ILO Reports

League of Women Voters^®
San Diego County Inter-League Organization

ILO Reports discussing matters of San Diego County interest

Education. Health. LWV State Council Meeting. Mental Health. Regional Goverance Report. Sandag. Smart Voter. Treasurer Report.

County League Joins Education Consortium of San Diego County

The County League recently joined the San Diego Education Consortium, a new group of over 30 community organizations working "to establish a framework for broad-based, no-partisan collaboration and coordination among organizations who are engaged in increasing the educational opportunities and achievements of the economically and educationally disadvantaged in San Diego County."
The group's initial main focus, in addition to opposing legislative budget cuts, is to promote the adoption of A-G class requirements for all high school students in the county. These are the required classes for admission to the UC and CSU systems. Many minority groups believe, and there is evidence, that less advantaged students (and their parents) are not being given sufficient opportunity, knowledge and counseling by overloaded school systems and counselors to realize the importance of these classes. A-G is also supported as the basis for a sound education no matter what career goals a student has and can be taken in conjunction with vocational education classes.
The classes are: 1 year of art, 4 years of English, 2 years of a foreign language, 2 years of history, 3 years of mathematics, 2 years of science. Several school districts in the state including San Jose and Los Angeles are requiring mandatory A-G. Individual local schools such as Helix Charter High School and High Tech High School are also doing it successfully.
The Education Consortium sponsored the "A-G for All" symposium in March with a panel of educators and researchers from school districts, educational institutions and associations from around the state. The Consortium is now working throughout the county toward the goal of eventually implementing A-G for all students.

Health Care

2007-08 Annual Report to LWV/San Diego County

Sylvia Hampton
Vice President Health Care
MTA (Management Training Advisor)

STATE:
The San Diego County Chapter of Health Care for All/CA broke from the state organization after the February '08 HCA board meeting. As the chapter director, I, along with the chapter leaders, believed the organization was not being run properly and according to rules for nonprofits. Two other large chapters had left earlier. LWVC continues to work with the coalition of groups in Sacramento to pass single-payer legislation. Proposed health care reform legislation put forward by the Speaker and Governor was defeated after the Legislative Analyst's Office report showed, during an eleven hour hearing in the Senate Health Committee, how the financing projections would not work. In addition there was strong opposition from LWVC, Consumer Watchdog, the California Nurses Association and other public interest groups. We are back to the drawing board and waiting for a new governor who will sign a single payer bill and enough support in the state legislature to get a super majority for the funding bill.
COUNTY:
As a board member of San Diegans for Health Care Coverage (see last year's annual report) I was not surprised to see the legislation for a pilot project in San Diego County fail. There is no money in the state budget for a $5million county project.
The San Diego County Medical Services was once again sued for not complying with section 17000. Of the CA Welfare and Institutions Code which uses very broad language so only through case law (resulting from lawsuits) do counties get direction. The code states: "Every county and every city and county shall relieve and support all incompetent, poor, indigent persons, and those incapacitated by age, disease, or accident, lawfully resident therein, when such persons are not supported and relieved by their relatives or friends, by their own means, or by state hospitals or other state or private institutions....." The section in full:
MTA (Management Training Advisor) 2007-'08 activities.
As MTA I worked with the Local League presidents and board members when they needed information, help, training and moral support. I attended the LWVC Council. The county reorganization committee was suspended after the shake-up on the San Diego board last October. I resigned as MTA for the San Diego League.

