The Leslie Brodie Report

The latest story published by TLR concerning Ms. Boudlal and Disneyland is a prime example of how the U.S. is torn between freedom of religion and the fear of Islamic radicalism.

On one side, there was Disneyland, a piece of Americana, conducting business in a tolerant nation known for protecting religious minorities.

On the other side, a young woman who dared Disneyland to tolerate her headscarf. A headscarf that many perceive as a sign of suppression of women and a reminder of the tension between the West and Islam.

A conflict was unavoidable, and both the Walt Disney Company and Ms. Boudlal presented valid and persuasive arguments in support of their position.

However, many noticed, and so have we, CAIR's attitude of defiance.

Specifically, this attitude was and is still being demonstrated in CAIR's involvement in the multiple suits it had filed on behalf of young Muslim women against Abercrombie & Fitch.

The suit usually involve a claim that a young and modest Muslim woman, who allegedly wears hijab on a regular basis and who allegedly wished to be employed at an Abercrombie & Fitch store, was not hired because of Abercrombie & Fitch's "look policy."

While we respect a genuine desire to maintain modesty and fully understand the importance of the hijab, we are suspicious of the claims against Abercrombie & Fitch.

One must beg the question as to why a pious and modest Muslim woman would seek employment at Abercrombie & Fitch to begin with. Abercrombie & Fitch, after all, is known for being provocative and less than modest.

One must also keep in mind that TLR is not a fan of Abercrombie & Fitch, a company well known for its practices of hiring predominantly attractive white young individuals; or as was mentioned by the New York Time "models who were overwhelmingly white and who seemed to have stepped off the football field or out of fraternities or sororities."

It used to be the case that conflicts were encouraged to be solved and resolved via market innovations. A course of action now forgotten. Hence, it is a shame that no one at Disney thought of offering the woman one of the many "Disney Scarves" which are sold at Disneyland as a way of accommodating both parties.

http://www.disneystore.com/young-adult-art-of-the-disney-princess-jasmine-scarf-by-disney-couture/p/1268690/314102/

If a modest Muslim woman can be a lifeguard in Australia and a surfer in Italy, a better solution than what we have seen so far can surely be found in the U.S.

(Photos:Courtesy)

A Moroccan born Muslim woman,Imane Boudlal, 26, is fighting the Walt Disney Company for the right to wear a hijab (head scarf) while at work.

Imane Boudlal, "The Constitution tells me I can be Muslim, and I can wear the head scarf, who is Disney to tell me I cannot?" (Photo: Courtesy AP)

Boudlal, who is a hostess at the Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel, said she was sent home seven times without pay because she refused to remove the head scarf.

An employee of the Walt Disney Company for the last two years, Boudlal decided only recently to start wearing the headscarf while at work. After Disney pointed to its dress code and offered her work in the back of the restaurant, Boudlal chose to go home.

Boudlal stated "The Constitution tells me I can be Muslim, and I can wear the head scarf, who is Disney to tell me I cannot?"

At a press conference which took place at Disneyland, Ameena Qazi, deputy executive director and staff attorney for CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) stated "Disney is positioning itself as a company that discriminates, I suggest Walt Disney take a ride on 'It's A Small World,' a ride that celebrates diversity."

Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon and philanthropist. Disney is famous for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. As the co-founder (with his brother Roy O. Disney) of Walt Disney Productions, Disney became one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world. The corporation he co-founded, now known as The Walt Disney Company.(from Wikipidia)

At 21, Chester Robinson, driving a Lamborghini on the streets of Los Angeles had it all. Dealing drugs since the age of 16 was a profitable business.

Feeling a need to reinvent himself, Chester legitimized his business endeavors via the music industry. As the owner of No Exit Records in Los Angeles, Chester became a hip hop mogul.

Moving from the drug dealing scene to the music industry was the third time Chester reinvented himself.

At the age of 12 , the Jamaican born Chester "exchanged his slower-paced life of mango-picking, fresh water fishing, and swimming for an Americanized one filled with stylized clothes, girls, and worries about being cool enough," according his website.

Chester knew he needed to change again, he had to leave the affluent Hollywood scene behind in order to "physically and mentally survive."
At 23, Chester accidentally entered a Jewish bookstore and chatted with a rabbi who introduced him to the Torah. In turn, Chester turned to Orthodox Judaism “as a means to surrender control, accept humility and educate.”

Yoseph Robinson, from Jamaica, to America, to Brooklyn.

According to the his biography, Chester Robinson moved to Brooklyn and immersed himself in Jewish life. “I came from the craziest past,” he said in one video. “Who was to tell that a kid who came from Jamaica, to America, to Brooklyn, hood, hustle, dribble, whatever you want to term it, ended up praying three times a day" stated the man now known as Yoseph Robinson.

Joane Tomas, a friend of Yoseph, would look at him and say, "Yoseph, how can you be black and be Jewish?" Yoseph would look at her smile and say, " It's not about color, it's about faith"

Gail Levi, 40, recently heard him speak to a group of about 50 at a synagogue in Long Beach stated to the NY Daily News: "He was a gangster with all the money, women and drugs that power could buy," Levi said. "But he realized it was empty and wanted to change."

Yoseph's journey ended yesterday when he was trying to protect his girlfriend, Lahavah Wallace, from an armed robber who tried to grab jewelry off of her . Yoseph went to her defense, and the gunman opened fire.

"He was loved not only by the Jewish community," Robinson's brother-in-law, Shawn Walters, said. "He was loved by everyone he met. He was an inspiration for everybody."

Shais Rison, another close friend of Yoseph, who blogs under the name MaNishtana, received the news while he was on the train "I was hoping it was the worst practical joke in the world," he said when he was told about the news. "I didn’t believe it. We lost one of our brightest lights last night."

