We tried. We made plans with Palermo’s Restaurant to resume IN PERSON Lunch With League events beginning in September. It felt like we might finally start returning to normal with so many people being vaccinated in our community. But breakthrough cases started happening, including to people we know. After several discussions about balancing the safety of getting together in person and our strong desire to communicate with each other face to face, we finally decided that the time is not yet right for us to gather in person. So Zoom wins for another few months!

Please join us for our Sept. 16 event when we host the chair of the San Jose Planning Commission, Rolando Bonilla, who will talk about how the commission affects our neighborhoods and the people of San Jose. Register now!

COMMUNICATING WITH LEAGUE FRIENDS

When we join the League of Women Voters, or any organization, in addition to wanting to fulfill the mission of the organization, we also want to meet people who have the same interests that we do. COVID-19 has made it more difficult for us to get to know our fellow members and friends. Zooming at least lets us see each other as we talk, and email and texting help us exchange written words, but let’s think of other, more personal ways to stay connected. Perhaps call up a League friend and meet for an outdoor lunch or coffee!

Communications Director Diane McNutt is debuting a new series of interviews with our members in our September newsletter. The first is with our new Vice President, Taryn Upchurch. I know you will all be very interested to learn more about her.

RECALL ELECTION

Be sure to vote on or before September 14! See Recall Election 2021 for the facts about the election. You can also print a flyer with that information to give to family and friends to encourage them to vote.

This expensive election, just 14 months before the next Gubernatorial Election, is prompting many people to consider whether California’s recall process is constructive. It is possible that the recall vote might succeed by a slim margin and the replacement for the Governor elected by a low plurality of voters. This could mean that, for example, 49% of voters say “no” to the recall and want to keep the current Governor in office, and the votes of a small percentage – 20%? 10%? -- would decide on the replacement. Is that a fair process reflecting the will of the people? Many states have more stringent criteria that must be met before such a process goes to the ballot. Should California change its rules for the recall process?

Note that the League of Women Voters takes no position on this election as we never support or oppose candidates for public office. But we want everyone to vote on or before Sept. 14!!

Carol