May 24, 2022 Chambers Chat

On May 24, 2022, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (“Deegan Inn”) held a Criminal Law Chambers Chat. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Chambers Chat was held virtually.

Guests for the Chambers Chat included judicial officers from Riverside Superior Court: Assistant Presiding Judge, the Hon. Judith Clark, Hon. Mark Singerton, Hon. Valerie Navarro, Hon. Russell “Rusty” Moore and Hon. Eric Isaac (Commissioner). Hon. Randall Stamen, a Judicial Master and Board Member of the Deegan Inn, moderated the discussion.

The judges spoke about their assignments in each of the divisions of Riverside Superior Court, from the Hall of Justice in Downtown Riverside, Southwest Justice Center (Murrieta), Banning Justice Center, Larson Justice Center (Indio) and Blythe. Requests for continuances, brought at the 11th hour, were also discussed.

April 27, 2022 Dinner Meeting and Team Presentation

President Abram “Abe” Feuerstein began the meeting by welcoming all Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (Deegan Inn) members to the meeting, which was held indoors at the Canyon Crest Country Club in Riverside, CA. All members are welcome to attend in person or virtually.

Candidates for Riverside Superior Court were invited as special guests of the Deegan Inn. Joshlynn Pulliam introduced them to the Deegan Inn. Present for the meeting were (in alphabetical order): Amy Barajas, Laura Garcia, Eric Isaac, Jay Kiel, Kristi Kirk, Natalie Lough, Franciso Navarro, Jason Stone, Richard Swanson, and Christopher Whelton. Newly appointed judge, the Hon. Valerie Navarro, was also present at the meeting.

Abe reminded the Inn members that the Deegan Inn was celebrating its 30th Anniversary this month. Hon. Sharon Waters (Ret) and Jim Heiting, two founding members of the Deegan Inn, provided their fond memories of the early days of the Deegan Inn.

Sharon Waters, Co-Founder of the Deegan Inn and President from 1992-1994.

James “Jim” Otto Heiting, Jr., Co-Founder of the Deegan Inn

Diana Renteria, Team Leader of Team Ricky Fowler, the Deegan Inn’s Community Service Team for the 2021-2022 Program Year, discussed the Ruck Challenge 10K, which will be held on May 21, 2022 at Fairmount Park in Riverside, California. Additional information can be found here.

L. Alexandra Fong, Team Leader of Team Jackie Robinson and Chair of the Project Graduate Steering Committee of Riverside County Bar Foundation, Inc. discussed Project Graduate’s upcoming fundraiser, which will be held on May 12, 2022 at Riverside Community Players Theatre, located at 4026 14th Street, Riverside, California. There are limited tickets available to the social ($40) and social + theatre performance (combo ticket is $50). There are more tickets available for the theatrical performance ($20). Additional information can be found here and here.

Hon. Sharon Waters and Jim Heiting were invited to blow out the candles (with a fan) on the two cakes created for the 30th Anniversary of the Deegan Inn. Past Deegan Inn Presidents L. Alexandra Fong, Hon. Eric Keen, Sophia Choi and current President Abe Feuerstein joined them.

Happy 30th Anniversary to the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court

Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court celebrates 30 years!

Are you ready to blow out some candles?

Get ready to blow out the candles (with a fan!)

Team Kawhi Leonard presented on “Sports and the Law: 5 Points Podcast.” Team Kawhi Leonard consists of Judicial Master Hon. Jennifer Gerard, Attorney Master Jeb Brown, Attorney Master Angela Viramontes, Barrister Matthew Kraus, Barrister Dani Mouri, Barrister Joshlynn Pulliam, Associate Maryann Briseno, Associate Michelanne Hrubic, and Associate Kiki Manti Engel.

The presentation, which was done via video, began with a biography of the team’s namesake, provided by Jennifer. Two team members interviewed MeidasTouch founder and civil rights lawyer, Ben Meiselas, who is a co-host of the podcast “Legal AF.” They discussed many interesting topics related to athletes around the world.

