When I met John Hathaway Bates i

I have included only the content of the following testimonials, having removed Letter headings and telephone numbers to protect the people who were kind enough to come to my aid in my moment of need. Copies of the original letters were of course filed with the Court. I could show the transcript of the Hearing held on August 22nd, 2005 in Judge Pro Tempore Ann Dobbs Courtroom to another hundred people who have known me for decades and I am sure I would gain similar letters and testimonials from all of them to counter Court Evaluator Karen Nakamatsu's character assassination and destruction of a reputation I spent more than six decades building. In my opinion this middle-aged, Asian-American "Local" woman from Hawaii decided to help out a fellow middle-aged, Asian-American "Local" woman from Hawaii (my ex-wife) and basically lied to an inexperienced, overworked and biased Judge who proceeded to shout me down every time I tried to defend my sons, myself and my reputation. She even managed to take away my legal rights over my sons. UNDER OATH, Karen Nakamatsu carefully painted me to be an abusive, lecturing, lying, alcoholic, chain-smoking, racist, dead-beat father, who often cannot feed them and makes Racist distinctions between his own children. Which anyone who knows me I am sure will testify under oath is just not true - if only I could get a Judge who would actually take the time to hear them.

When I met John Hathaway Bates in 1989 at a Business Forum event, I was struck by his intelligence and his ability to consider all sides of the issue under discussion. Attendance at these events is male dominated yet, John would create a comfortable segway for the few ladies present to express their points of view. In particular he would make sure I have an opportunity to contribute as I was the only minority woman from India.

John is a rare individual, well read, a thinker and an ardent contributor to creating a better society for all of us. He is always willing to advise us on the many issues of family and business that challenge us. My husband and my family value his friendship and have enjoyed our long discussions with him on philosophical issues. Particularly as we are staunch Hindus and our perspectives are hither to not familiar to others in the United States. In fact he wanted me to write some articles on Hinduism for publication on his website so our religion is better understood.

He is respectful and interested in our complex customs and beliefs, always looking for commonalities with western religions between the two. He has never been derogatory in his dealings with us, or toward any others in my experience. John is quite the opposite of "racist" in fact he is proactive in bringing people and ideas together for mutual growth. He is an exemplary gentleman in the true British sense. My family is honored to call him friend and associate.

PS As a mother, I was considering sending my son to him to learn critical thinking, the skill to process and disseminate information in considered tolerance and lastly to learn from him the gentlemanly arts of manners and etiquette.

I understand that you are about to make some very important decisions that will effect a life and family of a person whom I have known since 1985. I was introduced to John Hathaway-Bates by Mr. George Tice, then the General Manager of Los Angeles County. After my introduction to John Hathaway-Bates, he offered me his assistance if and when I ever needed it, even though at the outset he did not know me personally.

While I was the General Manager of Los Angeles County Facilities Services Operations I employed hundreds of people, passing judgment on their credentials, abilities, and potential to serve our County. Thereafter, I transitioned my career and John Hathaway-Bates offered me a space to work from at no cost, his professional advice and staff to assist me. He is in my opinion a truly considerate, honest, loyal, and helpful individual. We worked together and I can say first hand that what I say is a direct experience that I had with Mr. Hathaway-Bates.

While a professional person, John is also a devoted family man. He found time for his children and wife during his work day. He always saw to it that his children were being cared for. He would bring his youngest son to the office and would often stop and play with David who was about 2-4 years old at the time. We all loved David in the office and it became a family atmosphere at the office because of John’s characteristics.

John always treated his wife, children and those of us in the office with kindness. There were several of us Hispanics in the office and never have I heard John say anything in any way derogatory or raciest in the twenty years that I have known him. I hold John in the highest respect for his admiration for people’s heritage and backgrounds. You will find no one more oriented to help and assist than my friend, John. He loves his children and cares for them. He is a productive individual who will nurture them with whatever he has. His heart of giving, sharing and loving is bigger than anyone you will ever meet.

In short, if you are deciding whether to determine if John is a fit and good father I can attest that he is. I pray that more people should be like John and that God help me learn from him to be more compassionate, loving and caring.

Hildo Hernandez, General Manager, (Retired)
Facilities Services Operations, Los Angeles County.

