“The Connective Tissue of the League – How it all fits together”

Speaker: Carol Moon Goldberg

President, League of Women Voters of California

________________________________________________________

Bylaws Authority: Article VI, Annual Meeting

Sec. 6 - Quorum: Twenty-five (25) percent of the membership as of the previous February 1st shall constitute a quorum at all business meetings of the League as reported by the credentials committee at business meetings.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Zoom Online Meeting Details Page 3 Proposed Order of Business Page 4 Proposed Annual Meeting Rules Page 5 Items to be Voted On Page 6 Annual Meeting Minutes (June 20, 2020) Page 7 Balance Sheet Page 12 Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual Page 13 Notes to Financial Statements Page 15 Proposed Budget 2021 – 2022 Page 16 Board Recommended Program 2021 – 2022 Page 17 Recommended Slate 2021 – 2023 Page 18 Board Biographies Page 19 Membership Renewal Form Page 22 Feedback Form to the Board Page 23

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ZOOM ONLINE MEETING DETAILS

In order to attend the Annual Meeting, you need to register in advance here: Option 1: Click here to register:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TXkH1UC_TRmg_f4JGPNSJg Option 2: Enter this URL in your web browser:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TXkH1UC_TRmg_f4JGPNSJg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar on May 22nd. If you have registered more than 24 hours in advance, you will receive a reminder email 24 hours in advance, as well as one hour in advance of the start of the meeting. Your unique Join Link will be included in those reminder emails. You may be asked for the password which is: 657568 The meeting will be called to order at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 22nd. However, you may sign on as early as 10:15 a.m. if you would like to acquaint yourself with the Zoom platform environment.

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PROPOSED ORDER OF BUSINESS

10:15 – 10:30 AM Sign into meeting _________________________________________________________________________________ 10:30 AM WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER Ann Havlik

Credentials Report Mary Bianchi

10:35 AM Business Meeting

Explanation of zoom functions Glenn Silloway

♦Adoption of Order of Business and Meeting Rules Glenn Silloway

Appointment of Committee to Read and Approve Ann Havlik Minutes of 2021 Annual Meeting Role of Parliamentarian Sharon Whitney Report from Committee to Read and Approve Marilee Hyman Minutes of 2020 Annual Meeting

10:45 AM “The Connective Tissue of the League – How it all fits together” Carol Moon Goldberg, President. LWVC

President’s Report: Year in Review Cindy Marie Absey

Ann Havlik Treasurer's Report Janice Langley

♦Presentation of Recommended Budget Glenn Silloway Approval of Budget

♦Presentation of Recommended Program Glenn Silloway Adoption of Program Voter Service Committee Report/Sara Horne Award Julie Rodewald

♦Nominating Committee Report Susan Devine Election of Officers, Directors, & Nominating Committee Introduction of 2021-2023 Officers and Directors Ann Havlik

Advice to The Board Present in writing to the Secretary

12:30 PM ADJOURN __________________________________________________________________________________

♦ Indicates an item to be voted on.

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PROPOSED ANNUAL MEETING RULES

1. Adoption of Order of Business and Meeting Rules: A simple majority vote shall be required for

adoption or amendment before adoption. A two-thirds majority shall be required for amendment after adoption.

2. Voting: Vote will be taken by using the polling function on the meeting/webinar platform. The results will be posted on the screen immediately after the vote.

3. Motions: When a motion has been made, seconded, and stated by the chair, members are not at

liberty to consider any other business until the motion is disposed of. Questions regarding motions will be raised by using the chat function on the meeting/webinar platform.

4. Votes are taken by voice or standing vote at the option of the chair. When the results cannot be assessed by the chair, the chair will call for a card vote. Cards will be provided.

5. Motions: When a motion has been made, seconded, and stated by the chair, the members are not at

liberty to consider any other business until the motion is disposed of. A long, involved motion shall be in writing, in triplicate, and signed by the mover (copy to the president, secretary, and mover).

6. Amendments to Motions: They must be germane and consistent with the intent of the main

motion. They must not enlarge its scope or introduce any new matter. Debatable. Require a majority vote.

7. Debate: Limited to two minutes for each member unless the time is extended by a two-thirds vote.

No person may speak twice until all who wish to speak have done so. The speaker shall address remarks to the chair and should limit them to the question.

