Pro Public Law Center Matters Bono Spring 2005 The Newsletter of the Public Law Center

Affordable Housing in Orange County - Still an Oxymoron

ecent stories in the local press noted a new milestone in Orange County 34 local jurisdictions in Orange County allows far too many of them to point the – median home prices again had hit a record high. It was another sign finger of blame at someone else. The result is an economic form of apartheid – Rthat the Orange County economy has recovered from the downturn of the poor live in certain parts of the county, in woefully overcrowded conditions, several years ago. while other parts of the county hope that by ignoring the problem of poverty it It was telling that those articles made little mention of what that milestone will go away. It won’t. means for low-income Orange County residents. According to the County of And neither will PLC. That’s why we’re popping up at a variety of places Orange’s recently released Community Indicators Report, only 11% of Orange advocating for our clients. In any given week, our housing attorney Eileen County households can afford to purchase a home at the median level. The situ- McCarthy will find herself at several meetings of local planning commissions, ation for renters is even worse. The county’s report indicates that a minimum redevelopment agencies and city councils. The particular housing issues vary wage earning worker would need to work 125 hours each week in order to afford jurisdiction by jurisdiction, but the basic message is the same – state law and a one-bedroom apartment. That works out to about 18 hours of work a day, seven fundamental fairness require that more than lip service be paid to affordable days a week. It is obvious from these statistics that affordable housing is far housing concerns. Fortunately, colleagues at places like the Legal Aid Society of beyond the reach of Orange County’s low-wage workers. Orange County and the Kennedy Commission, a local affordable housing advo- Low-income people in Orange County struggle daily to make ends meet cacy group, help share the daunting task of addressing the myriad housing working at low paying jobs, oftentimes more than one, while at the same time, issues scattered throughout our county. working with local schools or career centers to find a better job to make a better But as in any other area of PLC’s work, we can’t begin to address the con- life for themselves and their families. Those same residents spend significant cerns of our low-income clients in the affordable housing arena without help from portions of their day trying to deal with a dizzying array of problems – accessing volunteers – be they , law students, college students or others. Contact health care, dealing with domestic violence, figuring out the transportation sys- us at [email protected] to find out how you can get involved. tem, the list goes on and on. And the day ends with sleeping in one of the scarce shelter beds to be found in the County, or – more likely, in a car, a motel, a garage or on the street. Obviously, there’s no ready solution to the complex problems facing those with few economic means. Nowhere is that more true than with housing. An article by Tim Paone of Manatt Phelps & Phillips in the April edition of Orange County points out that vocal NIMBYs (“Not In My Back Yard”) com- bined with a lack of local political will have stood as strong barriers to attempts to meaningfully address the affordable housing crisis. And the fact that there are

Contact Fran Marshall SAVE THE DATES for more information [email protected]

Sunday, June 12, 2005 Thursday, July 21, 2005 PLC’s 2nd Annual PLC’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner Day at the Races Celebrating PLC’s pro bono volunteers and Honoring Public Law Center Hollywood Park - Turf Club those who give exceptional service 601 Civic Center Drive West • Santa Ana, CA 92701-4002 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Irvine (714) 541-1010 • www.publiclawcenter.org 5:30 pm Reception and Silent Auction 7:00 pm Dinner and Program

Published by Parabolica Publishing, LLC (714) 236-8676 Pro Bono Matters 1

New Faces at PLC Board of Directors Mission Statement Local Nonprofit brings Farmers’ Markets and The Public Law Center’s Board of Directors saw the addition of three superb new members earlier this year. Andrew J. Guilford Roger A. Grable The Public Law Center, Orange Revitalization to Santa Ana and La Habra Dimetria A. Jackson is Vice President, Rigoberto Rodriguez is a doctoral candidate in Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP County's pro bono law firm, is committed to Corporate Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and the field of Urban Political Geography at the Hampton LLP providing access to justice for low-income ust six months ago, the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government’s “Update on Hardship” named Secretary for First American Trust, FSB. She is University of Southern . He is active in a President Nicola T. Hanna residents. Through volunteers and staff, the Santa Ana the hardest city in the United States to live in. The study was based on six factors: unem- active in a number of Orange County Bar variety of different issues involving Latinos in Santa Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP Public Law Center provides free civil legal Jployment, overcrowded living conditions, education levels, number of dependents per household, per- Association committees and is a member of the State Ana and is an appointed member of the City of Robert S. Wolfe services, including counseling, individual centage living below the federal poverty level, and per capita income level. This is stark contrast to the Bar’s Committee on Ethnic Minority Relations. Santa Ana’s Community Redevelopment & Vice President Dimetria A. Jackson representation, community education, and wealthier cities of Orange