League of Women Voters of San Francisco

Nancy Pelosi

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:13:00 +0000

Everyone, men and women, should reflect for a moment on the person who is Nancy Pelosi. Second in the line of succession to the President, Speaker Pelosi is managing the House of Representatives' legislative agenda with accomplishment. She is widely credited with finally delivering the healthcare reform act - no small feat considering it looked to be in a state of complete collapse at the start of the year. Make no mistake that President Obama played his part, but it took the Speaker to deliver the votes. The act is far from perfect, but it is better than what we have, and likely will improve over time. Speaker Pelosi has given us a foundation for universal healthcare that will be difficult to erode. For that we should be impressed.

Did you know that Speaker Pelosi first ran for office at the age of 47? Take that for inspiration, all of you over-30s considering a new career. Have you wondered if you must be enmeshed in social media to be influential? Speaker Pelosi reputedly relies on quaint (but effective) hand-written notes. Liberally distributed. Worried that there are a bunch of people out there brainier than you are? In the real world, this is not always a problem if Speaker is any indication. Focus, communication, loyalty, and tenacity count for quite a lot.

For a balanced view of the Speaker published by the Financial Times, click here. Much to think and talk about with your friends.

Net neutrality. The FCC reaps what it sowed.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:16:00 +0000

It was tough to miss the news last week that a DC federal court overturned the FCC's 2008 decision that Comcast was blocking internet access, at Comcast's whim.

The history: In response to consumer complaints, in 2008 the FFC concluded that Comcast monitored the content of its customers’ internet connections and selectively blocked peer-to-peer connections — allegations Comcast denied.

The selective blocking of file sharing traffic interfered with users’ rights to access the internet and to use applications of their choice, the FCC said. Comcast used deep-packet inspection to monitor customers’ internet traffic, and routed packets according to their content, not their destination. “In essence, Comcast opens its customers’ mail because it wants to deliver mail not based on the address on the envelope but on the type of letter contained therein,” the commission ruled.

Get this: Comcast’s throttling was widespread — up to three-quarters of all file sharing connections in certain areas, the commission said, resulting in a significant disruption to internet traffic.

As it happens, the FCC was acting outside its authority, the DC court said. If the FCC is crabby about the reversal (and it seems to be), the commission has only itself to blame. During the great Republican years, the FCC began regulating cable internet service providers as “information services” instead of as “telecommunication services.” The latter, which include phone carriers, are subject to a bevvy of rules and obligations, including some that mimic net neutrality rules. Not so "information services."

The FCC needs to fix this, in order to restore internet access and transmission equality. Join others who are raising their voices for net neutrality. For power in numbers, check out the Media Alliance, a Bay Area-based organization working for a more diverse, just, and accountable media system. The Media Alliance is collecting signatures in support of net neutrality. Help them get to 99,999 comments, and help us all. LLII.

The heartland.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 03:47:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

With apologies for being away from the blog, it was a hectic week. Busy at work (which is good) before flying out before dawn on Thursday to the heartland for a visit with the family. It was all snow all the time here until a week ago. Then on Thursday, when we landed, it was 86 degrees. Right. Perfect weather since then, though cooler, thankfully. Perfect for spring yard cleaning, which people with yards do I've learned (before this year it always just seemed magically to be done by the time I visited). Very satisfying. I've seen real green shoots. Red ones, too. And daffodils blooming everywhere. Quite restorative even during typical 6:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. days.

It is always interesting to check in on the heartland mood. The county votes Republican, and when we questioned an item on our grocery story receipt people in the next three check-out lines turned to listen. I still don't know what to make of that. We were using calm voices and being polite, but we definitely had questions and that definitely seemed a news item.

Our heartland turned up in the best behaved list this week when it was revealed more of the citizens completed their census forms than any other state. Nice. My mother said it was because there is nothing else to do, which isn't at all true. I think it demonstrates (even Republican) people can act in ways that serve their interests as well as the interests of the populace.

