Several upcoming events at the UC Student and Policy Center will bring together journalists, policymakers, researchers and community leaders to discuss issues shaping California — from health care and behavioral health to elections, technology and the insurance market. Registration is open for the following programs.

The Nerd Reich: A conversation and book signing with Gil Durán
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 4:30–6 p.m. (PT) — Sacramento
Join CalMatters for a conversation with journalist and author Gil Durán about his new book, “The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy.” Political strategist Mike Madrid, senior fellow at the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, will moderate the discussion, which will explore technology, political influence and democracy. A book signing will follow.

California Health Care
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (PT) — Hybrid, Sacramento + Zoom
Join the UC Student and Policy Center in partnership with Capitol Weekly for an annual conference on health care in California. The program will explore the continuing impacts of H.R. 1 on health care and social services, California’s growing senior population and the challenges of caring for older adults. Speakers also will discuss the state of behavioral health, including CARE Courts and mental health services.

The conference will feature keynote remarks from Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, who brings experience as a physician, parent and policymaker to the discussion of California’s health care system.

The Role of Technology in the 2026 Election and Beyond
Thursday, Oct. 1, 12–1 p.m. (PT) — Sacramento
Join the Center and the California Institute for Technology & Democracy for a conversation about technology’s role in the 2026 election and beyond. Speakers will discuss how new tools are shaping the way voters access information and participate in elections, as well as challenges such as AI-generated deepfakes and other forms of technology-enabled voter manipulation.

Featured speakers are Adam Silver, chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, and Gowri Ramachandran, director of elections and security at the Brennan Center for Justice. Lunch will be provided.

Can California fix its insurance crisis? The candidates weigh in
Thursday, Oct. 8, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (PT) — Hybrid, Sacramento + Zoom
California voters will choose the state’s next insurance commissioner as the state continues to face challenges across its insurance market. Join the Center and CalMatters for a discussion with Sen. Ben Allen and Jane Kim about their plans for the state’s insurance market, including how they would respond to growing risks such as wildfires.

For questions about upcoming events, contact the UC Student and Policy Center.

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