Silicon Valley One - Fall 2007 - (Page 19)

important role here other than perhaps ensuring that there are no structural inhibitors to people who want to do that. In other words: If the tax breaks for businesses or individuals for contributing and participating in philanthropic activities went away, I think that would undermine a philanthropic groundswell. Environmental concerns have been around for decades, but it takes an Oscar-winning film for them to capture public attention. Similarly, Bono talks about third-world debt and the economic problems of Africa, and suddenly people sit up and listen. What is the role of celebrity in modern philanthropy? We live in a society now where people have so many stimuli that you need something that cuts through the clutter. And so if Al Gore championing an issue causes people to pay attention, that’s how you cut through the clutter. Or if Bono, who has appeal to a broad swath of society, is willing to say that AIDS in Africa is a huge issue and we need to do something about it, that’s a good thing. Because those are societal problems that truly do need to be addressed. And if clutter-cutting can be done by Al Gore or Bono, more power to them. mindful of the fact that it costs our employees an enormous amount of money with housing costs, and transportation costs and traffic conditions to live the California lifestyle. So having access to talent that wants to be here can be more difficult. California is going to put itself in a position where it is not competitive, not because we don’t have bright people, but because bright people won’t be able to afford to live here. That’s a huge issue. That’s why we have supported initiatives through the Silicon Valley Leadership Group that focus on how we get mass transit as a major agenda item up in Sacramento. And it’s why we are trying to deal with the housing crisis— that is, getting affordable housing within a reasonable distance from where the job opportunities are. Those are major issues that we have to deal with. What would you like to see happening in Silicon Valley? The Valley is still an incredible foundry for innovation. We have some of the best educational institutions in the world right here, and that continues to feed this innovative engine that exists here. But we do need to deal with the H-1B visa issue to make sure that people who have been trained in our educational system here can stay here and contribute to the growth of I know you think a lot about regional the Valley. We do need to make sure that we address competitiveness and our local economy. What the growing cost associated with health care so that must we do to keep companies like yours here? companies are not saddled with an expense they can’t Well, I think California is just a phenomenal place afford, particularly small companies. We need to make to live—if you can afford it. So we have to be sure that we don’t overregulate U.S. industry in a way that makes us “I don’t think people noncompetitive against countries engage in philanthropy who have perhaps a greater appetite programs because someone in Washington for growth and prosperity than we tells them it’s a good thing. even do here. They either feel it and believe it, or not.” Let’s talk about the importance of culture. Do you see Silicon Valley’s culture strengthening, becoming more cohesive? Or is it becoming more amorphous? The culture that binds the Valley together is one of high achievement, high risk, high reward. We must continue to reinforce that notion: that if you work hard, you may get great rewards. The Valley supports that attitude, and I hope always does. one www.siliconvalleycf.org innovation through philanthropy o n e 19

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Silicon Valley One - Fall 2007

From Emmett D. Carson Home Run Back From the Brink Checking In on Corporate Giving Central Valley Air Gets a Breather Why I Give Five Minutes With ... Full Faith and Credit Giving and Receiving What If?

Silicon Valley One - Fall 2007

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