Public Policy Institute Spring Symposium 2019

SMC Public Policy Institute to Host 2019 Spring Symposium May 4-9

Keynote Event Features Senator Ben Allen, Senator Scott Wiener, and Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute (PPI) will present its 2019 Spring Symposium May 4-9. This year’s symposium builds on the theme initiated in fall 2018 with “There Goes the Neighborhood Part II: How Might Policy Approaches Prevent Displacement in Neighborhoods Affected by Gentrification?”

The PPI Spring Symposium will feature screenings of informative documentaries, compelling panel discussions, and immersive experiences that delve into the intended and unintended consequences of housing laws and policies, and how they affect housing availability and community preservation. All symposium events this spring are free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-arrival basis if reservations are not required.

“Housing is one of the most critical urban planning challenges facing our communities,” said PPI co-director and SMC political science professor Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein. “Our Spring Symposium continues our Fall Arts & Cultural Affairs Forum theme of examining how public policies and laws around housing shape neighborhoods, determine access and affordability, and influence culture and traditions.”

The 2019 Spring Symposium events include:

• Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m.: Walkshop. The Pico Wellbeing Project leads a walking tour of the diverse Santa Monica Community to discuss how zoning laws and policies shape the businesses, residences, culture, and character of Pico Blvd. Free. Tour starts at Virginia Avenue Park (2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica).

• Tuesday, May 7, at 11:15 a.m.: Dialogue: Academic Perspectives on Displacement. Santa Monica College faculty will present various perspectives on the early history of gentrification and its effects on neighborhoods and the residents who are struggling to hold onto changing ways of life. Free. Stromberg Hall (HSS 165), main SMC Campus (1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica).

• Wednesday, May 8, at Noon: Lunch & Learn with Westside Family Health Center. Representatives from Westside Family Health Center, the Women’s Movement (WAM), the Alzheimer’s Association of Los Angeles, and others will discuss “Women and Alzheimer’s,” including the issues facing older residents who may be experiencing displacement from their longtime homes, adding to their health challenges. Lunch is included. Free. Lunch reservations requested (not required) and may be made by sending email to ppi@smc.edu with name and number of people attending. Thelma Terry Community Room at Virginia Park (2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica).

• Wednesday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m.: Film Screening: City Rising: Gentrification and Displacement. KCET documentary explores the history of the discriminatory housing laws in California that created segregated communities, which are now fighting the gentrification that threatens their cultures and risks increasing housing insecurity and homelessness. A panel discussion and Q&A on the issue in the context of local communities follows the screening and will include community leader Irma Carranza, Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole, and Inglewood School Board member D’Artagnan Scorza. Free. The Aero Theater (1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica).

• Thursday, May 9, at 11 a.m.: Pico Neighborhood Walk and Talk with Students. Longtime residents Jaime Cruz and Robbie Jones will lead a walking discussion to explore the history, culture, and diversity of Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood and the impact that development and changing policies are having on the area. After the walk, Santa Monica City Councilmember Ana Jara will make brief remarks, and a light lunch featuring neighborhood specialties will be served in the Thelma Terry Community Room at Virginia Park (2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica). Lunch reservations requested (not required) and may be made by sending email to ppi@smc.edu with name and number of people attending. Free. Tour starts at the North Fountain in the Quad, main SMC Campus (1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica)

• Thursday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m., with Reception at 6:30 p.m.: Keynote Panel and Reception: Where Goes the Road to Solving California’s Housing Crisis? A Keynote Discussion with Legislative Leaders. A compelling discussion of policies that can lead to effective solutions — and an examination of how legislators can navigate balancing the competing interests in tackling California’s housing crisis — featuring California Senator Ben Allen (SD26 – Santa Monica); Senator Scott Wiener (SD11 – San Francisco), author of SB 50 and its bold approaches to California housing issues, and Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis, former co-chair of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights. Free. The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center (1310 11th Street, Santa Monica). Free onsite parking.

The SMC Public Policy Institute, co-directed by Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein and Shari Davis, provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues, along with informative discussions on the policy issues that affect daily life. SMC offers an Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement in public policy specializing in one of five public policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic issues.

The Spring Symposium is sponsored by a collaboration of education, government, community organizations, and donors, including the Associated Students of Santa Monica College, SMC Associates, Santa Monica College Foundation, and The Broad Stage.

More information about the symposium is available on the Public Policy Institute website or by calling 310-434-3541.