Speakers' Corner

Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, asks a controversial question: Are these familiar — and nearby — star systems the only (or even the best) places to look for signals? Shostak discusses "The Search for Intelligent Life Among the Stars: New Strategies,” novel ideas for how we might pursue the hunt for "cosmic company” and why it’s possible that we might find evidence of sophisticated intelligence out there within only a few decades. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, Smithwick Theater, Foothill College, El Monte Road and Interstate 280, in Los Altos Hills.

Parking on campus costs $2 and you should leave some time to get a parking sticker. Call the series hot-line at 949-7888 for more information. No background in science is required for this talk. Seating is first come, first served.

Frances Dinkelspiel

In "Towers of Gold,” named a best book of 2009 by the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association, Author Frances Dinkelspiel tells the story of her great-great-father, Isaias Hellman and captures a pivotal moment in American history: The rise of California from a frontier economy driven by the barter of hides and the exchange of gold to an economic steam engine leading the nation.

In a classic American rags-to-riches story, Hellman came to Los Angeles from Germany in 1859 with almost nothing and went on to build up three of the West’s most important banks—the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Los Angeles, the Nevada Bank in San Francisco and Wells Fargo Bank. At the height of his power in the early 20th century, he controlled more than $100 million in capital and served as president or director of 14 other banks.

Dinkelspiel speaks at 12 noon on Jan. 14 in the Campus Center Student Lounge of Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.

All events are free unless otherwise noted. Please check before the event in case of schedule changes.