CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake’s mayor had the chance this past week to attend a conference aimed at young leaders and, at the same time, got to meet Washington, DC lawmakers and Hollywood entertainers.

Clearlake Mayor Joey Luiz attended the Young Elected Officials Network (YEO) National Convening in Washington, DC.

“I am honored to take part in this wonderful gathering of local community leaders,” Luiz said. “I cannot wait to return home and apply what I have learned so I can improve the job I do for the citizens of Clearlake.”

YEO is and an organization sponsored by The People for the American Way Foundation. The conference is aimed at progressive young elected leaders all over the United States, age 18-35, from school board, local and state levels.

The organization is dedicated to building communities through policies that reflect freedom, fairness and opportunity.

The conference focused its attendees on developing leadership skills, enhancing ideas and networking with policy developing organizations.

Instructors and speakers included Maurice Joans, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Facebook Executive Adam Conner.

The conference was preceded by the celebration of People for the American Way founder Norman Lear’s 90th birthday. Lear also is the creator of “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “good times.”

Besides Mayor Luiz, his partner Aaron Mearns and the YEO’s other attendees, other guests in attendance at the celebration, held at the Kennedy Center, included Kathleen Turner, Jane Lynch, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Doris Roberts.

“We had an incredible time sharing with all the distinguished guests about where we are from and informing them about what a beautiful place Lake County is to visit,” added Luiz. “I also informed the celebrity and political leader wine drinkers that the award winning Lake County wines would blow them away.”

This YEO event is the last in several meetings and conferences the mayor has traveled to with the intent of improving his policy making skills and staying informed on issues that affect municipal government. This is the first out of state event he has attended since being elected to the Clearlake City Council in 2010.

He said no city funds have been used in any of his trips.