in improving the quality of life throughout the State of California,” through its passionate commitment to free and fair elections, and every vote being counted as cast.

Take in the exceptional accomplishments of the League’s Pioneers and Rising Stars as you read their biographies and join the revels by taking a turn through the evening’s photo album.

San Francisco Redistricting

Do you know which of San Francisco’s supervisorial districts you live it? Although many people can’t remember their district and some don’t know their supervisor’s name, the distinction between the city’s eleven districts is important to politicians and to our city. Political views vary greatly from one district to another and the supervisors who represent each district affect the balance of power on the Board of Supervisors with each new election.

The view of the political balance between moderates and progressed was described in the San Francisco Chronicle in January:

• District Two (Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff and the Marina), District Four (the Sunset) and District Seven (the West of Twin Peaks neighborhoods) are moderate strongholds.
• District Five (the Haight and Western Addition), District Six (South of Market, the Tenderloin and North Mission) and District Nine (the Mission, Bernal Heights and the Portola) are the progressives' domain.

Now comes the excitement—this year the city may have a chance to modify the districts based on changes in population documented by the 2010 census. Each district is supposed to be similar in population—about 72,000 people in each. If that figure varies by more than ten percent, the district’s boundaries should be redrawn.

The timetable goes like this:

• April—the government releases census data
• Within 60 days—John Arntz, Director of Elections, determines whether redistricting is required
• By August—an Elections Task Force will be set up. Three members will be appointed by the Mayor; three by the Board of Supervisors, and three by the Elections Commission
• By November election—newly drawn Districts will be ready for the Supervisorial elections in odd-numbered districts.

This whole process promises to provide entertainment and some enlightenment for San Franciscans over the spring and summer. Whether the results will gladden hearts of progressives, moderates, or no one at all, remains to be seen. As a lesson in how democracy works, it’s certainly worth following.

Get Involved: Volunteer to Register New Voters

We need your help! The LWVSF is going out to all local high schools to register the latest group of young voters. This nonpartisan effort is aimed at getting young people involved in our democracy as soon as possible so they have a voice in our community.

The only way to change our country is through the efforts of people like you registering new voters, organizing your communities, and getting out the vote on Election Day.

We are planning to do this work before graduation in late April and May and will determine the number of events based on how many volunteers are able to assist us in this endeavor. Daytime availability is especially requested. Please call 415-989-8683 or email lwvsf@lwvsf.org to participate.

Upcoming Events

LWVSF Member Wine and Cheese Gathering to Demystify Redistricting

WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

WHY: Redistricting is a hot topic and a key building block to fair elections. This program will be around the logistics, dimensions and importance of redistricting. LWVC board member and long time LWVSF Voter Services Chair, Suzanne Stassevitch will be the speaker.

HOW: RSVP for location and directions by emailing lwvsf@lwvsf.org or calling 415-989-8683.

LWVSF Annual Meeting

WHEN: Saturday, June 18, 2011, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHY: Please come to the San Francisco League’s annual meeting to voice your opinion on program priorities, the budget and the 2011-2012 Board of Directors. We will also discuss changes in local positions and by-laws. Light breakfast will be served.

HOW: RSVP for location and directions by emailing lwvsf@lwvsf.org or calling 415-989-8683.

JOIN DISCUSS FAN

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, multi-issue organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.