The discussion will focus on the adult industry's impact on Southern California, and whether the presence of the industry is an asset or a liability to the area.
Scheduled panelists include Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation cofounder Sharon Mitchell, performer Nina Hartley, producer/director Ira Levine and economist Jack Kyser. The moderator will be Mariel Garza, columnist and editorial writer for the San Fernando Valley-based Los Angeles Daily News.
"I think it's an FYI for people who don't know about the industry," Mitchell told XBIZ. "Typically, people don't know a lot about the economic side of the adult entertainment industry or the health side. People hear about the Darren James [HIV] outbreak, five years later, then they freak out and ask 'Is there another HIV outbreak?' No. I'm there to enlighten people on the healthcare aspect."
The panel is being presented by Zocalo L.A. as part of an ongoing series of lectures and discussions. According to the group's website, "Zocalo — 'public square' in Spanish — seeks to create a nonpartisan and multiethnic forum where participants can enjoy a rare opportunity for intellectual fellowship."
The panel is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Hammer Museum, located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd.. Admission is free and tickets can be reserved at the Zocalo website
