https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-four-appointments-courts-appeal-2 Commission Confirms Four Appointments to Courts of Appeal natalie.l.ston… Thu, 08/20/2026 - 14:54 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced today that the commission confirmed four appointments to California’s Courts of Appeal in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego:  Justice Rashida Adams, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) Judge Juliet Macaulay, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana) Judge Lisa Rodriguez, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) Judge Marsha Amin, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) The appointees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearing); and Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (for the Fourth Appellate District hearings). The confirmations of Justice Adams, Judge Macaulay, and Judge Rodriguez are subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, with terms beginning on Jan. 4, 2027, if voter confirmation is successful. You can learn more in the public documents available for this hearing.  Appointee Biographies Justice Rashida Adams fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Lee Edmon. She has served as an associate justice for the Second Appellate District, Division Three, since 2023 and previously served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge from 2017 to 2023. Before joining the bench, she served as a senior appellate court attorney at the Second Appellate District, Division Eight from 2008 to 2017 and was in private practice as an attorney from 2005 to 2007 and from 2001 to 2005. She received her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. Judge Juliet Macaulay fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Joanne Motoike to presiding justice. She has served as an Orange County Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, she served in various roles at the California Department of Social Services including as chief administrative law judge from 2020 to 2022; presiding administrative law judge from 2016 to 2020; and administrative law judge from 2012 to 2016. She served at the California Board of Parole Hearings as a commissioner in 2011 and a deputy commissioner from 2004 to 2011. She was in private practice as a sole practitioner from 1997 to 2004. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ibadan. Judge Lisa Rodriguez fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Terry B. O’Rourke after he completes his term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2015 and has worked as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law since 2014. Before serving on the bench, she served as a deputy district attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2015 and as a deputy city attorney at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 1998. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. Judge Marsha Amin fills the vacancy created by the death of Justice Joan Irion. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2023. Before joining the bench, she served at the Fourth Appellate District as managing attorney from 2018 to 2023 and as senior attorney from 2011 to 2018. She was a litigation attorney in private practice from 2006 to 2010. She served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from 2005 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law.   View the full photo album on the California Courts Flickr. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-makes-appointments-state-bar-board-trustees-committee-bar-examiners-1 California Supreme Court Makes Appointments to State Bar Board of Trustees, Committee of Bar ExaminersKaren.Datangel Thu, 08/20/2026 - 12:11 News Release The Supreme Court of California today announced six reappointments and two appointments to the State Bar of California's Board of Trustees and the Committee of Bar Examiners, all effective September 18. The court reappointed public member José Cisneros as chair of the Board of Trustees for a second and final one-year term. Cisneros is the first non-attorney to be appointed chair of the board. He has served as the Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco since 2004. The court also reappointed public member Dr. Mark Toney to a second one-year term as board vice chair. Dr. Toney has served as the executive director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008. Additionally, the court reappointed attorney David Jargiello to his first four-year term on the Board of Trustees. Jargiello was appointed to a partial term last year to fill a position vacated by Brandon Stallings. The Board of Trustees is the State Bar’s governing body that establishes the strategic direction for the agency and ensures that the organization is fulfilling its mission. In addition, the court made appointments to the Committee of Bar Examiners. The court reappointed attorney Ashley Silva-Guzman to another term on the committee. The court also appointed Silva-Guzman, the committee’s current vice chair, as the committee’s next chair for a one-year term. The court appointed public member Kareem Gongora to a one-year term as the committee’s vice chair. Gongora is an appointee of the Speaker of the Assembly and has served as the director of communications and public information at the Riverside Superior Court since 2025. The court also reappointed Justice Shama Mesiwala and Judge Renee C. Reyna each to four-year terms on the committee. Justice Mesiwala has served in the Third Appellate District since 2023. Judge Reyna has served in the San Mateo Superior Court since 2021. The Committee of Bar Examiners oversees development and administration of the California Bar Exam and reviews the moral character determination and admissions processes for attorneys. The committee also accredits state law schools and registers unaccredited state law schools. