MABA Newsletter Volume 11, Issue 1, 2015

President’s Message
Cindy Pánuco
2015 MABA President
H H H H H H H H
Feature Article
Estimad@s
were also treated to a Keynote Address
Mabistas:
delivered by White House Official and
MABA has
President Obama's immigration policy
Dream Was The Theme at
MABA's 55th Annual
Installation
kicked off 2015
point person, Felicia Escobar. We are so
By Richard Chacon
with a bang! By
thankful to our Event Sponsor, the Law
the middle of
Offices of Humberto Guizar, other
February, MABA
sponsors, supporters, and volunteers.
had already: 1)
The MCLE Day was so successful, that
hosted two
we intend to make this an annual event
events that
to update our members on key
made headlines and that had drawn top
developments in the law that most
officials in California and the nation; 2)
impact our community!
The 55th Annual MABA Installation
of Officers & Awards Gala, held at
the glamorous Biltmore Hotel, was
a dreamy night indeed. The event
began with a surprise appearance
by California’s Attorney General,
Kamala Harris, and continued on to
be a flawless evening full of
had participated in two events hosted by
Mayor Garcetti on immigration and 3)
Likewise, our 55th Annual Installation of
entertainment, and meaningful
had signed on to an amicus brief, along
Officers & Awards Gala made the front
speeches. Although it wasn’t
with several other organizations, filed on
page of the Daily Journal! It was one of
intentional, the concept of
behalf of a judge who is being forced to
MABA’s most high profile events yet. For
“dreams,” and aspiring towards
recuse herself from hearing cases of
those who missed it, MABA trustee
them, seemed to be the theme.
Iranian nationals on grounds that she is
Richard Chacon has written a great play
active in the Iranian-American
by play of the memorable and historic
community. It’s been a whirlwind start,
evening. We kicked it off with a tequila
but we’ve set the tone for all of the
shot toast, premiered MABA’s 55th
wonderful work MABA will do
Anniversary Commemorative History
throughout the remainder of the year!
Video and were treated to the powerful
President’s Message
1
and inspirational remarks of special
Feature Article
1
In January, we held a first ever, “Hands
guests California Supreme Court Justice
Editor’s Note
2
Up Don’t Shoot and Don’t Deport Me:
Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Attorney
Calendar of Events
2
Civil Rights and Immigration MCLE Day”
General Kamala Harris, and those of our
Judges‘ Night, 2014
3
at Loyola Law School. Our MCLE Day,
honorees. MABA is forever grateful to
Civil Rights, Training Day 6
which was covered by the Daily Journal,
the evening’s generous “padrinos”
55th MABA Installation
boasted of over 100 attendees who
(sponsors Union Bank, Perez &
Belize Trip, 2014
10
attended the civil rights and immigration
Caballero, Vega Settlement Group,
Judicial Scholarship
12
seminars taught by some of the
Casillas, Moreno & Associates, Comcast,
MABA Chisme
15
country's top legal minds. Attendees
2015 Volume 11
Issue 1
www.mabaattorneys.com
See Feature Article, page 5
Table of Contents
See President, page 2
MABA is committed to the advancement of Latinos in
the legal profession and the empowerment of the Latino
community through service and advocacy.
8
2
President
Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County
2015 EXECUTIVE BOARD
MEMBERS & TRUSTEES
Continued from page 1
•••
the Association of Deputy District
the state and federal level; 4) re-engaging
Attorneys, Centext and all of the table
our veteran MABA attorneys and judges
sponsors)! This year, in lieu of purchasing
to mentor the current generation of
flower centerpieces, MABA will donate
Latin@ lawyers; 5) endorsing and
funds to the California Immigrant Youth
supporting candidates whose social
Justice Alliance and Dream Team LA. At
justice agenda advances MABA’s mission;
our Installation, we also congratulated
6) hosting TWO legal fairs to meet the
our friends at the table of Casillas,
increased needs of our community given
Moreno & Associates—they won our
President Obama’s historic Executive
contest for the evening. Their table
Actions; 7) redoubling our efforts to be
Casillas, Moreno & Associates
raised the most funds for MABA of any
actively engaged in the community and
Noreen Barcena, Newsletter Editor
other table at the Gala. Gracias!
