The Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs Announces New Website Design

RELEASE

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
For Immediate Release
PBI Contact – Jacqueline Ruiz, 323.343.3770
Media Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181
Website – http://www.patbrowninstitute.org/

The PBI Continues to Innovate and Engage as it Serves as a Standard Bearer for the Legacy of its Namesake

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 PBI is dedicated to the quest for social justice and equality of opportunity, enlightened civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians. An ambitious ’09 lineup of events will soon be announced—including this Thursday’s California Agenda Series kick-off with Assemblymember Hector De La Torre—but it was unveiled today that the PBI has re-designed their website (www.PatBrownInstitute.org) to better serve their audience and engage the online community.

“We are very excited to unveil the new site,” said PBI Executive Director, Dr. Jaime Regalado. “Beyond the color scheme and logo update, it’s now much easier to navigate and we have more information and news available.”

The website redesign comes on the heels of last year’s effort to engage Angelenos in both traditional and new media platforms—including PBI’s own Facebook and Twitter pages, LinkedIn group and secondary website “My Pat Brown Institute.” The results were increased attendance, more youth involvement and a reiteration that the PBI was the place to be when it came to public affairs and issues affecting Californians.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to keep the Pat Brown legacy alive in 2009,” said Regalado. “Over 40 years have passed since he was in office but he is still one of our most beloved California governors. Through our new website design, ambitious lineup of events, and new media approaches, we will not only keep Governor Brown fresh and relevant for our time but also build upon the ongoing work of social justice and equality of opportunity, enlightened civic engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians.”

A few of the new features include a Spotlight box with photos from recent events, a PBI In the News box with links to articles where PBI is mentioned, and easier viewing and downloading of its publications (i.e. the Digital Equity report).

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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.

LABJ’s Deborah Crowe to Moderate BREATHE LA Green Salon on AB 32/ Global Warming this Wednesday, Feb. 18th

ADVISORY

Monday, February 16, 2009
For Immediate Release

BREATHE LA Contact – Julia Robinson Shimizu
323.935.8050x233, jrobinsonshimizu@breathela.org

Green Salon Series Contact – Edward Headington
818.720.7181, Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

Three experts will be speaking on the Implementation, Costs and Concerns of AB 32, including DWP CEO and General Manager, David Nahai

Los Angeles, CA — BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) announced the 2009 Green Salon Series at City Hall last month to much acclaim. Sponsored by Union Bank of California, the series begins this Wednesday morning, February 18th, with a panel discussion on AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. A full panel of experts and a journalist moderator have been confirmed as well as a special welcome by Los Angeles Councilmember José Huizar. Please join BREATHE LA and others for this free and open “green” forum.

WHO – Welcome by Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 14, José Huizar
(to be introduced by BREATHE LA Board Member, Bob Berliner)

Moderator – Deborah Crowe, Staff Reporter and Web Editor for the Los Angeles Busines Journal

Panel of Experts – Carolyn Casavan, Valley Industry Commerce Association Environment & Energy Committee Co-Chair and CEO of West Coast Environmental & Engineering; Anita Mangels, Project Director for Woodward & McDowell and Member of the AB 32 Implementation Group; and David Nahai, CEO and General Manager for the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power

WHAT – Green Salon on the “Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) Update: Implementation, Costs & Concerns”

WHEN – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE – The California Endowment @ 1000 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Parking is hosted; 2 blocks from the Union Station Metro exit)

WHY – Hear from some of the top experts on AB 32 and its ramification; engage in Q&A; learn about BREATHE LA’s Global Warming & Asthma Report.

FYI – Free and open “green” public forum. R.S.V.P. to Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or 818.720.7181.

Sponsored by:

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BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) is a non-profit, public benefit organization dedicated to clean air and healthy lungs in Los Angeles County. BREATHE LA first established in 1903 to fight then-epidemic Tuberculosis is now part of BREATHE California, a statewide organization http://www.breathela.org/.

