UNMASKED - Peace and justice protesters, curious bystanders and secretive world leaders will converge once again in what's become an annual summer ritual at the gates of the Bohemian Grove. For the 26th year, the Bohemian Grove Action Network (BGAN) along with a wide coalition of peace, justice and environmental groups will gather in peaceful protest of the private San Francisco-based men's club gathering at its Bohemian Grove, a 2,000 acre private reserve.

On July 22 the Bohemian Grove Action Network will stage its annual protest of the elite summer encampment gathered at Monte Rio's Bohemian Grove.

During the annual two-week encampment, Bohemian Club members watch plays and listen to speeches given by a variety of powerful figures, which have in the past included ex-presidents, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, military leaders, and top financial executives such as the head of the World Bank.

It is these twice-daily speeches, known as the Lakeside Talks, that BGAN focuses much of its attention.

According to BGAN co-founder Mary Moore, the Lakeside Talks are an opportunity for Bohemians to make major policy suggestions without facing any public scrutiny.

"Over the years we have obtained the annual schedule of speakers and we have noticed how the subjects often forewarn of events in our country and the world that play out in the ensuing years," said Moore.

In a press release issued on July 4, BGAN cited a speech given by President Reagan's Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger.

"For example, in 1981 Casper Weinberger spoke on 'Rearming America' and then we watched the military buildup of the early 80s happen," explained Moore.

According to BGAN, this year's speakers will feature a diverse range of national leaders and intellectuals, including Colin Powell on July 29.

For BGAN, the Bohemian Grove is an opportunity not only to expose the speakers and subjects of the Lakeside Talks, but for a mixture of protesters to address a full spectrum of policy matters.

"The Grove brings together a wide variety of issues and you need a coalition of groups because it connects many issues and makes the group stronger," said Moore.

This year, the BGAN coalition includes the United Farm Workers, reflecting hopes that the upcoming protest will draw energy from the powerful immigration movements.

"Immigration is one of the forefront issues this year. We try to make the issues is that are relevant to the year," said Moore.

The protest, which begins at 1 p.m. in the main Monte Rio Parking lot, will feature speakers that include Cora Lee Simmons of Round Valley Indians for Justice, Casimiro Alvarez, regional director of the United Farm Workers and Calvin Gibson and Gloria LaRiva of the ANSWER coalition.

Following the speeches and a performance by the Native Resistance Drum Group, a march to the Bohemian Grove's gates will commence at 2 p.m.

At 4 p.m. protesters will gather in the Monte Rio amphitheater on the south side of the Russian River to enjoy music, food and networking possibilities.