In response to Representative Darrell Issa's continued refusal to hold public town halls, community members from California's 48th Congressional District will host an "Empty Chair Town Hall" on Sunday, March 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, Calif. 92025.

The event, hosted by Dr. Allison Gill from the "Mueller, She Wrote" podcast, will provide constituents the opportunity to voice questions and concerns they would typically address directly to their congressional representative, particularly regarding potential cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and Veterans Services.

Following recommendations outlined in the "Indivisible Guide" (indivisible.org/resource/guide), this Empty Chair Town Hall is part of a nationwide effort encouraged by Indivisible National during the congressional recess from March 13-23.

"When our elected officials refuse to engage with their constituents, democracy suffers," said  Pamela Albergo of Indivisible North County San Diego. "Rep. Issa hasn't held a town hall since 2017, but the concerns of his constituents haven't gone away."

The event will feature a panel of five to six community leaders, including a veteran advocate, school board member, city council member and other local experts.

Each panelist will be briefly introduced by Dr. Gill, and panelists will take turns answering questions. Attendees are asked to bring their 60-second questions written on paper. Selected questioners will be invited to the front of the room to ask their question, followed by a three-minute response from a panelist.

The venue has 375 seats, which are filling quickly. Community members can register at eventbrite.com/e/darrell-issa-empty-chair-town-hall-presented-by-indivisible-tickets-1274626525249.

Information about livestream channels will be distributed as the event date approaches.

Members of the media are invited to attend. Rep. Issa's office has been formally invited to the event.