RIGHT ABOUT NOW, I can begin taking it easy and President-Elect Julian Bellenghi can start scratching his head, wondering whom to try to line up as speakers for next year’s events. Don’t worry, Julian — much of what needs to be done will be assumed by members of the IALA team, with whom it’s a delight to work (and laugh and joke).

For example, the credit goes to Chris Frisco for the successful reception we held at the State Bar Convention in Long Beach. The food was tasty and plentiful, the ambiance was faultless, and the location — a block from the convention — was ideal. Among those dropping in were the State Bar’s new president, Tom Stolpman, and Los Angeles County Bar Assn. President (and IALA member) Sheldon Sloan.

It was Los Angeles Superior Court Judge George Schiavelli, a former IALA president, who put together the "Night With the Supreme Court," as he has in past years. Chief Justice Ronald George offered remarks, as did the new associate justices, Janice Brown Rogers and Ming Chin. And it was a delight to welcome the court’s senior justice, Stanley Mosk, who had not previously attended the function. Joining members of the high court at the head table were former Chief Justice Malcolm Lucas; William Vickery, executive director of the Administrative Office of the Courts; and the new Italian consul general in Los Angeles, Folco de Luca Gabrielli.

While the Biltmore, with its elegance, was a fitting site for the event, the chef, albeit Italian, was not able to replicate, or approach, the mostaccioli we get at Casa Italiana. Grated carrots? George Schiavelli, who emceed the event, remarked that he knew the Biltmore did its best, but added: "What we just had was egg noodles and catsup."

Hearing of that remark, the catering department pledged that if given the chance next year, they’ll improve on the pasta. What if we had the program at the Biltmore, catered by the Casa?

It will be awhile before George and the rest of us get some good mostaccioli at an IALA meeting. There will be no more dinners at the Casa until February. Next week, the venue will be the Empress Pavillion. (George is bound to pronounce one of the dishes to be "egg noodles and soy sauce.")

While the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Assn. is this year’s hosting group, plans for the event were made by the three participating bar groups. Representing us this year, as always, was Past President Phil Bartenetti.

Phil is also responsible for arranging use of Italian Hall for our Christmas party on Dec. 18. Planning the party is Past President Dale La Casella.

So, you see, Julian, a great deal of the burden will be shouldered by others. Oh, yes, you will have a few things to do. Like write columns for the Bollettino giving credit to all those who are doing the work!