The BREATHE LA Green Salon Series, now in its second year of operation, engages all stakeholders around clean air, the environment and healthy living. An elected official delivers the welcome for each salon and a local journalist serves as moderator for panels of “green” experts. Sponsored by Union Bank of California, there will be six salons in 2009 (February 18th, April 15th, June 17th, August 20th, September 16th and November 19th). For more information, go to http://www.greensalonseries.com/.

LA Press Club “Jobs After Journalism” Panel on February 26th

Serving Southern California since 1913, the Los Angeles Press Club is the only Southern California journalism group that speaks for all journalists working for daily and weekly newspapers, radio & TV, magazines, documentary films and online.

ADVISORY

Friday, February 13, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact – Edward Headington, Publicist
(323) 669-8081 or Edward@LAPressClub.org

What to do After You Leave Your Job in Journalism

The panel discussion will be moderated by Jill Stewart, L.A. Weekly News Editor, Press Club Board Member and veteran print and broadcast journalist

Hollywood, CA. The Los Angeles Press Club is hosting another great panel discussion next Thursday night at the Steve Allen Theater called “What to Do After You Leave Your Job in Journalism.” Two well-known Los Angeles journalists who have made the leap into new careers will join two job experts to offer practical advice for Southern California journalists who have left, or expect to be leaving, their jobs.

WHO – Moderated by Jill Stewart, L.A. Weekly news editor and veteran print and broadcast journalist.

Brent Hopkins: Award-winning former reporter for the Los Angeles Daily News, who specialized in urban affairs, crime and government. Brent is now an officer trainee with the Los Angeles Police Department, and in his off hours has been "on assignment" for the Press Club gathering personal stories from other L.A. journalists who, like Brent, have recently left journalism.

Ken Mandler: Sacramento's leading trainer in how to land a good job in government in any city that has state agencies (like L.A.). He will explain state job opportunities for journalists, ranging from policy research to human services to management, and he will show how a 50-something person can still work their way to a state pension. Ken says that despite the unfolding budget disaster, California is hiring, because there always openings in the 300,000-plus workforce.

Gayle Pollard-Terry: Award-winning reporter and editorial writer for the Los Angeles Times, Gayle specialized for many years in education coverage. She is now the Deputy Director of Media and Communications at Los Angeles Unified School District. She will talk about her choice to jump the fence, and what it is like to become a spokeswoman for the people she once wrote about.

Career consultant, TBA: From a major, nationally known firm that specializes in how to make mid-career switches, create new career paths, and acquire extra skills or education. Name of panelist to be announced.

WHAT – Moderated Panel Discussion on “What to Do After You Leave Your Job in Journalism”

WHEN – Thursday, February 26, 2009; 7 p.m.

WHERE – The Steve Allen Theater at the LA Press Club; 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90027; Plenty of free parking behind the building (enter off of Berendo Street); Click here for a map; Metro: Red line, Sunset/Vermont station

WHY – With L.A. journalists facing serious downsizing, the panelists will offer their sometimes-upbeat and sometimes-harrowing personal stories, woven together with no-nonsense rules for pursuing a post-media career. Come prepared to hear a few myths burst, and to learn some positive, useful ideas for what to do next.

FYI: Free to press club members (R.S.V.P. here). All others: $10 prepaid or $20 at the door. Students $5. Includes all drinks and appetizers.

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The Los Angeles Press Club stands as an organization devoted to improving the spirit of journalism and journalists, raising the industry’s standards, strengthening its integrity and improving its reputation all for the benefit of the community at large. For more information, go to http://www.lapressclub.org/ and/or www.myspace.com/lapressclub.

PR Newswire, co-sponsor for all Los Angeles Press Club events, is the global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators. For more information, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/.

Headington Media Group is a full-service communications firm dedicated to promoting public affairs in Southern California, specializing in image management, branding and public relations. For more information, go to http://www.headingtonmedia.com/ and/or visit http://www.headingtonmediacenter.org/.

Coro CrossTalk on Healthcare Returns with Jim Lott on February 20th!