At the conclusion of the presentation, 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 2022 Orientation Meeting.

Meet the Candidates for Riverside County Superior Court Judge

The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Board of Directors has invited the candidates for Riverside County Superior Court Judges to attend the April 27, 2022 meeting. We anticipate seven (7) candidates attending the presentation.

Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Picture Credit to Vectreezy

On April 3, 1992, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (“Deegan Inn”) was issued Organizational Charter No. 166 by the American Inns of Court. The Deegan Inn became the second Inn from the Inland Empire chartered by the American Inns of Court and the first in Riverside County.

As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Deegan Inn, the Board of Directors of the Deegan Inn wish to thank all of its members, past and present, for the success of our Inn.

Team Jackie Robinson presents "Sports and the Law: Representing the Professional Athlete"

On Wednesday, March 23, 2022, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (“Deegan Inn”) held its monthly meeting. Due to the ongoing threat of COVID and its different strains, the Board of Directors for the Deegan Inn decided to hold the meeting virtually, via Zoom, and all Inn members were provided the details to log-in.

The meeting began with announcements by Abram Feuerstein, President of the Deegan Inn. Abe thanked the Inn members for being present via Zoom and introduced himself to guests during this night’s “Open House” for prospective members. He informed the members that April’s meeting will be held live at the Canyon Crest Country Club in Riverside, California.

L. Alexandra Fong, former President of the Deegan Inn (2018-2019) reminded attendees of the May 12, 2022 fundraiser for Project Graduate, “All Aboard the Orient Express.” The event will be held at the Riverside Community Players Theatre, located at 4026 14th Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Additional details were provided as well as a copy of the flyer requesting patronages and silent auction items.

Ms. Fong also announced that tickets for the “All Aboard the Orient Express” social were also available for sale and provided a copy of the flyer.

Ms. Fong also discussed the importance of Project Graduate to the community. Project Graduate is a collaboration between Riverside County Bar Association (RCBA) via its charitable foundation Riverside County Bar Foundation, Inc. (“Foundation”), Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), and the Riverside Superior Court (“Court.”)

RCBA provides and trains members to become educational representatives of foster youth (serviced by DPSS) who are struggling in high school. Each month, the Court holds an educational calendar to meet with the Project Graduate participants and their educational calendars to review their status in school and see what the foster students need in order to graduate from high school with a plan for a successful future. Incentives are provided to the students when they improve their grades, participate in extracurricular activities, etc. Such incentives are made possible by the fundraisers held by the Foundation and the donations of its members.

After additional announcements were made, the presentation began.

Attorney Master L. Alexandra Fong, leader of Team Jackie Robinson, reminded each audience member to take out their gift boxes, containing peanuts and Cracker Jack. Ms. Fong introduced each of the team members. Team Jackie Robinson consists of Attorney Master L. Alexandra Fong, Attorney Master Richard Majchrzak, Attorney Master Mary Reyna, Barrister Jean-Simon Serrano, Barrister Gabriel White, Barrister Keith Fredric Willis, Associate Erica Alfaro and Associate Dawn Saenz. Each team member provided an interesting fact about themselves, relating to sports. Each team member wore a Dodgers baseball jersey or shirt embroidered with the number “42” and Jackie Robinson’s name on the back and had a black and white photograph of Ebbets Field in New York as their Zoom background.

A short intermission occurred, at which time “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” performed by Carly Simon was played. Footage from a Dodgers vs. Braves baseball game was shown.

Gabriel provided a riveting biography of Jackie Robinson, set against footage of Jackie Robinson throughout the years.

Alexandra introduced a panelist of speakers: former professional athlete and current Deegan Inn member Aaron Chandler, Motocross sports agent and attorney Steve Aldaco, and California Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2018) Stan Morrison. Aaron and Steve were present “live” via Zoom, while Stan’s interview was pre-taped.