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-sets-2027-oral-argument-calendar California Supreme Court Sets 2027 Oral Argument CalendarBalassone, Merrill Thu, 08/20/2026 - 09:37 News Release The Supreme Court of California today published its oral argument calendar for 2027. The court will continue its practice of hearing oral argument in courtrooms around the state. In addition to a special outreach session, oral argument will be held in San Francisco (in January, March, May, September, and November); Sacramento (in February); and Los Angeles (in April, June, and December). The court's practice of holding oral argument sessions in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles dates back to 1878. Next year’s special outreach oral argument session will take place in October at Shadow Hills High School in Indio in the Coachella Valley. The court’s special outreach sessions provide high school students and their teachers across the state with an opportunity to attend oral argument and learn about the judicial process. The 2027 calendar also identifies when the court's weekly petition conferences will occur, as well as court holidays. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-state-legislature-recognizes-100th-anniversary-judicial-council-california California State Legislature Recognizes 100th Anniversary of the Judicial Council of CaliforniaBalassone, Merrill Wed, 08/19/2026 - 13:54 News Release On August 19, the California State Legislature passed SCR-196, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council of California. The joint resolution was introduced by Senate Pro Tempore Monique Limón and Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Led by the Chief Justice, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. The council was established in 1926 through a constitutional amendment, with the aim of building a more equitable, independent and resilient judicial branch. Throughout its first hundred years, the council has led transformative changes to the branch and enhanced access to justice statewide. “The council’s first century tells a story of innovation, resilience, and public service,” Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said. “This year, we honor the council’s legacy, celebrate those who have carried it forward, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all.” “It is critical for our judicial branch to remain independent from the legislative and executive branches,” said Senate Pro Tempore Monique Limón. “It is also important that trust remains in our judicial system and judicial independence is maintained. I am proud of the work the Judicial Council continues to accomplish and wish them another 100 years of success in defending our democracy.” “California deeply values its independent and impartial judiciary,” said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. “For a century, our courts have been guided by an unwavering commitment to justice, equality and the rule of law. As we mark this milestone, we’re reminded that these principles remain the foundation of public trust and a fair, equitable system of justice.” Early reforms focused on unifying disparate courts, improving civil procedure, and ensuring consistency and accountability in judicial administration. More recently, the council has concentrated on modernizing the court experience through expanded use of technology and improving courthouse infrastructure. The council has also supported numerous judicial administration programs and services, including the establishment of over 400 collaborative justice programs and the creation of self-help centers in all 58 counties. To learn more about the Judicial Council and its history, click here. Read the full text of the resolution here. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-four-appointments-courts-appeal-1 Commission Confirms Four Appointments to Courts of Appeal natalie.l.ston… Wed, 08/19/2026 - 11:57 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced today that the commission confirmed four appointments to California’s Courts of Appeal in Sacramento, San Jose, and Ventura: David Sapp, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento) Judge Lauri Damrell, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento) Judge Frederick Chung, as associate justice of the Sixth Appellate District (San Jose) Judge Denise Hippach, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura) The appointees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl (for the Third Appellate District hearings); Administrative Presiding Justice Mary J. Greenwood (for the Sixth Appellate District hearing); and Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearing). The confirmations of Mr. Sapp, Judge Damrell, and Judge Chung are subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, with terms beginning on Jan. 4, 2027, if voter confirmation is successful. You can learn more in the public documents available for this hearing. Appointee Biographies David Sapp would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Ronald Robie after he completes his term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. He has served in multiple roles at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom including as the Governor’s legal affairs secretary since 2022, chief deputy legal affairs secretary from 2021 to 2022, and as a deputy legal affairs secretary from 2019 to 2021. He previously worked at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California as director of education advocacy from 2014 to 2016 and as staff attorney from 2009 to 2014. He served as a law clerk at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 2008 to 2009; worked as a Skadden fellow and staff attorney at the Advocates for Children’s Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina from 2006 to 2008; and served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama from 2005 to 2006. He received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.  