The public is invited to join Cal State Northridge students, faculty and staff as they weigh their mayoral options during a debate between candidates James K. Hahn and Antonio Villaraigosa at the university on Thursday, May 17.

Hahn, Los Angeles city attorney, and Villaraigosa, former speaker of the State Assembly, will square off at 7 p.m. in the Matador Gymnasium (the "Matadome") on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Street. Free parking is available in Lot C.

The event will air on Los Angeles Cable Access Channel 36 and on radio station KPFK (90.7-FM) and be moderated by cable television host Bill Rosenthal.

"We're hoping for a large turnout to see each of these candidates tell us why we should vote for them and not why we shouldn't vote for the other candidate," said Robert Hanff, president of Associated Students, Inc., the student government, which is hosting the event.

This is the second debate to take place at CSUN since this race for mayor of Los Angeles began last year. In February, the students hosted a debate to offer the candidates an opportunity to outline their goals for the city prior to the April 10 primary election.

The May 17 event is the second of five debates the two candidates are taking part in prior to the June 5 election, and the only one in the San Fernando Valley.

For more information, call (818) 677-2477.