LWV State Council Meeting In Review...May 16-18, 2008

By Kay Ragan
CAPTIAL TOUR
I participated in the capital tour led by Trudy Shafer, LWVC Legislative lobbyist on Friday, May 15 preceding the Council meetings on Saturday. It was interesting to have someone that walks the capital halls to take the group into the governor's office and view the cabinet room and the governor's smoking tent. The first lady also has a suite of offices where copies of her books are on display and a pictorial history of meetings, recognitions, benefits, etc. where she has been involved or received recognition. We visited the Senate meeting room and observed some historical rooms that have been preserved in their original condition.
LWVC OFFICE RECEPTION
Attendees had been invited, prior to Council to a reception sponsored by the state office staff and state board. Janis Hirohama, LWVC president greeted guests and introduced them to Mary Wilson, LWVUS President. Jill Newsom, Executive Director was also a part of the welcoming group. The office was impressive and the reception was held in a large meeting room. The room is shared by other non-profit organizations renting space in the building. In the budget presentation, the budget committee chair noted that the office is probably going to have to move due to the anticipated sale of the building. Some money is included in the budget for such a move. The rent is expected to increase since one of the requirements is proximity to the capital. We walked from the capital to the office after the tour.
SMART VOTER AND LEAGUE EASY WEB
A new technical director for Smart Voter has been employed. He will be working from his home in the San Francisco area. Those that have developed Smart Voter impress me and there is still a major thrust to encourage more League members to use and recommend Smart Voter and League Easy Web. Some other states are now using Smart Voter with LWVUS's blessing. The start up fee for users is $75 with an annual fee of $160. Some local leagues have links to the local registrar's office and vice versa. Some Registrars contribute to Smart Voter. Contact and follow-up with candidates is very important and is usually managed by the local league or county coordinator. After an election all candidate contact information is deleted, but the other data remains.
OPENING PLENARY
The president recognized Elizabeth Hill, California Legislative Analyst for her work on state budgets. Ms. Hill is retiring within the year. The president gave her opening remarks, noting accomplishments and the importance of communication in the future. The state treasurer, Susan Wilson and Budget chair, Tom Carson also made reports. Jill Newcom and the Development committee appear to have been successful in fund raising over the past year, but fell short of budget projections. An approved $1 increase in PMPs was cited, amounting to approximately $8,000.
CALIFORNIA FIRST AMENDMENT COALITION
Mr.Peter Scheer, Executive Director of the Coalition spoke about the failure of cities to sunshine union contracts before agreements are made. He favors the process used in school districts where contracts are sunshined before the commitments are made, thus enabling the public to be involved in major decisions that are presently being made in secret. The Coalition hopes to seek legislative support to implement such procedures.
2ND PLENARY
Jill Kaiser Newcom gave her report and introduced the office personnel. Elizabeth Leslie, Communications Director has been with the office for about 9 months. I was impressed with her workshop and with her offer to provide training for local leagues. All of the staff appear to be members of the Sacramento League. Jill is excited about expecting her first child..
UNIQUE ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD
Xander Kayden, MTA and national board member presented this worship. She highlighted the importance of annual retreats for local board members, focusing on planning with full participation of all members.
MEDIA AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Jennifer Waggoner, State board member and Elizabeth Leslie, LWVC staff member, facilitated this workshop. Beryl Flom and I spoke with the two of them about conducting a workshop for Leagues in San Diego. I felt," Getting Out the Word" was the unspoken theme of the Council meeting. The printed theme was, "Our Bridge to the Future", translated as how are we going to communicate in the future?
MARY WILSON, LWVUS SPEAKER AT DINNER
Mary addressed the theme of the Council meeting, encouraged people to attend the national convention and complimented California members. She is from New Mexico.
3RD PLENARY
Jean Ross, Executive Director California Budget Project ...this budget crisis is different in that we have long ago spent our savings and we now have the largest deficit of 17.2 B on the table. Some believe this is our worst year, because we do not have any reserves. 2B of the 17 B is proposed for a reserve. One in 20 jobs are in housing and many of those have been lost. Sales tax revenues have dropped. The only good news is the April income tax collections have been strong. 1.8 B. She thinks the governor has underestimated the income and that it might not be quite as bad as projected. The governor restored 1.8 B to education but that does not pay for growth or COLA...large reduction despite happy talk by governor. Cuts in health and human services...dropped early release program...no money for services after parole...reduction in eligibility 62% below the poverty level... single mom with one child would lose health care with an income of $8,000. Eliminates health care for immigrants for the first 5 years...no SSI for immigrants...reduces grants in CalWorks and requires more paperwork 1 B backed by lottery money based upon stepping up marketing for the lottery. 5 B is to address budget shortfall and 10 B would be used to build a reserve.
INTEREST IN PRISION STUDY
An early morning caucus was held to discuss the possibility of a prison study. The discussion went in all directions. If a manageable focus is identified it will likely be proposed at next year's convention if funding can be identified.
REDISTRICTING WORKSHOP AND LUNCHEON SPEAKER
Trudy Schafer Trudy urged all leagues to work though the passage of the Redistricting initiative. Components of the initiative are:

