News & Events

School of Public Policy in the News: 2010

Politics and Culture, December 30, 2010 - Ted McAllister, the Edward L. Gaylord Chair of Public Policy, authored an essay entitled "Can the Left Govern?," wherein he discusses Michael Berube’s The Left at War. Read the essay.

December 23, 2010, School of Public Policy alumna, Hanna Skandera (MPP '00), was appointed New Mexico's secretary of education by governor-elect Susana Martinez. Skandera was named the School of Public Policy's Distinguished Alumnus in 2007 and served as commissioner of education in Florida from 2005 to 2007. She also served as education undersecretary for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was an education policy adviser to Senator John McCain during his 2008 presidential campaign. Read more from The New Mexico Independent.

California Special District Magazine, December 21, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, co-authored and article "Public Engagement: Another Way to Promote Transparency," wherein the authors describe the public engagement effort around water policy in Humboldt Bay, along with a discussion about the importance of legitimate participatory processes in special districts. Read the article (see page 22).

December 7, 2010, Now available on the School of Public Policy YouTube Channel: Alvaro Vargas Llosa's lecture "Liberty for Latin America – US and Latin American Relations." Vargas Llosa's lecture was delivered on November 4, 2010, at the 2010 Pacific Coast Council on Latin American Studies Annual Conference hosted by the Pepperdine School of Public Policy. Visit SPP's YouTube Channel.

December 6, 2010, School of Public Policy alumnus, Hans Zeiger (MPP '09), has been elected as the Washington State 25th District Representative. Certified on December 3, 2010, Zeiger beat out Representative Dawn Morrell in a weekend recount by just 30 votes. Visit Zeiger's Web site.

Sacrament Bee, December 3, 2010 - The "Analysis of K-12 Education Expenditures in California: FY2003-04 to FY2008-09", a report produced by School of Public Policy and published by the California Chamber of Commerce's education foundation was cited in a blog entry "Dueling Reports on School Finance as Budget Heats Up," wherein it asserts that K-12 spending during the first budget years of Schwarzenegger's governorship increased by 22 percent. A contending report by the California Budget Project says that school spending has been dropping. Read the blog post.

Malibu Times, December 1, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Civic Health on the Upswing in California," where he mentions the 2010 California Civic Health Index, which was co-released by the Davenport Institute on November 10, 2010. The report concluded that more Californians turned out to vote this year, volunteered more and worked closer with their fellow neighbors to solve local problems than in the past. Read the article.

December 1, 2010, James R. Wilburn, dean of the School of Public Policy, will deliver the commencement address at Midwestern State University on December 11, 2010, where approximately 492 students are candidates to earn their degrees.

San Francisco Chronicle, November 26, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay "Californians Score Well on Civic Involvement," wherein he discusses the recently released 2010 California Civic Health Index. Read the essay.

Foreign Policy, November 25, 2010 - Angela Hawken, associate professor of public policy, and Matt Leighty (MPP '10), assistant project director at the School of Public Policy, authored an article "Want to Know What North Koreans Think About Kim Jong Un?" wherein they discuss guerrilla pollsters, a small cadre of pollsters using new technologies and practices to circumvent government restrictions and give a voice to the silenced public of those regimes who try to squelch public dissatisfaction. Read the article.

November 24, 2010, The School of Public Policy, in partnership with The Trinity Forum presents "An Evening Conversation with Mike Gerson, Pete Wehner, and Ross Douthat," on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, 6:30 p.m., at the City Tavern Club. The evening conversation featuring authors and political strategists Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner, joined by New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, to discuss Gerson and Wehner’s new book, The City of Man: Christianity and Politics in a New Age. For more information, please contact Ashley Trim at 310.506.6878.

November 15, 2010, Dr. Jack Scott, chancellor of California Community colleges, will be speaking at the School of Public Policy on November 17, 2010, about advancing education and the success of the next generation of students in California. His remarks will not only touch on issues relating to higher education, but also focus on the challenges and opportunities before California at all levels. All are welcome to attend the lecture on November 17, at 2 p.m., in SPP Classroom 179. Read Scott's bio.

