Social Journal

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman was presented with the "Judge of the Year” award Nov. 6 by the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association at its annual "Judges’ Night” at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club in San Mateo. Judge Freeman was appointed to the Bench Dec. 21, 2000, after serving 17 years as deputy San Mateo County counsel. She received her undergraduate degree in economics from University California Berkeley and her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

Bernard T. Cotter, Esq., received The George Corey Trial Lawyer of the Year Award. Cotter has been a fixture in the San Mateo County legal community for more than 45 years, taking more than 140 jury trials to verdict. He serves as judge pro tem of the San Mateo County Superior Court and is editor of "The Docket,” the San Mateo County Bar magazine.

"Peace Officer of the Year” was awarded to San Mateo Police Deputy Chief Mike Callagy both for his work on the gang task force and for his participation in breaking up a local human trafficking ring. Callagy, a police officer for more than 24 years, is also an attorney.

"The evening was well-attended by San Mateo County Superior Court judges, members of the bar association and friends and family members of both groups. The tone was light-hearted and fun, with special moments centering on the award presentations,” said Jerry Nastari, Trial Lawyers Association vice president. Proceeds of the evening were used to benefit SMCTLA’s scholarship fund.

The San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association is comprised of trial attorneys whose cases affect those who need to enforce their legal rights through the courts. For more information about the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association contact SMCTLA Executive Director Sally Milnor at Sallymilnor@aol.com or call (408) 984-7179.

The power of possibilities

Work was the theme Nov. 2 as 300 people attended the Power of Possibilities Recognition Breakfast for Community Gatepath, the largest nonprofit in San Mateo County serving children and adults with disabilities.

The event at the Sheraton Gateway in Burlingame focused on Gatepath’s success in placing its adult clients into paid employment positions. Television personality Jan Yanehiro served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the occasion, which raised over $100,000 for Gatepath programs. Three major awards were presented. Business Partner of the Year Award went to Guckenheimer, which employs eight Gatepath trainees at several of its local corporate cafeterias. Frank Lapetina, COO for Guckenheimer accepted the award. The Niall P. McCarthy Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing individuals who give their time to support PigMillion Possibilities, Gatepath’s disability awareness program, was awarded to Dana Scheer, senior vice president Bailard. Scheer enlisted coworkers from her firm for a corporate volunteer team for Gatepath and together they helped Gatepath teach disabilities awareness to over 600 students last year. Trevor Irwin, a trainee in Gatepath’s landscape services division, received the Neal Poppin Award for his achievements, extraordinary character and ability to serve as a source of inspiration to all. Trevor received recognition and praise from Mary Griffin Ramseur, former county supervisor and mayor of Millbrae, and Ralph Barsi, director of facilities, Mills-Peninsula Properties, both of whom employ Trevor and his Gatepath landscape crew to manage and care for their lawn and grounds keeping needs.

For information about scheduling a Gatepath PigMillion Possibilities awareness class contact Jeanne Berube, Gatepath Awareness Programs director at 259-0160.