I have known and been a friend of John Hathaway-Bates for over a decade, both professionally and socially. Our professional and personal activities together have involved interfacing with persons of a wide range of economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. He has always maintained a friendly and inclusive personality.

Any claims being brought against him that imply he is an “an abusive alcoholic, anti-Semitic racist” person are to my mind fabricated and motivated by malevolent and self serving motives.

He is a fine human being, and I am shocked that such claims have been made against him. The Court may call me to discuss this further, or it may ask me to give evidence under oath, against these utterly preposterous allegations made against someone I respect and consider a valuable business associate and friend.

Dr. Paul Rosenthal
Professor of Information Systems, CALSTATELA
and formally Director of IT Consulting, Coopers & Lybrand Southeast Asia

I have known John Hathaway-Bates for over 12 years, both professionally and as a man I consider to be my friend, and he is no racist! In fact the claims his wife continuously makes against him that he is an "an abusive alcoholic, racist" are definitely false and untrue and I know firsthand how much her lies and attacks upon him have hurt him. Additionally in all the years I have known him I have never seen the man intoxicated!

I am an African American, who has had a fair share of "racism" aimed at me over the years, but John is a man who has gone out of his way to help me find employment when I needed such help and has included me in his inner circle of friends and trusted advisors.

I am amazed and shocked that anyone could state such lies about him and threaten to take his sons from him who I know he loves just as much as I love my own children.

Finally, I would testify to the above statement under oath should the need ever arise.

I have known John Hathaway-Bates for over ten years through the Business Forum. As the Executive Director of the Business Forum, John has invited me to many interesting lunch discussions regarding various business topics. One thing I have observed at these Forums is that John has been able to assemble groups of business people from all walks of life to engage in interactive business discussions.

With the above being said, I don’t understand how anyone could accuse John of being prejudiced against anyone of a difference race, gender, religion or political affiliation. Based upon my observation, John enjoys the company of people of different backgrounds. He has always treated everyone with whom he interacts with the utmost respect and courtesy.

Richard Lui
Principal Administrative Analyst
Los Angeles Unified School District

I have known Jonathan for over 15 years, during which time he was always an exemplary member of society. Jonathan indicated to me that he has been accused of being an anti-Semitic racist. If that were the case, I would neither be writing this letter nor maintain my friendship with him. I am Jewish and belong to Temple Israel of Hollywood.

I have been to his home and enjoyed his hospitality. In fact, on one occasion I was able to arrange getting his rent paid. He is quite an intellectual and maintains a very informative web site that demonstrates his business and social acumen.

Don't hesitate to call me if you require more information. I am happy and comfortable calling Jonathan my friend.

I have known John Hathaway-Bates for about 10 years. In that time I have never observed nor felt him to be sexist or racist. In fact, when I heard that he was accused of being so, I thought it was a joke. I consider him my friend and am only too glad to come to his aid with a testimonial.

Who am I? I am Cornelia Ware Rensi. I am a 59 year old black American female who has been married for a little over 40 years to a white American male. We have 5 children. I have degrees from UC Berkeley in Mathematics. I have been working in Information Technology for 32 years.

I know what racism and sexism look like from both my personal and professional life. I won't relate such stories in this letter, but let it suffice to say that I have experienced both. Never from John!

In summary I will simply repeat my earlier assertion. John is neither a racist nor a sexist. Thank you.

I have recently become aware of your legal challenge that you have with your former spouse where she accuses you of being an alcoholic and a racist person. This is a surprise to me! Over the past 15 years that I have known you, you have been the perfect gentleman. Your Forum has been a melting pot of professional people who you extend the most cordial reception. You are always "alcohol free," and demonstrate dignity and respect to all who participate.

I personally know that you are not the social outcast that your former spouse has described, but on the contrary, you are the gentleman, open-minded and the all-inclusive person that you have demonstrated time and time again. Please convey my sentiment to anyone you deem necessary. I hope that you continue your Forum. It has always addressed contemporary issues in such a complex world.

If those you share this letter with, have any question, they can contact me.

DOUGLAS E. SHUR
Captain
Commanding Officer Hollenbeck Patrol Division
Los Angeles Police Department

I have been a training and Human Resources professional for over 20 years, working in the State of California. I have known John Hathaway-Bates for more than 15 years of that time.