Fox & Hounds Daily, November 15, 2010 - Ashley Trim (MPP '09), of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an op-ed "Bell and the Cost of Civic Disengagement," wherein she discusses the importance of civic engagement, both political and social, and uses the the City of Bell as an example of how civic disengagement played a major role in its recent scandals. Read the op-ed.

November 10, 2010, The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy released the annual study of California civic participation, the 2010 California Civic Health Index, today. The Congressionally-chartered study by the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) was collaborated on by the Davenport Institute, California Forward, and the Center for Civic Education. The index appears at first glance to paint a bleak picture of California because the state ranks low in a number of categories. However, upon closer examination, California compares very favorably in several of those categories with New York, Texas, and other ethnically diverse states that have large numbers of non-English speaking residents. View the 2010 California Civic Health Index.

Sacramento Bee, November 10, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "California's Largest State worker Union Agrees to Cuts," wherein he comments on the news that California's largest state employee union announced Tuesday that its members ratified a new labor agreement that cuts the state's labor costs by nearly $400 million this year, setting a standard that other unions will feel pressured to match. Read the article.

Energy Economics, November, 2010 - Luisa Blanco, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, and Alumnus Michelle Isenhouer (MPP '08), published an article "Powering America: The impact of ethanol production in the Corn Belt states." Read the full article.

November 8, 2010, The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy will release the annual study of California civic participation—the 2010 California Civic Health Index—on November 10, following the key November 2 mid-term elections. The Congressionally-chartered study by the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) was collaborated on by the Davenport Institute, California Forward, and the Center for Civic Education. The November 10 briefing will be held at Pepperdine's Drescher Graduate Campus Auditorium from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Read more about the 2010 California Civic Health Index Release.

November 3, 2010, Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, gave a presentation, "Public Engagement: What Makes it the Real Thing," at the National Coalition for Deliberation and Dialogue's (NCDD) "Making Tough Decisions...Together" conference at De Anza College in Cupertino, California, on October 29, 2010. He was also a panelist on the roundtable, “Purpose Determines Process”. Davenport Institute Senior Fellow Ed Everett was a panelist on two roundtables at the event on local participation practices and online engagement. Visit the NCDD conference Web site.

November 3, 2010, The School of Public Policy at Pepperdine will bring together scholars, educators, and community members with a common interest in Latin American Studies for the Pacific Coast Council on Latin American Studies (PCCLAS) 2010 Annual Conference from Friday, Nov. 5, to Saturday, Nov. 6. Read more.

November 3, 2010, Micheal Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, made several election-related media appearances on November 2, 2010. He was interviewed live locally on KTLA in a long election day segment, on KRLA (Salem radio), KNX1070, and KFWB.

October 29, 2010, The Honorable Dan Goldin, former chief administrator of NASA, will speak during the School of Public Policy's Environmental Policy class on Monday, November 1, from 9-10:30 a.m., in the Drescher Graduate Campus Auditorium. Goldin will address water use in California, and the lack of economic rationality regarding how water is apportioned in our state. The discussion is open to all, though an RSVP for class capacity purposes is appreciated. RSVP to Deirdre.shipstead@pepperdine.edu or 310.506.6513.

The American, October 27, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay "Glenn Beck, Jon Stewart, and the Science of the Jeremiad," wherein he compares Beck and the combined rallies by comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, tying in an interesting study noted by NPR regarding the importance of faith in democratic societies. Read the essay.

October 25, 2010, Gordon Lloyd, professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, has accepted an invitation to join the National Advisory Council for the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center through the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. The Advisory Council will support the current education initiatives and strategic plan of the center through national networking, advocacy of civic education programs, and review of programming with productive input in an area of expertise. Visit the The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Web site.

October 22, 2010, The School of Public Policy will be hosting LatAm2010: The Pacific Coast Council on Latin American Studies Annual Conference on November 5-6, 2010 at the Drescher Graduate Campus. This year's conference title is "Emerging Consensus in Latin America and the Role of the United States." The conference will bring together scholars, educators, graduate and undergraduate students, and community members interested in Latin American Studies. Papers from all areas of the social sciences, humanities and the arts and/or cross-disciplinary studies and relating to Latin American/Hispanic/Latino/a Studies will be presented. The Pepperdine community (not presenting) are complimentary. Please RSVP to Mary Jo Hardman at 310.506.7395 by October 29th. Visit the Conference Web page.

