What are Our Cities Doing to Mitigate Climate Change?

On Sunday May 4, 2025, the League hosted a sustainability event about what local governments are doing to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. League board member Trity Pourbahrami moderated a panel of local council members: George Tyson (Los Altos Hills), Pat Showalter (Mountain View), and Sally Meadows (Los Altos).

The discussion highlighted advancements in sustainability, including carbon footprint reduction, renewable energy promotion, and eco-friendly practices. Key questions addressed by the panelists included the role of local governments, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and concerns and constraints faced by each city in addressing climate change. Read more on our website.

Three Messages for State Senator Becker

1 - No Big Money - Return Power to Voters

Big money in politics is drowning out voters. Mega-donors and corporate-funded independent expenditures are dominating our elections. That’s why the League of Women Voters of California is sponsoring SB 42(Umberg). SB 42 lifts California’s outdated ban on public financing of campaigns - but only if the Legislature passes it and voters approve it in 2026. SB 42 doesn’t impose public financing but gives voters the power to choose it. Help the League return power to the voters. Click to tell Senator Becker to vote YES on SB 42.

2 - Vote Yes on SJR 1

A Constitutional Convention -- an "Article V Convention" -- can be called for by a state for any reason. BUT - even a convention called for a specific purpose could spin out of control. No rules limit what can be proposed or changed, offering a direct pathway to chaos and giving powerful special interests free rein to rewrite the Constitution.

Senate Joint Resolution 1 (Wiener), sponsored by the League of Women Voters of California, would rescind all of California’s prior calls for an Article V Constitutional Convention. The state has had seven open calls for conventions. No more. SJR-1 is our chance to close that door before it’s too late.

Contact state Senator Becker here to ask him for vote Yes on SJR 1.

3 - Democracy Isn’t Promised. It’s Protected.

At the national level, we are seeing the dismissal of courts, the erasure of DEI, the violent targeting of immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities, and much more. All of this makes it clear: democracy survives only when we step up to defend it.

Even in California democracy is fragile.

The LWVC is supporting, equity-driven policy, like AB 1071, which would strengthen the Racial Justice Act by giving courts the clarity and discretion they need to enforce justice fairly. This legislation brings us closer to a justice system that lives up to its name.  

AB 1071 passed in the assembly vote. Now it’s time to contact Senator Becker to support the Racial Justice Act when it comes to the Senate floor for a vote.

Mobilize Voters in Our “Constitutional Crisis”

Protests are starting nation-wide. In the meantime, Celina Stewart, CEO, and Dianna Wynn, president of the League of Women Voters, released the following statement:  

“It has now been 87 days [as of April 17] since the start of the Trump administration. From the flagrant disregard for congressional authority and governmental checks and balances to defying Supreme Court orders to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back home, one thing is abundantly clear: our country is in a constitutional crisis.   

"We, the people, must fight back. That is why the League of Women Voters is launching a powerful new initiative, Unite and Rise 8.5. …to engage and mobilize 8.5 million voters between now and November 2026…” 

To find out more and actions to take click here. More actions will appear in the Voter as we near 2026.