U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, witnessed dysfunction at its finest during his first year in Congress marked by a federal government shutdown, bruising budget battles, and continuing disputes over Obamacare.

Get the inside story on the state of the federal government and where we’re headed now, when Takano reports on his first year as the 41^st Congressional District representative during a free, public forum Thursday, March 20.

The event, which runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the UCR Extension Center, 1200 University Ave., Riverside, is sponsored by UCR Extension and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

“An Evening with Congressman Mark Takano” will feature a presentation by the first-term congressman followed by question-and-answer period. Osher instructor Robert Garafalo will moderate the event. Light refreshments will be served.

“My first year in Congress had many moments where I was extremely proud, like when my office helped a Vietnam veteran receive benefits he was denied for more than a decade, and many moments where I was frustrated, one of which was when the federal government was forced into a shutdown,” Takano said.

“Although it seems at times like nothing can bridge the divide between the parties, I’m encouraged by recent signs of bipartisanship…I hope that this renewed sense of bipartisanship continues, and that Congress can finally address the issues we face, not add to them.”

Takano, a former teacher and Riverside Community College District trustee, currently serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. His district includes Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley and Perris.

His appearance is one in a continuing series of Osher-sponsored Windows on the World forums featuring timely, thought-provoking and provocative topics. Upcoming forums include the screening of “Girl Rising” in Palm Desert on April 15 and in Riverside on April 24, and “Money Matters,” a unique series of financial workshops, beginning April 10.

To reserve a seat call 951-827-4105 or go to www.extension.ucr.edu and click on the Free Evening with Mark Takano link.