work with our allies and Mayor Garcetti
to meet the needs of immigrants in Los
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Cindy Pánuco, President
Hadsell Stormer & Renick LLP
Maria Ramirez, President-Elect
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Alejandro Becerra, Vice-President
Law Office Of Alejandro G. Becerra
Oscar Gutierrez, Secretary
Law Office of Oscar H. Gutierrez
Denisse Gastélum, Treasurer
Law Office of Noreen Barcena
Juan Ramos, Membership Director
Law Office of Juan Ramos
The funds we raise this year by our MCLE
Angeles; and finally 8) fully launching
•••
Day, Installation, your membership dues
LRIS in 2015—one of MABA’s largest
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
and many other events will be more
undertakings!
experiencing a unique moment in history.
None of what we have planned this
It has elected a civil rights practitioner as
year will be possible without your help!
President, during a year where civil rights
Throughout the year, we will call on
issues are at the forefront because of
you to attend high school visits,
abuse of authority by law enforcement
represent MABA at community events,
and the criminalization of immigrant
volunteer at our legal fairs, serve as a
communities. As we have already
mentor, and much, much more. MABA
demonstrated in the first few weeks of
has a lot of work cut out for us in the
2015, MABA’s focus this year will be to
service of our social justice agenda in
engage fiercely in the battle for social
2015. I look forward to the new and
justice on all fronts. Our goals and plans
old friendships that will be fostered,
for the year include: 1) increasing our
and the memories we will build, as we
numbers in colleges and law schools by
work together this year!
Thank you all for the privilege to serve as
Scholarship Program(funded by MABA
your President during such a momentous
Past-President Erick Solares); 2) increasing
year for MABA and the Latin@
the numbers of latina/os in the federal
community. I will strive every day of my
courts by expanding our Federal Judicial
presidency to make you all proud
Externship Program to include Ninth
members of this great organization.
Olguin and new donors; 3) increasing our
numbers in the courts by identifying and
supporting candidates for judgeships at
Araceli Campos
Miguel Contreras Foundation
Richard Chacon
Law Office of Richard Chacon
Susan Juarez
Law Office of the Alternate Public Defender
Ana Mendoza
Alexander, Krakow & Glick LLP
Maria Olaguez
Law Office of Maria D. Olaguez
Marisa Hernandez-Stern
Hadsell Stormer & Renick LLPP
Leonard Torrealba
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office
our first ever $1,000 Annual High School
Judge Otero, Judge Gutierrez, Judge
James Blancarte, Jr.
Law Office of James E. Blancarte
Pamela Villanueva
visiting 10 high schools and launching
Circuit Court Judge Harry Pregerson,
Eber Bayona
Law Office of Eber N. Bayona
crucial than ever in 2015. MABA is
Cindy Pánuco
Adelante creando luz!
Catalina Reynoso
Student Trustee
•••
Maria Torres
Executive Administrator
MAIN OFFICE
Mexican American Bar Association
of Los Angeles County
714 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 450
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Tel: 213-749-2889 • Fax: 213-749-1740
Cindy Pánuco
2015 MABA President
[email protected]
www.mabaattorneys.com
www.mabaattorneys.com
Editors Note
Dear MABISTAS,
Calendar of Events
3
March 19, 2015 MABA Annual Law Students, Attorneys, & Judge Mixer
Loyola Law School. Call for more details.
It has been a great
start to the new
year with Cindy
Pánuco as
president. So far,
Noreen Barcena
Newsletter Editor
we have had
several wonderful
events. One of
which was the Mayor's Help Desk at the
March 26, 2015 MABA High School Visits Program
Wilson High School’s Law Magnet, 9:40 – 11am
MABA High School Visits Program
Jordan High School's First Annual College Fair, 11:30am – 1pm
April 2015 MABA High School Visits Program
Huntington Park High School. Call for more details.
May 8, 2015 MABA LRIS Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
MALDEF Building. Call for more details.
May 9, 2015 7th Annual MABA Softball Tournament,
Whittier Narrows Regional Park
Bring your bat, glove, attitude and appetite! This is going to be
great! Start practicing! Call for more details.
Central Library where we shared information
about MABA to people. I also gave two free
consultations on immigration rights! Photos
can be found at our new section, “MABA
Chisme,” where you tell us what wonderful
events are taking place in your life!
