FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               98-17



                                           Press Contact:
                            John J. Nester (202) 942-7083

                              
                       MEDIA ADVISORY


     Washington, D.C., February 11, 1998 -- SEC  Chairman
Arthur Levitt will lead an Investors' Town Meeting in Palo
Alto, California, on Tuesday, February 17.  Levitt will be
joined by U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo and Brian Thompson,
Chief Deputy Commissioner of California's Department of
Corporations.

     Through the dramatic growth of employer sponsored
401(k)s and other defined contribution retirement plans,
more Americans than ever are invested in stocks and bonds.
Too many, however, lack the basic facts they need about
saving and investing to achieve financial security and avoid
costly mistakes.

     "We want people to know the questions they should ask
about investments and the people who sell them.  That way
they can better protect themselves," Levitt said. The SEC
Chairman will also offer basic tips on how to invest wisely
and avoid problems.

      The Town Meeting, followed by investment seminars,
will be held at the Hyatt Rickeys, 4219 El Camino Real, Palo
Alto.  Attendance is free but seating is limited, so the
public should call the SEC's San Francisco District office
at 1-800 311-6300 to reserve a seat at this vital
educational opportunity.

     8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.      Registration and investor
                                 education displays
     9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.    Town Meeting
     12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.     Investment seminars

     MEDIA AVAILABILITY:  Levitt, Eshoo and Thompson will be
available to meet with members of the press between 8:30
a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in the Regency Room.   Copies of Chairman
Levitt's speech will be available Tuesday, Feb. 17,  by
calling (202) 942-7083.

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