Interns Sought for Assemblyman’s Staff

Assemblyman Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) is looking for a few good interns to research policy issues likely to come up for debate in the California Legislature.

Internships are available on the new ideas department research staff, advisory committee support staff, clerical support staff and specialized projects staff, said field representative Russell Blank.

Interns will work out of the assemblyman’s district office in the Van Nuys State Office Building at Van Nuys Boulevard and Calvert Street, Blank said.

Although interns receive no pay, Blank said, college credit will be given to students who work a minimum of 15 weeks on any one of the staffs, except the clerical support staff, where no credit is given.

“This is really a terrific experience for students who are interested in politics or planning to go to law school,” Blank said. “They will be researching legislation, writing briefs and analyzing data--basically everything they would be doing if they were in Sacramento.”

Specialized projects positions are given to the “most resourceful and dedicated interns,” Blank said. Interns on this staff are expected to research major issues such as juvenile justice, state budget preparation and ways to increase voter registration and participation. New ideas research interns are expected to review publications for ideas on numerous issues, such as government organization and efficiency, then draft a synopsis to present to Hertzberg at monthly briefings, Blank said.

Students serving on the advisory committee support staff are expected to help draft briefing papers for various commissions such as public safety, business and women and families, Blank said, as well as provide clerical support.

The district office has several filing systems, Blank said, ranging from administrative files to issues files. Interns on the clerical support staff are expected to enter information into a database, file documents and print out form letters.

For more information, write Blank at 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 305, Van Nuys 91401 or call (818) 376-4040.