Judge Lauri Damrell fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Elena J. Duarte. She has served as a Sacramento Superior Court judge since 2018 and has worked as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Law School since 2022 and as a visiting lecturer at the University of California, Davis since 2019. Before joining the bench, she was in private practice as partner from 2016 to 2018 and an associate from 2006 to 2016. She served as deputy district attorney at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in 2014 and as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California from 2005 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law. Judge Frederick Chung would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Adrienne Grover after she completes her term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. He has served as a Santa Clara Superior Court judge since 2018. Before joining the bench, he was in private practice as a partner from 2003 to 2018 and an associate from 1996 to 2003. He served as a law clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1995 to 1996. He received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Judge Denise Hippach fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Tari Cody to presiding justice. She has served as a Santa Barbara Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, she served as a senior deputy county counsel at the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office from 2018 to 2022; a deputy attorney general at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office from 2015 to 2018; a deputy prosecuting attorney at the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office from 2016 to 2018; a panel attorney at the California Court of Appeal’s Court-Appointed Counsel Program from 2014 to 2018; a deputy county counsel at the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office from 2008 to 2014; and a deputy district attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. View the full photo album on the California Courts Flickr.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-ethics-committee-issues-formal-opinion-appointing-attorney-spouse-judicial-colleague Judicial Ethics Committee Issues Formal Opinion on Appointing Attorney Spouse of Judicial Colleague as Minor’s CounselBalassone, Merrill Tue, 08/11/2026 - 09:39 News Release A California judicial ethics committee on Tuesday issued a formal opinion addressing whether a judge may appoint the attorney spouse of a judicial colleague to serve as minor’s counsel in a family law matter before the judge. The guidance was issued by the California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO), a body which is appointed and authorized by, but works independently of, the California Supreme Court. In CJEO Formal Opinion 2026-032, the committee advises that a judge is not ethically barred from appointing the attorney spouse of a judicial colleague as minor’s counsel, even though the court will set, and may itself pay, the attorney’s fees and expenses under rule 5.241 of the California Rules of Court. The committee further advises that disclosure of the relationship is not required, though a judge may choose to disclose it to underscore the integrity and impartiality of the court. The analysis would result in a different outcome if additional facts raised impartiality concerns, for example, if there is a close personal relationship between the judge and the judicial colleague or their attorney spouse; if the judge has a financial interest in the attorney; or if the judge makes a subjective determination under section 170.1, subdivision (a)(6) of the Code of Civil Procedure. The committee issued the opinion after circulating a draft opinion for public comment in June. No public comments were received. “This opinion offers judges practical guidance for navigating a scenario that is not uncommon, particularly on smaller benches, where judicial colleagues and their families cross paths professionally,” said committee member Judge D. Brett Bianco. “The opinion strikes the right balance by protecting the court’s ability to draw on qualified counsel while reinforcing the standards judges must apply when questions of impartiality arise.” About the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) The Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions is a 12-member advisory committee that includes appellate justices, trial court judges, two retired judges, and a commissioner. The committee is appointed and authorized by the California Supreme Court, but its work is independent of the court, the Judicial Council, and all other entities. Its opinions are advisory and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Supreme Court or any other entity.  The committee issues formal, informal, and expedited advisory opinions on proper judicial conduct pursuant to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and other authorities. CJEO’s website includes advisory opinions, resources dedicated to specific judicial assignments and issues, and extensive judicial ethics tools and resource materials for the benefit of the bench and the public.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/memoriam-justice-marsha-slough In Memoriam: Justice Marsha SloughBalassone, Merrill Mon, 08/10/2026 - 15:15 News Release Justice Marsha G. Slough, who served on California's Fourth District Court of Appeal and was a two-decade veteran of the state judiciary, died on Saturday following an illness. She was 68. Justice Slough served nearly a decade on the Judicial Council, where she helped lead the branch through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped shape critical branch initiatives, including court technology and pretrial reform. Said California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero: "Justice Slough leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, intellect, and an unwavering devotion to the fair administration of justice. Throughout her career, she brought not only sharp legal judgment but also genuine humanity to her work, qualities that earned her the deep respect of colleagues across the judiciary. Her contributions to the courts will be felt for many years to come.” Justice Slough was appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two (Riverside) by Governor Jerry Brown in 2015. She made history as the first openly gay justice on that court. Over her tenure on the Fourth District, Justice Slough authored 454 opinions, including 55 published opinions. Before her elevation to the appellate bench, Justice Slough spent more than a decade on the San Bernardino Superior Court, to which she was appointed by Governor Gray Davis in 2003. She went on to serve as presiding judge of the county's juvenile