Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti Holds Community Town Hall at CSUN

  • President Harrison and alumnus and community advocate Filiberto Gonzales at the podium

    California State University, Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison speaks to the crowd before Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti takes the stage at CSUN’s University Student Union. Harrison was introduced by alumnus and community advocate Filiberto Gonzalez ’97 (Chicana/o Studies), who is standing to the left of the podium. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • California State University, Northridge Director of Government and Community Relations Francesca M. Vega; President Dianne F. Harrison; and Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch Englander

    Garcetti (second from left) took a photo with (left to right) California State University, Northridge Director of Government and Community Relations Francesca M. Vega; President Dianne F. Harrison; and Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch Englander, who represents the 12th district. Harrison said she welcomed the new perspective Garcetti will bring to the region. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Community members in a breakout session

    Before Garcetti spoke, attendees broke off into small groups to discuss community issues. A facilitator recorded the ideas, which were later reviewed by Garcetti. The community issues were focused on three categories: “economic development/jobs,” “making City Hall work” and “neighborhoods.” Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Town hall participants at an idea board

    Three town hall participants review their notes before discussing them with Garcetti. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti on stage in the USU's Grand Salon

    Garcetti speaks to the group gathered in California State University, Northridge’s University Student Union. More than 300 people attended the event. Photo by Lee Choo.

As part of a six-stop (and one online) community town hall tour to meet with Angelenos before being sworn in June 30, Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti visited California State University, Northridge last Wednesday. All San Fernando Valley residents were invited to attend.

More than 300 people attended the event, held in the Grand Salon of CSUN’s University Student Union.

CSUN alumnus and community advocate Filiberto Gonzalez ’97 (Chicana/o Studies), introduced California State University, Northridge President Dianne F. Harrison, who offered opening remarks.

“I hope having CSUN as the location for this community dialogue is a reminder of what a resource this university is, and will continue to be, for the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles region as a whole,” said Harrison.

Harrison welcomed the new perspective Garcetti will bring to the region, highlighting the need for him to continue to support the San Fernando Valley and keep it a visible part of his tenure.

Addressing attendees, Harrison highlighted CSUN’s relationship with the Valley. “As you discuss issues this evening that we all care so much about—such as jobs, making City Hall and neighborhoods work better, transportation, the environment and, of course, education—please keep in mind that CSUN is dedicated to doing our part through our commitment to research, scholarship and community engagement,” she said. “Thank you for being here tonight, and thank you to Mayor-elect Garcetti for bringing together the community for this necessary effort to improve our neighborhoods.”

Attendees were then divided into small groups and asked to write down their ideas for solving challenges in three different categories: “economic development/jobs,” “making City Hall work” and “neighborhoods.” The ideas were then shared on poster boards.

Garcetti circulated through the room, stopping by each breakout group to review the ideas and receive feedback directly from attendees. He then took to the stage for closing remarks.

Noting that he appreciated having this event at CSUN and pointing out the importance of the many institutions of higher education in Los Angeles, he noted, “I am a Valley boy at heart and look forward to staying connected to the San Fernando Valley as mayor.”

Garcetti ended his remarks by noting that he will have an office in Van Nuys City Hall and that this event had the largest community turnout so far on his “Back to Basics” Town Hall tour, with three more to follow.

For more: Visit our online photo gallery of the event.

,