July / August 2004

Dear Friends,

At this midpoint of 2004, as we continue to move forward with the implementation of our strategic plan, I would like to focus this letter on the Irvine Foundation's California Perspectives program. Of our three program areas (the others being Arts and Youth), California Perspectives has generated the greatest number of questions as my colleagues and I have traveled around the state. I appreciate that the program has sparked dialogue and am pleased to share further details with you about this unique grantmaking program.

The goal of the California Perspectives program is to inform public understanding, engage Californians, and improve decision-making on significant issues of long-term consequence to the state. We crafted these broad goals in order to retain flexibility as circumstances evolve. At the same time, to have the greatest impact, we are focusing initially on the issue of effective governance.

This focus stems from our recognition that California faces critical issues today related to its governance structures—from ongoing state budget crises to significant infrastructure needs to inequities among the state's regions. Furthermore, large sectors of California society are disconnected from the public decision-making processes that determine how we resolve these issues.

Addressing these complex concerns, and ultimately establishing effective ways for Californians to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives, requires multiple strategies. A selection of recent grantees illustrates the multi-faceted approach we are taking through California Perspectives:

• PolicyLink facilitates community involvement in state and local policymaking. Its upcoming projects will provide information to policy makers and community members on the connection between specific issues, such as housing and economic development, to broader governance issues.
• NALEO (the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) is conducting Voces del Pueblo, an intensive voter education and outreach effort to encourage high voter participation among Latinos. Town hall meetings, door-to-door contact, and major media partnerships are among the components of this comprehensive outreach effort.
• New America Foundation has earned a national reputation for innovative, non-partisan policy development. By establishing a California Fellows Program with Irvine's support, New America Foundation will contribute new ideas for solutions to California's governance challenges.

If you would like to learn more about California Perspectives, I encourage you to review the program's grantmaking priorities and the full listing of 2003 and 2004 grants.

Finally, Amy Dominguez-Arms, the Program Director for California Perspectives, and I would like to extend our deep appreciation to the many people who have shared ideas with us as we have developed and refined the program. We are grateful for their time and heartened by their dedication to contributing to a vibrant, successful, and inclusive California.

As always, I appreciate your interest in the Irvine Foundation's work and welcome your comments, questions and suggestions at any time.

Sincerely,

James E. Canales
President & CEO

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