The 12th Envisioning California Conference will take place on Sept. 21-22 at the State Capitol. The conference will bring together experts, elected officials, and corporate representatives to discuss the issues facing California today.

The Conference is titled “E-Democracy, Education and Initiatives: The Future of the California Republic,” and is being sponsored by the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State.

It will consist of several interdisciplinary panels that will conduct sessions on topics ranging from “Electoral Disinterest: Can the Internet Stimulate Voting and Interest in Politics?” to “Master Plan for the 21st Century: Higher Education and Public Policy.”

“If these topics interest anyone, I think it would be a great idea to attend,” said Amy Hopkins, Administrative Support Assistant for the California Studies Department and Registrar for the conference.

The panels are designed to include people from several perspectives. Notable panel members include Sac State President Donald Gerth, Giselle Acevedo-Franco, director of corporate relations for Media One, and Tracy Western, chair of www.grassroots.com.

The Conference will begin with an opening dinner and reception to be held at the Golden State Museum at 5:30 p.m. on Sept 21, and will include keynote speaker Magda Escobar, executive director of Plugged In Enterprises. The Conference will then commence at the State Capitol the next day at 8:30 a.m.

Tickets will cost $75 for both days, $50 for Friday only and $25 both days for students. All tickets will include meals. Admission to the panel is free. Tickets and information are available by contacting the Center for California Studies at (916) 278-6906