The Unexpected Resilience and Potential Strength of Local Democracy in a Time of National Turmoil
In an era marked by polarization and division, it can be easy to lose faith in the democratic process. Yet, amid national turbulence, local governments and communities often continue to collaborate, innovate, and make tangible progress.
Join Napa Valley Community Foundation for a timely Common Ground Event with Dr. Raphael Sonenshein, a nationally recognized expert on governance, democracy, and reform. Drawing on lessons from decades of research and public service, Dr. Sonenshein will reflect on what the 2024 elections revealed about the state of American democracy—and why local engagement remains one of the most powerful tools we have for strengthening trust, participation, and progress in our communities.
When: Wednesday, November 12 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM)
Where: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, 2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
RSVP: Below
This event is free and open to the public and hosted by Napa Valley Community Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.
About the Speaker
Dr. Raphael J. Sonenshein is the Executive Director of the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, and formerly led the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State LA. He is a leading voice on racial and ethnic politics, California and Los Angeles governance, and charter reform, and has authored three books on political power and reform in Los Angeles. Dr. Sonenshein holds his B.A. degrees from Princeton and his Ph.D. from Yale. He has advised numerous cities on governance reform and civic engagement including serving as executive director of the City of Los Angeles Appointed Charter Reform Commission, 1997-99, that completed the first comprehensive reform of the city charter in 75 years.
Hourly Schedule
- 5:00 - 5:30
- Doors Open
- 5:30 - 6:00
- Keynote Talk
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Speakers:
Dr. Raphael J. Sonenshein
- 6:00 - 6:30
- Q&A
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Speakers:
Dr. Raphael J. Sonenshein
Speaker
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Dr. Raphael J. SonensheinExecutive Director, John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation
Dr. Raphael J. Sonenshein is the Executive Director of the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, and formerly led the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State LA. He is a leading voice on racial and ethnic politics, California and Los Angeles governance, and charter reform, and has authored three books on political power and reform in Los Angeles. Dr. Sonenshein holds his B.A. degrees from Princeton and his Ph.D. from Yale. He has advised numerous cities on governance reform and civic engagement including serving as executive director of the City of Los Angeles Appointed Charter Reform Commission, 1997-99, that completed the first comprehensive reform of the city charter in 75 years.