February 10, 2009 19:41 ET

California Big City Mayors Hit the Hill in Bipartisan Effort on Stimulus Package

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - February 10, 2009) -

What:        The Mayors of four of California's largest cities arrive in
             the nation's capital on Wednesday to meet with members of
             President Obama's Cabinet and Congressional leaders.

             Mayors Antonio Villaraigosa, D-Los Angeles, Jerry Sanders,
             R-San Diego, Chuck Reed, D-San Jose, and Kevin Johnson,
             D-Sacramento, will underscore California's importance to the
             U.S. economy and outline the needs of the nation's largest
             cities during the current economic crisis.

             The Mayors' tentative schedule includes meetings with
             Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Senator Dianne Feinstein,
             Senator Barbara Boxer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Justice
             Department, and other Congressional leaders.

             The Mayors' visit comes as the Senate and House of
             Representatives are in conference to reach agreement on the
             $800-plus billion Stimulus Package.

When:        Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Who:         Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City of Los Angeles
             Mayor Jerry Sanders, City of San Diego
             Mayor Chuck Reed, City of San Jose
             Mayor Kevin Johnson, City of Sacramento

Background:  Together the four Mayors will advocate for the more than
             18 million Californians from their cities and surrounding
             regions in this Washington, D.C. visit. The innovation of
             California's largest cities, international leaders in clean
             technology and the green economy, have the potential to lead
             the nation out of the current downturn.