8. Adoption of the Budget: A simple majority vote shall be required.

9. Adoption of Recommended Program: A simple majority vote shall be required.

10. Adoption of Non-Recommended Program*: A simple majority vote shall be required for

consideration. A three-fifths majority vote shall be required for adoption. *Non-recommended items may be moved for consideration after the recommended program is presented. A delegate so moving may make a statement not longer than three minutes, explaining the reason for moving consideration. The motion is not debatable. A Board member will then have three minutes to present the Board's point of view.

ONLY ITEMS LISTED IN THIS KIT MAY BE CONSIDERED

PROGRAM DEFINITIONS:

Program: Issues chosen for concerted study and action. Recommended Program: Program items supported by most members and recommended by the Board for adoption. Non- Recommended Program: Issues of interest to several members, but not receiving enough support to be included in the recommended program. Issue for Emphasis: Issues/topics adopted as program items on which to focus League efforts. Update: A study of limited scope to reevaluate an existing position considering new information, changed circumstances, and/or conflict with another position, with a view to considering a position change. Any new position resulting from on update must be approved by the Board and adopted by the members at the Annual Meeting. Scope: Definition of the limits of a study and possible areas of exploration developed by the study committee and approved by the Board. Review: Members ask the Board for an evaluation of a current position for clarity, relevance, and effectiveness. No change is made in the position statement.

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ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON

Item #1: Order of Business & Meeting Rules I vote to adopt the Order of Business & Meeting Rules as presented in the Annual Meeting Packet.

YES _____ NO _____ ABSTAIN _____

Item #2: Recommended Budget for 2021 - 2022 I vote to approve the Recommended Budget for 2021 – 2022 as presented in the Annual Meeting Packet.

YES _____ NO _____ ABSTAIN _____ Item #3: Board Recommended Program for 2021 – 2022 I vote to adopt the Board Recommended Program for 2120 – 2022 as presented in the Annual Meeting Packet.

YES _____ NO _____ ABSTAIN _____ Item #4: Directors & Officers for 2021 – 2023 I vote to elect the Directors & Officers as presented in the Annual Meeting Packet.

YES _____ NO _____ ABSTAIN _____ Item #5: Nominating Committee for 2021 – 2022 I vote to elect the Nominating Committee as presented in the Annual Meeting Packet.

YES _____ NO _____ ABSTAIN _____

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ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES (JUNE 20, 2020) 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Via Teleconference

Welcome & Call to Order. Co-President Ann Havlik welcomed everyone at 10:40 a.m. and thanked them for participating in our first-ever electronic Annual Meeting. She noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic has precluded an in-person meeting and we will miss the personal interaction, technology has provided us with a way to meet. She expressed her gratitude to those who have chosen to join the meeting. She introduced guests Caroline de Llamas, Diz Swift, Sue Sunderland, and Janice Blumenkirk. Forty-one members and guests joined the meeting. Director and VOTER editor Dave Humphreys gave instructions for the meeting, explaining the mute and chat functions. Business Meeting. Credentials Report. Ms. Havlik inquired about a quorum and Membership Director Mary Bianchi confirmed that we have a quorum and can proceed with the business of the Annual Meeting. Our bylaws require 25%, or 33 members, for a quorum; 37 voting members were present. Appointments. Ms. Havlik announced that the Committee to Read and Approve the Minutes of the 2020 Annual Meeting will be Marilee Hyman, Nancy Welts, and Sharon Whitney. Adoption of the Order of Business and Annual Meeting Rules. 1st VP and Civil Discourse Director Sharon Kimball noted that Rule #2 which states “votes are taken by voice or standing vote” is currently suspended because we are holding an electronic meeting. If motions are amended, as described in Rule #3, we will use the chat function to clarify the amendment if necessary. Parliamentarian Sharon Whitney explained that we are conducting the meeting in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order for electronic meetings during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Humphreys explained how the voting will be conducted using a Zoom polling function. Ms. Kimball moved that we adopt the Order of Business and Meeting Rules as printed in the Annual Meeting packet with the understanding that Rules #2 and #3 have been modified due to the special circumstances of today’s meeting. Ms. Bianchi seconded the motion. The motion was approved by majority vote. Report from the Committee to Read and Approve Minutes of the 2019 Annual Meeting. Cindy Betonte announced that the minutes of the 2019 Annual Meeting have been read and approved. President’s Report. Co-Presidents Cindy Marie Absey and Ann Havlik reviewed the year, noting that it has been a dramatic year filled with changes and major events for our League, including the use of digital meetings due to the pandemic and social distancing guidelines, the need to advance our Voter Service work when

