Follow timely developments!

Behavioral Health Service Study

A committee formed of LWVHC members plus non-members from the community are working on a study of behavioral health services in Humboldt County. Our goal is to draft a set of proposed position statements that will comprise a new LWVHC position on Behavioral Health Services. Of course, our League board of directors and the full membership will have opportunities to chime in and vote on the new position before it can be adopted. The committee’s goal is to have a set of draft position statements ready by the end of this year.

A LWV study starts with committee members self-selecting reports, videos, podcasts, and articles they will absorb and summarize for the full committee. These reports determined that mental health and substance abuse together constitute one of the three highest areas of need in the community. The report discusses mental health and substance abuse determinants of health, sources of services for mental health and substance abuse, and local accomplishments in addressing this need. Lack of housing is a significant factor in the severity and lack of treatment for people suffering with mental illnesses. Lack of treatment options for low-income people with emphasis on solving such problems as not having access to the same provider over time, and short-term limits on the number of sessions available, will be other areas for research.

Molly Cate

Program Director

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As celebration event is canceled several times, LWVHC is recognized in Times Standard Article

Public event has been canceled amid the pandemic, but organizers urge everyone to remember the passage of the 19th Amendment. Read more here.

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State of Community Luncheon Date Change

 

Don't forget to check out The Voter monthly!

 

4/2/2019: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - April VOTER

To view the April VOTER, please click here.

2/28/2019: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - March VOTER

To view the March VOTER, please click here.

2/21/2019: Support for Klamath Dam Removal Project

The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) and the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County, California (LWVHC) strongly support the removal of four dams on the Klamath River in a letter t o the State Water Resources Control Board.

2/14/2019: Celebrating 99 Years of League Action!

 Ninety-nine years ago today, the League of Women Voters was founded with a mission to help 20 million American women carry out their new responsibilities as eligible voters. After all, the League was founded just months before the 19th Amendment was ratified.Today we turn 99 years old, and the truth is: we are just getting started! In 2018 our organization reached more voters than ever before. In court rooms from Arizona to Wisconsin to the United States Supreme Court, we are fighting to protect the rights of voters and defend our democracy. In Congress right now the League strongly supports major sweeping legislation in H.R. 1, the For the People Act, that will expand voting rights and improve our elections. In fact, the House of Representatives is holding its final committee hearing on the For the People Act this very morning, on our birthday!

2/5/2019: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - February VOTER

To view the February VOTER, please click here.

2/1/2019: Action Alert: Sign the For the People Act Petition for a Better Democracy!

We want a government that works for all of us—that gives us all a say and puts our needs ahead of special interests. Add your name to demand that Congress makes a bold show of support for our democracy and the For The People Act. The For The People Act is a sweeping reform package that addresses everything from voting rights, to campaign finance reform, to redistricting. Call your Representative today and ask them to vote Yes for #HR1: 202-224-3121 bit.ly/2S9kIl0

1/3/2019: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - December/January VOTER

To view the December/January VOTER, please click here.

11/1/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - November VOTER

To view the November VOTER, please click here.

9/28/2018: Action Alert: Senate must delay vote on Kavanaugh

Contact your Senators today and demand a full investigation from the FBI before a vote on the Senate floor on the next Supreme Court nominee. Take action here: http://bit.ly/2DCMnEb

9/26/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - October VOTER

To view the October VOTER, please click here.

9/20/2018: Support for Measure O

The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County supports adequate local government financing to maintain government services to meet the demands of the community.  Please Vote "Yes" on Measure O.  Read the full letter of support here.

9/18/2018: National Registration Day!

The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County is a proud participant this year in National Voter Registration Day taking place on Tuesday, September 25.  We plan to register voters in four places around the county so we need multiple volunteers to help.  Voter Registration training will be provided on Sunday, September 23 from 2 – 3 in the Conference Room of the Area One Agency on Aging, 434 7th Street, Eureka, CA.  If you are unable to attend and have not been trained in the past, please let Anne Hartline (Voter Service Director) know ahead of time and training will be available 15 minutes before your shift begins at any of the locations.

Please email Anne Hartline at //emailmg.ipower.com/sqmail/src/compose.php?send_to=annehartline10 [at] gmail.com" target="_blank">annehartline10 [at] gmail.com to volunteer.  In your email, please include the location and shift for which you are volunteering.  More details are available on our calendar.  

