Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Chairman of the California High Speed Rail Authority Dan Richard to lead the discussion

March 6, 2012 — For the past seven weeks, CSUB has hosted a free speaker series for the community centered on the hotly debated topic of the California High Speed Rail project. The series, which has offered students and community members a chance to hear multiple viewpoints, learn facts, and dispel rumors, will culminate with a town hall-style meeting Thursday, March 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at CSUB's Icardo Center. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The discussion will be led by Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Chairman of the California High Speed Rail Authority Dan Richard, who will share their perspectives regarding the project's business plan, financing, environmental impact, and potential benefits and consequences.

"It is important to note that the town hall meeting is not a debate. We don't see a debate as a productive forum for this topic. Rather, it is a discussion which will present information and perspectives regarding the high speed rail from high level officials on both sides," said Evelyn Young, executive assistant to the president of CSUB. "We will take questions from the audience on site as well as via Facebook and Twitter."

Young added: "The speaker series has been very well received by the community, with each of the five sessions at near capacity and the discussions very rich and robust. The speakers have been knowledgeable and the information provided has been enlightening for all. The town hall meeting is sure to be equally informative and engaging."

Those who wish to attend the town hall meeting are encouraged to RSVP at 661-654-2175. For those who cannot make the meeting, it will be streamed live at http://www.csub.edu/livestream/California_High_Speed_Rail/. Questions may be submitted in advance to .

Parking will be free in parking lots E and I. Enter campus via Roadrunner Way from Camino Media.