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the Primary Election was changed from June to March, and the special celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the League and the ratification of the 19th Amendment. They noted the reorganization of the Voter Service Committee into subcommittees and the three Adopt-a-Polls we staffed in March. The Membership Committee has also reorganized into subcommittees, held two virtual new member orientation meetings, and increased our membership total to more than 130 members. The Communications Committee has moved forward with a review and upgrade of the website, expanded the News Briefs to send them out more frequently, and upgraded our technological capabilities so we can hold virtual meetings for the Board, committees, and member orientations. The Civil Discourse Committee continues to develop workshops and trainings for local government agencies and political groups. While the Democracy Concierge Service is currently suspended, the CD team is looking for other ways to encourage civility during these turbulent times. The Centennial Celebrations Committee hosted several events and presentations, culminating in the hugely successful Centennial Luncheon held on February 22, 2020, and featuring a keynote address by LWVUS Past-President Carolyn Jefferson Jenkins. A final community event in August will focus on the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the suffragists who made it possible. The Bylaws Committee convened twice this year at the Board’s request--- to give guidance on procedural meeting changes due to the pandemic, and also to advise the Board on how to avoid partisanship while supporting issues the League has approved by study or consensus. Ms. Whitney, Bylaws Committee Chair, will present an amendment to our Bylaws at today’s meeting. The Natural Resources Committee has been reactivated to follow local issues and make recommendations to the Board and to assist with our efforts in confronting the Climate Emergency. Ms. Havlik announced that the LWVUS National Convention, a virtual convention this year, will be held next week, June 25 – 28. Our delegates this year are Co-President Ann Havlik, Communications Chair Jordan Blaquera, and Nominating Committee Chair Nancy Welts. They will attend the plenary sessions and caucuses via video conferencing. In conclusion, Ms. Havlik noted the generous gift to our League from the Kenneth and Martha Schwartz Family Trust. The gift will give us the ability and flexibility to host special events, fund necessary projects, and save for a rainy day. Adoption of Bylaws Amendment. Bylaws Committee Chair Ms. Whitney presented the proposed amendment to Article XII of our Bylaws. A Section 2 will be added stating “When required by law or amendment of the LWVUS or the LWVC bylaws, these bylaws may be amended by the Board of Directors”. This amendment is necessitated by the fact that the League is a three-tier organization, and our Bylaws must conform to those of LWVUS and LWVC. Ms. Whitney moved that we adopt the amendment which requires a 2/3 vote. The motion passed. Treasurer’s Financial Report. Treasurer Mary Beth Armstrong presented the financial reports for May 29, 2020. She noted that the report date would normally be May 31 but that to meet the 20-day notice to our membership required by our

