https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-announces-2025-distinguished-service-award-recipients Judicial Council Announces 2025 Distinguished Service Award Recipientselaine.chan Mon, 10/13/2025 - 13:55 News Release The Judicial Council of California today announced three recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes people and organizations for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in California. This year’s recipients are Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert, Judge Jonathan Conklin, and Court Executive Officer Rebecca Fleming. This year’s Aranda Access to Justice Award will be awarded to Judge Bruce Chan and Judge Samantha Jessner. Co-sponsored by the Judicial Council, the California Judges Association, the California Lawyers Association, and the Commission on Access to Justice, the award honors a judge who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving access to our courts, and who has significantly improved access for low- and moderate-income Californians. “We honor this year’s recipients for their exceptional contributions to the state’s judicial branch,” said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “Through their dedicated service and commitment, these court leaders have expanded access to justice and inspired us all to continue improving the administration of justice for all Californians.” This year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients are: Presiding Justice Arthur GilbertCourt of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura) Throughout his 50 years on the bench, Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert has sought to improve the statewide administration of justice. He has served on many Judicial Council committees, including the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel, Advisory Committee on Legal Forms, and the Center for Judicial Education and Research Governing Committee. Having a passion for judicial education and raising the public’s awareness of the courts, Presiding Justice Gilbert has served as faculty for many judicial education programs, lectured frequently at State Bar events, and participated in moot court sessions at law schools. His long-time monthly Daily Journal column “Under Submission” also serves to spread his knowledge of the courts and the rule of law to fellow judges and attorneys. In addition, his “Gilbert Submits” blog features popular legal commentary from his Daily Journal columns—more than 300 pieces spanning two decades, compiled into two books. Presiding Justice Gilbert began his judicial service at the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1975, was appointed to the Court of Appeal by former Governor Jerry Brown in 1982, and became presiding justice of his division in 1999. He has served on several Governors' judicial selection committees to help recruit and evaluate qualified applicants for judicial appointment, helping to diversify the applicant pool to communities that have been underrepresented.   Judge Jonathan ConklinSuperior Court of Fresno County Judge Jonathan Conklin has dedicated 40 years to public service, including 20 years as a superior court judge in Fresno County. As presiding judge of the Fresno Superior Court from 2014 to 2015, and a longtime member of the court’s executive committee, Judge Conklin helped lead the court through significant budget challenges, including the closure of rural branch courts while expanding remote access through video proceedings, electronic warrants, and e-filing. He has been a key figure in the court’s judicial education and access to justice efforts. He led the court’s participation in the Fresno County High School Mock Trial Program for 20 years, and also participated in the High School Youth Court Program for well over a decade. From 2018 to 2024, Judge Conklin served on the Judicial Council. Prior to that, he contributed to important Judicial Council workgroups. Those included the Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force, which developed the Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts. Conklin also helped lead the AB 1058 Funding Methodology Workgroup which addressed funding for Child Support Commissioners and Family Law Facilitators.  For the past decade, Judge Conklin has chaired the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee. In that role, he has guided the council in assessing new approaches to achieving greater equality in trial court funding. Judge Conklin’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting equal access to justice and strengthening the administration of California’s courts, especially during times of budget challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.   Rebecca FlemingCourt Executive Officer, Superior Court of Santa Clara County Rebecca Fleming has devoted her career to strengthening California’s judicial branch, including serving in senior management roles for more than 18 years before becoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Santa Clara Superior Court in 2017. Fleming has led numerous innovative technological initiatives to improve public access and streamline internal court operations. During her tenure at the Santa Clara Superior Court, she implemented solutions that allow the public to remotely view case information, pay fines and fees, and access real-time court updates, significantly reducing the need for in-person visits. As a vital liaison between her court and county government, Fleming fosters collaboration that enhances community understanding of the courts’ role and promotes civic engagement. Under her leadership, the Santa Clara Court has been repeatedly recognized for its outreach efforts and dedication to public service. These efforts include Law Day contests for students, youth artwork displays in courthouses, and events designed to inspire future legal leaders. Fleming is also a strong advocate