PBI Announces Special Green Lecture with S. David Freeman

ADVISORY

Wednesday, October 28, 2009
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

Los Angeles, CA. For the first time ever, the Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) is hosting a special green lecture on Thursday, November 12th with Interim L.A.D.W.P. General Manager, S. David Freeman. Often referred to as the "Green Cowboy" for his years of leadership on environmental issues, Mr. Freeman will be speaking on "The Emerald City: The Green Agenda and Public Policy."

This will be Freeman's first major address since assuming his new responsibilities. His remarks will immediately follow the PBI's 17th Annual California Policy Issues Conference entitled "Building a Green and Inclusive California: An Infrastructure for the 21st Century."

Event Info:

• November 12, 2009
• 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Millennium Biltmore Hotel
• There is no cost to attend and is open to conference guests, the media and public at large
• To R.S.V.P., call 323.343.3770 or email RCampos9@cslanet.calstatela.edu.
• For all media inquires, contact Edward Headington at Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com. .
• For more event information, please visit http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

Freeman will talk about:

• The history and background of Los Angeles' "Green LA" and other similar initiatives
• The importance of Los Angeles pushing forward a green and sustainable development agenda and why this is critical to sustaining the state's infrastructure
• The significance of Los Angeles as a leader in moving ahead on this agenda.

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Pat Brown Institute Announces “Los Angeles: 2009 State of the City Report” Press Conference

MEDIA TIP SHEET

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

The 5th edition of the “Los Angele State of the City” report is now available

LOS ANGELES, CA—The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) has made public its 5th edition of “Los Angeles: State of the City” report and a press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the findings and conclusions of several expert contributors.

SPEAKERS: (full bios included in the report)

· Dr. Ali Modarres, Former PBI Associate Director and Chair, CSULA Department of Geography and Urban Analysis
· Dr. Jaime Regalado, Executive Director, Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs
· Jack Kyser, Founding Economist at the Kyser Center for Economic Research at the L.A. County Economic Development Corporation
· Dr. Bill Pitkin, Sr. Program Officer at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
· Dr. Michael Cousineau, Director of Community Health Family Medicine, USC Center for Community Health Studies

OPPORTUNITIES: Speak one-on-one with the SOTC report authors; Click here for the full report.

TIME: Thursday, October 15, 2009 @ 9 a.m.

LOCATION: Cal State LA @ 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032 in the Student Union on the 3rd Floor, Los Angeles Room A

FYI: In this report, six regional experts offer substantive discussions of various issues that affect the quality of life in Los Angeles: demographic dynamics and the state of the economy, healthcare, housing challenges and opportunities, immigration, governance, and education.

MEDIA INQUIRIES/RSVP: Media requests to Edward Headington at 818.720.7181 or edward@headingtonmedia.com; all others to Jacqueline Ruiz at 323.343.3770 or JRuiz@cslanet.calstatela.edu. MORE: This is a free public event open to the media, elected officials, and all community stakeholders. Parking available on campus at Parking Structure C or Lot 5 located at Paseo Rancho Castilla; Cost is $2 per two hours (cash only).

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Pat Brown Institute 2009 Distinguished Lecture with CA Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg

ADVISORY

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
For Immediate Release PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

PBI “California 2020: A Look Ahead” on 9/23 featuring California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg

The Honorable Darrell Steinberg will provide a look ahead on the Golden State and discuss whether California has the leadership and resources to meet the challenge

LOS ANGELES, CA—The California Agenda is a component of the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs’ Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison, Wells Fargo and Sony Pictures. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues. The 2009 Distinguished Lecture caps the California Agenda series for the year and will be part of the conversation going into the PBI California Issues Conference in November.

WHO – Welcome by PBI Executive Director, Dr. Jaime Regalado; Introduction by Wells Fargo Senior Vice President Byron Reed; Remarks by California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg

WHAT – PBI 2009 Distinguished Lecture on “California 2020: A Look Ahead”

WHEN – Wednesday, September 23, 2009; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE – City Club on Bunker Hill @ 333 S. Grand Ave., 54th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071

FYI – Refreshments and hors d’ oeuvres will be provided; Please R.S.V.P. to 323.343.3770 or rcampos9@cslanet.calstatela.edu.