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Bylaws, the report was closed earlier. She noted we have a healthy Balance Sheet, but that there is an error in the Balance Sheet as sent out. Cash from PayPal in the amount of $1,363.77 should have been listed under Assets, bringing our Total Assets to $84,766.67. The Year-to-Date Changes in Equity is $54,841.20; Total Equity is $82,046,94, and Total Liabilities and Equity is $84,766.67. Reviewing Revenues & Expenses for the 2019 – 2020 fiscal year, she noted that we carried forward $2,000 from the previous FY and underbudgeted for the Centennial Celebrations events. Revenue from the events came to $17,096.00, primarily from the luncheon. The big change in revenue came from the Schwartz bequest in the amount of approximately $53,000.00. As for Expenses, again the fees for PayPal are not listed and we underbudgeted for Centennial Celebrations expenses. The $1,040.00 listed under State Convention is for expenses incurred last FY but paid in the 2019 – 2020 FY. We reimburse convention registration fees in the year of the convention and other expenses to the extent possible depending upon resources in the following year. Approval of Recommended Budget or FY 2020 - 2021. Budget Committee Chair Glenn Silloway presented the proposed budget noting that it has been overtaken by events. The budget was prepared before the full impact of the restrictions put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic was understood. Revenue from and expenditures for public events and programs (4120, 6220), including the Centennial Celebration planned for August (4135, 6225), meetings (4520, 6620), and carry-over expenses for the LWVUS National Convention will change because we cannot hold in-person meetings for the foreseeable future. We will have to be flexible and innovative to carry out these programs in the upcoming months. This budget is also unusual in that it includes the bequest from the estate of Ken and Martha Schwartz. The Budget Committee prepared recommendations for the use of these funds which are incorporated into the budget proposal, with the exception of the website upgrade. The Communications Committee is exploring ways to upgrade the existing website, and if they are successful the cost of a new website will be avoided. Mr. Silloway also noted that the carry-forward amount is larger than in previous years ($5,000). This was in anticipation of expenses for the Centennial Celebrations August event and to support members attending the LWVUS National Convention. We now will not have those expenses in the amounts anticipated. He noted also that the expense for the 2021 LWVC State Convention (6720) is so specific because it is the number used to balance revenues and expenses. Mr. Silloway moved on behalf of his committee that we adopt the 2020 – 2021 Budget with the understanding that it is more contingent than usual because of current circumstances. The motion passed by majority vote. Adoption of Recommended Program for 2020 - 2021. 2nd VP and Community Education Director Deb Humphreys presented the Board Recommended Program. She reviewed the areas for emphasis and action: land use issues, water issues, homelessness, strengthened civil discourse activities, and continued emphasis on voter outreach and education, and moved that we adopt the program. League member Eric Greening proposed wording changes to items #1 and #4 on the recommended program. After discussion, we agreed to change item #1 to read:

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Land use issues, including the decommissioning of Diablo Canyon, the Cal Poly Master Plan, applications for quarries in the county, plans for use of the Oceano Dunes, concerns with CEQA, and the permitting process. To stress our concern with public comment and access to government meetings we agreed to change item #4 to read: Renewed and strengthened civil discourse activities to ensure public access to the decision-making process and the safety and protection from harassment of elected officials, candidates, and others participating in public life. We voted by voice vote to accept the amended language and by majority vote using the polling function to adopt the program as amended. Voter Service Committee Report/Sara Horne Award. Voter Service Director Julie Rodewald described the changes that will most likely be in place for voting in the November election: 1. Vote-by-mail ballots will be sent to all registered voters; 2. The number of drop-off boxes throughout the county will increase to 15; 3. There will be 20 in-person voting locations (replacing the traditional smaller polling places) in the county; 4. The in-person voting locations will be open at least 8 hours a day from Saturday, October 31 to Monday, November 2, and from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Election Day, November 3. She urged everyone to keep up on the changes and to inform their families and friends about them so we all can be prepared to vote in November. Ms. Rodewald outlined the challenges to voter service due to the restrictions in place. Voter registration and Candidate Forums are typically handled through in-person contact. We are looking at alternative ways to provide these services, and assuming it is safe to do so, we may be able to do limited in-person voter registration by late summer. The Candidate Forums and Pros & Cons subcommittee chairs are monitoring the situation to see how we might handle these voter service activities this election cycle. Work on Voter’s Edge, which is done remotely, continues and we need volunteers to contact and follow up with the more than 100 candidates who are on the ballot. As for Adopt-a-Poll, we have indicated to the County Elections Office that we are interested in staffing an in-person polling place and will solidify our participation once more is known about the locations and health and safety protections being put in place. Ms. Rodewald announced that the Sara Horne Award for Voter Service for 2020 is being awarded to Sky Bergman for her support of our high-school voter registration program through the production of her film “Forever Voters”. Ms. Bergman gave generously of her time and talent to create this inspiring film and has given the League permission to use the film in our voter registration and other activities. We greatly appreciate her dedication to ensuring democracy is preserved by and for future generations. Nominating Committee Report and Election of Officers, Directors, and Nominating Committee. Nominating Committee Chair Nancy Welts presented the report on behalf of her committee. She reviewed the slate and asked for nominations from the floor; there were none. Ms. Welts moved to elect the slate of Officers and Directors as presented in the Annual Meeting packet for two-year terms expiring in 2022. The motion passed by majority vote. Ms. Welts then moved to elect for one year the Nominating Committee as printed in the Annual Meeting packet. The motion passed by majority vote.