May 29, 2015 MABA High School Visits Program
Santee Educational Complex’s Avid Program, 9:20 – 10:40am
May 30, 2015 Community Legal Fair #1
Miguel Contreras Learning Complex. Call for more details.
June 2015 Judicial Appointment Process MCLE with
Langston Bar Association
Call for more details.
June 18, 2015 MABA Annual Spring Mixer
Last year, our president Erick Solares did a
wonderful job of helping MABA's legacy.
This year, we have James Blancarte Jr.,
Marisa Hernandez-Stern and Oscar Gutierrez
on the board. All of them are Children of
veteran MABA members. I remember when
my father, Gustavo Barcena (1987 President),
used to have MABA meetings at our house. I
would watch at the foot of the stairs and
hope I would follow in his footsteps.
Come and see friends and colleagues. Socialize, network or just
come to relax. Call for more details.
July 24, 2015 MABA Annual Summer Golf Tournament
Rio Hondo Country Club in Downey. Call for more details.
September 24, 2015 MABA Annual Fall Mixer
Come and see friends and colleagues. Socialize, network or just
come to relax. Call for more details.
October 2015 Community Legal Fair #2
Call for more details.
2015 MABA Board
Deadline for 2015 Board Candidacy Intent & Statements
Call for more details.
MABA Career Expo
Call for more details.
That time is now, and without a wonderful
organization like MABA, I wouldn't be
where I am today. I hope you will join us this
year, pay your dues, come to our events and
share your experiences with us as we grow.
After all, you are the ones that mentor our
law students and make MABA what it is
Noreen Barcena
today. Here is to another great year!
Noreen Barcena
Newsletter Editor
October 29, 2015 MABA Judges’ Night
Come and see friends and colleagues. Socialize, network or just
come to relax. Call for more details.
November 2015 2015 MABA Board Elections
Call for more details.
November 7-14, 2015 MABA Goes to Chile!
This is one beautiful place!! Start saving now!
For more information on any of the events listed, please call our
office at 213-749-2889. Thank you.
Not yet a MABA member? Joining is simple. Call the MABA office today
at 213-749-2889 or by going online at www.mabaattorneys.com.
Thank you in advance for your generous support and
we hope to see you at our upcoming events.
4
Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County
Champions of Justice, Judges’ Night, 2014
By Maria Ramirez, 2015 President-Elect
Los Angeles – On October 30, 2014,
delivered the evening’s keynote
the Mexican American Bar Association
address which focused on the court’s
held its annual Judge’s Night and
efforts in restoring much needed
Awards Dinner at the L.A. Hotel in
funding to the courts.
downtown Los Angeles. A recordbreaking 282 people from various
MABA extends our warmest thanks to
sectors of the legal community
the sponsors whose support made the
including judges, lawyers and
evening a success: Signature Sponsor
community activists attended the
Union Bank; Platinum Sponsors Girardi
event. MABA was pleased to honor
& Keese, Law Offices of Eber Bayona
several judges in the Los Angeles area
& Martha DahDah; Silver Sponsor
who have been “Champions of
Northwestern Mutual and Sentinal
Justice” in our community.
Offender Services, LLC; and all of our
MABA honored four extraordinary
table and ad sponsors.
jurists for their remarkable
achievements: The Honorable Jose I.
Sandoval was awarded the Judicial
Community Service Award; the
Honorable Yvette M. Palazuelos was
awarded the Benjamin Aranda III
Judge of the Year Award; the
Honorable S. James Otero and the
Honorable Laurentino Lopez
Villasenor (MABA Mexico) were
awarded the Carlos R. Moreno
Judicial Excellence Award. In
addition, the Honorable Carolyn B.
