May 28, 2025 Dinner Meeting, Awards Presentation and Team Presentation
At the May 28, 2025 Dinner Meeting, President of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (“Deegan Inn”), Hon. Joshlyn Pulliam, welcomed all new and returning members to the Inn. The meeting was held at our usual location at Loft 84, conveniently located in Downtown Riverside.
Judge Pulliam reminded Inn members that Board elections were ongoing and there were two candidates for the single Board position.. Ballots were on the tables and must be returned to the ballot box at the entrance in order to be tabulated and the winner announced by the end of tonight’s meeting.
The Hon. Joseph Campbell Inn of Court has extended an invitation to all Deegan Inn members to attend their annual “State of the Courts” meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, featuring Hon. Manuel Ramirez, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Two, Hon. Lisa M. Rogan, Presiding Judge of the San Bernardino County Superior Court, and Hon. Dean Benjamini, Assistant Presiding Judge of the Riverside Superior Court. The meeting will be held at the Redlands American Legion Post 105 and the cost is $60. Please RSVP to JGregory@sbcda.org by June 3, 2025.
Judge Pulliam announced that the Deegan Inn was awarded Platinum Status in Achieving Excellence of the American Inn of Court. Staff from the American Inn of Court enjoy reading the website and blog maintained by Emeritus Member, L. Alexandra Fong and Judge Pulliam thanked Ms. Fong for her excellent work on the website and blog.
Board Member Goushia Farook announced the winner of The Biddle Book Award, Alejandro “Alex” Barraza, who is in his first year as a member of the Deegan Inn.
Biddle Book Award Winner for the 2024-2025 Program Year, Alejandro “Alex” Barraza, poses with his book “How to Argue and Win Every Time” by renowned plaintiff’s attorney Gerry Spence, with Chris Heikaus Weaver.
Alejandro “Alex” Barraza, 2024-2025 Program Year.Biddle Book Award Recipient
Board Member Jeremy Roark announced the winner of The Terry D. Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award, Erik Bradford of Hanson, Bradford & Hanich.
Erik Bradford, 2024-2025 Program Year Recipient of The Terry D. Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award
Judge Pulliam announced the winner of The Leo A. Deegan Outstanding Jurist Award, Hon. Bernard “Bernie” Schwartz, who retires effective May 30, 2025. Judge Schwartz is a Past-President of The Deegan Inn.
Hon. Bernard “Bernie” Schwartz, 2024-2025 Program Year Recipient of The Leo A. Deegan Outstanding Jurist Award
Judge Pulliam recognized a Deegan Inn member for his invaluable contributions to the Inn by way of providing A/V equipment and assistance to all Inn members, regardless of the team. Congratulations Bryan Owens Sahagun.
Special Recognition Award Recipient, Bryan Owens Sahagun
After the awards were presented, the Community Service Team began its presentation.. The members of the Community Service Team are: Hon. Sophia Choi (Judicial Master), Michael Gouveia (Attorney Master), Elizabeth Lord (Attorney Master), Jeremy Roark (Attorney Master), Erica Alfaro (Barrister), Summer Devore (Barrister), Jordan Ray (Barrister), Claire Hurst (Associate), and John Pomeroy (Associate).
Guest speaker, Master Sergeant and recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in war, David Lind spoke about his life, his injuries, and Semper Fi & America’s Fund. Semper Fi & America’s Fund cares for our Nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, we provide one-on-one case management, connection, and lifetime support. Today. Tomorrow. Together.
Guest Speaker, Master Sergeant David Lind
Deegan Inn members were invited to write down their names and favorite charity on a piece of paper so that a winner could be drawn. The winner’s charity would receive a donation from the Community Service Taam.
Judge Pulliam announced the winner of the open Board position, Danielle Linker. Congratulations Danielle! In a stroke of luck, Danielle’s name and her charity, The Alzheimer’s Foundation, were drawn as the winners of the Community Service Team’s donation.
As a reminder, membership applications are due for all returning members. Admission into the Deegan Inn in one program year does not guarantee admission in the next program year.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Deegan Inn members were invited to score the presentation from a ranking of 1 (worst) to 5 (best). The team and winning presentation will be announced at the September 2025 Orientation Meeting.