New America is sponsoring a very important event this Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  in Sacramento, "A Nation Without States,"  that will offer a whole new way of looking at California -- and some big ideas for reform that you may not have heard before. Below is a description of the event and its panel. To RSVP for it (there's no cost, but they try to get a count so they have enough food for lunch, which is provided), click here.

The first panel will describe California's regions, detailing the differences between and relationships among them and focusing on how each is transforming itself in response to the globalizing 21st century economy. The speakers will assess how well California's data collection and state agencies serve the needs of policy makers, both in the State Capitol and within the regions themselves.