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Presentation on Climate Change. Ms. Absey introduced Diz Swift, LWVC Program Director for Climate Change. Ms. Swift described the Climate Emergency we are facing and what the League, at the state, national, and international level, is doing to create and advocate for progressive climate policies and practices. LWVUS has created a Climate Emergency Working Group and at this year’s convention will add Climate Change to its program as the fifth pillar of Making Democracy Work. This Wednesday, June 24, there will be a caucus at the virtual convention on Climate Change. Delegates are encouraged to sign up for it. The Climate Emergency Working Group has created a website, a series of webinars, and a collection of other resources on climate issues that are available for League members to access. They are setting up teams to focus on particular aspects of the issue and have established a team and website on pricing carbon. LWVUS also has an Observer at the United Nations to follow climate issues and can send three delegates to the 26th Conference of Parties (COP) scheduled for November 2021. Ms. Swift noted that the League brings a nonpartisan voice to the debate over climate change. With its highly regarded reputation for empowering voters and holding elected officials accountable and its commitment to climate justice, equity, and diversity, when the League speaks, people will listen. At the state level, the LWVC Climate Change Task Force has set up state teams on various climate-related issues that local members can join. The Task Force has also gathered resources for team members to access. Ms. Swift stressed that, in this emergency, what is needed is community education, community action, public advocacy, and political will equal to the urgency of the crisis. Questions to Ms. Swift focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on climate change efforts, what we can learn from the response to the pandemic that can improve our work combating climate change. She noted the need for a coordinated global response in both cases. We haven’t seen that kind of response to the pandemic and it augers ill for our response to the climate emergency. At the same time, there is the hope that the response to the pandemic and its impact on health and safety and the economy will move us forward toward a greener, more sustainable, and more equitable economy. Adjournment. Ms. Absey thanked everyone for participating in the meeting and noted the Direction to the Board 2020 – 2021 sheet at the back of the Annual Meeting packet. Written comments can be submitted to the Secretary by mail or email. She adjourned the business meeting at 12:20 p.m. Forty-one members and guests participated in the Annual Meeting. Drafted by Vallerie Steenson Read and approved by Marilee Hyman, Nancy Welts, and Sharon Whitney

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League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.

BALANCE SHEET

As of April 30, 2021

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League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.

PROFIT & LOSS BUDGET VS. ACTUAL, Page 1

July 2020 through April 2021

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League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.

PROFIT & LOSS BUDGET VS. ACTUAL, Page 2

July 2020 through April 2021

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League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 30, 2021 These financial statements, prepared for the League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (LWVSLO), are for internal use only. They have not been audited, reviewed, or compiled by external, independent accountants. Distribution beyond the membership of LWVSLO is not authorized or permitted. Type of Organization: LWVSLO is a not-for-profit organization, operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is a nonpartisan organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The fiscal year of the organization begins July 1 and ends June 30. Accounting Methods: LWVSLO utilizes a modified cash basis. Most receipts are recorded when received and most payments are recorded when paid. There are a few major exceptions, as follows:

1. Payments from PayPal in transit at month end are recorded as a receivable.

2. Most members pay dues in the fiscal year prior to their applicability. These dues are deposited into the bank when received and recorded in a liability account titled “Dues Paid in Advance.” On July 1 they are transferred to a revenue account titled “Dues.”

3. When LWVSLO receives a grant from a governmental entity or other source, a

liability account is created showing the amount of the grant and its intended use. As expenditures are paid for the intended use, the liability is reduced and a corresponding expense account is increased. At the same time, revenue increases by the same amount. This process continues, across fiscal years, until the grant is fully expended.

4. LWVSLO sends voting delegates to a national convention in even-numbered years

and to a state convention in odd-numbered years. These conventions are typically held in April, May, or June. The organization has a policy that it will reimburse voting delegates for the cost of convention registration. These reimbursements are paid and recorded in the fiscal year in which the delegate submits a request for reimbursement. The LWVSLO Board of Directors has authorized additional reimbursements of hotel and travel costs up to the amount by which revenues exceed expenses for the fiscal year in which the convention was held. These additional reimbursements are paid in the next fiscal year. Due to COVID-19, the National Convention was virtual in 2020, and thus our costs were nominal.

