Must RSVP to attend this program. Invites are nontransferable.

When: May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Provided upon RSVP
RSVP: Beth
 
More on Gloria Romero:
Former California State Senator Gloria Romero is the State Director of Democrats for Education Reform and has been a forceful advocate for education reform and civil rights.
 
She brings to the post not only a great passion for quality education opportunities for all children, but a keen knowledge of the legislative and political process. She was elected to the 24th Senate District in 2001, representing East Los Angeles and the greater San Gabriel Valley. Upon her election she was recognized as one of the hardest working members of the Legislature and quickly rose in leadership positions. She was elected by her peers to serve as Senate Democratic Caucus Chair and as Senate Majority Leader -- the first woman to ever hold that leadership position in the history of the California State Senate.
 
Romero served as Chair of both the Education Committee and the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee on Education, making her one of the most influential voices on education policy in California. She believes that education is the civil rights issue of our time. States Romero, "My mother had a sixth grade education; I have a PhD. I understand the transformational power of education and the key it holds to accessing the American Dream."

Program is open to Members and guests of Members only. One must RSVP directly to attend. Guest list is enforced.

When: May 23 at 6:00 p.m.
RSVP:  Brittni

More on Bill Gertz:

Bill Gertz is Senior Editor of The Washington Free Beacon, (freebeacon.com) and National Security Columnist for The Washington Times (www.washingtontimes.com).

Bill is the author of six books, four of which were national bestsellers. His second book, "The China Threat: How the People's Republic Targets America," (Regnery) was released in November 2000. His book, "Breakdown: How America's Intelligence Failures Led to September 11," was published in August 2002 and was a national bestseller. Bill wrote "Treachery: How America's Friends And Foes Are Secretly Arming Our Enemies," in 2005, a candid look at the growing problem of arms proliferation. The book was a national bestseller. In 2006, his fifth book was published. "Enemies: How America's Foes Steal Our Vital Secrets -- And How We Let It Happen," was a bestseller and is a critical look at recent spy cases and counterintelligence failures. It also calls for using aggressive counterintelligence techniques to stop Islamist extremists in the global war on terrorism.

His latest book, "The Failure Factory: How Unelected Bureaucrats; Liberal Democrats and Big Government Republicans Are Undermining America's Security and Leading Us to War," was published in September 2008. It is a critical look at the problem of an out-of-control government bureaucracy.

Bill writes a weekly column called Inside the Ring, a chronicle about the ups and downs of the U.S. national security bureaucracy. He also has written articles for National Review, The Weekly Standard and Air Force Magazine. Bill also has been a media fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace at Stanford University.

Bill has an international reputation. Vyachaslav Trubnikov, head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, called him a "tool of the CIA" after he wrote an article exposing Russian intelligence operations in the Balkans. A senior CIA official once threatened to have a cruise missile fired at his desk at The Washington Times after he wrote a column critical of the CIA's analysis of China. China's communist government also has criticized him for his news reports exposing China's weapons and missile sales to rogues states, accusing him of "spreading lies about China." The state-run Xinhua news agency in 2006 identified Bill as the No. 1 "anti-China expert" in the world. Bill insists he is very much pro-China -- pro-Chinese people and opposed to the communist system. U.S. State Department official Nicholas Burns, frustrated by Bill's prolific news reporting on internal information about U.S. national security and foreign affairs, only half-joking once compared him to Moamar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein.

Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey stated: "When I was DCI [Director of Central Intelligence] Bill used to drive me crazy because I couldn't figure out where the leaks were coming from. Now that I've been outside for two years, I read him religiously to find out what's going on." Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson told the author: "We talk about your stories at Cabinet meetings." Defense Secretary William S. Cohen once remarked to a Chinese general that Bill "has access to more intelligence information than anyone I know." Senior CIA officials, too, have criticized him during closed hearings before Congress regarding his news reporting based on extraordinary access to classified information.

Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld once told him: "You are drilling holes in the Pentagon and sucking out information."

Among his major newspaper exclusives were reporting first on a Chinese submarine secretly sailing undetected within 5 miles of the U.S. aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk in October 2006; how the Pentagon activated its missile defense system in June 2006 in preparation for the possible shootdown a North Korean missile launch; China's deployment of a new class of attack submarines; details of Russia's covert involvement in removing weapons from Saddam Hussein's Iraq; and details of North Korean government involvement in counterfeiting U.S. currency. Other exclusives have included reports that North Korea test fired a new 100-mile range cruise missile, and how French and U.S. companies violated U.S. export rules by selling oil-related equipment to Iran.

