Friends of Solana Beach Library

Civic Series

Civic Series

Start Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026   |   Time: 5:30 PM
Location Solana Beach Library


The Friends of Solana Beach Library is proud to launch the Civic Series — a three-part program designed to promote civic knowledge and engagement through resource sharing and demystifying local government. Sessions are free and open to all community members.

Celia Brewer, retired public lawyer, and Melissa Fischel, community member and FOSBL Vice-President, will lead guest panelists through discussions about our local agencies.

Session 1   Tuesday, April 21, 2026  ·  5:30 – 6:45 pm

Jump into Local Government

Today’s government is both simple and complex. Unpack the mysteries of local government and open the door to a whole new world of participation. Attendees will learn why civic engagement is vital and how to get involved.

  • Why people need to get involved in local government
  • Why local government matters
  • How to get involved

Moderators: Celia Brewer & Melissa Fischel
Session 2   Tuesday, May 19, 2026  ·  5:30 – 6:45 pm

Think Global, Act Local

Most of us think cities and counties when we hear the term “local government.” In fact, dozens of agencies regulate modern civic life. This session reviews the numerous public agencies with jurisdiction over our lives and highlights opportunities to get involved. Guest speaker Kim Thorner, JD, General Manager of Olivenhain Municipal Water District, will discuss special agencies and exciting issues facing the water sector.

Moderators: Celia Brewer & Kim Thorner, JD
Session 3   Tuesday, June 16, 2026  ·  5:30 – 6:45 pm

Show Me the Money

The word “budget” makes some people run for the hills — but budgets are the ultimate policy-making tools. Come learn some basic concepts of public finance, including deregulation, privatization, and the relationship between local, state, and federal funding.

Moderators: To be announced
About Celia Brewer

Celia Brewer retired in 2022 after 29 years as a public attorney for cities and other regional and local agencies. Ms. Brewer remains a passionate advocate for citizen participation in local government.

All sessions held at Solana Beach Library  ·  Free & open to the community  ·  See you at the library!

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Our Mission

The Mission of the Friends is to aid and support the Solana Beach branch of the San Diego County Library.

  • To maintain a membership of persons interested in the Library
  • To focus public attention on library services, facilities and needs
  • To enhance the Library’s resources by receiving contributions
  • To make donations to the Library in order to encourage literacy, the love of reading, and lifelong learning
  • To increase the community’s access to information and knowledge
  • To provide a diverse cultural gathering place
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