The other day when I opened my annual membership packet, I noted with a mixture of relief and regret that for the first time in seven years, my name was not on the ballot. I have enjoyed my tenure as president this past year and can't believe the time has gone by so fast. It seems like I was just writing my first President's Message and here I am writing the last. While I know I am ready for a break and will savor the extra time, I have also had moments of feeling a bit melancholy about leaving office.

What I will miss most of all, without a doubt, is working closely with the fine individuals who make up the Sacramento County Bar Council. All of the members of Bar Council are dedicated, hard-working people, and being able to associate with them has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being involved with the County Bar. In particular, however, my fellow officers, Jack, Stacy and Karen have been a great support and a true pleasure to work with. I will miss the close working relationship we have had for several years and I wish you the very best in the coming years as you each complete your journey through the bar presidency. I know I leave my position with our Bar Association in the very best of hands.

I wanted to give special thanks to a few individuals whom I have called on for special projects during the past year. These individuals stepped up to the plate and their efforts deserve special recognition. Bunmi Awoniyi organized the bench/bar reception this year. Todd Vlaanderen and Mike Mills were responsible for the Law Day Celebration. Debra Huston and Darrel Woo have handled the annual meeting, and Helene Friedman and Keith Staten organized Holiday Cheer. I owe special gratitude to Dennis O'Reilly for chairing IDP and tirelessly helping me with the myriad issues we have faced this year. There are so many others who have dedicated their time and effort this past year to the Sacramento County Bar in one way or another. Space limitations prevent me from naming you all, but I am grateful for your contributions.

As I leave office, I am particularly looking forward to having a little spare time to work on my garden, attend to the never-ending maintenance projects at the ranch, and above all spend more time with my children and my wife, Audrianne. My involvement with the Sacramento County Bar has been enjoyable and rewarding both professionally and personally, and I hope to continue the association for many years to come

November / December 2005