Independent commission based on 5/5/4 (Republicans/Democrats/Independents
Creates clear criteria to draw maps
Open and clear process
14-day hearing notice for commission nominees
Maps widely displayed
Off-record conversations are not allowed
Public hearings are to be held Lines are to be drawn with these factors in mind...
Equal population
Complying with voting rights
Contiguouss districts
Protection of interest communities Good materials, including power point will be available for education of public

Trudy Shafer doesn't expect HB840, single payer health insurance to get funding in the Legislature or to be signed by the governor. A new author, since Senator Kehoe is being termed out of office, is being sought so that it can be reintroduced again next year.

Mental Health Director's Report 2007-8

By far the most significant development of the 33 projects funded with Prop 63 money (1% of all incomes over $IM) was the opening of the Exodus Recovery Walk In Assessment Center in North County with Mental Health Services Act dollars. . There was a huge gap in efficient and timely treatment of patients in need of stabilization. They ended up in hospital emergency rooms rather than the too distant County Psychiatric Emergency Unit most times. The ERs set up for physical health care often made patients who were acting out wait hours in their cars for appropriate treatment. Now the WIAC located near major transportation lines in Vista can quietly and quickly stabilize patients at a fraction of the cost. Patients in severe crisis are still directed to the two NC hospitals with Behavioral Health Units for in patient care.
The other major development was the formation of the Alliance For Regional Solutions to facilitate a winter shelter for 100 days at six North County sites. The majority of homeless also suffer from mental health problems. The initial meeting was called by Suzanne Pohlman of Interfaith Community Services and was attended by most North County cities and agencies that worked with the homeless. Mel Takahara of the Salvation Army formulated the plan after receiving input from all those attending the meetings. He administered the first successful plan and his report follows below.
Respectfully submitted,
Liz Kruidenier, Director of Mental Health for LWVSDC

Mel Takahara,, Program Director. for the Salvation Army Reports
Between October 14, 2007 and March 31, 2008, over 700 homeless men, women and children, including 53 children ages 12 and under, received shelter in north county regional shelters. Six provider agencies formed an unprecedented shelter system bound across the region by a common set of standards and practices, prohibiting the use or possession of illicit drugs and alcohol, and requiring intensive case management aimed at improving lives and increasing independence. As a result of these new policies, even though provisions were available for chronic addicts to receive overnight sobering services, they generally stayed away and shelter beds were mainly filled by those who needed a hand-up due to circumstances. That hand-up was extended and many were able to find more permanent housing, many were re-united with families, and many were able to find employment. This first season was the first of a three year development process to establish a stable regional infrastructure for programming, funding and evaluating cold weather shelter services in North County. First year lessons learned include the need to gather the network of employment, mental health, medical, transportation, day program, and other support services in the early Fall to meet each other and with case managers to coordinate for the shelter season. Training for night security staff needs to be offered early and repeated throughout the season. Case file and Data gathering formats and procedures need to be uniform. Data Entry should be a consolidated function handled by a few well-trained individuals. Financially, the Alliance for Regional Solutions via its fiscal agent, North County Community Services received $151,000 from the nine cities and United Way to provide regional support services. This was used to supplement each provider agency's operational budget to cover the costs of on-site case managers, paid night security staff, data entry staff and some transportation. Also covered were the costs of the system administrator, fiscal agent, evaluation and audit. When all claims have been paid, it appears the system will have a balance remaining of approximately $18,300. Cities and United Way are being asked to continue their financial support at the same level for next season and plans are underway to present these requests to each city and to United Way.

