It’s not totally uncommon for the two honorees of Notre Dame San Jose’s annual Women of Impact luncheon — a community leader and a Notre Dame alumna — to know each other. But this year’s honorees, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Erica Yew and Dr. Sejal Hathi, have a much deeper connection: They’re godmother and goddaughter.
Hathi, who graduated from Notre Dame High School in 2009 and oversees health care and public health services for the state of Oregon, said it was a total coincidence they were both honored this year when she revealed the relationship to a crowd of nearly 400 people who attended the fundraising event at the Signia by Hilton in downtown San Jose.
A crowd of nearly 400 people attended Notre Dame San Jose’s Women of Impact luncheon, honoring Judge Erica Yew and Dr. Sejal Hathi, at the Signia by Hilton hotel in downtown San Jose on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Area News Group)
“She’s also one of the earliest friends that my mother cherished upon arriving to this country as a young woman herself,” she said. “So to witness Judge Yew now, to honor her here, to see her stand in her own power, is to not only celebrate her, but also to celebrate my childhood, the starry-eyed young woman who was my mother before me. The dreams that their generation cherished for me and for all those that would come after.”
Yew said that she and Hathi’s mother both worked in the same San Jose law office, where they bonded as the only two women of color. Yew’s career has been one worth celebrating: She was appointed Oct. 19, 2001 as the first Asian American woman on the Santa Clara County Superior Court, and this year received a Community Heroes Award from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board.
Notre Dame San Jose Head of School Ashley Rae Mathis address the crowd at the high school’s Women of Impact luncheon, honoring Judge Erica Yew and Dr. Sejal Hathi, at the Signia by Hilton hotel in downtown San Jose on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Area News Group)
Before the luncheon, Yew and Hathi were interviewed by students during a school assembly, where they talked about their career paths, their thoughts on justice and on women’s leadership.
Since 2009, Women of Impact has been a signature event raising money for tuition assistance at the girls Catholic school in downtown San Jose, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary next year. “There is power in having women tell women’s stories,” Head of School Ashley Rae Mathis said.
BENEFIT ART SHOW: San Jose artist Jim Campbell has had a long career as an artist and historian, known for his drawings of sailing ships and three books. But now, he and his wife, Joanne, could use a hand after both — aged 96 and 95 years old, respectively — recover from falls they suffered in August.
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Their daughter, Nancy Brown, is hosting an art show and fundraiser Nov. 1 to sell prints, cards, books and some of his originals, with all of the proceeds going toward their long-term care. The show will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at a very appropriate venue, Morgan’s Cove in Morgan Hill, the pirate-themed space created by the late Rich Firato. The address is 1980 Morgan Ave. You can RSVP by calling 757-373-5680.
SPOOKY SEASON: During the dark and scary days of the COVID-19 pandemic, San Jose arts collective Local Color came up with an idea for a virtual fundraiser that has now grown into one of the most creative events of the Halloween season. The sixth annual 31 Skulls returns Oct. 24 at the Guildhouse in downtown San Jose, and Erin Salazar, Local Color’s founder and executive director, says it has “grown into something truly magical.”
“It’s a celebration of local artists, the spooky season and what it means to build community through creativity,” she said.
This year, 34 local artists were turned loose to create unique works of art with blank ceramic skulls as their canvasses. Ten of the skulls will be up for bid in a live auction at the event, which will also mark Local Color’s 10th anniversary with a vinyl-driven after party, where guests can show off their “goth formal.” Tickets are now available at 31skulls2025.givesmart.com.
Local Color also teamed up with San Jose’s Paleta Planeta on “La 31,” an exclusive 31 Skulls flavor available at their store on Santa Clara and Fourth streets all month (and 31 cents from every paleta purchased will be donated to Local Color).
SUNDAY SOUNDS: The San Jose Metropolitan Band and the San Francisco Brass Band are teaming up as “BANDthology” returns to the Hammer Theatre Center in downtown San Jose for the second year. The 3 p.m. concert will feature the two bands with very distinct programs. The San Jose Metropolitan Band, under the direction of Ken Nakamoto, will present “Mystique and Whimsy,” while the San Francisco Brass Band, directed by Jeff DeSeriere, will brighten things up with “Eternal Light,” including selections from “Wicked.” Get more information and tickets at www.hammertheatre.com.
TOGETHER FOREVER: Rudy and Lily Tenes, who first met at a dance at Sweet’s Ballroom in Oakland, had big plans for their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 5, including Bishop Oscar Cantú renewing their vows at St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, where they were married in 1955. But they put those plans on hold, as Rudy Tenes’ health began to decline as a result of diabetes and dementia.
He was hospitalized for a few days before returning home Oct. 6 to spend his last days. Their daughter, Darlene Tenes, sensed her father was hanging on trying to make it to the anniversary. So she asked their parish priest, the Rev. Joe Kim, for his help, and they held a small private renewal ceremony Oct. 9 in their living room, where his hospital bed was situated, complete with flowers, cake, food and decorations. Rudy Tenes died the next day.
“It wasn’t what we planned,” Darlene Tenes said, “but it was the most beautiful celebration of two people who have wholeheartedly loved each other all of their lives.”