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The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

Pat Brown Institute to Hold “Are We on Our Way to Immigration Reform” Discussion on June 18th

ADVISORY

Thursday, June 11, 2009
For Immediate Release PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – www.PatBrownInstitute.org

This is the last California Agenda event until September and will be moderated by the New York Times’ Randal C. Archibold

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. This Thursday, PBI will focus on how immigration reform and the policy and social implications for the Golden State.

WHO – Expert panelists; journalists; chamber of commerce members; political scientists; public policy analysts; elected officials and their staff; students; community leaders and other stakeholders

Moderator – Randal C. Archibold, New York Times

Panelists – Ira Mehlman, Federation of American Immigration Reform (FAIR); Ruth Milkman, UCLA; Nancy Ramirez, Mexican American Legal and Educational Fund (MALDEF); and Gary Toebben, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

WHAT – PBI California Agenda discussion on “Are We on Our Way to Immigration Reform?”

WHEN – Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE – California State University, Los Angeles in the University Student Union, Room 308 AB @ 5154 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

FYI – There is no cost to attend but PBI asks that you R.S.V.P. @ http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/register/245/.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

State Controller John Chiang Addressed California’s Financial Future at Special PBI Luncheon Discussion @ Cal State LA

RELEASE

Monday, May 25, 2009
For Immediate Release PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

State’s Top Fiscal Officer spoke on “California’s Financial Future: Getting Beyond Gridlock”

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. Last Thursday, as part of its California Agenda series, the PBI focused on the Golden State’s financial future featuring the Honorable John Chiang.

“With the Special Election this past Tuesday, we could not ask for a timelier topic and speaker,” said PBI Executive Director Jaime Regalado. “No one is sure what is going to happen next but the proposed cuts will be severe and affect many of California’s working families. I thank the Controller for his comments today and commend him for his leadership on the budget deficit.”

State Controller John Chiang delivered his remarks in the Golden Eagle Conference Center at California State University Drive, Los Angeles in front of an audience of many different community stakeholders: Cal State LA faculty, students and administration, representatives from Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Edison, Wells Fargo and Speaker Karen Bass’s office, neighborhood council leaders, and many more.

“[Governor] Pat Brown created a California that had all of our eyes set a little higher so that we saw a bigger and brighter horizon,” said Controller John Chiang. “There is a huge whiplash effect [with unemployment going up] when you have a downturn in the economy—and that’s what we’re experiencing. Then there is national and global economic phenomenon happening. . . . We can’t continue to roll these debts and deficits on a year-to-year basis because—truthfully—this is your life. The California budget impacts our lives—it’s our education, our healthcare, our infrastructure, our jobs. This ought to be personal for you. It’s important that you elevate your participation … to help the elected and appointed leaders make the right decisions because that’s how you rebuild the California economy and rebuild a system that truly meets our greatest aspirations.”

Footage of the Controller’s remarks available here: Video 1; Video 2; Video 3; and Video 4

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

PBI 28th Annual Awards Dinner Slideshow

Select shots from the dinner held on April 30, 2009

Hon. John Chiang to Address California’s Financial Future at Pat Brown Institute Luncheon Discussion

ADVISORY

The State Controller will speak at California State University, Los Angeles on “California’s Financial Future: Getting Beyond Gridlock”

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. Later this month, the PBI will focus on the Golden State’s financial future with one of its top financial experts.

WHO – State Controller John Chiang

WHAT – PBI California Agenda discussion on “California’s Financial Future: Getting Beyond Gridlock”

WHEN – Thursday, May 21, 2009; 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE – California State University, Los Angeles in the Golden Eagle Conference Center Ballroom, 3rd Floor @ 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

WHY – California’s fiscal crisis is far from over and experts predict could get worse depending on the Special Election this month. Hear from one of the state’s top financial experts on what may happen next for all Californians.

FYI – Parking available on campus at Parking Structure C or Lot 5 (Cost is $2 for two hours—cash only) located on Paseo Rancho Castilla. This is a free event open to the public. Please R.S.V.P. at http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/register/244/. Please contact Edward Headington at Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or 818.720.7181 for all media requests.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

Pat Brown Institute Announces “The Golden State and the Future of Green Growth and Green Labor” Discussion at Sony Pictures Entertainment

ADVISORY

Featuring Daniel Flaming from the Los Angeles Economic Roundtable

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. On April 23rd, Daniel Fleming will focus on how California’s labor force is moving toward green-collar jobs and how it might position the Golden State as a leader of the green economy.

