Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom announced several judicial appointments on March 26, 2024, including the selection of Judge Natalie P. Stone as an Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Seven. Regarding this appointment, Newsom stated, "Judge Natalie P. Stone, of Los Angeles County, has been selected to serve as an Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Seven."

In addition to Judge Stone's appointment, the Governor also appointed three Superior Court Judges in various counties. Angela J. Davis was appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Arthur C. Hester to the Riverside County Superior Court, and Jerome Price Jr. to the Sacramento County Superior Court.

Governor Newsom highlighted the qualifications and backgrounds of each appointee, mentioning that Davis has served as a Commissioner at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Hester as a Commissioner at the Riverside County Superior Court, and Price Jr. as the First Assistant Federal Defender in the Office of the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of California.

The appointments come with specific responsibilities and requirements. For example, Judge Stone's position as an Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments. The compensation for each position varies, with Judge Stone's position offering $272,902 and the positions of Davis, Hester, and Price Jr. offering $238,479 each.

These appointments aim to fill vacancies created by retirements or elevations in the respective courts. Davis fills the vacancy left by Judge Mark A. Borenstein in Los Angeles County, Hester fills the vacancy left by Judge Mark A. Cope in Riverside County, and Price Jr. fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Shama H. Mesiwala in Sacramento County.

The Governor's appointments reflect a range of legal experience and background, with each appointee bringing a unique perspective to their new roles.