Members and friends gathered at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Stateline, Nevada, next to South Lake Tahoe, California, over the April 8-10th weekend to enjoy some very special movies, challenging business sessions, captivating speakers, glorious natural surroundings, delicious food and drink, casino games galore, a fund raising poker tournament, and the usual lively liberty-focused discussion.

Delegates met Friday afternoon for the Bylaws Committee and for the Platform Committee meetings to decide revisions to those two documents. Registration opened at 5 p.m. but for only two hours, at which time Chairman Kevin Takenaga conducted a first-timers’ orientation meeting.

As soon as the orientation ended, delegates and convention visitors walked to the Horizon Casino Resort’s Hollywood Cinema to enjoy the inspiring double bill of The American Dream and an exclusive preview of Atlas Shrugged, Part 1. John Orland, the post-production manager for Atlas Shrugged was also at the special screening.

Beginning at Saturday morning’s breakfast, delegates and friends were treated to the speakers and presentations interspersed among business sessions.

Immigration lawyer Carlos Rodriguez‘s Immigration, Latinos & Liberty: An Opportunity Squandered

Author and journalist Steven Greenhut‘s How the GOP is Heading Toward Irrelevancy.

Retired Judge James Gray‘s It’s About Time: Owning the Marijuana Regulate and Tax Initiative of 2012.

Movie writing-directing duo Tad Lumpkin and Harold Uhl‘s question and answer session about their half-hour animated feature The American Dream.

John Stagliano addressed the Saturday evening banquet audience about My Victory in Court: a First Amendment Triumph.

After the banquet,  our first Texas Hold ‘em poker tournament was held. Third, second, and first place winners were Edward Bowers, Michael Warnken, and Melisse Lusin.

Sunday morning early risers were treated to ballot access expert Richard Winger’s informed assessment of What’s New in the Fight to Keep Us On the Ballot. Steve Kubby roused the lunch audience with his presentation of Liberty, Leadership, and Libertarianism.

Delegates spent much of the rest of the day electing its leadership for the ensuing years, including our officers and At-large representatives.

Chairman – Kevin Takenaga
Northern Vice Chairman – C. Michael Pickens
Southern Vice Chairman – Boomer Shannon
Treasurer – Brian Darby
Secretary – Lauren Hilton

At-large Representatives elected include Gale Morgan, Carlos Rodriguez, Armando Romero, Starchild, Rich Vanier, and Nancy Zardeneta. First Alternate is Brian Andresen and Second Alternate is Mike Paster.

The new Executive Committee met immediately following the convention’s close.