California State Parks is making it possible for government students all across California to converse with their legislators. The first program of the year will be held on Thursday beginning at 8 a.m. with Assemblymember Hector De La Torre. From within the historic 1906 Governor’s Office in Sacramento, he will speak with eighth-grade students in their classroom at South Gate Middle School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

WHO:             Assemblymember Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate, South Gate Middle School                         and California State Parks.

WHAT:           Students at South Gate Middle School are learning how to become active participants in government through the California State Parks PORTS program. PORTS or Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students offers materials online that meet state education requirements and provide for a videoconference that helps students visit select state parks without leaving the classroom. California State Parks is planning to hold at least 10 sessions with legislators this year. Any school connected to the California K-12 High Speed Network can arrange to have a program customized for their classes by contacting California State Parks. More information about PORTS is available online at http://www.ports.parks.ca.gov/

WHEN:          Thursday, March 8, 2007, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

WHERE:       Students:     South Gate Middle School, 1400 Firestone Blvd. Room 400
                                                South Gate,  CA, 90280
                        Assemblymember De La Torre:
Main 1906 Governor’s Office, California State Capitol Museum inside the California State Capitol on the northwest corner of the building on the first floor.