Members of the Long Beach City Council plan to participate in a panel discussion on students, the local economy and where city and campus life intersect at 10 a.m. Thursday at Cal State Long Beach.
"A City and its Students: A Day to Reconnect," will feature Long Beach Council members Gary DeLong, Robert Garcia, Tonia Reyes Uranga, Gerrie Schipske and a representative for Councilman Patrick O'Donnell. (Full disclosure: I went to CSULB and have taught journalism there.)
The focus of the discussion will be on the state and city budget problems and how they impact CSULB students, said Matthew Barnett, secretary for city affairs for the Associated Students Inc., or ASI.
In addition, he added, there are plenty of places where city decision-making overlaps with student life, particularly when it comes to parking near the campus and and traffic.
Students, many of whom live off-campus, were also active in discussions to reroute Long Beach Transit bus service to and from campus and weigh in on public safety, roadwork and related issues.
"I've been really involved in Long Beach politics for awhile now," Barnett said. "And I grew up in Long Beach, so I pitched the idea to bring the council members to hear the students and address student concerns as well."
Barnett brought the idea of inviting the council members to the student body president, Christopher Chavez, who agreed.
The gathering represents a homecoming for Garcia, a CSULB alumni who served in the student government.
"I got my political start at Cal State Long Beach," he said. "It was incredible experience, serving as student body president there (in 2001), and you learn a lot about people ... It first opened my eyes to the good work you can do in public service. Any time I can help out Cal State Long Beach and the student government I am happy to do it."
Though the officials will speak at 10 a.m. various events for "A Day to Reconnect" are scheduled from 9:15 a.m. to noon starting with a meet and greet in the ASI Government Office, USU-311.
The events are geared toward students but open to the general public. CSULB is located at 1250 Bellflower Blvd.
For more information, please contact Barnett at 562- 682-4467 or Mbarnettcsu@aol.com.
