Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

The California Book Awards have often been in the vanguard, honoring previously unknown authors who go on to garner national acclaim. Since 1931, the awards have honored the exceptional literary merit of California writers and publishers. Each year, a select jury considers hundreds of books from around the state in search of the very best in literary achievement. This year The Commonwealth Club is proud to announce a significant increase in the monetary value of the award: gold award winners will receive $5,000 and silver award winners $2,500. This is made possible by a bequest of Martha Cox, a long-time fiction jury member and stalwart advocate—especially for emerging talent.

Transforming the Lives of Children Often Left to Die - One Woman's Fight to Overcome the Odds Alliance for Smiles, a nonprofit Anita Stangl helped create and guide until 2016, sends medical teams to underserved countries and provides unique services to children who are in need of cleft lip and palate repair. The organization is expanding its work to Morocco and Egypt. Stangl has been an active Rotarian since 1987 and has spoken worldwide about volunteer programs that emphasize cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgery. She has chaired many committees that focus on community, youth and international service and that promote world peace. She has also participated in many international medical missions. Come hear a discussion about Alliance for Smiles and their work around the world. MLF Organizer Name Celia Menczel Notes MLF: Middle East

Pollock presents a unique method of meditation with the power to facilitate an immediate, tangible spiritual experience, irrespective of a person’s faith. Most of us move through our busy lives with our minds full of ideas, multitasking as we strive to navigate the responsibilities and expectations we must meet just to make it through the day in pursuit of material wealth. Using the prescribed method, detailed practices and tips offered, you’ll learn to live a life more deeply connected to the values of the Heartfulness way—with acceptance, humility, compassion, empathy and love. Joshua Pollock is the best-selling author of The Heartfulness Way and is a heartfulness practitioner and trainer from the United States. Pollock holds a bachelor of musical arts degree from Indiana University and two master’s degrees from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He currently resides in India with his wife and their two children. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Bill Grant NOTES MLF: Health & Medicine

Sometimes a commitment to an idea can drive the idea’s originator to do unthinkable things. According to journalist John Carreyrou, this is the phenomenon that drove Silicon Valley company Theranos and its founder Elizabeth Holmes down a road that led to charges of “massive fraud.” The story of Theranos began like many companies in Silicon Valley — as a bold vision. Theranos’s goal was to create a portable mini lab that could capture accurate test results from a drop or two of blood pricked from a finger. To make this goal a reality, Holmes and Theranos lied when the devices did not work. Eager to see her vision through and offer tests to the public, Holmes sidestepped federal regulations and covered up inaccurate test results with high gloss PR. John Carreyrou, investigative reporter at The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into this conspiracy in his book Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup. He will explore what he calls “a narrative about heroes and villains, and an examination of failed oversight, lax regulation, corporate malfeasance and the lengths some companies are willing to go to in an effort to circumvent the law.” Join us for this can’t-miss discussion!

When we unite as peers, we create a purposeful and powerful space for learning, laughter and courage as we take on the future. Villages are nonprofit membership organizations that connect older adults to the community, programming and expertise they need to continue living lives of purpose and meaning. They are led by members who share their skills, experience and support with each other to navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging. Learn how three Bay Area villages are creating new possibilities for what's next as we age. MLF ORGANIZER NAME Denise Michaud NOTES MLF: Grownups

Looking for a movie that takes climate science to the masses? In the first part of this week’s episode, former Vice President Al Gore joins Climate One along with co-directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk to talk about the making of their 2017 movie AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER and the solutions that it offers. In the second part, TV’s Bill Nye is joined by director Jason Sussberg, who shadowed Nye as he goes toe-to-toe with outspoken climate deniers and travels the world to show the causes and effects of climate change in the 2017 documentary BILL NYE: SCIENCE GUY.

What is being done in California and beyond to safeguard the rights of transgender people, especially as the current administration rolls back Obama-era protections? And what is the role of young people in advancing this issue? As a prominent face of the transgender rights movement, 18-year-old activist Gavin Grimm has unique insight to share on the matter. In 2014, Grimm and his family told his Virginia high school he was transgender, and then, amidst uproar from some parents, the school administration barred Grimm from using the boys’ bathroom. So Gavin sued his district, stating that the decision violated Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in schools that receive federal funding. Grimm then quickly gained national attention and the respect of transgender activists including as Laverne Cox and Janet Mock. Today, his case in Virginia is still pending. July 9 marks the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in the wake of the abolition of slavery, and Grimm and moderator Abdi Soltani, executive director of the ACLU Northern California, will address the principles of equal protection afforded by the amendment. Join INFORUM, Grimm and Soltani for a conversation about youth activism, the cultural and legal shifts around transgender rights, and the status of space and protection for minority and vulnerable populations in our society. NOTES In association with San Francisco Pride

Monday Night Philosophy gets detailed about a location's influence on the action within its walls. Rodota gives an eye-opening look at the remarkable cast of characters — politicians, journalists, socialites and spies — who helped make the Watergate, after it opened in 1965, into the most infamous private address in Washington. The cast includes the Watergate burglars; Washington’s first "super lobbyist" Tommy Corcoran and his "Tiger Hostess" Anna Chennault; the irrepressible Martha Mitchell, wife of Nixon's attorney general John Mitchell, who captivated the nation with a stream of outrageous interviews from her Watergate duplex; Reagan’s California posse; Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia; Condoleezza Rice, who played the piano in chamber music concerts she staged in her Watergate living room; and Elizabeth and Bob Dole, who lived next door to Monica Lewinsky and her mother.

Does the Bay Area have policies that affirm racism? Join INFORUM and KQED as we explore one of the most polarizing topics of our time, asking the questions that divide us and seeking answers that may unite us. Arrive early or stick around afterwards to mix and mingle with audience members and keep the conversation going. The evening will be moderated by Mina Kim, anchor and host at KQED, and include Alicia Garza, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, and Jeff Adachi, San Francisco public defender. In association with KQED

One day before the big June 2018 primary election, join our political roundtable to discuss the people, propositions and policies being selected by voters. Kick off your summer with a lively evening of political talk from people who love politics as much as you do. 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. Join our panelists for informative and engaging commentary on political and other major news, 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).