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 Farewell
By Carlos X. Colorado
Now I understand President Eisenhower when he gloated, "Oh, that lovely title: ex-president."
As I conclude my year as HBA president, I look forward with satisfaction, and also look back with satisfaction. I am thankful to have led the HBA in its 40th year and to have told our community that the HBA is "History Brought Alive." I am satisfied to have presided over a great annual dinner and a great program year. I say presided over, but do not claim to have been responsible for putting it together. That credit is shared by the Board and the Executive Committee who supported me and did the ground work, especially president elect Genoveva M. Talbott and program committee chair Karin C. Khan.
This year, the HBA expanded while other organizations contracted. We went from the seventh largest to the fifth largest bar association in Orange County, and we are the O.C.'s largest ethnic-interest lawyer group. We brought the HBA into the 21st century, updating its web site and email newsletter, putting it on LinkedIn and FaceBook, and holding the first ever electronic election for HBA officers and directors. We put on an annual dinner, a Mexico travel seminar, a judges' barbecue, five de barranda mixers, two volunteer legal clinics, a softball tournament, a golf clinic and we even Raced for the Cure. In life, you sometimes take three steps forward and two steps back, but I am happy to say that in 2010, the HBA has put its best foot forward. [Special Report]
But it's only an illusion that I ride off into the sunset. First of all, I don't get to ride off, at all. I'm a litigator: I am only taking my campaign to a new venue! Look for me on the OCBA board of directors, where my work continues. Moreover, I am not leaving the HBA; I will continue to help out. And finally, the strides we made in 2010 cannot be relegated to feathers on one president's, or one board's, cap. They must be pushed, expanded, followed upon, and made into a legacy for generations to come. And so our journey continues.
Happy holidays to all, and a prosperous and happy new year. Thank you for your personal kindness and your continued support. God bless.
-cXc
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2010 Annual HBA Holiday Party
Member Meeting and Toy Drive
Wednesday, December 8, 20106:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
Geisha House2773 North Main Street, Santa Ana CA Election Results will be announced for 2011 HBA Board of DirectorsBring a STUFFED ANIMAL for children affected by Disasters Each stuffed animal gives you a chance to win!** $20 for members* ˇ $25 for non-members*Free for Judges*An additional $5. will be charged per ticket purchased at the door. RSVP by December 4, 2010 at info@ochba.org or (949)440-6700 ext. 253**Bring a stuffed animal for "Stuffed Animals for Emergencies" (benefits children in disaster areas) Prizes include: 1 hr massage, tech services, Starbucks gift basket, professional hair services, and more! Each stuffed animal gives you a chance to win! No purchase necessary. Sponsored by:
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HBA Heading To Belize, Memorial Weekend 2011
The HBA has selected the Western Caribbean/Central American nation of Belize as its destination for the 2011 Annual Memorial Day MCLE Travel Seminar. The details of the trip will be revealed at Wednesday's Holiday Party by 2011 Trip Chairman José González, as well as the opportunities to bid on a raffle for $400 off the price of the trip package (which will be announced at the Party). Also, the first 10 travelers to register for the trip at the Holiday Party will receive a free upgrade to seaside view accommodations.
Belize, which formerly was called "British Honduras," is the only Central American country where English is the official language, which makes it an attractive tourist destination, in addition to its pristine tropical location on the Yucatan Peninsula, adjacent to Mexico and Guatemala. "We are very excited about our announcement," said HBA President-Elect Genoveva M. Talbott. "Our 2011 trip will continue the HBA tradition of value for the price, an unforgettable destination, and probing and insightful MCLE programs that integrate local insights, and don't relegate the location to just a pretty backdrop." Belize will be the 28th Memorial Day MCLE travel seminar the HBA will have offered.
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Honoring Latino Veterans: Jurist Wages War Against Ignorance
By Kristen Zierhut (Western State Law School)
As we commemorate the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, most Americans do not realize that the first casualty that day was a Hispanic American. Judge Frederick Aquirre knows it all too well. Judge Aguirre is president of the Latino Advocates for Education, an organization which honors Latino veterans in particular, a group that is especially passed over.
Have you ever seen a Latino featured as the hero in a war epic? Most people will say no. The efforts of the Latino's in the American military forces have gone unrecognized says Judge Aquirre. "I created this program to showcase the efforts of Latino's contribution to Americans military history," Judge Aguirre told HBA News. "No one seems to even know the great contribution the Latino's have made to this country and it is about time they got the recognition they deserve."
More Latino's have lost their lives in prominent world wars than anyone is aware of, and through Latino Advocates Judge Aquirre is putting face to names, and showing the world the contributions the Latino have made in the United States military which are incredibly significant. "Over 500,000 Latinos served in WWII," Judge Aguirre explains. "The first American casualty was a Latino pilot, Manuel Gonzalez, shot by friendly fire on December 7, 1941. The 1st Admiral of the US navy appointed by President Lincoln was a Latino."
Latino's have continuously been a driving force in the American military but the lack of acknowledgement in media outlets and other news has prevented them from getting the recognition they deserve. Today Latino's continue to show their patriotism and make up a substantial amount of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The HBA, of which Judge Aguirre is a former president, works to bring recognition to the Latino lawyers and important topics in the Latino community that need a voice. Organizations like the HBA and Latino Advocates make it possible to get out the word on important contributions that Latino's have made in history and is a driving force in the local community, getting young and older generations together connecting people to a network of professionals where their voice can be heard.