ADVISORY

Tuesday, February 10, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington
E-mail: EHeadington@Coro.org
Direct: 818.720.7181

Coro Southern California – Center for Civic Leadership

The Executive Vice President of the Hospital Association of Southern California will speak to the “State of the State of Healthcare Reform”

LOS ANGELES, CA. Coro CrossTalk on Healthcare returns for its second year with Coro Health Leadership Program (HLP) booster, presenter and mentor, Jim Lott. CrossTalk is a boundary-crossing healthcare speaker series that features and engages industry heads, thought-leaders, HLP alumni and journalists. This month’s program will be moderated by Coro Health Initiative Director, Amir Hemmat, and a number of past Coro Health Fellows are expected to be in attendance.

WHO: Coro Health Leadership Network—including past Health Fellows—and the broader public affairs community

WHAT: Coro CrossTalk on Healthcare – “State of the State of Healthcare Reform” with Jim Lott (moderated by Amir Hemmat)

WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2009; 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

WHERE: The California Endowment, 1000 N. Alameda Street, 2nd Floor – Conference Room C, Los Angeles, CA; Parking is hosted and Union Station is just 2 blocks away (for Metro riders)

HOW: Seating is limited to 25. Please R.S.V.P. to Edward Headington at EHeadington@Coro.org. Friends, colleagues and peers are welcome and will be accommodated so long as space is available. A light breakfast (of yogurt, granola, bagels and fruit) and coffee/juice will be served.

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Coro Southern California and its six affiliated centers nationwide shape resilient civic leaders for effective roles in public affairs. Coro graduates are teachers, investment bankers, union leaders, corporate directors, activists, lawyers, journalists, and elected officials, among other professions. No matter where they work or what job titles they hold, they have learned how to challenge themselves and others to be more ethical and effective leaders. Coro runs programs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Cleveland. For more information, go to http://www.corola.org/.

The Coro Health Leadership Program (HLP) is a boundary-crossing leadership program for healthcare professionals. Its mission is to develop and sustain a productive network of exemplary leaders in the business, government and community sectors to take on the critical healthcare challenges facing the Southern California region.

Coro CrossTalk on Healthcare is a lively and engaging speaker series on the issues of healthcare and leadership. It continues in the boundary-crossing tradition of the HLP and also serves to engage the larger public affairs community. Each month, a new issue or aspect of healthcare is explored by a speaker or panel discussion representing a diversity of opinion and experience. For more information, go to http://www.corocrosstalk.com/.

Community Partners accelerates ideas into action to advance the public good. CP envisions communities that recognize, invest in and celebrate the critical role engaged people and groups play in achieving a just, equitable society. Its goals are to: Promote Readiness, Support Civic Action, Open Doors, Share Strategically, Reflect Routinely, and Build a Strong Core. For more information, go to http://www.communitypartners.org/.

Jim Lott is the Executive Vice President of the Hospital Association of Southern California, where he is responsible for health care policy development, advocacy, and association communications for hospitals serving Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. He is the chairman of the L.A Care Health Plan Board of Governors, and he serves on the boards of the Los Angeles Area Economic Development Corporation, Insure the Uninsured Project, the Claremont University Consortium, and the Citizens Financial Accountability Oversight Committee for stem cell research in California.

Prior to his move to Los Angeles, he served a five-year stint as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital Council of San Diego and Imperial Counties, a trade association representing the hospitals and health systems in the southern-most region of California.

Prior to San Diego, Jim served for nine years as Staff Director and Chief Consultant to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services of the California Legislature. He also held various administrative, policy development and advocacy positions with the Los Angeles County Health Department over a six-year period.

Jim received his undergraduate education at Cal State L.A. and his MBA degree from the University of Redlands. Also, he teaches health care policy and administration courses at Cal State Long Beach.

Because of his extensive and productive history in influencing health policy in California, and because of the numerous articles he has written on the subject, Jim is a sought after source by the print and electronic media for analysis and commentary on current health policy issues. For more information, go to http://www.hasc.org/.

