Yuba Sutter Bar Association

Composure in the Courtroom
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Composure in the Courtroom is a training designed for legal professionals to strengthen resilience, reduce secondary trauma, and improve the quality of justice through nervous system regulation and trauma-informed practice. It explains how chronic exposure to high-stress and traumatic material affects the nervous system, decision-making, and empathy, and offers simple, science-based tools to stay grounded and effective under pressure. The session introduces trauma-informed care principles tailored for attorneys and judges, emphasizing clear communication, regulated leadership, and humane courtroom practices. At its core, this training reinforces that regulating your own nervous system isn’t just self-care—it’s a professional responsibility that directly influences fairness, ethics, and the experience of everyone in the courtroom.

Meredith Evans, LMFT, is a seasoned mental health leader, therapist, and currently the Director of Clinical Services at Hope Haven Counseling & Support Center, an extension of Casa de Esperanza. Born and raised in the Yuba-Sutter area, she has dedicated over two decades to advancing trauma-informed services, strengthening family systems, and championing equitable access to mental health care for survivors of violence and abuse. Previous experience includes developing and leading the Behavioral Health program at Peach Tree Healthcare, managing Forensics and Psychiatric Emergency Services at Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health, and a mental health clinician at River Oak Center for Children.
Meredith leads with clarity, compassion, and a forward-thinking approach to program design and clinical excellence. She has trained and mentored clinicians, shaped organizational policy, and built collaborative initiatives designed to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. Her expertise spans trauma-informed practices, leadership development, CalAIM implementation, and community-based clinical care. Meredith recently graduated from the California Healthcare Foundation’s Leadership Program as a member of cohort 2023.
Known for her warmth, humor, and ability to make complex topics accessible and real, Meredith brings a grounded, relational presence to every room she enters. She is committed to transforming systems, empowering professionals, and ensuring every individual has access to the support they need to heal and thrive.
MCLE: This meeting qualifies for 0.75 hours of specialty MCLE, Competence Issues.
Cost: $20 per person for lunch.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
YSBA Newsletter November 2025

Sutter County Law Library Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
2025-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sutter County Library, 750 Forbes Avenue, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Announcing the opening of the Sutter County Law Library, located in the California Room at the Sutter County Library. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, November 3, 2025, at noon, with light refreshments. 750 Forbes Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991. See attached invitation for more information.
Request for artwork donations: The Sutter County Law Library is currently seeking donations of artwork to enhance and decorate the walls of its new location in the California Room at the Main Branch of the Sutter County Library. Community members and local artists are invited to contribute pieces that reflect the spirit of law, justice, or the local community.

Immigration Law Overview
2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Wheatland Room, Yuba County Government Center, 915 8th Street, Marysville, CA, 95901, United States
Immigration Law Overview
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at noon.
Location: The Wheatland Room at the Yuba County Government Center, 915 8th Street, Marysville, CA 95901
The presentation aims to offer an overview of USA immigration. We will attempt to cover the roles of key agencies such as USCIS, CBP, ICE, DOS, and EOIR, and review their foundational laws and guidance. We will also touch on the basics of visa categories, explore key statuses (e.g., LPR, TPS, DACA, and asylum) as well as discuss border entry procedures and enforcement actions ( e.g., inspection and expedited removal). Finally, we’ll discuss California-specific issues, including sanctuary policies. We welcome your questions and interest in specific areas.
Maria Davari is a licensed attorney in California and Greece. She brings strategic and practical solutions to complex legal challenges in nonprofit business and immigration. She has over 30 years of experience, including service as in-house counsel and administrator. Drawing on her own immigration journey, Maria has guided families through consular processes, secured green cards, and facilitated reunification across borders. As a volunteer she has advocated for asylum seekers and immigrants in crisis. Her current focus includes Greek law, U.S. immigration, and nonprofit counseling.
MCLE: This meeting qualifies for 1.0 hours of MCLE. Please note, the presentation will start promptly at 12:00 p.m. to allow for 1 hour of education.
Cost: $10 per person to help cover the cost of our pizza lunch and the room rental.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
YSBA Newsletter October 2025

Free Legal Services in Yuba and Sutter Counties
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
This month, we have a panel of speakers to talk about free legal services in Yuba and Sutter Counties. Our panelists are:

