Since the 1990s, the CCBA held its monthly meetings there — board members convening an hour beforehand, followed by a four-course banquet style dinner and a continuing legal education presentation among colleagues and friends.

On March 11, 2026, the CCBA gathered at Taix for the final time. Earlier that afternoon, CCBA President Nafisé Nina Hodjat, assisted by the organization’s Executive Assistant Drea Castro and CCBA's 2026 Law School Fellow Savannah Torsney, arrived to begin preparing the room alongside the Taix staff — many of whom have served the CCBA faithfully for decades. Together they set up the evening’s space in the Champagne Room, including the red carpet and photo area, as CCBA’s official photographer Shiggy arrived to capture the occasion.

Soon afterward, board members convened for the final CCBA board meeting ever held at Taix, marking the close of a longstanding tradition within the organization. As guests began to arrive, attendees checked in, took photographs, and shared stories reflecting on the many years the CCBA community had gathered within those historic walls. The evening’s MCLE program began with recognition of the CCBA Sustaining Members, whose ongoing support continues to strengthen the foundation of the organization and its mission. The program then turned to reflections on the history of the CCBA at Taix and why the venue held such special meaning for so many members of the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Community.

After welcoming remarks, President Hodjat invited Mark Khalaf to the podium. Mr. Khalaf delivered a beautiful tribute to Richard Hutton, who for years presented the annual DUI update for the CCBA every January at Taix. Next, Hon. Wendy Segall delivered a beautiful tribute honoring longtime CCBA member and supporter Victoria Caro Dawson, remembering her lasting contributions and the impact she made on colleagues and friends alike. President Hodjat then offered remarks honoring the late Honorable Michael Pastor, describing him as a “the embodiment of the phrase YOUR HONOR” and noting his recognition as the 2010 recipient of the Robert M. Takasuki Judicial Excellence Award. Continuing another long-standing CCBA tradition, the program also provided an opportunity for members to hear briefly from several judicial candidates in attendance.

CCBA has historically offered candidates a platform to introduce themselves to the criminal defense community and share their perspectives with members of the bench and bar. Five candidates were present and each addressed the audience. They included Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender Donna Tryfman, along with Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorneys Ben Forer, Maria Ghobadi, Gloria Marin, and Irene Lee.

The evening concluded its ceremonial portion on a celebratory note, honoring Monique Hoffmayer for her outstanding contributions to the legal community ahead of her retirement. Following these tributes, the program transitioned into an engaging and dynamic MCLE presentation featuring several distinguished members of the criminal defense bar. Past President Victor Salerno began by recounting a compelling example of a winning opening statement. Past President Andrew Stein followed with a fervent presentation on cross-examination and the importance of advocating for your client’s right to obtain the appointed expert support required for effective representation. Adrian Baca then delivered a powerful demonstration on preparing and presenting a Gerry Spence Method style direct examination.

Finally, CCBA Past President Allison Triessl concluded the program with engaging and insightful guidance on navigating media relations in high-profile cases.

Special recognition was also given to longtime CCBA supporters as well as to Awards Gala Honorees including, Hon. Michael Tynan, Hon. David Berger, Steven Cooley and Bruce Cormicle, all of whom were in attendance for the evening. While the doors of Taix may soon close, the friendships, professional bonds, and traditions cultivated there will continue to live on within the CCBA community.

The Criminal Courts Bar Association is grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful and historic evening.