Amir Hemmat, B.A., MPH, is an entrepreneur and community advocate. He is the founder of social entrepreneurial ventures like SABEResPODER, a Spanish-language media company, and Catalyst Consulting, a venture management firm focused on the “double bottom-line” of doing good and doing well. A graduate of both UCLA and USC, Hemmat hails from San Pedro and continues to serve the community through his healthcare advocacy and business portfolio. In late 2008, he became Director of the Coro Health Leadership Initiative and is the creator of the Coro Health Leadership Program. For more information, go to http://www.linkedin.com/in/amirhemmat.

BREATHE LA Green Salon Series Announces DWP’s David Nahai and Councilmember Jose Huizar to Speak at AB 32 Salon on Feb. 18th

ADVISORY

Tuesday, February 10, 2009
For Immediate Release

BREATHE LA Contact – Julia Robinson Shimizu
323.935.8050x233, jrobinsonshimizu@breathela.org

Green Salon Series Contact – Edward Headington
818.720.7181, Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

Release of the BREATHE LA Global Warming & Asthma Report

Los Angeles, CA — BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) announced the 2009 Green Salon Series at City Hall last month to much acclaim. Sponsored by Union Bank of California, the series will begin February 18th with a panel discussion on AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. A full panel of experts and a journalist moderator have been confirmed as well as a special welcome by Salon Series supporter and city leader, the Honorable José Huizar. Please join BREATHE LA and others for this free and open public forum.

WHO – Welcome by Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 14, José Huizar
(to be introduced by BREATHE LA Board Member, Bob Berliner)

Moderator – Claudia Peschiutta,* KNX 1070 AM Reporter and Society of Professional Journalists-Los Angeles Officer

Panel of Experts – Carolyn Casavan, Valley Industry Commerce Association Environment & Energy Committee Co-Chair and CEO of West Coast Environmental & Engineering; Anita Mangels, Project Director for Woodward & McDowell and Member of the AB 32 Implementation Group; and David Nahai, CEO and General Manager for the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power

WHAT – Green Salon on the “Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) Update: Implementation, Costs & Concerns”

WHEN – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

WHERE – The California Endowment @ 1000 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Parking is hosted; 2 blocks from the Union Station Metro exit)

WHY – Hear from some of the top experts on AB 32 and its ramification; engage in Q&A; learn about BREATHE LA’s Global Warming & Asthma Report.

FYI – Free and open “green” public forum. R.S.V.P. to Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or 818.720.7181.

Sponsored by:

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BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) is a non-profit, public benefit organization dedicated to clean air and healthy lungs in Los Angeles County. BREATHE LA first established in 1903 to fight then-epidemic Tuberculosis is now part of BREATHE California, a statewide organization http://www.breathela.org/.

The BREATHE LA Green Salon Series, now in its second year of operation, engages all stakeholders around clean air, the environment and healthy living. An elected official delivers the welcome for each salon and a local journalist serves as moderator for panels of “green” experts. Sponsored by Union Bank of California, there will be six salons in 2009 (February 18th, April 15th, June 17th, August 20th, September 16th and November 19th). For more information, go to http://www.greensalonseries.com/.

Advisory – 2/18/09 SPJ-LA Panel “City Without A Paper”

For Immediate Release
Friday, February 6, 2009

SPJ-LA Panel “Imagine a City Without a Newspaper”l

Moderated by veteran KTTV FOX 11 TV reporter John Schwada and featuring special guests Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and USC Annenberg School of Journalism Director, Geneva Overholser

Los Angeles, CA – SPJ-LA holds regular events and mixers for its members and supporters on interesting topics and pressing issues of the day. Join them later this month for a panel of civic leaders to explore the real possibility that the country’s second-largest city will be left without a daily newspaper.

WHO: The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists Members and Supporters; Featured Guests: John Schwada, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and Geneva Overholser

WHAT: SPJ-LA Panel “Imagine a City Without a Paper”

WHEN: Wednesday, February 18, 2009; 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Metropolitan Water District, 700 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA

WHY: Budget cuts, massive layoffs and looming bankruptcy in tough economic times could lead to the disappearance of our local newspapers.

FYI: $10 for SPJ-LA and $15 for everyone else; Please R.S.V.P. to spjlosangeles@gmail.com or 323.593.3350. Parking will be provided; drive around to the back of the building to the employees’ parking garage and a security guard will let you in.