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League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.

PROPOSED BUDGET 2021 - 2022

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BOARD RECOMMENDED PROGRAM FOR 2021-2022 The Board recommends that we:

1. Retain all existing position statements. 2. Conduct no new local study. The Board recommends the following issues be incorporated into all of our education and advocacy efforts: 1. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, including the need to change the language of

social, economic, and environmental justice to address, not “systemic racism” but the “systemic obstacles” to justice for all.

2. Information Literacy, including emphasis on the importance of facts, science, and truth in the media and other communications and countering misinformation.

The Board recommends the following issues continue to be the core of our Program: 1. Civil Discourse, including improving political dialogue, reenforcing the non-

partisan nature of local offices, and supporting efforts to alleviate polarization by bringing divergent groups together for discussion, listening, and understanding.

2. Voter Service, including reaching out to younger voters and educating voters on how to understand the issues and evaluate the candidates, motivating voters to exercise their right to vote.

The Board recommends the following issues for emphasis and action: 1. Land Use & Transportation, including particular attention to the decommissioning

of Diablo Canyon, developments in unincorporated areas such as Oceano, Nipomo, and Santa Margarita where environmental and social justice issues often overlap, and decisions regarding transportation development and funding.

2. Housing & Homelessness, including truly affordable housing, transition & emergency housing, preventing evictions, and support for local agencies that provide housing for low-income residents and services for unsheltered people.

3. Climate Change, including water resources and fire prevention, conservation, biodiversity, and renewable energy.

4. Law Enforcement, including policing reform, building trust between the police and the communities they serve, “wraparound services” for policing, and citizen oversight of police and sheriff’s agencies.

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT TO MEMBERS

RECOMMENDED SLATE 2021 – 2023 ♦

OFFICERS to be elected for one-year terms expiring in 2022 are:

Co-Presidents: Cindy Marie Absey & Vallerie Steenson

OFFICERS to be elected for two-year terms expiring in 2023 are:

First Vice President: Sharon Kimball Secretary: Mary Bianchi

Bylaws. Article IV, Officers Section 1. Enumeration and Election of Officers

The President, the First Vice-President, and the Secretary shall be elected in odd-numbered years; the Second Vice-President and the Treasurer in even-numbered years.

DIRECTORS to be elected for two-year terms expiring in 2023 are:

Director: Susan Devine Director: Glenn Silloway Director: Vacant

Bylaws Article V, Board of Directors Section 1 The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers of the League, seven elected Directors, and not more than four appointed Directors. Three of the Directors shall be elected in odd numbered years and four in even numbered years by the general membership at the Annual Meeting.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE for the term 2021-2022:

Chair: Ann Havlik Member: Marilee Hyman Member: Jim Patterson

Respectfully submitted: Susan Devine, Nominating Committee Chair, and Committee Members Mary Bianchi, Sallie Harlan, Jim Patterson _______________________________________________________________________________________

Officers remaining on the Board until 2022 are: Second Vice President: Vacant Treasurer: Janice Langley

Directors remaining on the Board until 2022 are: Director: C. Jordan Blaquera Director: David Humphreys Director: Julie Rodewald Director: Vacant

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BIOGRAPHIES

Officers & Directors 2021 - 2023

Vallerie Steenson – joined our local League in 1997 and previously served on the Board as Secretary and Vice President for Program. She received a BA in history from UC Riverside and an MA in Chinese history from UC Santa Barbara. She served in the Peace Corps in Micronesia. Vallerie and her husband Gary moved to San Luis Obispo in 1997 after retiring from the Foreign Service. She worked for the State Department/US Information Agency for 22 years, serving as a press officer and cultural affairs officer in Korea (Seoul & Kwangju), Taiwan, China (Beijing & Chengdu), Hong Kong, the Netherlands (The Hague), and Washington D.C. Locally she has worked for the Literacy Council and Habitat for Humanity. She lives in San Luis Obispo and volunteers with Meals That Connect (formerly the Senior Nutrition Program) and the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.

