As we head towards fall and Labor Day, our theme this month is labor and employment law. One of the benefits of SCBA membership is the ability to join one or more of our energetic sections. Section activities give members a unique opportunity to meet others in their field, gain insight on practicing in Sacramento, improve their practice and obtain MCLE credit. SCBA is fortunate to have a large number of sections. One of the largest and most dynamic is the labor and employment law section. Chair Tim Talbot fills us in on the section's activities.

Thanks again to the wonderful energy of Charity Kenyon, we learn about a group of diverse women who found a common interest in the different paths that took them towards their goals. We learn about the benefits of the meeting of kindred spirits to share experiences. Sharon McWilliams, who is rapidly becoming a regular contributor to the magazine, tells us about Berkeley native Jacob Applesmith's pursuit of social justice and public service at the attorney general's office. SCBA council member Jennifer Brown Shaw features twice in this issue. Despite her busy schedule of writing and seminars, we were able to persuade Jennifer to write a substantive article, advising employers how to avoid harassment claims. Also, good friend, Noreen Skelly profiles Jennifer and her employment law education practice at Jackson, Lewis, Schnitzler & Krupman. By way of contrast, articles editor Chris Krueger describes how Dennis Murphy of Murphy Austin Adams puts his athletic competitiveness to positive use in advocating for his clients. And last, but by no means least, Jeffery Owensby shares with us his experience, representing a client in federal court, in a case that we may well see in the US Supreme Court.

Our cover this month features Judge Jim Mize and Tom Eres, photographed with VLSP's own Ellen Juarez and Vicki Jacobs. Judge Jim and Tom are being honored as the founders of VLSP at their 20th Anniversary celebration in October. We are always delighted to save space to feature all of our volunteer efforts. This month VLSP honors the law firm of Webb, Patterson & Tapella for the countless hours that Borden Webb, Deborah Patterson and Carlena Tapella donate in pro bono services. They also recognize Kelly Smith for his outstanding contributions. VLSP nominated these wonderful volunteers for State Bar pro bono awards.

As usual Angel Sevilla's article about mentor Timothy Smith and mentee Mark Beland is brimming over with enthusiasm for the exciting program that he directs. We also have advance notice from Barbara Yonemura of a unique community program devised by recently retired judge, Rudolph R. (Barry) Loncke to promote unity and to celebrate his retirement. Judge Loncke continues his practice of always putting others before himself. We hope that he is enjoying his retirement and spending lots of time on the golf course.

I also want to thank our monthly contributors, Shirley David for her thoughtful and insightful law library articles and Russ Hom for keeping the affiliate flag flying with his regular news of ABAS.

This month, wearing my secretary/treasurer's hat, I was privileged to join the other members of the executive committee for lunch with some of our past presidents. They shared reminiscences and gave us lots of good advice that we'll try to put to good use. I hope that you enjoy the photos of that event.

The past president photos were snapped with our own SCBA camera. For larger events we are fortunate to be able to call on the services of Sirlin Photographers who also do an outstanding job of shooting the cover photo for each issue. I want to give my personal thanks to Phil Heller, not only for donating the photos but also for the help that he has given me as I learn the ropes of magazine editor. I have been learning that there is a lot more to editing than text. It is sometimes hard to assimilate all of the information in my volunteer time in the "wee sma hours," (that's Scottish for the time that's both very late at night and very early in the morning). Anyway, thanks Phil and my apologies for the production problems that we sometimes have with you advertisement.

Finally, I want to remind all of our readers that this is your magazine. It is a membership benefit. All of the writers and editors are volunteers. We try to profile our members. The policy committee chooses the subjects for profiles. Naturally, we are going to choose people that we know about. If you feel we are missing you let us know. Next month, our working theme is political law. We hope that you will be surprised and stimulated by our profiles. In December, we feature unity and our membership. We decide on themes at our meetings on the first Friday of the month. We would love to have your ideas or offers of help. If you are interested in photos and caption writing, I would especially love to hear from you. Constructive criticism is always welcome. We're always here!