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Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information, go to http://spjla.wordpress.com/.

Headington Media Group is a boutique communications firm that promotes public affairs in Southern California, specializing in image management, branding, messaging and public relations. For more information, go to http://www.headingtonmedia.com/ and/or visit http://www.headingtonmediacenter.org/.

L.A. Press Club Extends Entry Deadline for the 2009 National Entertainment Journalism Awards

Serving Southern California since 1913, the Los Angeles Press Club is the only Southern California journalism group that speaks for all journalists working for daily and weekly newspapers, radio & TV, magazines, documentary films and online.

RELEASE

Wednesday, February 5, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact – Edward Headington, Publicist
(323) 669-8081 or Edward@LAPressClub.org

Pulitzer prize-winning film critic, Joe Morgenstern, to receive the top NEJ Award at special awards ceremony

Hollywood, CA -- The best work by writers, broadcasters, bloggers and critics is being sought for this year's National Entertainment Journalism (NEJ) Awards, the Los Angeles Press Club has announced. Entry forms and rules are available at www.LAPressClub.org and the deadline to enter has been extended to February 13, 2009. The awards honor the top work of 2008 by those who cover show business without regard to genre—whether it is work about film, television or local performances. Awards and runners up will be given for best entertainment news story, best feature story and critic of the year in the categories of print, online, television and radio.

"For years, the entertainment world has recognized its best performances. This year, the Los Angeles Press Club will again pay homage to the journalists who cover the industry," said Chris Woodyard, Los Angeles Press Club President and USA Today reporter.

It was announced earlier this month that celebrated film critic, Joe Morgenstern, will be honored with the top NEJ Award for his contributions to the field of entertainment criticism. Morgenstern is a film critic for the Wall Street Journal and KCRW, and is the co-founder of the National Society of Film Critics. He is one of only three film critics to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his work.

“We are particularly pleased to be honoring Joe Morgenstern,” said Woodyard. “His contribution to film criticism is unparalleled and as a Pulitzer prize winner and founding member of the National Society of Film Critics, he is truly a national treasure.”

The awards will be judged by the club and the winners announced at a gala in the spring. Entries last year came a diverse list of some of the nation's top media organizations like the Baltimore Sun, Financial Times and Bloomberg, to broadcasters like KDAF/Kansas City, WGCU/Fort Myers and public radio.

The Los Angeles Press Club is a thriving, non-profit organization devoted to quality journalism located in the nation's entertainment capital. For over half a century, the club has produced the Southern California Journalism Awards and now welcomes the 2nd Annual National Entertainment Journalism Awards.

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The Los Angeles Press Club stands as an organization devoted to improving the spirit of journalism and journalists, raising the industry’s standards, strengthening its integrity and improving its reputation all for the benefit of the community at large. For more information, go to http://www.lapressclub.org/ and/or www.myspace.com/lapressclub.

PR Newswire, co-sponsor for all Los Angeles Press Club events, is the global leader in news and information distribution services for professional communicators. For more information, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/.

Headington Media Group is a full-service communications firm dedicated to promoting public affairs in Southern California, specializing in image management, branding and public relations. For more information, go to http://www.headingtonmedia.com/ and/or visit http://www.headingtonmediacenter.org/.

The Annual Coro Sacramento Reception is Tonight!

Coro Southern California – Center for Civic Leadership

ADVISORY

February 4, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Edward Headington
E-mail: EHeadington@Coro.org
Phone: 818.720.7181

Honorary Committee includes Debra Bowen, California Secretary of State; state Senator Carol Liu; Carrie Lopez, Director of Consumer Affairs for California; state Senator Alex Padilla; and Assemblymember John A. Pérez

SACRAMENTO, CA. It has become an annual tradition for both Coro centers in California to hold a reception during the Coro Fellows’ State Government Focus Week. This year, as in past years, the Coro Network will be attending, including several high profile alumni. Join us tonight at Sacramento’s oldest eating establishment, Frank Fats.

WHO – The Coro Network, as well as friends and supporters (i.e., elected officials, staff of electeds, lobbyists, media, government affairs, etc.)