Alex Barbera, Yuba County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator and Self-Help Attorney
Joe Carrico, Attorney for Yuba Sutter Legal Center for Seniors
Joanna Navarro, Staff Attorney for California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
Melissa Poulos, Sutter County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator and Self-Help Attorney

This meeting will qualify for 0.5 hours of MCLE.
Lunch is $20.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
See the attached newsletter for more information. YSBA Newsletter September 2025

Legislative Update
2025-08-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Assembly Member James Gallagher will present the Yuba Sutter Bar Association with a legislative update, with time for questions at the end.
James Gallagher has represented California’s Third Assembly District since 2014. Before joining the Assembly, he served on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors for six years. James earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at UC Berkeley before completed an Assembly Fellowship in Sacramento and a law degree at UC Davis, where he graduated at the top of his class. He advocates for small businesses and farmers in his law practice and is a partner in his family’s farming operation.
This meeting qualifies for 0.5 hours of MCLE.
Lunch is $20.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com by 4:00 p.m. this Thursday, August 7, 2025.
YSBA Newsletter August 2025

Meet the New Judges in Colusa and Sutter Counties
2025-05-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
This month we will be hearing from the newly sworn in Superior Court Judges in Colusa and Sutter Counties: Brendan M. Farrell in Colusa County, Luke Steidlmayer in Colusa County, and Fritzgerald Javellana in Sutter County.
Brendan M. Farrell was appointed by the Governor in October 2024. Prior to his appointment, he served in the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office from 2010, most recently serving as the Colusa County District Attorney. Before coming to Colusa County, Farrell worked for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School.
Luke Steidlmayer attended UC Davis as an undergrad and Santa Clara University for law school. He began his legal career at Downey Brand in Sacramento and then returned to his hometown of Colusa to work in private practice. He handled a wide variety of matters in his first few years in Colusa before focusing on agriculture, small business, and real property issues in the area. Judge Steidlmayer spent the past ten years in practice working with his wife, Erin, who is an attorney that specializes in Estate Planning and Administration. They have three children and remain very active in their small community.
Fritzgerald Javellana was appointed by the Governor in October 2024. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Deputy County Counsel in Sutter from 2022. He was a contract juvenile dependency attorney for Butte County Counsel from 2016 to 2022. He was a partner at Williams & Javellana LLP from 2014 to 2022, and an associate at Rooney Law Firm from 2010 to 2014. Javellana earned his Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School.
MCLE: This meeting qualifies for 0.5 hours of MCLE
Lunch is $20.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025.
YSBA Newsletter May 2025

Sutter County's Ban on Industrial Hemp
2025-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sutter County Courthouse, 1175 Civic Center Blvd., Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
Former Sutter County Assistant County Counsel will present on Sutter County’s recent decision to enact a moratorium on the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp in Sutter County. Sutter County allowed for industrial hemp processing and cultivation until last December, when it halted its ordinance that grants permits for these activities. This presentation will walk through the previous ordinance, the moratorium, the legal criteria around such ordinances, and the political landscape around hemp.
Taylor Kayatta is currently Deputy General Counsel at the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), an advocate and service provider for rural county needs which is made up of 40 rural counties including Yuba and Sutter. Taylor was previously Assistant County Counsel, Deputy County Administrator, and Deputy County Counsel with Sutter County. Prior to his work in county governance, Taylor was an attorney, auditor, and analyst for the State of California. Taylor, who is both an attorney and a CPA, received a bachelor’s from UCLA, a JD from McGeorge, an MBA from Sacramento State, and an associate’s in accounting from American River College. He also serves on the Sacramento City Unified Board of Education.
MCLE: This meeting qualifies for 0.5 hours of MCLE
YSBA will provide a pizza lunch.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
YSBA Newsletter April 2025

State of the Yuba Sutter Bar Association
2025-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
This month, the YSBA Board would like to share with you information and updates about the YSBA. In preparing our tax return for 2024, some things have come to light, requiring some changes and different investment and spending strategies for the investment fund which we use to fund the annual scholarships to high school seniors. We will also provide a Treasurer’s Report and talk about some changes in the rules and requirements for MCLE providers.
Speakers:

Courtney Gengler, YSBA President since 2018 (and YSBA Vice President in 2017)
Melissa Poulos, YSBA Secretary since 2017 (and also acting Treasurer since 2022)
Omar Figueroa, YSBA Treasurer since 2024

