L.A. Confronts Homelessness: Are we on the right track?
Recorded on November 13, 2024 at the Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium. UCLA Government and Community Relations and Blueprint magazine, in partnership with UCLA Health, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and CalMatters, featured a compelling conversation between Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and veteran journalist Jim Newton, editor of UCLA’s Blueprint magazine. The discussion sheds light on the complexities surrounding homelessness in L.A., exploring the city’s current struggles and proposing possible solutions through innovative collaboration.

UCLA Civic Engagement Event: Understanding key 2024 local ballot measures
This briefing originally aired live on October 15, 2024, as part of a civic engagement series organized by UCLA Government and Community Relations in partnership with the Alumni Association to better inform UCLA students, staff, faculty and our Los Angeles community about three local ballot measures under consideration during the fall 2024 general election. Jim Newton, editor of UCLA’s Blueprint magazine, moderated the panel which included Professor Michael Lens, Professor Gary Segura and Zev Yaroslavsky. The panel discussed LA County Measure G – Los Angeles County Government Structure, Ethics and Accountability Charter Amendment; LA County Measure A – Homelessness Services and Affordable Housing Ordinance Charter; and City of LA Charter Amendment DD – Independent Redistricting Commission.

UCLA Civic Engagement Event: Understanding key 2024 state ballot measures
This briefing originally aired live on October 9, 2024, as part of a civic engagement series organized by UCLA Government and Community Relations in partnership with the Alumni Association to better inform UCLA students, staff, faculty and our Los Angeles community about two state propositions under consideration during the fall 2024 general election. Jim Newton, veteran journalist and editor of UCLA’s Blueprint magazine moderated the panel which featured Balance Public Relations CEO Dean Florez ‘87, a former California state senator, and Shane Phillips, housing affordability researcher with the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy. The discussion focused on Proposition 33: Rent Control and Proposition 36: Increasing Penalties for Theft and Drug Trafficking and the initiatives’ potential implications for California.

UCLA Alumni Town Hall – Bruins in Office
This recording originally aired live on Jan. 8 as part of a series of online programs provided by the UCLA Alumni Association. The UCLA Alumni Association and UCLA Government and Community Relations present the Alumni Town Hall – Bruins in Office, featuring Shirley Nash Weber ’70, M.A. ’71, Ph.D. ’75, California secretary of State and Monica Sanchez, M.A. ’04, Ph.D. ’12, member of the Pico Rivera City Council. This discussion, moderated by Cinthia N. Flores ’10, current UCLA Alumni Association board director, will highlight each elected official’s paths to office and the importance of public service. The UCLA Alumni Town Hall is a gathering place where Bruins can have their voices heard and ask important questions in search of illuminating answers.

UCLA Nimoy Theater community update
UCLA leadership provides an update on the Nimoy Theater project and answers questions from the Westwood community and other interested parties.

Cultivating and Promoting Pathways to Higher Education: A UCLA briefing on admissions, intrusive recruitment and community engagement
In the last year, the University of California admitted its largest, most diverse undergraduate class. UCLA freshmen applications exceeded 139,000 – more than ever before, including steep increases from African American and Chicano/Latino applicants. Additionally, transfer student applications grew ten percent over the previous year. UCLA’s significant increases are the result of purposeful and robust outreach, strategic partnerships, and community engagement efforts. The October 14th webinar showcased UCLA’s work to increase the diversity of our competitive applicant pool and build a robust student body that better reflects the demographics of California.

Legislative briefing: UCLA experts address policies on homelessness in California
More individuals experience homelessness in California than in any other state in the nation. The per capita rate of homelessness in California is more than three times that of the rest of the country. More than half of all the unsheltered homeless people in America live in California, up from 40% five years ago. Decades of studies and experience have revealed multiple causes and public costs of homelessness. The costs for addressing homelessness continue to escalate, spurring greater urgency to improve conditions. The various impacts of COVID-19 on California’s economy may be creating hesitancy on behalf of some policy makers to raise additional taxes from business organizations currently reeling under pandemic-induced economic strain. There is continued need to balance the pressing need of resources to alleviate homelessness alongside California’s economic and workforce recovery. Join UCLA experts as they offer insights to help contribute to the dialogue on homelessness policy.

Legislative briefing: UCLA experts discuss zero-emission vehicles in California
California policymakers are prioritizing the transition to electric-drive and alternative fuel vehicles from carbon emitting combustion engines. Concerns by individuals to reduce their carbon footprint provide clarity on a motivating factor spurring consumers to acquire electric vehicles. In September 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom took executive action directing the state to require that by 2035 all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California be zero-emission vehicles. Questions remain surrounding market readiness for scaling the mass adoption of electric vehicles. Areas of caution include vehicle range, charging infrastructure, affordability and access. UCLA experts are navigating the complex technical and regulatory standards for electrification using research-informed models to assess California’s electric vehicle preparedness. Join UCLA researchers for a conversation about electric vehicles and discuss insights on best practices for meeting zero-emission vehicle adoption targets.

Video webinar: How to predict and manage California’s fire risk in a changing climate
This year, wildfires in California have burned a record 4.2 million acres, damaged or destroyed over 10,000 structures and killed 35 people — and the season hasn’t even concluded. The situation has become increasingly dire, with six of the top 20 wildfires in state history taking place this year, including the largest wildfire on record. California’s top wildfire and climate researchers are responding to this incredible challenge, but they are also realizing there is a need to take a more collaborative, holistic and proactive approach to their work. The How to Predict and Manage California’s Fire Risk in a Changing Climate webinar brought together experts from numerous scientific disciplines at University of California institutions, along with researchers from neighboring universities. They make up an informal statewide climate and wildfire collaborative formed this year to identify what could be accomplished when working together and leveraging efforts.