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Spring 2022 Newsletter<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Sabith Khan, Ph.D.<\/strong> Welcome to 2022!\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I started this year by setting a new goal: to read more.\u00a0The past two years have taken a sort of strange effect on all of us, and I have not been immune from it. To address this, I felt it was necessary to read more and widely. The past two years have taken a sort of strange effect on all of us, and I have not been immune from it. To address this, I felt it was necessary to read more and widely. One such book that I am re-reading is called the Moral Imagination by John Paul Lederach, one of the influential thinkers (at least in the West) of conflict resolution. I first read this book as a grad student at Syracuse University 11 years ago. The lessons of this book seem relevant to today, as they were when it was written.<\/p>\n Lederach\u2019s core thesis is that we can transcend violence and differences by \u201cthe capacity to generate, mobilize and build the moral imagination.\u201d By moral imagination he means the ability to have the imagination and the belief in and pursuit of the creative act. It also means to have complex thinking and ability to assume the risk that lies when one steps beyond the predictable response and even being able to trust people one would not, under normal circumstances.<\/p>\n As we deal with multiple crises before us, all of which can have deadly consequences\u2013 a global pandemic that refuses to go away totally, a fractured political landscape made worse by disinformation campaigns\u2013 we need to ask ourselves: How do we develop this moral imagination; is it even possible in our day and age? Or, the converse question: What if we don\u2019t find common ground and accept facts when they are presented to us?<\/p>\n On a related note, the debate around how much control governments need to exercise over our day-to-day activities persists, both in the US and in other parts of the world. We are facing what sociologist Gil Ayal calls a crisis of expertise, meaning that experts are perhaps being questioned as much as being relied on in making key decisions that regulate our daily lives. Science is also under attack with disinformation, vaccine hesitancy and the like, taking a real toll on people across the world.<\/p>\n We are planning new courses, including faculty-led travel seminars. We plan to cover Sacramento, Mexico, and Ecuador. Hopefully, with travel making a comeback, we will be able to take our students to these places to share not just knowledge but also to create educational\u00a0experiences which they will cherish for a lifetime.<\/p>\n In the meanwhile, stay safe and write to us if you have any ideas, concerns, or programmatic suggestions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Loredana Carson, Ed.D.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n If you are a student or program graduate who has taken out a student loan to cover the cost of\u00a0your graduate MPPA degree, and if you currently work for a public sector or non-profit\u00a0employer, then the recent announcements regarding Public Service Loan Forgiveness\u00a0(PSLF) might be of interest to you. In case you have never heard of this plan, the website defines the program in this way:\u00a0\u201cThe PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your\u00a0Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying\u00a0repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer\u201d (Public Service Loan\u00a0Forgiveness, 2022).<\/p>\n And yes, \u201c120 payments\u201d means 10 years of payments, but often 10 years is not enough to\u00a0discharge the entire loan\u00a0so having the balance of the loan forgiven after this time can be\u00a0liberating and is well worth the while of investigating. Historically, this program has not\u00a0functioned very well and there have been many difficulties for individuals who were in fact\u00a0qualified but whose loan forgiveness plans were not enacted properly. That is why it is\u00a0worthwhile to stay up on changes to the plan and to monitor\u00a0the website<\/a>\u00a0for updates on a\u00a0regular basis if you work for a public sector or qualifying non-profit organization. The website\u00a0details the employer requirements and provides information on how to apply for the program. The Biden administration has been slower than they had hoped to be in making changes to get\u00a0this program functioning efficiently. Any changes made to this point have come about as a result\u00a0of presidential Executive Action. However, the federal Department of Education is also using\u00a0this time to rewrite the regulations to improve program delivery. Recently, the Department of Education participated in a negotiated rulemaking session in which the department laid out\u00a0proposed changes to the program, including: automating employment certifications, simplifying\u00a0payment counts, and creating an appeals process to streamline the lengthy steps required to\u00a0protest a disputed decision.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the stakeholders involved in the negotiation (e.g., student loan borrowers, legal service\u00a0advocates, school and government officials) failed to come to an agreement about these proposed\u00a0changes, which throws the ball back into the Department of Ed\u2019s court and allows them to decide\u00a0which suggestions, if any, they will incorporate into the final rule. The estimated timeline shows\u00a0that the new regulations are scheduled to appear in 2023.