What is the current state of the California legislation system? What does it feel like to determine an entire person’s future in a courtroom? What are some of the difficulties of working in juvenile law? On February 18t, 2024, youth group RISE held the 5th Çay, Çekirdek & Chat event and invited Judge Bondonno to find out. Following the usual format of the event, the attendees gathered around the speaker in a circle and with complete interest, and listened as Judge Bondonno shared a bit about his background, accomplishments, difficulties and personal life. After the introductions were made, Mr. Bondonno continued to take the attendees on a whim by sharing anecdotes from his career, discussing his time as a juvenile and California supreme court judge and the dilemma of working as many years as himself in the field of law. Judge Bondonno’s decades worth of expertise especially shined through in the latter part of the event. Throughout a generous window of time, he received and answered questions from the audience in a socratic format, touching upon topics such as government regulation, discrimination, the place of minority groups in American society, and support movements that still persist today. 

The signature Çay, Çekirdek & Chat was paired with complimentary dining, appetizers and drinks for the convenience of the attendees. A rich selection of hot and cold beverages were available throughout the event, served by the members of the RISE team for the total satisfaction of the participants as the event unfolded. Including Judge Bondonno himself, the event gathered an intimate quantity of twenty guests, fueling an eager and warm environment for the transaction of knowledge and taboo concepts. The RISE team encourages the community to be on the lookout for future Çay, Çekirdek & Chat events, and welcomes anyone into this humble space of discussion, education, and enrichment.