In addition, there will be an election for YSBA Board members at the March meeting. We will hear from potential board members and have time for questions.
No MCLE will be offered for this meeting.
Lunch will be $20
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025.
YSBA Newsletter March 2025

Holiday Party
2024-12-12 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Join us on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant in Yuba City.
YSBA will provide appetizers. Unfortunately, we can’t host the bar, so feel free to bring cash or a credit card for alcoholic beverages.
Please RSVP by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, to mpoulos@suttercourts.com.
YSBA Newsletter December 2024

Yuba Water Agency and its Agency Act: Authority and Limits
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Yuba Water Agency, 1220 F Street, Marysville, CA, 95901, United States
The Yuba Water Agency was created by a special act of the California Legislature in 1959 to address water supply and flood issues facing Yuba County. This presentation will cover the Agency’s statutory powers under the Act and how the Agency exercises its powers today to benefit the people of Yuba County.
Andrew Ramos has served as Yuba Water Agency’s first inhouse General Counsel since August 2024. He advises the Agency’s Board of Directors and Executive Team on all legal and risk matters. Andrew has over a decade of experience dedicated to the practice of water and public agency law. Prior to coming to the Agency, he was in private practice for fifteen years. He has served as a law firm managing partner and as outside general counsel to more than a dozen water suppliers and public agencies. Andrew received his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from University of California, Davis.
YSBA Newsletter November 2024

Preparing Yuba and Sutter Counties for CARE Court Implementation and the Mental Health Impact on the Changing Nature of Criminal and Civil Courts
2024-10-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Our speaker for October is Kevin O’Connell, Policy Consultant to Yuba and Sutter Counties.

Supporting Victims of Serious Crime: How does the Victim Services Program help victims?
2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Dragon Inn, 1016 G Street, Marysville, CA, 95901, United States
We are pleased to invite Stephanie Cooper to speak to our association this month about the Sutter County Victim Services Program.
Stephanie Cooper, a dedicated Senior Victim Advocate with Sutter County Victim Services for over 16 years, has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges. Her unwavering commitment to serving victims of violent crimes, including homicide, DUIs, sexual abuse, domestic violence, assaults, as well as human trafficking, showcases her deep compassion and empathy for those in need.
With a wealth of experience and expertise, Stephanie has specialized training in forensic child interviewing, Mass Violence Preparedness, and Crisis Response. Her tireless efforts to continuously enhance her skills and knowledge highlight her dedication to providing the highest level of care and assistance to those she serves.
Stephanie works with a team of Victim Advocates who are committed to providing an array of services, resources, court support explaining the intricacies of the criminal justice system and victims’ rights. Her team goes above and beyond to ensure that those assisted feel heard, supported, and empowered.
This meeting will qualify for 0.5 hours of MCLE.
Lunch is $20.00.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
YSBA Newsletter September 2024

Flexibility, Efficiency, and Modernization in Child Support Enforcement Programs
2024-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
The topic for this month’s educational presentation is The Flexibility, Efficiency, and Modernization (FEM) in Child Support Enforcement Programs Final Rule changes that are taking effect on September 1, 2024 per CA Senate Bill 343. Some of these changes include increased support via pass through to aided cases, changes to the guideline formula and calculator, prorated apportionment of child support add-ons, prove up hearings versus presumed full-time minimum wage, increased court discretion to deviate from guideline, and administrative adjustment for incarcerated obligors.
Our presenters for this month are:
Lizette Perez, a Child Support Attorney with the Colusa Sutter Yolo Regional Child Support Agency (CSY RCSA), formerly Sutter County Department of Child Support Services, since May 2019. Lizette handles all the agency’s cases in Sutter County as well as any special enforcement and bankruptcy filings. She is originally from the Bay Area but now enjoys making her home in the Sacramento area and working in the Yuba Sutter community.
Anne Glanzer is the Lead Attorney with CSY RCSA. She started back in May of 2000 as part of the Yolo County District Attorney’s office, assigned to the Family Support Division. Although originally interested in being a Deputy DA, by the time the child support program began moving away from criminal enforcement, she knew she had already found her niche and has never left the program. Anne obtained her degree in History, with a minor in English, at UC Davis. She then went on the McGeorge School of Law to get her JD. Shen away from the office, she tries to get out and travel, read a good book and enjoy time with family.
This meeting will qualify for 0.5 hours of MCLE.
There is no cost for this meeting.
YSBA will provide pizza for lunch.
Note: Please do NOT park in the front of the building which is reserved for customers. Instead, please park in the lot to the north side of the building or behind the building. There is also overflow parking in the gravel lot to the rear of the property.
YSBA Newsletter August 2024