October 20, 2010, School of Public Policy and student organization Women in Public Policy host Nigel Ashford, senior program officer at the Institute for Humane Studies, on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at noon and again at 4 p.m. Ashford will be discussing "Changing the World: Ideas v. Interests" and "Neo-liberalism in the Global Economy." Both lectures will be held in SPP Rm 175.

The Lantern, October 13, 2010 - Robert Kaufman, professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in an article "Will Obama's Talk Tip the Polls?," wherein he comments on how President Obama and the First Lady will be speaking on Sunday to energize young voters and how their efforts may not be tremendously successful in swinging votes in next month's elections. Read the article.

October 7, 2010, Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership (DIPECL) at the School of Public Policy, co-facilitated a Webinar for Cal-ICMA on the topic, "Engaging your Public: The Key Skill for Leadership," on October 6, 2010. Peterson participated along with Ed Everett, Senior Fellow at the DIPECL, and Cupertino City Manager, Dave Knapp. Over 250 city, county, and special district managers from across the country participated in this Webinar. More about The Davenport Insitute for Civic Engagement and Public Leadership.

October 1, 2010, School of Public Policy student organization, Women in Public Policy, will be hosting Gerald Steinberg, professor of political studies at Bar Ilan University and president of NGO Monitor, on October 4, 2010, at 6 p.m., in SPP 159. Steinberg will be discussing "Politics, Human Rights, and NGOs in Asymmetric Conflicts: Case studies from Gaza and the 2006 Lebanon War."

The Hill's Congress Blog, September 30, 2010 - School of Public Policy Alumnus, Rich Danker (MPP '09), authored a blog entry entitled "The Populist Case for Pension Reform," wherein he discusses that the populist appeal of restructuring public employee pensions is the "glue" that will sustain bipartisan reform. Danker concludes that it is up to state and local governments around the country to preserve government services for everybody and not just the a select few. Read the blog entry.

Lehrman American Studies Center Blog, September 28, 2010 - Luisa Blanco, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, authored a blog entry entitled "Venezuela's National Assembly Elections of 2010 - What is at Stake?," wherein Blanco summarizes the importance of Venezuela's election results, including its influence on the 2012 presidential elections. Read the blog entry.

September 24, 2010, Due to unforeseen circumstances, the September 28th lecture, "Did the Stimulus Bill Stimulate the Economy?," by James Q. Wilson at the Reagan Library has been postponed. A new date will be announced in the future.

Los Angeles Times, September 22, 2010 - School of Public Policy student, Eli Steele (MPP candidate '11), authored an op-ed "Where the Interracials May Take Us," wherein he discusses how today's interracial children represent the best opportunity to end identity politics and point America back to its tradition of individualism. Read the op-ed.

September 16, 2010, The School of Public Policy celebrates Constitution Day with a special lecture entitled "Ten Ways to Love Your Framers," by Gordon Lloyd, professor of public policy, on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at noon in the Drescher Graduate Campus Auditorium. The Pepperdine community is invited to an interactive session to celebrate, explore, and discover the Constitutional Convention of 1787. More information.

September 9, 2010, The deadline for the Second Call for Papers for the 2010 Pacific Coast Council on Latin American Studies Annual Conference is on Monday, September 13, 2010. The conference entitled, "Emerging Consensus in Latin America and the Role of the United States," will be hosted by the School of Public Policy November 5-6, 2010, on the Malibu campus. More information.

September 7, 2010, Bruce Herschensohn, Senior Fellow at the School of Public Policy, will resume his weekly U.S. Foreign Policy Roundtable sessions on Thursday, September 9, 2010. The discussions will focus on current international events, and are free and open to all students and members of the community. More information.

September 7, 2010, Luisa Blanco, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, was invited to present at the University of Southern California economics department for the Birnkrant Development Seminar on September 8, 2010. Blanco's paper that she will present at the seminar is entitled "The Finance–Growth Link in Latin America Revisited and the Role of Institutions as a Source of Finance." Read the abstract.

The American, September 2, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay "On L.A. Sidewalks: A Keynesian Cautionary Tale (for Both Parties)," wherein he discusses how cracked Los Angeles sidewalks are challenging both Keynesian theory and conservative commentators. Read the essay.

