“How Does California’s Democracy Grow – Our Initiative Process in Transition” is the topic of a free public forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area Thurs, Nov. 3, from 10:30 AM -1:30 PM at the Women’s City Club, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena.  

Joe Mathews, noted journalist and authority on direct democracy, will discuss how the 100-year-old initiative process to give power to the people has run amok and what can be done about it. Matthews also is co-author of “California Crackup: How Reform Broke the Golden State and How We Can Fix it.” 

A robust question and answer session will follow.

Following, Frances Talbott-White of the Los Angeles League will show how to navigate the League’s awarding winning Smart Voter website to learn more about the treasure trove of information on how our democracy works.

Long a defender of citizen participation through the initiative process, the state League has begun a yearlong formal study of the system.

Reservations are required for lunch, which is $20, including tax and tip. No reservation is necessary for those who attend only the program.