Click here for an article and photos of the 14th Annual Veterans Day Celebration co-sponsored by Latino Advocates for Education and Cal State Fullerton.
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Joe Perez And Lon Hurwitz Appointed To Bench
Governor Schwarzenegger has appointed Commissioner Joe T. Perez and Commissioner Lon Hurwitz to the Orange County Superior Court bench. Both Commissioners have been members of the HBA.
Commissioner Perez, the son of the Hon. James Perez, the first Hispanic Judge in Orange County, was named Jurist of the Year at the 2010 HBA Judges' Barbecue last month. Commissioner Perez spent 12 years at the Public Defender's Office and working at the Juvenile Courts, and most recently as a Commissioner presiding over all felony Proposition 36 cases, and assisting in Drug, DUI, and Homeless Court. Perez told HBA News that he is thankful to the HBA for its support over the years and reflected on the improbable destiny that has given his family two judges, given the limited opportunities available to Hispanics when his father was accepted to USC. "One of the most important things we must continue to do is to educate our people," the new judge stated.
Commissioner Hurwitz was elected to the bench in June, and his appointment will allow him to immediately assume the office. The HBA congratulates our two newest judges.
| | Judge-designate Joe T. Perez and Judge (ret.) James Perez at the HBA's 2010 Judges BBQ. |
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AJC Honors Former HBA President Darren Aitken
Darren Aitken will receive the American Jewish Committee's Judge Learned Hand Annual Award at a luncheon to be held 11:30am - 1:30pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach. Aitken, a partner at Aitken Aitken & Cohn, is a long time member of the HBA. He served as HBA treasurer in 1997 and as president in 1999, serving on the board until 2002. He currently is a member of the board of directors of the Orange County Bar Association. We congratulate Darren on his distinguished service to the profession.
Click here for Invitation and RSVP Form.
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Sponsorships available for the HBA's 33rd Annual Installation Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser
The Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County (HBA) will host its 33rd Annual Installation Dinner & Scholarship Fundraiser on March 5, 2011, at the Fairmont Newport Beach.
As you may know, this yearly event is our principal fundraiser for the Wallace (Wally) R. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Latino law students who have demonstrated a commitment to the Latino community. Therefore, in addition to installing our 2011 board and honoring some of our community's great leaders and advocates, the 2011 dinner will showcase our exceptional 2010 Wally Davis scholarship recipients:
- Francisco Balderama of UCI Law School,
- Rosa Noyola of UCLA Law School, and
- Leticia Ramirez of UCLA Law School.
The success of this fundraising event relies heavily on the support and generosity of our sponsors. We are writing today to ask that you please include the HBA's March 5, 2011 Dinner in your 2011 charitable giving budget.
For your reference, the key sponsorship levels are as follows: Event ($15,000), Platinum ($10,000), Gold ($7,000), Silver ($5,000), and Bronze ($3,000). In January 2011, you will receive a formal sponsorship request with much more detailed information about the benefits of each sponsorship level.
In order to diversify the legal profession, we must invest in our law students. Currently, law school tuitions in California average approximately $38,000 per school year. We hope you will invest with us and take steps towards a more diverse legal profession.
Thank you in advance for your support. Please feel free to contact us at (949) 440-6700 x 253 or info@ochba.org should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Genoveva Meza Talbott
Chairperson, Dinner Committee
2010 President Elect
Carlos X. Colorado
2010 President
Download Letter
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Community Calendar & News
'Community Calendar & News' is a courtesy bulletin board service provided by the HBA to its community partners. The posters of these bulletins, not the HBA, are solely responsible for their content. Unless otherwise noted, by publishing these billboard posts, the HBA does not endorse the views, services, products, causes, or candidates referenced therein.
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Spanish-English Courtroom Interpreters in Demand
Cal State Fullerton Extended Education offers the Legal Interpretation (Spanish-English) program that provides bilingual individuals with the necessary training to prepare for the state exam to become a legal interpreter in the courtroom and other legal settings. Internship opportunities offering hands-on experience are also available. To get started:
1) Register for the Program Orientation on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (Fullerton Campus, SGMH 1502, $35). The orientation features career information from professionals in the field and an overview of the program. Taking the orientation class does not obligate you to enroll in this program.
2) Register for the Bilingual Proficiency Test Saturday February 12, 2011 at 8 a.m.- 10 a.m. (Fullerton Campus, SGMH 1502, $50). This Spanish/English proficiency test is a requirement for any student entering into the Legal Interpretation Certificate program. The results will determine your eligibility.
For more information contact: Veronica Martinez: 657.278.3123 or vmartinez@fullerton.edu.
Register online today or call 657.278.2611.
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Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) is hosting a weekly clinic every Thursday afternoon for Legal Genie
Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) is hosting a weekly clinic every Thursday afternoon for Legal Genie, a simple, affordable, and reliable online legal document preparation service for self-represented middle-income litigants who do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford to hire an attorney. Legal Genie not only asks questions in a straightforward manner and completes the necessary legal documents about Family Law and Bankruptcy/Chapter 7 based on the client's answers, but also connects the client to LASOC's panel of attorneys who will review the documents and give one-on-one consultations by telephone.
Clients are invited to use Legal Genie on LASOC computers during the clinic, and staff will be available to assist with any questions about the service. For more information, visit www.legalgenie.com or call (714) 489-2719. By appointment only.
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Job/Volunteer Opportunities
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Job Opportunities for Attorneys - New Opportunities Posted!
View current job opportunities for OC HBA members here > |
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