Commonwealth Club of California Podcast

Debbie Dooley helped organize the Tea Party’s first national demonstration in 2009 and until recently was on the board of the Tea Party Patriots. She enthusiastically supports Donald Trump, defends Roy Moore and despises the “Bush cabal.” But her views transcend typical partisan boundaries. She loathes the Koch brothers, thinks solar power is great and says oil companies are just as deceitful as tobacco corporations. A daughter of a preacher, she also believes in a moral responsibility to care for the environment God created. Christine Pelosi carries a name that is revered on the Left and vilified on the Right. A member of the Democratic National Committee, she is a superdelegate who believes the number and power of superdelegates should be reduced. She opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and advocates for big federal investment to modernize the country’s electric grid and other infrastructure. Her mother, Nancy Pelosi, is the House Democratic leader and a pillar of the Democratic establishment. One area where Trumps’s agenda seems to have achieved the most traction is in reviving fossil fuels and rolling back action on climate change. Join us for a conversation about the politics of energy one year after Trump’s inauguration.

When the United States slapped 30 percent tariffs on imported solar panels, headlines heralded bad times ahead for clean energy in this country. But the stock prices of solar installers increased, because the hit could have been worse. Solar entrepreneur and advocate Jigar Shah said it was “good news.” But consumer groups say it will raise prices, putting rooftop solar further out of reach for regular Americans. Already, the industry suffers from a perception that solar is a luxury for coastal elites. Can people who live in apartment buildings get access to affordable solar or wind energy? How is advancing battery technology changing the options for capturing the sun in your home? Join us for a conversation about the future of sun power.

Amy Chua, best-selling author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, provides us with a cautionary critique of political tribalism in her characteristically sharp style. Humans are tribal: We need to belong to groups. In this same way, politics can be tribal, too. While groups can strengthen communities, we should also be wary of groups' ability to divide us. According to Chua, America’s political landscape has been transformed by these types of divisions, both at home and abroad, and they threaten to tear our country apart. Chua believes that tribalism emerged in America’s foreign policy during Vietnam and Iraq. Now, as the stunning rise of Donald Trump has proven, all groups feel threatened: whites and blacks, Latinos and Asians, men and women, liberals and conservatives. Chua argues that America must rediscover a national identity that transcends our political tribes; we need to unify to fight the deep inequities that divide us.

University of California president Janet Napolitano will deliver a keynote speech, engage in a moderated conversation and take audience questions about the future of the University of California as the institution celebrates its 150th year.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with INFORUM and a conversation with local and national legend Betty Reid Soskin! At 96, she’s currently the oldest serving career park ranger with the National Park Service—just one chapter in a long life of public service and her active role in the social evolution of the United States. Reid Soskin’s remarkable resume ranges from clerking in an all-black trade union during World War II to political activism and songwriting during the Civil Rights Movement, from running a record store to working as a congressional field representative, and, finally, to her work as a historian. When the National Park Service began to plan the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA, Reid Soskin played a key role in shaping and designing the park, ensuring that the reality of history—including racism, segregation and sexism—weren’t left out of the narrative. The great-granddaughter of a slave, Reid Soskin’s life spans World War II to the Civil Rights Movement to the election of the first black president, and her experiences and observations allow for unique insight into our country’s history. The ultimate storyteller, she is the lead figure in a forthcoming documentary being made by Rosie the Riveter Trust detailing the African-American experience in the United States from World War II to the present day, and she was featured in a multi-part PBS special. She still regularly draws crowds to the park with her powerful presentations, blogs and writes regularly, and was even invited to officiate the White House Tree Lighting Ceremony with President Obama. Join us for insights into Reid Soskin’s full life and the backdrop of history of which she and her work are a vital part to this day.

Whether it comes in the form of bickering with an irritating co-worker, having a disagreement with a spouse or arguing with a close friend, interpersonal conflicts are an inevitable and frustrating part of our modern lives. But how can we eliminate the sense of helplessness and anguish that accompanies these conflicts? What must we do to find true contentedness despite the chaos we find ourselves surrounded by? Isa Gucciardi, director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream, says she has the solution, namely her conflict resolution method outlined in her new book, Coming to Peace. Gucciardi’s method builds on the wisdom of ancient meditation techniques and Buddhist traditions, encouraging us to come together and heal after a conflict while also acknowledging our own role in causing the conflict in the first place. Join Gucciardi for a transformational conversation about relationships, self-improvement and finding inner peace in a turbulent world.

Beach Blanket Babylon, celebrating more than 16,000 performances and seen by over six million people, is the longest running musical revue in the world. According to The New York Times, it’s “updated more often than your average smartphone software.” Renowned for its iconic hats and amazing costumes, this show is filled with political and pop culture parodies. Cast members will perform one of the show’s signature songs and answer questions from the audience. MLF Organizer Name Norma Walden Notes MLF: International Relations

Rick Steves has lived out of a suitcase for much of his life. He states that “travel is freedom.” Through travel, we can all learn how to appreciate different cultures and gain a broader perspective on the world. As the world seems more and more divisive, there has never been a more important time to explore. Steves shares some of his most memorable experiences trekking through Europe, Central America, Asia and the Middle East and explains how we have the power to change the world one trip at a time.

As President Trump heads into his second year in office, which issues are most critical for California residents and the nation? Representative Adam Schiff is on the front lines, leading the fight against Russian aggression and defending our democracy both at home and abroad. As the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff has become one of the nation's leading voices on national security and a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s policies. Now, he’s speaking out about America’s most important foreign policy issues. Join Schiff for a timely and important conversation about keeping America safe and defending freedom around the globe.

Have gas cars peaked? Last year, Volvo announced it would stop making gas-only cars by 2019. Then, India, France and the United Kingdom said they will phase out cars that run on petroleum in the next couple of decades. When China moved in the same direction, automakers put the pedal to the metal on bringing electric cars to market. With Detroit embracing plug-in cars, electric utilities sense an opportunity to grow their business as the age of oil sunsets. The industries of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison are getting together to take over the John D. Rockefeller industry. How fast will that happen? Will some oil companies go the way of Kodak and disappear from the mainstream? Join us for a conversation about the end of oil and the electrification of everything.