The Ventura College Spring 2008 Arts and Lecture Series presents
author and attorney Michael Mehas and a panel of local experts in the legal and psychology fields who will engage the audience in a lively discussion after a film screening of Alpha Dog. Mehas is the author of the critically acclaimed novel, Stolen Boy. The film will be screened in the Ventura College lecture hall UV1 on February 7, beginning at 5 pm, and the discussion will begin at 7 pm in the same room. Refreshments will be served
Speakers: Michael Mehas, Esq., and guest panel: Hon. Melinda Johnson; Katherine Emerick, Ph.D.; Brian Vogel, Esq.
Michael Mehas, Associate Producer of the feature film “Alpha Dog,” and author of “Stolen Boy” will lead a panel discussion with key experts, on topics such as 1) parent/child relationships; 2) mob mentality; 3) subculture of drugs and privilege; 4) parental responsibility v. peer influence in society. Michael is also a key witness in the ongoing prosecution of suspected murderer, Jesse James Hollywood, in Santa Barbara, on whom the film/book are based.
Michael Mehas is a writer and attorney living on California’s Central Coast. While attending Pepperdine University in the early 80s, Michael performed and worked for his mentor––independent film legend John Cassavetes––who gave him the best advice he’d ever received for an aspiring writer: “Go get experience in life to write from.” And so he did.
In 1988, Mehas received his Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law, and the following year graduated from the Academy of Justice School of Advocacy, having learned all aspects of criminal trial preparation, management, and resolution. He followed this with a brief stint with the Public Defender’s office and private practice where he researched, prepared, and tried felony criminal matters, including a death penalty case in only his third trial.
In the 1990s, Michael divided his energies as a screenwriter and freelance journalist, his work published internationally. In 2003, he co-founded an international news and feature Internet magazine called The Inquisitor. Later that year, he again teamed with writer/director Nick Cassavetes as the associate producer on Alpha Dog, a major motion picture from Universal, starring Justin Timberlake, Bruce Willis, and Sharon Stone. Based on his unprecedented research, access to confidential case files, and interviews with key participants, Michael has just released the award winning psychological thriller, Stolen Boy.
Hon. Melinda A. Johnson (Ret.) excels at bringing divergent points of view to a workable solution, as evidenced by her leadership in consolidating the Ventura Superior and Municipal Courts while Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in 1994-1995. Judge Johnson, considered one of Ventura County’s top judges, is ranked as outstanding by the local bar association.
She is widely recognized for her keen intelligence and meticulous preparation, and often has been described as a versatile, calm, compassionate, evenhanded and caring individual. Judge Johnson has been honored as: Judge of the Year Award, Ventura County Trial Lawyers, 1990; Salute to Women Award, Ventura County Commission for Women, 1987. She received her law degree from USC Law Center, attended Hastings College of Law and received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University.
Dr. Kay Emerick grew up in rural Michigan. She attended the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Michigan as a violin major. She received her undergraduate degree in English and Psychology, retiring music to a lifelong avocation. After graduation she opened an organic grocery in Yellow Springs, Ohio (home of Antioch College). She returned to school, and obtained a master’s degree in Counseling while running her business. Settling on becoming a psychologist, she returned to graduate school, and was granted a Ph.D. from Ohio University. Dr. Emerick came to Ventura to begin her career working for Ventura County Behavioral Health. She then became the Senior Psychologist for Probation, evaluating hundreds of delinquent youths under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court. At present she has a private practice doing psychotherapy and forensic psychological evaluation. She continues to evaluate teens facing adjudication for a variety of offenses.
Brian Vogel has extensive experience defending virtually every type of charge from capital murder to driving under the influence. He is an award winning attorney with a strong track record of dismissed cases, not guilty verdicts and reduced charges. Mr. Vogel received his J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA in 1993. He earned his B.A. in Government from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT in 1990. He studied political theory and British politics during the Hilary and Trinity terms at Mansfield College, Oxford University in Oxford England in 1989. Brian received the 2002 Ventura County Criminal Defense Bar Association Richard Erwin Award (The equivalent of “Trial Lawyer of the Year”); The 1998 Ventura County Criminal Defense Bar Association Crime Lab Crusader Award, and was a 1992 Semifinalist in the Western Regional National Trial Advocacy Competition in Sacramento.
For additional information, call the Public Relations Office, Ventura College, (805) 654-6462.##### |