Kuhl, Assistant Presiding Judge of the
Los Angeles County Superior Court,
MABA PAST PRESIDENTS
2014 Erick Solares
2013 Elizabeth P. Uribe
2012 Rigoberto J. Arrechiga
2011 Victor Acevedo
2010 Judy Perez
2009 Mario Trujillo
2008 Pete Navarro
2007 Efrain Matthew Aceves
2006 Claire Cifuentes
2005 Alan R. Diamante
2004 Edward Ortega
2003 Maribel Medina
2002 Cristina Perez-Gonzalez
2001 Luis Rodriguez
2000 James E. Blancarte
1999 Arnoldo Casillas
1998 M. Leslie Stearns
1997 Maria Villa
1996 Yvonne Flores
1995 Enrique Arevalo
1994 Martha Melendez
1993 Martha Romero
1992 Raul Granados
1991 Raul Ayala
1990 Marcia Gonzales-Kimbrough
1989 Debra Gonzales
1988 Monica Jimenez
1987 Gustavo Barcena
1986 Armando Duron
1985 Carlos Zaragoza
1984 Jaime Cervantes
1983 James E. Blancarte
1982 Honorable Carlos Moreno
1981 Esther Valadez
1980 Oscar Parra
1979 Daniel Garcia
1978 Honorable John Martinez
1977 Honorable Ben Aranda*
1976 Lawrence De Fuentes*
1975 Frank Munoz*
1974 Stanley Delnick
1973 Honorable Joseph Armijo*
1972 Ernest Gallego
1971 Honorable Victor Chavez
1970 Oscar Munguia*
1969 Lorenzo Pereyda*
1968 Manuel Aranda (resigned)
1967 Manuel Valenzuela*
1966 Martin Castillo
1965 Honorable Ray Cardenas
1964 Herman Sillas
1963 Manuel S. Martinez*
* Deceased
www.mabaattorneys.com
5
Feature Article
Continued from page 1
The Attorney General kick started the
those in attendance that the duty of an
Councilmember, Gil Cedillo, who
evening with a brief speech aimed at
attorney is to “enforce equality and
received the Edward Roybal Public
the “American Dream,” and the 10
accountability”; all the while, her
Service Award. Councilmember
million immigrants in California who
proud and adoring husband - and
Cedillo, the author of the “California
are seeking to obtain it. Kamala Harris
accomplished MABA member - Sam
Dream Act” and many other bills, is
pointed out that 2.5 million of these
Paz, moved about the stage, and took
constantly challenging and attempting
immigrants are undocumented, and
countless photographs.
to change the law. Recently, Cedillo
she acknowledged that this is an issue
achieved success when the Governor
that California must address.
Appropriately,
Ms. Harris was
followed by the
Keynote Speaker,
signed into law AB60
“what makes this country
different is that we are governed
by laws…not men.”
Mariano-Florentino Cuellar.
granting driver’s
licenses to
undocumented
immigrants. The
Councilmember
announced that it has been
Cuellar is the first Mexican-born
such a success that the California
Supreme Court Justice in California
The highlight of the evening, for this
Department of Motor Vehicles has
history, having recently joined the
author, came when 85-year-old
received 400,000 applications, or
California Supreme Court in January
Manuel Hidalgo accepted the Frank E.
about 17,500 a day. Cedillo praised
of 2015. Cuellar noted that California
Munoz Lifetime Achievement Award.
the choir when he said, “Thank you,
is not perfect, but he reminded the
Mr. Hidalgo was one of the founding
to all of us dreamers!”
bustling crowd that California was the
members of the Mexican-American
first state to seek equality for students
Lawyers Club in 1961, which is now
“Dream” really seemed to be a
with the case Mendez v. Westminster
MABA. He was quite emotional as he
theme. When incoming MABA
in 1947. The Mendez case was the
spoke. His words were powerful, and
President Cindy Pánuco first addressed
first to challenge racial segregation in
his tempo deliberate as the capacity-
the crowd, she looked at her parents
schools, preceding Brown v. Board of
filled room sat completely silent,
who were seated in front and said,
Education by several years. Cuellar,
hanging on each and every word with
“This evening is dedicated to you,
and his upbeat persona, acted as a
the utmost reverence. Mr. Hidalgo put
mami y papi, for coming to this
wonderful motivational speaker for
the landscape of this great country in
country so your children could pursue
our state, and its lawyers who are
perspective when he stated, “what
their dreams,” which rightfully drew a
seeking to make a positive change,
makes this country different is that we
rousing applause.
many of whom were in the room.
are governed by laws…not men.”
Then, he reminded the lawyers in the
Even the tables were accepting
Sonia Maria Mercado was the first
room how powerful it is to be a lawyer
donations for two organizations,
award recipient of the evening,
because a lawyer is able to “challenge
Dream Team LA and California
accepting the Benito Juarez Attorney
the laws, change the laws and create
Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance.
of the Year Award. Ms. Mercado
new laws,” that govern this country.
