Unity Bar Bestows Awards At
Annual Dinner By Julie Weng-Gutierrez

The Sacramento County Unity Bar held its annual dinner on October 30, 2003. The Unity Bar is a unique organization composed of the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento (ABAS), La Raza Lawyers Association of Sacramento (La Raza Lawyers), Wiley Manuel Bar Association (Wiley Manual), Women Lawyers of Sacramento (WLS), and Sacramento Lawyers for the Equality of Gays and Lesbians (SACLEGAL). This year’s dinner was hosted by La Raza Lawyers and was held at the Hilton - Arden West Hotel.

The keynote speaker was Attorney General Bill Lockyer and McGeorge School of Law’s Dean Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker presided as Mistress of Ceremonies. The attendees, including judges, lawyers, law students, elected officials and community leaders, had the opportunity to reunite with friends, see familiar faces and meet new friends during a reception and silent auction prior to the dinner. During dinner the organizations comprising the Unity Bar bestowed extraordinary people with Community Service Awards and with Scholarship Awards.

The President of the La Raza Lawyers Association, Gabriel Vivas, presented its Community Service Award to Alberto Gonzalez for his extended commitment and tireless efforts working in and on behalf of the Latino community. Mr. Gonzalez currently serves as a Special Assistant to Attorney General Lockyer.

Robert King Fong, president of ABAS, introduced William Yee as the recipient of the ABAS Community Service Award. Mr. Yee serves as a research attorney for the Sacramento County Courts and spends much of his personal time volunteering for meaningful causes.

Keith Staten presented the Wiley Manuel Community Service Award to Julius Cherry. Mr. Cherry works is a partner at the law firm of Mackenroth, Ryan and Fong and was recently promoted to be a Deputy Chief of the Sacramento County Fire Department.

Debra Roberts Ries, President of WLS, presented its Community Service Award to Victoria Jacobs for her outstanding work with the Voluntary Legal Services Program and her coordination of legal clinics.

Mark Koenigsberg, Co-Chair of SACLEGAL, introduced Eric Astacaan as the community service award recipient for SACLEGAL. Mr. Astacaan serves as a legislative advocate for California Alliance for Pride and Equality and actively lobbies in support of laws recognizing the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

The scholarship awards recognized the following exemplary law students who during the pursuit of their law degree make time for activism and volunteerism: Quyen M. Tu, Erica Alfaro and Kweli Coleman.

The highlight of the evening came when Attorney General Lockyer addressed the attendees with a moving speech that recognized the importance of diversity and the meaning behind “liberty and justice for all.”

The author, Julie Weng-Gutierrez, serves as President of the Asian/Pacific Bar of California, and President of the Board of Asian Legal Services Outreach.