
DOWNTOWN — It was a well-attended and festive celebration featuring food, music, dancing and pride at Kings County Civil Court as the Latino Judges Association was honored on its 40th anniversary the afternoon of Oct. 8.
The LJA, formed in 1985, is an organization dedicated to increasing Latino representation in the judiciary.
The event, part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, embraced the theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.”
Hispanic Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Keynote speaker Associate Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels, of the Appellate Division, First Department, and past president of the LJA, emphasized that this year’s theme spoke to her.
“As a perpetual student of the law, I am trained to look at all things with an appreciation and understanding of their history,” Manzanet-Daniels said. “For you see, history is the tool with which we process and place in context our present and plan for our future.”
Manzanet-Daniels added that, “the importance of preserving Latino history cannot be understated.”
She concluded her speech with some powerful statistics, noting that despite constituting approximately 20% of the New York State population, the status of Hispanic representation in the New York State judiciary is a mere 130 judges out of 3,093, or 4%.
Manzanet-Daniels noted that this is something that needs to change going forward. “We have to do better.”
Hon. Carmen Pacheco delivered an uplifting address to the crowd about the profound ways the Latino community has contributed to the United States.
“Hispanic Heritage Month honors those who contribute to the rich tapestry that makes this country a wonderful place to live, grow and thrive,” Pacheco said, citing science, education and music as areas where Latinos have been massively influential.
“Hispanic Americans embody American values — devotion to faith and family, commitment to work and community service, and fierce patriotic pride.”
At the conclusion of the event, three “Above and Beyond” awards were given out to various courthouse staff members. They included Court Officer Miguel Robles, Senior Court Clerk Anibal Flores and Court Attorney Maria Amorim.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.