Friends of Solana Beach Library recently announced the launch of “Civic Series” starting on Tuesday, April 21, with the first installment “Jump into Local Government”.
The Civics Series is a three-part series beginning on Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. at the Solana Beach Library to promote and build civic knowledge and engagement through resource sharing and demystifying local government, according to a news release.
The meetings are sponsored by Friends of Solana Beach Library (FOSBL). Celia Brewer, retired public lawyer, and Melissa Fischel, community member and FOSBL vice president, will lead guest panelists through discussions about local agencies.
Session One (April 21) covers how to participate in local government and why it is important and impactful on everyone’s daily lives.
Session Two (May 19) provides an overview of the numerous types of local government and the many public agencies with jurisdiction over people’s lives and resources.
Session Three (June 16) will follow the money and introduce the importance of budgets and finance.
The Solana Beach Library is located at 157 Stevens Ave, Solana Beach.
More about the next two upcoming sessions:
Session One: April 21, 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Title: Power of Local Government/Jump into Local Government
Overview: Today’s government is both simple and complex. Unpack the mysteries of local government and open the door to a whole new world of participation. Moderators will cover why civic engagement is vital to local government and the basics of the local government process.
In this session, attendees will learn: Why people need to get involved in local government;Why local government matters; How to get involved.
Moderators: Celia Brewer, retired Public Lawyer and Melissa Fischel, community member
Session Two: May 19, 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Title: Think Global, Act Local
Overview: Most people think cities and counties when we hear the term local government. In fact, dozens of agencies regulate modern civic life. This session reviews the numerous public agencies with jurisdiction over people’s lives and highlights opportunities to get involved. Guest speaker Kim Thorner, general manager of Olivenhain Municipal Water District will discuss special agencies and exciting issues facing the water sector.
Moderators: Celia Brewer, retired public lawyer, and Kim Thorner, JD, general manager of Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
Session Three: June 16, 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Title: “Show Me the Money”
Overview: The word “budget” makes some people run for the hills or fall asleep. Come learn why budgets are the ultimate policy-making tools as well as some basic concepts of public finance. The event will touch on deregulation, privatization, and local versus state versus federal funding.