WHAT – Annual Coro Capitol Reception with the Fellows, Coro Network and the Honorary Committee: California Secretary of State Debra Bowen (Coro Community Invest, 1989); state Senator Carol Liu (Coro Community Invest, 1989); California Director Consumer Affairs Carrie Lopez (Former Coro Executive Director); state Senator Alex Padilla (Coro Fellow, 1995); and Assemblymember John A. Pérez (Former Coro Board Member).

WHEN – Wednesday, February 4, 2009, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE – Frank Fats, 800 L. Street, Sacramento, CA (http://www.fatsrestaurants.com/frankfats/)

WHY – Learn more about Coro and its celebrated history in California; meet this year’s Coro Fellows in Public Affairs; celebrate with the Coro network as we salute a few of our own

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Coro Southern California and its six affiliated centers nationwide shape resilient civic leaders for effective roles in public affairs. Coro graduates are teachers, investment bankers, union leaders, corporate directors, activists, lawyers, journalists, and elected officials, among other professions. No matter where they work or what job titles they hold, they have learned how to challenge themselves and others to be more ethical and effective leaders. Coro runs programs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Cleveland. For more information, go to http://www.corola.org/.

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.

Los Angeles Councilmembers Laud BREATHE LA Green Salon Series @ City Hall Press Conference

RELEASE

Monday, February 2, 2009
For Immediate Release

BREATHE LA Contact – Julia Robinson Shimizu, 323.935.8050x233 jrobinsonshimizu@breathela.org

Green Salon Series Contact – Edward Headington, 818.720.7181 Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com

Los Angeles Councilmembers Laud BREATHE LA Green Salon Series @ City Hall Press Conference

Los Angeles, CA — BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) announced the 2009 Green Salon Series last week at a press conference at City Hall. Conference speakers included Ray Gonzales, BREATHE LA Board Member and former KTLA Channel 5 host; Carl Ballton, President of The Union Bank Foundation; and Los Angeles City Councilmembers Hon. José Huizar; Hon. Wendy Greuel and Hon. Jan Perry, Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee and South Coast AQMD Board Member.

“I think future generations will judge us for what we did or didn’t do to fight Global Warming,” said Councilmember José Huizar. “As the second-largest city in the country, we have to rise to that challenge. Something as serious as Global Warming requires deep, deliberate and thoughtful discussion, which the Breath LA salon series provides.”

The announcement of the series comes on the heels of a successful inaugural year that brought together journalists, elected officials and their staff, experts, policy analysts, thought leaders, neighborhood councilmembers, and other community stakeholders.

“For over a hundred years, BREATHE LA has been protecting the ‘Breathe of Life’ in Los Angeles. The Green Salon Series is but one of our programming commitments,” said BREATHE LA President and CEO Enrique Chiock. “Due to the success of our 2008 Pollution & Solution Salon Series and a desire to respond to the enthusiasm and demand for more, our 2009 Green Salon Series offers an ambitious line-up of topics and expertise. We thank our sponsor, Union Bank of California, and other event partners.”

Six salons were held in 2008 and Councilmember Perry invited BREATHE LA to submit their findings for the public record at the Energy & Environment committee she chairs. Six Green Salons have been announced for 2009 starting with An AB 32 Update on February 18th at the California Endowment where BREATHE LA will present a Global Warming and Asthma Report.

For more information on the series and to confirm your attendance, please contact Edward@HeadingtonMedia.com or call 818.720.7181. For information regarding BREATHE LA and its many programs, please contact Julia Robinson Shimizu at the email or number listed above.

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BREATHE California of Los Angeles County (BREATHE LA) is a non-profit, public benefit organization dedicated to the future of clean air and healthy lungs in Los Angeles County. BREATHE LA was established in 1903 and has over a century of accomplishments. First established to fight then-epidemic Tuberculosis, BREATHE LA has long been a leader in efforts to improve air quality and lung health in Los Angeles. Now part of BREATHE California, a statewide organization, BREATHE LA is dedicated to service in our local communities. For more information, visit http://www.breathela.org/.