California was stunned this year at the news that three of its cities were plunging into bankruptcy. Now, many are saying that San Bernardino, Stockton, and Mammoth Lakes could be just the tip of the iceberg.
The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute will present a panel and audience discussion on “Why Do Cities Go Bankrupt?,” from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the college’s Bundy Campus Room 123, 3171 S. Bundy Drive, Los Angeles.
“Why Do Cities Go Bankrupt?” features a stellar panel that will not only answer the question posed but will talk about how widely the suffering may be spread.
The panel discussion is hosted by SMC Public Policy Institute Founding Director and former State Sen. Sheila Kuehl of Santa Monica.
“The topic for each community forum hosted by the SMC Public Policy Institute is generally taken directly from the headlines and this forum is no exception,” Sen. Kuehl said. “This is a great opportunity for folks to hear and discuss the reasons why some cities are broke and some are not, and how counter-intuitive the real facts can be.”
The speakers are Ventura City Manager Rick Cole, who is also the former Azusa city manager and former Pasadena mayor; Sonia Caravalho, city attorney of Santa Ana and Claremont and a partner with Best Best & Krieger LLP; and Kafi Blumenfield, president and chief executive officer of Liberty Hill Foundation.
The ongoing mission of the institute is to engage the community in analyzing issues of public policy, especially those that affect local jurisdictions like cities and counties, and to provide forums such as this for civic engagement.
The event is free, as is parking, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, email ppi.rsvp@smc.edu with the number of guests attending. For questions, call 310.434.3429.
For more information about the institute and its activities, please call 310.434.3429 or email Kuehl.website@gmail.com.
