Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

With the Green New Deal in the national spotlight, a vigorous debate is happening: how ambitiously and broadly must the U.S. act on climate? Are issues like economic equity, job security and public health outside the frame of climate action — or fundamental to its success? Greg Dalton welcomes two key members of President Obama’s climate team: former White House Science Advisor John Holdren and former U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, in a special program recorded at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Coming into power in 2000, Vladimir Putin had a message: Russia must be “lifted off its knees.” He spent the next 19 years implementing this vision—removing constraints on presidential power, rolling back civil society and reforging an ideological state that he markets domestically as “great Russia.” Has his strategy to reverse territory losses and status left Russians in a better place—and at what price? As American democracy struggles with encroaching authoritarianism, Russia, the country that has succumbed to it, offers a cautionary tale. Anastasia Edel came of age in the last decades of the Soviet Union and was witness to Gorbachev’s perestroika, collapse of the USSR and Russia’s wild transition to capitalism. A recipient of the British government’s Chevening award, Edel studied in England and moved permanently to the United States in 1997. Edel is a contributor to The New York Times, The New York Review of Books and Project Syndicate. Visit her at: www.anastasiaedel.com. MLF Organizer: Norma Walden In association with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, UC Berkeley

This is the third annual panel about how the Trump presidency is affecting the Middle East. Some experts continue to believe that Trump is destabilizing the region with his impulsive decisions and dangerous rhetoric and actions, while others believe that he is making America safer. Our distinguished panel will continue the conversation. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Celia Menczel NOTES MLF: Middle East

This program is part of our Good Lit series, underwritten by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Despite the almost constant streams of media reporting on the White House, very few people know what really goes on in the West Wing. Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to the president in the Obama administration, is one of those people. From the day she interviewed a young Michelle Robinson in July 1991 to the night of January 20, 2017, when the first family departed the White House, Jarrett has been a trusted confidante and a close friend of the Obama family. In her book, Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward, Jarrett shares her story of growing up with American parents in the town of Shiraz, Iran, living in Chicago during the civil rights movement and ultimately finding her voice in public service. She led the Obama administration’s criminal justice reforms, advocated for women’s rights and political empowerment, and fought to improve the lives of working families. Join us for a conversation with the woman The New York Times called the “ultimate Obama insider.” She will share her unique perspective into the inner workings of the White House and the inspiring story of how she got there.

Foursome is the spirited account of the intense relationship among four artists whose strong personalities, passionate feelings and aesthetic ideals drew them together, pulled them apart and profoundly influenced 20th-century art. In 1921, Alfred Stieglitz, the most influential figure in early 20th-century photography, celebrated the success of his latest New York City exhibition, whose centerpiece was a series of nude portraits of the young Georgia O'Keeffe (soon to be his wife). It was also a turning point for both O'Keeffe and Rebecca Salsbury, the fiancée of Stieglitz's protégé at the time, Paul Strand. In the years that followed, O'Keeffe and Stieglitz became the preeminent couple in American modern art, spurring each other's creativity. Observing that relationship led Salsbury to encourage new artistic possibilities for Strand and to rethink her own potential as an artist. In fact, it was Salsbury, the least known of the four, who was the main thread that wove the two couples' lives together. Carolyn Burke mines this foursome's correspondence to reveal how each inspired, provoked and unsettled the others while pursuing their own artistic innovations. MLF ORGANIZER NAME George Hammond NOTES MLF: Humanities

Who will claim the Iron Throne and why? On the eve of the premiere of the final season of “Game of Thrones,” Max Brooks and ML Cavanaugh’s new book brings together 30 expert strategists to answer that question and engage in questions surrounding the most popular television series of our time. As characters battle for power and control, there is magic and witchcraft, fiery dragons, frozen zombies, chaotic combat, swordplay and brutal intrigue, creating one of the most intense worldwide strategy plotlines in contemporary television. By applying the theories of our actual world to the examples in fictional Westeros (including Tyrion Lannister’s unlikely success, Daenerys Targaryen’s fire-strafing dragons and Jon Snow’s abilities as a leader), Brooks and Cavanaugh will discern the fascinating connections between George R. R. Martin's fantasy world and real war and politics.