I know John from the multi-national, multi-racial, and multi-cultural business organization referred to as The Business Forum. I have never, in more than 15 years of knowing him, ever seen him express concern, bias, or prejudice against any person based on any criteria. John displays respect and consideration for any person with whom I have seen him interact.

Best regards,

Marsha J. Gonzalez

I am writing this letter on behalf of Mr. John Hathaway-Bates. I have known John Hathaway-Bates for nearly 10 years now and I feel as though I have enough facts to make a fair assessment of his character as a person. I feel comfortable and confident in stating that John Hathaway-Bates has never displayed any racial bias or prejudice in our dealings nor in any dealings I have seen him have with others. I feel qualified to make these statements based upon numerous business and social outings and gatherings with John Hathaway-Bates.

John Hathaway-Bates has helped many people advance their careers through his efforts utilizing his personal and business contacts. He has afforded me access to business related events and opportunities at discounted rates and even free of charge in some cases. This was based upon his kindness and knowing I did not have the financial wherewithal to pay at the time.

As far as I am concerned John Hathaway-Bates does not play favorites but rather deals with people based upon their own merit and character.

In closing, as a Black man in America I am perceptive enough to recognize racism when I see it. Moreover, I consider myself to be a good judge of character and in my humble opinion John Hathaway-Bates is no racist.

For further questions, comments or concerns regarding the foregoing please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Timothy P. Washington

To whomsoever it may concern:

I have known John Hathaway-Bates for more that fifteen years, and having read what the Court Evaluator Karen Nakamatsu said in her report to the Court I can testify that it was pure character assassination and in no way reflects the character or personality of John Hathaway-Bates.

In 1991 I was in dire circumstances, without a job and living in a motel; and John Hathaway-Bates took me into his family and provided me with a home and a job until I could get back on my feet. I think that the fact that I am an African-American woman and lived with John and his family for about a year proves that all of Karen Nakamatsu's insinuations that John is a racist are utterly FALSE! The Court should also understand that I was not the first person suffering hard times that John Hathaway-Bates went out of his way to help, there were many before me and many after me - all of whom I am sure that will happily testify that John is a gentleman and the essence of kindness.

Karen Nakamatsu says in her report:

THE WITNESS: MOTHER IDENTIFIES AS HER CONCERNS THAT FATHER HAS BEEN MAKING DISPARAGING REMARKS TO MATTHEW WHEN EVER HE CONFRONTS FATHER ABOUT HIS DRINKING.

To my knowledge I have never seen John Hathaway-Bates intoxicated and I doubt everything that Karen Nakamatsu says in this statement and all the other statements where she tries to portray him as an alcoholic, chain smoking, and abusive father. I have witnessed nothing that supports her statements.

THE WITNESS: FATHER ALSO MADE TROUBLING STATEMENTS ABOUT HOW THE BOYS DON'T EVEN LOOK LIKE ONE ANOTHER INDICATING THAT DAVID WAS BLOND HAIRED AND BLUE EYED WHILE MATTHEW WAS NOT.

This is so far outside of John's character that I will never believe he said it, nor do I think anyone who knows John will ever believe it.

THE WITNESS: ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN INCIDENT INVOLVING THE FAMILY VAN AT ONE POINT WHEN FATHER WAS APPARENTLY ATTEMPTING TO GET DAVID OUT OF THE CAR AND MOTHER BEGAN TO MOVE THE CAR, FATHER INDICATED THIS HE WAS HIT BY THE VAN. BOTH OF THE CHILDREN DENY THAT THIS OCCURRED. BOTH CHILDREN WERE PRESENT AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS SOME ARGUING, THAT FATHER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL DAVID OUT OF THE CAR BUT THAT MOTHER DID NOT RUN OVER OR HIT FATHER WITH THE VAN AS FATHER DESCRIBED.

This statement is a lie - there is a Police Report and an independent witness's testimony and an Insurance award proving that it did happen! If the boys said this, which I very much doubt, then it just proves that their mother has brainwashed them.

THE WITNESS: AND THAT THIS IS THE REASON THAT FATHER AND STEPMOTHER DO NOT HAVE FOOD IN THEIR HOME AT TIMES.

This is another lie, as I have been to John's home, and in the year that I lived with John and Holly never did I ever see a shortage of food in John's home; in fact the opposite is what I have always seen.

Porsche O'Neil