Sacramento Bee, September 2, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Schwarzenegger to Top California Officials: Stop Hiring," wherein he comments on how Schwarzenegger's order may have a short-term impact, depending if the budget cuts spending and whether or not it is passed. Read the article.

Sacramento Bee, September 2, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "California Still Hiring, But Work Force Numbers Stays Flat," wherein he comments on California's employment numbers and how they reflect the a gradual reduction in the state work force. He also mentions that state furloughs have probably put the state in a position to hire more employees with the payroll savings. Read the article.

Fox & Hounds Daily, September 1, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay "Sending out an SOS to our SoS," wherein he discusses how California Secretary of State, Debra Bowen, is stumbling towards Election Day. Read the essay.

Review of Network Economics, September 1, 2010 - James Prieger, associate professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, published an article "Demand-Side Programs to Stimulate Adoption of Broadband: What works?" with Janice Hauge, where they examine the evidence available on the efficacy of demand-side programs intended to stimulate broadband adoption. Read the article.

Ventura County Star, August 29, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Scandals Shake Public's Trust in Local Government," wherein he comments on the general distrust in society and how every once in a while citizens find validation of that distrust. The article refers to recent scandal in the City of Bell and the ongoing investigation in the City of Oxnard, California. Read the article.

Los Angeles Times, August 19, 2010 - Angela Hawken, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, is quoted in an article "Syrians Dissatisfied, Survey Shows," wherein she comments on the findings of a recent groundbreaking survey of Syrian public opinion conducted in secret, revealing how respondents are unhappy with the political and economic conditions and want emergency rule to end. Hawken is the lead author of the study which was commissioned by the Los Angeles-based Democracy Council. Read the article.

Los Angeles Times, August 18, 2010 - Angela Hawken, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, is quoted in a Babylon & Beyond blog post entitled, "SYRIA: Historic Secret Study Reveals Most Syrians Dissatisfied, Outspoken," wherein she comments on the findings of her recent groundbreaking survey of Syrian public opinion conducted in secret, revealing what many in the region already knew about widespread dissatisfaction with the prevailing political and economic conditions and the government's ability to confront them. Read the blog post.

Real Clear Markets, August 18, 2010 - Rich Danker (MPP '10) authored an article "The U.S. Isn't Greece, and That's a Problem," wherein he comments on the dollar's domination of the world's monetary system and its tremendous consequences for the U.S. economy and fiscal policy. Read the article.

Los Angeles Business Journal, August 6, 2010 - Joe Czyzyk, School of Public Policy Board of Visitors member and chief executive of Mercury Air Group, is featured in "Dogfight: L.A.'s Private Sector Targets High-Altitude Public Pension Payouts," wherein he comments on public-sector pension costs as a Los Angeles based business owner. Read the article.

The Sacramento Bee, August 6, 2010 - The Davenport Institute at the School of Public Policy was cited in an article "State Ready to Settle Schools Lawsuit, Contingent on Reforms," for its recent study "An Analysis of K-12 Expenditures in California," which highlights how funding has proportionally shifted from the classroom to administration as total funding has been decreased. Read the article.

Reuters, August 4, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "US Public Worker Pay Has Many Clamoring for Reform," wherein he comments on public sector pension reform. Also quoted in the article is Ed Everett, former Redwood City, California, city manager and senior fellow, civic engagement practice at the Davenport Institute. Read the article.

Front Porch Republic, August 3, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay "The City of Bell and the Problem of Local Control," wherein he discusses the City of Bell's recent city official salary fiasco as a challenge to the desire for localized government. Read the essay.

August 3, 2010, Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, is moderating a panel at the 2010 Global Forum on Direct Democracy conference at UC Hastings College of Law. The panel is entitled "Alternative Methods of Democratic Participation: Direct and Participatory Democracy," sponsored by Common Sense California. Panelists include Mark Linder, director, Parks & Recreation, City of Cupertino; Greg Greenway, executive director, Threshold 2009; and Alice Siu, associate director, Center for Deliberative Democracy at Stanford University. Read more about the 2010 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy.

