Mexican American Bar Association honors four judges at annual Judges' Night

LOS ANGELES -- The Mexican American Bar Association held its annual Judges' Night on Friday at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, recognizing four judges from California and Mexico for their contributions to the judiciary and legal profession.

U.S. District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes received the "Honorable Benjamin Aranda III Judge of the Year Award," while Los Angeles County Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II received the "Honorable Carlos R. Moreno Judicial Excellence Award."

Superior Court Judge Elizabeth L. Bradley was honored with the "Ramona Godoy Perez Visionera Award," which recognizes leadership and contributions to the legal community.

The association's Mexico chapter also presented its "Honorable Carlos R. Moreno Judicial Excellence Award" to Judge Felipe de Jesús Rivera Gallegos, who handles criminal and juvenile matters in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

Nearly 300 judges, attorneys, elected officials, community leaders and supporters attended the event. Among the guests were U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán and Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo Garcia, along with members of the state and federal judiciary.

The Mexican American Bar Association's 2026-27 board of directors is led by President Lori Romero, President-Elect Jesse Blancarte, Vice President Juan Redin, Treasurer Eric Canton and Secretary Ronald Gomez. James Blancarte serves as membership director, and Selene Estrada-Villela is newsletter editor.

The board's trustees include Beatriz Pimentel Flores, Maria Olaguez, Alfonso Estrada, David C. Casarrubias-Gonzalez, Bessie "Isabella" Mafud, Dulce Velasquez, Alexandra Jara and Carlos Cruz. Mildred Segura and Mario Martinez serve as appointed trustees.