Candidate for
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 22

Born Pamala Yee, Pam grew up in San Francisco, the daughter of a Chinese immigrant who taught himself English, became a city manager, and then later served as the Mayor of South San Francisco. In 1991, Pam married Phillip Matsumoto, whose mother survived the Japanese internment during World War II. Pam watched and learned from the experiences of the prior generation, and from this rich family history comes Pam's passion for justice.

She received her B.A. from University of California, Berkeley in 1984, and her law degree from Boston College Law School in 1987. After law school, she settled in the Glendale area of Los Angeles and began a 26 year career that includes service in criminal and civil courts, as well as in the private sector.

Pam's career has been defined by her public service--as a Public Defender, prosecutor of Medi-Cal Fraud, Los Angeles County Superior Court Referee for Juvenile Court, and, most recently, Administrative Law Judge. She has seen first hand the effects of crime and violence. Pam realizes that in order to create a healthy and just society, deterrence and rehabilitation must go hand in hand.

Pam also volunteers as a guide for the Space Shuttle Endeavour, Meals on Wheels and YMCA. The entire Matsumoto family is active in sports--Phillip enjoys golf, their son Paul, 14, is an avid basketball player, and Pam recently completed the Los Angeles Marathon.