Author will speak on the future of California

Abe Lowenthal, University of Southern California professor and author, will host a book-signing and discussion today about his most recent book.

Lowenthal's book, "Global California: Rising to the Cosmopolitan Challenge," discusses what Californians can do to identify and promote their own interests in a rapidly changing world.

The book signing and question/answer will be from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Barnes & Noble, 11090 Foothill Blvd.

In addition to talking about the California's economy and demographics it specifically addresses the Inland Empire.

"Of all of California's major regions, the fastest growing in population in the late 20th and early 21st century was the "Inland Empire," to the east and southeast of Los Angeles, comprising Riverside and San Bernardino counties," Lowenthal writes in his book.

Global California includes issues such as globalization, trade, infrastructure, immigration, energy and the environment, climate change and California's ties with neighboring Mexico and the Asian economies.

Lowenthal is a Robert F. Erburu Professor of Ethics, Globalization and Development at the USC, president emeritus of the Pacific Council on International Policy, and non-resident senior fellow of the Brookings Institution.

Lowenthal is the author of 12 books and has published more than 100 journal articles.