LWV of San Diego County Regional Goverance Report

The LWV is a member of the Caltrans External Advisory Liaison (CEAL) advisory committee. This committee provides communication between Caltrans and community organizations within San Diego County. CEAL meets quarterly with the Caltrans District Director. Among the many transportation-related issues discussed in meetings in the 2007-2008 year were the following projects.
Transportation infrastructure will be improved with the construction of Highway 905 to the Otay Mesa commercial crossing, connecting the border route to I-5 and Highway 805 in San Diego and to the toll roads to Tecate, Tijuana, and Ensenada in Baja California. Progress is being made on development of State Route 11 and the new border crossing at East Otay Mesa. Development of new border crossings involves both US and Mexican federal, state, and local governments and are complex and lengthy.
Construction is proceeding with state and local TransNet "early action" funds on the I-15 rapid bus/carpool lanes and these construction programs remain on schedule at this time. Construction on the I-5 carpool lanes north of the I-5 + 805 merge has been coordinated with the City of Solana Beach construction of major intersection improvements.
In response to the LWV request for information on Caltrans actions during the 2007 wildfires, Caltrans reported that it established a fully-staffed control center at its Old Town headquarters that was connected with the regional and other fire control centers. All Caltrans staff leaves were cancelled and, as soon as fire officials permitted them into burned areas, crews cleared highways and state roads, stabilized roads, and replaced burned guardrails. Caltrans implemented lessons learned with the 2004 Cedar fire and felt that multi-agency collaboration generally worked well.
At each meeting, the District Director reported on the status of federal and state funding support for the county's highway improvements.
Nan Valerio, Regional Governance Chair

Sandag

End of Year Report June 2008

Briefly, here is the status of the current issues before SANDAG:
The latest report of the Grand Jury is critical of the delays which have slowed completion of the Hwy 76 to 15 extension in North County, even after the 20 year life of TransNet One, the first Transnet sales tax increase. Gary Gallegos, SANDAG Executive Director. has responded by saying it went well and it is too soon to predict that the new Transnet that went into effect about 2 months ago will be behind schedule in 2014 years, the new completion date. In his defense, many people have been involved in TransNet One and if the 76 to 15 delay is the only one they complain about we should look at the many landowners who balked at being inconvenienced or underpaid for having the project on their land. The State usually moves money to another community if locals protest loudly that they don't want it. SANDAG often runs out of money for projects and it may have decided on its own to move money elsewhere. What we do know is that there have been many goals and much history by now.
The Grand Jury believes that if the SANDAG Executive Board members each represented the entire county, in stead of the various cities, the County, Indian tribes and the Military, it would make better decisions for the overall transportation needs of San Diego County. This is reminiscent of earlier suggestions for Regional Government.
NCTD is cutting back and reorganizing: Karen Kane, plus other executives, have announced they will be leaving now that the Sprinter is up and running. We can expect some new people and maybe some changes for the better.
LWV North Coast has written a letter to NCTD stating their objections to the current bus schedule cutbacks. I will be attending a Transportation meeting in Oceanside on May 30 to hear public comment on fare increases, as well as their June 6th meeting downtown.
Building to widen Hwy 15 for 20 miles and to enlarge the intersection of the 5 and Lomas Sante Fe are progressing with no major problems at this time.
The latest news on the proposed toll road through San Onofre State Park is that the US Commerce Department will hold hearings this summer. This is a reaction to the 14- hour public meeting that was held in February at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and petitions from environmental and surfer groups. Both sides, the Natural Resources Council and the Irvine-based Foothill/Eastern Agency claim this does not represent a setback for their cause.

Elaine Barton
Transportation
San Diego County League of Women Voters

Smart Voter

2007-08 County Board Year-end Report, Smart Voter Project
Joyce Joseph, County Coordinator (off-board position)
email:jajoseph@san.rr.com

