San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund 2013 Annual Scholarship Dinner & Gala

Transcription

1 Thank you for joining us this evening and for supporting the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund 2013 Annual Scholarship Dinner & Gala Friday, October 11, 2013 Hard Rock Hotel Cover art generously donated by Ricardo Islas For more information on the artist you may contact him at (619)

2

3 San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund 2013 Annual Dinner & Gala Friday, October 11, 2013 Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, California 5:30 p.m. RECEPTION 7:00p.m. DINNER & PROGRAM WELCOME Nadia P. Bermudez, President SDLRLA Scholarship Fund EVENT SPONSORS Gold Sponsor: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovzky and Popeo, P.C. Silver Sponsors: Dependency Legal Group of San Diego Robbins Arroyo LLP, and Union Bank Bronze Sponsor: WestPac Wealth Partners PRESIDENT S ADDRESS & AWARDS Rafael Castellanos, President, SDLRLA, Presentation of President s Award SDLRLA Community Grants INVESTITURE OF INCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HON. LORENA GONZALEZ, ASSEMBLYWOMAN, 80TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT & SPECIAL GUEST HISPANIC NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT MIGUEL POZO SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Presented by Candi Mayes and Jose Castillo Attorney of the Year Award Kevin Keenan, Esq. CLOSING REMARKS Renée Galente, Incoming President After Dinner Reception 8:45 p.m. 11:00 p.m.

4 2013 Gala Sponsors Gold Level Mints Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC Silver Level Dependency Legal Group of San Diego Robbins Arroyo LLP Union Bank Bronze WestPac Wealth Partners Table Sponsors ACLU- San Diego Imperial Counties Francisco Aldana, Esq. Best, Best & Krieger, LLP Brown Law Group California Rural Legal Assistance California Western School of Law Rafael Castellanos, Esq. Galente Ganci, APC Garcia Hernandez Sawhney & Bermudez, LLP Golper Sullivan & Rivera, LLP Legal Aid of San Diego Northwestern Mutual San Diego Procopio LLP Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek Sony University of San Diego Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP

5 2013 Individual Contributions $2,500 and over: Laura & Jose Castillo, Esq. $1,000 - $2,499: Dr. Luis Castellanos & Lizzette Herrera Castellanos Law Offices of Sergio Feria APC Steve Nunez, Esq. Education Heroes: Hon. James T. Atkins Anna Jauregui, Esq. Doug Law, Esq. Hon. Pennie McLaughlin Enrique Muñoz $500-$250: California Bar Foundation Eran M. Bermudez, Esq. Lilia Garcia, Esq. Angela Herrera Santamaria, Esq. Teris $50-$249: Nadia P. Bermudez, Esq. Bob Brewer, Esq. Maile & Rod Butts, Esq. Nick Campbell, Esq. Rachel Cano, Esq. Rafael Castellanos, Esq. Hon. Ana Espana Renee Galente, Esq. Lilia Garcia, Esq. Hon. Patricia Garcia Hon. Irma Gonzalez Danielle Hickman, Esq. Jack Leer, Esq. Marty Lorenzo Karla Lyon, Esq. Darren McElfresh Hon. Amalia Meza Enrique Muñoz, Esq. Jake Romero, Esq. JoAnn Royal, Esq. Anne Rudolph, Esq. Adriana Sanchez, Esq. Darla Shelton, Esq. Christina Tapia, Esq. Araceli Tovar, Esq. Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters!

6 President s Message "To advance the causes of equality, empowerment, and justice for Latino attorneys and the Latino community in San Diego County through service and advocacy." That is the purpose of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association. I welcome you tonight to celebrate together all that we have done in furtherance of this purpose not just over the last year, but to kick off an entire year of celebration as we approach the 35 th anniversary of our "legal" birthday. On January 30, 1979, three founding members, Nicholas S. Aguilar, Jorge Carrillo, and the Honorable Rafael Arreola, set their hands to sign our Association's articles of incorporation. This was just a formality, however, because as early as 1975 a small group of Latino lawyers, there were perhaps only 20 to 30 in the entire County at that time, formed an unincorporated association of professional comrades, both men and women. Since that time, our members have supported each other's professional aspirations, and we have supported each other in numerous other ways as friends, partners, colleagues, mentors, advocates, and even as family when our members have either married, or formed bonds from sweat and tears that are as strong as any blood relationship or legal institution. Through that support we have together accomplished great things and we have grown to represent a powerful voice and actor in our community. Tonight please reflect on our purpose, how we have helped each other accomplish that purpose, and how we can continue to further our purpose and accomplish even greater things together. What you experience tonight is the incarnation of our founding members' vision of what we are capable of doing as a community of Latino professionals. The state of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association is strong. Let's keep it that way, together. Very truly yours, Rafael Castellanos SDLRLA President