9/15/2018: LWVHC announces community forum schedule

Before each election the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County organizes candidate forums designed to reach the largest number of voters. Many events broadcast on PBSNorthcoast (formerly known as KEET-TV), simulcast on KHSU, and archived for subsequent viewing on Access Humboldt. Please see our calendar for more information on upcoming forums.

9/13/2018: LWVHC Membership Brunch

Please join us for our MEMBERSHIP BRUNCH, Saturday, September 29th, 10 AM at the Kate Buchanan Room, Humboldt State University.  Kelly Sanders & Lucinda Jackson will be speaking about elections and poll workers.  $10 for League Members.  One guest free with member.  RSVP's requested by September 20th.  Please contact Becky Simpson at 498-6340 or email simpsonl [at] suddenlink.net.

8/29/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - September VOTER

To view the September VOTER, please click here.

8/15/2018  November ballot recommendations

This election, voters face long ballots and are being asked to weigh in on a wide variety of critical issues.   Whether you vote early, by mail, or on Election Day, we’ve made the decisions easier. After careful study and analysis, the League of Women Voters of California has recommendations on 7 statewide ballot measures. Review the voting recommendations here.

8/14/2018  North Country Fair Volunteer Request

Do you want to give people an opportunity to make an ‘Empower Sign’ and have conversations with voters about League resources regarding the challenges of navigating through the daily hurricane news cycles and how to contact our representatives?

This year, the LWVHC booth at the North Country Fair will feature an ‘Empower Sign’ making activity.  While kids of any age are making a sign, other volunteers can converse with their family about resources distribute Voter’s Edge to support being an informed engaged voter and offer them the opportunity to register to vote!  Do you want to ask festival go’ers, ‘How do you handle News Fatigue?’ or ‘What issues are important for you to be informed about?’ Sign up to volunteer or contact Carol Masterson (707) 768-3118 or Hawley Riffenburg (650)302-7466 for more information.

8/9/2018   Act now and urge your state senator to vote NO on AB 84 

AB 84 will consolidate money and influence among legislative leadership and undermine California’s fair and competitive elections.  Take ACTION on AB84 today! Reach out to your legislator and recommend a NO  vote. 

6/28/2018  July 4th Volunteer Request

It's become our tradition to have booths at both the Arcata and Eureka 4th of July street fairs. Please take a moment now to find a few hours on that day to commit to support our mission. We need volunteers for pickup and delivery of booth props, putting the booths up, registering voters, telling people all about the League or taking down the booths. Please call Carol Masterson at 707-768-3118 or email at buffy7 [at] suddenlink.net.

6/22/2018 ACTION ALERT: IMMIGRATION BILLS IN CONGRESS

The current practice of separating families at our borders violates our human rights and moral responsibilities. TAKE ACTION NOW: Tell your representatives to vote NO on the Goodlatte bill and vote NO on the Ryan Compromise legislation.

5/31/2018 The Humboldt Elections Transparency Project requests volunteers 

Did you know that the Humboldt Elections Transparency Project has been helping to build voter confidence in election returns for the past ten years? By making digital images of every ballot cast in each election, it is possible for anyone to conduct their own audit of any race on the ballot or the entire election. After every election, volunteers scan each ballot on a freestanding, off-the-shelf scanner using open source software. The collection of ballot images is available to anyone who would like to examine and/or count the votes.

If you would like to be a part of this unique project, volunteer your time to help with the scanning process. Volunteer training is available. Please contact Kevin Collins at 707-498-2740 if you would like to be a part of this important community service.

5/24/2018 Vote with the League! Vote on June 5!

Click here for more information on League recommendations for the June 5th Ballot.

5/9/2018 Candidate Forums available on PBS Northcoast!

Have you missed one of the candidate forums? Click here to review previously published programs.  

5/8/2018 Prepare for the upcoming election!

On Election Day, Tuesday June 5, voters will head to the polls to cast their ballots in thousands of state and local elections. Voting allows us to make an impacton critical issues and policies. Please encourage the people in your life to vote in this year's important elections, and to find the information they need. Now is the time to think about how and when you'll vote, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Click here for more information on ballot measures.