Rather than have center pieces on the
spoke with admiration of Benito
tables, this year MABA decided to
Juarez’ and his commitment to civil
It was only fitting that this eloquent
collect money for a charitable
rights. During her speech, she urged
speech was followed by
organization. Founded in 2009,
See Feature Article, page 7
6
Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County
MABA Hosts Civil Rights & Immigration Attorney Training Day
By Araceli Campos
Los Angeles – Saturday, January 17, 2015, MABA hosted
Hector Alessandro Negrete from Los Angeles
"Hands Up: Don't Shoot and Don't Deport Me," a Civil
Immigrant Youth Coalition (LA-IYC)
Rights Litigation & Immigration MCLE Day. Addressing
Alexis Nava Teodoro from Resistencia, Autonomia,
national attention on unlawful policing in both the civil
Igualdad, lideraZgo (RAIZ) and American Civil Liberties
rights and immigration contexts, the day-long attorney
Union (ACLU)
training featured leading experts who provided attorney
guidance to support community members around
MABA also hosted a Substance Abuse session for civil rights
these issues.
attorneys, featuring:
Humberto Guizar and Richard Chacon
The Civil Rights Track featured:
Hon. Fernando M. Olguin, Jim DeSimone, and
MABA thanks its 100 attendees, volunteers, presenters, and
Humberto Guizar on presenting claims for excessive
generous sponsors, the Law Offices of Humberto Guizar and
force in State and Federal Court
Loyola Law School, who made this event a success!
Sam Paz and Sonia Mercado on proving supervisorial
liability to ensure litigation reaches law enforcement
MABA’s Civil Rights, Immigration, and MCLE Committees will
officials at the highest levels in excessive force cases
continue to come together to provide relevant programming
John Burton and Arnoldo Casillas on jury selection and
for our members and the community we serve. It is MABA’s
trial guidance in unlawful shooting cases, as well as in
hope that our members will utilize this and future attorney
unlawful use of tasers
trainings to answer the call for service around historic levels
of civil rights and immigration needs in 2015.
The Immigration Rights Track featured:
Felicia Escobar, Special Assistant to the President for
Immigration Policy, who provided a Special Keynote
Address on President Obama’s Executive Action
Alvaro Huerta from the National Immigration Law
Center (NILC) on how President Obama’s Administrative
Relief affects immigrant clients in Los Angeles
Saira Hussain from Asian Americans Advancing Justice
(AAAJ) and Thomas A. Saenz from the Mexican
American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
on excessive policing in the immigration context and
TRUST Act guidance
In addition, MABA hosted an Elimination of Bias session to
help attorneys understand the unique issues faced by
undocumented clients, featuring:
Ilse Escobar from the Miguel Contreras Foundation (MCF)
Betty Jaspeado from DREAM Team LA (DTLA)
Eden Jequinto, UCLA Law Student and activist
Edna Monroy from the California Immigrant Youth
Justice Alliance (CIYJA)
www.mabaattorneys.com
7
Feature Article
Continued from page 5
Dream Team LA is an organization led by undocumented
The event truly was splendid. It was wall to wall with
youth who are fighting for the rights of immigrant youth.
beautiful and powerful people; sometimes both. There
MABista Araceli Otero led the charge at my our table, and
were many, many dignitaries including nearly 40 judges.
inspired everyone to chip in. We collected $200 from our
With surprise appearances and a “look at how far we’ve
table alone. (There were 54 tables and over 550 guests.)
come” aura in the room, it was clear that most people
But, we didn’t win the prize for gathering the most money,
were proud to be in attendance.
that distinction went to the table of former MABA
President (1999) Arnoldo Casillas.
Although, amidst all the glitz and glamour, be assured the
festivities remained aligned with MABA’s mission statement
The final award of the evening, the Justice Cruz Reynoso
of “advancement of Latinos in the legal profession and the
Community Service Award, went to Norma Nava & Misty
empowerment of the Latino community…” Rosa Zavala is a
Sanford for their work with the non-profit organization For
new Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney who
People of Color, Inc. (FPOC). FPOC provides free, high-
attended this event for the first time. She worked the room
quality law school admissions consulting services to
with the best of them, but upon reflection, Ms. Zavala said
prospective law school applicants from underrepresented
to me, “I walked away knowing that I am supported by
backgrounds. Watch how I squeeze this into the theme
judges, fellow attorneys and MABA sponsors.”
when I tell you that every year FPOC directly assists more
than 5,000 students – who are pursuing their dreams –
I believe that was the same sentiment many others felt,
with their law school applications.
including myself.