County displayed in the media. Nevertheless, a local nonprofit organization First American Trust Dimetria also represents the OCBA on the Planning Commission. He has worked with Orange Robert S. Knudsen strategic litigation and advocacy to chal- strives to create change and revitalize Orange County’s inner city. California Minority Counsel Program’s (CMCP) County Future Search Network, the Orange County PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP lenge societal injustices. Pearl Jemison-Smith The Grain Project (www.grainproject.org), based in Santa Ana, is working to improve the lives of low- Steering Committee. Children & Families Commission and the Delhi Treasurer income residents in Orange County. The Grain Project’s purpose is to promote united, healthy and sustain- Mark P. Robinson, Jr. is a senior partner in the Center in Santa Ana. Mimi Justice able communities through certified farmers’ markets, community gardens for seniors and children, education firm of Robinson, Calcagnie & Robinson. He is a Deborah E. Arbabi PLC’s staff also saw a number of outstanding Deloitte & Touche about health and nutrition, and public art projects. PLC’s Community Organizations Legal Assistance well-known and respected trial lawyer who has Crowell & Moring LLP additions.. Project (COLAP) was able to assist The Grain Project by counseling the organization through the nonprof- devoted his legal career to product safety. He is a Secretary Christopher M. Leo Public Law Center Staff it startup process. The Grain Project’s staff attended a workshop on forming a charitable nonprofit corpora- former president of the Consumer Attorneys of Fran Marshall is PLC’s new Director of Fund Todd D. Irby Office of Supervisor Lou tion through the Volunteer Center and presented by Keith Nagayama, coordinator of COLAP. COLAP then California and of the Orange County Bar Development. Fran, who has a Masters in Public Correa The Duffy Law Firm Kenneth W. Babcock reviewed the organization’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and drafted their conflicts of interest policy Association Charitable Fund. He has received Administration, has extensive management, Executive Committee Member Executive Director & General Counsel and application for tax exemption. numerous awards, including having been named by fundraising and strategic planning experience as a James W. Meeker The Grain Project plans to open farmers’ markets in La Habra and in late Spring California Law Business in 2001 as one of the ten result of spearheading numerous organizations and Crystal S. Needham University of California, Irvine Gary McGaha 2005. The farmers’ markets will bring fresh produce, dietary education, volunteer opportunities, and eco- most influential lawyers in the state. academic programs, including her role as Executive Edison Mission Energy Thomas J. Peterson Directing Attorney nomic activity. Unlike many farmers markets in Orange County, The Grain Project will accept food stamps Executive Committee Member Continued on PG. 8 AIDS Services Foundation in addition to cash so that low-income residents can more easily shop at the farmers’ markets. PLC looks for- Nhan T. Vu Peri Doshi-O’Neill ward to continuing to assist the organization as it grows in the Orange County community. Chapman University School of Gary M. Pohlson Eileen McCarthy OPPORTUNITES TO HAVE A POWERFUL IMPACT Law Pohlson & Moorhead Julie A. McCormick Executive Committee Member You can make a powerful difference in people’s free legal services provided by PLC staff and volun- Carole E. Reagan Liz Pejeau lives and in the community, as a member of the PLC teers in 2004, is valued at over $8.7 million. Indeed, Philip D. Kohn Morrison & Foerster LLP Lisa D. Ramirez family. Your PLC partnership is an active way to for every $1 of PLC resources spent we are able to From the Executive Director Rutan & Tucker, LLP Hien C. Vo protect the principle of Access to Justice for all, and provide $8 of free legal services. Immediate Past President Mark P. Robinson, Jr. Staff Attorneys s I write this column, the world is focused intensely on the recent pass- to make a values-based investment that generates Did you know? There are many ways to give to Robinson, Calcagne & ing of Pope John Paul II. No doubt the world has lost an important strong returns. PLC. Annual gifts, special and legacy gifts can have Darren O. Aitken Robinson Aitken, Aitken & Cohn Monique McDavid Aspiritual leader. This view appears to be shared by all – regardless of Did you know? Your gift to PLC helps people tax advantages for you. whether one embraces a particular religion or whether one agrees with Vatican with immediate needs and strengthens the commu- 1. Gifts by check or credit card – now you can Rigoberto Rodriguez Keith Nagayama Harriet F. Bemus policies. The voices of priests, pastors, rabbis, imams and secular lead- nity for the future. give online thanks to our partnership with ground- AmeriCorps Attorneys Dr. Socorro Torres ers have noted this Pope’s impact on the world. This is because PLC uses a strategic, three- spring.org’s secure giving site. Ralph H. Blakeney Sarmiento A significant number of thoughtful commentators have offered their pronged approach in its programs and services: 2. Gifts of appreciated property, such as securi- Tony Muriel Pillsbury Winthrop LLP Mexican Consulate description of the challenges that will face the new Pope. One was Father Personalized services to individuals (children, ties and real estate. Mario A. Salgado Richard McBrien, an eminent Notre Dame historian, speaking on the CBS youth, adults, and seniors), addressing and find- 3. Gifts of cars, boats or other vehicles. Roman E. Darmer II Crystal C. Sims News Show 60 Minutes. He noted that the new Pope’s principle challenge Paralegals ing solutions to pressing civil legal matters that Howrey Simon Arnold & Legal Aid Society of Orange would be dealing with a world “which sees net worth and the gathering of 4. Annual gifts through United Way or your affect their well-being and quality of life. White, LLP County creature comforts and powers and possessions as kind of the norm of happiness. How do you get a world company’s employee giving program (please Fran Spears Marshall Specialized legal assistance programs and proj- like that to say, ‘That fellow with a black face, that gay over there, that homeless person, these are your broth- remember to designate your gift to benefit the Public Richard A. Derevan Director of Fund Development ects, focused on priority needs in the community. Holly A. H. Williams ers and sisters, we’re all one human family.’” Law Center). Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P. These programs change over time as new needs Apto Here in our own little corner of planet Earth, the one called by some “the OC,” it’s easy to appreciate the 5. Memorial gifts, or those in tribute, in honor of emerge in vulnerable and underserved popula- Viki Morales problem identified by Father McBrien. The notion that we are all one big human family doesn’t fit neatly a birthday or other occasion. Maya K. Dunne Michael R. Williams tions. Administrative Assistant within a focus on creature comforts and the powers and the possessions that we spend so much time attain- 6. Planned giving – wills, trusts and other estate St. Joseph Health System Irell & Manella LLP ing. The fact that we live in a community that is becoming more and more diverse every day unfortunately Strengthening the community by providing legal plans. Remembering PLC in your estate helps to Grace E. Emery Evelyn Fuentes is seen by some as a threat and not an opportunity. assistance to local non-profit organizations, and ensure access to justice in future years. Brett J. Williamson helping start-up non-profits that will benefit Law Offices of Grace E. Emery Receptionist Moreover, the fact that tens of thousands of our fellow Orange County residents live in poverty and have 7. Life Insurance and Retirement Savings Plans. O’Melveny & Myers LLP Orange County’s low income residents. PLC also Peter Zeughauser little hope of realizing some of the basic necessities of life, such as housing or health care, should be deeply 8. In-kind gifts (that fulfill our programmatic Kathy F. Esfahani is involved in advocacy efforts to improve access to Zeughauser Group LLC troubling to us all. Indeed, the lack of affordable housing or of access to health care for low-income residents needs). of our county should be no less troubling than if a loved one was in a similar situation. Some among us sim- affordable housing and health care. Julie M. McCoy PLC can be successful in advancing its mission Fr. Cirilo Flores ply fail to factor the indigent into the calculation of human net worth. But ignoring the reality of poverty Did you know? Your gift to PLC yields an 8-fold Law Office of Julie. M. McCoy only with your support .You make a vital difference. St. Anne Church won’t make it go away. return. Ex Officio To discuss a gift, contact Fran Marshall at (714) 541- Fortunately, many in our community see the value of all and not just of the few. And believe it or not, Because of PLC’s extensive use of volunteer Todd E. Gordinier 1010, ext. 277, or visit our website at www.publi- some of those caring individuals are lawyers. Our newsletter highlights a few of their good works and deeds. lawyers, its limited resources are leveraged to have Stradling Yocca Carlson & clawcenter.org to make a gift online. We thank them for their willingness to look at all of those in our community as one big, human family. maximum impact. To illustrate, the 35,000 hours of RauthF

2 Pro Bono Matters Pro Bono Matters 3

THANKS to our many volunteers. We Lending a Helping Hand for Health’s Sake Volunteers Continued couldn’t do what we do without you. Ryan Lindsey Stephen Olear Stephanie Squires The Public Law Center’s AIDS Legal Assistance Project (ALAP) recently provided assistance to a client Jessica Linehan Eric Olson Flint Stebbins Kristan Aagaard Robert Davis James Hayes Stephen Livingston Kim Orbeck Tracey Stevenson Laurie Adams Donald Daybell Laura Hayward living with AIDS who had been a successful businessman until he became too sick to work. He received no Theresa Lopez Isablle Ord Mark Stirrat Mark Adams Erika De la Parra Douglas Hedenkamp medical treatment for two years because he had no income or insurance. Unfortunately, because he had no Catherine Lui Ariana Ornellas Wendy Sugg Darren Aitken Mary de Leo Mary Hegardt Linda Mai Wendy O'Sullivan Wendy Sullivan Wylie Aitken Stephen Dean Kristem Heikaus medical records to document his disability, he was denied benefits. An ALAP volunteer represented the client Deborah Mallgrave E. Susan O'Toole Shannon Switzer Roxanna Alavi Lauren Deeb Weaver at an SSI appeal hearing and obtained a determination that the client had been disabled since 1997 and was Cornelia Mallory Courtney Overland Joseph Tadros Theodor Albert John Deily David Hengstler entitled to receive monthly benefits in addition to $33,000 in past benefits. Thomas Manakides Amy Owens Finley Taylor Lila Allen Alfonso Del Valle Richard Herr Rachel Mandel Nancy Padberg Carrie Teasdale Anna Amarandos Stan Demaree Michelle Hertzog This story is one that has been replicated innumerable times since 1993 when PLC began the AIDS Legal Pearl Mann Teresa Paikeday Jeanne Thomas Amy Anderson Rick Derevan Richard Heston Assistance Project. ALAP is Orange County’s only legal service program dedicated to preserving and pro- Linda Marquis Manish Pandya Julie Thornton Jennifer Anderson Peter Deutsch Antoinette Hewitt Dwayne Marshall Neetal Parekh Tiffany Thurmond Jon Anderson William Diaz Jonathan Hewko tecting the rights of low-income people living with HIV or AIDS. Last year, ALAP staff and volunteers were Paul Martin Ellis Park Eli Ticatch Martin Anderson Robert Dickson Hank Heyming able to assist