The forum will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union located near the center of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

"Latinos have been an afterthought or a footnote in the discussion on the proposed Valley secession," said Gabriel Gutierrez, director of the center. "The consequences of being ignored in the past are all too familiar in the Latino community. Given the current demographics and projects for the future, institutions of learning need to step to the forefront to assure that there is an informed electorate."

Among those taking part are Los Angeles City Council President Alex Padilla; Los Angeles City Councilman Nick Pacheco; Jose Huizar, vice president of the Los Angeles Unified School District's Board of Education; Xandra Kayden of the League of Women Voters; Irene Tovar, executive director of the Latin American Civic Association; Carlos Ferreyra with Valley VOTE; and Amadis Velez, California redistricting coordinator for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

For more information, call Gabriel Gutierrez at (818) 677-6490.