Camarillo, Calif. Nov. 12, 2009 – The third and final program in CSU Channel Islands’ (CI) Fall 2009 Chicana/o Speaker Series will feature well-known writer Gustavo Arellano.

The program will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the John Spoor Broome Library, Room 1360, on the CI campus. The program, sponsored by the Chicana/o Studies program, in conjunction with the Center for Multicultural Engagement, is free and open to the public.

Gustavo Arellano is familiar to many readers for his Op/Ed pieces in the Los Angeles Times. He is also a staff writer with Orange County’s alternative newspaper, the OC Weekly, and a frequent guest on Public Radio International’s Weekend America. He writes a nationally syndicated column, “¡Ask a Mexican!” Arellano is the recipient of many awards, including the Los Angeles Press Club’s 2007 President’s Award and an Impacto Award from the National Hispanic Media Coalition.

The child of Mexican immigrants, Arellano grew up in Orange County. He will discuss his latest book, “Orange County: A Personal History.” Associate Professor of History, Dr. Frank Barajas, mentioned that Arellano’s talk ties in well with the Chicana/o Studies course, “Narratives of Southern California,” that deals with the many stories of acculturation in Southern California. In Arellano’s case, his parents came from Mexico and the family experienced the need to adapt to a new country and lifestyle.

Barajas said that the lecture series has received overwhelming response from the community. “The speakers have all provided insight regarding the Chicano experience and it has offered CI a meaningful way to connect directly with the community we serve.”

Limited parking is available on campus. A daily permit is $6. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the VISTA bus to the campus; the fare is $1 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For further information about the lecture series contact Dr. Frank Barajas, Associate Professor of History at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-8862 or frank.barajas@csuci.edu.