over 350 clients with over 500 different legal matters. Marilyn Martin-Culver Terry Park Osvaldo Torres Jennifer Andrews Tom Diep Gwindolyn Hight Cindy Mascio Hardip Passananti Joseph Torri Deborah Arbabi Rebecca Dillavou JoAnna Hill-Martinez There were few AIDS treatment options when ALAP was established, and as a result, most clients asked Scott Maynard Catherine Patton Anh Tran Alan Armstrong Lisa Dinglasan Andy Hoang for help in drafting wills. While estate-planning is still a large part of what ALAP volunteers and staff do, Jennifer McCartney Janie Paulson Catherine Tran Anjuli Arora Kristopher Diulio Timothy Hoban in the past several years the Project has shifted its focus because people who are HIV-positive are living Timothy McFarlin Mark Payne Chi Tran Kevin Babikian Matt Dix Sharon Hodges Donna McGovern David Perry David Tran Ellen Bacon Thu Do Kathryn Hoek longer and have more complex legal needs. ALAP now assists with a variety of matters through direct legal Mike McIntosh Melissa Petrofsky Hung Tran Sang Bahn Jade Doneza Cynthia Holton services and community education. Stuart McKenzie Ethan Pham Ngoc-Tram Tran Shilpa Balan Shannon Dwyer Hester Honda Patrick McNally Hung Pham Tram Tran Vickey Bane Steven Dzida June Hsieh Teresa McQueen Tung Pham Denise Trevino Jorge Barcelo Susan Eastman Kim Hubbard Alexandra Medina- Mara Pichon Melanie Triebel Brian Bark Kurt Eggert D'Lorah Hughes Montgomery Gregory Piedlow Michael Turek Donna Bashaw Michael Elliott Christopher Humphreys “You are truly a godsend for those who have no other options Henry Mejia Carissa Podesta Ed Ulias Christopher Bauer Rachel Ellis Heidi Hunt Hutch Meltzer Gary Pohlson Fermin Valencia Thomas Bayard Randall Erickson John Hurlbut, Jr. because of a lack of money.” - PLC Client Comment Thanks to new PLC board member Mark P. Robinson, Jr. for underwriting the cost of this advertisement, which appeared in the April edition of Orange Jennifer Mendel Pascua John Pugh Jean Louis Van Camp Julia Bayliss Marc Ernaga John Igarashi Coast Magazine. With a projected monthly readership of 168,000 many more in Orange County now know about PLC because of this ad. Yancy Meneses Marcus Quintanilla Matt Van Fleet John Beeson Kimm Fahey Charles Inada Mark Mersel Jesse Randolph Deborah Vasquez Tom Bellamore Amee Falbo Renato Izquieta “You provide an important and much-needed service and do it in Reprinted with permission of Orange Coast Magazine. Yuri Mikulka Carole Reagan Diane Vo Derek Bercher Gary Feldman Liane Jarvis Ann Miller Michael Reynolds Lily Vu Mark Bidwell R. Scott Feldman Stuart Jasper a very caring manner.” - PLC Client Comment Brandy Miller Steven Rice Monica Vu Kathryn Blair Doris Felman Bianca Jimenez David Miller Vicki Richardson Nhan Vu Fay Blix Abel Fernandez Christina Johnson Recent PLC Cases Harlene Miller Nancy Richmond Prabakara Vulchi Susan Blush Byanka Fernandez Michele Johnson John Miller Kimberly Riker Michael Wallin Robert Boyle Panida Ferris Elizabeth Jones Those living with HIV and AIDS face many poverty law problems seen by our other clients, like evic- John Hurlbut, Jr. of Rutan & Tucker represented an elderly couple just making ends meet with a Paul Minerich Michael Ritter Karen Walter Donald Bradley Oana Filimon Gregory Jones small pension. They wanted to buy a home, but were unable to qualify for a loan due to a recent bankrupt- Lia Mitchell Michelle Robel Debbie Walters Tara Brewer Bruce Fink David Jordan tions, denial of benefits, bankruptcy, collection defense, insurance coverage and immigration. But our ALAP cy. An acquaintance of their son offered to assist the couple and title to the home was taken in his name. At Josette Mollica Keefe Roberts Diane Watanabe Charles Brower Lisa Fisher Supriya Kakkar clients also have to worry about discrimination, breaches of confidentiality, employment matters and per- Leah Monson Robert Robertson Lonnie Watson Donald Bunnin Ian Flatley Mohammad Kamyab manency planning for their children. Moreover, their legal problems may be exacerbated due to the hours some point the clients believed they might be able to qualify for a loan and asked the titleholder to transfer Erin Moriarty Karen Robicheau Martine Wehr Rachel Burch Laura Fleming Yael Karabelnik the title to them. He refused taking the position that they were renters and that their payments on the mort- Lakisha Morris Bryce Robinson Jeffrey Wertheimer Christopher E. Campbell John Fletcher Katerina Kashinsky they spend in treatment or therapy, and many have lost their memories or physical mobility. All of this comes Catherine Moscarello Mark Robinson, Jr. Christine Wessel Christopher W. Matthew Fletcher Jenny Kay with the emotional toll of having a terminal illness, particularly one that is still accompanied by public stig- gage were rent payments. John filed suit on the clients’ behalf seeking a resulting trust and declaratory relief. Richard Moss Katrina Robson David Wheeler Campbell Jennifer Flores Alice Kelly The matter settled with John’s clients receiving nearly $40,000. Tom Moss Brenda Rodas T. Jason White John Cao Elizabeth Fondren Rock Kendall ma and fear. Angele Motlagh Cindy Rodas Judith Williams Amanda Caracci Dan Foster John Kendrick For example, one ALAP client was working fewer hours due to her health problems, which made it dif- One PLC client had scrimped, saved and borrowed to buy a diesel truck tractor. Because the truck need- Antonia Mukai Joyce Rosendahl Michael Williams Frank Cardinale, Jr. Warren Fox Shawn Kennedy ficult to pay her bills. As a result, collectors from a department store harassed her over the course of a year ed work, the client had contacted a repair facility and explained he needed the work done quickly so he could Jesse Mulholland Kristan Ruggerello Brett Williamson Isabelle Carrillo Alan Friedman Ahyoung Kim Caitlin Murdock Jeff Russell Geroge Willis Catherine Castaldi Bernard Frimond Ashley Kim by calling her several times a day