Last summer it was decided that a Smart Voter rep would not attend meetings along with other members from County League and other groups with the new Registrar of Voters about concerns with county voting systems. The SV group decided to wait and meet with Deborah Seiler separately in order to explain in more detail Smart Voter's purpose and procedures, and to reaffirm past support for this project from her office. We really need cooperation from the ROV for Smart Voter to work.
In early December the S.D. County team of SV volunteers which includes reps from the four local leagues and Nancy McCleary, current County president, met to discuss the three 2008 elections, timelines and possible new approaches, such as using colorful SV logo stationery and return address labels to gain visibility among the many mailings candidates receive. All members of our team from the 2006 elections returned for more!
By early January our group, as well as the Registrar of Voters office and even the state SV team, were scrambling to meet imposed early deadlines for the unusual Feb. 5 presidential primary. Voters seemed unprepared for this very early election. However, there was great interest, due to the number of presidential candidates still in the race, and because of the controversial gambling propositions. Joyce and Marietta Lassaline (East County) met with Registrar Deborah Seiler and a chief assistant. They gave us an hour of their time, asked general questions about league's activities in the county, and we were assured of continued support from their office. In January, County League began a partnership with San Diego Mama, a website providing personal, professional and parenting resources, where a link to the SV site displaying the SV logo was included.
Almost immediately after the Feb. election, we geared up for the June 3 statewide primary, which included all the statewide primary races, plus local contests mainly within the city limits of San Diego. Approximately 200 candidates were on the June ballot. (In the November general presidential election, we expect up to 600 candidates.) There were two state propositions in June, as well as eight local measures throughout the county. At this writing it is not known how many propositions will be on the November ballot.
In March I was again invited to speak at the Registrar's two seminars for candidates and their campaign managers. Most attendees are those running for local offices. This time the meetings were conducted by the Registrar herself, and she included much useful information on how their office runs elections. The post office and Smart Voter were the only two outside reps invited to speak.
Smart Voter, with input from both the state team and our local team, continues to improve, with additional useful links to city and county governmental offices, school districts, district maps, and timely news articles. There are links to Smart Voter on the major local TV station sites, where many viewers now look for breaking news. And of course we're very prominent on Google. Our various attempts at publicity have been mixed. We plan to expand publicity on the Internet, where it is more likely to be seen by those who would use SV, and with longer articles in papers often called community forums. Many League members are still unaware of its usefulness and the extent of information offered. Smart Voter continues to be an interesting challenge for those of us closely involved with it. It is an excellent way to interact with the voting public in a positive way.

ILO Treasurer Report

FISCAL YEAR TO MAY 31, 2008
The final Fiscal Years report will be available at the July 11, 2008 County Board Meeting, or by request from Ellen Gifford, Treasurer. This League has three different funds that needs accountability. They are:

1.) Operations Fund: covering the regular business of the year. Presently this fund has spent all their years' income except $48.24. Of course the active June program will bring in some money but also may cost more. Not to worry, we do have a reserve of cash due to previous years of accumulated unspent income. These extra Dollars are currently invested in Certificates of Deposit and are available as they earn Interest ( see the detail Income and Expense Statement attached).

2.)Bequest Fund: is earmarked for special programs. One of these programs was

financing the Display Kits, which have all been sold and the start up money reinvested in
the fund. The interest from these investments is the second program. Each year we
award scholarship(s) for future leaders training. This year my estimate is that this fund
will earn over $3,000.00 in interest. The Board has voted to pay out $2,000.00 of this
interest in scholarships.

3.) Education Fund: Our fund is with the State League Office and is used for public

information purposes, such as "SMART VOTER" Anticipating a heavy voter need,
additional funds have been added. Donations from the GRACE ROOS MEMORIAL
and the Yearly County Fundraiser has helped increase this fund.. Details of this
funds activity is found on Page 3 of the attached Financial Statements. *

The drop in membership has reduced the income for all League organizations thru out the country. After November 2008 election, lets turn our attention and efforts on increasing the number of members that will be reported next year with a special drive.
The July 2007 to May 31, 2008 Financial Statements are attached for your use in seeing the details of this fiscal year. Those who love numbers, - enjoy.
A reminder to all local Leagues, starting in 2008, the Leagues with less than $25,000.00 gross income will have to file a Federal Tax Form #990-EZ (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax). This form and filing can be done electronically. The notice is due on the 15th day of the fifth month after close of your fiscal/annual year. This was part of the PENSION PROTECTION ACT OF 2006. This act went into effect after December 31, 2006. Note if your year ended March 31, 2008 this form must be filed by August 15, 2008. June 30, 2008 must file by October 15, 2008. County will be filing this year. One more matter for League Treasurers, so please be informed.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen E. Gifford, Treasurer
June 7, 2008
LWV of San Diego County

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