Sharon Kimball – joined our League in 2011 and has served on the Board as 1st Vice President, Director of Program, Director of Development, and Director of Civil Discourse. She chaired a Collaboration Workshop prior to serving as Chair of a year-long Civil Discourse Study. Sharon has a BA in English and Education from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, and an MS in Advertising from the College of Communications at the University of Illinois. She has completed continuing education classes in Counseling, Computer Science, Human Resources, and Strength Based Coaching, in addition to independently studying Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. She has over 30 years’ experience in business and education and has lived and worked in Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, South Dakota, Oregon, and California. She was among the first women hired in Sales Management by IBM in 1973 and among the first women invited to join Rotary International in 1989. After years of helping local businesses through her own consultancy in advertising, marketing, and technical communication, she transitioned into freelance writing with her own businesses: Civil Communications Coaching & Consulting and Happy Place Publications. She lives in Avila Beach with her husband Jim. Together, they have 5 adult children and 8 grandchildren.

Cindy Marie Absey – a North Dakota native, obtained a B.A. in psychology from UND before relocating to Phoenix, Arizona in 1976 where she worked at a psychiatric hospital while attending graduate school. She moved to San Luis Obispo and in 1983 joined the SLO D.A.’s Office as a Victim/Witness Coordinator. Promoted to Director in 1986, she was responsible for policy/protocol development and the oversight and training of 17 staff members. She also served on local and state task forces and advisory councils. Cindy Marie was on the SLO Symphony Board 4 times and currently volunteers with the Marine Mammal Center and her HOA board. She joined the LWV SLOCO 14 years ago, serving one Board term as Program Director, and in 2015 – 2016 she facilitated the LWVC Higher Education Study for our League. She rejoined the Board in 2018 and serves as Co-President with Ann Havlik. She is an avid traveler and reader and loves to cook, hike, and attend concerts with friends.

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Glenn Silloway – moved to Minnesota for college (Macalester College) in 1965, and just couldn’t get away from the good life there for the next 38 years. A political scientist by training, his first job out of graduate school was as a research analyst for a crime prevention non-profit. There he met his life partner, Marlys McPherson. After doing a lot of interesting things, Glenn landed at an Internet marketing firm in 2000, the only grey-headed person in a firm of 25 people in their twenties. When Glenn and Marlys moved to California in 2003, he started a small Internet marketing company, where he worked for the next 10 years. Glenn became a household member of the League with Marlys over 10 years ago and has served as the League Budget Chair every year except one since 2009. He believes deeply in the League’s nonpartisan mission to support voting rights, to educate voters, and to be a civil voice in advocating for beneficial public policy. As a member of the League’s 2020 committee, he was pleased to have helped make the Centennial year of both the 19th Amendment and the founding of the League a “teachable moment.”

Mary Bianchi – lives in Atascadero. She is a retired University of California Horticulture Advisor from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties and served as Director for UC Cooperative Extension programs in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties from 2013 to 2017. Mary holds BS and MS degrees in soils and agricultural sciences from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. During her career, she worked with the University of California CooperativeExtension in Santa Cruz, Tulare, Napa, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties and at the UC Kearney Agricultural Center. She transferred to San Luis Obispo County in September 1992. After 26 years in SLO County, Mary retired in June 2017. She serves on the Help Me Grow Initiative supporting Friends of Martha’s Place, the Center for Family Strengthening of San Luis Obispo Board of Directors and is a member of the SLO County Behavioral Health Board. She is also a Director for the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District. Mary has served as Membership Director for the last three years.

Susan Devine (Vessely) - has lived in San Luis Obispo since 1977. She retired from SLO County after working for the Board of Supervisors. Her longer career was as a Litigation Paralegal at a local law firm. She received her BA degree in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara and her paralegal certificate from the University of California, as well. Susan has been actively involved in numerous political campaigns through the years along with being trained as a community-based mediator. She has been a League member for about 20 years and has been involved with the Voter Service team and the Civil Discourse Project. She believes voting is extremely important to our democracy and is passionate about voting rights and encouraging voters to actually cast their votes in elections.