Erica provided an interesting biography of Aaron Chandler, accompanied by photos of Aaron in his professional soccer (football in Europe) days. Aaron answered questions from Alexandra, Richard, and the audience of Inn Members and guests. The questions included, but are not limited to, the reasons for Aaron choice of agent in the U.S., why he changed agents when he played in Europe, what services his agent provided, and the reasons he gave up playing professional soccer.

Photograph courtesy of University of San Francisco, circa 2004.

Jean provided a fascinating biography of Steve Aldaco and his sports management agency, Aldaco Management Group, based in Temecula, California. Steve answered questions from Keith, Erica, and the audience. The questions included, but were not limited to, who Steve represented, how he helped his clients, what services he provided to his clients, and ethical considerations relating to poaching clients.

Steve Aldaco, Esq.

Mary provided a gripping biography of Stan Morrison. Stan was interviewed by Dawn and this segment of the presentation was pre-taped due to Stan’s unavailability to attend in person.

Stan Morrison, picture credit to La Sierra University

The presentation concluded with a video of Vin Scully, the voice of Dodgers baseball, explaining why the number “42” was important.

Before the night was over, Dawn drew a winner of this Jackie Robinson trading card.

Jackie Robinson Trading card donated by Dawn Saenz, Esq.

Congratulations to Kelly Moran for winning the trading card!

Video of the presentation Sports and the Law: Representing the Professional Athlete

Team members are invited to send Executive Administrator Sherri Gomez their vote (1 to 5) for the presentation. The winning team for Best Team Presentation will be announced at the September 2022 Orientation.

March 10, 2022 Appellate Law Chambers Chat

On March 10, 2022, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (“Deegan Inn”) held an Appellate Law Chambers Chat. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Chambers Chat was held virtually.

Guests included Associate Justice Richard T. Fields and Associate Justice Michael Raphael, both of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Two. Justice Fields is a former president of the Deegan Inn (2000-2002).

Associate Justices Fields and Raphael were joined by Jordan Ray, a senior appellate attorney working for Associate Justice Marsha Slough, of the same court, and Gabriel White, a Deegan Inn Board member and a senior appellate attorney in Justice Raphael’s chambers.

Mr. White facilitated the discussion and moderated questions from Deegan Inn members. Topics covered included a peek behind the curtain at how the Court of Appeal works, as well as various suggestions and best practices for attorneys who before the Court of Appeal, or who have cases that might come up on appeal.

March 23, 2022 Inn Meeting will be held virtually via Zoom

The Board has made the decision to hold our March 23 meeting virtually. The presenting team feels it would be most prudent at this time, given the ongoing threat of COVID and its different strains.

You will soon receive a Zoom link to the meeting and will be asked to RSVP your participation. As you log-in, you will be asked for your State Bar number and this sign-in sheet will be used to disseminate the CLE certificates.

Please RSVP to Administrator Sherri Gomez at SherriGomez4@gmail.com.

Appellate Law Chambers Chat Scheduled for March 10, 2022

The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court is pleased to announce our upcoming Appellate Law Chambers Chat on March 10. Joining us will be Associate Justice Richard T. Fields and Associate Justice Michael J. Raphael, of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Two.

Mark your calendars now for this informative Chat and plan to join us on March 10. This will be a virtual event and Zoom log-in information will follow.

Civil Law Chambers Chat Scheduled for February 24, 2022

Inn members are invited to participate virtually in our second Chambers Chat, scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Hon. Irma Asberry will host and be joined by Hons. Harold Hopp. Dan Ottolia, Chad Firetag, Carol Greene and O.G. Magno.

This is a benefit of your Inn membership and is not open to non-members. We will invite other members of the Inland Empires Inns of Court (Hon. Joseph Campbell, Richard Roemer-Warren Slaughter [Desert] and Southwest) to join as well.

Even if you do not practice civil law, you will learn a great deal and this is an opportunity to interface with judges and your fellow Inn Members.