court from 2007 to 2010, and as presiding judge of the entire San Bernardino court from 2012 to 2015. During her time on the Judicial Council, Justice Slough chaired its Executive and Planning Committee and played a key role in drafting emergency court rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those emergency rules helped curb the spread of COVID-19 in California jails, reduced evictions and foreclosures, and encouraged the use of remote technology to maintain access to the courts. Justice Slough led a statewide Workgroup on Post-Pandemic Initiatives that examined and promoted innovative practices employed by courts during the pandemic. She also chaired the judicial branch’s Pretrial Reform and Operations Workgroup, which launched pretrial pilots that have since grown to include programs in all 58 counties. “Justice Marsha Slough’s qualities of empathy, intellect, decisiveness, and kindness were apparent to everyone who had the privilege to know and work with her,” said Judicial Council Administrative Director Shelley Curran. “Her public service as a jurist as well as her leadership contributions as a long-serving member of the Judicial Council were rooted in her respect for the humanity of all seeking justice through our court system. Her loss is deeply felt by her friends and colleagues across the branch.” Said former California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, under whom Slough served for much of her Judicial Council tenure: “From presiding judge to justice, Justice Marsha Slough combined astute policies with compassionate leadership. She was instrumental in leading and building the most critical, sensitive, and impactful policies of the Judicial Council. In all of her responsibilities, and they were myriad, she brought her analytical brilliance and collaborative nature. Justice Slough worked tirelessly to improve justice in California, and she wildly succeeded in that endeavor.” Justice Slough retired from the Fourth District Court of Appeal in 2023, reflecting at the time that "the past 20 years has afforded me the unique privilege of observing firsthand the importance of the rule of law and the true value in a commitment to justice for all." Justice Slough is survived by her spouse, Jill Sibler. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-consider-appointments-courts-appeal-12 Commission to Consider Appointments to Courts of AppealKaren.Datangel Mon, 08/10/2026 - 15:11 News Release The live webcasts will begin on Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. and Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. Public documents for the Aug. 19 hearing are available to view here. Aug. 20 hearing documents are available here. The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold in-person hearings in San Francisco on Aug. 19 starting at 1 p.m. and on Aug. 20 starting at 9:30 a.m. to consider eight appointments by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The commission will consider the following appointments on Aug. 19: 1 p.m.: David Sapp, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento) 2 p.m.: Judge Lauri Damrell, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento) 3 p.m.: Judge Frederick Chung, as associate justice of the Sixth Appellate District (San Jose) 4 p.m.: Judge Denise Hippach, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura) The commission will consider the following appointments on Aug. 20: 9:30 a.m.: Justice Rashida Adams, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) 10:30 a.m.: Judge Juliet Macaulay, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana) 11:30 a.m.: Judge Lisa Rodriguez, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) 12:30 p.m.: Judge Marsha Amin, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) The hearing webcasts will be streamed live on the California Courts Newsroom. The state Constitution specifies that a gubernatorial appointment to the Court of Appeal is effective when confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.  The pending confirmations of Mr. Sapp, Judge Damrell, Judge Chung, Justice Adams, Judge Macaulay, and Judge Rodriguez are subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, with terms beginning on Jan. 4, 2027, if voter confirmation is successful. The commission members who will consider the appointments are California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl (for the Third Appellate District hearings); Administrative Presiding Justice Mary J. Greenwood (for the Sixth Appellate District hearing); Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearings); and Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (for the Fourth Appellate District hearings). Appointee BiographiesDavid Sapp would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Ronald Robie after he completes his term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. He has served in multiple roles at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom including as the Governor’s legal affairs secretary since 2022, chief deputy legal affairs secretary from 2021 to 2022, and as a deputy legal affairs secretary from 2019 to 2021. He previously worked at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California as director of education advocacy from 2014 to 2016 and as staff attorney from 2009 to 2014. He served as a law clerk at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 2008 to 2009; worked as a Skadden fellow and staff attorney at the Advocates for Children’s Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina from 2006 to 2008; and served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama from 2005 to 2006. He received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.  