A Dialogue on Richmond (CA)

FORUM EXPLORES RICHMOND'S FUTURE

The public is invited to an afternoon of participatory democracy to discuss the future of Richmond (California) on Saturday, January 31, 2004 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center
Plaza, in central Richmond (next to the Richmond Public Library, near Macdonald & 27th).

The forum is hosted by The Richmond Progressive Alliance, a coalition of progressive Democrats, Greens, and Independents and will feature guest
speaker Matt Gonzalez, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, speaking on progressive unity.

The Richmond Progressive Alliance will announce the candidacy of Gayle McLaughlin and Andres Soto for Richmond City Council. This dialogue is
envisioned as the first of several opportunities for the people of Richmond to discuss their concerns and ideas about Richmond's future with the
candidates of the Richmond Progressive Alliance.

Speakers will address issues critical to Richmond followed by a question and answer session:

· Environmental Health: Sharon Fuller, facilitator; Nagaraja Rao, Hindu inspiration; Environmental Justice, Henry Clark (West County Toxics Coalition), and Development, the People and the Environment, Whitney Dotson (North Richmond Shoreline Open Space Alliance)

· Social and Economic Justice in Richmond : Marilyn Langlois, facilitator; Jerome Smith, inspirational poetry; "Just Cause Eviction", Art Hatchett (Greater Richmond Interfaith Project); Labor Issues in Richmond, Millie Cleveland (Service Employees International Union, Local 790)

· Democratization and Accountability: Cheryl Maier, facilitator; spoken word artist, Miguel Reyes; Police Reform and Accountability, Andres Soto (Richmond Progressive Alliance); Democracy and District Representation in Richmond, Bob Sutcliff (local business person)

Free admission with light refreshments served. Wheelchair accessible.