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Continued on Page 3 ANNUAL CONFERENCE from page 1 """ · · ,.. · · ""-. · · .-. · · ..*. · · .-.. · ,.-. · · Peter Yarrow, of the musical group Peter, Paul, and Mary, gave a Wednesday keynote address that included rousing sing-alongs of several classics of the 1960s along with a presentation focused on building community as a means of counter- lng what he called a "culture of disrespect that is injuring our children." Citing popular talk shows hosted by Jerry Springer, Jenny Jones and Howard Stern, Yarrow emphasized that we "cannot allow our children to inherit this type of culture." He appeared representing his national non-profit effort called "Operation Respect: Don't Laugh at Me." California Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon applauded the League for its grassroots efforts of the past year saying, "1 share your concerns for local issues and I share your approach for solving them." Simon promised that, if elected, he would push for a State Constitutional amendment to guarantee "locked-in revenue streams" to cities and protect against diversion of local resources by the state. Senior Advisor to Governor Gray Davis for Intergovernmental Relations David Rosenberg also addressed a packed room, summarizing the accomplishments of cities and the Davis administration in protecting the Vehicle License Fee revenues in this year's budget negotiations. Ethics, Proposition 49 and Homeland Security As part of a League effort to focus more attention on public confidence and ethics, Dr. Rushworth Kidder, President of the Institute for Global Ethics, provided city officials with an overview of ethics and the importance it plays in public office. He outlined how city officials can help advance the cause of ethics through hiring practices, management decisions, in governance and, most importantly, communicating the value of ethics by practicing it internally and articulating it externally. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger flexed his political muscle by firing up an early morning crowd on behalf of his latest production, Proposition 49 on the November ballot. Schwarzenegger thanked the League for its endorsement of the bipartisan initiative. Schwarzenegger also spent time with 120 youth commissioners attending this year's conference, encouraging them to be disciplined, value education, keep physically fit and avoid drugs and alcohol. Better coordination is key to homeland security, according to a session presented by Josh Filler of the White House Office of Homeland Security. Filler stressed the need to coordinate local, state and federal responses in the event of another terrorist attack. He outlined the ways in which the President's 2003 proposed $3.5 billion homeland security budget item would enhance the capabilities of first responders through training and new equipment, spending flexibility, and a simple quick method of dispersing federal assistance. Housing for Californians, homeland security, balancing economic growth and the environment, technology in today's government, and ethics for public officials were also among the many important topics on which attendees deliberated in general sessions. Participants took part in nearly 50 workshops covering city issues from achieving fiscal stability, to smart growth and labor relations programs. In addition to educational programs, attendees enjoyed an active exposition hall that featured more than 280 private firms, non-profit organizations and public agencies providing products and services that help cities solve common chal- lenges. From software applications and Web site development to barrier systems for vehicle and pedestrian control, the exposition provided something for everyone. The 2003 League Annual Conference will be held in Sacramento, September 10-] 3. PAGE 2/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site--www.cacities.org