Please RSVP your participation to Sherri Gomez at SherriGomez4@gmail.com.

Project Graduate Seeks Patrons for Silent Auction and Fundraiser "All Aboard the Orient Express"

Project Graduate, a program of Riverside County Bar Foundation, Inc., is seeking patrons for its silent auction and fundraiser “All Aboard the Orient Express.” The fundraiser will be held at the outdoor patio of Riverside Community Players Theatre, located conveniently in Downtown Riverside at 4026 14th St, Riverside, CA 92501.

Project Graduate helps foster youth graduate from high school with a path to a successful future. Attorney Master and Past President L. Alexandra Fong chairs the Steering Committee for Project Graduate.

Project Graduate is hoping to raise $20,000 to support foster youth on their quest to complete high school.

Please contact Ms. Fong via Facebook here.

Team Jim Thorpe presents "Pay for Play, Name Image and Likeness/Title IX"

On Wednesday, January 26, 2022, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (“Deegan Inn”) held its monthly meeting. Due to the rising numbers of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Board of Directors for the Deegan Inn decided to hold the meeting virtually, via Zoom, and all Inn members were provided the details to log-in.

Team Jim Thorpe presented their MCLE on “Pay for Play, Name Image and Likeness/Title IX.” Team Jim Thorpe is comprised of Hon. Eric Keen (Judicial Master), Stefanie Field (Attorney Master), Wendy Seto (Attorney Master), Sophia Choi (Barrister), Chris Heikaus Weaver (Barrister), Mona Nemat (Barrister), Jeremy Roark (Associate), and Luisa Tamez (Associate).

The presentation began with a biography of the team namesake. Jim Thorpe was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, he was the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States in the Olympics. He won gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics in the decathlon and pentathlon events. He was stripped of his medal after it was found that he played (and was paid for) semi-professional baseball prior to the Olympics. In 1983, the International Olympics Committee restored his Olympic medals and he was named co-champion in the decathlon and pentathlon events.

The team presentation consisted of sports channel reporting as ESPiNN. Two team members were anchors of the telecast, with other team members serving as reporters and/or athletes. The audience learned about Title IX, the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA), and SCOTUS case (2021) where the Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision that ended the NCAA’s nationwide limits on education-related benefits athletes can receive for playing collegiate sports.

After the presentation concluded, Inn President Abram Feuerstein informed the members that February’s joint Inn meeting was canceled due to COVID-19.

Team members are invited to send Executive Administrator Sherri Gomez their vote (1 to 5) for the presentation. The winning team for Best Team Presentation will be announced in September 2022.

Terry D. Bridges Reminisces about the founding of The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court

On October 29, 2021, Emeritus Member Terry D. Bridges spoke about the founding of The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court. The video can be viewed below.

This video was made possible with the generous contributions of L. Alexandra Fong, Diane Mar Wiesmann, Abram S. Feuerstein, Thompson & Colegate, and The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.

Family Law Chambers Chat Scheduled for January 27, 2022

Inn members are invited to participate (also virtually) in our first Chambers Chat, scheduled for Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Judge Jennifer Gerard will host and the topic will be "Family Law."

This is a benefit of your Inn membership and is not open to non-members.

Other distinguished judges will also join in the conversation. Even if you do not practice family law, you will learn a great deal and this is an opportunity to interface with judges and your fellow Inn Members.

Please RSVP your participation to Sherri Gomez at SherriGomez4@gmail.com.

Terry D. Bridges Speaks About Leo A. Deegan

On October 29, 2021, Emeritus Member Terry D. Bridges spoke about the Honorable Leo A. Deegan. The video can be viewed below.

This video was made possible with the generous contributions of L. Alexandra Fong, Diane Mar Wiesmann, Abram S. Feuerstein, Thompson & Colegate, and The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.