Yoseph Robinson (1976-2010)

August 20, 2010

COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE
455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14400
San Francisco, California 94102

RE: Ethics Complaint Against Chief Justice Ronald George for Attending a Bondage Party with Sexually Explicit Materials

INTRODUCTION AND NOTICE OF COMPLAINT:

Please register a formal ethics complaint against the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Mr. Ronald George, for misconduct relating to his attendance at a bondage party which included displays of sexually explicit materials including, but not limited to, a semi-nude women dancing in a shower as entertainment. By attending this event, Chief Justice Ronald George demonstrated a demeaning, offensive, and disdainful attitude toward women, something which is wholly unbecoming of a Chief Justice of a state supreme court.

Although the Chief Justice's misconduct took place outside the Court and involved an extra-judicial activity, it is well established that judges – particularly the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court – are the subject of constant public scrutiny, and must at all times act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary. Judges must therefore often accept restrictions on their conduct that might be viewed as burdensome by ordinary citizens, and must conduct their everyday affairs in a manner beyond reproach. Off-the-bench conduct that is inconsistent with proper judicial demeanor undermines public confidence in the judiciary and, as such, constitutes misconduct.

By analogy, and as reported by the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Alex Kozinski (Chief Justice Ronald George's Beverly Hills neighbor and Chief Judge of the nation's largest federal judicial circuit) was recently admonished for possessing satirical photographs with sexual overtones on his home computer to which the public had access.

I. SUMMARY OF FACTS

Ronald Marc George serves as the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court. In addition, in his role as Chief Justice he also serves as Chair of the California Judicial Council. Ronald George also served as Chair of the Advisory Committee to Implement the Gender Fairness Proposals (1991-94) and of the Subcommittee on Gender Bias in the Courts (1991-94).

The San Francisco Chronicle, a leading newspaper, reported that in or about June 2010, Chief Justice Ronald George attended a party in the "SOMA” neighborhood of San Francisco. The party took place in a building which was once the home of "Mr. S Leather,” a leather, latex, and bondage toy shop. The party was organized by interior designer Ken Fulk and his partner, Kurt Wootton.

The San Francisco Chronicle further reported that the party had all the ingredients of a perfect 1990s bondage club party, including:

· Men standing out front to greet guests clad in leather vests and pants, bare chests, and top hats;
· Bustier-clad women with thigh-high leather boots and riding crops sitting saucily on sofas; and
· Entertainment by a drag-queen, Fauxnique.

Shockingly, SFLUXE (another publication reporting on the event) provided proof in the form of a photograph that a seminude woman danced in the shower during the party. Apparently, different performers danced in the shower throughout the night.

The photos can be viewed at http://lesliebrodie.blog.co.uk/

II. ANALYSIS

It is requested that the Chief Justice be disciplined by the California Commission on Judicial Performance. While his actions were outside the scope of his performance of official duties, they nevertheless had a prejudicial effect on the administration of the business of the courts, including a substantial and widespread lowering of public confidence in the judiciary.

Simply put, a Chief Justice should not attend a party, be it in liberal San Francisco or conservative Orange County, where the program include "bustier-clad women with thigh-high leather boots and riding crops sitting saucily on sofas," and semi-naked women dance in the shower. Such conduct is sexist, demeaning, and otherwise objectifies women; by attending this event, the Chief Justice appears to condone this message.

In addition to Chief Justice George's disdainful and demeaning attitudes toward women, George's conduct in exhibiting poor judgment with respect to this matter also created a public controversy and resulted in embarrassment to the entire California judiciary.

Accordingly, the Commission should discipline Chief Justice George for his misconduct.

As Mr. Ronald George, the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, continues with his descent, it is now safe to conclude that the man, unfortunately, has lost his way.

Men clad in leather vests and pants, bare chests and top hats standing out front to greet guests (Photo Credit: Drew Altizer/SFGATE)

SFUNZIPPED, a San Francisco based fashion magazine, reported that the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Mr. Ronald George, had attended a party which was a "bondage club party: men standing out front to greet guests, clad in leather vests and pants, bare chests and top hats; bustier-clad women with thigh-high leather boots and riding crops sitting saucily on sofas."

Ronald George at the bondage club party. Also present was the dancer Monique Jenkinson with her drag queen alter ego,Fauxnique; along with a potpourri of BYPS (beautiful young people) and "guests in all manner of costumed finery, wearing mysterious masks to hide their identities."

In addition to the SFUNZIPPED article, another media outfit filed a report about the party--SFLUXE. Both articles included pictures taken by the San Francisco based photographer Drew Altizer. To view more pictures taken at the party, or other social events, please visit www.drew-altizer.com Or www.drewaltizer.com or by visiting http://sfluxe.com/2010/05/21/a-halestorm-hits-soma/

The San Francisco social scene, it appears, consists of about 50 to 75 regulars who like to party hard. Some include Mark Calvano, Ronald George, Tatiana Sorokko, Denise Hale, Alan Malouf,Barbara Brookin-Schneider, Gavin Newsom, Marius Carluci, Willie Brown, Steven Volpe, Vanessa Getty, Mark Leno, Carmen Marc Valvo, Emily Dumitrescu, Maria Barrios, Courtney Bocci, OJ Shansby, Clara Shayevich, Daru Kawalkowski, Orlando Diaz, Cheryl Baxter, Jo Schuman Silver, Barbara George, and the elegantly dressed Joel Goodrich.

During the party, a semi-nude woman was dancing in the shower.

Ms. Denise Hale. While the party was to commemorate her birthday, it was interior designer Ken Fulk and his partner Kurt Wootton who actually "threw" it, according to SFUNZIPPED.

Apparently, the throwing was a bit too forceful, at least for Tyler Mitchell of Connecticut, the new manager of the Wilkes Bashford store, who is "still trying to wrap his head around the experience."