7 Past Presidents Hon. Rafael Arreola George Aguilar Carlos Varela Hon. Roy B. Cazares Ruben Arizmendi Victor Nuñez Nicholas Aguilar Ray Aragón Virginia Calderón Elizabeth Bradley Sergio Feria Clarice Estrada Barrelet Raymond J. Mercado Michael Pérez Lorena Slomanson Rosemary Esparza Esther Sanchez Nadia P. Bermudez Robert A. Garcia Alvin Gomez Eran M. Bermudez Richard R. Castillo Arturo Herrera Lizzette Herrera John Jiménez Luis Aragón Rafael Castellanos Manuel L. Ramirez Alejandro Balvaneda Manuel Corrales, Jr. Lilia Garcia San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund 2013 Bar Stipend Recipients This year, the San Diego La Raza Scholarship Fund awarded bar stipends to outstanding law students in their final year of studies. Each student received a bar stipend in the amount of $700 to assist them in their studies and living expenses as they prepared to take the California Bar exam. We are proud to continue this program next year as a result of generous donations from you. In May 2013, the Scholarship Fund awarded bar stipends to: Gisela Acevedo (California Western School of Law) Rosana Barajas (Thomas Jefferson School of Law ) Alexander Chavez (University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law) Jessica Enriquez (California Western School of Law) Susana Inda (Thomas Jefferson School of Law) Irving Pedroza (California Western School of Law) Stacey Zapanta (Thomas Jefferson School of Law)

8 San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Board of Directors Executive Officers Renée Galente, President Joanna Solozabal, Vice President Eran Bermudez, Secretary Jesse Blanco, Treasurer George Aguilar, Judicial Endorsements Chair Rafael Castellanos, Immediate Past President At Large Directors : Lizzette Herrera Castellanos Lorena Slomanson Victor Torres Rodrigo Guevara Francisco Aldana : Claudia Arzaga Alara Chilton Pablo C. Palomino Maria Nuñez Luis Osuna 2013 San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund Executive Officers Nadia P. Bermudez, President Angela H. Santamaria, Secretary Sergio Feria, Treasurer Juan E. Zúñiga, General Counsel & Asst. Secretary Directors Eran Bermudez Rafael Castellanos Renée Galente Lizzette Herrera Castellanos Enrique Muñoz Jake Romero Adriana Sanchez Scholarship Selection Committee Chairperson Candi Mayes San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association 2013 Annual Dinner Committee Lizzette Herrera, Chair Nadia P. Bermudez Eran Bermudez Rafael Castellanos Renée Galente Lorena Slomanson Joanna M. Solozabal Special Thank You To Special thanks to our sponsors and community supporters. Our event could not have come together without your support. (Program drafted and created by Joanna M. Solozabal) He led a successful challenge to inhumane overcrowding conditions and denial of medical care to immigration detainees at the San Diego Correctional Facility, run by the for profit Corrections Corporation of America; Mr. Keenan challenged rampant Border Patrol abuse of power and urged for reform of lethal force policies, especially the fatal shooting of rock throwers; He assisted in a "get out the vote" campaign to mobilize Escondido's Latino vote in the 2012 Election and then establishing a long term ACLU satellite office in Escondido staffed by a full time community organizer to continue to respond to residents' enduring civil liberties violations; Helped mobilize a powerful, broad community response against Arizona's racial profiling law, SB 1070; seconded a San Diego staff member to Arizona to assist its ACLU affiliate develop litigation challenging the law; He won a historic ruling in a class action lawsuit in which the federal government is now required to provide legal counsel to mentally ill immigrant detainees; Mr. Keenen also fought to ensure education equality, including support for English Learners, implementing the landmark Williams settlement, challenging teacher layoffs at struggling schools, protecting parents and students from unconstitutional school fees, and guaranteeing that all students have access to rigorous curriculum to be prepared for their choice of post secondary education; With the support of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, the ACLU, and other concerned parties, documentary journalist John Carlos Frey of the Gatekeeper Foundation has uncovered information that raises serious concerns that the City of Escondido may be illegally profiting from tow fees, tow contracts, and grants received from California's Office of Traffic Safety, in connection with its sobriety and driver's license checkpoints. Mr. Frey's findings are discussed in detail in the ACLU's report titled Wrong Turn Escondido's Checkpoints and Impound Practices Examined. Congratulations on this award!

