In honor of the late Cesar Chavez, during the month of his birthday, Women Lawyers of Sacramento (WLS) and La Raza Lawyers Association of Sacramento co-hosted a luncheon on March 23, 2006. Guest speakers were the Honorable Emily Vasquez, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge, and Luis Cespedes, an employment law and civil rights attorney. The program entitled "Acknowledging the Dignity of the Working Poor Through Civil and Legal Action" generated over 100 attendees, including law students and high school students as well as judges and attorneys.

Judge Emily Vasquez shared the history of Cesar Chavez, his strides toward equality for farm workers in California, and the aftermath of how his efforts laid the path for civil rights for those who followed him. Mr. Cespedes spoke about current legal issues, most importantly pending legislation on immigration reform, farm worker housing, health, environmental issues, and other labor matters.

In honor of Black History Month, WLS and the Wiley Manuel Bar Association of Sacramento co-hosted a luncheon on February 23, 2006. The guest speaker was Donald Northcross, founder of the O.K. (Our Kids) Program. The Honorable Gary E. Ransom, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge, presented as well. The program was titled "Fulfilling a Lawyer's Commitment to Pro-Bono Activities Through Enhancing Individual and Civic Responsibility Among Our Youth."

The O.K. Program offers a cure to the ailments faced by at-risk African American boys and young men in Sacramento County by mobilizing adults and organizations in the community to teach them how to work together. The program places emphasis on caring for each other while working closely with the youth, helping them to develop both socially and academically. The website is http://www.okprogram.org.

On May 25, 2006, Women Lawyers of Sacramento is Pleased to Host a May Luncheon Featuring Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV) at noon at the Firehouse. The program is entitled: "Working Toward a Cure for the Public Health Epidemic of Gun Violence." Laura Cutilletta, Counsel at Legal Community Against Violence, will share her efforts to strengthen gun policies, laws and regulations to prevent gun violence in our communities on a local, state and national level. .75 Hour MCLE Credit in Substantive Law pending. Contact WLS Member Amal Abu-Rahma at (916) 322-9726 or aaburahma@ dmhc.ca.gov or WLS Member Jennifer Gore at (916) 445- 5256 or jgore@dmhc.ca.gov with questions or reservations.

May / June 2006