For over a decade, the Center for the Study of Los Angeles has planned, coordinated and moderated theUrban Lecture Series, an annual inter-departmental educational curriculum and forum at Loyola Marymount University. Held every spring semester on LMU's campus, the Urban Lecture Series is an 8-10 panel lecture series held on selected Tuesdays during the months of February, March and April, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Recently the Center began the annual Fall Lecture Series with the same format.

Both lecture series bring together top government officials and community leaders and engages them in debate, allowing those in attendance to interact and learn more about the issues facing Los Angeles. Moderated by Center Director, Dr. Fernando Guerra, each session consists of an open dialogue between the panelists. These panelists debate answers and approaches to civic action, and engage in a Question and Answer session with LMU students, the public, and other invited guests. After each panel, those in attendance are given the opportunity to speak with the panelists.

Among the most recent panelists are: Herb Schultz from the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Councilmembers Bernard Parks and Wendy Greuel, and Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Past panels have included Mayors Riordan, Hahn and Villaraigosa, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, and President and Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Stewart Kwoh. Each session is filmed and aired shortly thereafter on LA 36. Recent lectures are also available on DVD by request, as well as on LMU iTunes.

Please click on the year to learn more about the panels and panelists in that series.