Living the American Dream...

To know PETER SAKAI, the Judge, the lawyer, the friend, and the family man, his story is important. It is a story of the hardships of a painful family experience. One from which Peter drew the strength, perseverance, toughness and discipline to excel in life and his chosen career.

His father, a U.S. born Japanese American, was one of many people of Japanese culture who were placed in temporary camps during World War II. After being released, without rancor or anger he volunteered to proudly serve in the Army. When his duty was complete, he settled in South Texas and began life as a farmer and raising a family. The values of perseverance, toughness and discipline that helped his father endure detainment were passed on to all his children.

Born and raised in the fertile farmlands of the Rio Grande Valley PETER SAKAI grew up among Hispanics. The oldest of four children, Peter embraced the culture. He learned the language. He loved the food, music and customs of the region. A hard worker, he worked his way through college and law school.

He married Raquel Dias of Laredo, Texas, his wife of twenty three years and they chose San Antonio as their home.

Raquel, better known as Rachel, has been a teacher, counselor and principal, and currently a director for secondary curriculum in the Harlandale Independent School District for thirty years. Peter has been a lawyer and jurist for 26 years. They are very proud of their two children, George 21 and Elizabeth 15. Peter is proud of saying “!ESTA ES MI COMMUNIDAD!”

After visiting the camp that once detained his father, Peter gained a profound understanding of the lessons his father taught him – the core values of determination, hard work, and never compromising his beliefs. He also discovered a passion for giving back to the community and the country that he and his father loved.

Peter Sakai’s record speaks for itself. His knowledge of the law, his desire for justice, his experience on the bench and his commitment to the community
have made him the Champion of Children and Families in Bexar County.

From the farm to the courthouse, his values have remained the same.

Peter Sakai is the American Dream.