WASHINGTON
Padilla leads push demanding Trump rescind illegal anti-voter executive order
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, led 14 Democratic Senators in calling on President Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order that would disenfranchise millions of Americans.
“This unlawful directive exceeds your authority over an independent agency and would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters by creating barriers to voting, while also inviting chaos into state voter registration processes – including by inappropriately sharing Americans’ data with the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),” wrote the Senators.
The proof of citizenship requirements in the executive order would restrict the right to vote for millions of Americans given the burden it creates to obtain these documents. Nearly half of all American citizens do not have valid passports, and millions more have a legal name that differs from other government-issued documents, including up to 69 million married women whose birth certificates no longer match their legal name.
The Senators emphasized that the order runs counter to the constitutional foundation that elections are to be primarily administered by the states.
“Voting by noncitizens is already a federal crime and, despite unsubstantiated claims to the contrary, is extremely rare. By interjecting DOGE into the process, this order would interfere with states’ maintenance of voter registration lists, compromising voters’ personal information,” continued the Senators.
“The new federal voter registration requirements in this illegal order would likely disenfranchise millions of American voters. Millions of Americans do not have passports and many face challenges obtaining other documents that would be required by this order, if it was ever implemented,” concluded the Senators. “This order also places a variety of other process burdens on voters, especially married women, rural residents, and low-income voters, and communities of color.”
In a statement earlier this week, Senator Padilla condemned Trump’s unlawful attempt at a Presidential power grab through his anti-voter executive order. The full text of the letter is online at: https://www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Election-Integrity-EO-Letter.pdf
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CLEARLAKE OAKS
Annual Catfish Derby marks 41 years
Signups are underway and applications are rolling in for the 41st Annual Catfish Derby. “The lake conditions are good and getting better with the lingering rains we’re enjoying now,” said Derby Committee Chair Dennis Locke.
Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, the one-of-a-kind event draws nearly 1000 anglers and their families and friends to Clearlake Oaks.
“It’s a boost for our economy,” said Matthew St. Clair, the Association President, who is also a key and longtime member of the Derby committee. “Nearby resorts, hotels and campgrounds fill up and shopping at our grocery stores and bait and tackle shops benefit from the influx of visitors who also dine at our restaurants and take in all our County has to offer.”
According to Locke, each year about 50 volunteers show up to help during the Derby while a core group of the committee does the planning and attends to the many details making sure everything runs smoothly before, during and after the event.
Locke noted that last year the Derby drew 886 registered anglers, plus their families and friends who lend support and take in the fun. “For a small community like ours – about 2,200 residents – that’s a crowd,” he said. “It’s shaping up to be another good year for the Derby – the lake conditions are great for fishing.”
The Derby is a family affair and, for some, a long-time tradition. Locke estimates 80% fish as families and 60% come in from out of County.
The Business Association sponsors the event – fronting the money to keep the Derby going. “Last year we raised $30,000,” said St. Clair. “The proceeds go right back into the Clearlake Oaks and nearby communities to support academic and sports programs, elder needs and other requests that come in from the community. The more we raise the more we give back,” St. Clair said.
The Derby is held at the Clearlake Oaks Fire Station, 12655 Hwy 20, from May 16 – 18. Early registration and check-in start at noon on May 15.
This year $10,000 in prizes will be awarded in 3 categories: 1 for adult entries and 2 for youngsters. As is the tradition, there will be lots of raffles and great prizes and kids will receive a free Derby T-Shirt with their sign up. Derby T-shirts and hats will be on sale.
Locke encourages everyone to sign up early. The entry fees are the same as the last several years; $50 for adults and $10 for the two kid categories. “Those who sign up after 11 pm on Thursday pay $60.00,” he said.
Fishing starts at noon on Friday and concludes Sunday at noon.
Visit www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby to sign up online or call 707-596-0248 for more information.
Trophies and cash are given out on the last day of the Derby where everyone enjoys the awards ceremony, a fabulous meal and camaraderie. The awards ceremony starts at 1 pm.
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