<\/p>\n In October of 2021, the Biden administration temporarily issued a limited PSLF Waiver which\u00a0provides some relief to those currently enrolled in the program. Those details are\u00a0explained here<\/a>. I suggest you bookmark these\u00a0pages and check back frequently if you are considering applying for this program. One of the\u00a0main complaints to date has been that it shouldn\u2019t be so difficult to receive this benefit, which\u00a0was created to encourage people to consider careers in the public sector.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n ~Erin Niemi\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Leo Casiple<\/strong><\/p>\n Interview: Won Toastmasters Speech Contest and Participated in Brussel\u2019s Peacewriter Prize Competition<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A\u00a0highly accomplished alumni, Leo continues to give back through his talents and unique experiences to several organizations, rigorous competitions, and his alma mater CLU.<\/p>\n 1. Congratulations on winning the Toastmasters\u2019 Club Level International Speech Contest and participating in the Peacewriter Prize Competition! For those who don\u2019t already know you and all your many interests and accomplishments, could you introduce yourself to the MPPA community?<\/strong><\/p>\n Thank you. I won the Area 6 Contest in November 2021 and will advance to the Southern Division contest in March 2022. The International Speech Contest is 5-7 minutes long: anything less than 4.5 minutes or over 7.5 minutes results in a disqualification.<\/p>\n I did not place in the top three essays in the 2021 International Peacewriter Prize Competition, Brussels, but many colleagues have mentioned that I could teach an entire college class with the elements I wrote about.<\/p>\n To Read More\u2026<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Majd Almalki<\/strong><\/p>\n Interview: New Director of Gender Balance Statistics at the\u00a0Institute of Public Administration of\u00a0the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia<\/em><\/p>\n Continuing to apply her MPPA knowledge, Majd is making\u00a0a profound impact in her new role as a Director at the Institute of Public Administration in her home country\u00a0of Saudi Arabia, where Dr. Khan recently visited with Majd and other alumni.<\/p>\n 1. You recently received a promotion to be the Director of Gender Balance Statistics at the\u00a0Institute of Public Administration of Saudi Arabia– Congratulations! Tell us about the Institute and what it seeks to achieve.<\/strong><\/p>\n First of all, I would like to thank you for this opportunity. It is always a pleasure to share with the MPPA community what happened recently in my career. The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) is one of the leading government agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. IPA seeks to increase the efficiency of public employees and to educate them to make them capable of shouldering their responsibilities, use their jurisdiction in a manner that would raise the level of administration, and support the foundation of national economic development.<\/p>\n To Read More\u2026<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Matthew Gammariello, MPPA, JD<\/strong><\/p>\n New Employment: Immigration Associate Attorney at\u00a0Hadley Bajramovic<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Matthew details his exciting new job opportunity, where he will be \u201cpracticing immigration law for one of the biggest full-service immigration law firms in the area\u2026<\/p>\n I will be doing deportation removal defense proceedings, cancellation of removal, asylum cases, and DACA renewals. I will be in immigration court 2-3 days a week,\u201d as well as potential opportunities to present before\u00a0the Immigration Appeals Board like the 9th Circuit Court of\u00a0Appeals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sara Rivera, MPPA<\/strong><\/p>\n New Employment: Health Equity Manager at Ventura County\u00a0Public Health<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n New\u00a0 Employment:\u00a0Assistant Staff Analyst at Los Angeles\u00a0Department of Public Health<\/em><\/p>\n In describing his new career, Nathan states: “Working for the LA Department of Public Health during a historically significant time has been an unique experience. The preconceived\u00a0notion that I had about government work being slow and\/or un-innovative couldn’t\u00a0be further from the truth. I am thoroughly enjoying my work and look forward to furthering my career in the public space.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Oscar Trujillo, MPPA<\/strong><\/p>\n New Employment:\u00a0Academic Services Coordinator at CLU<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n New Board Directors at Many Mansion<\/em><\/p>\n Ma<\/a>ny Mansions<\/a>\u00a0is a nonprofit organization that serves low-income families and individuals in Ventura and Los Angeles counties by providing affordable housing and many other services.<\/p>\n Helping thousands of lives annually, Tina and Patricia are honored to have been chosen to serve on Many Mansions\u00a0Board of Directors and look forward to volunteering their time\u00a0and expertise to assist Many Mansions increase their impact\u00a0for the many others needing its assistance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Leslie Madrigal<\/strong><\/p>\n New Employment: <\/p>\n 2020 Hamm Award: Champion of the Vulnerable<\/em><\/p>\n The William E. Hamm Award seeks to spotlight the work extraordinary volunteers accomplish to impact California Lutheran University and their local communities.