WHO – Expert panelists; journalists; chamber of commerce members; political scientists; public policy analysts; elected officials and their staff; students; community leaders and other stakeholders

Featuring Daniel Flaming, President of the Los Angeles Economic Roundtable

WHAT – PBI California Agenda discussion on “The Golden State and the Future of Green Growth and Green Labor”

WHEN – Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE – Sony Pictures Entertainment in the Rita Hayworth Dining Room @ 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

WHY – Questions remain as to whether “going green” is a trend and/or if growing green a smart investment? Various economic sectors have implemented environmentally safe practices to strategically grow green. But is this the moment for California to grow green and create a more sustainable society? .

FYI – There is no cost to attend but you must R.S.V.P. and bring with you a valid photo ID in order to enter the lot. Please contact Edward Headington at Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or 818.720.7181 for all media requests.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

Twittering from PBI's "New Deal" CA Agenda event

Need your live tweets of Pat Brown Institute events? Get them at www.Twitter.com/PBI.

Pat Brown Institute “A New Deal in Store for California’s Infrastructure?” Panel Discussion Tomorrow Morning!

MEDIA ALERT

Los Angeles Daily News Editorial Page Writer and Columnist, Mariel Garza, will be the moderator

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. Tomorrow morning, as part of its California Agenda series, the PBI hosts an exciting panel discussion with some of the best and bright minds in the region.

WHO – Moderator – Mariel Garza, Editorial Page Writer and Columnist for the L.A. Daily News; Panelists: Valerie Shaw – City of Los Angeles Public Works Commission; Harvey Smith – National New Deal Preservation; and John Tanner – SEIU Local 721

The diverse 100+ audience will be comprised of many community stakeholders: other experts; journalists; chamber of commerce members; political scientists; public policy analysts; elected officials and their staff; students; community leaders and others.

WHAT – PBI California Agenda discussion on “New Deal in Store for California’s Infrastructure?

WHEN – Thursday, March 19, 2009; 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE – California State University, Los Angeles in the University Student Union @ 5154 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

WHY – With President Obama in Southern California tomorrow, you could not ask for a timelier panel as his administration has promised to renew its contract with America through re-envisioned “New Deal” programs.

Please contact Edward Headington at Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or 818.720.7181 for all media requests.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

Video - PBI CA Agenda with Assm. Hector De La Torre

Plus 7 More Videos on YouTube

Slideshow - PBI CA Agenda with Assm. Hector De La Torre

February 19, 2009 at Cal State LA

"Foreclosing on the American Dream"

PBI Announces Panelists/Moderator for “A New Deal for CA?“ Panel

ADVISORY

Monday, March 9 2009
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

Los Angeles Daily News Editorial Page Writer and Columnist, Mariel Garza, will be moderating

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. The incoming Obama administration has promised to renew its contract with America through re-envisioned “New Deal” programs. Borrowing from the pages of American and Californian histories, the federal government will embark upon large-scale infrastructure projects to repair and build our physical infrastructure while boosting the economy and strengthening our social foundations. Notably, former Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown followed such a policy with successful results.

WHO – Expert panelists; journalists; chamber of commerce members; political scientists; public policy analysts; elected officials and their staff; students; community leaders and other stakeholders

Moderator – Mariel Garza, Editorial Page Writer and Columnist for the L.A. Daily News

Panelists – Valerie Shaw – City of Los Angeles Public Works Commission; Harvey Smith – National New Deal Preservation; and John Tanner – SEIU Local 721

WHAT – PBI California Agenda discussion on “New Deal in Store for California’s Infrastructure?"

WHEN – Thursday, March 19, 2009; 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE – California State University, Los Angeles in the University Student Union @ 5154 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

WHY – During the 2006 election, voters in California agreed that the Golden State needed its own “New Deal” and overwhelmingly voted to authorize the state to spend bond monies on infrastructure projects related to transportation, housing, and education. The state passed legislation distributing the monies, but little action has been taken since. Why is the state not spending funds that voters authorized? What budget issues are preventing the state from moving forward to strengthen our infrastructure? The discussion will examine the state’s financial condition and ability to invest in infrastructure; it will also focus on possible outcomes that may arise, depending on whether we invest in infrastructure, how much we invest, and how soon.

