First, a housekeeping matter. This issue of the magazine looks a little different. You will notice (I hope) that we have discontinued publication of the calendar. It proved impossible to cure the problems that I identified in the last issue. A bimonthly magazine simply cannot provide reliable, timely calendar information. We do not want to upset our members by publishing out-of-date information. In the meantime stay posted. In addition to the website at www.sacbar.org, bar council is working on developing a regular mailing to members regarding calendar items. And, of course, the sections will continue to inform section members about their activities and events.

On the cover of the magazine are two of our favorite justices. Art Scotland (or "Scotty" to his friends) and Ron Robie. The photo reflects both their great friendship and their lack of ego. As I was putting the issue together, I realized that we had one issue for two significant matters. In effect I had two "cover stories." The award to Presiding Justice Scotland as SCBA Humanitarian of the Year and Justice Robie's "Judge of the Year" Award. In a moment of inspiration, I called the justices and asked if they would attend a photo shoot together. Much to my great relief, they graciously and enthusiastically agreed. The cover story articles tell you the reasons for the awards. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about these exceptional people. I know that you will agree the awards are well deserved.

This has been a busy two months for the SCBA and the Sacramento Lawyer. As you will see, we attended several events. As a result we are able to print two inspiring speeches. In April, Eastern District Court Judge Frank Damrell spoke to a "sellout crowd at an event in the United States Courthouse organized by the Federal Bar Association. Judge Damrell's message is so important we have printed the whole speech. I hope lots of you heed his "Call to protect and defend." We also print lots of photos for our readers who were not able to attend. Thank you to Kris Burke and Niesha Fort for the photographs.

On May 2, we celebrated Law Day and the dedication of the county law library. We felt that Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson's message on the importance of the law library deserved a wider audience. With his permission, we have reprinted it in full. I also want to thank Ken Rabiroff for the photos of the event on the middle pages.

The photos and article from the Environmental Law Section April luncheon show that ELS' unabated commitment to the community continues.

As always we highlight our members' community service. This month's farewell from VIP's Angel Sevilla is bittersweet. Angel has done a great job developing the program and persuading the local bench and bar to become involved. We shall miss Angel but we are happy that he will attend law school at Boalt Hall in the fall.

Now more than ever VLSP needs our both our financial and volunteer support. Because of low interest rates, IOLTA funding is decreasing. VLSP has provided invaluable legal services to the poor in our community for over 20 years. I am glad that the Sacramento Lawyer is able to get the word out. This month, Amy Radbill tells us about the value to students who intern in the program.

As always, we have our potpourri of articles from various sections and affiliates. We welcome your news. Send it to me or Chris Krueger at the following email addresses: stonej@saccourt.com or stonej48@yahoo.com; Christopher.Krueger@doj.ca.gov

We also have some changes on the Sacramento Lawyer Policy Committee. To my great regret, my friend and mentor Charity Kenyon has decided to take a break. As I am sure you all know Charity has been a major contributor throughout my tenure as editor. Charity I want to thank you for you for your invaluable input. You are welcome back any time.

We welcome two new members, Nicole De Santis and John Bachman. Nicole and John have both written for the magazine and we look forward to their contributions on the policy committee.

Our theme for August is family law, which leads me to this thought. This is a membership magazine and our goal is to provide information about members and highlight their achievements. As a general rule when we choose an area of substantive law, we start with the knowledge that policy board members have regarding practitioners in the area of law and with the section. We do not try to write about every practitioner and we inevitably leave out many members who should be included. We apologize for those omissions. If you think you, or someone you know, should have been included, let us know. We'll catch you next time.

In October, we will highlight our Distinguished Lawyer and our theme will focus on our history.

The SCBA seeks nominations for the Distinguished Lawyer award. The award honors an SCBA member who, through the practice of law, has made Sacramento a better place to live and work.

Past recipients include Forrest Plant and Virginia Mueller (1995), Joe Coomes (1996), Richard Hoffelt (1997), Michael Sands (1998), Mort Friedman (1999), Windie Scott (2000), and Joe Genshlea, 2001.

Please call or email SCBA Executive Director Carol Prosser before July 5, with your nominations.

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