Author Naomi Hirahara (right) is presented the Respect for Law award by Joyce Nakashima, president of the Japanese American Optimist Club of Los Angeles on May 27 Taix French Restaurant in Los Angeles. Hirahara talked about the development of her fictional crime sleuths Mas Arai and Ellie Rush. She also recognized Robert Koga and Stanley Uno, who were Nikkei pioneers in law enforcement. The next JAO event will be their annual Hawaiian luau on Saturday, June 6, at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. For information, contact Jerry Fukui at (213) 626-0441 or [email protected]. (Photo by GWEN MURANAKA/Rafu Shimpo)