Special Event: AHA Annual Scholarship Banquet
2024-06-11 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Boyd Hall, 1895 Lassen Blvd., Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
SPECIAL EVENT: June 11, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Boyd Hall: 1895 Lassen Blvd., Yuba City, CA 95993
Honorable Jesse Santana, Sutter County’s first Hispanic Judge.
The Alliance for Hispanic Advancement (AHA) is a local non-profit organization that promotes the quality of life for minorities within our local community. They will be having their Annual Scholarship Banquet this year on June 11, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Boyd Hall in Yuba City. AHA is inviting members of our bar association to attend the event, where complimentary dinner will be provided courtesy of El Zarape.
This meeting will qualify for 0.75 hours of MCLE.
Seating is limited, so if you are interested in attending the event, please RSVP to fritzgerald.javellana@gmail.com by June 4, 2024.
YSBA Newsletter June 2024

Rule 8.3: Mandated Reporting
2024-05-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sutter County Courthouse, 1175 Civic Center Blvd., Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
In today’s complex legal landscape, upholding ethical standards is of paramount importance. Effective August 1, 2023, Rule 8.3 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct requires a lawyer who knows of credible evidence that another lawyer has engaged in certain conduct, to report the lawyer. This presentation will provide comprehensive insights into the reporting obligations under Rule 8.3. This meeting will qualify for 1.0 hour of MCLE, Legal Ethics Credit.
Sutter County Superior Court Judge John K. Hinely took the bench in October 2023. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Commissioner for the Superior Courts of Colusa, Glenn, Plumas and Tehama Counties. He was an Adjunct Professor at Cal Northern School of Law from 2021 to 2023 and an Attorney at the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2020 to 2022. He served as a Judge Pro Tem at the Colusa County Superior Court from 2019 to 2022 and was a Sole Practitioner from 2008 to 2020. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Cal Northern School of Law.
This educational opportunity is being co-hosted with the Butte County Bar Association and is being offered both in person and by Zoom.
In Person at Sutter County Superior Court, 1175 Civic Center Blvd., Yuba City, CA 95993, in the Jury Assembly Room located on the first floor.
Zoom: Meeting ID: 161 528 6654 and Passcode: [REDACTED] https://suttercourts.zoomgov.com/j/1615286654?pwd=[REDACTED]
There is no cost for this meeting.
Lunch is NOT provided, but feel free to bring in your own lunch.
If you plan to attend in person, please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
YSBA Newsletter May 2024

Words of Advice from Retired Judge Perry Parker
2024-04-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Judge Perry Parker, who retired on April 1, 2024, will provide us with some words of advice as to what to do, and what not to do, when appearing in court.
Sutter County Superior Court Judge Perry Parker served our community for 34 years as a Municipal and Superior Court judge prior to his retirement on April 1. He took his oath in 1990 following an appointment by Governor George Deukmejian. After graduating from Pomona College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Judge Parker received his Juris Doctor from Hastings College of Law at the University of California, San Francisco in 1972 and pass the Bar the same year.
As an attorney, Judge Parker practiced private for 17 years. He was the founding attorney of Chico Area Legal Services and then worked for Price, Burness, and Price, in Chico from 1973 to 1975. He was employed next by the Law Office of Larimer and Evans in Marysville, from 1975 to 1978 when he opened his own practice as a sole practitioner until 1990. He served as the president of the Yuba Sutter Bar Association in 1989, but his term ended after only one month when he was appointed to the bench.
Judge Parker served as the Presiding Judge of the Sutter Superior Court Appellate Division for more than a decade. As a judge, he managed every type of case from small claims to felony criminal matters. He served as the primary civil, family, and probate judge for 20 years until his retirement.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
YSBA Newsletter April 2024

Child Welfare Services' Emergency Response Options
2024-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Child Welfare Services’ Emergency Response Options: How does a Child Come into the Foster Care System and What Can Be Done to Protect Them?
In honor of Social Worker Appreciation Month, we are pleased to invite Carol Ullrich-Hasch, MSW, to speak to our Association about how at-risk children come to the attention of Child Welfare Services, and what initial steps are taken to ensure their safety. Ms. Ullrich-Hasch will be providing information related to the following topics:

How does an at-risk child typically come to the attention of the Child Welfare Services Agency?
What are some options for CWS when an at-risk child comes to its attention?
How does CWS investigate and/or respond to allegations of child abuse or neglect?