On the Dance Floor

Dancing the Night Away (Courtesy Drew Altizer/SFLUXE)

Unlike the average birthday party, however, the guests were treated to "servers plopping caviar on the back of the hand so it could be licked off at a serving station under a stuffed giraffe head mounted on the wall" to "mini lobster potpies and chocolate desserts by caterer Paula LeDuc" to "bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches wrapped in paper pockets" and wines galore.

We have observed Chief Justice George modi operandi in social events is to first hit the food. Later, slowly but surely, he meanders towards the nearest blond for some chit chat.

If all Ronald George wanted was to have some "bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches wrapped in paper pockets" in the company of "bustier-clad women"; couldn't he achieve exactly the same by going to the nearest McDonald's and order two Egg McMuffin "for here"? There at least, he wouldn't need to hide behind a mask, and the only clown named Ronald will be Ronald McDonald.

Previously TLR expressed various concerns over the circumstances surrounding the relationship between the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Mr. Ronald George, and Mr. Thomas Girardi of Girardi & Keese.

Thomas Girardi, was appointed as member of the Judicial Council by Ronald George after the Ninth Circuit had issued an order why Girardi should not be suspended, disbarred, or otherwise be sanctioned.

One month after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal issued an order to show cause as to why respondent Thomas Girardi (along with his confederates Walter Lack, Sean Topp,and Paul Triana) should not be suspended, disbarred, or otherwise be sanctioned for attempting to defraud the court in the litigation against Dole, the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Mr. Ronald George, appointed Thomas Girardi as full member of the California Judicial Council, the policy making body of the court.

Ronald George, who is the Chairman of the Judicial Council, appointed Mr. Girardi as a member of the California Judicial Council, despite knowing of the potential misconduct committed by Girardi and the fact that an order to show cause had been issued by the Ninth Circuit.

Not only that it was questionable for CJ George to do so, but the irony is that Mr. Girardi presented the fact that he was a member of the Judicial Council to "mitigate" and to otherwise demonstrate his "civic involvement" in the community to the Ninth Circuit in hope of reducing the severity of any potential sanction.

Another area for which we expressed concern was the fact that the California Supreme Court had disbarred attorney Jo Shalant under questionable circumstances.

The disbarment took place, while Shalant as plaintiff, was in the midst of litigating a case against Mr. Thomas Girardi, who was the defendant.

The strange disbarment of Shalant (a nemesis of Girardi) took place despite the fact that the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court had only recommended PROBATION.

Around May of 2010, a California Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Shalant and against Girardi. As we reported here, the Court of Appeal, in its decision, alluded to misrepresentation committed by Girardi & Keese.

Very recently, the California Supreme Court decided to review the case concerning Thomas Girardi and Jo Shalant.

Ronald George, who was present at the Supreme Court weekly meeting in which the justices vote whether to accept or reject a case for review, was recused from participating in the vote as to the Shalant v. Girardi.

TLR is in the process of inquiring as to why the Chief Justice "was recused". Did the Chief Justice independently recused himself; or was it pursuant to a request from one of the parties.

Once more information is available, an update will be posted.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger has decided to call it quits amid controversy surrounding her use of the N-Word.

“I want to be able to say what’s on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry, some special interest group deciding this is the time to silence a voice of dissent and attack affiliates, attack sponsors,” she said. “I’m sort of done with that.”

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, with a new attitude is feeling energized. (Photo: Courtesy)

"My contract is up at the end of the year, and I have made the decision not to do radio anymore, the reason is, I want to regain my First Amendment rights. I want to be able to say what is on my mind. I am not retiring, I am not quitting. I feel energized," Dr. Laura stated.

Dr. Laura's ordeal begun when an African-American woman, who is in a relationship with a White man, rang the show inquiring how she should deal with racists comments made by the friends of her husband. Dr. Laura advised that she shouldn't have married outside of her race if she does not have a sense of humour. During the exchange Dr. Laura uttered the N-Word 11 times. When confronted by the caller, Dr. Laura shouted "Don't you NAACP me."

Later, Dr. Laura apologised for those comments. Dr. Laura is no stranger to controversy, ten years ago she aplogised after referring to gays as "deviant" and "biological error"

Eva Rodriguez of the Washington Post stated "I’m no fan of the good doctor, who bills herself as a tough love life counselor. I find her unnecessarily combative, close-minded, and so lacking in empathy as to be down-right mean. But I don’t think she should have called it quits – or have been pushed out, if that turns out to be the case. Unlike Mel Gibson’s obscenity-laced attacks, Dr. Laura did not use the N-word to describe a particular person or as a smear against African Americans.

As previously reported on TLR, in reply to racist comments by Mel Gibson and Michael Richards(Kramer from Seinfeld), Jesse Jackson opined that Mel Gibson “truly needs help" and that Richards "needs psychiatric help."

TLR is unaware at this point, as to what,if any, diagnosis and course of treatment Jesse Jackson had recommended for Dr. Laura as Jackson could not be reached for comment.

In the meantime, the Ninth Circuit declare as unconstitutional a law (Stolen Valor Act) which made it a crime to lie about receiving medals or other military honors as it violates freedom of speech.

The Constitution prohibits the government from prosecuting someone for merely lying "the right to speak and write whatever one chooses - including, to some degree, worthless, offensive and demonstrable untruths - without cowering in fear of a powerful government is, in our view, an essential component of the protection afforded by the First Amendment" the court stated in its decision.

If lying about a medal can be classified as a crime, the court stated, so can lying about one's age, misrepresenting one's financial status on Facebook, or telling one's mother falsehoods about drinking, smoking or sex, hence voiding a conviction for violating the Stolen Valor Act.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has granted Appellants’ motion for a stay of Judge Walker’s order of August 4, 2010 pending the appeal of Perry v. Schwarzenegger.

The court,on its own motion, also ordered that appellants include in their opening brief a discussion as to why their appeal should not be dismissed for lack of Article III standing.

A copy of the decision is attached.

