L to R: sushi chef Billy Ngo; Asm. Adrin Nazarian; KCRA’s Tamara Berg; Asm. Devon Mathis; Rice Commission Pres. Tim Johnson

Jim Morris has announced he’s leaving his position as communications manager for the California Rice Commission, his employer since 2007. He has a child graduating from high school this year, the nest is becoming emptier and it’s time for a change of scenery. But before they part ways in June, he’ll have one more chance to wield the commission’s sword. Until the pandemic struck, the Rice Commission organized the “Capitol Roller” sushi rolling contest among legislators each year as part of its Legislative Day and the winner of the contest received a genuine samurai sword framed in a glass case. Part of Morris’ job for the past 14 years has been keeping tabs on the sword as it changes possession between the commission and the contest winners, some of whom put the sword in their Capitol office. “You get a lot of interesting looks when walking around with a framed samurai sword,” Morris related. But why the sword? How come the commission didn’t choose to give winners a plaque or a jacket or something a little less unusual. Morris said he wasn’t around for those discussions, but the sword, he says, is a fitting symbol for the Legislative Day for two reasons. First is that the commission recognizes itself as part of a large state, respectful like a samurai of the whole. The other is that the rice industry owes a debt of gratitude to Japan. After trying other rice varieties that failed, it was the Japonica variety that took root in California in the early 20th century, leading to today’s $5 billion a year industry. The next “Capitol Roller” is scheduled for March 16, 2022. The reigning sushi champ from 2019 is Asm. Devon Mathis. Morris says that reigning champs get automatic invitations to defend their titles. Let the games begin. Contact: Morris, jim.morris@calrice.org