Carol Ullrich-Hasch began her career assisting foster children in El Dorado County, but in 2013, she returned to Sutter County, where she was born and raised. She has worked as a Sutter County Social Worker ever since. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, and her Master’s Degree in Social Work, graduating with distinction, from Chico State University.
Ms. Ullrich-Hasch currently serves as the Social Worker Supervisor II over the Emergency Response Unit for Sutter County’s Child Welfare Services Agency. In this role, she has developed a deeper understanding of the investigative and prevention side of the child welfare system, as well as leading a team of extremely talented social workers who receive and investigate reports of alleged child abuse and neglect. Carol and her team are committed to the safety and protection of children, and the protection and well-being of families, aiming to preserve that family unit when it is safe to do so.
YSBA Newsletter March 2024

Local Response to Homelessness
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
This month, we will have a panel of speakers from different community organizations to discuss the local response to homelessness. This meeting will qualify for 0.5 hours of MCLE.
Our speakers are:
Johnny Burke, Executive Director of the Sutter-Yuba Homeless Consortium;
John Floe, retired Program Manager Community Services Sutter County Public Health, Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health; and,
Andre Licon, Sutter County Sheriff Deputy, Homeless Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
YSBA Newsletter February 2024

The State of Affairs in Yuba and Sutter Counties
2024-01-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Our presenters for this month are: Gary Bradford and Seth Fuhrer from the Yuba County Board of Supervisors, and Mat Conant and Nick Micheli from the Sutter County Board of Supervisors. They will be discussing issues that our local communities will be facing in this calendar year.
Gary Bradford (District 4) was elected to the Yuba County Board of Supervisors in November of 2016 and took office on January 10, 2017. He graduated from the University of California, Davis, in 1996 with a BA in Computer Science and has worked on public sector Information Technology projects for over 20 years. He served on the Reclamation District 784 board from 2008 – 2010 and the Olivehurst Public Utility District Board from 2010 – 2016.
Seth Fuhrer (District 3) was elected to the Yuba County Board of Supervisors in March of 2020 and took office on January 4, 2021. He is a graduate of Lindhurst High School and the University of California, Davis. He then went on to earn his law degree from McGeorge School of Law. He has owned his own tax preparation firm since 2006 and is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS. He is a past president of Habitat for Humanity Yuba/Sutter, a previous member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and has helped many local non-profits.
Mat Conant (District 5) is a fifth generation California farmer, third generation Sutter County farmer and lifelong Rio Oso resident. He served as a board member for the California Farm Bureau, Yuba-Sutter Garm Bureau, South Sutter Water District, East Nicolaus High School, Brown’s Elementary School Board, South Sutter Little League, and a committee member on the Diamond Walnut Advisory Committee. He is a proud graduate of East Nicolaus High School, Yuba College, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the California Ag Leadership Program. Supervisor Conant is a 21-year veteran of the East Nicolaus Fire Department, a Eucharistic Minister of the Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years.
Nick Micheli (District 1) is a third generation Sutter County farmer and lifelong resident. He served as a board member of the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau and California Dried Plum Board where he served on the Government Affairs and Management Committee. He attended Sutter Union High School, Yuba College, and the University of Phoenix, where he majored in Business Management and has an Associate Degree in Business Fundamentals. Supervisor Micheli took over his family farm at the age of 20 after his father passed away and is now currently the owner and manager of his farming operation, Micheli Enterprises Inc. and the Secretary and Treasurer of Lomo Receiving Co. in Live Oak. He is proud to be the local ambassador to the Shriner Children’s Hospital and a 32nd degree Free Mason who chairs the bicycle program for local elementary schools.
Please RSVP to mpoulos@suttercourts.com, by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Lunch is $20 per person.
YSBA Newsletter January 2024