ORDER:

Before: LEAVY, HAWKINS and THOMAS, Circuit Judges.

Appellants’ motion for a stay of the district court’s order of August 4, 2010 pending appeal is GRANTED. The court sua sponte orders that this appeal be expedited pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 2. The provisions of Ninth Circuit Rule 31-2.2(a) (pertaining to grants of time extensions) shall not apply to this appeal. This appeal shall be calendared during the week of December 6, 2010, at The James R. Browning Courthouse in San Francisco, California.

The previously established briefing schedule is vacated. The opening briefis now due September 17, 2010. The answering brief is due October 18, 2010. The reply brief is due November 1, 2010. In addition to any issues appellants wish to raise on appeal, appellants are directed to include in their opening brief adiscussion of why this appeal should not be dismissed for lack of Article III standing. See Arizonans For Official English v. Arizona, 520 U.S. 43, 66 (1997).

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Mr. Joseph Juco Centeno, President, NAPABA

Mr. Paul Hirose, President-Elect, NAPABA

Date: August 13, 2010

Re: 2010 NAPABA CONVENTION AT THE RITZ CARLTON

Dear Messrs. Hirose and Centeno:

This year, NAPABA's (The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association) annual convention will be held at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The primary sponsor of the convention is Walmart, and the theme of the convention will be INSPIRE.

Upon learning the details of the convention, we were, unfortunately, uninspired.

Specifically, we were uninspired by NAPABA's irresponsible decision to hold the convention at the Ritz-Carlton courtesy of Walmart's shoppers.

Tomorrow, the Social Security Administration will celebrate its 75th anniversary at a time when it is being overburdened by the poverty which is affecting this country. In case you are not familiar with market trends, Walmart shoppers, on the average, tend to be members of a class which is currently hurting economically and financially.

As such, we believe for NAPABA and its members to spend money given by Walmart on items of luxury is disrespectful. Under the circumstances, we believe you have a moral obligation to relocate the convention to a more modest location.

Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.

Previously, Part 1:

If you're blue and you don't know
Where to go to why don't you go
Where fashion sits
Puttin' on the Ritz

If this song ever made it to this blog, I would have thought it would be in connection with some of the people mentioned in the earlier posts.

I did not, however, expect that it will be in connection with NAPABA-- the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. C'est la vie.

On November 17-21, 2010 the NAPABA Annual Convention will be held at the new Ritz Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles.

The convention is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and Wal-Mart Stores.

The theme for this year convention is "INSPIRE".

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles opened this month. Guests enjoy the best views in Los Angeles from virtually any part of the hotel.

Guest room features & amenities include:

*Built In Mirror Television in the bathroom.

*silk and plush terry robe and shoes.

*contemporary baths with Italian marble and sleek walk-in showers with rain shower head and separate soaking tub.

*Fully stocked mini- refreshment bar.

*Bath Butler and Bath Menu services.

*Twice-daily housekeeping service.

*Complimentary overnight shoeshine service.

NAPABA's advertised itself as "the voice for the Asian Pacific American legal profession. We promote justice, equity and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans. We foster professional development, legal scholarship, advocacy and community involvement".

The Ritz has a partnership with Bvlgari, which is a good thing if you are a connoisseur of amenities, which at the Ritz includes soap, shampoo and lotion lightly scented with the unisex Bulgari au Thé Blanc.

NAPABA claims that since its inception in 1988, it has been at the forefront of national and local activities in the areas of civil rights, combating anti-immigrant backlash and hate crimes, increasing the diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, and professional development.

“Wal-Mart doesn’t just give money,” said Michael Chu NAPABA president. “They put their money where their mouth is” NAPABA has received money from Wal-Mart for four years.

The hotel is home to WP24, the latest restaurant by celebrity chef extraordinaire Wolfgang Puck. WP24 features refined Asian Cuisine.

The NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization established by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. NLF welcomes corporate, foundation, community, and individual donations to support its educational and charitable activities. All donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Not in a mood for Asian food prepared by a German? No problem, and no need to leave the hotel. A taste of Latin culture is waiting for you at Boca located at the Conga Room. Boca offers an eclectic blend of Pan-Latin cuisine, with South America, Mexico and Caribbean influences. Its kitchen is overseen by Cuban-born executive chef Alex Garcia, a chef renowned for his Nuevo Latino creations.

The goal of the 2010 NAPABA convention is to "showcase all that we find inspiring in the law and in our achievements as Asian Pacific American lawyers, in our roles as attorneys, advocates for justice and the undeserved, as volunteers, community leaders, and mentors. In line with this theme, we strongly encourage program submissions that educate as well as inspire, in all areas of practice and in highlighting the great work we as lawyers can do.

The Hotel is also a home to the restaurant "LA Market" by Kerry “Rock n’ Roll Chef” Simon. The Open Kitchen is alive with action as chefs move in a dance of precision and skill presenting fine crafted dishes that balance a sense of approachability yet somewhat rebellious interpretation with quality and finesse.

Not feeling inspired by the convention as of yet, you can replace worldly concerns with a world of comfort. Escape to the spa to inspire renewal.

Mercedes-Benz is a regular sponsor of NAPABA events. In addition, on a yearly basis, Mercedes-Benz donates to NAPABA a brand new vehicle which is awarded to participants in the NAPABA annual sweepstakes.

This year the winner has the choice of either a 2010 SLK300 ROADSTER or a 2010 GLK350 SUV. The name of the inspired winner will be announced at the convention.

In my view, not at all modest and not at all appropriate for an organization which lives off the generosity of others, especially not the spending of Wal-Mart money at the Ritz Carlton.

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed." --Mahatma Gandhi.

TLR's readers should be familiar with Mike Nisperos, a former Crack-addict and the former Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California.