January 26, 2022 Meeting will be held via Zoom

Given the current spike of the Omicron variant and its serious contagious nature, the Board has decided to hold our January 26th presentation meeting via Zoom. As much as we wanted to be in-person to kick-off the new year, the Board felt it was in the best health interest of everyone involved to go virtual.

We also discussed holding a 'hybrid' combining virtual and in-person, but audio-visual issues continue to be a challenge. Having everyone utilizing the same platform seems to be the most efficient manner.

You will soon receive a Zoom link to the meeting and will be asked to RSVP your participation. As you log-in, you will be asked for your State Bar number and this sign-in sheet will be used to disseminate the CLE certificates.

A Conversation With Terry D. Bridges

On October 29, 2021, the Honorable Randall Stamen, current Board Member and Judge of the Riverside Superior Court, interviewed Emeritus Member Terry D. Bridges, in an effort to preserve the Inn’s history. The video can be viewed below.

This video was made possible with the generous contributions of L. Alexandra Fong, Diane Mar Wiesmann, Abram S. Feuerstein, Thompson & Colegate, and The Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court.

Happy Holidays from the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court

The Board of Directors of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court wishes all of its members, past and current, a very merry holiday season.

Team Ricky Fowler Seeks Shopping Elves for December 13, 2021

If you like spending other people’s money to buy gifts for the needy, this is a great opportunity!

Team Ricky Fowler, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court’s Community Service Team for the 2021-2022 program year, is seeking assistance with shopping for families in Riverside County. They are participating as Shopping Elves for Riverside County Bar Foundation’s Elves Program.

Shopping takes place on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Walmart located at 6250 Valley Springs Parkway, Riverside, CA 92507, beginning at 5 p.m. Please contact Ann Gherity at agherity@bpearcylaw.com to sign up! You may also contact Riverside County Bar Foundation at rcba@riversidecountybar.com

December 1, 2021 Dinner Meeting and MCLE Presentation

Happy Holidays!

President Abram “Abe” Feuerstein began the meeting by welcoming all Inn members to the meeting, which was held indoors at the Canyon Crest Country Club in Riverside, CA.  All members are welcome to attend in person or virtually.  If the meeting cannot be held outdoors, Inn members may choose to leave the meeting.  Unfortunately, due to restrictions with the club, the Inn doesn’t find out where we will be seated until the day of the meeting.

IN MEMORIAM: ARTHUR L. LITTLEWORTH (1923-2021)

This photograph of Arthur L. Littleworth is on display at Riverside County Bar Association.

Former Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court member (Attorney Master) Jack B. Clarke, Jr., a partner at Best Best & Krieger, LLP in Riverside, California, spoke fondly of late attorney Arthur L. Littleworth, Esq. in late October 2021 and the video was shown to Inn members.

President Feuerstein announced that the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court had achieved Platinum Status for the 2020-2021 Program Year. This accomplishment marks the third program year in which the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court achieved this honorable distinction!

President Feuerstein introduced Attorney Master Diana Renteria, team leader of Team Ricky Fowler, the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court’s Community Service Team for the 2021-2022 program year. Ms. Renteria encouraged all Inn members to join in the team’s community service project for December 2021, as a Shopping Elf for Riverside County Bar Foundation’s Elves Program. Shopping Elves will meet at Walmart on 6250 Valley Springs Parkway, Riverside, CA 92507, beginning at 5 p.m. Please contact Ann Gherity at agherity@bpearcylaw.com to sign up!

President Feuerstein introduced Hon. Randall Stamen, team leader of this night’s presenting team, Team Simone Biles.

Hon. Randall Stamen introduced the Team Simone Biles members with each members’ moments of fame, accomplishment and/or “missed moments.” The team’s members are Hon. Randall Stamen, Dwyane Beck, D.W. Duke, Diane Mar Wiesmann, Kamola Gray, Kelly Moran, Erik Oh, and Samantha Pruett.