Which takes us to health care. People here appear to be ambivalent about the new law because it remains a mystery to them (and most of us still...I read today that the federal government is arranging some program for state participation that will make insurance for adults with pre-existing conditions more affordable sooner rather than later...are they patching some of the weaknesses of the new legislation? Must check out the NYTimes healthcare section for details.). They have several very good medical centers and a huge VA medical center here. Unemployment is at one of the lowest levels in the nation. I think if it came down to it, though, the neighbors would say yes to healthcare for everyone because it makes too much sense. We have a glimmer of that possibility in the outrage that greeted the governor's announcement that he was eliminating state funded pre-natal and newborn care. His position was that private agencies could provide these services. Well. The announcement struck a nerve that crossed parties and demographics. Low unemployment rate notwithstanding, private agencies are struggling for funding and coping with greater demand. No one seems to like this governor's attempt to reduce government in such a short-sighted, inevitably costly way. A type of green shoot, wouldn't you agree? (Not the governor, obviously.)

So it is good to get out of San Francisco and California every now and again. Clearing last fall's pin oak leaves from under the barely budding lilac bushes is sane work. Being introduced to your parents' friends as you run errands around the city reinforces the parents are doing just fine out here. Seeing the new university buildings on both campuses is tangible proof of all the news shorts that applications for admissions are up. And what could be more charming than checking in for miniature golf and seeing a high school junior wearing your school colors - and finding him happy to chat about his plans and ambitions rather than refuse to make eye contact because he is glued to his iphone (which we was, the minute we left with our clubs).

Most of all, it is good to be reminded that while many parts of the country outside San Francisco deserve to be demonized for their pettiness, cruelty, and stunningly short-sighted decision making, it's not true about this part of the country. Or all parts of the country as a generalization. I would like to think rational, somewhat more outward looking thought is on the increase. It seems to be here.

Still and all, it will be wonderful to be back in SF.

Yours, LLII.

The Voting Rights Act at 45.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:11:00 +0000

As we approach the 2010 elections let's say a grateful word about the Voting Rights Act, signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. The Voting Rights Act put the full force of the federal government behind the 15th Amendment to the US Constitution, enacted in 1870 to declare that the right of US citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any State on account of race or color (or previous condition of servitude). Considering the least progressive among us have always LOVED a strict construction of the Constitution, oddly enough, the 15th Amendment was of nothing to the states and local municipalities whose imaginations ran wild in their drive to prevent black citizens from voting.

In the face of the 15th Amendment, the United States gerrymandered election districts to marginalize black voting strength and re-establish white political supremacy. Poll taxes, literacy tests, white primaries, vouchers of good character, disqualification for crimes of moral turpitude, and so-called "color-blind" laws, procedures, and practices were extant across the country....not only the South. The continuing objective was to exclude blacks from electoral access and meaningful participation in the political process.

The federal government made efforts to beat back these shameful practices but those efforts were, of procedural necessity, one lawsuit at a time. This was expensive and time-consuming, since it was decades before Law and Order's Dick Wolf worked out how to bring a crime to trial and verdict within sixty minutes.

Then on March 7, 1965, Alabama state troopers assaulted peaceful desegregation marchers crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, making their way to the state capitol in Montgomery. Finally, after decades of tremendous loss and shame capped by the tragic events of March 7, Congress, at the behest of President Johnson, passed the Voting Rights Act.

The Act reinforced the 15th Amendment, adding a nationwide prohibition against use of literacy tests to prevent access to the polls. Importantly, the Act gave special enforcement powers (referred to as Section 5 powers) to the US Attorney General, targeting areas of the country where Congress believed the potential for discrimination was the greatest. These select areas could not implement any changes affecting voting until the Attorney General or the US District Court for the District of Columbia determined the change would not have discriminatory effect. The Act also gave the Attorney General power to impose a federal examiner in counties where there was reason to believe people were being unlawfully prevented from registering to vote, and election monitors in those same counties to ensure access to the polls. Today, we see some states chafing (aka grandstanding) against the new healthcare mandates. Imagine being a segregationist under a federal microscope, complete with federal interlopers reviewing your voter rolls and staring you down at your polling places. The Voting Rights Act demonstrated the time for one person - one vote had arrived.

