President's Message — April 2026

Megan Demshki

Reading Day

The RCBA kicked off March with Reading Day at Harada Elementary School on March 2, 2026. Judges, attorneys and legal staff joined us for Read Across America Day where we visited every classroom at Harada Elementary School to read to them and answer the students' questions about the practice of law. Additionally, the RCB Foundation donated funds to the library and RCBA members brought books to help grow the library's collection.

Thank you to Jacqueline Carey-Wilson, Charlene Nelson and the entire Reading Day Committee for making this event a reality.

RCB Foundation and Project Graduate Fundraiser

On March 4, 2026, the RCB Foundation and Project Graduate held a fundraiser at the Riverside Community Players. After a social hour enjoying the beautiful spring weather outdoors, the attendees were treated to the Riverside Community Players' rendition of Alice in Wonderland.

Thank you to the sponsors whose contributions will benefit both the RCB Foundation and Project Graduate:

In addition, numerous individuals and organizations donated silent auction items to benefit the organizations.

Thank you to Alexandra Fong, Abe Feuerstein, and the Deegan Inn of Court for coordinating this wonderful event.

Mediation Month

The RCBA teamed up with Dispute Resolution Service to bring our membership the March General Membership Meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026. David Dowling, Managing Director at Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine's Caruso School of Law, discussed "Negotiation Strategies for Lawyers in Mediation." Dr. Dowling's presentation was fantastic and Dispute Resolution Services kindly sponsored lunch for all attendees.

Thank you to Dispute Resolution Service for partnering with us on this great program. Please consider using Dispute Resolution Service for your next mediation. The panel of mediators is diverse and experienced.

Join us!

On April 17, 2026, please join us for the April General Membership Meeting at noon at the Gabbert Gallery. The speaker will be Presiding Judge Jacqueline Jackson who will be discussing the State of the Court. This program is always a crowd favorite, and we are looking forward to seeing many members in attendance.

In addition, on April 24, 2026, from 12pm to 3:45pm, Dispute Resolution Service will be offering a Mediation Continuing Education Training that is open to all RCBA Members at the Gabbert Gallery. Professor Stephanie Blondell will be discussing "The Psychology of the Deal: An Exploration for Mediators." This program is free of charge for all RCBA members and includes lunch. RSVP by April 20 to 951-682-2132 or drs@riversidecountybar.com.

Get involved with the RCBA

I would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback or see an opportunity to grow the RCBA programming, please do not hesitate to reach out. I'm also happy to introduce you to new colleagues at any of our events. My email is megan@aitkenlaw.com and my phone number is (951) 534-4006.

Megan G. Demshki is the president of the RCBA and a partner at Aitken Aitken Cohn.