<\/p>\n In speaking of Dichele, the University published: \u201cOver the years, she has served Cal Lutheran on university advisory councils\u2026 During the pandemic Harris provided outstanding leadership and extraordinary community support in the Conejo Valley to the homeless and others in need…\u00a0She is a most extraordinary individual, admired and respected by the many volunteers in this community who work alongside her and nominated her for this award.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Christine Birabwa, MPPA<\/strong><\/p>\n New Employment: <\/p>\n New Employment: Hitting the ground running, Mike talks about his aspirations within his new leadership role in the City of Carpinteria in his recent\u00a0Q&A session with the MPPA community<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sara Martinez<\/strong><\/p>\n New Employment: Music Program Breakdown for the Westview Family Development<\/strong> Aside from that, there are also improvements in children\u2019s self-identity that improve their confidence and also give them a place they have ownership of (Barber, Eccles, & Stone, 2001). Hence, this capstone will focus on developing a low-income music program for the properties owned or managed by Westview Family Development, a low-income housing unit in the City of San Buenaventura.<\/p>\n To Read More…<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Housing the Unhoused<\/strong> The name of the capstone course is Housing the Unhoused: Skid Row Homelessness Policy Analysis. Through this project, students will analyze the court case\u00a0LA Alliance for Humans Rights vs. The City of Los Angeles<\/em>. They will partner with Skid Row Housing Trust, an affordable housing not-for-profit developer, to address how the court case can impact the organization and homelessness in the Skid Row Neighborhood. Through the capstone, students will address issues centered on housing policy, homelessness, economic and racial inequality, and policy implementation.<\/p>\n El Rio\/Del Norte Area Plan Update<\/strong> Summer Term Schedule<\/strong> Dr. Sabith Khan<\/strong> Read about Madison\u2019s experience with IOREM and the competition in\u00a0her recent blog post here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Steve Mermell<\/strong> PJ Gagajena<\/strong> Dr. Khan & ASPA<\/strong> The MPPA program is delighted to offer\u00a0FIVE FREE<\/span>\u00a0memberships to the South Asia section at the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Dr. Sabith Khan has been appointed as the Chair of this section recently.<\/p>\n If you are interested in networking, getting involved, and being sponsored to receive a FREE membership to ASPA and SASPA, please email\u00a0ppalaoda@callutheran.edu<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n Omairah Azizi<\/strong> Omairah’s Contact Information<\/em> Dr. Loredana Carson<\/strong> International Meetings<\/strong>Message from the Director<\/h1>\n
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\nProgram Director & Assistant Professor, MPPA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\nMessage from Faculty<\/h1>\n
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<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\nWhat\u2019s New in PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\nThe Public Sphere<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\nThe Public Sphere<\/a>\u00a0is the<\/a> MPPA’s blog that houses articles about pertinent topics ranging from\u00a0current events, public administration, public policy, and, most recently, student and alumni accounts of their career tips and journeys.<\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\nHow To Series: Internships at the County Government\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<\/a>As a young person trying to establish a career in public service, one of the highlights of my 2021 was getting to intern at the County of Ventura in their Public Service Internship Program. The Program consisted of various work opportunities within different County agencies and departments (e.g., County Executive Office, Human Services Agency, the Fire Department, etc.)…<\/p>\n\nTo Read More…<\/em><\/a><\/div>\nMPPA In Action<\/h1>\n
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\n<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nStudent & Alumni Updates<\/h1>\n
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\n<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\nNathan Hatia<\/strong><\/div>\n\n
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\n<\/a>Tina Seacrese & Patricia Palao Da Costa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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\nFinancial Aid Operations Assistant at CLU<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Dichele Harris, MPPA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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\nTechnical Specialist at County of Ventura<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Mike Ramirez, MPPA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nAssistant City Manager at City of Carpinteria<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nElections Records Technician II at\u00a0County of Ventura<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n2021 & 2022 Capstone Projects<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
Fall 2021 Term<\/h3>\n
Leslie Madrigal,\u00a0Stephanie Rendon, Laura Vasquez
