Forum to Examine California Issues

Sandra Fluke, California director of the advocacy organization Voices for Progress, will present a State of the State look at issues being addressed in Sacramento when she speaks at a Community Forum in Newbury Park on Friday, Feb. 9.

The 7:30 p.m. forum at 3327 Old Conejo Road will offer guidance on how community members can make their voices heard more effectively. Voices for Progress has focused on climate change, income inequality, campaign finance reform, immigration, healthcare and criminal justice reform.

Fluke is a social justice attorney who has represented victims of human trafficking and domestic violence as well as immigration clients. As a legislative advocate, she has worked on issues including gender equality, reproductive justice, labor rights, immigration, economic justice and gay rights. She holds a law degree from Georgetown University.

While studying at Georgetown, she became nationally known after testifying before members of Congress about the difficulties students at the Jesuit school encountered in getting health insurance that covered contraception costs. Soon after, she appeared on "The View," the "Today" show, CNN and MSNBC to engage on the issue in response to heated broadcast comments by Rush Limbaugh.

Fluke spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention and ran for the state Senate in 2014, advancing to a runoff for the seat won by fellow Democrat Ben Allen. At Voices for Progress, she brings people together to leverage their influence and provide a counterweight to powerful lobbyists.

The Community Forum is open to the public and free. Donations are welcome. For information, visit forum.cvuuf.org or contact Pamela Lopez through the church office at (805) 498-9548.