Judge Lauri Damrell would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Elena J. Duarte. She has served as a Sacramento Superior Court judge since 2018 and has worked as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Law School since 2022 and as a visiting lecturer at the University of California, Davis since 2019. Before joining the bench, she was in private practice as partner from 2016 to 2018 and an associate from 2006 to 2016. She served as deputy district attorney at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in 2014 and as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California from 2005 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law. Judge Frederick Chung would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Adrienne Grover after she completes her term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. He has served as a Santa Clara Superior Court judge since 2018. Before joining the bench, he was in private practice as a partner from 2003 to 2018 and an associate from 1996 to 2003. He served as a law clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1995 to 1996. He received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Judge Denise Hippach would fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Tari Cody to presiding justice. She has served as a Santa Barbara Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, she served as a senior deputy county counsel at the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office from 2018 to 2022; a deputy attorney general at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office from 2015 to 2018; deputy prosecuting attorney at the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office from 2016 to 2018; a panel attorney at the California Court of Appeal’s Court-Appointed Counsel Program from 2014 to 2018; a deputy county counsel at the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office from 2008 to 2014; and a deputy district attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. Justice Rashida Adams would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Lee Edmon. She has served as an associate justice for the Second Appellate District, Division Three, since 2023 and previously served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge from 2017 to 2023. Before joining the bench, she served as a senior appellate court attorney at the Second Appellate District, Division Eight from 2008 to 2017 and was in private practice as an attorney from 2005 to 2007 and from 2001 to 2005. She received her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. Judge Juliet Macaulay would fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Joanne Motoike to presiding justice. She has served as an Orange County Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, she served in various roles at the California Department of Social Services including as chief administrative law judge from 2020 to 2022; presiding administrative law judge from 2016 to 2020; and administrative law judge from 2012 to 2016. She served at the California Board of Parole Hearings as a commissioner in 2011 and a deputy commissioner from 2004 to 2011. She was in private practice as a sole practitioner from 1997 to 2004. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ibadan. Judge Lisa Rodriguez would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Terry B. O’Rourke after he completes his term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2015 and has worked as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law since 2014. Before serving on the bench, she served as a deputy district attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2015 and as a deputy city attorney at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 1998. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. Judge Marsha Amin would fill the vacancy created by the death of Justice Joan Irion. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2023. Before joining the bench, she served at the Fourth Appellate District as managing attorney from 2018 to 2023 and as senior attorney from 2011 to 2018. She was a litigation attorney in private practice from 2006 to 2010. She served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from 2005 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. Testimony and CommentRequests to testify or written comments on the appointment must be received by the commission no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 17 for the Aug. 19 hearings and Aug. 18 for the Aug. 20 hearings. Anyone wishing to testify before the commission must state that request in writing and include a summary of the facts on which any testimony or opinion will be based.   Submissions via email to coja@jud.ca.gov are strongly encouraged. Hard copies are not required.  If you would like to mail your request, you may also reach the commission at:  Commission on Judicial Appointments  c/o Chief Justice of California   Supreme Court of California   350 McAllister Street   San Francisco, California 94102   Attention: Secretary to the Commission   Guidelines for the Commission on Judicial Appointments are published in the appendix to the California Rules of Court and are posted on the California Courts website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-four-appointments-courts-appeal Commission Confirms Four Appointments to Courts of Appeal natalie.l.ston… Thu, 08/06/2026 - 10:42 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced today that the commission confirmed four appointments to California’s Courts of Appeal in Ventura, Los Angeles, Fresno, and San Jose:  Justice Tari Cody, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura) Judge Nicholas Daum, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Four (Los Angeles) Judge Sonny S. Sandhu, as associate justice of the Fifth Appellate District (Fresno) Judge Charles Adams, as associate justice of the Sixth Appellate District (San Jose)  The appointees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Administrative Presiding Justice Elwood Lui (for the Second Appellate District hearings); Administrative Presiding Justice Brad R. Hill (for the Fifth Appellate District hearing); and Administrative Presiding Justice Mary J. Greenwood (for the Sixth Appellate District hearing). You can learn more in the public documents available for this hearing. Appointee Biographies Justice Tari Cody fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Arthur Gilbert. She has served as an associate justice for the Second Appellate District, Division Six, since 2023. She joined the bench in 2000, serving as a Ventura Superior Court judge until her appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2023. Before joining the bench, she was an associate and partner in private practice from 1985 to 2000. She received her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.  