Berkeleyside, Berkeley's independent news website, brings together leading figures to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the city of Berkeley for startups and how to create a climate of innovation. Is Berkeley's reputation as a business-hostile place merited? Are things changing for the better? What steps need to be taken to improve the startup climate?

Speakers include:

• Will Wright, creator of The Sims and founder of Stupid Fun Club
• David Hyman, founder and CEO of streaming music service MOG
• June Taylor, founder and CEO of jam maker The Still Room
• Rauly Butler, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking for Mechanics Bank.

Join entrepreneurs, policy makers and local business leaders for a lively, interactive discussion. Ample time will be devoted to questions.

The Berkeleyside Local Business Forum 2012 is organized in partnership with Mechanics Bank, and is sponsored by GreenerPrinter.

Tickets: $10 ($5 for students and seniors), available through Brown Paper Tickets.

For updates, follow Berkeleyside at www.berkeleyside.com, on Twitter at @berkeleyside and on Facebook (Berkeleyside).