In 2006, the Voting Rights Act was renewed by Congress because, while there has been significant progress in unfettered voting access to people of color, some localities remain vulnerable to race-based disenfranchisement.

Happy 45th, Voting Rights Act! We members of the League of Women Voters support you in your work, with our unstinting commitment to free and fair elections for all US citizens. LLII.

(With acknowledgement and thanks to Benjamin E. Griffith for his writing regarding the Voting Rights Act, published in The Young Lawyer, volume 14, number 6, April 2010, by the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division.)

Good news blog.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Spring has arrived! Time for a good news blog.

1. The President signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which improves health insurance coverage for everyone, e.g., no declinations for pre-existing conditions, and may make health insurance more accessible for tens of millions of people who are currently uninsured. The legislation is quite detailed, rather than the sort that is made up as it goes along after enactment (I have never understood how voting for a concept to be defined by regulations later is responsible governance). There are plain-language resources describing the new law, so you can check how much of your healthcare reform wish list was satisfied. May all your dreams come true (within the next eight years). The Act isn't horrible, which appears to be the standard we find satisfactory these days. We'll call this good news.

2. San Francisco wasted no time in moving to plug gaps left by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Mayor's immediate response to the new law was to announce the wonderful Healthy San Francisco program will continue, for those city residents who will still be uninsured and do not qualify for another government health program. This is good news. Let's hope the next mayor is as forward looking. Add this to your list of mayoral and supervisor candidate questions.

3. The San Francisco public library system is the best in the world. I don't say that from personal experience or based on extensive research, but what could a library system do that ours does not? It offers a stunningly extensive collection with every single item available upon your request, delivered to the library branch of your choice. Well, perhaps there is a restricted circulation element, but it's not enough to diminish the glow. There are good people in the branches who will recommend terrific books it would never have occurred to you to read. These people will even let you linger a little longer past closing, if you were late getting out of work and breathlessly made it in the door. It's easy to be nice to these people. Check out the calendar of events, exhibits, and classes. Free!!!!! Plus, soak in the sense of community that pervades every branch. I could go on. The City's library system is good news.

4. San Francisco for Democracy (SF4D) has one of the most amazingly informative meet-ups around. All parties welcome, though admittedly the group leans left. The presenters are always on top of the issues, grounded in analysis and/or inquiry. The issues are always timely. There is no charge to participate in the meet-up, but if you want to vote when the group endorses candidates and ballot measures/initiatives, the annual membership is $25. Very cool and comfy sweatshirts available for purchase. Be there April 7 at Schroeder's/240 Front Street, in the back, 7:00 p.m. Get smart about the June election issues from people who know, among people who ask thoughtful questions. SF4D is good news for democracy.

5. Prop 15 is on the ballot in June. Public financing for candidates. Read up here, and be persuaded. Be ready to mark that ballot Yes! on 15. Elections money can't buy would be good news.

6. The air has a lovely, soft quality. That's night jasmine making your knees weak when you catch the fragrance. People in the parks are sitting in circles, talking and laughing. Their spirit is infectious. Spring is good news.

7. The San Francisco League of Women Voters is ramping up to educate and inform in advance of the June elections, and already making plans to be ready to be your most credible, neutral election source for the November mid-term elections. Funding is so terribly tight, the fact the office is able to stay open, with the best program manager any League could hope to have (feel better, Mary!), is remarkably good news. (Join or donate here. Action to advance democracy is good action.)

Enjoy! LLII.

Trash talk.

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:06:00 +0000

No. This blog is not about Tiger's or Jesse James' text messages or the romantic back and forth between John Edwards and his person. It is about slime campaign messaging. Democratic interest groups are branching out into the avatar realm to attack rival candidates. Leading the way are venomous ads targeting Meg Whitman, Republican candidate for governor of California. See the NYTimes article, and be disgusted. The Times showcases an ad where Ms. Whitman is unmistakably portrayed as an avatar persona, "her lips peeled back from thick gums, [which] virtually snorts." So much for a contest based on ideas or platform. It's a deep dive to the lowest common denominator.

