All faculty and staff members have been invited to read the 1992 book Twilight in Los Angeles, by Anna Deavere Smith, which was last week named the 2004 Campus Community Book Project selection.

For the book, the author, an actor and playwright, interviewed nearly 200 individuals about the riots in Los Angeles in 1991 following the Rodney King verdict and composed a play of the multiple voices and perspectives.

As part of the project, a variety of programs will be offered in Fall 2004, such as a campus presentation by the author, book discussions and performances based on the book.

"We believe that this book will provide a guide for constructive and respectful dialogue within our community," said Provost Virginia Hinshaw and Associate Executive Vice Chancellor for Campus Community Relations Rahim Reed in announcing the name of the book last week. "We encourage faculty to integrate the book into existing courses and to develop freshman seminars that focus on the book and the issues it raises," they noted.

The Campus Community Book Project is sponsored by the Campus Council on Community and Diversity, the Office of Campus Community Relations, and the Office of the Provost.

For more information or to inquire about joining the planning team for 2004, contact Karen Roth at (530) 752-2071 or kmroth@ucdavis.edu.