FYI – Parking available on campus at Parking Structure C or Lot 5 located on Paseo Rancho Castilla (only costs $2 for the two hours—cash only). Give yourself about 5 to 8 minutes to walk to the building. This is a free event open to the public and a light breakfast will be provided. Please R.S.V.P. to Edward Moreno at emoreno9@cslanet.calstatela.edu or register online.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

3/19 PBI Event – “A New Deal for California?”

ADVISORY

Tuesday, March 3, 2009
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

The moderated panel discussion will include Harvey Smith of the National New Deal Preservation

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. The incoming Obama administration has promised to renew its contract with America through re-envisioned “New Deal” programs. Borrowing from the pages of American and Californian histories, the federal government will embark upon large-scale infrastructure projects to repair and build our physical infrastructure while boosting the economy and strengthening our social foundations. Notably, former Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown followed such a policy with successful results.

WHO – Expert panelists; journalists; chamber of commerce members; political scientists; public policy analysts; elected officials and their staff; students; community leaders and other stakeholders

WHAT – PBI California Agenda discussion on “New Deal in Store for California’s Infrastructure?

WHEN – Thursday, March 19, 2009; 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE – California State University, Los Angeles in the University Student Union @ 5154 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

WHY – During the 2006 election, voters in California agreed that the Golden State needed its own “New Deal” and overwhelmingly voted to authorize the state to spend bond monies on infrastructure projects related to transportation, housing, and education. The state passed legislation distributing the monies, but little action has been taken since. Why is the state not spending funds that voters authorized? What budget issues are preventing the state from moving forward to strengthen our infrastructure? The discussion will examine the state’s financial condition and ability to invest in infrastructure; it will also focus on possible outcomes that may arise, depending on whether we invest in infrastructure, how much we invest, and how soon.

FYI – Parking available on campus at Parking Structure C or Lot 5 located on Paseo Rancho Castilla (only costs $2 for the two hours—cash only). Give yourself about 5 to 8 minutes to walk to the building. This is a free event open to the public and a light breakfast will be provided. Please R.S.V.P. to Edward Moreno at emoreno9@cslanet.calstatela.edu or register online.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

Assemblymember Hector De La Torre to Speak on “Foreclosing on the American Dream”

ADVISORY

Tuesday, February 3, 2009
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

Assemblymember Hector De La Torre to Speak on “Foreclosing on the American Dream”

Last year’s PBI Public Servant of the Year honoree will headline the February 19th kick-off event for the 2009 California Agenda Series

LOS ANGELES, CA — For nearly three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles (PBI) has focused on state and community issues and been a standard bearer for the legacy of its namesake. Home ownership has long been promoted as the cornerstone of the American Dream and an important vehicle for building the personal assets of Californians. However, given California’s current economic environment and the growing number of home foreclosures across the state, Assemblymember Hector De La Torre will address a number of questions: Is the American dream being significantly deferred? How do we effectively deal with this issue? What role can government play?

WHO – Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (chair of California State Assembly Committee on Accountability and Administrative Review, committee member of the Committee on Housing and Community Development Budget and the Committee on Budget )

WHAT – California Agenda discussion on “Foreclosing on the American Dream”

WHEN – Thursday, February 19, 2009; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE – California State University, Los Angeles in the University Student Union (Los Angeles Room 308A); 5154 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

WHY – The discussion will touch upon the social and political dynamics that brought us to this economic moment in American and California histories, as well as focus on what we can learn from this crisis moving forward. Assemblymember De La Torre will speak to best practices and policy solutions to navigate us out of the quagmire.

FYI – Parking available on campus at Parking Structure C (only costs $2 for the two hours). This is a free event open to the public. Please R.S.V.P. at 323.343.3770 or jruiz@cslanet.calstatela.edu.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

The California Agenda is a component of the PBI’s Public Policy Education Program and is hosted this year by Southern California Edison and Wells Fargo. It was created to educate and engage leaders and individuals across the sectors on significant state, regional and local public policy issues.

Jaime Regalado quoted in POLITICO

Asian-American up in Hispanic district

David Mark
POLITICO
January 7, 2009 05:00 AM EST

A splintered field of Latino candidates could lead to the election of an Asian-American in Southern California’s majority-­Hispanic 32nd District, leaving Hispanics with one less voice in Congress at a time when their share of the population is growing.

In the special House election to succeed Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-Calif.), who was recently tapped to become the Obama administration’s labor secretary, former Monterey Park Mayor Judy Chu stands to gain from a potentially crowded field of prominent Latino officeholders that could divide the Hispanic vote and enable her to capture the solidly Democratic, East Los Angeles-based seat.

