The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County received the “Strengthening Democracy” Award at the League of Women Voters of California State Convention in Sacramento, held in June. The award was given in recognition of the local League’s campaign to promote civil discourse at public meetings and in political discussion.

Federal immigration policies and enforcement have taken an aggressive shift in recent months, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents making arrests at public facilities such as schools and courthouses. These policies and practices are not only devastating for the individuals and families being targeted, but they will also make our communities less safe and less prosperous. Senate Bill 54 by Senate President pro Tem Kevin de León is a crucial step toward protecting California values.

Weeks after voters passed Proposition 54, the California Legislature Transparency Act last November, the state Assembly declared its intention to flout one of the key parts of the initiative: the requirement that the final text of a bill be printed and posted online at least 72 hours before it is passed. Assembly leaders asserted that the mandate didn’t apply to resolutions because they don’t have the force of law, or to final votes in the Assembly if the bill has yet to be approved by the Senate.