Events for Monday, April 20, 2026

9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero tells the remarkable story of how Americans came together after the tragedy of September 11 to help determine the future of the World Trade Center site through one of the largest public deliberation processes ever held in the United States. Thousands of citizens from across the region gathered to discuss competing proposals, weigh trade-offs, and collectively shape what would ultimately be built at Ground Zero.

The film offers a rare look at democracy in action, illustrating how structured dialogue and public participation can help communities navigate complex decisions and moments of national significance.

We are honored to be joined for the evening by Carolyn Lukensmeyer, a nationally recognized leader in democratic innovation and founder of AmericaSpeaks. Carolyn helped design Listening to the City, the 2002 public forum that brought New Yorkers together in that pivotal moment. She will share reflections on that experience and and offer inspiration for Bay Area efforts to strengthen democracy.

Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key.