2015 MABA President Cindy Pánuco
Speaks to guests at the 55th Annual Installation
of Officers & Awards Gala
55th Annual
INSTALLATION
OF OFFICERS &
AWARDS GALA
Manuel Hidalgo
Sonia Maria Mercado
Gil Cedillo
Frank E. Muñoz Lifetime
Achievement Award
Benito Juarez
Attorney of Year Award
Edward R. Roybal
Public Service Award
Misty Sanford and Norma Nava
For People of Color Inc.
Justice Cruz Reynoso Community Service Award
Mariano-Florentino Cuellar
California Supreme
Court Justice
Special Achnowledgement
Mistress of Ceremonies Dunia Elvir, California State Attorney
General Kamala Harris, MABA 2015 President Cindy Pánuco, and
MABA 2015 President-Elect Maria Ramirez
Photos by n RAZODESIGN
10
Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County
By Erika Anzoategui, Trustee
Belize – As most of you know, every
famous Blue Hole.
year MABA organizes a trip to a Latin
Everyone had free
American country. Last November, a
time to pick and
group of 55 MABistas traveled to the
choose what they
beautiful country of Belize. Belize is on
wanted to do. Some
the eastern coast of Central America
folks went on fishing
and it is bordered by Guatemala to the
excursions, diving
west and south, Mexico to the north
trips and sailing
and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
cruises, while others
went on snorkeling
The MABA group gathered at LAX at
trips, cave tubing, zip
3am on Saturday, November 8th for its
lining and inland trips
6:30am flight into San Salvador. After
to visit Mayan ruins.
a brief layover, the group boarded a
There was also plenty
second (smaller) Avianca plane into
of time to get some
Belize City. Once in Belize City, the
sun by the crystal clear Caribbean
of Belize, its political structure and
group boarded several 14-passenger
water, to get a massage and to take a
some background into Belizean
Tropic Air planes for the 20 minute
golf cart into town and do the
culture and society. On Tuesday,
flight into the island of San Pedro, in
mandatory shopping. During the day
November 11th, MABA offered its
Ambergris Caye. After a full day of
and early evenings, the Palapa Bar (a
second MCLE, “Criminal and Civil Law
travel, the group finally arrived at
straw-roof, windowless bar at the end
Do’s and Don’ts” which was
Ramon’s Village, an enchanting resort,
of the peer) was a favorite hangout
presented by Maria Ramirez, Judge
located a 5 minute walk from the
and, at night, there was music and
Lilian Vega and Erick Solares.
airport in San Pedro. That evening, the
dancing at Fido’s.
On Thursday, November 13th, the
MABA group was treated to a
welcome reception and was officially
MABA offered two MCLEs on this trip.
group left Ramon’s Village and took a
welcomed to Belize by the Ambassador
On Sunday, November 9th,
40 minute Tropic Air flight into
of the United States to Belize, the
Ambassador Moreno
Honorable Carlos Moreno (former
gave a seminar on
MABA President).
the “Aspects of the
Criminal Justice
Over the next four days, the MABA
System in Belize.”
group had the opportunity to explore
During this seminar,
Ramon’s Village, the town of San
Ambassador Moreno
Pedro and all the spectacular places
also gave the MABA
around the island, such as the world
group a brief history
www.mabaattorneys.com
Belmopan, the capital of Belize. In Belmopan, the group was
hosted to a brunch reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s
Residence. Ambassador Moreno and his lovely wife,
Christine, were gracious hosts and shared their experiences
in this small, but beautiful country. During the brunch
reception, MABA presented Ambassador Moreno and his
wife with three suitcases full of school supplies, to be
donated to needy schools in Belize. Following the brunch
reception, the group boarded the bus for the 50 minute trip
to Belize City, where they, reluctantly, boarded their plane
to San Salvador and then one last plane to Los Angeles.
This was a truly fascinating trip – If you have not been to
Belize, you have to plan a trip there soon. Not only is the
world famous barrier reef spectacular, but its people are
warm and very hospitable. Thank you Belize and “thank
you” to Robert White of Festival Travel and Tours for helping
MABA organize this wonderful trip. Chile here we come!!!
