This month’s Engineering Distinguished Lecture will address a topic of concern to many in the region: the future of the aerospace industry in Southern California.
The rate of decline in Southern California’s aerospace manufacturing has been significantly higher than the rest of the nation. With full airplane assembly practically gone from California, there is little incentive for the vast aerospace supplier base to stay in the region. Unless proactive measures are implemented rapidly, there is a strong possibility that the high rate of migration may continue. The region must create an appropriate public-private partnership model as the basis for an ecosystem that will support the revival of this industry in Southern California.
Speakers include:
- Robert Garcia ’02, ’10, Mayor of Long Beach
- Al Muratsuchi, State Assemblyman
- Chris Hernandez, ’81, Sector Vice President, NG Next, Northrop Grumman
- Kent Peterson ’86, Vice President, P2S Engineering (moderator).
Garcia has taken a leadership role in economic development, education, and investing in technology since becoming mayor. He has taught public policy and communications at CSULB, Long Beach City College, and University of Southern California and is a former member of the California Coastal Commission.
Muratsuchi represents the 66th Assembly District, encompassing parts of the South Bay region of Los Angeles. Prior to his service in the Assembly, he was a deputy California Attorney General, trustee for the Torrance Unified School District, and trustee for the Southern California Regional Occupation Center. He chairs the Assembly Select Committee on Aerospace.
Before becoming Sector Vice President of Northrop Grumman Next, Hernandez served as the Vice President of Advanced Systems, where he led the creation of advanced system solutions for future programs, such as next-generation fighters, low-observable and counter-low-observable systems, long-range strike and ISR systems, advanced weapons, and future cargo/transport systems.
Each Fall and Spring, the College of Engineering brings together experts to address a high-profile engineering topic. Established in 2009 by the Dean’s Advisory Council, the Engineering Distinguished Lecture series draws a wide audience of students, faculty, community members, alumni, and supporters.
The Spring lecture is possible through support of silver sponsors the Port of Long Beach and P2S Engineering and bronze sponsors AES, Northrop Grumman, and the CSULB Center for Energy and Environmental Research and Services (CEERS).
The Spring lecture will take place on Thursday, March 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Pointe, Walter Pyramid. There is no cost to attend, however reservations are required. RSVP online or email coe-dev@csulb.edu by Monday, March 13.