Friends of Solana Beach Library Monthly Lecture

Friends of Solana Beach Library presents “California’s Prop 50: Historical Perspective on Redistricting” with Dr. Thad Kousser, Professor of Political Science, UC San Diego on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 5:30 - 6:45pm at the La Colonia Community Center located at 715 Valley Ave, Solana Beach.  Dr. Kousser’s presentation will focus on the historical background of redistricting processes in California, the movement that led to the creation of an independent citizens' redistricting commission, and the current national context that led to this moment.The presentation will include a Q&A segment.

Dr. Thad Kousser is Thad Kousser is a professor of political science, and co-director of the Yankelovich Center at UC San Diego, where he studies American state and national politics. He has been a visiting professor at Stanford University, a Flinders Fulbright Distinguished Chair at Flinders University in Australia, as well as having worked as a staff assistant in the California, New Mexico, and United States Senates. Dr. Kousser also comments on American politics for venues such as NPR, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, and the San Diego Union Tribune.

“California’s Prop 50: Historical Perspective on Redistricting” – a presentation and Q&A– “This is a much needed, timely, and relevant discussion to provide contextual background information on redistricting which will be on the November ballot.   By providing a context that goes beyond the flood of glossy political mailers, voters will be able to make up their own minds about Proposition 50, ” said Dr. Thad Kousser,   “I am a political science professor who is not involved in either the Yes or the No campaigns.”

“Friends of Solana Beach Library is excited to continue our programming this season with an informative discussion that will include a valuable Q&A,” stated Jennifer Eveleth, President of Friends of Solana Beach Library. “Dr. Kousser’s talks are incredibly educational and attendees will have a historical perspective in order to inform their decision for the November Special Election.”

The event will be held at the La Colonia Community Center in order to adhere to California’s restrictions on political activities near polling places.  The California Statewide Special Election has ballot dropoff locations open October 7 thru November 4, 2025.

Friends of Solana Beach Library invites you to this great talk that is arriving at the perfect moment!  See you at La Colonia Community Center.

Scheduling Note: Please note that this event will be held at the La Colonia Community Center located at 715 Valley Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075.

About Thad Kousser

Thad Kousser, studies American state and national politics, voting reforms, direct democracy, and how politicians use social media, joined the department in 2003 and served as its chair from 2016-2022. His work has been published in journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Political Science Review, the Revue Francaise de Science Politique, the Journal of Politics, and Political Analysis. He has authored or edited the books The Logic of American Politics, Politics in the American States, The Power of American Governors, The New Political Geography of California, Term Limits and the Dismantling of State Legislative Professionalism, and Adapting to Term Limits: Recent Experiences and New Directions.  He has been a visiting professor at Stanford University, held the Flinders Fulbright Distinguished Chair at Flinders University in Australia, received UCSD's Academic Senate's Distinguished Teaching Award, served as co-editor of the journals Legislative Studies Quarterly and State Politics and Policy Quarterly, and has worked as a staff assistant in the California, New Mexico, and United States Senates. Kousser also comments on American politics for venues such as NPR, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Politico, and the Los Angeles Times.

About the Solana Beach Library

The Solana Beach Library - located at Stevens Ave - is open: 

• Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed

About Friends of Solana Beach Library

Since its formation in March, 1983, the Mission of the Friends is to aid and support the Solana Beach branch of the San Diego County Library.  Friends of the Solana Beach Library works to:

• Maintain a membership of persons interested in the Library
• Focus public attention on library services, facilities and needs
• Enhance the Library’s resources by receiving contributions
• Make donations to the Library in order to encourage literacy, the love of reading, and lifelong learning
• Increase the community’s access to information and knowledge
• Provide a diverse cultural gathering place