Immigration Discussion

They used to call them town hall meetings: Gatherings in which citizens were encouraged to share their opinions on controversies and issues of the day.

Increasingly, however, it seems that only pundits, politicians and television talk show guests can find a public place to air their views.

A community forum tonight on the topic of immigration aims to change that.

“You can be Joe from the street and come in and give your opinion, even if it completely turns off everyone else in the room,” said Claudia Dailey, spokeswoman for the Downey City Library, where the forum will be held.

The rules for the event, part of a program called the National Issues Forum, include respect for the opinions of others no matter how distasteful they may be to some. There will not be a panel of experts at this discussion.

The free forum will be held over two nights, beginning tonight with an orientation on “Immigration: Should It Be Restricted?” and continuing March 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Time and Place: 7 to 8 p.m., Downey City Library, Cormack Room, 11121 Brookshire Ave., Downey.

Information: (562) 904-7363.

Submissions of public service or news-related community events may be mailed to: Happening Today, Los Angeles Times, 1333 S. Mayflower Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016. Telephone submissions are not accepted.