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Nominating Committee 2021 - 2022

Ann Havlik – was a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist in San Luis Obispo until her retirement in December 2016. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BA in History and completed the Dental Hygiene Program at Diablo Valley College. She was licensed to practice dental hygiene in 1981. She has worked in offices in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Luis Obispo. An active member of the Central Coast Dental Hygienists’ Society, Ann served on the Board as president, secretary, and treasurer. She is a member and former chair of the Oral Health Coalition of San Luis Obispo. She was a founding member of the Rush Ranch Educational Council of Solano Farmlands and Open Space Foundation and a docent for the Natural Sciences Guild of the Oakland Museum. She has been a member of the South-Central Coast Environmental Task Force. She was elected and served as a member of the LWVC Nominating Committee for the 2013 – 2015 and 2015 - 2017 terms. She has served our League as 1st Vice President and Director of Planning, Land Use and Natural Resources. She has served as Co-President since 2017.

Marilee Hyman – is a Mission High ’56 and Immaculate Heart College graduate with an MS in sociology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She is a retired HS teacher, a former CEO of Steuben County, New York Association for Retarded Children and 25 year business officer/owner of a publishing company. Her local volunteer work has earned her Citizen of the Year in Pismo Beach and a Cuesta College Woman of Distinction award, in part for her work on developing Dinosaur Caves Park, as a District 3 representative for the County Water Resources Advisory Committee, Pismo Beach Special Event Committee, and founding member of the Shell Beach Improvement Group. Marilee was elected League president for the term 2013-15 and co-president 2017-2018 and was chair of the nominating committee for 2015-16. Marilee has served as a League Board member, coordinated the Voter Services Adopt-a-Poll program, co-chaired the 2020 Candidate Forums and the 2011 countywide 100th Anniversary Celebration of Woman’s Right to Vote. She co-authored both the 100 Year Right to Vote and the Civil Discourse brochures. Marilee is married to Tony, a League photographer. They have two sons and four grandchildren.

Jim Patterson - A native Californian currently living in Atascadero. He served on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors from 2005 to 2013. Prior to serving on the Board, he was the Water Conservation Manager for the Atascadero Mutual Water Company and the co-owner of Bay Laurel Garden Center. Jim graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Natural Resources Management. While a student at Cal Poly, he was trained to register voters. He currently serves on the Boards of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County; the Atascadero Land Preservation Society, and I Care International, an organization that conducts vision clinics and distributes eyeglasses in Mexico, Central and South America. He has been a member of the League for several years and appreciates the work the League does to educate citizens and encourage them to vote. In 50 years as an eligible voter, he has never missed an election - it is that important.

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Renew Your Membership Now! 2021 - 2022 Membership

(July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022)

Your League membership expires June 30, 2020.

TO RENEW ONLINE

Type the following URL into your web browser: For individuals: www.lwvslo.org/renew-individual For households: www.lwvslo.org/renew-household For students: www.lwvslo.org/renew-student

1. Scroll down below and select your membership level from the dropdown menu provided.

2. Enter your name & your email address in the appropriate fields.

3. Click Buy Now.

4. You will be guided through the completion steps via PayPal and will be able to pay via PayPal, Debit, or Credit Card.

TO DONATE ONLINE

To donate online please complete a separate transaction. Type the following URL into your web browser: www.lwvslo.org/donate

1. Scroll to the yellow button that says: DONATE.

2. Click the Donate Button.

3. You will be guided through the completion steps via PayPal and will be able to pay via PayPal, Debit or Credit Card.

Thank you so much for completing your renewal and/or donating online!

TO RENEW AND/OR DONATE BY MAIL – Please return the portion below

Name:

Yes, I want to renew my membership for one year – July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

$70 one-year individual membership / $105 one-year household membership / $5 one-year student Amount enclosed for membership: $____________

Yes, I want to help promote the good work of the League of Women Voters with a donation. My donation to our local League is made out to LWV SLOCO* in the amount of $_________

*The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is a Section 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Your dues and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

You may combine amounts for dues and donations in one check made to LWV SLOCO. Mail to: LWV SLOCO, PO Box 4210, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403

League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County www.lwvslo.org | (805) 242-6990 | info@lwvslo.org

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DIRECTION TO THE BOARD FOR 2021 – 2022

You may email your comments and ideas to info@lwvslo.org or print and mail this completed form to the address below. ______________________________________________________

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Remember: Your League membership expires June 30, 2021.

League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County P.O. Box 4210, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403

www.lwvslo.org | (805) 242-6990 | info@lwvslo.org