Supervisor to foster understanding of Islam

As a Santa Clara County supervisor, Joe Simitian spends time on thorny issues like the jail, Valley Medical Center, or homelessness. But the supervisors’ agenda has never fully defined Simitian, who has held elected offices ranging from Palo Alto school trustee to state senator.

Early in April, Simitian is wading into international waters: He will be the moderator for a three-part speaker series entitled “Understanding Islam,” which will be co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Club.

“Without understanding the diverse cultures around us, misconceptions abound,” Simitian said. “Our goal is simple: to create a better understand of Islam among the general public.”

The three free sessions, all to be held at the Embarcadero Room of the Rinconada Library in Palo Alto, will be held at 7 p.m. on April 3, May 9 and May 22. Among the panelists are

Sumbul Ali-Karamali, the author of “The Muslim Next Door,” and

Maha Elgenaidi, the executive director of the Islamic Networks Group.

You can RSVP online at www. commonwealthclub.org/sv or by calling 408-299-5050. Internal Affairs is an offbeat look at state and local politics. This week’s items were written by Robert Salonga, Ramona Giwargis, Scott Herhold and Paul Rogers. Send tips to internalaffairs@mercurynews. com, or call 408-920-5782.