Several of our colleagues at the California Environmental Protection Agency have expressed interest in beginning a networking group for State workers in the writing/editing/publishing field (print and Web content). This idea came from discussions about issues such as consistency in style, proper citations, printing/production, contract documents, Library Distribution Act requirements, Web-specific publishing, copyright, and advocating for plain English in government publications, to name a few.

We have set a date for a kick-off meeting from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2004, in the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building at 1001 I Street, Sacramento (enter at 10th and I Streets). If you would like, please bring samples of your publications to show. Those who perform contract or consulting work for the State are also welcome to attend.

This will be a brown-bag lunch (cafeteria available on first floor); please plan to arrive a few minutes early to sign in at the visitor's center and get a badge. When you arrive, notify the security staff that you are here for a meeting to see June Iljana (cell phone 916-719-7141) and/or Aleta Zak at 916-341-6308. We will start right at noon in room 2210.

Parking is available in a lot across the street: entrances on 10th and 11th Streets between I and J Streets. The Cal/EPA building is accessible by public transportation (RT light rail/bus service one block).

If you are interested in attending the publishing group kick-off meeting, please respond to Aleta Zak, California Integrated Waste Management Board, azak@ciwmb.ca.gov, (916) 341-6308; or June Iljana, Dept. of Toxic Substances Control, (916) 322-1330.