YSBA Holiday Party
2023-12-13 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant, 885 Richland Road, Yuba City, CA, 95991, United States
Please join us for our holiday party at Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
YSBA will provide appetizers. Unfortunately, we can’t host the bar, so feel free to bring cash or a credit card for alcoholic beverages.
Please RSVP by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023, to mpoulos@suttercourts.com.
2023 Holiday Party 2

Meet the Newly Appointed Sutter County Superior Court Judges
2023-11-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cool Hand Luke’s, 1669 Colusa Highway, Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
Join us on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from noon – 1:00 p.m., to meet the newly appointed Sutter County Superior Court Judges, John Hinely and Jesse Santana.
John Hinely, of Colusa County, has served as a Commissioner for the Superior Courts of Colusa, Glenn, Plumas and Tehama Counties since 2022. He was an Adjunct Professor at Cal Northern School of Law from 2021 to 2023 and an Attorney at the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2020 to 2022. He served as a Judge Pro Tem at the Colusa County Superior Court from 2019 to 2022 and was a Sole Practitioner from 2008 to 2020. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Cal Northern School of Law.
Jesse Santana, of Sutter County, has been a Partner at Santana and Smith Law Firm, P.C. since 2014. He was a Sole Practitioner from 2011 to 2014 and a Partner at the Law Offices of Beauchamp & Santana from 1995 to 2011. He was an Associate at Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May from 1988 to 1995 and served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office from 1993 to 1994. He earned a Master of Laws degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.
If you would like to submit questions for the new judges in advance of the meeting, please email them to mpoulos@suttercourts.com.
This presentation will qualify for 0.5 hours of MCLE. The cost is $20.00 for members who have paid their 2023 dues and $25.00 for everyone else, payable by cash or check to YSBA.
Please RSVP by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, to Melissa Poulos, mpoulos@suttercourts.com, (530) 822-3368.
YSBA Newsletter November 2023

Local Pathways into Substance Abuse Treatment
2023-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cool Hand Luke’s, 1669 Colusa Highway, Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
Accessing substance abuse treatment can be a challenge for many of our clients. Where do I go, and how will I pay for it? Bi-County Health Officer Phuong Luu wants to help you understand how you can help your clients facing these questions. On September 19, 2023, Dr. Luu will present at the YS Bar Association lunch about treatment options and pathways for those suffering with substance abuse in Yuba-Sutter. There have been significant changes in recent years to both the kinds of treatment available, and the pathways to access treatment. Better serve your clients by getting up-to-date on treatment options, such as medically assisted treatment for opioids (“MAT”), and the local pathways to access treatment.

Dr. Phuong Luu has served as the Bi-County Health Officer since January 2020, providing overall medical direction and public health guidance for the region. Dr. Luu graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine with honors in 2010 before serving her Internal Medicine Residency – Primary Care Track at George Washington University through 2013. She then had a General Internal Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University from 2013 to 2015. While at Hopkins, she also obtained a Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Epidemiology. During that time, her research focused on transitions of care and end of life goals discussion. She holds an active California State Medical License.

This presentation will qualify for 0.5 hours of MCLE. The cost is $20.00 for members who have paid their 2023 dues and $25.00 for everyone else, payable by cash or check to YSBA.

Transfer Evaluations: With a Focus on Adolescent Brain Development & Factors the Court May Weigh and Consider
2023-08-15 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cool Hand Luke’s, 1669 Colusa Highway, Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
Dr. Rahn Minagawa, a renowned expert in child
and adolescent development and adolescent brain development, will speak about Transfer Evaluations with a focus on adolescent brain development and factors the court may weigh and consider.
Please RSVP to Melissa Poulos by email (mpoulos@suttercourts.com) or by phone (530-822-3368) by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.
Dr. Minagawa earned his doctorate degree in psychology from the University of Southern California in 1983 after completing an internship at the UCLA Medical Center. He then entered military service where he attained the rank of Commander and served as the Head of the Child and Adolescent Psychology Division at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in child and adolescent psychology in San Francisco through the Comprehensive Child Crisis Services while in the Navy. After leaving the service, Dr. Minagawa became a Senior Scientist for the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and participated in research at the Naval Health Research Center with a focus on reducing high risk behaviors in military personnel.
Dr. Minagawa has served as a faculty member at the University of Southern California, Maryland University, San Diego State University, and Alliant University, and has been a guest lecturer at the University of San Diego and the University of California, San Diego.
He has specialized training and has qualified as an expert in the areas of trauma, substance abuse, gang involved youth, child and adolescent development, and adolescent brain development. He has been an invited presenter for the California Center for Judicial Education and Research, the Judicial Council of California, the Capital Case Defense Seminar, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, numerous public defender’s offices throughout the State of California, and the San Diego County Juvenile Probation Department.