August 3, 2010, Angela Hawken associate professor of economics and policy analysis at the School of Public Policy, is the lead author on a study released today announcing major findings of the historic “Syria 2010 Public Opinion Survey” commissioned by the Democracy Council. The forty-one page report details analysis of the results from a survey of 1,046 Syrians over a three week period. “This survey is the first scientific polling of Syrian attitudes,” said James Prince, president of the Democracy Council. Study co-authors were Jonathan Kulick, Jeremy Grunert (MPP candidate '11), Sabrina Abu-Hamdeh (MPP candidate '11), and Lindsay Kimbro (MPP candidate '11). Read the news release.

Reuters, July 28, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Schwarzenegger Declares California Fiscal Emergency," wherein he comments on the recent state employee furloughs announced by the governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Read the article.

July 26, 2010, Pepperdine University has successfully received a charter from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration to begin a chapter of the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society (PAA). This student run organization will be composed of a select group of students and alumni who have shown excellence in the area of academics and who seek to bring honor to the School of Public Policy through the pursuit of knowledge and community service. Read more about Pi Alpha Alpha at the School of Public Policy.

Fox & Hounds Daily, July 26, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay entitled "For Whom Does Bell Toll?," wherein he addresses the City of Bell's elected and city official salary fiasco, as a civic engagement breakdown. Read the essay.

July 22, 2010, Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy, and Steven Frates, director of research at the Davenport Institute, at the School of Public Policy released the the findings of a study analyzing California public, K-12 education expenditure patterns over a five year period. The study concludes that, notwithstanding all the talk of “education budget cuts,” while school spending steadily increased between the 2003-04 and 2008-09 budget years, overall, direct classroom expenditures declined. The study was sponored by the California Foundation for Education and Commerce. View the report and read the news from the California Chamber of Commerce.

 

Eureka Times-Standard, July 10, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay entitled "My Word: Frank language for Moynihan," wherein he describes the public engagement process around regional water policy funded through a Common Sense California Grant. Read the essay.

City Journal, July 6, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, authored an essay entitled "Sacramento By Way of Trenton," wherein he argues that California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman might learn from Chris Christie's experiences in New Jersey. Read the essay.

Front Porch Republic, June 21, 2010 - Ted McAllister, the Edward L. Gaylord Chair of Public Policy, authored an essay entitled "A Product of Speed," wherein he examines nostalgia, which is the product of the speed of modern society, as a sign of greater human alienation. Read the essay.

Ventura County Star, June 8, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Parks Takes Convincing Win Over Strickland," wherein he comments on incumbent Linda Parks' win in the race for the 2nd District seat against Audra Strickland on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Read the article.

Front Porch Republic, June 5, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "The 'New Normal:' A Communitarian Moment?," wherein he discusses how cash-strapped city and state governments are increasingly reaching out to residents to collaborate on service provision. Read the essay.

Los Angeles Times, May 28, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Gloves Are Off in California Attorney General Campaign," which discusses how just weeks before the statewide primary elections, the campaign for attorney general is getting heated. Read the article.

Ventura County Star, May 24, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Supervisor Race Stirs Debate on Carpetbagging," which discusses candidate Audra Strickland's relocation to qualify for the Ventura County ballot against incumbent Supervisor Linda Parks. Read the article.

The Sacramento Bee, May 16, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in "Promises Often Exceed Performance for State's Candidates for Governor," wherein he speaks specifically on candidate Jerry Brown. Read the article.

NPR, May 11, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, appeared on NPR's "Talk of the Nation," to discuss the rankings of the "best and worst cities for jobs" which he coauthored with Joel Kotkin, distinguished Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University. Listen to the story or read the transcript.

National Civic Journal, Spring 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "The Citizen Returns," wherein he tell the story of Common Sense California, and states why public engagement is the important civic leadership skill for the coming decades. Read the essay.

Ventura County Star, May 7, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, is quoted in an article "Supervisor Candidates Facing Their First Loss," where he speaks about the county supervisor's race and the June 8 primary. Read the article.

City Journal, May 4, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "Freakish Frisco," wherein he highlights the city of San Francisco's immense pension obligations and the possible unique role an engaged public might play towards bringing fiscal sanity. Read the essay.

