Superior Court of Los Angeles County Presents Inaugural Advocate for Justice Awards to Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, Assemblymember John Harabedian and Senator Laura Richardson
New Awards Honor Those Whose Advocacy Secured Funding and Policy Changes That Expand Access to Justice for Los Angeles County Residents
The Superior Court of Los Angeles County presented its inaugural Advocate for Justice Awards to Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, Assemblymember John Harabedian and Senator Laura Richardson on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in a small ceremony on the rooftop of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. The Court established the awards to honor elected officials whose advocacy in Sacramento has advanced policy and secured funding for the Judicial Branch.
Video: Honoring the Advocates for Justice
Executive Officer/Clerk of Court David W. Slayton opened the program, and each honoree was introduced by a member of the Court’s judicial leadership team, including Presiding Judge-Elect Ricardo Ocampo, Assistant Presiding Judge-Elect Yvette Verastegui and Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II.
“The Judicial Branch relies on our partners in the Legislative and Executive Branches for the laws and resources that keep our courtroom doors open and our cases moving forward,” Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II said. “Assemblymember Caloza, Assemblymember Harabedian and Senator Richardson understand that a strong California depends on a strong Judicial Branch. When our courts needed champions in Sacramento, they answered the call. Because of their leadership, justice in Los Angeles County is accessible to all, delivered without unnecessary delay, and administered in courthouses that are safe for everyone who walks through their doors. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their service.”
Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (52nd Assembly District) was recognized for her work on the Assembly Budget Committee securing additional funding for the Court Interpreters Program. The funding helps ensure that litigants with limited English proficiency can understand and participate in their hearings. Sworn in in December 2024, Caloza is the first Filipina elected to the California Legislature and serves as Assistant Majority Whip. She represents South Glendale, East Los Angeles, and Northeast Los Angeles.
Assemblymember John Harabedian (41st Assembly District) was recognized for authoring Assembly Bill 1950, which authorizes the Court to order any civil case to mediation regardless of the amount in controversy. The bill passed both chambers unanimously and the Governor signed it into law. The Court expects this new authority to help address a skyrocketing increase in civil filings and estimates it will move an additional 500 to 1,000 cases each year toward early resolution. A former Los Angeles County deputy district attorney and two-time Mayor of Sierra Madre, Harabedian sits on the Assembly Judiciary and Public Safety Committees and chairs the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
Senator Laura Richardson (35th Senate District) was recognized for her leadership in bringing attention to the Court’s facilities needs as chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation. She was instrumental in securing $1.7 billion in lease revenue bond authority in the Budget Act of 2026 to accelerate courthouse construction statewide, as well as $150 million for deferred maintenance to repair and maintain courthouses across the state. Richardson, who represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013, was elected to the State Senate in November 2024 and serves as Assistant Majority Whip.
“In establishing this award, the Court recognizes leaders whose service reflects a lasting commitment to a stronger, more accessible justice system,” Executive Officer/Clerk of Court David W. Slayton said. “Each of these honorees turned advocacy into results that Los Angeles County court users will feel every day.”
You can view the full notice here.
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