Governor Gavin Newsome | Facebook Website
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of 18 new Superior Court Judges across several counties in California. These appointments include one judge each for Colusa, Contra Costa, San Bernardino, and Sutter Counties; two judges for Orange County; three judges for Sacramento County; four judges for San Diego County; and five judges for Los Angeles County.
In Colusa County, Brendan M. Farrell will fill the vacancy left by Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson's retirement. Farrell has been the District Attorney of Colusa County since 2023.
Robert S. Leach has been appointed to the Contra Costa County Superior Court, filling the vacancy created by Judge Susanne Fenstermacher's retirement. Leach has held various positions at the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 2012.
Los Angeles County will see several new appointments: Leslie B. Gutierrez will take over from Judge Brian C. Yep, Heather M. Hocter from Judge Amy Pellman, Karen C. Joynt from Judge Richard J. Burdge, Esther K. Ro from Judge Paul A. Bacigalupo, and Karla Sarabia from Judge Steven D. Blades.
In Orange County, Julianne Sartain Bancroft replaces Judge James E. Rogan, while Randy K. Ladisky fills the position vacated by Judge Martha K. Gooding's appointment to the Court of Appeal.
Sacramento County welcomes Lee S. Bickley as a replacement for Judge Gerrit W. Wood, Joseph M. Cress succeeding Judge James M. Mize, and Brenda R. Dabney taking over from Judge Paul L. Seave.
James M. Taylor will serve in San Bernardino County following Judge Ingrid A. Uhler's retirement.
San Diego County's new appointees include Jami L. Ferrara replacing Judge John S. Meyer, Rachel L. Jensen succeeding after Judge David Rubin’s elevation to the Court of Appeal, Devon L. Lomayesva taking over from Judge Harry Powazek, and Catherine A Richardson filling the vacancy left by Judge Carlos O Armour.
Lastly, Fritzgerald A Javellana is appointed in Sutter County following the retirement of Judge Perry M Parker.
The compensation for each of these judicial positions is set at $243,940 annually.
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