4/27/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - May VOTER

To view the May VOTER, please click here.

4/20/2018: LWVHC announces community forum schedule

Before each election the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County organizes candidate forums designed to reach the largest number of voters. Many events broadcast on KEET-TV, simulcast on KHSU, and archived for subsequent viewing on Access Humboldt. Please see our calendar for more information on upcoming forums.

4/2/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - April VOTER

To view the April VOTER, please click here.

3/3/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - March VOTER

To view the March VOTER, please click here.

2/3/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - February VOTER

To view the February VOTER, please click here.

1/15/2018: STAND WITH THE LEAGUE AND TAKE ACTION REGARDING THE DREAM ACT

It's time for our leaders in Congress to choose a side. Will they stand for those that are working hard, paying taxes and contributing to our society on their path to American citizenship? Or will they tolerate racism and bigotry? It's time for all members of Congress to support Dreamers and those protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); a policy the administration called an end for last year. They must pass a clean DREAM Act to protect, not turn away, the 800,000-young people who were brought to the United States as children. We can and we must do better to be vigilant about speaking out against racism. We must stand up as a nation and say this is unacceptable. Join us in taking action today.

1/9/2018: WHERE WILL YOU BE FOR THE WOMEN'S MARCH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND?

Join others in your community for the first anniversary of this historic march. Market Square - 1st and C streets in Eureka, 1 PM on January 20th.

1/3/2018: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - JANUARY VOTER

To view the January VOTER, please click here.

12/7/2017: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON THE TAX BILL!

Congress is moving to a conference committee on their tax bill where they will work to keep a provision to repeal the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act. This step will undermine the ACA, cut coverage for 13 million and trigger $25 billion in cuts to Medicare while raising costs for middle class families and seniors with high medical expenses. Call the capitol switchboard today to say NO to repealing the ACA in the tax bill. (202) 224-3121

12/1/2017: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - DECEMBER VOTER

To view the December VOTER, please click here.

11/29/2017: TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT HEALTHCARE!

This week the Senate will vote on a tax bill that includes an amendment to eliminate a provision of the ACA known as the individual mandate. Eliminating this provision will effectively repeal the ACA, eliminating coverage for 13 million Americans, cutting $25 billion to Medicare and raising costs for middle-class families and seniors with high medical expenses.Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and tell your Senator that you oppose any tax package that repeals the Affordable Care Act. Ask that they protect healthcare for everyone by voting against any measure that would repeal the Affordable Care Act or reduce access to health coverage.

11/21/2017: DID YOU MISS THE PRESENTATION ON SEA LEVEL RISE?

Dr. Linda Dismore (Diz) Swift, PhD presentation from October 24th is now on our website for your review.

11/10/2017: FOLLOW THE MONEY: LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCING IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Join the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County for a lively discussion on the complex web of Humboldt County finances, presented by a panel of experts: Greg Sparks, Eureka City Manager; Chris Shaver, Assistant County Administrative Officer; and Marcella Clem, Executive Director of the Humboldt County Association of Governments.

United Congregational Christian Church 900 Hodgson (Hodgson and J Streets) Eureka 

Thursday, November, 16th 6:30-8:00 PM

11/3/2017: HSU EVENT: ELECTORAL COLLEGE VS. POPULAR VOTE

The HSU Library and Politics Department host Dr. Charlie Biles regarding The Electoral College vs. The Popular Vote. 

11/2/2017: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - NOVEMBER VOTER

To view the November VOTER, please click here. Members are also asked to view the insert with the 2018 State of the Community Luncheon nomination form available here.

10/26/2017: JOIN YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS FOR AN INFORMATIVE MEMBERSHIP MEETING LOCAL FINANCE

Did you ever wonder what our position on Local Finance means in the real world? Where does the money come from that funds our local infrastructure and services? Who decides how it is spent, and where? Join your fellow members for an informative presentation from local experts, including Eureka City Manager Greg Sparks, on Thursday, November 16th from 6:30-8:30.

United Congregational Christian Church, 900 Hodgson (Hodgson and J Streets) in Eureka. 

10/25/2017: PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION!