9 Kevin Keenan, Esq Attorney of the Year SDLRLA's 2013 Attorney of the Year is Mr. Kevin Keenan. For the last eight years, Kevin has served as Executive Director of the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties. Kevin will be moving to New York City in December As stated by President of San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Rafael Castellanos: "Kevin has worked tirelessly in the San Diego and Imperial Counties to ensure the rights of Latinos and other immigrants. He has shown great loyalty to the Latino community as a strategic partner in civil rights and justice." During Kevin's tenure, the San Diego ACLU led major efforts on immigrants' rights, border justice, voting rights, educational equality, criminal justice reform, and civic education and engagement. His commitment to Latino issues and civil rights is exemplary. We congratulate him on this award. Kevin received his JD from Yale Law School. A list of the San Diego ACLU's highlights of the past eight years with Kevin at the helm include: A successful challenge to the City of Escondido's rental ban ordinance, which required landlords to screen the immigration status of prospective tenants, as well as led adoption of a state law in 2007 to prohibit any other California cities from passing such an ordinance; In June, the ACLU of California birthed the California Voting Rights Project to fight the de facto disenfranchisement bred by outdated election and registration policies systems; Mr. Keenan published a 75 page report with Mexico's National Commission of Human Rights on the humanitarian crisis of migrant deaths along the U.S. Mexico border, finding that more than 5,000 people have died because of both government's deadly practices and policies; He led a rapid response to mistreatment of immigrants and people of color during the 2007 wildfire recovery, including a report issued ten days after the fires, a state law to limit public employees' screening for immigration status during a natural disaster, and a guidebook and training on the rights of immigrants during and after a natural disaster;

10 Alyssa Ruiz de Esparza, 3L University of San Diego School of Law Scholarship Award: $1, Ms. Ruiz de Esparza is a native of Southern California who was raised by a single mother. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco in She participated in the Inter American Human Rights Moot Court competition as part of a two person team in Washington DC. She is currently a legal intern with the General Counsel s office for the San Diego Unified School District and an Administrative Hearing Officer presiding over parking citation appeals. Program Director Agustin Lopez II, in his letter of recommendation for her, stated We selected Ms. Ruiz de Esparza [as a student hearing officer] primarily for her demeanor and enthusiasm for contributing positively to the San Diego community. The party is over but our work continues! The San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund has awarded the scholarships for 2013 to some very dedicated and inspiring law students, but our mission goes on and we would like to remind you that we will be continuing to accept donations throughout the coming year. The SDLRLA Scholarship Fund is an independent, non profit corporation created by the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association to carry out educational and scholarship activities. The SDLRLA Scholarship Fund scholarships are not limited to persons of a Latino/Latina background, instead the scholarships are awarded to law students from a variety of backgrounds who have contributed to the betterment of the Latino community. The recipients of the scholarships are law students who have met criteria of community service, financial need, hardship and academic achievement. The SDLRLA Scholarship Fund is qualified as a charitable, tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID # ), and as 2010 draws to a close, it is time to think about getting that charitable contribution in so you can claim a tax deduction for this year. Putting San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund on your year end giving list is a great way to show your support for the hardworking efforts of scholars and future leaders of the legal profession who have made a commitment to the betterment of the Latino community. For more information regarding donations to the SDLRLA Scholarship Fund and additional sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nadia P. Bermudez at: nbermudez@ghslblaw.com or visit us online at:

11 addressing immigration and educational issues; her career goal is to open a public interest law firm. Professor Zelaya, in her letter of recommendation for Ms. Ornelas, stated Throughout my years of teaching at UC Davis, I have never met an undergraduate student so passionate and committed to fighting for the Latino community s rights students, graduate students, and workers. Hugo Salazar, 2L Chapman School of Law Scholarship Award: $1, Mr. Salazar immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Castle Park High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006 from UC Irvine where he was an Order of Merit award recipient. He volunteered as a youth advocate with gang affiliated youth who were involved with the juvenile justice system and co founded the group Communities Taking Action to provide community information, organization, and support in addressing environmental issues in Chula Vista. Judge Stock, in her letter of recommendation for Mr. Salazar, states Without hesitation, I can say that he has the drive, perseverance, and intelligence to thrive in law school and in the legal profession. Priscilla Askar, 2L Thomas Jefferson School of Law Scholarship Award: $ Ms. Askar was raised by her single father in Los Angeles, California. Two years after her father s death, she became the 20 year old legal guardian of her 10 year old younger brother. While raising her brother, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from CSU Northridge. She was on the Distinguished Honor Roll both semesters of her 1L year, is active in many student law associations, and currently is an officer with the La Raza Law Students Association at Thomas Jefferson. Professor Mitnick, in his letter of recommendation for her, stated I am confident that Ms. Askar will make a strong and meaningful societal impact as an attorney, and that her efforts will reflect positively on the SDLRLA. Erika Orjales, 3L California Western School of Law Scholarship Award: $1, Ms. Orjales spent the majority of her childhood in Puerto Rico before immigrating to the U.S. and graduating from high school in Stockton, California. She worked fulltime while earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCSD in Currently, Ms. Orjales is volunteering at the San Diego Legal Aid Society, working full time at Fredrickson, Mazeika, & Grant, where she started as a file clerk, and is actively involved in student law societies, including the La Raza Law Student Association at Cal Western. Attorney von Kelsch, in her letter of recommendation, stated Erika is an extremely hard working self starter who invariably understands that success is not an entitlement, rather a privilege earned through hard work, perseverance, and creative problem solving. Golper, Sullivan, & Rivera Personal Injury & Workers' Comp. Attorneys We handle all types of accidents, including work injuries, car and bike accidents, dog bites, products liability cases, and medical malpractice suits. Eric Rivera, Esq. Jaime Golper, Esq. David Sullivan, Esq. Luis Osuna, Esq. 110 W. C Street, Ste T: (619) San Diego, CA F: ( Hablamos Espanol