April 29, 2010, James Prieger, associate professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, published a paper "Demand-Side Programs to Stimulate Adoption of Broadband: What Works?" with Janice Hauge, which is cited multiple times in the Federal Communication Commission's new National Broadband Plan. Viw the National Broadband Plan.

Star-Telegram, April 28, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, is quoted in an article "Texas Dominates Rankings for Best Cities for Jobs," stating Texas' five major metropolitan areas were among the top 10 in the annual rankings of the cities for best job growth produced by Shires and Joel Kotkin, distinguished Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University. Read the article.

New Geography, April 28, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, authored an article "Finding the Good in This Bad Time," wherein he introduces the 2010 rankings for the best cities for job growth, which he authored with Joel Kotkin, distinguished Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University. Read the article.

New Geography, April 28, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, authored an article "2010 How We Pick the Best Cities For Job Growth," wherein he details the methodology of ranking the best cities for job growth. Shires and Joel Kotkin, distinguished Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University, are the authors of the annual rankings. Read the article.

City Journal, Spring 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "Strange Days in L.A.," wherein he highlights Los Angeles' interesting move towards fiscal conservatism due to the current budget crisis. Read the essay.

stltoday.com, April 23, 2010 - Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, along with Joel Kotkin, distinguished Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University, are noted in an article "St. Louis Moves Up in Job-Growth Ranking," which mentions the rankings of the top cities for job growth as assessed by Shires and Kotkin. Read the article.

April 15, 2010, The School of Public Policy will hold its 2010 commencement ceremony at Alumni Park on Friday, Apr. 16, at 10:30 a.m. on the Malibu campus. Angela Hawken, associate professor of public policy, was present the commencement address. Diane Pregerson Glazer and Guilford Glazer, cofounders of the Diane and Guilford Glazer Institute for Jewish Studies at Pepperdine University, will each receive the Honorary Doctor of Laws award. SPP alumnus Cathryn J. Kingsbury, principal lobbyist of the Livingston Group, will be honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Read more.

April 13, 2010, Malibu artist, Robert Weingarten, introduced his new piece of work "Flags, 9/11" on April 8, 2010, at the School of Public Policy in the Henry and Virginia Braun Center. Read more the unveiling of "Flags, 9/11".

Front Porch Republic, April 9, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "Cameron’s 'Big Society' and its Discontents," wherein he discusses David Cameron's "Big Society" policy paper, a national public engagement proposal. Read the essay.

April 1, 2010, "Flags, 9/11," and original artist print by Malibu artist and photographer Robert I. Weingarten will be formally unveiled at the School of Public Policy where it will be displayed to the entrance of the Henry and Virginia Braun Center on April 8, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. Weingarten will be introduced and speak about his piece given to Pepperdine in remembrance of 9/11. This artistic rendering displays Pepperdine University’s flag commemoration on September 11, 2009, of the 9/11 tragedy, set against historic photographs taken on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York City. Read more about this event.

LA Daily News, March 31, 2010- Robert Kaufman, professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in an article "L.A. County Among the Nation's Leaders in Executing Prisoners," which discusses an ACLU report stating Los Angeles County leads most of the nation in death row justice, trumping Texas in the number of inmates sentenced to capital punishment last year. Kaufman is critical of the ACLU's report and methodology. Read the article.

Honolulu Star Bulletin, March 30, 2010- Angela Hawken, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, was mentioned in an article "Funding HOPE Makes Sense for Budget, Crime," which discusses how the Hawaii state legislature should assure funding for the HOPE program (Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement). Hawken and Mark Kleiman of UCLA evaluated HOPE in a one year randomized, controlled study. Read the article.

Honolulu Star Bulletin, March 28, 2010- Angela Hawken, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, was featured in an article "Signs of HOPE," which discusses how Hawaii's state probation program has cut new crime and drug use by offenders through a probation study called HOPE (Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement). Hawken and Mark Kleiman of UCLA evaluated HOPE in a one year randomized, controlled study. Read the article.

March 25, 2010, James Prieger, associate professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, published “Economics at the FCC, 2008-2009: Broadband and Merger Review,” in Review of Industrial Organization with Michelle Connelly of Duke University. Access the article.

March 24, 2010, Luisa Blanco, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, authored an article “Powering America: The impact of ethanol production in the corn belt states,” with School of Public Policy alumna Michelle Isenhouer (MPP’ 08), which was accepted for publication in Energy Economics. Read the article.