for statewide funding equity. In addition to serving as vice-chair of the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee (TCBAC) since 2013 and co-chair of its Funding Methodology Subcommittee from 2015–2023, she has testified before the California Legislature and worked to help create viable budget solutions during years of financial uncertainty. Throughout her tenure on the council, Fleming has championed initiatives promoting equal access to justice, including policies designed to address the shortage of court reporters, improve interpreter services for limited English speakers, and standardize court data collection. More information on the Distinguished Service Awards and previous recipients Aranda Access to Justice Award Judge Bruce ChanSuperior Court of San Francisco County As the founding judicial leader of San Francisco’s Young Adult Court (YAC), Judge Bruce Chan has spent the past decade creating a model of collaborative justice that expands access to meaningful court engagement for low-income young adults, many of whom have experienced poverty, abuse and neglect, community violence, homelessness, and systemic marginalization. First of its kind in the nation, the YAC was established in 2015 to provide accountability and transformative opportunities based on the neuroscience of the developing brain and the unique needs of young adults ages 18–25. It operates as a collaborative court for transitional-age youth facing felony charges who seek to have their records expunged in exchange for successful participation in and graduation from the program. Judge Chan also champions inter-disciplinary training for members of the collaborative court, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrating clinical best practices into courtroom procedures. YAC has inspired similar efforts across the country—Judge Chan and the YAC team have presented over the past ten years at a number of meetings convened by the National Conference of State Legislatures, National League of Cities, and National Center for State Courts.   Judge Chan is a founding member and past chairman of Asian American Recovery Services, formerly the largest provider of substance abuse services to Asian Pacific Americans in California. He was also a member of the task force that established a drug treatment court in the San Francisco juvenile court.   Judge Samantha JessnerSuperior Court of Los Angeles County Judge Samantha Jessner was appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2007 and served as the court’s presiding judge from 2023–24. During her tenure as presiding judge, she was instrumental in increasing access for court users and the public. As the largest court in the nation, the Los Angeles Superior Court has experienced a significant surge in annual unlimited civil filings since 2008. To ease this backlog, Judge Jessner launched a Pathway Pilot Program for processing unlimited civil filings, an innovative and expansive effort to streamline case processing and promote timely access to justice. In addition, she created the Mediation Volunteer Program, a free or low-cost court-connected mediation program in which certified mediators volunteer their time to resolve civil matters for litigants who cannot otherwise afford a private mediator. In tackling the chronic court reporter shortage, Judge Jessner led her court’s efforts to introduce an internal court reporter training program and enhance incentives for recruitment, offering a paid internship, retention and signing bonuses, and a relocation reimbursement benefit. Recognizing that recruitment alone could not fill all gaps, Judge Jessner also led the expanded use of electronic recording in certain family law, probate, and civil proceedings when no court reporter is available. The goal is to preserve litigants’ access to a verbatim record in situations where fundamental constitutional rights might otherwise be impacted. Under Judge Jessner’s leadership, the Los Angeles Superior Court is one of the first courts in California to partner with public transit agencies to provide free public transit to residents travelling to and from jury service, which increases access to the court, expands civic engagement, and diversifies the court’s jury pools. She also led the court’s technology innovation efforts that helped increase access and streamline the court process for the public. Those efforts included piloting a digital evidence system in the small claims department and implementing the MyCitation ability-to-pay online tool. Furthermore, the Los Angeles Superior Court implemented bail reform for non-serious, non-violent offenders. Rather than determining an arrestee’s release status based solely on a person’s ability to pay an amount of money for bail, under the Pre-Arraignment Release Protocol, a judge determines a person’s risk to public or victim safety, as well as the person’s likelihood of returning to court. This is consistent with the constitutional purpose of bail described above and ensures equal treatment regardless of wealth. Helping to expand access statewide, Judge Jessner serves as vice-chair of the council’s Information and Technology Advisory Committee and chairs its Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee. More information on the Aranda Access to Justice Award and previous recipients https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/santa-clara-court-connects-mentors-youth-womens-history-month-event Santa Clara Court Connects Mentors to Youth for Women’s History Month EventKaren.Datangel Thu, 04/03/2025 - 14:22 Feature The following originally appeared as a post from Judge Julia Alloggiamento (Santa Clara Superior Court) on LinkedIn.  