On Tuesday, November 8, 2005, Women Lawyers of Sacramento (WLS) and the Sacramento County Bar Association (SCBA) continued its tradition of honoring the Justices of the California Supreme Court.  The Discovery Museum and its focal exhibit, 'Sacramento's Buried Past,' again served as the uncommon setting for the annual reception. The exhibit, displayed beneath the main hall's glass floor, contains items from the late 19th to early 20th centuries unearthed during a 1988 excavation in midtown Sacramento.

Barbara O'Hearn, WLS President, introduced past presidents who attended: Grace Bergen, Jean McEvoy, Jerilyn Paik, Joan Jernegan and, of course, WLS's founding mother, Virginia Mueller. The 60th anniversary of Ms. Mueller's 1946 admission to practice law in California will be commemorated in 2006.

Barbara O'Hearn introduced Stuart Home, the SCBA President, and named the generous law firms and individuals who underwrote the attendance of law students from the University of California at Davis School of Law and the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Moreover, Barbara introduced Roland L. Candee, the 2006 Presiding Judge of the County of Sacramento Superior Court who, in turn, introduced his colleagues including Superior Court Judges Jerilyn L. Borak, James M. Mize, Loren E. McMaster, Brian R. Van Camp, Emily E. Vasquez and Commissioner Patricia H. Wong. California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District Justices present included Presiding Justice Arthur G. Scotland and Associate Justices Ronald B. Robie and M. Kathleen Butz. Third Appellate District and Sacramento Superior Court staff attorneys and legal externs attended also.

Ronald George, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, introduced the members of the Court: Associate Justices Marvin R. Baxter, Kathryn Mickle Werdegar, Ming W. Chin and Carlos R. Moreno. Associate Justice Joyce L. Kennard was recovering from leg surgery and unable to travel to Sacramento.

The Chief Justice shared his profound concern regarding California's dire need for more judges to provide access to justice. He alerted the audience that the National Center for State Courts determined that California needs 350 more judgeships. For example, the 100% population increase in the Central Valley and Inland Empire has been met by a mere 12% increase in the number of judges. Recently, the County of Riverside was forced to suspend its civil calendar to lawfully meet the responsibilities posed by pending criminal matters.

Chief Justice George continues to meet with legislators to negotiate the budget for California's court system. Further, the Chief Justice encouraged and underscored the consequence of our support for SB 56, a bill that would authorize the Governor's appointment of additional superior court judges in the next few years and permit subordinate judicial officer positions to be converted to judgeships, somewhat alleviating California's current judicial dilemma. 

As a counterpoint to the sober issues Chief Justice George proffered, the crowd stayed jovial, relishing the savory hors d'oeuvres, entrees and sweet treats Rayna's Gourmet Catering provided. As the members of the judiciary and bar explored the Museum's first floor, they made delightful discoveries of sustenance and refreshments skillfully arranged throughout.  WLS and the SCBA scored high marks with this festive and enlightening reception, making it a highlight of 2005.

January / February 2006