On Election Day, Tuesday November 7, voters across the country will head to the polls to cast their ballots in thousands of state and local elections. Voting allows us to make an impact on critical issues and policies. Please encourage the people in your life to vote in this year's important elections, and to find the information they need here. Now is the time to think about how and when you'll vote, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

10/20/2017: IN LIEU OF A CANDIDATE FORUM, LWVHC INVITES CANDIDATE RESPONSES

Read and review College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees candidate responses to voter questions on our Forums page.

10/19/2017: LWVHC INVITES YOU TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION "FACTS MATTER".

Presented on August 15th. This presentation with Richard Kimball is now available on Access Humboldt. 

10/4/2017: LOGIC AND ACCURACY TESTING FOR THE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 CONSOLIDATED DISTRICTS ELECTION

Humboldt County Office of Elections announced today that logic and accuracy testing of the voting equipment will be held on October 16, 2017, at 8:00 a.m.

Prior to each election, the Humboldt County Office of Elections tests ballots and equipment to ensure that all ballot types are read correctly and all ballot counting equipment is fully functional and tallying votes accurately. A specific Logic and Accuracy Observer Panel is convened pursuant to the California Secretary of State's approved logic and accuracy procedures to certify the validity and outcome of the testing.

Interested parties can observe the testing of the machines for accuracy in the tabulation of votes at the Humboldt County Office of Elections, 2426 6th Street, Eureka, California. For more information call the Office of Elections at 707-445-7481.

10/1/2017: LATEST NEWS FROM THE LEAGUE - OCTOBER VOTER

To view the October VOTER, please click here. Members are also asked to view the insert with the 2018 State of the Community Luncheon nomination form available here.

9/22/2017: National Registration Day!

The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County will be registering voters at Humboldt State and College of the Redwoods (Eureka and Del Norte campuses) on Tuesday, September 26th. If you are 18 you can register. If you have moved, update your address to ensure you receive timely voting materials. This is an opportunity for everyone to have a say in our future government. Our democracy and your future depend upon you voting. 

9/6/2017: Getting ready to renew your driver's license? LWVC could use your help!

This is an urgent appeal to California League members.

For a number of years, the LWVC has actively worked to make voter registration at the DMV as simple and accessible as possible and in accord with the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA, or Motor Voter).

We are a plaintiff in litigation to ensure that the DMV complies with the NVRA requirement that they offer an integrated process of voter registration to those renewing their licenses, whether in person or via mail. The court has ordered that we must show that at least one of our members falls into the category of those harmed by the DMV's current process in order for us to remain a plaintiff in this important public interest suit.

We are looking for League members who:

renewed their driver's license by mail, or are going to renew in the next 8 months and wanted/want or needed/need to register to vote or update their voter registration before next year's elections -- i.e., either moved, or changed party preferences, or changed vote-by-mail preference. It doesn't matter if you actually did the registration or not -- just that you wanted to (or will want to).

If you or another League member you know meet both of these criteria, please contact us at advocacy [at] lwvc.org or 916-442-7215. Thank you!

9/5/2017: Stand with California's Community College Students!

Community colleges are a crucial gateway to higher paying jobs, but too many California students face an unnecessary roadblock to academic and career success. Currently, standardized tests assess 75 percent of community college students as "unprepared"--making them less likely to finish their education. But new research shows that these students are more prepared than the tests indicate. By being forced to take unnecessary remedial non-credit courses, community college students waste time and money.

Urge your Senator to stand with students and vote YES on AB 705: the Student Success Act. AB 705 will require community colleges to consider high school transcripts instead of standardized test scores to decide if students must take remedial courses--helping more students secure certificates or degrees or successfully transfer to a four-year institution.

Research indicates previous school performance is a much better indicator of preparedness than standardized testing. AB 705 is a commonsense reform that:

Prevents students from being unfairly tracked into remedial programs. Makes it more likely that a student will enter and complete transfer-level coursework. Ensures community colleges maintain local flexibility while requiring they use high school performance as a criteria for placement in English and mathematics courses. Our current system is profoundly unfair, with more Black and Latino students being placed in multiple remedial classes and 50-60 percent of the racial achievement gaps in college completion driven by initial placement into English and math.

Take action: Tell your Senator to support AB 705 to streamline the acceptance process for college-level courses at community colleges and give every student a fair chance to graduate.