11
12
Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County
Highlight on MABA’s Federal Judicial Externship Scholarship
By Marisa Hernandez-Stern
Los Angeles – The February 7th
Installation Dinner and Gala was an
opportunity to honor the four recipients
of the MABA Federal Judicial Externship
Scholarship. Now in its third year, the
program places law students in chambers
with federal judges for a summer
externship that is devoted to research,
writing, and observing federal criminal
and civil proceedings. Each year, each
extern receives a $1,000 stipend. This
year, MABA is fortunate to have four
outstanding federal judges whom will
mentor these externs.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of
applicants, the law students, and the
Special Achnowledgement
Left to right: Carlos Almendarez; Scholarship Recipient,
Marisa Hernandez-Stern; MABA Trustee and former
Judge Pregerson clerk, and the Honorable Harry Pregerson;
judges for whom they will extern are as
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
follows: Carlos Almendarez (UCLA School
of Law), Judge Harry Pregerson, U.S. Court of Appeals for
UC Berkeley, Carlos is president of his first-year law school
the Ninth Circuit; Mirta Jimenez (UCLA School of Law),
class and a participant in the David J. Epstein Program in
Judge Philip S. Gutierrez, U.S. District Court, Central
Public Interest Law and Policy at UCLA. He spent the
District of California; Ana Sanchez (Loyola School of Law),
evening meeting MABA members and dining with Judge
Judge Fernando Olguin, U.S. District Court, Central District
Pregerson, a long-time MABA supporter who grew up in
of California; and Arnulfo Sanchez (Hastings College of
Boyle Heights. Carlos, along with the other externs, will
Law), Judge S. James Otero, U.S. District Court, Central
have an opportunity to experience the courtroom first hand,
District of California.
and further their educational endeavors. MABA thanks the
judges, and congratulates the externs.
It was coincidental that these talented law students were
honored at MABA’s Gala held this year at the Biltmore
MABA is also deeply grateful to the sponsors who make
Hotel. One extern's, Carlos Almendarez, mother, Maria
the scholarships for this Program possible: the Law Office
Buiza, immigrated to the United States in the 1980s and
of Michael Felix, James Blancarte Sr., James Blancarte Jr.,
worked as a housekeeper at the Biltmore when he was a
the Law Office of Elizabeth P. Uribe, and the Law Office of
child. He recalls playing in the very ballroom where the
Humberto Guizar. Mil gracias!
Gala was held, while waiting for his mother to finish her
shifts. The evening caused him to reflect on the hard work
To learn more about or contribute to the Federal Judicial
and sacrifices that his single-parent mother made in order to
Externship Scholarship Program, please contact MABA
ensure that he would obtain an education. A graduate of
Trustee Marisa Hernandez-Stern at [email protected].
...working
together
with MABA.
Proudly Housing MABA’s Main Office.
www.mabaattorneys.com
15
MABA
Chisme
Richard Chacon – On February 2nd, 2015 at
11am, MABA Board Member Richard Chacon was
car jacked in Compton. Richard is actually MABA's
liason to the organization Community Lawyers, Inc.,
which is located in the heart of Compton, where Richard
Gustavo Barcena – 1987 MABA President, and Norma
was volunteering his time when it occurred. Richard's car
Barcena celebrated their 29th anniversary in Bangkok,
had Lo Jack and was located within hours. After the culprits
Thailand.
outran the police twice, they weren't so lucky on the 3rd
attempt and they crashed his 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid and
Cristal Cabrera and James Blancarte Jr. – Both members
totaled it. Richard said, "Despite this unfortunate incident, I
have been preparing for the 7th Annual MABA Softball
will not turn my back on that community."
Tournament by playing ball on their Burbank and Culver
City teams!
Denisse Gastelum – Our MABA Treasurer, joined Arnoldo
Casillas at Casillas, Moreno & Associates.
If you have any news you want to share, contact
MABA's newsletter editor, Noreen Barcena, at
Sean Andrade – He was selected to write a brief in support
of President Obama's executive action for immigration on
behalf of a coalition of 33 mayors, including Los Angeles.
[email protected]
Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County
714 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 450
Los Angeles, CA 90015