and contacting her neighbors and apartment managers, accusing the client begin generating an income. The work on the truck dragged out, not taking the five days promised, but five Elizabeth Nadelson Regine Rutherford Karen Winnett Karla Castro Emma Garcia Soo Kim weeks; meanwhile the client and his family were living in a motel. When the truck was at last ready the repair Robert Nagel James Sabovich Todd Winter Joseph Ceglio Joel Garcia Cory King of being a “deadbeat” who was unable to pay her bills. The client became so embarrassed and fearful that cost had increased by fifty percent over the original written estimate. The client couldn’t pay so the repair Steve Najera Arash Samadani Dan Winton Bernadette Cemore Norma Garcia Sakura Kishimoto her employer, family and friends would find out about her unpaid bills that her health declined, she became Natalie Nakamura Linda Sampson Gabrielle Wirth Dan Chambers Alison Garner Austin Klar fully disabled, and could no longer work. Since she hadn’t disclosed her HIV status to anyone, she was reluc- facility moved the truck to a storage lot, began assessing daily storage fees and ultimately sued the client for Alan Nakasone Jesus Saucedo Shara Witkin Calvin Chan Ivan Gaviria Ernest Klatte III breach of contract. Donald Daybell, Jason White and Robert Nagel of Orrick, Herrington and Alice Nance John Schafer Adina Witzling Eugene Chan Andrea Gee James Knight tant to take any action against the department store. ALAP staff and volunteers negotiated a settlement with Brooke Nelson James Scheinkman Andrew Wong Patrick Chan Dale Giali Mary Knowlson the store, which agreed to pay the client $3,500 and forgive her outstanding debt. Sutcliffe agreed to handle this case. They were able to quickly reach a settlement with the mechanics and Mike Nemith Steven Schroeder Jennifer Wood Eudeen Chang Karen Gibbs Robert Kohler ALAP’s services are essential to helping our HIV-positive clients resolve their legal problems so that they the client was able to reclaim his truck and begin earning a living. Anh Duy Nguyen Stacie Sena Oliver Wright Stephen Chang Lori Ginex Joyce Komanapalli Devin Nguyen Manoosh Shakib Wendy Wu Steven Chang Darin Glasser Susan Kowalski can focus their energy on their health and well-being. If you are interested in taking a case, serving as a men- Sandra Smith Thayer of Howrey, Simon, Arnold & White represented a young man with a Duyen Nguyen Lisa Sharrock Scott Wylie Antony Chen Jason Goldstein Erin Kubota tor to other volunteers for ALAP, or helping to conduct community education clinics, contact Liz Pejeau, dream to own a business. Along with two associates he acquired a lease, equipment, and a failing corpora- Hong Nguyen Janina Shary Kimiko Yamamoto Vina Chin Claudia Gomez David Kuiper Kenny Nguyen Tara Shaw Jason Yang Mary Chistle Bianca Gonzalez Claudette Kunzman PLC’s staff attorney coordinating ALAP, at [email protected]. tion with a plan to make it work. Unfortunately despite their best efforts the business continued its demise. Ngoc Nguyen Jaime Shean Brian Yates Alana Cho David Gonzalez Jordan Kushner The client was sued for breach of lease, breach of contract, conversion, false imprisonment and infliction of Tram-Anh Nguyen Mark Shean Christine Yee Connie Chou Josue Gonzalez Lisa LaFourcade emotional distress. The other two shareholders were not sued. With trial approaching, Sandra was able to Van Nguyen Jonathan Shenson John Yi Jenny Chung Savidge Beatriz Gordon Juan Laguna Mike Nicastro Randall Sherman Madonna Young Jeffrey Clem David Gosling Linda Lam negotiate a settlement of the case whereby the client paid nothing and waived costs in exchange for a dis- Barbara Nichols Kelly Simpson Pamela Young Catherine Coble Roger Grable Rachel Lan missal. Andre Nintcheff Todd Smith Summer Young Nicholas Cochran Irma Granados Matthew Lapple Shannon Nordstrom Sandra Smith Thayer Dean Zipser Tina Codini Andra Greene Kyle Lauby A disabled homeless man approached PLC while he was staying at the Fullerton Armory. The client kept Laura Noroski Kimberly Snyder John Zitny Dennis Connelly Christine Greenhouse Celia Laureles all his possessions in a rolling duffle bag and was dependent on public transportation. While attempting to Katherine Noyce Cherie Somerville Edmond Connor Eric Greupner Jaelynne Lay Annual AIDS Walk Tanya Oesterreich Matthew Sonne Gregory Cordrey Craig Griffin Helena Le board an OCTA bus, the client was told by the bus driver that he would not allow the client to use the dis- Yasuga Ogawa Nichole Spedick Robyn Coyle Andrew Guilford Payson Lederman Join PLC in the 19th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County at UC Irvine on Sunday, abled lift to enter the bus. The client struggled to get his luggage aboard and in the process fell and damaged Thaddeus Culpepper Krishna Gulaya Eddie Lee June 5th. AIDS Walk is a 7.5-kilometer fundraiser that improves the lives of those Helaine Cunanan Karen Halverson Sara Lee his bag. The client was not physically injured but wanted OCTA to reimburse him for his bag. PLC We apologize for any inaccuracies. If you believe our records Kymberleigh Damron- Thy Han Kelly Leggio infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in Orange County. PLC is one of the nine recipient Directing Attorney Gary McGaha intervened on the client’s behalf and was able to obtain reimburse- Hsia Nick Hanna Jennifer Levin are incorrect and should contain your name, please contact Katie David Charmaine Harker Debora Licata agencies that benefits from the Walk. You can join PLC’s walk team, start your own ment for the cost of the duffle bag. Most importantly, the OCTA issued guidelines to all its drivers making Monique McDavid at (714) 541-1010 x280 or Julie Davis Drew Hatcher Ching Lim team, or make a contribution at www.aidswalk.org/oc clear that drivers must allow disabled persons who do not use wheelchairs to use the lift ramp for boarding. [email protected].

