To set the frame for 2008s inaugural State of the Region, Urban Habitat conducted a series of filmed interviews with community leaders from across the Bay Area. In this 10 minute production, our interviewees highlight the regions key opportunities for improving quality of life in low income communities and communities of color and the central role that the Bay Area Social Equity Caucus plays in moving an equity agenda. Produced by independent filmmaker James Espinas, this film features: •Maria Alegria, Contra Costa FaithWorks! •Jaime Alvarado, Somos Mayfair •Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Redevelopment Agency •Vivian Chang, Asian Pacific Environmental Network •Sharon Cornu, Alameda County Central Labor Council •Juliet Ellis, Urban Habitat •Ericka Erickson, Grassroots Leadership Network of Marin •Margaret Gordon, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project & Port of Oakland Commission Vice President •Tony Iton, Alameda County Public Health Department •Richard Marcantonio, Public Advocates •Carlos Romero, East Palo Alto City Councilmember, Minority Citizens Advisory Council to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission •Tony Thurmond, Beyond Emancipation; outgoing Richmond City Councilmember & West Contra Costa Unified School District Board Member