Harvard University's Saguaro Seminar
Executive Director of the Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America, a program of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
PROFILE
Tom Sander
Guest
FROM Tom Sander
To the Point
September 11 and Young People In the days after 9/11, Americans felt a sense of national unity unseen since World War II. Within six months, it was gone, except among the Middle Class young. Members of what's called the "9/11 Generation" are still more politically aware, socially conscious and plugged in than their parents. That's also true in countries now experiencing the so-called "Arab Spring," for very different reasons. We look at causes and consequences today.
To the Point
America's Loss of Community When an entire family tragically vanished from a house down the street, Peter Lovenheim realized he hadn't known them or his remaining neighbors either. To the distress of his teen-age daughter — and his own surprise — many of them accepted when he asked to sleep over so they could get better acquainted. His book on what happened has reignited discussion about the increased fragmentation of American life and the broader issue of civic disengagement. Has real communication been replaced by communication technologies? Can a nation of people who don't know each other continue to stick together?
Recommended
The Mixer
Heading for the fire exit Thousands of Californians are spending the holidays deciding what to do next after devastating wildfires. The Camp Fire – in northern California – took out nearly an entire town, killing at least 86 people. And the Woolsey Fire, closer to home, left 3 people dead, chewing through nearly 100,000 acres in L.A. and Ventura Counties. Ken Pimlott knows those names all too well. He heads up the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and today is his last day on the job.
The 805
Lessons learned a year after the Thomas Fire and debris flow A year ago, the Thomas Fire swallowed large swaths of Ventura County and lept into Santa Barbara’s front country, setting the stage for the late-night debris flow that took 23 lives. As we observe those anniversaries, we’re checking back with those we spoke with in the immediate aftermath.
KCRW Features
Despite evacuation orders, some Malibu residents 'stay and defend' homes The Woolsey Fire destroyed 670 structures in Malibu, including more than 400 single family homes. That makes it the most destructive fire in the history of that beachside community. But some residents say even more homes would have been lost, if not for the private citizens who defied mandatory evacuation orders to protect their neighborhoods. The homeowners who stay during a fire can be a nuisance for fire fighters... but they say they're not going anywhere next time.