SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., February 28, 2022 – Throughout its Administrative Session right this moment, the Snohomish County Council unanimously handed Decision 22-010 honoring the life and legacy of Decide Cassandra Lopez-Shaw.
The decision, launched by Council Vice Chair Jared Mead (District 4) and seconded by Councilwoman Stephanie Wright (District 3) reads:
WHEREAS, the Snohomish County Council joins the household, pals, and colleagues of the Honorable Cassandra Lopez-Shaw to honor her life, legacy, and dedication to public service; and
WHEREAS, on the age of eight, she and her household got here to america, and she or he grew up within the suburbs of Los Angeles. She then attended the College of Washington the place she graduated with honors earlier than incomes her Juris Physician from Loyola Regulation Faculty; and
WHEREAS, Decide Lopez-Shaw’s dedication to weak populations was unwavering. She supplied in depth volunteer time in academic settings for younger folks, particularly kids from deprived communities. She routinely volunteered with the YMCA Mock Trial Program, Bothell Youth Courtroom, and in school rooms in public colleges throughout Snohomish County; and
WHEREAS, her dedication to public service led to over 200 hours per yr of professional bono work inside the neighborhood, and recognitions and awards together with the Home Violence Advocacy Award for her work with home violence victims; and
WHEREAS, Decide Lopez-Shaw’s 17-year authorized profession spanned throughout public protection, personal follow, and most not too long ago she was elected as Snohomish County’s first Latinx Superior Courtroom Decide; and
WHEREAS, she’s going to endlessly be remembered by her dedication to honest illustration for deprived populations. A fluent Spanish speaker, she would conduct court docket in Spanish for individuals who primarily spoke Spanish as their first language. She additionally was a continuing and compassionate advocate for folks with out monetary means to entry honest illustration; and
WHEREAS, she can be missed by many colleagues in Snohomish County who appreciated her thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, and human lovingness – each out and in of the courtroom;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, we encourage the folks of Snohomish County to honor Decide Lopez-Shaw’s reminiscence and dedication to public service by volunteering or donating to their favourite group, comparable to her favorites the Snohomish County Authorized Companies and the YMCA;
BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, since Decide Lopez-Shaw was the primary Latina decide in Snohomish County and “you’ll be able to’t be what you’ll be able to’t see,” we encourage all younger girls, particularly younger girls of coloration, to by no means hand over on their goals and know you might be no matter you wish to be.
Click on right here to view the decision honoring Decide Lopez-Shaw in its entirety.
Feedback from Councilmembers and the Public
Decide Anna Alexander and Decide Lopez-Shaw had been pals exterior of the courtroom.
“On behalf of all of the judges on the Superior Courtroom Bench, all our court docket workers, I want to thank the County Council for such a considerate gesture,” decide Alexander mentioned throughout right this moment’s assembly. “We hope that, though she is not with us, her ardour for a extra simply and inclusive and humane neighborhood continues by way of all of our collective work in her honor.”
Decide Alexander learn an announcement from the Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Courtroom, Steve Gonzales. Chief Justice Gonzales carried out the swearing in of Decide Lopez-Shaw.
“Decide Lopez-Shaw served our neighborhood along with her pure kindness, empathy, bravery and energy,” wrote Chief Justice Gonzales. “She reminded every decide on the bench that each determination we make, even seemingly the smallest ones, can have lifetime results on numerous folks and that every determination have to be made with humanity because the tenet.”
Previous to approving the decision, Council Chair Megan Dunn shared her sympathy to the household on the passing of decide Lopez-Shaw. “I want we will provide greater than phrases at this level. I’m hopeful that our decision does convey some hope to the household and her friends.”
Councilman Sam Low added, “Decide Lopez-Shaw was such an excellent chief in our neighborhood. I bear in mind throughout her marketing campaign assembly along with her, and having pizza collectively at Brooklyn Brothers Pizza, and simply what an attractive individual she is and the way a lot she cares for her household and for her neighborhood. As council Chair Dunn mentioned, these are simply phrases and I want we will do extra.
He ended saying, “We’re grateful for the time that we had her, and the way a lot we realized from her.”