2002 Leadership Reflect Goals for Upcoming Year
by Angel Sevilla

As the Sacramento Region of Volunteers In Parole heads into 2002 with exciting new objectives, we are pleased to have two of the most respected members of the Sacramento legal community join us in our venture. Superior Court Judge David De Alba and Inspector General of Veterans Affairs Jerry Hansen both join our advisory committee to help VIP further the positive ideals of mentorship.

Judge De Alba's leadership is a major step for the VIP advisory board. He has an undying passion and belief in utilizing mentoring endeavors as effective tools for change. "I think that people and lawyers are more willing now than ever before to reach out," explains Judge De Alba. Known for his low key and effective approach to resolving difficult issues, Judge De Alba used these skills as a mentor to young individuals coming out of incarceration. One of his first goals after graduating from UCLA School of Law was to do his part in diminishing recidivism in the criminal justice system. His friendship inspired his match partners to make productive changes in their lives.

Though it's been twenty years since Judge De Alba met his first mentees, they remember him for the efforts he made to help them build and realize goals. He was one of VIP's most active mentors. Last year, he was contacted by one of his former mentees, 20 years after they first met. He also spearheaded efforts to improve and expand mentoring organizations in California by actively participating in the statewide governing board.

Judge De Alba maintains a firm commitment to excellence that makes him a wonderful role model. He is a 22-year active participant and former president of La Raza Hispanic Legal Association. Prior to becoming a judge, he spent two decades working for the Attorney General's office, exhibiting the work ethic that enabled him to climb the ranks to Special Assistant. He also served as Deputy District Attorney, where he was a member of a felony trial team in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office. He maintains a belief in the value of academic pursuit, teaching law-related courses at McGeorge Law School, University of California at Davis, American River College and the University of Northern California. Judge De Alba's commitment to service is exhibited not only through VIP, but also through active participation in Habitat for Humanity and by promoting academic and recreational activities.

We are also proud to welcome L. Jerry Hansen as part of the VIP advisory board. Mr. Hansen will assist the organization in generating greater publicity and support within both the public and private sectors. We are honored to have a VIP mentor with an undying commitment to service to his country. Mr. Hansen currently serves as Inspector General of Veterans Affairs under the administration of Governor Gray Davis. Prior to his appointment, he served as an Inspector General with Youth and Adult Correctional Agency, where he focused on Management Review Audits for Wardens. Before retiring from the Army, he served as Inspector General for the California Military Department for five years, where he conducted investigations and inspections involving state and federal personnel of the Army and the Air National Guard. He also served at the United States Army Headquarters at the Pentagon, where he specialized in strategic planning, budgeting and force modernization. While serving as IG, he completed the evening program at McGeorge School of Law, graduating in 1997. He also has an MA in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University and a BS in Engineering from the United States Military Academy. He served two tours in Germany and in combat during the Vietnam War. Mr. Hansen honorably retired from the military and began to focus his efforts on helping improve conditions in our country.

As a member of the Christian Legal Society, he is a firm believer in collaborative efforts to provide assistance to people struggling to turn their lives around. He has worked in prison ministries, helping to provide hope to the incarcerated. His commitment to providing inspiration and spiritual guidance to inmates extends to families and parolees. In his volunteer efforts as a mentor for Volunteers in Parole, Mr. Hansen encourages parolees to continue their path to recovery. "I joined VIP because I recognize a need on my part to help others, coupled with a realization that the state budget can't support all the programs needed to prepare parolees for transitioning back into society," explains Mr. Hansen. "There is a critical need for more concerned citizens willing to get personally involved to break the cycle of hopelessness and recidivism."

In 2002, Jerry Hansen was honored by the Sacramento VIP Chapter as an outstanding mentor. When asked why he serves, Mr. Hansen expressed his commitment to serving the less fortunate. "I'm grateful for how richly I've been blessed in life and I recognize an obligation to help those less fortunate. I've learned that when you help others, you receive more than you give," he remarked.

Jerry Hansen is dedicated to helping us realize this potential. Both Judge De Alba and Jerry Hansen are very reliable, friendly and committed to helping us build a solid coalition with the public sector.

For more information or to volunteer as a mentor, please contact Angel Sevilla at (916) 324-4142, ext. 259 or at vipsacramento@attbi.com