SEGMENT 1 Are you looking to do good and still run a profitable business? Learn from globally recognized CEOs, professors and inspirational business leaders who have already taken action on their passion to change the world. From powerful keynotes to panel discussions and Q&As, you will leave with new ideas to innovate for good at your enterprise. Schedule: 11:45–12:30 p.m.—Check-in and lunch 12:30 p.m.—Opening Remarks: Donald Heller, Provost, University of San Francisco and Elizabeth Davis, Dean of the School of Management, University of San Francisco. 12:40 p.m.—Overview of the Conference: William Riggs, Assistant Professor, School of Management at the University of San Francisco 12:45 p.m.—Innovating Complex Organizations for Good Elizabeth Davis, Dean of the School of Management, University of San Francisco Therese McMillan, Executive Director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 1:30 p.m.—Break 1:40 p.m.—Microtalk: Kelley Nayo-Jahi, Community Resources Lead, Landed 1:45 p.m.—Social Impact and Investing / Finance Nick Hodges, SVP and COO, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors—Moderator Daryl Collins, CFO, Bankable Frontiers Maurice Jones, President and CEO, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Maya Perkins, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Facebook Kim Wright-Violich, Managing Partner, Tideline 2:30 p.m.—Break 2:40 p.m.—Microtalk: Regina Clewlow, CEO and Co-Founder, Populus 2:45 p.m.—Cities & The Environment Molly Wood, Host, Marketplace Tech—Moderator Robert Grant, VP Global Government Affairs, Cruise Stephen Hardy, CEO, mySidewalk Lenny Mendonca, Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Governor Newsom Kevin Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO, Marble Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland 3:30 p.m.–4 p.m.—Presentation of Harari Award Presentation and Concluding Thoughts Hosted by University of San Francisco School of Management, in partnership with Commonwealth Club of California

SEGMENT 2 Are you looking to do good and still run a profitable business? Learn from globally recognized CEOs, professors and inspirational business leaders who have already taken action on their passion to change the world. From powerful keynotes to panel discussions and Q&As, you will leave with new ideas to innovate for good at your enterprise. Schedule: 11:45–12:30 p.m.—Check-in and lunch 12:30 p.m.—Opening Remarks: Donald Heller, Provost, University of San Francisco and Elizabeth Davis, Dean of the School of Management, University of San Francisco. 12:40 p.m.—Overview of the Conference: William Riggs, Assistant Professor, School of Management at the University of San Francisco 12:45 p.m.—Innovating Complex Organizations for Good Elizabeth Davis, Dean of the School of Management, University of San Francisco Therese McMillan, Executive Director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 1:30 p.m.—Break 1:40 p.m.—Microtalk: Kelley Nayo-Jahi, Community Resources Lead, Landed 1:45 p.m.—Social Impact and Investing / Finance Nick Hodges, SVP and COO, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors—Moderator Daryl Collins, CFO, Bankable Frontiers Maurice Jones, President and CEO, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Maya Perkins, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Facebook Kim Wright-Violich, Managing Partner, Tideline 2:30 p.m.—Break 2:40 p.m.—Microtalk: Regina Clewlow, CEO and Co-Founder, Populus 2:45 p.m.—Cities & The Environment Molly Wood, Host, Marketplace Tech—Moderator Robert Grant, VP Global Government Affairs, Cruise Stephen Hardy, CEO, mySidewalk Lenny Mendonca, Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Governor Newsom Kevin Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO, Marble Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland 3:30 p.m.–4 p.m.—Presentation of Harari Award Presentation and Concluding Thoughts Hosted by University of San Francisco School of Management, in partnership with Commonwealth Club of California

SEGMENT 3 Are you looking to do good and still run a profitable business? Learn from globally recognized CEOs, professors and inspirational business leaders who have already taken action on their passion to change the world. From powerful keynotes to panel discussions and Q&As, you will leave with new ideas to innovate for good at your enterprise. Schedule: 11:45–12:30 p.m.—Check-in and lunch 12:30 p.m.—Opening Remarks: Donald Heller, Provost, University of San Francisco and Elizabeth Davis, Dean of the School of Management, University of San Francisco. 12:40 p.m.—Overview of the Conference: William Riggs, Assistant Professor, School of Management at the University of San Francisco 12:45 p.m.—Innovating Complex Organizations for Good Elizabeth Davis, Dean of the School of Management, University of San Francisco Therese McMillan, Executive Director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission 1:30 p.m.—Break 1:40 p.m.—Microtalk: Kelley Nayo-Jahi, Community Resources Lead, Landed 1:45 p.m.—Social Impact and Investing / Finance Nick Hodges, SVP and COO, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors—Moderator Daryl Collins, CFO, Bankable Frontiers Maurice Jones, President and CEO, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Maya Perkins, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Facebook Kim Wright-Violich, Managing Partner, Tideline 2:30 p.m.—Break 2:40 p.m.—Microtalk: Regina Clewlow, CEO and Co-Founder, Populus 2:45 p.m.—Cities & The Environment Molly Wood, Host, Marketplace Tech—Moderator Robert Grant, VP Global Government Affairs, Cruise Stephen Hardy, CEO, mySidewalk Lenny Mendonca, Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Governor Newsom Kevin Peterson, Co-Founder and CEO, Marble Libby Schaaf, Mayor of Oakland 3:30 p.m.–4 p.m.—Presentation of Harari Award Presentation and Concluding Thoughts Hosted by University of San Francisco School of Management, in partnership with Commonwealth Club of California

Join us as Michelle Meow brings her long-running daily radio show to The Commonwealth Club one day each week. Meet fascinating—and often controversial—people discussing important issues of interest to the LGBTQ community, and have your questions ready. This week's guest is Manohar Raju. Raju is the newly appointed public defender for San Francisco. Before being chosen by Mayor London Breed to succeed the late Jeff Adachi, Raju worked in the public defender's office for 11 years, some of which he spent as director of training and then as felony manager. Previously he worked at the Contra Costa Public Defender's Office. Raju did his undergraduate studies at Columbia University and earned his Master's in South Asian studies from the University of California Berkeley. He also attended UC Berkeley for law school. He is a founding member of Public Defenders for Racial Justice.