12 San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund 2013 Scholarship Selection Committee Monika Langarica, 3L UC Berkeley Mintz Levin Scholarship: $ Candi Mayes, Chair Hon. Ana Espana Hon. Patricia Guerrero Hon. Esteban Hernandez Eran Bermudez Jose Castillo Renée Galente Jake Romero Angela H. Santamaria 2013 Scholarship Recipients Ms. Langarica was raised by a hard working single mother in Southeast San Diego. She graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts degree from USC in She has earned many honors, including being named the USC LSA Latina of the Year in Ms. Langarica is a San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association Public Interest Law Fellow and a Cruz Reynoso Social Justice Fellow as well as the Submissions Editor for the Berkeley La Raza Law Journal; she aspires to be a Public Defender. Professor Lopez, in his letter of recommendation for her, stated, Monika exemplifies the best of Berkeley Law: a top student who remembers where she came from and aims to give back. Samantha Morales, 3L Thomas Jefferson School of Law Castillo Scholarship: $ Ms. Morales learned English as a second language as an elementary school student. Despite losing both of her parents by the age of 11 and being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 15, she worked full time through high school and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Davis in She currently is the President of the La Raza Law Students Association at Thomas Jefferson and a Criminal Law Fellow. Assistant Dean Wulfemeyer, in her letter of recommendation for her, stated, I am convinced that Samantha represents the best of the best when it comes to developing not only the next generation of Latina leaders, but the next generation of leaders overall. Cristal Ruiz, 1L California Western School of Law Latinas in the Law Scholarship Award: $ Ms. Ruiz worked three jobs while earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCSD in She was an AmeriCorps grant recipient and she participated in the Justice Corps internship program with the San Diego Superior Court for approximately six months in In the fall semester of 2011 she was a Public Policy Fellow for U.S. House of Representative Lucille Roybal Allard. She is currently volunteering with Passport to Life working with juveniles on probation to make better choices for their futures. Judge Campos, in her letter of recommendation for Ms. Ruiz, stated, She has the necessary common sense, determination, work ethic and people skills to succeed in law school and become an exemplary legal advocate. Christina Prejean, 1L University of San Diego School of Law USD Law, Class of 96 C Section Scholarship: $ Ms. Prejean is a native of San Diego and a first generation college student. She is a decorated Air Force Captain who has participated in many volunteer programs. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Westmore College and Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma. After completing her Masters program she was deployed to Afghanistan for a year. She is interested in women's rights, immigration, and International development. Dr. Penksa, in her letter of recommendation for Ms. Prejean, stated She interned at the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center and had cross cultural humanitarian experiences in Mexico, Guatemala, and Chile, all of which shaped her understanding of social inequities and commitment to be an agent of change." Karen Barragan, 2L Thomas Jefferson School of Law Scholarship Award: $ Ms. Barragan immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was seven years old, learning English quickly and becoming the voice for her parents. She worked three jobs in high school, graduated with honors, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCSD. She is the current Vice President of the La Raza Law Students Association at Thomas Jefferson and her career goals are to become an advocate for immigrant families. Attorney Victor Torres, in his letter of recommendation for her, stated, Ms. Barragan has been a pleasure to work with, has been very inquisitive and quick to learn, and has demonstrated her compassion and understanding for the clients we serve. Sonia Gutierrez, 1L UCLA School of Law Scholarship Award: $ Ms. Gutierrez grew up in Southern California and is a first generation college student. She graduated from Norwalk High School with a 4.4 GPA and college credit in four Advanced Placement classes. She presented original research at an academic conference at Cornell University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Berkeley in 2011 and is currently participating in legal clinics addressing immigration and LGBT issues. Teresa Gonzales, in her letter of recommendation for Ms. Gutierrez, stated, Since her days at UC Berkeley, and through her work as a legal assistant, Sonia has demonstrated in interest in linking knowledge with power and in serving as a catalyst for social change within the immigrant community. Marisol Ornelas, 2L California Western School of Law Scholarship Award: $ Ms. Ornelas is a former foster youth and first generation college student. As an undergraduate she coordinated events to raise awareness of political and educational issues affecting students of color, including the initiation of La Raza Welcome Week to support incoming students. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Davis in She has consistently volunteered with organizations