\nFaculty Advisor:\u00a0Chris Beck<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Music is an integrated part of people\u2019s lives that can spark a wide range of emotions and memories that last a lifetime. Studies show how music education introduced to young children \u201cheightens children\u2019s auditory acuity, thus increasing their ability to process language\u201d (Etopio, et al., 2012).<\/p>\n
\nWinter\u00a02022 Term<\/h3>\n
\nAna Perez,\u00a0Thiana Martinez,\u00a0Veronica Navarro
\nFaculty Advisor: Sean Veal<\/em><\/p>\n
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Debbie Canas,\u00a0Jessica Diaz,\u00a0Nathan Hatia,\u00a0Tina Secrease,\u00a0Lisa Vaiman
\nFaculty Advisor: Jacqui Phelps<\/em>
The project is in partnership with the County of Ventura Resources Management Agency, and the students will be researching and analyzing existing laws and policies relating to environmental justice in order to propose recommendations for the El Rio\/Del Norte Area Plan Update.<\/span><\/p>\nFaculty & Staff Updates<\/h1>\n
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\nStudents Can Register Now!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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Second Place Prize in the Voinovich Innovation Challenge<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>In detailing his experience with the competition, Dr. Khan stated: \u201cI participated in the\u2026\u00a0Ohio University<\/a>‘s Voinovich innovation challenge – a national competition with over 38 entries (hosted by NASPAA), with MPPA student Madison Bartula-Henkle for a project that we are involved in:\u00a0IOREM<\/a>, a research collaborative of scholars engaged in migration and remittances. We won the second prize! Thanks to all parties involved, in promoting this initiative and for highlighting the role of research and public education\u00a0in this process.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Retirement from\u00a0City Management\u00a0in City of Pasadena<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>After five years of dedicated service as the City Manager for the City of Pasadena, and more than thirty years of public service, Professor Mermell\u00a0announced his retirement plans<\/a>\u00a0last fall for this new year of 2022. We are grateful for the expertise and enthusiasm Professor Mermell brings in the courses he will continue to offer for the MPPA program, and we congratulate and commend him for his many years of remarkable service he provided for the City of Pasadena!<\/p>\n
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New Adjunct Professor<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>PJ Gagajena proudly serves as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark. As Chief Operations Officer, he oversees the City\u2019s daily operations serving 36,326 residents and an annual budget of nearly $60 million. His 20-year career in local government includes working for the cities of Los Angeles, New York, Indio, and Torrance. PJ earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Minor in Asian American Studies from UCLA and holds Master\u2019s degrees in Public Policy and Urban Planning from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Professor Gagajena will be teaching this Spring’s Emergency & Crisis Management course!<\/p>\n
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Limited, Free Memberships for Students<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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\nNew Program Specialist<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>As the Graduate Program Specialist for the School of\u00a0Management, Omairah\u00a0supports the MPPA, MBA-FP and MS\u00a0Financial Planning programs. She organizes and manages the\u00a0day-to-day activities of the Graduate Programs in relation to\u00a0faculty and students. In addition to supporting the directors of\u00a0the programs, she performs other departmental duties including\u00a0preparing class schedules for the programs in each term,\u00a0coordinating full-time and adjunct faculty teaching assignments\u00a0and negotiating times and class locations with instructors. She\u00a0also serves as a resource to graduate students and provides lead\u00a0work direction to graduate assistants and student workers.\u00a0She is\u00a0also a graduate of California Lutheran University with a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Communications.<\/p>\n
\nCLU Campus: Pioneer House
\nEmail:\u00a0omairahazizi@callutheran.edu<\/a>
\nPhone: (805) 493-3678<\/p>\n
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\nEducation Policy Offered This Summer Term<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Elective course highlight!\u00a0Describing her course, Dr. Carson shares: “This summer on Wednesday evenings I will be teaching Education Policy (PA 582-01) as an elective offering. Each week the class is structured around a central question that helps students\u00a0understand the purpose of education in a wider context than how it typically portrayed. The class is\u00a0interactive and enlightening, and I bring in guest speakers as available to discuss these and\u00a0other important matters that pertain to education policy. You don\u2019t have to be an educator to\u00a0be impacted by education policy issues. We are all to some extent a product of our current\u00a0system and understanding how it works (and doesn\u2019t work) can be helpful to us moving\u00a0forward. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this class.”<\/p>\n
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\nAlumni in Saudi Arabia Meet with Dr. Khan<\/em><\/p>\n