by Mary Schreiber, Action Committee chair
Present: Marion Morris, Rhiannon Shires, Carolyn Bowden, Leslie Stewart, Susan Hildreth, Shawn Gilbert, Bill Smith, Janet Hoy, Joanne Supersad, Bette Boatmun, Laura Nakamura, Kathy Gallagher, Mary Schreiber
- Melanie Speir is interviewing local elected officials to determine what their needs are and what LWVDV can do to help. Rhiannon said there are groups working to counter disruptive groups at school board meetings. Carolyn spoke with Edi Birsan, mayor of Concord, who said there are not usually problems at Concord City Council meetings.
- Some discussion about public meetings and how local cities are responding to hate speech and disruptions.
- LWVC is looking at public meetings and potential changes to the Brown Act.
- Janet Hoy encouraged attendance at the 6/4/24 presentation: Mis/Disinformation Election Edition
Observer Corps: Kathy Gallagher reported that we need observers for several jurisdictions. Antioch in particular has a lot of activity and we would like an observer there. Kathy is working on a streamlined report form that will be easier to use. She would also like to start a Youth Observer Corps.
Criminal Justice: Family of Angelo Quinto settle lawsuit with city of Antioch for $7.5 million
Environment/Climate: No updates, Marielle not able to attend the meeting.
Joanne spoke about the LWVC Health Care Interest Group and encouraged interested members to get involved.
- CNWS - Bill Spier reported no updates. The developer, Brookfield Properties, is holding an open house the same day as this meeting.
- May is Homeless and Affordable Housing Month.
- Laura Nakamura reported that the Concord Homeless and Housing Strategic Plan has been accepted. However, a plan for intermittent housing at a motel in Concord was opposed by Edi Birsan and Dominic Aliano because it was not going to be a dry facility.
- Webinar on Guaranteed Annual Income in Contra Costa County. Register here.
- Juneteenth Celebration in Concord on Jun 23, 2024
- Laura Nakamura reported that there will be a ballot initiative on the November ballot that will make it harder for cities and counties to raise funding through taxes. Laura calls it the Taxpayer Deception Act because the wording can be confusing.
- LWVC Bill Status Report
ACTION-ADVOCACY HIATUS: Mary Schreiber has accepted the nomination to serve as President of LWVDV and is stepping down as Chair of Action-Advocacy. We need a volunteer or volunteers to chair or co chair Action-Advocacy. If issues arise that need to be addressed the President can call a special meeting to consider taking action.
