Obi Kaufmann at the Tahoe Literary Festival

Join acclaimed California authors Obi Kaufmann, author of California Inside Out  and Laura Cunningham, A State of Change  for a thought-provoking conversation about the past, present, and future of the Golden State. Drawing on themes from California Inside Out and A State of Change, the discussion will explore how California’s landscapes have been shaped by geology, ecology, climate, and human influence across millennia. Kaufmann’s sweeping vision of the state’s interconnected watersheds, biodiversity, and public lands complements Cunningham’s richly illustrated account of California’s ecological history and the species and habitats transformed over time. Together, they will examine what has been lost, what endures, and what can still be restored in an era of rapid environmental change. Through storytelling, science, art, and conservation, this engaging dialogue offers fresh perspectives on California’s remarkable natural heritage and the choices that will define its future. Audience Q&A will follow, inviting participants to join the conversation about stewardship, resilience, and hope.