4 Pro Bono Matters Pro Bono Matters 5

PLC Donors Step Up To The Thanks to the following supporters of the Public Law Center*: $100 to $249 (Cont’d) Lei Lei Wang Ekvall & Johan Ekvall Todd D. Irby Polenzani Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc. Plate Again For 2004-05 PLC Benefactor ($1,000 and over) Grace E. Emery J. Reuben Clark Law Society Hon. Nancy A. Pollard GIVING STORIES (cont’d) Ashleigh Aitken-Penn Robert J. Feldhake James W. Meeker Susan Baerg Epstein Dimetria A. Jackson Rachel Pontrelli Allen F. Anderson & Jane L. Shade Andra B. Greene Joel S. Miliband Pamela Eustace Pearl Jemison-Smith Thomas J. Prenovost, Jr. Buchalter Nemer Fields & Younger Annual Fund Drive Donald E. Bradley Andrew & Loreen Guilford Gary M. Pohlson Patricia S. Evans John & Nancy Kendrick Lary A. Rappaport Joseph L. Chairez Timothy Hoban & Supriya Kakkar Bradley N. Schweitzer Cathie L. Fields Hon. John W. Kennedy, Jr. (Ret.) Michael D. Rubin has once again come through with extraordinary This year’s Annual Fund Drive proved to be Crowell & Moring LLP Carl C. Holmes & Eleanor A. Stegmeyer James C. Sturdevant Fieldstone Foundation Hon. Richard M. King Hon. John J. Ryan (Ret.) support for PLC’s Community Organizations Legal Rick & Kathy Derevan Mimi Justice Robert S. Wolfe (In honor of Michael Monaco) Robert & Kristianne Knudsen Hon. William F. Rylaarsdam PLC’s most successful ever. PLC received nearly Hon. Lee Edmon & Richard Burdge Phil & Patti Kohn Zeughauser Group LLC Hon. Francisco F. Firmat Hon. Ruth Kwan Hon. Loretta Sanchez Assistance Project (COLAP). For the second year $57,500 from 228 donors, reflecting a significant Randall L. Erickson Latham & Watkins LLP Betsy & Steve Forbath Hon. Wendy S. Lindley Ronald B. Schwartz in a row, the firm has provided PLC with a Michael G. Ermer Julie M. McCoy Joseph W. Forbath Hon. Charles Margines Hon. James V. Selna increase in the amount given (33%) and number Hon. Richard Fybel & Susan Fybel Hon. James P. Marion Garvin F. Shallenberger $25,000 grant to provide the required matching of donors (20%), over the prior year. PLC was for- Norma V. Garcia Fran Spears Marshall Marty Trujillo funds for the federal AmeriCorps grant brought to PLC Partner ($750 to $999) Hon. John Gastelum Marilyn Martin-Culver Hon. Josephine S. Tucker tunate to have longstanding supporters renew, and Michael Giannini Hon. Veronica S. McBeth Thomas B. Walper PLC through the efforts of Equal Justice many upgrade, their Annual Fund gift. We were Darren & Laurie Aitken Peter M. Gilhuly Teresa A. McQueen Karen E. Walter Works in Washington DC. Thanks to Debra Deborah E. Arbabi Michael G. Glover Ann L. Melfi William F. Wenke pleased also to have new friends join our donor Orange County Women Lawyers Association Hon. Frederick P. Horn & Hon. Carolyn Kirkwood Vickie Mortensen Keith D. Wisbaum Healy and Suzanne Burke of the firm’s Orange base. Hon. Richard G. Vogel Richard & Halli Heston Hon. Frances Munoz (Ret.) Adina L. Witzling County office for their work in ensuring this criti- Michael R. Williams & Suzanne Blau Robert R. Holmen Hon. Kirk Nakamura Hon. John Woolley (Ret.) & Hon. Eleanor Palk The scope and breadth of PLC’s services would Dean J. Zipser Michael T. Hornak Daniel & Marie Nassie (In Memory of Charles Garrity) cal support for our business law efforts on behalf John B. Hurlbut, Jr. R. Thomas Peterson John K. York of Orange County’s non-profit community. not be possible without the continued generosity of Hon. Raymond J. Ikola Thomas D. Phelps Alan Young, D.M.D. our supporters. The PLC Annual Fund is a much- PLC Patron ($500 to $749) Last October, the chapter needed source of funding for our efforts to provide Larry C. Boyd Roger A. Grable Orange County Law Auxiliary Fabio & Rita Cabezas Alan J. Friedman Thomas A. Pistone Due to space limitations, we can only list those donors who gave $100 or more. Our heartfelt thanks to of the Association of Corporate Counsel access to justice for Orange County’s low-income Rose T. Codini, M.D. Nicola T. Hanna Marcus S. Quintanilla those who gave less. America held its annual Corporate Counsel residents. Thanks to all our donors. We greatly Robert J. Cohen Judicate West G. Christian Roux Edmond M. Connor Jennifer L. Keller Holly Williams *This listing includes our Annual Fund Drive Supporters from 3/18/04 to 3/31/05, as well as other individual sup- Charity Golf Tournament at SeaCliff Country Club value your partnership in advancing our mission. Judi A. Curtin John Kendrick, Ben Jackson & Jane Kearl Brett J. Williamson in Huntington Beach. The tournament resulted in Roman E. Darmer II Jennifer J. King John P. Yasuda porters who contributed to PLC during that period. It