Such relatively low cost, technology-created ads will be all the rage, no doubt. They may not be effective on television, though that remains to be tested. They are perfectly suited for YouTube and Facebook.

The Times writer says that such an approach can be risky, "because slime sent flying from the interest groups can end up sticking to the candidate it was intended to help." I don't know. The work resonates with way too many people for whom trash talk is credible. Perhaps the work is riskier because it will be effective, and voters will continue to decide their ballot choices based on crudeness and rudeness. Is it too early in the election season to start sighing about the truism that a populace gets the government it deserves?

Let's say no to these influences. Refuse to forward trash messaging. If someone talks approvingly about such trash, probe as to what that person finds appealing, and guide them to higher ground. That is, engage that person on the issues and concerns that demand intelligent problem solving from our elected officials. We'll be polite, of course.

It is particularly sad that this new low in campaign communication comes to light on the same weekend that our fellow citizens attacked Senator Barney Frank with gay epithets, and several African American representatives were assaulted with racial slurs. Where is the universal condemnation of this appalling behavior? Where are the conservative voices? Is this who they want to be...the company they want to keep?

Sigh. LLII.

Why Tuesday (voting)?

noreply@blogger.com (League of Women Voters of San Francisco) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:05:00 +0000

It turns out hardly anyone knows the real reason we vote on Tuesdays. It is not in the US Constitution. It is in the California Constitution, but that came after Tuesday voting was established. As with so many things, including daylight savings time and the utter lack of adequate vacation leave for workers, it harkens back to our agrarian roots. In the days when farmers had to farm, do Saturday shopping, then go to church on Sunday (because, of course, everyone went to church in the agrarian days), it took the day after Sunday to buggy over to the county seat to vote. People could manage the trip to arrive by Tuesday. Not particularly compelling these days.

The San Francisco arm of WhyTuesday.org is gathering signatures to add a ballot measure for a test of Saturday voting. For the test, all City polling places in addition to City Hall would be open for a full day of voting on the Saturday immediately preceding the Tuesday election date. No voting machines, but your friendly poll workers and poll monitors and those weary looking people who lurk just beyond the taped signs reading "100 feet from polling place." In other words, vote on Saturday in the neighborhood.

The objectives seem to be two-fold: increase turnout, which everyone agrees is pitiful, and increase community. To hear the organizers tell it, people actually will walk to the polling place on Saturday en famille, chat up everyone, then vote. Perhaps. And fine if that is the case. But is that enough reason to move voting to a weekend? Why not just provide incentives for block parties. Wouldn't that be much more effective in building community?

How many stones can we throw at this concept? How do you control all other variables to know if it is Saturday that is increasing turnout? If vote by mail doesn't markedly increase turnout (it really doesn't in a big way), why would Saturday voting? Why not two days? What about Jewish people (this is important), who cannot vote on Saturday (having to jam voting into the hours after sundown is massively disrespectful)? Etc.

Then there are the logistical issues essential to a fair election, jeopardized by a Satuday or Sunday - Tuesday combo: ballot custody, voter roll custody, sufficient trained poll workers and poll monitors, etc. The NYTimes (see also for the latest, best healthcare coverage) raised these questions and more, though the paper did consider the idea worthy enough for a few inches of print.

The San Francisco League is deliberating about whether to support a WhyTuesday ballot measure. I predict we will land squarely on "why not?" After all, change promoting increased voter access is consistent with League positions. One key question is: with all the budgetary mayhem in the City, if people can raise $750,000 to fund a test weekend polling day, is that the highest and best use for the money? A few music or art or phys ed teachers back in the schools, anyone?

Watch this space for the League's decision. LLII.

ps. The reason we have such a miserly number of vacation days is that everyone used to live close to the family. No need to travel to convene for the holidays. And apart from a once-in-a-decade road trip to the Grand Canyon (and that wasn't until after WWII), no one took vacations. Let loose the bonds of our roots!

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.