California Assembly Member Paul Fong, De Anza College President Bryan Murphy and Campbell Mayor Evan Low spoke of the importance of public involvement in policy at the first of a series of seminars at De Anza on Oct. 9.

Fong said he was a De Anza alumnus and even during his college years he was mindful of public policy. He said as a member of the football team, he would carry physically disabled students across the barricades so they could watch the game. Fong was elected to the FHDA District Board of Trustees in 1993 and fought to improve student services for the physically handicapped and re-install the intercultural studies program.

Mayor Low began his section by asking students if they knew who their state senate members were. A majority of the class remained silent. “Knowing who is fighting for you [in congress] is hugely important,” Low said. “These seminars aim to raise awareness of public policy and get students involved.”

Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed Assembly Bill 970, which demands open and transparent meetings the public may attend for bills that raise student fees. The bill was one of the several examples of proposed legislation conceived by people conscious of public policy.

Seminars will be held every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in room L83. Students who attend every seminar will be able to apply for advocacy trips to Sacramento and Washington D.C. Only 10 students will be selected.