Golden State Today

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of 18 Superior Court Judges in various counties in the state. Each appointment aims to fill vacancies created by retirements and bring diverse legal expertise to the judiciary.

In Alameda County, Michael Risher has been appointed as a Judge in the Superior Court. Risher, a Democrat, has a background in civil liberties law and legal education, having previously worked at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation.

Stephanie Clarke, who is registered without party preference, has been appointed to the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Clarke's experience includes roles in appellate law and public defense.

In Fresno County, Raj Singh Badhesha, a Democrat, has been appointed as a Judge. Badhesha's legal career has been primarily in municipal law, serving as Chief Assistant City Attorney in Fresno.

Donald Griffith, a Republican, has received an interim appointment as a Judge in the Kern County Superior Court. Griffith's extensive experience includes serving as a Commissioner in the same court.

In Los Angeles County, Victor Avila and Allison Westfahl Kong have been appointed as Judges. Avila, a Democrat, brings years of experience as a Deputy District Attorney, while Westfahl Kong's background is in federal prosecution.

Ahtossa Fullerton, a Democrat, has been appointed to the Marin County Superior Court, bringing her expertise in private practice to the bench. In Merced County, Mason Brawley, registered without party preference, has been appointed as a Judge, with a background in both law and accounting.

Courtney Abril, a Democrat, has been appointed to the Nevada County Superior Court, with experience in public defense and county counsel work. Eileen Solis, registered without party preference, will serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court, drawing on her experience as a Commissioner in the same court.

In Sacramento County, Jaya Badiga and Amy Holliday have been appointed as Judges, with backgrounds in law practice and prosecution. Allison Zuvela, a Democrat, has also been appointed to the Sacramento County Superior Court, with experience as a public defender.

Kathleen Curtis, a Democrat, has been appointed to the San Bernardino County Superior Court, bringing her experience as a Deputy District Attorney to the bench. In San Diego County, Toni Dean Segura and Blair Soper have been appointed as Judges, with backgrounds in public defense.

Ethel Hernandez, a Democrat, has been appointed to the Ventura County Superior Court, with a career in district attorney work. Clara Levers, a Democrat, has received an interim appointment as a Judge in the Yolo County Superior Court, bringing her experience as a Deputy Attorney General to the bench.

Each appointed Judge will receive a compensation of $238,479 for their role in the Superior Courts.