Business Week, March 24, 2010- Robert Kaufman, professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in an article "Health Care Suits by States ’Unlikely to Succeed,’ Scholars Say," which discusses how 14 states are seeking lawsuits against the federal health care legislation. Kaufman states that the chances are slim that litigation by the states will reverse it. Read the article.

The Morning Call, March 23, 2010- Robert Kaufman, professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, was quoted in an article "Corbett Joins Challenge To Health Care Reform," which discusses how Pennsylvania State Attorney General Tom Corbett plans to join a legal challenge to the federal health care legislation. Kaufman speaks on the likelihood of success. Read the article.

March 22, 2010, Now available on the School of Public Policy's YouTube channel "The Illusion of Mastery," presented on March 18, 2010, by Wilfred M. McClay, the 2009-2010 William E. Simon Distinguished Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy. Watch the video.

New Geography, March 21, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "Green Jobs Sink Down Under" wherein he discusses how the Australian government's creation and implementation of "green jobs" turned into a fiasco and led to its suspension. Read the essay.

March 18, 2010, Now available on the School of Public Policy's YouTube channel "How the Economy Works," presented on March 16, 2010, by Roger Farmer, chair, Department of Economics and distinguished professor of economics at the University of California, Los Angeles. Watch the video.

March 17, 2010, The School of Public Policy will be hosting the annual Prospective Student Open House on Thursday, May 18, 2010, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Prospective students will be able to attend the lecture "The Illusion of Mastery," presented by Wilfred McClay, the William E. Simon Distinguished Visiting Professor, as well as have lunch with current students, faculty, and staff. The open house will conclude with a tour of the School of Public Policy on the Drescher Graduate Campus. More Information.

March 15, 2010, Wilfred McClay, the 2009-2010 William E. Simon Distinguished Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy, will be giving a lecture "The Illusion of Mastery" on Thursday, March 18, at 11 a.m., in the Drescher Graduate Campus Auditorium. Read more about McClay's lecture.

March 12, 2010, Roger Farmer, chair of the Department of Economics and Distinguished Professor of Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles, will deliver a lecture "How the Economy Works" on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at noon in the Drescher Graduate Campus Auditorium. Farmer will base his lecture on his new book which provides a jargon-free exploration of the current crisis, offering a powerful argument for how economics must change to get us out of it. Visit Roger Farmer's Web site.

March 10, 2010, School of Public Policy alumna, Ximena del Carpio (MPP '00), an economist at The World Bank will be speaking to students on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 12:15 p.m. in LC 159. Del Carpio's lecture entitled "Let's Talk Economic Development," will be based on her experience at The World Bank and focus on such issues as poverty measurement, social programs, and economic development.

March 3, 2010, Now available on the School of Public Policy's YouTube channel "Policy Day: California's Initiative Process Revisited," which took place on Friday, February 19, 2010, in downtown Los Angeles. The event featured a panel discussion with both key elected and senior civic leaders and experts in California's legislative process. Panelists included Steve Cooley, Los Angeles County District Attorney; Robert Hertzberg, former Speaker of the California Assembly; Joel Fox, founder of Fox & Hounds Daily; and Dan Schnur, political strategist and director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California. Watch the video.

February 26, 2010, The Winter 2010 issue of the School of Public Policy's bi-annual newsletter, The Dean's Report, is now available. The current issue features Fall 2009 academic lectures, guest speakers, 2009-2010 scholarship recipients, alumni updates, and more. Read the Winter 2010 Dean's Report.

February 26, 2010, Michael Corbin, deputy assistant secretary of state, spoke at the School of Public Policy on "Iraq Policy: Current Issues and Future Challenges," where he discussed U.S. policy toward Iraq, highlighted the upcoming Iraqi elections in March, the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces in August 2010, issues facing Iraqi minority communities, and the challenges that will be present in the near future.

February 22, 2010, Luisa Blanco, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, will be presenting the paper "New Trends in Latin America and their Implications for Foreign Direct Investment" at Duke University, Department of Economics, Diversity Initiative for Tenure in Economics (DITE) Workshop on February 26, 2010. Download Blanco's paper.

