KQED's Forum

Daniel Lurie, founder of Tipping Point Community and a mayoral candidate, dives into his vision for San Francisco. He reflects on his upbringing influenced by his father's legacy as a rabbi, emphasizing public service. Lurie tackles chronic homelessness, advocating for innovative solutions and systemic reforms. He highlights the need for accountability in nonprofits amid crises like fentanyl addiction. Passionate about revitalizing the city, he discusses grassroots fundraising and the importance of community representation to drive transformative change.

Much has been written about Ronald Reagan, but historian Max Boot’s new biography, which draws on new archival sources and interviews with nearly a hundred people who knew Reagan best, is being hailed as definitive. Boot says Reagan was possessed of “myriad contradictions and inconsistencies:” a skeptic of government who presided over vast spending increases; a gun rights advocate who supported tough gun laws; a man of strong convictions but little intellectual depth. We talk to Boot about why he did not want to write either a “hagiography or a hit job” of the former president and California governor, and both the contrasts and connections he sees between Reagan and Donald Trump. Boot’s new book is “Reagan: His Life and Legend.” What policy, event or moment do you most associate with Ronald Reagan?Guests:Max Boot, senior fellow for national security studies, Council on Foreign Relations - columnist, Washington Post; author, "Reagan: His Life and Legend" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Ahsha Safaí applied to MIT for his masters degree in urban planning, he wrote that one day he hoped to be a city mayor. Since getting his degree, he’s moved to San Francisco, worked as a labor organizer, as well as at the Housing Authority and at Public Works, and served as a two-term board supervisor for District 11, on the south side of the city. Now he’s running to make his mayoral dream a reality. Competing in a crowded field, Safaí recently announced a ranked choice voting alliance with fellow candidate Mark Farrell – a move that he hopes will boost his chances. In the latest of our series of interviews with the major candidates in the San Francisco mayor’s race, we talk to Safaí about his campaign, his career and his hopes for San Francisco.Guests:Ahsha Safai, member, San Francisco Board of Supervisors - represents District 11, which includes the Excelsior and Ingleside neighborhoods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Rancaño, a housing affordability reporter at KQED, and Emily Schultheis, a California reporter for Politico, dive deep into Propositions 33 and 34 on California's November ballot. They discuss how Prop 33 could empower cities to implement rent control, significantly affecting housing affordability. Meanwhile, Prop 34's controversial funding restrictions raise questions about its impact on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The conversation also explores the heated debate surrounding these propositions and their potential implications for California residents.

Join Alexis Krivkovich, a McKinsey senior partner, and Tracy Clark-Flory, a journalist and author, as they dive deep into the impact of Sheryl Sandberg's 'Lean In' a decade later. They discuss the slow crawl toward gender equality in corporate leadership, particularly for women of color. Anna Dapelo Garcia sheds light on the Latina experience in the workplace, while Minda Harts emphasizes the need for systemic change. Together, they explore how personal ambition meets ingrained biases, posing vital questions about the path ahead for women in the workforce.

Join Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his keen analysis of U.S. politics, and Jared Malsin, a Middle East correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, as they dissect the complexities of U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East post-October 7. They discuss the challenges of hostage negotiations, the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the escalating conflict dynamics in Lebanon. Foer critiques the Biden administration's strategies while Malsin offers firsthand insights from the ground, illuminating the multifaceted nature of the ongoing strife.

Jacqueline Mates-Muchin, the first Chinese-American rabbi and Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai, joins Jessica Kirschner, Senior Rabbi at Stanford Hillel, to discuss the emotional aftermath of the October 7 attack. They explore the struggle between supporting both Israelis and Palestinians while dealing with fear and isolation within the community. Personal stories highlight the complexity of Jewish identity in a time of rising anti-Semitism, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and connection in healing and fostering solidarity.

Pilar Schiavo, Assemblymember for California's District 40 and sponsor of the 'Click to Cancel' law, joins economist Neale Mahoney from Stanford University. They discuss the overwhelming number of subscriptions consumers face today, with many paying for services they rarely use. The new law aims to streamline cancellation processes, reducing hurdles created by companies. They explore consumer frustrations, the need for transparency, and how the legislation could reshape the subscription economy, empowering Californians to take control of their finances.

Join Marissa Ortega-Welch, a science journalist, Phoebe Young, an environmental history professor, and Aparna Rajagopal, a DEI leader in outdoor spaces, as they explore the meaning of wilderness today. They delve into the historical roots of wilderness protection, the complexities of the Wilderness Act, and how climate change impacts these cherished areas. Personal stories highlight the emotional ties people have to nature, while discussions on accessibility and indigenous perspectives reshape our understanding of wild spaces in a modern, connected world.

Anna Esaki-Smith, an author and co-founder of Education Rethink, shares invaluable insights on crafting compelling college admissions essays. She discusses the delicate balance of humor and authenticity while choosing topics, stressing that personal storytelling can make a difference. The ethical implications of AI in essay writing are also explored, raising questions about authenticity. Listeners reflect on their own experiences, emphasizing early preparation and the emotional journey behind their narratives.