does not include supporters of PLC’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Forget to send in your Annual Fund gift? It’s Shannon G. Dwyer Renee Leskiw Dinner, who were recognized in our Fall 2004 Newsletter, or sponsors of the Judge Jameson Retirement Dinner, who a $20,000 donation to PLC – ACCA’s largest not too late, and it’s easy. You can send a check to are recognized elsewhere in this newsletter. We apologize for any errors or omissions in our listing. donation ever to PLC and over double its contri- PLC’s office, or go to our website at www. Amicus Board ($250 to $499) bution from last year! Our thanks to tournament publiclawcenter.org and use your credit card. Your Anna Amarandos Tom & Mary Gordon Carole E. Reagan chair, Harry Field of Boeing, the rest of the tour- William Amsbary Alan A. Greenberg Steven P. Rice nament committee and chapter Executive gift to PLC always makes an important difference. Martin W. Anderson Matthew A. Hodel Nancy P. Richmond Kenneth W. Babcock Melinda Hoyt Thomas M. Riordan Director Sandy Lee for all their hard work in mak- Ralph & Judy Blakeney Cindy R. Hughes & Paul A. Scmidhauser Ira G. Rivin ing this year’s event such a tremendous success. James G. Bohm M. Katherine Jenson Nan Sanders Tara Brewer Debra Kegel & Hon. Ron Klar Daniel Sasse Judge Jameson Retirement Roast Helps Support PLC PLC is extremely grateful for ACCA’s continued Joseph P. Busch Lance A. La Belle Hall Seely support. And we look forward to this year’s tour- GIVING STORIES Karen J. Calkins Lydia S. Levin & Joel Kuperberg John B. Sganga, Jr. n Friday January 14, approximately 450 Thanks particularly to the many table sponsors: Carolyn Carter Hon. Kazuharu Makino & Cheri Violette Jeffrey W. Shields nament – which will be on Monday, October 10, well wishers paid tribute to retired Event Sponsor – Judicate West; Gold Sponsor – Hon. Marjorie Laird Carter Aaron & Debbie Malo Hon. Elaine Streger 2005 at the new Trump National Golf Club in Our thanks to the Orange County Bar Arturo M. Cisneros Pearl G. Mann Mary Pat Toups Orange County Superior Court Judge C. Callahan & Blaine; Silver Sponsor – Day, Day & Association for its continued strong support of Scott B. Cooper Robin Meadow & Susan North Eric V. Traut Robert Jameson. The dinner was one of Brown / Jones Day / O'Melveny & Myers / Palos Verdes. Gary & Mary Lou Des Rochers Jeffrey C. Metzger (In honor of Connie Mulhall) O the larger retirement dinners for a local judge in Robinson, Calcagnie & Robinson / The Williams PLC. The OCBA Lawyer Referral & Hon. Kim Dunning & Steven Dunning Hon. Franz Miller & Shannon Miller Vikki L. Vander Woude McDermott, Will & Emory made a num- Steven J. Dzida Randy & Anne Moore Nhan T. Vu recent memory – a testament to Judge Jameson’s 20 Law Firm; Bronze Sponsor – Aitken, Aitken & Cohn Information Service has provided a donation Kathy Esfahani Marsha J. Moutrie Gary A. Waldron year career on the bench. / Baker & Hostetler / Barbaro & Valentine / Bonne, ber of year end contributions to public interest of $95,000 to assist us in our efforts to provide Michael S. Fields Jon R. Mower Washington Mutual Matching Gift Program But this roast was different than most such fetes. Bridges, Mueller, O'Keefe & Nichols / Celtic Bar organizations around the country to support legal Don & Eileen Ford Crystal S. Needham Peter Wilson A number of local lawyers, led by Joe Chairez of Association / Chapman University School of Law / access to justice for low-income Orange county res- John & Janet Fossum Anne B. Nutt Scott Wylie services benefiting children. The Public Law Baker & Hostetler and Dan Callahan of Callahan & Cohelan & Khoury / Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher / idents. And the OCBA Charitable Fund recent- Donna & Ned Fouste Sean O’Connor Michael G. Yoder Center was one of those groups, receiving a Paul Gale Patrick O’Keefe, Jr. Meryl L. Young Blaine, organized the event so that it would raise Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County / Law ly provided PLC with a $21,000 grant to further Roy Geiger Robert E. Palmer Richard W. Zevnik money for charity. And Judge Jameson made clear Offices of Michelle A. Reinglass / Morrison & $10,000 donation. Thanks to Dan Foster of the our efforts to recruit, train and mentor volunteer Martha K. Gooding R. Steven Peters that if there were any net proceeds they would go to Foerster / Prenovost, Normandin, Bergh & Dawe / firm’s Orange County office for helping to ensure Todd & Anne Gordinier Merle & Leslie Rabine lawyers who provide much needed pro bono legal PLC. Due to the generosity of those who came to Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton / Wells this important support came PLC’s way. services to PLC’s low-income clients. We’re espe- pay tribute to Judge Jameson, PLC received approx- Fargo Bank / Whittier Law School. Thanks also to imately $18,000 to help provide access to justice for the members of the Banyard Inn of Court (whose $100 to $249 cially grateful for the efforts of LRIS Committee low-income Orange County residents. Judge tribute to Judge Jameson was inadvertently omitted Chair Catherine Castaldi, Charitable Fund Chair Kim Anonymous Stefan Blasig Amin David Jameson and all the roasters and revelers in atten- from the program materials). Hon. Margaret R. Anderson Hon. Thomas J. Borris Jack H. Davidson Hubbard, Executive Director Donna Fouste and the Donna Bader Donald P. Breese Brian J. Donovan dance made the evening a truly memorable one for rest of the OCBA staff. Donna R. Bashaw James H. Broderick, Jr. Trudy I. Dunlap the Judge – and for PLC. Hon. William W. Bedsworth Rob & Malinda Bryant Maya Dunne & John Dombrink Harriet Bemus Patricia Burgoyne Jack M. Earley

6 Pro Bono Matters Pro Bono Matters 7

New Faces at PLC Continued from PG. 3 Director for the National Conference for Community and Justice and for the Prior to that, she was at Break the Cycle, an organization in Santa Monica Long Beach Symphony Association, as President of the Greater that provides young people with preventive education, fee legal services, Zoo Association and as Associate Dean for External Affairs of the UCLA advocacy and support so that their lives can be free of dating and domestic Anderson Graduate School of Management. violence. Julie, who graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law, Eileen McCarthy focuses her efforts on housing litigation and advocacy. hopes to expand PLC’s efforts in protecting the children of Orange County. Prior to joining PLC, Eileen spent 13 years at California Rural Legal Hien Vo joined PLC’s staff after spending several months volunteering Assistance in Oxnard, representing farmworkers and other indigent clients in for PLC. A recent graduate of University of San Diego School of Law who is housing, labor, and environmental health matters. Before that she was at fluent in Vietnamese, she’s now coordinating PLC’s Southeast Asian Legal Legal Services of Northern California, Inland Counties Legal Services, and Outreach Project (SEALOP) and works on telecommunications and human ECHO Housing. Recently, she received the Labor Leadership Award from El trafficking matters. Hien’s previous experience includes working at Concilio del Condado de Ventura for improving the quality of life in Ventura Voluntary Legal Services of Northern California and clerking for an interna- County for the Latino community. tional law firm in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Julie McCormick is PLC’s new family law attorney. Most recently, Julie was a partner at the family law firm Chandler & McCormick in Placentia. CALENDAR Sunday, June 5, 2005 Sunday, June 12, 2005 19th Annual AIDS Walk Orange County PLC’s Day at the Races An event of the AIDS Services Foundation to benefit PLC and several other Join PLC for our second annual Day at the Races at Hollywood Park! agencies. U.C. Irvine, Administration Loop and the Chancellor’s Rose Garden. Enjoy a gourmet buffet and private wagering windows from an exclusive Registration at 7:30 a.m. Run begins at 9:00 a.m. and walk begins at 9:30 room at the Turf Club, and a chance to view a race from the winner’s circle. a.m. For more information, please contact Liz Pejeau at (714) 541-1010 Transportation to and from the racetrack available. For more information, ext. 273 or log on to www.aidswalk.org/oc. contact Fran Spears-Marshall at (714) 541-1010 ext. 277 or [email protected]. Wednesday, June 8, 2005 Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL) Thursday, July 21, 2005 Annual Wine Tasting & Dinner PLC’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner Speaker: Justice William Bedsworth. Westin , Costa Celebrating the work of PLC and its volunteers. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Mesa. Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. Dinner and program begins at 7 p.m. For Irvine. Cocktails and registration at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and program begins more information, please contact Becky Cien, ABTL, at (323) 939-1999 or at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Fran Spears-Marshall at (714) [email protected]. 541-1010 ext. 277 or [email protected].

Non-Profit Organization Public Law Center U.S. POSTAGE 601 Civic Center Drive West • Santa Ana, CA 92701-4002

Santa Ana, CA Address Service Requested PERMIT NO. 1776