There is something special about the Long Beach cityscape when viewed from the shoreline across the bay, as the sun sets over the water.
The 215 or so guests attending the 109th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner of the Long Beach Bar Association on Feb. 26 at the Hotel Maya were enthusiastic about the lovely setting — and the unfolding of the evening’s events.
After an animated social interlude, guests gathered for delicious dining and the formal part of the night defined by the theme of “Justice, Legacy and Leadership.” Randall Fudge was officially and enthusiastically installed as the 2026 LBBA president. The Long Beach assistant city prosecutor brings more than 30 years of expertise in appellate, civil and housing litigation to this leadership role. Fudge’s installation was underlined by the statement that he will be “ushering in a new era for the association.”
The honorees, meanwhile, were introduced as true giants of the Southern California legal community. The distinguished 2026 honorees were: Lawyer of the Year (posthumously): Samuel “Skip” Keesal; Judge of the Year: Hon. James Horan; and Distinguished Service: Mario Cordero.
From left, Mario Cordero, Beth Keesal, Randall Fudge, Hon. James Horan, Doug Otto and Steve Keesal attend the Long Beach Bar Association’s 109th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner. (Courtesy photo)
From left, John Giffin with the Keesal family, Beth, Hope, Katherine, Carolyn and Steve, at the Long Beach Bar Association’s 109th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner. (Courtesy photo)
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From left, Mario Cordero, Beth Keesal, Randall Fudge, Hon. James Horan, Doug Otto and Steve Keesal attend the Long Beach Bar Association’s 109th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner. (Courtesy photo)
Keesal, who died on Aug. 12, was a powerhouse attorney and civic leader. He built a global law firm and devoted his life to local philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on Long Beach and the broader legal community.
The now-retired Cordero was recognized for his 8.5 years as CEO of the Port of Long Beach. Cordero’s visionary leadership guided the port through historic growth, the COVID-19 pandemic and groundbreaking sustainability advances.
Horan, a veteran Los Angeles Superior Court judge currently presiding over family law, was honored for his dedicated service at the Long Beach and Whittier courthouses and his foundational career as a public defender.
Sponsors included The Port of Long Beach, The Law Offices of Robin Perry and the Law Office of Gerri Marshall.
“Their commitment to the legal community makes evenings like this possible,” Fudge said on the sponsors.
Seen at the Scene: President-elect Kameron Riley and Vice President Martha Iturrioz; and the Keesal family, Beth, Katherine, Carolyn, Steve and Hope; as well as Gloria Deukmejian, Doug Haubert, Craig Cross, former California Supreme Court Justice Carlos Moreno, Hon. Debra Cole, Richard Brown, John Giffin, Doug and Freda Otto, Marc Rothenberg and Frank Newell.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.