He also was the first to disclose how China is building up short-range missiles opposite Taiwan, and how China had exported ballistic missile technology to Pakistan, a disclosure that led to the imposition of U.S. economic sanctions against China and Pakistan. He also was the first to report that the U.S. National Security Agency issued a top-secret intelligence report warning of a terrorist attack in Yemen - hours after terrorists attacked the guided missile destroyer USS Cole in Aden harbor.

Bill has been a guest lecturer at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.; the Central Intelligence Agency; the National Defense University at Fort McNair, Washington, DC; and the Brookings Institution, Washington, DC. He has participated in the National Security Studies Program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

He studied English literature at Washington College in Chestertown, Md., and journalism at George Washington University, Washington, DC. In September 1999, Bill was awarded the Western Journalism Center award for investigative journalism. The United States Business and Industrial Council awarded him the "Defender of the National Interest Award" in June 1998, and in 1997 The Washington Times recognized him for excellence in achievement.

Additional Article from Bill Gertz: 

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/article/chinas-high-tech-military-threat/

When: May 23rd at 6:30pm
Where: Location provided upon RSVP
RSVP: Kim@gen-next.org     

More about Dr. Jason Plume:
Dr. Jason Plume, Ph.D. Maxwell School of Public Affairs and Citizenship-Syracuse University and B.A., California State University-Bakersfield. He is a Fellow-Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics, and the Media. His research examines medical marijuana social movement organizations selection of policy making institutions, or "venue shopping," in pursuit of codified reform. Employing a mixed methodology of historical analysis, original interviews, and legislative data sets I identify how illicit substance control reform advocates have waged various (re)framing campaigns against the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.

More about Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research (HIIMR)
HIIMR seeks to improve the economic, social, physical, and environmental health of individuals and communities through the interdisciplinary scientific study of marijuana. Members of HIIMR will: Design, conduct, analyze, and disseminate research, Provide applied expertise to policy makers, researchers, health professionals, businesses, and the media, and Archive and provide access to source materials (raw data, media)

The Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research is a research and analysis organization created to fill various information gaps about marijuana issues. The Institute is a local, regional, state and national resource. It conducts, analyzes and disseminates research and provides expertise to policy makers, health care and medical professionals, businesses and the media, among others. An information clearinghouse, the Institute promotes rigorous and scholarly scientific study of marijuana issues. The Institute's purpose is analysis, not advocacy. It takes no position, for example, on legalization or decriminalization. Likewise, it offers no classes or training programs. Humboldt State University is a logical home for the Institute because of our interdisciplinary expertise in the environment and natural resources. The marijuana industry has a major impact in these areas, as well as on the region's economy and social fabric. As laws about and perceptions of marijuana issues evolve, the Institute will share information, contribute research to public policy debates and help broaden community and national understanding.
Objectives

The Institute's objectives are to:
◦Create a high-profile Institute within Humboldt State University for the purpose of providing marijuana policy analysis;
◦Promote rigorous scientific and scholarly opportunities for faculty, staff, and students;
◦Encourage scholarly and policy collaborations with researchers from other institutions;
◦Serve as a clearinghouse of marijuana related research.
In order to accomplish these objectives, the Institute will engage in the following activities: ◦Collect, analyze and disseminate data to the public and to policymakers;
◦Collaborate with other institutions and agencies to support and enhance existing as well as ongoing projects and goals;
◦Submit proposals for internal and external research funding; and
◦Preserve and archive data through the HSU Library Special Collections Unit.
Research goals focus on data collection and assessment methods that can be used to enhance knowledge available to communities, researchers, educators, and others in better understanding the past, present, and potential future role of marijuana at it relates to the regional economy, workforce development, health, environment, and community relations.

Program is open to Members and guests of Members only. One must RSVP directly to attend. Guest list is enforced.

When: Tuesday, May 14th
Where: Location provided upon RSVP
RSVP: Blair

More on Congressman Scott Peters:

Congressman Scott Peters serves California’s 52nd Congressional District. Scott Peters is a civic leader who has made improving the quality of life in San Diego his life’s work. He is a problem solver with a record of bringing people together to get results.

His career in public service includes serving as San Diego’s first City Council President, where he pursued greater accountability and efficiency in government. Peters created a new Council/Mayor form of government with an independent budget review function. 

Scott also served as a San Diego Port Commissioner, and is the past chairman of the San Diego Unified Port District – a major economic engine that produces tens of thousands of high-skill, high-wage jobs for San Diegans. The Port manages the state tidelands in andaround San Diego Bay, which produces $3.3 billion in direct economic impact to the region and supports jobs for more than 40,000 San Diegans.

Scott earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa and worked as an economist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency before attending New York University School of Law. He and his wife of 26 years reside in La Jolla, California and have a son and daughter.  