Mike Nisperos Jr. Delusional and under the influence of crack opened fire at an imaginary intruder for which he was fired from his INS position. He sued the INS despite receiving "Minimally Satisfactory" rating in the category of "Productivity, Problem Solving Ability, Motivation" based on a below-average quantity of written work. (Photo:Courtesy)

Nisperos, a truly despicable human being whose multidimensional involvement in State Bar scandals was documented extensively by TLR, as applied to both himself and others.

To his defense, he is not malicious per se. Only weak, and lacking any conviction and principles. He did, however, declare to the press that he "enjoy" being a prosecutor.

As we have observed, it appears that Nisperos is easy to manipulate. As lacking healthy self-esteem, he wishes to please others, especially white men. Feeling inferior, he feels important and equal socializing and sharing a good hearty laugh with them. I am no longer a Filipino, now I am one of the good old boys.

Nisperos's latest excited utterance of July 2010 "Thomas Girardi's a good friend of mine. He got tickets for my son and I to see a playoff game for the Lakers" should serve as an example to support our point. In essence, Nisperos is telling the world, look at me I am a somebody, I am a friend of Girardi (The latter friendship with the former is an entirely separate can of worms).

On the other hand, Nisperos still feeling vulnerable, insecure, and aware of his shortcomings, always sought to be protected by an organization, either the federal or the state government, where he spent his entire legal career. Even while working for the various governmental agencies, he was eventually let go, or was asked to leave.

After his term as Chief Trial Counsel has ended, the State Bar of California made a decision not to extend his contract, among other things, because of a conflict between him and Ms. Johnson on issues relating to budget. That conflict grew personal, and as was reported, the all powerful executive director of the State Bar, the home-grown Judy Johnson, always win.

Today, Judy Johnson, is executive director only on paper, and is due to leave at the end of the year.

Judy Johnson, after 2 Governors' vetoes and endless scandals, was ousted and is due to leave by the end of the year. (Photo: Courtesy Bar Journal)

Nonetheless, the public was made to believe that Nisperos left on his own volition. He was quoted as saying “Although it is tempting to seek another four-year term, I feel the Bay Area calling me back, back to my roots."

Back in the Bay Area, Nisperos ran for a public office along with 6 other contenders. Nisperos lost by finishing last. This, despite an endorsement from his good friend, Thomas Girardi.

Shortly thereafter, uprooted, he left for a position in Saipan to "fight white collar crime" as a prosecutor. After only nine months, uprooted again, he moved to Guam to defend criminals as a public defender, where he is today.

Mr. Nisperos was the subject multiple stories we published here.

For example, you may recall the story regarding the unlawful discharge of a weapon.

Delusional, Nisperos fired a shot at an imaginary intruder whom he believed to have entered his home in Oakland. The following day, he was arrested and charged with possession of narcotic paraphernalia and for being under the influence. At that time, Nisperos admitted that he moved from cocaine to crack, and was "cooking" the cocaine at his Oakland home.

Nisperos, who was employed with the INS, received "Minimally Satisfactory" rating in the category of "Productivity, Problem Solving Ability, Motivation" based on a below-average quantity of written work.

Upon learning of the arrest and the drug use, Nisperos's supervisors at the INS decided to terminate his employment. Defiant, Nisperos sued the INS for reinstatement. Nisperos v. Buck, 720 F.Supp. 1424

Nisperos, hoping to advance his career, neglected to properly prosecute an attorney who shared bodily fluids and otherwise terrorized attendees of a religious institution. (Photo: California Bar Journal)

Later, Nisperos was appointed as Oakland "Drug Czar". A position which pre-qualified him to serve as the chief prosecutor of the State Bar, at least in a world according to Johnson.

Upon being retained by the State Bar to police its 200,000 lawyers, both the State Bar and the Bar Journal mislead the public into believing that Nisperos had independently realized that he had a drug problem, and checked himself into a rehab center as an act of heroism. Not quite true, and not as pretty.

It was only after his arrest that he took such an action in order to save face, his job, and for the purpose of diverting the criminal charges.

Incidentally, the Bar Journal never mentioned the crack-addiction and the length of the addiction; as well as the fact that Nisperos use of alcohol and drugs begun while he was a teenager. In a similar fashion, when reporting about Gattschalk, the Bar Journal never mention the name of Girardi & Keese, instead generic terms are used such as opposing counsels.

Other story describes Nisperos attempt to board an airplane while in possession a dangerous weapon. This took place after his tenure as Chief Trial Counsel had ended. Attempting to board an airplane from the Burbank Airport to Oakland he was arrested, and later criminally prosecuted. Yet, he stated, "I am not a criminal" while trying to shift responsibility to his son.

Despite the above, Nisperos was never disciplined by the State Bar of California.

So unimpressed we were of Nisperos , we had no choice but to name the "Michael Nisperos Scandal" after him. This, despite his passive participation in the decision to appoint him to the position of Chief Trial Counsel who polices California's 200,000 lawyers.

TLR's readers should be familiar with Thomas Girardi and Howard Miller of Girardi & Keese. Mr. Miller incidentally, is the current president of the State Bar of California.

Stories and investigations by TLR about Girardi and Nisperos never intercepted each other. Much to our chagrin, this is no longer the case.

Giradi's involvement manifested itself to TLR yet again. This time it was vies a vie Nisperos. It also now appears that Mr. Thomas Girardi has turned from an infrequent guest to a regular.

Thomas Girardi, once a "Champion for Justice," is now a regular at TLR.

The friendship between Girardi and Nisperos is of an extreme concern to TLR, not the least of which because it supports our prior contention as to Girardi's grips of the State Bar.

After U.S. District Court judge, Nora Manella, raised a red-flag over the litigation against Dole, and for an additional period of two-years, Nisperos did not fulfill his duties as chief trial counsel as to the firm of Girardi & Keese , other than to provide a safe corridor for Walter Lack to try and defraud the Ninth Circuit into enforcing a $500 million judgment which Lack knew to be invalid.

