Friday, February 24, 2012
Noon Luncheon
Eric Klinenberg, PhD, Prof. of Sociology & Director of Graduate Studies, New York University
“Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone”
In his latest book, published this month by Penguin Presss, sociologist and author Eric Klinenberg explores the dramatic rise of solo living . In this talk, Prof. Klinenberg will examine the seismic impact it's having on our culture, business, and politics. Conventional wisdom tells us that living by oneself leads to loneliness and isolation, but, as Klinenberg shows in his book, most solo dwellers are deeply engaged in social and civic life. Compared with many of their married counterparts, they are more likely to eat out and exercise, go to art and music classes, attend public events and lectures, and volunteer.
Friday, March 2, 2012 Noon Luncheon
Ms. Margaretta K. Mitchell, Author, Berkeley Photographer & Film-Maker
“The 1991 Phoenix Firestorm in the Berkeley/Oakland Hills”
Ms. Mitchell created a visual documentary of the firestorm disaster, aftermath, and recovery for the recent 20th anniversary commemoration of that disastrous event that killed 25 people, injured 150 others, and caused some 1.5 billion dollars in damage. Ms. Mitchell will show her documentary film and will then discuss its production and other details related to her project and to the firestorm itself.
Friday, March 9, 2012Noon Luncheon
Sean Burns, PhD, Musician, Writer, Professor, Editor, & Writing Coach
“Archie Green: The Making Of A Working-Class Hero”
Sean Burns will discuss Archie Green’s life and will use it to talk about topics central to 20th Century U.S. history: the international rise of fascism, the aftermath of WWII, rise of industrial unionism in the 30’s and 40’s, and a fundamental redefining of what and who is an American. Dr. Burns has written a book about Archie Green.
Friday, March 16, 2012Noon Luncheon
Ms. Dion Louise Aroner, Former State California Representat ive In California’s 14th Assembly District;
Principal, Aroner, Jewel & Ellis, Lobbying & Public Relations Firm
“A Behind-The-Scenes Look At Current California Government Challenges”
Ms. Aroner, wife of City Commons Club member David Aroner, has been part of the legislator-in-residence program at UC-Berkeley. With her in-depth knowledge of how the California government actually works, Ms. Aroner will discuss the current budget crisis situation and what really happens in the halls of Sacramento to make the laws under which all Californians live their daily lives.
Friday, March 23, 2012Noon Luncheon
Ms. Lisa Marie Curtis, Communications Director at Solar Mosaic; Former Peace Corps Volunteer; former White
House political briefer for President Obama; and frequent blogger for Forbes and The Huffington Post
“When The ‘Starving Children’ Are Your Neighbors!”
Ms. Curtis will discuss the fascinating story about how living in absolute poverty changed her life and helped her start her business. Lisa Curtis lived in a small village in Niger, West Africa--one of the world’s poorest countries. Her experiences helped her understand the true power of community and inspired here to launch a social enterprise focused on combating malnutrition in Niger. Get an inside look at how one of America’s best and brightest young people is taking action now to improve our world!
Friday, March 30, 2012 Noon Luncheon
Ms. Jessica Steele, Business Develop Director, Pandora Internet Radio; and a Singer/Songwriter
“Pandora: Redefining Radio”
A new approach to taking music to people, Pandora Internet Radio gives people music they love anytime and anywhere through connected devices. It allows people to create their own internet radio by using musicological DNA and constant listener feedback. Personalized stations launch instantly with the input of a single “seed” which can be a favorite artist, song, or genre of music. This is the future of radio—attend this presentation and learn how it works and how you could enter an entirely new world of musical enjoyment!
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City Commons Club meets in the historic Berkeley City Club at 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley. The building was designed by noted architect Julia Morgan. For information about City Commons Club, please read this website. If you have questions, please call 510 428-0222 and ask for Ed Klinenberg, City Commons Club's President.
Pre-Meeting: coffee, soft drinks, wine, and conversation from 11:15 in the Venetian Room, 2nd Floor. Lunch is served at 11:50; the cost is $17.00. Coffee-only: $1.00. The speaker is introduced at 12:30, and each meeting adjourns at 1:30 p.m. Visitors are always welcome; please call for lunch reservations by 4 p.m. on the Thursday preceeding the Friday meeting: Ms. Jane Barrett-- 510 845 - 8055; please leave a voice mail message if Ms. Barrett does not answer the phone in person.
Parking Info: City Commons attendees may park at the nearby First Presbyterian garage at 2420 Channing Way at a reduced rate; or pick up a voucher from the front desk for half-price parking in the nearby city garage on Durant. The Berkeley City Club parking lot is NOT available--it is reserved for Berkeley City Club members only. Our talks are usually recorded and cassette tapes are available upon request for $3:00 each if the recording is made.