Judge Nicholas Daum fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Audrey B. Collins. He has served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, he was an associate and partner in private practice from 2004 to 2022. He received his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.  Judge Sonny S. Sandhu fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Rosendo Peňa, Jr. He has served as a Stanislaus Superior Court judge since 2018, and as presiding judge for the last year. Before joining the bench, he worked in the Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office, including as the public defender from 2017 to 2018, as chief deputy public defender from 2015 to 2017, and as deputy public defender from 2003 to 2015. He received his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University College of Law.  Judge Charles Adams fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian. He has served as a Santa Clara Superior Court judge since 2018. Before joining the bench, he served as an administrative law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 2011 to 2018. He was a staff attorney and legal research attorney at the Santa Clara Superior Court from 2006 to 2011. Adams was also an associate in private practice from 2003 to 2006. He received his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law.    View the full photo album on the California Court's Flickr. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-approves-trial-court-funding-will-help-ensure-access-court-users Judicial Council Approves Trial Court Funding That Will Help Ensure Access for Court UsersCorren, Blaine Fri, 07/17/2026 - 12:54 News Release SAN FRANCISCO—The Judicial Council at its July 17 meeting approved statewide funding for trial court operations included in the most recent state budget signed by Gov. Newsom. The funding for fiscal year 2026–27 includes money for staffing, interpreters, court-appointed dependency counsel, continued implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, and other costs associated with trial court operations. “These allocations are the primary funding source for the trial courts and are essential to support court operations and sustain critical programs and services for the public,” said Judge Jonathan Conklin, chair of the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee. The council uses an established formula based on court workload to allocate the funding equitably among the 58 superior courts in California. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Legal Services for Low-Income PartiesThe council approved $54 million in state funding allocated over the next three years to fund the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act, which supports projects providing legal representation and improved court services for low-income parties on critical legal issues affecting basic human needs. These projects address housing, domestic violence, civil harassment, probate conservatorships, guardianships, elder abuse, and child custody matters. “The Shriver program is California’s commitment to ensuring meaningful access for low-income litigants facing issues that affect basic needs,” said Judge Judith Dulcich. “For example, Shriver-funded attorneys are essential in helping self-represented litigants navigate evolving eviction procedures, rental assistance programs, and complex housing laws.”  (Watch the archived video of this Consent Agenda item) Other Items on the Council Meeting Agenda: Updated Plan for Court Construction: The council approved the Judicial Branch Five-Year Infrastructure Plan and five capital-outlay budget change proposals for fiscal year 2027–28. The plan represents the funding needs for new courthouse construction, as well as renovations and additions to existing facilities. The rating and ranking criteria looks at a number of factors related to courthouse conditions, such as seismic strength, safety and security, ADA compliance, and access to court services. Courthouse construction follows standardized and previously approved courtroom layouts, which saves time and money. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Upgrading Court Technology: The council approved $12.5 million in state grant funding provided to help courts expand their use of technology, including projects related to cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, case management systems, and e-filing. Courts requested nearly $63 million in grant funding, demonstrating the substantial gap in available funds and the courts desire to use technology to improve court operations and services to the public. Due to the limited funding, the council encourages courts to collaborate on shared technology projects. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) Grants to Improve Jury Service: The council approved $600,000 in state grant funding to improve jury service management, including money for jury management systems upgrades, self-check-in kiosks, A/V equipment, and other tools that would increase efficiency and improve the experience of potential jurors called to serve. Grants to Expand Language Access: The council approved $2.35 million in state grant funding to expand language access for court users. Funding will be included for court projects related to interpreter equipment, translation of court website information, and multilingual kiosks and audio/visual systems. Budget Change Proposals: The council approved budget change proposals to the California Department of Finance for consideration in the fiscal year 2027-28 budget, which include increased funding for court-appointed counsel, technology, cybersecurity, and courthouse maintenance. The budget change proposals represent the highest values and priorities of the state judicial branch and support increasing access to justice for all Californians. (Watch archived video of this agenda item) The complete meeting agenda and council reports are posted to the California Courts Meeting Information Center—an archived webcast of today’s meeting will be posted to the center as soon as it is available.