Attorney Sergio Garcia
2023-06-13 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Boyd Hall, 1895 Lassen Blvd., Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
The Alliance for Hispanic Advancement (AHA) is a local non-profit organization that promotes the quality of life for minorities within our local community. They will be having their Annual Scholarship Banquet this year on June 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at Boyd Hall in Yuba City. The Yuba Sutter Bar Association is providing their Guest Speaker for the event, Attorney Sergio Garcia. In appreciation, AHA is inviting members of our bar association to attend the event, where complimentary dinner will be provided courtesy of El Zarape.
One hour of MCLE will be offered.
Mr. Garcia graduated from Cal Northern School of Law in 2009 and pass the California Bar Exam that year. However, Mr. Garcia was denied admission to the state bar due to his status as an undocumented immigrant. After a lengthy battle, Mr. Garcia’s case made national news when the California Supreme Court, in a matter of first impression, ruled that Mr. Garcia could be admitted to the state bar and be eligible to practice law. (In re Garcia (2014) 58 Cal.4th 440). Since then, Mr. Garcia has maintained a successful personal injury practice and has created the Sergio C. Garcia Foundation dedicated to assisting students in pursuing higher education.
Seating is limited, so if you are interested in attending the event, please RSVP to fritzgerald.javellana@gmail.com by May 31, 2023.

Law Day
2023-05-23 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | City Council Chambers, 1201 Civic Center Blvd., Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
Please join us at the Sutter County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 23, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers in Yuba City for a presentation of a proclamation recognizing May 1, 2023 as National Law Day in Sutter County. According to the American Bar Association, Law Day is the national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law and provides an opportunity to recognize those who work to protect our liberties, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.

Social Lunch
2023-05-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Olive Garden, 998 N Walton Ave., Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
This month’s YSBA meeting is a social lunch at the Olive Garden in Yuba City. Join us in the meeting room at noon for an informal lunch with your colleagues. We’ll order off the regular menu and pay individually.
There will not be a speaker, so no MCLE will be offered.

Wine Tasting at Sicilia Vineyards
2023-04-21 17:15 - 19:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sicilia Vineyards, 3981 Nuestro Road, Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States

CARE Act 101 and the CARE Court Process
2023-03-21 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Cool Hand Luke’s, 1669 Colusa Highway, Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
The MCLE presentation for this month’s meeting will be provided by Tahmina Morrow, Deputy County Counsel for Yuba County. In an effort to address significant issues of mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness, the California legislature recently passed the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (“CARE”) Act, which was signed into law by the governor on September 14, 2022. This Act has faced opposition from numerous civil rights groups, including a lawsuit by Disability Rights California challenging the constitutionality of the Act. As it stands, seven pilot counties – including Glenn County — will be establishing new CARE courts by October 1, 2023, with the remaining counties to follow by December 2024.

Beale AFB's Staff Judge Advocate Office
2023-02-28 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Cool Hand Luke’s, 1669 Colusa Highway, Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
The MCLE presentation for this month’s meeting will be provided by First Lieutenant Christopher J. Tatum. Lt. Tatum will be discussing the function of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and explain the typical legal issues that his office handles. He will also speak on areas where his office may overlap with the private sector.

Meet the new Sutter County District Attorney, Jennifer Dupré
2023-01-17 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Cool Hand Luke’s, 1669 Colusa Highway, Yuba City, CA, 95993, United States
The MCLE presentation for the month’s meeting will be provided by Jennifer Dupré, the newly elected Sutter County District Attorney. Jennifer Dupré attended law school at the University of San Francisco School of Law and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1997. She has spent the last 18 years prosecuting criminals. Prior to being elected Sutter County District Attorney, she was a Supervising Deputy District Attorney in Butte County, assigned to homicides, gangs, and hate crimes. She has prosecuted all types of cases, including prosecuting PG&E to conviction on 81 counts of manslaughter in the Paradise Camp Fire.