Walter Lack, a ferocious litigator and a pilot, sent an urgent email to the Nicaraguan law firm (on which Girardi’s firm was cc:d) stating that the “JUDGMENT IS AGAINST THE WRONG ENTITY” (Photo:courtesy of Chancery Club)

Girardi, by the way, is a friend of Nisperos. A good friend, as we learned in an article published in the Recorder on July 30, 2010. Additionally, in 2006 Thomas Girardi endorsed Nisperos for public office.

Nisperos, a "good friend" of Thoams Girardi, failed to intercept Lack's in his mission against Dole by providing a safe corridor for a period of two years.

(If this were a novel, the fact that Nisperos is now a public defender in Hagatha, Guam would be portrayed as a plan by Girardi to exile Nisperos to Guam. Girardi, by the way, is very familiar with the law of Guam; having been involved in the DHL litigation, and having been named a defendant in a suit. Guam courts, Girardi knows, have no jurisdiction over California residents, and vice versa. TLR is not a novel, however.)

Speaking of exiles, TLR asks:

1. Is Sean Topp in exile? TLR will publish the story next week.

2. Why Judge Nora Manella, after dismissing the suit and raising a red-flag, did not sanction her Chancery Club friends, Girardi and Lack?

3. Why was a "curtain" placed (as other reporters also so stated) on the Dole case for several years?

4. What was/is the involvement of of Scott Drexel?

5. Why part of the Dole case placed under seal?

6. What is the nature of the friendship between Girardi and Nisperos? Was it proper for Girardi to endorse Nisperos when he vie for office shortly after his departure from the State Bar?

Back to the article which appeared in the Recorder, it dealt with the new Chief Trial Counsel, Mr. James Towery, and the potential conflict the State Bar faces in advancing charges against Thomas Girardi and Walter Lack, for misconduct the two had committed during the Dole litigation.

James Towery, Chief Trial Counsel (Photo:Courtesy)

The conflict stems from the fact Mr. Howard Miller, the current State Bar president is a partner at the firm of Girardi & Keese

Feeling ashamed, Howard Miller looks the other way

Like in the case of Shalant and Gottschalk, which were only one side of the coin, and Howard Miller of Girardi & Keese the other side.

In the case of Nisperos's friendship with Girardi, and the lack of investigation or prosecution should also be viewed as only one side of a coin. The other side, which TLR is currently investigating, is Nisperos's potential role in the attempted cover-up of a new State Bar scandal. The scandal involves the the punishment of a man because of his past mandatory service in the IDF(Israel Defense Forces).

TLR is in receipt of documents that provide, in no uncertain terms, that the man was framed. At the moment, it is unclear to TLR if Nisperos was involved in the original framing, or only in the subsequent cover-up.

During a hearing at the State Bar Court, the man testified that during an altercation, he was pushed and fell down onto the sidewalk and potentially, into traffic. Panicked, he used a pepper spray to defend himself.

The victim, who was also called to testify at the State Bar Court hearing, offered testimony that the man, out of nowhere, begun to push, beat, kick, and pepper-spray without any provocation.

TLR possesses a sworn testimony and transcripts, in which the victim, prior to testifying at the State Bar Hearing, previously had testified that the man was indeed pushed, that he had fallen down, and only later he had gotten up and used pepper-spray.

Public medical records also provide that the victim only suffered injuries that were as result of being pepper sprayed. This, in marked contradiction to testimony procured by Donald Steedman, that the man had punched and otherwise delivered 8-9 blows to the victim's face.

The judges of the State Bar Court, in addition to ruling against the man as to what had transpired, also branded the man a liar and a perjurer.
The judges found it to be "implausible" that a man who had been a solider in the IDF would have fallen down. The judges wish for the man to recant his testimony, and admit that he had committed perjury. The man refuses, as the charade continues.

Nisperos's unwillingness to investigate and prosecute Girardi and Lack , while providing a safe corridor for a period of two-years in which they made made an attempt to defraud the Ninth Circuit, is and should be viewed in connection with Nisperos's action in the case of the former Israeli soldier, and in many other cases where there is a claim of State Bar injustices while Nisperos was in office. Nisperos, after all, had to show results.

The article in the Recorder in which Nisperos admit his friendship with Girardi can be viewed below.

The article published July 30, 2010 stated:

Nisperos said that when he came into office he immediately compiled a list of friends and acquaintances from whose cases he would recuse himself in the unlikely event they ever were hit with discipline charges. In fact, he said he would have had to take himself out of the mix on the Girardi case if he was still at the State Bar.

"He's a good friend of mine, too," Nisperos said. "He got tickets for my son and I to see a playoff game for the Lakers."

Read more!

Public officials who accept gifts and bribery committing one of the worst kind of anti-social behaviour, Leslie Brodie has stated.

Brodie, who publishes the Leslie Brodie Report, criticised public officials and donors who are failing to recognise the seriousness of gift giving or bribery.

"Bribery and accepting gifts is an anti-social behaviour," she stated. "Especially from those who holds positions that demand a great deal of public trust," Brodie continued.

The statement came amid reports that Los Angeles County District Attorney, Steve Cooley, who is running for the position of Attorney General of the State of California, has taken thousands of dollars in gifts including tickets to Lakers games.

Thomas Girardi is the main partner in the firm of Girardi & Keese and a good friend of Mike Nisperos.

Previously, The Leslie Brodie Report published a story about attorney Thomas Girardi, of Girardi & Keese, who also gave tickets to a Lakers game to the former crack-addict and former chief trial counsel of the State Bar of California, Mr. Mike Nisperos.

Mike Nisperos, who recently disclosed his friendship with Mr. Girardi by stating "He's a good friend of mine. He got tickets for my son and I to see a playoff game for the Lakers."

Ironically, Steve Cooley is investigating Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for accepting large amount of gifts that went unreported.

