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NEWS FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
400 Capitol Mall, Suite 900
Sacramento, CA  95814
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For immediate release: February 18, 2000
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For additional information:
Juan Ros, Executive Director
Phone: (818) 782-8400
Mailto:director@ca.lp.org
Web: http://www.ca.lp.org/
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Libertarian state convention kicks off today in San Diego

In addition to party business, the convention will feature a program of some 30 speakers ranging from Libertarian National Director Steve Dasbach to well-known author James Bovard, from Pacific Research Institute president Sally Pipes, to tribal chairman Anthony Pico, from Orange County Register senior editorial writer Alan Bock to WorldNetDaily.com editor-in-chief Joseph Farah.

Today's highlights include an Opening Reception at 7:00pm featuring a speech by "My Years With Ayn Rand" author Nathaniel Branden entitled "Self Esteem and Libertarianism."

State Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian (R-Carlsbad) will welcome the assembled delegates on Saturday, February 19, at 10:30am. Libertarian Party co-founder David Nolan will deliver the Keynote Address, "The Century of Liberty," at 11:00am. Also appearing Saturday is Bovard, author of "Freedom in Chains." Bovard's luncheon presentation, "Federal Tyranny from the ADA to Waco," begins at 12:30pm.

Saturday afternoon includes a special "Afternoon of Ballot Initiatives." Representatives from the Proposition 1-A, No on 22, and Proposition 28 campaigns will explain why Libertarians should support their side. The day's events culminate in a Gala Banquet featuring syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington, who will discuss "How to Overthrow the Government."

Sunday, February 20 features Jacob Sullum, senior editor at Reason magazine, addressing a Sunday Brunch crowd at 12:30pm. More speakers are scheduled for Sunday afternoon, including several "Meet the Candidate" events. Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate Gail Lightfoot and Moreno Valley City Councilmember Bonnie Flickinger -- also a Libertarian candidate for State Assembly -- will discuss their strategies for victory.

At 5:30pm, candidates for the Libertarian presidential nomination will appear in a Presidential Candidates Issues Panel, moderated by Alan Bock. The event will be televised by C-SPAN.

Official party business concludes Monday, February 21, at 12:00 noon, followed by the 19th Annual Samuel Adams Society Awards Luncheon. Bock will address the luncheon crowd with a speech entitled "The Drug War: End it, Or Kiss Off the Bill of Rights and Other Freedoms."