ABAS Judicial Member Judge Morrison England Confirmed by U.S. Senate as ABAS Celebrates Investiture of Judge Russell Hom
By Richard K. Sueyoshi
Photographs by Betty Barth

August 2002 proved to be yet another exciting month for the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento. On August 1, ABAS Judicial Member Morrison C. England, Jr. of the Superior Court of Sacramento was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of California. Judge England has been a great friend and supporter of ABAS, and it is with tremendous honor and admiration that we witness Judge England join the distinguished federal judiciary. The confirmation of Judge England to the federal bench marks another invaluable addition to our legal community. We look forward to his service in the Eastern District for many years to come. For more information on Judge England's confirmation, please see the article on Judge England in this magazine and the upcoming ABAS feature article in our Nota Bene newsletter.

In addition to Judge England's confirmation, August included the investiture ceremony of Superior Court Judge Russell L. Hom. On August 15, the Sacramento legal community attended Judge Hom's investiture at the Board of Supervisors' Chambers. Presiding over and serving as emcee of the ceremonies was Presiding Judge Michael Garcia of the Superior Court. Judge Garcia introduced each speaker including Curtis Namba, ABAS Public Appointments Chair, who related the history of API appointments in Sacramento County and the value of Judge Hom's appointment to the bench.

Superior Court Judge Michael Virga provided the history of Judge Hom's legal career since they began their legal careers working together as deputy district attorneys. Superior Court Judge David DeAlba gave Judge Hom insightful and entertaining advice regarding the relationship between trial and appellate courts. John Chiang, chair of the California State Board of Equalization, discussed the significance of Judge Hom's appointment from the perspective of the state-wide API community. Barbara Lehman, executive director of the Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission recounted Judge Hom's long service and contributions to the commission. Presiding Justice Arthur Scotland of the Third District Court of Appeal administered the oath to Judge Hom. After the oath, Judge Hom gave an address in which he expressed his appreciation to family, friends, Governor Davis' office, and everyone who supported him in the appointment process.

Judge Hom's investiture was attended by many justices, judges and commissioners from our legal community including: Third District Court of Appeal Justices Connie Callahan, Fred Morrison and Vance Raye; Sacramento Superior Court Judges Jerilyn Borack, Trena Burger-Plavan, Raymond Cadei, Roland Candee, Norbert Ehrenfreud, Patricia Esgro, Greta Fall, MaryAnne Gilliard, Judy Hersher, Charles Kobayashi, Alice Lytle, Loren McMaster, Cheryl Meegan, John Mendez, Joseph Orr, Robert Shuman and Michael Ullman; Alpine Superior Court Judge David DeVore; and Commissioner Dean Peterson.

Also in attendance were dignitaries from our state and local government including: West Sacramento Council Member Christopher Cabaldon, Deputy Secretary of the California Technology, Trade & Commerce Agency Nelson Chan, Sacramento County Supervisor Illa Collin, Cortez Quinn of County Supervisor Roger Dickinson's office, City Attorney Samuel Jackson, ALRB Chair and SMUD Board President Genevieve Shiroma, and Sacramento City Council Member Robbie Waters.

Once again, ABAS gives a hearty congratulations to both Judge England and Judge Hom. Their personal achievements are also significant achievements for our legal community. As we continue through 2002, ABAS looks forward many more great things to come.