Forum Celebrating Unity and Justice For All
to be Held on October 11th
by Barbara Yonemura

During his two decades on the Sacramento Superior Court, retired Judge Rudolph "Barry" Loncke was known for his successful efforts to bring the general public and the justice system closer together through education and outreach. These efforts included speaking to groups, especially youth groups, encouraging and inspiring an educational program to teach high school students about their legal rights and responsibilities, and developing public forums to bring members of the bench together with the public in an effort to demystify the court and the judicial process.

The Unity and Justice for All forum, scheduled for October 11th, will be another Loncke-inspired community education and outreach program. This forum, with the support of many community organizations, is co-sponsored primarily by the Sacramento County Superior Court, the Capital Unity Council and the Sacramento County Bar Association. While some program details are still developing, the general agenda will begin with a series of dramatic presentations by local high school students expressing their ideas on issues such as race relations and violence in the schools. Julie Padilla and Chris Cromwell, founders of the Open Space Theatre Group, are working with students from seven local high schools to present a unique introduction to the theme of Unity and Justice for All. A question-and-answer period will follow in which written questions from the audience will be posed to judges and to student performers. The evening will close with light refreshments and an opportunity for informal conversations.

Judge Loncke's vision of having the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Capital Unity Council work with the Court to develop this program has proved to be ingenious in that it has brought together many constituent groups, including the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, the Sacramento City Police Department, the California Department of Justice, the Sacramento League of Women Voters, the Women's Civic Improvement Club, the Women Lawyers of Sacramento and the Wiley Manuel Bar Association. At least 20 judges have committed to participate and contribute money to see that the forum is a success. The Women Lawyers of Sacramento has contributed $250. The Sacramento County Bar Association is handling publicity and the cost of mailings and flyers. The City of Sacramento, through Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell's office, has provided the use of the Samuel C. Pannell Meadowview Community Center. Others are contributing time and goods.

Many people began their association with the Unity and Justice for All forum not only because it sounded like a good thing to do, but also because Judge Loncke was encouraging it. Indeed, Judge Loncke, who retired on February 7th, convinced other judges that he would prefer their participation in the forum to a retirement party. Respecting his wishes to make this event about the people we serve rather than about him, the agenda does not include a formal tribute to or farewell to Judge Loncke. However, if the impact on the youth of our community and the relationship between the judicial system and the general public is half as great as anticipated, the result will be a tribute to his foresight, dedication and ability to inspire others to move beyond the ordinary in pursuit of Unity And Justice For All.

The forum will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Samuel C. Pannell Meadowview Community Center is located at 2450 Meadowview Road. Seating and parking are limited. For more information, please contact the Sacramento County Bar Association at (916) 448-1087 or the Capital Unity Council at (916) 930-0328.