All the candidates will run on a single ballot in the special primary election. If any one of them wins a majority of votes, that candidate takes the seat outright. Otherwise, the top two vote-getters will square off eight weeks later in a special general election — essentially a runoff.

While the racially diverse district is about two-thirds Hispanic, it also has an unusually large Asian population — roughly 20 percent. As the only prominent Asian candidate in the race — and one who has drawn support from Hispanic voters in the past — Chu could benefit from a concentrated Asian vote to make it into a special general election if the Latino vote is divided among several candidates.

So far, Chu, a former three-term assemblywoman, and state Sen. Gloria Romero, a longtime officeholder whose legislative territory covers about 95 percent of the congressional district, are the only announced candidates. But state Sen. Gil Cedillo and other lawmakers could still jump into the race.

While the district is friendlier to GOP candidates than most minority-majority Southern California seats, almost no one expects Republicans to be competitive in the special primary, likely to be held in April.

A Chu win is contingent on maximizing the Asian vote and picking off support elsewhere, said Jaime A. Regalado, director of the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at California State University, Los Angeles. She begins with a head start in her hometown of Monterey Park, which is the only majority-Asian-American city in the United States. The non-Hispanic white vote — roughly 15 percent of the population — is concentrated in the eastern part of the district and looms as the wild card.

“The Latino residency population is the predominant one, but it doesn’t mean they will turn out to vote,” Regalado said. “Judy Chu has done well courting Latino votes and Latino votes — those who give money. It’s not a slam-dunk that, because Romero’s in the race, she’ll get 95 percent of the Latino vote.”

Read more.

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass Calls on Federal Government to Address California’s Budget Shortfall

RELEASE

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
For Immediate Release

Media Contact(s):

Joey Furutani
Nakatomi & Associates
310.914.5000, Joey@nakatomipr.com

Edward Headington
Headington Media Group
818.720.7181, Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

In Keynote Address at Pat Brown Institute’s 16th Annual California Policy Issues Conference, Bass says Infusion of Cash is Needed to Avoid “Devastating Cuts to Education”

LOS ANGELES, CA—In her keynote address today at the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute’s 16th Annual California Policy Issues Conference, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass urged the federal government to address the budget crisis in California and called on President Bush to take action in the final days of his Administration.

The theme is year was “California’s Future on the Horizon: Implications of the 2008 Elections” and Bass said legislative analysts have placed California’s projected budget shortfall at $27.8 billion.

With its large population and economy, “California is really unique,” she said. “Our budget is over $100 billion and approximately one‐third of the nation’s foreclosures occurred in our state. This is not just a California problem, so it can’t just be a California solution.”

Bass called on the federal government to provide an immediate infusion of discretionary cash to California so that legislators can avoid what she termed would be “devastating cuts to education and to health and human services.”

Additionally, to avoid the budget impasse that has become an annual event in California, Bass called for a state Constitutional amendment that would reduce the number of votes required in the legislature to pass a budget from two‐thirds to a simple majority. She also called for an end to term limits in the state legislature, saying they create an environment in which some elected office holders are leery of voting to raise revenues before they run for higher office.

“We suffer from term limits as a state,” she added.

Bass represents the 47th Assembly District. She became Speaker of the Assembly in May 2008.

The Assembly Speaker’s speech was one highlight of a conference that brought together elected officials, civic leaders and experts from the political arena, academia and the business community, to discuss and debate the implications of the Nov. 4, 2008 elections and what they mean for California.

On Election Day, “voters overwhelmingly indicated their willingness to invest in California’s future—an idea our namesake, former Governor Pat Brown, understood so many years ago,” said Dr. Jaime A. Regalado, Executive Director of the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs, citing the approval of major infrastructure funding and school bonds statewide.

Attendees heard from experts from the media, voter organizations and local and state government. In one panel on “Youth Organizing, Mobilization and Turnout,” experts discussed social networking tools and their effects on voter turnout. Another panel, on “The Role of Race, Class and Gender in the 2008 Elections,” looked at the significance of these issues and their impact on California.

“Overwhelmingly, panelists agreed that a byproduct of the 2008 elections was an electorate that is engaged and involved like never before,” said Regalado.

