Established in 1982, the East Bay Sanctuary assists Central American refugees, particularly Maya fleeing violence and racial persecution. Director Michael Smith, an anthropologist who joined in

Established in 1982, the East Bay Sanctuary assists Central American refugees, particularly Maya fleeing violence and racial persecution. Director Michael Smith, an anthropologist who joined in 1984, leads the Refugee Rights Program. With 5 attorneys, 9 paralegals, and volunteers, the sanctuary has aided thousands and expects to win its 4,000th asylum case this summer. Smith has received awards for his work with refugees and law students.

The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in 1903, is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Hosting over 400 annual events, it has featured a diverse array of speakers, from Teddy Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton, Martin Luther King, and Ronald Reagan.

Join us for a program with Oglala Lakota leader Jim Warne, co-presented by the Climate Reality Project Bay Area Chapter. Warne, an award-winning filmmaker, discusses Native American history and

Join us for a program with Oglala Lakota leader Jim Warne, co-presented by the Climate Reality Project Bay Area Chapter. Warne, an award-winning filmmaker, discusses Native American history and building relationships for climate progress.

Warne notes many Americans lack accurate Native American history knowledge, often receiving a narrow perspective despite over 550 tribes and 200 languages. He emphasizes historical inaccuracies contribute to an "ignorance by design," hindering understanding.

Explore more programs and support The Commonwealth Club. Subscribe for videos: YouTube, see upcoming events: Events, or become a member: Membership. Watch & Listen: Watch & Listen.

The East Bay Sanctuary, established in 1982, assists refugees fleeing violence and persecution in Central America, particularly Maya Guatemalans. The organization has aided thousands of indigenous

The East Bay Sanctuary, established in 1982, assists refugees fleeing violence and persecution in Central America, particularly Maya Guatemalans. The organization has aided thousands of indigenous Guatemalans, currently employing five attorneys and nine paralegals. This summer, the sanctuary is projected to win its 4,000th asylum case.

Michael Smith directs the Refugee Rights Program at the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant. With a background in anthropology and archaeology, he joined the sanctuary in 1984. Smith has received awards from Helen Bamber, the Dalai Lama, and Berkeley Law for his dedicated work with refugees and law students.

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Fritjof Capra: Patterns of Connection

Join us for a virtual conversation with Fritjof Capra to discuss the evolution of his thought. In the late 1950s Capra read the work of Werner

Fritjof Capra: Patterns of Connection

Join us for a virtual conversation with Fritjof Capra to discuss the evolution of his thought. In the late 1950s Capra read the work of Werner Heisenberg, a founder of quantum mechanics, and quickly intuited connections between the discoveries of quantum physics and the traditions of Eastern philosophy. The result was his bestselling book, The Tao of Physics. His synthesis, which dispensed with the mechanistic worldview of Descartes and Newton in favor of a systemic, ecological one, has provided him with a different perspective on the life sciences, ecology and environmental policy.

Six decades later, Fritjof Capra remains at the crossroads of physics, spirituality, environmentalism and systems theory. Organized thematically and chronologically, the essays in Patterns of Connection document his revolutionary and far-reaching intellectual journey.

Founded in 1903, The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum.

Black communities have a long, complex relationship with American soil, marked by systemic racism and dispossession. This history directly connects to current "food apartheid" and the rise of the

Black communities have a long, complex relationship with American soil, marked by systemic racism and dispossession. This history directly connects to current "food apartheid" and the rise of the Black farming movement, worker cooperatives, and sustainable practices aimed at ensuring healthy, local food access for all.

The San Francisco Foundation and The Commonwealth Club of California hosted a discussion on November 8, 2021, exploring these critical issues. Doria Robinson, Executive Director of Urban Tilth, and Andrea Talley, Worker-Owner of Mandela Grocery Cooperative, shared insights. Noted author Natalie Baszile moderated the conversation.

The Commonwealth Club, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum, makes programs like this possible. Learn more and become a member: https://www.commonwealthclub.org/membership.

Sophie Tipper, passionate about environmental policy since middle school, joined the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) in July 2023. Noticing youth were absent from state environmental task

Sophie Tipper, passionate about environmental policy since middle school, joined the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) in July 2023. Noticing youth were absent from state environmental task forces, she and Ashna Shah developed a policy memo recommending youth advisors for the Colorado Department of Public Health's Environmental Justice Board. This led to drafting SB25-055, a bill requiring two youth members on the board. Despite a sponsor's election defeat, Tipper secured new support, and the bill was introduced to the Colorado legislature in January 2025.

SB25-055 subsequently passed and was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in May. Tipper, now drafting a plastic pollution bill, believes youth advocacy empowers young people to drive real policy change. She hopes to inspire similar youth-led environmental initiatives nationwide.

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) offers a powerful solution to fuel the future, capable of replacing fossil fuels for industrial processes like steel and cement manufacturing, thereby reducing

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) offers a powerful solution to fuel the future, capable of replacing fossil fuels for industrial processes like steel and cement manufacturing, thereby reducing global carbon emissions. CSP systems use arrays of revolving mirrors (heliostats) to precisely reflect sunlight into a central receiver, generating immense heat.

Recent advancements in AI and machine learning are making CSP technology smarter, more efficient, and increasingly affordable. Innovators like Heliogen, backed by Bill Gates, leverage software to optimize mirror control, making solar energy cleaner and cheaper than fossil fuels. This progress paves the way for global adoption, as explored in the "Hard Reset" series.

The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act has been introduced in the House and Senate. This bill aims to address climate change by providing farmers and foresters access to carbon sequestration

The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act has been introduced in the House and Senate. This bill aims to address climate change by providing farmers and foresters access to carbon sequestration credits.

House bill H.R. 7393 is sponsored by Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), along with eight other Republicans and Democrats. Senate bill S. 3894 is sponsored by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

Further details about the bill are available. The sponsors are recognized for their bipartisan climate efforts.

Science educator and TV host Bill Nye is the subject of a new documentary, "Bill Nye: Science Guy." Nye and film director Jason Sussberg joined Climate One for a discussion.

Their

Science educator and TV host Bill Nye is the subject of a new documentary, "Bill Nye: Science Guy." Nye and film director Jason Sussberg joined Climate One for a discussion.

Their conversation covered climate denial, generational responsibility, and proper "selfie" procedure. For more details on this event, visit the Climate One event page.

Learn more about Climate One.

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized

On March 31, 2014, the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to establish a state licensing program for legal hemp cultivation. Sponsor Rep. Jeremy Faison emphasized hemp's historical benefits and cited the recent U.S. Farm Bill, which permits states to regulate production and allows universities to conduct studies.

The legislation passed with an 88-5 vote. Following its approval, Faison distributed various hemp products, such as breakfast cereal, soap, cooking oil, and twine, to legislative leaders, showcasing the plant's diverse applications.