8/29/2017: Latest News from the League - September VOTER

To view the September VOTER, please click here. Members are also asked to view the insert with the 2018 State of the Community Luncheon nomination form available here.

8/28/2017: Join us for the Annual Membership Brunch!

Our Membership Brunch is Sept. 30th. Speakers, Chris Hartley, Superintendent of Humboldt County Office of Education and Erick Eschker, Professor of Economics, Humboldt State University. These two speakers will give us a taste of our two topics, education and finance. The event will be held at the Kate Buchanan Room at HSU, 10 AM. Event cost is $5/member. First guest is free and additional guests are $5. Please RSVP by September 23rd to: Becky Simpson (simpsonl [at] suddenlink.net).

8/20/2017: LWVUS Tranformational Objectives

This is a critical time in our democracy, and a time of opportunity for the League of Women Voters. Today, the organization is exploring a transformation that will support our work and make a lasting impact on our democracy. At Council 2017, League leaders explored why we have these transformational objectives, how we will work together to achieve them, and how we will all define and own the steps forward. View the journey here.

8/18/2017: Tell Jim Wood to Vote YES on SB10!

SB 10 seeks to fix the broken bail system that penalizes the poor and does little to protect the public. LWVC urges members to contact our Assembly Member to vote YES on SB 10, the Bail: Pretrial Release bill. Click here to read more.

8/16/2017: LWVC Update

Click here to read the update.

8/15/2017: Do you know what bills LWVC is working on?

Review the bills we oppose and/or support in our Bill Status Report

8/14/2017: LWVUS Statement on Charlottesville

In the wake of the events of this past weekend, we wanted to call to your attention the statement LWVUS put out yesterday morning. In addition, as questions have come in from Leagues about participation in "Indivisible" events/marches that are being planned, we wanted to provide a link to the criteria established earlier this year for League participation in political marches, protests and events as a resource.

Leagues are encouraged to evaluate the "Indivisible" events (and any others) being planned in their communities in the aftermath of Charlottesville using the criteria. If criteria are met, these events would fall into LEVEL 2 of engagement: LWVUS will not coordinate but will welcome state and local participation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

8/11/2017: Join us for Vote Smart presentation!

Remember to come to the League's presentation of Vote Smart on Tuesday (August 15th) at 5:30 PM at the Sequoia Conference Center. Please invite your friends to this FREE, non partisan event.

5/17/2017: View the 2nd Humboldt County General Plan Update panel discussion

To access the link, please click here or check your listings for view times on Access Humboldt, CH 12.

4/3/2017: Volunteers needed to staff Avenue of the Giants Marathon aide station

The League of Women Voters is confirmed to staff the Avenue of the Giants Marathon aide station again on May 7. It's a great way to get out into the beautiful redwoods and we are SO appreciated by the runners. Call Kay Escarda or email kayescarda [at] gmail.com to volunteer or for more information.

4/3/2017: View Humboldt County General Plan Update panel discussion

To access the link please click here or check your listings for view times on Access Humboldt, CH 12.

3/13/2017: Join us for the 26th annual State of the Community Luncheon!

On Friday, April 7, 2017, the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County will honor educator, social worker and community volunteer Marianne Pennekamp for her many years of efforts on behalf of local causes in the areas of mental health and children's services. The organization chosen for recognition is Access Humboldt. The luncheon will be held at the Adorni Center in Eureka. Seating begins at 11:30 am. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event before April 4. This event is sold out!

1/18/2017: Attention LWVHC Members: Join us this Sunday!

Join us for tea, snacks and an interactive meeting. Come be part of this important process so we can all make our voices heard! January 22 from 2 - 4 PM at the Area One Agency on Aging Building at 434 7th Street in Eureka.

We'll be taking a look at League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) positions, seeing what action has been taken in the recent past, and determining what recommendations we wish to make to the State Board for action and advocacy over the next two years. The process used in formulating positions and in taking action at the grassroots level makes the League unique and sets the League apart from other organizations. The fact that we are members not only of a local League, but of a state League and of the League of Women Voters of the United States as well, makes us a powerful force.

Contact Anne Hartline at annehartline10 [at] gmail.com with questions.

For Announcements prior to 2017, please contact the League.