Bass echoed that sentiment in her keynote speech, saying she hopes to take advantage of the huge network of voters who mobilized to elect Barack Obama: “As an organizer, I wonder how do I tap all that energy to get and sustain their involvement.”

Held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, the PBI’s 16th Annual Policy Issues Conference was supported by Kaiser Permanente—with additional sponsorship from AT&T, Sempra Energy, the James Irvine Foundation, SEIU Local 721, the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, Sony Pictures, the California Federation of Teachers, IBEW Local 47, Verizon, Chevron, and the California Faculty Association and Southern California Edison.

For almost three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs has focused on state and community issues—dedicated to the quest for social justice and equality of opportunity, enlightened civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

PBI‘s 16th Annual California Policy Issues Conference is Today!

ADVISORY

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
For Immediate Release

Media Contact(s):

Joey Furutani
Nakatomi & Associates
310.914.5000, Joey@nakatomipr.com

Edward Headington
Headington Media Group
818.720.7181, Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

“California’s Future on the Horizon: Implications of the 2008 Elections”

Keynote addresses by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Patt Morrison of KPCC 89.3 FM and the Los Angeles Times

WHO: Panelists will include elected officials, civic leaders and experts from the political arena, academia and the business community, who will discuss and debate the implications of the 2008 elections and what they mean for California. For the full conference program, visit http://patbrowninstitute.org/events/235.

WHAT: PBI 16th Annual California Policy Issues Conference on “California’s Future on the Horizon: Implications of the 2008 Elections”

WHEN: Wed., November 12, 2008; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Lunch keynote at 12:30 p.m.)

WHERE: Millennium Biltmore Hotel @ 506 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. Valet parking is located at the hotel entrance on Grand Avenue. Self parking is available at the Pershing Square garage, across the street from the hotel; the lot entrance is located on Olive and 6th Street. The Pershing Square Metro Station is located across the street from the hotel.

WHY: For almost three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) has focused on state and community issues—dedicated to the quest for social justice and equality of opportunity, enlightened civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians. Hear from the experts on the implications of the 2008 elections and what it means for our state and the nation.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/.

10/22 PBI Panel on "Immigrants, Race Relations and the 2008 Elections"

ADVISORY

Monday, October 20, 2008
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

Los Angeles, CA. For almost three decades, the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs (PBI) has focused on state and community issues—dedicated to the quest for social justice and equality of opportunity, enlightened civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians. This Wednesday night, less than two weeks before the national elections, the PBI hosts a panel discussion on "Immigrants, Race Relations and the 2008 Elections."

WHO: PBI supporters and staff; immigration experts; community leaders and others

Moderator: Jon Beaupre, California State University Los Angeles, KPCC 89.3 FM frequent guest host, and the Los Angeles Press Club

Panelists: Stewart Kwoh - Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California; Rev. Eric P. Lee - Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles; Angela Sanbrano - National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities; and Ira Mehlman - Federation for American Immigration Reform

WHAT: PBI Panel Discussion on "Immigrants, Race Relations and the 2008 Elections"

WHEN: Wednesday, October 22, 2008; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: City Club on Bunker Hill @ 333 S Grand Avenue, Suite 5450, Los Angeles, CA 90071; (Wells Fargo Center)

WHY: The panelists will consider the following: What roles do immigration and immigrant communities play in the larger arenas of race and ethnic relations in the U.S.? How do these roles affect local, regional and national politics/political processes? How can we situate debates on immigration within the larger framework of social, economic and political justice?

FYI: Hosted by Southern California Edison and the James Irvine Foundation. RSVP today @ www.patbrowninstitute.org/register/227/.

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The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs, a presidentially chartered institute at California State University, Los Angeles, is a non-partisan public policy center dedicated to sustaining vision and legacy of former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown through convening public policy forums, engaging multi sector stakeholders and diverse communities, and conducting timely policy research and community driven initiatives. For more information, go to www.PatBrownInstitute.org/.

Footage of PBI Panel on Technology and the Future of Civic Engagement

From touch-screen voting to online campaigning, technology is shaping the future of civic engagement. But what does this mean for e-democracy—especially for those individuals and communities without access to the latest technology? This panel considered the promise of technology and how it enables us to acquire and disseminate information.

In debating various notions of e-democracy, the panel looked at the degree to which the digital divide may hinder any aspect of these expectations.

California Agenda Panel Discussion on “Technology and the Future of Civic Engagement”

September 24, 2008

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