Team Simone Biles’ presentation was based on “Missed Moments.”  The team discussed forces outside an Olympian’s control preventing Olympians’ from competing in the Olympics.  Specifically, the presentation focused on the United States boycott of the 1980 Olympics and its effect on Olympian wrestler, Mr. Chris Campbell, who was the guest speaker via Zoom.

Wrestler Chris Campbell wins the Olympics Bronze Medal in Freestyle Wrestling in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Dwayne Beck introduced Chris Campbell. Mr. Campbell was the favorite to win a gold medal in wrestling for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team.  His accomplishments as a wrestler were:

• Gold medal at the 1981 World Wrestling Championships;

• Silver medal at the 1990 World Wrestling Championships;

• Four-time world team member, 1977, 1981, 1990, 1991;

• Silver medal at 1991 Pan American Games;

• Three-time All-American and a two-time NCAA champion, winning titles in 1976 & ’77 (University of Iowa);

• Ranked sixth on Iowa’s all-time career winning percentage list (Overall record 122-6-3)

Mr. Campbell won a Bronze medal in Freestyle wrestling at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.  He is the oldest known United States' wrestler to medal in the Olympic Games, at age 37.  However, winning at the 1980 Olympics would have meant an opportunity for Mr. Campbell to become the head coach of his alma mater wrestling team, Iowa State, a wrestling powerhouse.  Having missed his moment at the 1980 Olympics, Mr. Campbell sought out the legal profession as his next career.

Mr. Campbell attended law school at Cornell, class of 1987.  Since then, he has had an illustrious career as an attorney specializing in the areas of sports law, his accomplishments include:

• He is currently Senior Counsel at Tyson & Mendez;

• Successfully representing Olympic athletes in binding arbitration regarding their right to participate under Article IX of the United States Olympic Committee’s Bylaws;

• Successfully litigating eligibility requirements for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes

• 15 years’ experience arbitrating sport related disputes;

• Handling several high-profile doping cases.

• Serving as a Member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with seat in Lausanne, Switzerland.

• Serving on first Ad Hoc Division at 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.

• Serving an Anti-Doping panel member of the American Arbitration Association.

• Chairing an AAA Doping panel.

Mr. Campbell gained recognition for his ongoing commitment to sports by:

• Being awarded a Gold Medal from the United States Congress (highest civilian honor in the United States);

• Becoming a member of the United States Olympic Committee (“USOC”) Board of Directors and Executive Committee from 1992-1996;

• Chairing and Vice Chairing the Athletes’ Advisory Counsel (“AAC”) of the USOC from 1992-1997;

• Being the only African-American that has been a Chair of the AAC; and

• Being an Executive Director of the Olympic Sport of Boxing from 1997-1998.

After a Q&A session with Mr. Campbell, Diane Mar Wiesmann spoke regarding the team’s namesake, Simone Biles. Ms. Biles missed her chance to repeat as Olympic Champion in the Women’s All-Around final due to the “twisties.” The “twisties” are explained in this video:

D.W. Duke presented the lawsuit which arose from the boycott of the 1980 Olympics, DeFrantz v. United States Olympic Committee, 492 F. Supp. 1181 (1980). The lawsuit provides a perfect historical depiction of the United States boycott of the 1980 Olympics and its effects on the Olympians.

At the conclusion of the presentation, 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 2022 Orientation Meeting.

 A copy of the team’s PowerPoint presentation can be downloaded here.

Jack B. Clarke, Jr. remembers Arthur L. Littleworth

On Friday, October 29, 2021, former Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court member (Attorney Master) Jack B. Clarke, Jr., a partner at Best Best & Krieger, LLP in Riverside, California, spoke fondly of late attorney Arthur L. Littleworth, Esq. Mr. Littleworth was a noted attorney and partner at Best Best & Krieger, LLP in Riverside, California.

Mr. Clarke spoke in Department 1 of the Riverside Historic Courthouse, located at 4050 Main Street, Riverside, California.