Open to Members and Guests only. Invites are not transferable. Must RSVP directly to Sarah Ragland to attend. Adding program to calendar does not constitute a RSVP.

When: June 12th at 6pm
Where: Location provided upon RSVP
RSVP: Sarah

More on Dr. Aaron Lobel:

Dr. Aaron Lobel is the founder, president and chairman of the board of America Abroad Media (AAM). Recognizing a need for more objective, in-depth reporting on today's critical international issues, Dr. Lobel founded AAM in 2002 to promote ideals fundamental to healthy civil societies in both America and around the world: the free exchange of ideas, the democratic participation of self-governing citizens, and an independent and robust media sector. He is responsible for overseeing the production of more than 80 original radio and television programs each year, reaching a global audience of more than 100 million people, and manages a staff of 20, split between AAM's Washington, Kabul and Tunis offices.

Prior to founding AAM, Dr. Lobel served as a Research Fellow at The Brookings Institution; a National Security Fellow at the John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies at Harvard University; and a National Security Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He received his Ph.D. in International Affairs from Harvard University's Department of Government.

Dr. Lobel currently serves on the Advisory Boards of Business for Diplomatic Action, Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE), Americans Elect, and 100Reporters. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a consultant to the Bipartisan Policy Center. A native of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Lobel lives in Washington, DC with his wife and son.

Open to Members and Guests only. Invites are not transferable. Must RSVP directly to Blair Kohn to attend. Adding program to calendar does not constitute a RSVP.

When: June 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Location provided upon RSVP

RSVP: Blair Kohn

More on Dr. Aaron Lobel:

Dr. Aaron Lobel is the founder, president and chairman of the board of America Abroad Media (AAM). Recognizing a need for more objective, in-depth reporting on today's critical international issues, Dr. Lobel founded AAM in 2002 to promote ideals fundamental to healthy civil societies in both America and around the world: the free exchange of ideas, the democratic participation of self-governing citizens, and an independent and robust media sector. He is responsible for overseeing the production of more than 80 original radio and television programs each year, reaching a global audience of more than 100 million people, and manages a staff of 20, split between AAM's Washington, Kabul and Tunis offices.

Prior to founding AAM, Dr. Lobel served as a Research Fellow at The Brookings Institution; a National Security Fellow at the John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies at Harvard University; and a National Security Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. He received his Ph.D. in International Affairs from Harvard University's Department of Government.

Dr. Lobel currently serves on the Advisory Boards of Business for Diplomatic Action, Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE), Americans Elect, and 100Reporters. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a consultant to the Bipartisan Policy Center. A native of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Lobel lives in Washington, DC with his wife and son.

Open to Members and Guests only. Invites are not transferable. Must RSVP directly to Brittni Estrada to attend.

When: Thursday, September 19th at 6:30pm
Where: Address Provided Upon RSVP
RSVP: Brittni

More on The Hon. Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg:

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg served as German Federal Minister of Defense from 2009 to 2011 and as Federal Minister of Economics and Technology from February 2009 to October 2009. As Minister of Defense, zuGuttenberg led the most significant structural reform of the German armed forces since the Bundeswehr's founding in 1955. In particular, he spearheaded the effort of transforming the Bundeswehr from a conscription-based army to an all-professional military.

Baron zu Guttenberg served as a CSU Member of the German Parliament or Bundestag from 2002 to 2011 and as Spokesman of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group on the Bundestag's Foreign Affairs Committee during 2002 to 2008. He was a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Western European Union (2002-2005). He also briefly served as Secretary-General of Germany's co-governing CSU party (2008/2009) before being appointed to Chancellor Merkel's cabinet in early 2009.

As a "Distinguished Statesman" at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, Mr. zu Guttenberg leads a new high-level transatlantic dialogue initiative focused on global trends and current political, economic, financial, as well as technology issues.

Since December 2011, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg serves as Senior Advisor to the European Commission's "No Disconnect Strategy", providing strategic counsel on how to give ongoing support to internet users, bloggers and cyber-activists living under authoritarian regimes. Mr. zu Guttenberg liaises with EU Member States, third countries, NGOs, as well as relevant ICT companies to advance the "No Disconnect Strategy" in a coordinated and effective manner.

He also advises governments and companies around the globe on economic, European, and international security issues.

Mr. zu Guttenberg, who holds a law degree from the University of Bayreuth, was in the private sector (as managing director and member of different advisory boards) prior to entering German politics in 2002.

He has published numerous articles and op-eds on foreign, economic, and security policy in both German and international media. Mr. zu Guttenberg currently lives with his wife and two daughters in Greenwich, CT.