Food for Thought: The Multicultural Culinary Scene of California

Assembly Speaker and Titan Alumnus Anthony Rendon Moderates Panel Discussion

California’s culinary landscape is a delicious reflection of its cultural diversity. From vibrant food trucks in Los Angeles to organic vineyards in Napa Valley, every bite tells a story of heritage, innovation, and community.

The Golden State’s kitchens are melting pots of flavors — blending influences from Mexico, China, Japan, Italy, India, Korea, and beyond. You’ll find authentic tacos next to sushi burritos, farm-to-table Mediterranean dishes, and vegan soul food redefining comfort cuisine.

California chefs are also pioneers of fusion cooking, combining global ingredients with local, sustainable produce. Farmers’ markets, coastal seafood, and a love for fresh, seasonal ingredients make dining here a true sensory experience.

In California, food is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection that brings people from all walks of life to the same table.
California State University, Fullerton, in partnership with the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, will host a Speaker’s Lecture Series.

On Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., a panel of experts will discuss “The Multicultural Culinary Scene of California.” This free program will be held in the Titan Student Union.

Speakers for the evening event include Gustavo Arellano, author and Los Angeles Times writer; Elaine Lewinnek, CSUF professor of American studies; and CSUF alumnus Patrick Nguyen ’07 (B.A. business administration-marketing), owner of The Straw: Modern Milkshakes. The panel will be moderated by two-time CSUF alumnus and Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon ’82, ’94 (B.A. political science-public administration, M.A. political science).

“California has always been a special place, and its diversity undoubtedly contributes to the state’s exceptionalism,” said Rendon. “The melding of people and cultures have led to a unique blend of food that takes us to places we never would have otherwise traveled to and gets us to try dishes we never would have otherwise ordered.”

The program will focus on how the diversity of California (and specifically, Orange County) — as expressed through the region’s unique food cultures — influences the Southland’s sense of what it means to be a Californian.

Rendon has served as speaker of the California State Assembly since March 2016. In that time, Rendon has presided over some of the most progressive and productive legislative sessions in memory, including passing a landmark $52 billion transportation funding plan, extension of California’s cap-and-trade program, first-of-its-kind clean air measure, and legislation to address the affordable housing crisis. Prior to serving in the assembly, Rendon was an educator, nonprofit executive director, and environmental activist. He attended Cerritos Community College and California State University, Fullerton and earned a Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside.

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