Following the success of their first four seasons, the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation, Contra Costa Newspapers, KTVU FOX 2, KGO Newstalk AM 810, the Contra Costa Council, and the Diablo Regional Arts Association, announced The series of community lectures, which has brought to Walnut Creek personalities ranging from Jay Leno to Maya Angelou, will be launching its fifth season in September at the Lesher Center for the Arts

Kicking off the fifth season will be Animal Planet Host and conservationist, Jeff Corwin on September 8. Other confirmed speakers include: Watergate Journalists, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein; Former US Senator and Baseball Steroid Investigator, George Mitchell; Country Music Superstar, Naomi Judd; National Geographic/Oprah Winfrey Correspondent, Lisa Ling; and CNN Global Terrorism Analyst, Peter Bergen.

Speakers were chosen from the fields of government, media, science, and entertainment to present a broad array of engaging topics.“Public discourse is an important part of a community, and we are proud to committed to another five years of that discourse,” said Steve Lesher, Vice President of the Lesher Foundation.As always, we hope NEWSMAKERS’ will spark debate and inspire; provoke as well as entertain,” Lesher continued.

Tickets for Season 5 will be sold beginning June 3 at 11:00 AM at the Lesher Center Ticket Office located at 1333 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Tickets are sold by series subscription only and range from $275-$360 depending on seat location.Last year’s series sold out in a matter of minutes.

Newsmakers: Lesher Speaker Series, Season 5

Sep. 8, 2008- Jeff Corwin

October 15, 2008- Senator George Mitchell

November 17, 2008- Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein

February 17, 2009- Naomi Judd

March 16, 2009- Peter Bergen

April 20, 2009- Lisa Ling