Join us as we discuss the biggest, most controversial and sometimes the surprising political issues with expert commentary by panelists who are smart, are civil and have a good sense of humor. Our panelists will provide informative and engaging commentary on political and other major news, and we'll have audience discussion of the week’s events and our live news quiz! And come early before the program to meet other smart and engaged individuals and discuss the news over snacks and wine at our members social (open to all attendees). ** This Podcast Contains Explicit Language **

Monday Night Philosophy investigates the painful reality that succeeding in business is not always an advantage in America. In fact, if you were black in the Jim Crow South, it could get you killed. Elmore Bolling, a successful entrepreneur, was lynched in Lowndes County, Alabama in 1947 when his youngest daughter, Josephine Bolling McCall, was five years old. Over 70 years later, Bolling is now honored in the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which opened in Montgomery last year. In her book, The Penalty for Success, McCall tells the story of her father’s murder and the impact it had—and still has—on her family and her community. She offers a revealing narrative that challenges us to rethink the reality of life for both blacks and whites in the rural South during Jim Crow, where whites used lynching to destroy competition from black business owners as part of a pattern of racial violence that terrorized African-Americans for generations and has yet to be adequately addressed in America. MLF Organizer: George Hammond MLF: Humanities

Gun violence. #BlackLivesMatter. Climate change. Voting rights. Despite a sense of alienation from civic engagement in today’s political atmosphere, young leaders continue to take up the charge across these and other critical issues, demanding a better future, wielding their votes and pushing the country forward to create change. In his book Generation Citizen: The Power of Youth in Our Politics, Scott Warren, co-founder and CEO of Generation Citizen, recounts his personal political awakening and the long and inspiring history of young people enacting significant political change in the United States, ranging from the civil rights movement to the Parkland students’ stance against gun violence. Since its founding in 2010 when Warren was a senior at Brown University, Generation Citizen has worked with more than 50,000 students across the country to engage them in politics as the next generation of future leaders through an innovative curriculum and hands-on opportunities to dig into the civic process, creating new channels for learning and capacity building to make a difference locally and nationally. Join Warren at INFORUM, alongside other rising voices in youth leadership and civic engagement, for an inspiring conversation about the political potential of youth and students and the future of American social change. Notes In association with YR Media, a national network of young journalists and artists

One of the best-kept secrets in combating the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity and agricultural productivity is a return to an agriculture model that sustained people and the planet prior to the age of industrial agriculture. The answer to the future of farming is to look to the past. Beginning from the modern sustainable agricultural and slow food movement, California's early pioneers in organic farming have redefined the meaning of sustainability. The new models for an earth-friendly, food-healthy system have drawn from the teachings of Rudolf Steiner—noted scientist, philosopher and founder of the Waldorf School. Interestingly, he was instrumental in helping European farmers combat the rapid decline in seed fertility, crop vitality and animal health on their farms. Join fourth-generation winemaker Paul Dolan, former chairman of the Wine Institute and former president of Fetzer Vineyards, who led a transformation that put the company at the forefront of organic viticulture and sustainable business. Today, besides growing and making biodynamic wines, Dolan is a leader in redefining the farming system, with a focus on regenerative agriculture and biodynamic farming. Joining Dolan is Roots of Change (ROC) president Michael Dimock, an organizer and thought leader on food and farming systems. ROC develops and campaigns for smart, incentive-based food and farm policies that position agriculture and food enterprises as solutions to critical challenges of the 21st century. He is the host of the new podcast “Flipping the Table,” featuring honest conversations about food, farms and the future. Dimock serves on the boards of the UCLA Law School’s Resnick food law and policy program, Farm to Pantry, the Wild Farm Alliance and Sonoma Academy.

Nora Bateson’s cinematic vision will help you to see the world in a different way. At the bottom of the climate crisis is the problem of how we think and how we encounter the world. In conversation with Gil Friend, they will have a conversation about new forms of leadership. In today’s complex world, the tools they are offering can be applied to problem solving the pressing dilemmas of our time. Join Friend and Bateson as they explore warm data, the patterns that connect, the dilemma of purpose and the ways our words shape the worlds we inhabit. It is about the possibilities we generate, in each other and in ourselves. As Gregory Bateson said, "The major problems in the world are the result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think." MLF Organizer: Elizabeth Carney MLF: Business & Leadership In partnership with Presidio Graduate School