I (Helene) was at a loss as to how to begin this column until I read the variety of extraordinary submissions we publish in this issue. Our theme is history and the Sacramento legal community provides a plethora of fascinating tidbits to amuse and enlighten you. Moreover, as I plundered yellowing copies of The Docket, Sacramento Lawyer’s predecessor, for muses of an earlier era to inspire me, I discovered that in February 1974, Morton Friedman (no relation) was the Chairman of the Sacramento County Bar Association’s Dinner Dance committee. Dance committee? I guess no one dances anymore. Further, in 1974, Tac Craven, a local and admired bar leader frequently pictured in these pages, was Chairman of the “Law in a Free Society” committee. I proffer that if it existed now, the meetings might result in members coming to blows. Why? Because the daily news is replete with reports of how heretofore presumably settled issues of constitutional law are challenged. Yes, we live in interesting times.

In April 1974, the County Bar Association adopted a Resolution of Appreciation to Lawyer’s Wives. I think my co-editor’s husband, Christopher, might be a tad offended at being either so identified or omitted. Yet, this lets me segue into congratulating the Legal Auxiliary of Sacramento (formerly the Lawyer’s Wives of Sacramento) on their 50th anniversary this year. Carol Prosser, our own Executive Director, provides us with a historical look at this group.

Fast forward 32 years to 2006 when nearly half California’s lawyers under the age of 35 are women. Yet the median weekly salary of women lawyers is only 76% of men’s. Scour the article the Sacramento No Glass Ceiling Task Force provided and read how the Sacramento legal community has signed up and is committed to improve these percentages.

Back to 50th anniversaries: the Legal Services of Northern California also celebrates 50 years and Gary F. Smith, the Executive Director, names names of those who guided the group back then and educates how the organization has grown since. Further, the SCBA helped LSNC to separately incorporate the Voluntary Legal Services Program 25 years ago. Happy 25th to VLSP and all the advocates of this sister organization!

And another 25th anniversary: the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento (ABAS) is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Heather and I invited Toso Himel, our guide, illustrious predecessor and the founding president of ABAS to tell us about its history. Toso provided a thorough, absorbing article of the beginnings of ABAS through its evolution into an organization that provides scholarships, supports judicial appointments and is politically proactive.

Having been on the Board of Women Lawyers of Sacramento for 3 years, I am heartened by Lori Okun’s (WLS President 2006) article, “Ladies Organize!” on the history of this organization. Harken back to the 70s: the great debate in Sacramento Superior Court was a presiding judge’s edict that women could not wear pantsuits. In court, women lawyers were identified as ‘ladies’ whereas men were addressed as “counsel.” Have we progressed? I venture many in the No Glass Ceiling Task Force and WLS might wax eloquent on that issue.

And Ken Rubiroff, our talented SCBA photographer, provides superb photos of the Institute for the Advancement of Criminal Justice benefit held April 28, 2006 in honor of the late Robert K. Puglia, a former Presiding Justice of California’s Third District Court of Appeal. Ken photographed former Governor Pete Wilson, the Honorable Janice Rogers Brown and former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III, speakers at that event.

Ken also photographed the Protect and Defend program held at the Sterling Hotel on May 4, 2006. Do read Maggy Krell’s and Patricia Sturdevant’s comprehensive review of the inspirational keynote speech which U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Edward Chen delivered that evening.

Finally, on May 1, 2006 at the Law Day luncheon, student winners of the SCBA/Sacramento County Superior Court Law Day Essay and Poster Contests were announced. Sacramento Lawyer is proud to publish the winning essay authored by Hana King, a junior at the School of Law and Public Service at Sacramento High School. Enjoy this bountiful issue!