The JABA 2011 ANNUAL MEETING and reception took place on November 10, 2011 at the Empress Pavilion Restaurant. Over 100 members and their guests attended the Meeting, including many dignitaries, judges, and commissioners. The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to review JABA activities and events for the year, introduce officers, directors, and committee members, and sign up for committees. A reception honoring a deserving member or member of the community follows.
This year JABA President Alison Matsumoto presided over the meeting, assisted by President-Elect Audra Mori. Vice President and Membership Chair Steve Yoda announced that JABA membership had reached 240 members and that Doug Sugimoto had become a Lifetime Member. Steve acknowledged all the JABA Lifetime Members and Sustaining Members. A fabulous buffet dinner followed, including dim sum, peking duck, walnut shrimp, kung pao chicken, other dishes, and a mango pudding dessert. The reception for JABA 2011 Public Service Award recipients, Hon. Kathryn Doi Todd and the Hon. Ernest Hiroshige followed.
Vice President Steve Yoda introduced Judge Ernest Hiroshige. Judge Hiroshige was appointed to the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1980 and to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 1982. One of the two most senior judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Hiroshige was a founding member of JABA and the organization’s second President. Judge Hiroshige received the prestigious UCLA Alumni Service Award in 1994, and has a long history of community service.
The Hon. Victoria Chavez, Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeals, who serves with Justice Doi Todd, read statements of congratulation from the Hon. Roger Boren, Presiding Justice of Division Two of the California Court of Appeals, and Justice Judith Ashman-Gerst, Associate Justice. Past JABA President, Patricia Kinaga, introduced Justice Doi Todd, and presented her Award. Justice Doi Todd rewarded her audience with a fascinating account of JABA’s early history and her own journey to the bench. Appointed to the bench in 1978, Justice Doi Todd was the first Japanese American woman judge in the country. She was appointed to the CA Court of Appeals in 2000.
Corporate Affairs Committee Chair Diana Nishiura noted that these Awards were well-deserved and long overdue. Thanks to Diana and all the JABA members who helped organize this incredible event!
For photos of the event, see here