Fox & Hounds Daily, February 19, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "Is LA's 'Budget Challenge' For Real?" wherein he discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly of Los Angeles' public online budgeting project. Read the essay.

February 19, 2010, The School of Public Policy with the sponsorship of John Thomas (MPP candidate '10) and Board of Visitors member George and Bonnie Thomas, hosts "Policy Day California's Initiative Process Revisited," on Friday, February 19, 2010, in downtown Los Angeles. The event will feature a panel discussion with both key elected and senior civic leaders and experts in California's legislative process. Panelists include Steve Cooley, Los Angeles County District Attorney; Robert Hertzberg, former Speaker of the California Assembly; Joel Fox, founder of Fox & Hounds Daily; and Dan Schnur, political strategist and director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California.

February 17, 2010, M. Osman Yousuf, a member of the School of Public Policy Board of Visitors, was invited to join the International Counsil of Advisors of the Asian University for Women (AUW). Members of the International Council of Advisors are among AUW’s most active and committed volunteers who have a broad range of experience in academia, business, government, fundraising, and international development. View the Asian University for Women's Newsletter featuring Yousuf on page 27.

Foreign Policy Initiative, February 17, 2010- Robert Kaufman, professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, authored "The Perils of President Obama’s National Security Policy," for Foreign Policy Initiative, a think tank specializing in foreign affairs and national security. Read the essay.

February 11, 2010, Wilfred McClay, the 2009-2010 William E. Simon Distinguished Visiting Professor, was a speaker at the Regent University Ronald Reagan 2010 Symposium entitled "The Future of American Culture," on February 5, 2010. The symposium aired on CSPAN on February 10 and 11, 2010. Visit the symposium Web site.

Fox & Hounds Daily, February 8, 2010 - Pete Peterson (MPP '07), executive director of Common Sense California, authored an essay entitled "Local Governments' 'New Normal', " wherein he discusses the 'new norm' of a financial crisis and how it has assisted in a new era of civil society empowerment. Read the essay.

San Francisco Chronicle, February 7, 2010- Gordon Lloyd, professor of public policy at the School of Public Policy, coauthored an op-ed with David Davenport, research fellow at the Hoover Institution and former Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at Pepperdine, entitled "The Misguided Race to Federalize Education," wherein they discuss the shift of school policy decisions from local and state control to federal oversight, all amidst the disguise of a national crisis. Read the op-ed.

February 2, 2010, Luisa Blanco, assistant professor of economics at the School of Public Policy, authored an article in the Hispanic Economic Outlook published by the American Society of Hispanic Economists titled "Latin America and the Financial Crisis of 2008: An Overview," in the 2009 Quarter IV report. Download the report.

January 25, 2010, Now available on the School of Public Policy's YouTube channel, "The Coming Disaster for Taiwan," presented by Hong Bing Yuan, an exiled Chinese novelist, philosopher, and law professor, who speaks about his book, Taiwan Disaster, which details the current and future of Taiwan-China relations. In addition, Yuan discusses the relationship between China and the U.S., which he believes will have a global effect. Watch the video.

January 25, 2010, Now available on the School of Public Policy's YouTube channel, "Latin America and the Financial Crisis of 2008: Lessons and Challenges," presented by Luisa Blanco, assistant professor of economics. Watch the video.

The Wall Street Journal, January 14, 2010- Wilfred McClay, the 2009-2010 William E. Simon Distinguished Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy, authored a book review entitled "The Conundrum on Campus," reviewing Louis Menand's book The Marketplace of Ideas, which focuses on the rationale and suggestions on how colleges can do a better job of educating. Read the book review.

LA Daily News, January 12, 2010- Michael Shires, associate professor of public policy, was quoted in an article "A New High For Pot," wherein he discusses the likelihood of the legalization of marijuana. This after a California Assembly committee approved a bill that would allow adults to smoke pot and let the state tax them by the ounce, which was approved on Tuesday. Read the article.

January 11, 2010, Hong Bing Yuan, an exiled Chinese novelist, philosopher, and law professor will be speaking about his book "Taiwan Disaster," in a lecture "The Coming Disaster for Taiwan," on January 21, 2010, at noon, in the Drescher Graduate Campus Auditorium. Read more.