Over the last eight years, Cooley has taken $1,600 in free Lakers tickets, plus $2,200 in tickets and travel expenses to USC football games, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Pat McElroy, failed to recognise the seriousness of her anti-social behaviour. Her prior involvement in the Bribing Pat saga alerted TLR, McElroy's integrity is amiss.

The latest statement by Brodie comes in the aftermath of revelations of numerous scandals involving the integrity of several judges and executives of the State Bar of California. Most notable is the bribery of judge Patric McElroy, who had been accused of accepting a trip oversees as valuable consideration in exchange for favorable rulings from a private attorney who appeared before her in a case in which he was involved.

Karen Woo grew up in Hertfordshire, England. The daughter of a Chinese father and a British mother, she dropped out of school at the age of 16 and enrolled at the London Contemporary Dance School.

After working as a dancer for the London Dance Theater, in search of a purpose, Karen decided to become a doctor.

Now Dr. Karen Woo, she worked as a surgeon at St. Mary's hospital in London. Later on, she worked for Bupa, a private health-care provider.

Still searching for a purpose, she decided to replace her residence in tawny West-London with the remote provinces of Afghanistan, intent on providing medical help.

Leslie Knott who met Karen in Kabul stated "She was a really amazing person."

An avid photographer, Karen posted both personal stories and pictures on her blog.

"Why don't the insurgents just fuck off and stop being so selfish!"

"It is not just one way, what we are doing is hopefully helping people. It's a great bonus that it is also so interesting."

Karen was killed today in Afghanistan, along with seven other volunteers from the U.S.

Dr. Karen Woo, "Always the first with a compliment and the last to judge, she had a beautiful outlook on the world."

Her latest and last blog entry read "The trek scares the living daylights out of me right now, ultimately, I believe that the provision of medical treatment is of fundamental importance and that the effort is worth it to assist those that need it most."

In a decision keenly awaited by Californian, A federal judge found that Prop 8 unconstitutionally discriminated against same-sex couples who sought to enter into a same-sex nuptial.

Chief US District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that the same-sex nuptials ban violated the Constitution's due process and equal protection clauses.

"Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples while failing to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage licence."

Additionally, Judge Walker wrote: "The state does not have an interest in enforcing private moral or religious beliefs without an accompanying secular purpose." Walker also wrote "Moral disapproval alone is an improper basis on which to deny rights to gay men and lesbians."

Proposition 8 has polarised opinion in California after gay marriage had been legalised. Randy Thomasson, of the socially conservative group SaveCalifornia.com statd: "Judge Walker has ignored the written words of the constitution, which he swore to support and defend and be impartially faithful to, and has instead imposed his own homosexual agenda upon the voters, the parents and the children of California."

Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor of Hope Christian Church and chair of "Stand for Marriage DC" coalition: "The majority of Californians, including two-thirds of black voters in California, have just had their core civil right -- the right to vote -- stripped from them by an openly gay federal judge who has misread history and the Constitution to impose his San Francisco views on the American people...this is a travesty of justice."

California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stated: "For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves. Today's decision is by no means California's first milestone, nor our last, on America's road to equality and freedom for all people."

Leslie Brodie – who is on a journalistic assignment and could only reached by telephone – stated that, "I was elated to hear the news as members of the LGBT community are part of the fabric of America."

Specifically, Brodie stated that The Leslie Brodie Report, as a news-media outlet for a faith-based group, and members of our congregation were and are open and accepting of anyone.

1. The latest article published by TLR, tells the story of two lawyers who were disbarred from the State Bar of California under questionable circumstances, Mr. Shalant and Mr. Gottschalk. Both nemesis of Thomas Girardi of Girardi & Keese. The story should be viewed as only one side of the coin.

The other side, is the unwillingness of the State Bar to prosecute attorneys from the firm of Girardi & Keese (or associated firms) when circumstances clearly mandate such prosecution. Misconduct by Girardi & Keese in the litigation against Dole is such an example, where charges should have been filed over five years ago.

Reciprocating, Howard Miller, the president of the State Bar of California, ignores misconduct committed by State Bar employees, judges, executives, and prosecutors.

Miller's inaction is not motivated at all by the fact that Girardi deposits money at his bank account on a bi-weekly basis. Performance bonus,once per year.

Additionally, Girardi & Keese is one of the main contributors to the State Bar Foundation. As was reported here, the Foundation funnels a large part of the donation it receives to the State Bar of California, the parent organization. The rest goes to operating expenses, scholarships, and legal organizations.

The money funneled to the State Bar of California is usually spent by the State Bar on diversity related event. For example, on April 12-13 of this year, the State Bar of California sponsored a two-day diversity workshop. It took place at the San Francisco Hyatt.

You did not hear about it, as it was only open to employees of the state bars of California's 49 sister states.

A copy of the brochure can be found at the State Bar of Ohio web-site:

http://www.ohiobar.org/General%20Resource/misc/CA%20Diversity%20Forum.pdf

Strangely, while State Bar employees are being laid-off, the State Bar of California offered stipends to those who wish to attend from across the country.

The purpose of the event was to educate the employees on matters relating to diversity in the legal profession. Of course, the current de-jure executive director of the State Bar of California, Judy Johnson, was one of the speakers.

Johnson, feeling important and proud of herself ( with the monetary help of Girardi & Keese), is nowhere to be found when it relates to misconduct by Girardi & Keese, as the charade continues.

Notwithstanding the above, TLR acknowledges the wide spread instances of racism, sexism and discrimination within the legal profession and the legal system. TLR will continue to support the advancement of racial, ethnic, religious, women and LGBT persons, as well as persons with disabilities. Concurrently, TLR will continue with efforts to investigate specific institutions, organizations, and individuals who display or otherwise engage in invidious discrimination.

