Judge Peter Sakai

Game On! with Jenny Carnes & Mary Ullmann Japhet

Game On! Judge Peter Sakai

Episode 15 * November 12, 2024 * 31:02

From holding down the offensive line in high school to serving Bexar County as County Judge, Peter Sakai has long been an advocate for sports and for children and families. Now, he's on the driving side of the San Antonio Mission's proposed new baseball stadium. Tune in to hear about this and so much more!

Peter Sakai Bio

Peter Sakai’s dad, Pete, a high school student in California during the outbreak of World War II, and the entire family were victims of Executive Order 9066 - the Japanese Internment Camps. He often told Peter about his experiences growing up and going to high school in these camps. So many people wrongly lost their property, their businesses, and their homes because of this abhorrent violation of their civil rights. The stories Pete told Peter have compelled him to defend the Constitution and the Rule of Law –so, that no one else would have to go through what his family, and so many other Asian Americans, had to endure. Driven by his family and his passion for justice, Peter graduated from the prestigious University of Texas in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree and the University of Texas School of Law in 1979.

True to his character, Peter used his new law degree to serve others. Starting as an Appellate Assistant D.A. in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office where he quickly became a rising legal star. In 1983, opened his successful solo law practice. In 1995, he was unanimously appointed by the civil court judges as the Associate Judge of the Children's Court, where he created revolutionary new programs that protected children and put struggling families back together. Under Judge Sakai’s leadership, adoptions in Bexar County of foster children increased by 1000%. Encouraged by his colleagues at the courthouse, community leaders, and long-time supporters, he ran for the 225th State District Court and pulled off a resounding victory. In the General Election, he prevailed again and became Judge of that bench. During his judicial career, Judge Sakai has implemented several cost-saving protocols, and innovative programs, and brought together key stakeholders to find viable solutions to countless programs. The Family Drug Court, Early Childhood Court, and the College Bound Docket are all proven examples of his visionary leadership. All the programs and initiatives have empowered parents and improved the justice system, becoming nationally recognized and awarded models across the United States.

To donate to San Antonio Sports 40th Anniversary “Dare to Dream” campaign, visit: https://connect.sanantoniosports.org/event/413573-San-Antonio-Sports-Dare-to-Dream-Campaign.

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