2. TLR became aware of Ronald Gottschalk during the investigation and publication of the expose dubbed "Bribing Pat."

Gottschalk's defense attorney, Mr. Stanley Arouty, alleged that Judge Pat McElroy engaged in the destruction and spoliation of evidence.

For McElroy, it was the third time a party levels such accusation against her.

To date, the California Supreme Court and the State Bar Board of Governors took no action to inquire as to Judge McElroy's trail of lawlessness.

Should such an investigation be requested by Miller, it would sabotage the disbarment of Gottschalk, who is one of Thomas Girardi's nemeses.

However, Girardi & Keese's involvement in the Gottschalk proceedings does not end with Mr. Miller. It also manifested itself to TLR via the name Stephen Larson.

With respect to Mr. Stephen Larson, TLR declares unequivocally that presently it possesses no evidence of any wrongdoing on his part.

Stephen Larson is a former federal judge and a current partner at the firm of Girardi & Keese. At 2006, he assumed the position of a district court judge in the Central District of California. In September of 2010, he quit the bench amid dissatisfaction with his low salary. A month later, he assumed a partnership position with the firm of Girardi & Keese.

While a district court judge, Stephen Larson presided over a case that was brought by Ronald Gottschalk against Litt, Vargas, and L.A. County.

Stephen Larson's adjudication of the matter involving Gottschalk, standing alone, is of no concern to TLR.

However, the surfacing of the name Girardi & Keese, via Stephen Larson, is troubling to TLR, under the totality of the circumstances.

Also troubling to TLR is the fact that presiding over the Gottschalk's proceedings in the State Bar Court is Judge Patrice McElroy, who unfortunately possesses very little qualities normally expected of a judge. Her prior involvement in the Bribing Pat saga alerted TLR, McElroy's integrity is amiss.

Pat McElroy, failed to recognise the seriousness of her anti-social behaviour. Her prior involvement in the Bribing Pat saga alerted TLR, McElroy's integrity is amiss. (Image: courtesy of Cal Bar Journal)

3. An article published in yesterday's Recorder discusses the potential conflict of interest Mr. James Towery faces in any prosecution of Thomas Girardi.

The article quotes several legal experts who opined that since Howard Miller is both a partner at Girardi & Keese, and the president of the State Bar, a conflict exists. The experts opined Towery's best course of action would be to assign the case to an outside entity.

As stated above, the referral to an outside counsel should have been done 5 years ago, when the attempted fraud was discovered.

4. The "Rachel Abelson Scandal" is yet another scandal involving extreme misconduct by the State Bar of California; and subsequent attempt to cover it up, and cover a little more, and just a tiny bit more.

The net result, as the readers will soon see, is that the compounding alone is greater than the principal; and, is of a greater interest to TLR and its staff.

It took for an honest judge from the San Francisco Superior Court to shed just enough light on the scandal, providing TLR with the opportunity to connect the dots.

The judge, Hon. James Warren, admonished the State Bar that he (Judge Warren) finds that the trial tactics, and meritless legal position the State Bar was advocating to be "Disquieting".

Additionally, Judge Warren, in a written decision stated that he found the circumstances in which Rachel Abelson, a State bar employee who breached confidentiality, to be "Rather Gossipy".

It now appears that Debra Murphy Lawson, along with a State Bar investigator, Mr. Malmquist, also took part in the attempt to conceal the breach of confidentiality, at the expense of the victim.

In a suit filed in federal court, it was alleged that Debra Lawson, along with State Bar investigator Malmquist, intentionally did not contact or questioned Abelson at all, despite knowing about her involvement.

The one and only time Abelson was contacted by anyone from the State Bar, pursuant to her sworn testimony, was when Donald Steedman had called to alert her that the victim managed to ascertain her identity.

Specifically, Abelson testified that Donald Steedman spoke with her for less than a minute, and did not ask any questions or attempted to conduct an inquiry. This, despite Steedman's duty to investigate exculpatory evidence.

Most troubling to TLR is Donald Steedman prior attempts, via his oppositions to the various motions submitted by the victim to the State Bar Court, urging the court to block any attempts by the victim to ascertain the name and identity of his former law clerk.

Based on Judge Warren's findings that Abelson breach of confidentiality was "rather gossipy," it is easy to understand Steedman, Malmquist, and Lawson's motives.

5. Previously, TLR learned of the involvement of Hastings' ethics professor -- Mr. Geoffrey Hazard -- in the Ninth Circuit proceedings involving Girardi & Keese and Engstrom, Lipscomb & Lack otherwise known as the matter of In Re Girardi.

Allegedly, Prof. Geoffrey Hazard, was retained by the defense as an expert witness to opine about issues pertaining to ethics. Prof. Hazard submitted an expert opinion, in a form of a sworn declaration, recommending that no sanctions should be imposed on Walter Lack.

Hazard's testimony was before a panel of  Ninth Circuit judges which  consisted of Marsha Berzon, Randy Smith, and William Fletcher.

Judge William Fletcher (aka Willie Fletcher) is a well-known "FOB" -- Friend of Bill.  Or,  Friend of Bubba below the Mason-Dixon line.

Bill is a disbarred ex-respondent, and the former president of the United States of America.

While serving as president, Bill Clinton nominated Mr Fletcher -- a Boalt Hall professor and his campaign manager in Northern California --  to serve as a judge on the Ninth Circuit.

The appointment was delayed as Judge Fletcher's mother, Betty Fletcher, also serves as a judge on the Ninth Circuit. Despite allegation of nepotism, Mr Fletcher was confirmed.

In addition to being a judge, the former campaign manager of Bill Clinton, and a law professor, Judge Fletcher is also an accomplished author.

In fact, he, along with Geoffrey Hazard, the ethics expert who appeared before him in the matter of In Re Girardi, co-authored the following:

http://www.bookfinder.com/dir/i/Pleading_and_Procedure/1566627451/

A big coincidence, or just a coincidence?