More than 80 eager students in grades 8-12 filled the room to engage in intimate discussions with two dozen judges, attorneys, probation officers, local leaders, and other volunteer mentors about their challenges and successes at the 2025 Young Women’s Power Lunch, hosted by the Santa Clara Superior Court Outreach Committee. At the beginning of the program, I explained to the students that empowerment is not about competition, but collaboration. I truly believe that women are always better off when they support each other and lift each other up -- and that is what the entire day was about. After small group discussions, several young students got in front of a room of more than 100 people to share their stories and thank the mentors. They were poised, eloquent, and inspirational. To close the event, the young women were treated to a keynote address from Judge Shelyna V. Brown (Ret.), who spoke to them not as her current self, but as her teen self who envisioned the successful woman she is today and then figured out how to get there. I have no doubt that every young woman in that room took her words to heart and left the event knowing that if they can dream it, they can do it. I know that this program was successful because of the many women who collaborated to make the dream a reality, especially Desiree Escobar, Rose Luerra, Cassandra Staff, Alisha Beltramo Schoen, Corina Herrera-Loera, and most of all, my dear friend and colleague Judge Kelley Paul, who spent countless hours recruiting mentors, attending planning meetings, and hammering out details with me. Judge Paul also candidly shared her own past struggles with the young women to demonstrate that every woman in that room had the strength and resilience to overcome any hardship and still reach their goals. I am also extremely grateful for the support of the Office of Women's Policy who sponsored the delicious lunch and the California Judges Foundation for providing additional support.  The Young Women’s Power Lunch is truly one of my favorite events, not only because of the young women we serve on that day, but because it creates an amazing bonding experience also for the judges, attorneys, and adult women who participate. If you are an educator and are interested in this program or our other court outreach programs, please go to Court and Community for more information, or email events@scscourt.org. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-high-school-students-compete-become-2025-state-mock-trial-championship-team California High School Students Compete to Become 2025 State Mock Trial Championship TeamKaren.Datangel Tue, 03/11/2025 - 16:51 Feature Update (Mar. 17, 2025): Trinity Pacific Christian School in Ventura County will once again represent the state of California as the winner of the statewide finals and will advance to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona from May 7-10. See results here. Thousands of students all over the state have donned their best suits and public speaking skills as they acted out various roles in the courtroom. Now it’s time to see who takes top honors.  After weeks of competition, students from 32 California counties gear up for this year's finals of the California Mock Trial Competition, which takes place in Los Angeles from March 14-16.  Participants will argue the fictitious kidnapping case People v. Gold. The defendant Logan Gold has been charged with the kidnapping of Taylor Alexander, who is a rival candidate to Gold’s spouse Harper Dorais in a city council race in the rural mountain town of Emerald Bend, California. Gold is the assistant campaign manager to their spouse and is also the sole hotel owner in town. The prosecution argues that Gold had political and financial motives for abducting Alexander. The defense argues that Gold was without a cell phone and GPS tracking the day Alexander was abducted, which was the day of the city council candidate debate. The pretrial issue centers on a defense motion to exclude a potentially incriminating statement made by Gold while in police custody.  Teach Democracy (formerly known as the Constitutional Rights Foundation) created the California Mock Trial Program in 1980. The statewide program stemmed from a successful model in Los Angeles County and helps students acquire a working knowledge of the judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.  In addition to the mock trials themselves, counties award individual honors to students in courtroom artist and journalist contests.  Check out some highlights from different county competitions in our interactive map below (If you are unable to view the map below, click here). If you wish for your county to be included, contact courtnews@jud.ca.gov with information, photos, and links. California high schools have placed in first or second place four times in the National Mock Trial Competition since 1984. Year School County Place 1989 John Marshall High School Los Angeles 2nd 1994 Arlington High School Riverside 1st 2005 Tamalpais High School Marin 1st 2013 La Reina High School Ventura 2nd https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/constitution-month-2024 Constitution Month 2024Karen.Datangel Tue, 10/08/2024 - 14:35 Feature September marked the third consecutive year the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative (POD) made Constitution Day a month-long celebration in the state of California. Initially launched to keep courts connected remotely with schools during the pandemic, the tradition remains to inspire a range of activities. This September, courts received 367 requests for the school year from K-12 educators in 24 counties. This number far exceeds the number of requests for the 2023-2024 school year. "Chief Justice Guerrero asked the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative to introduce outreach to courts in smaller counties, or with no prior connection to local schools," commented Associate Justice Judith McConnell who leads the POD initiative. "I'm thrilled to see courts come forward and committing to visits to schools because they recognize how important it is. And the judges and students alike are rewarded." Monterey County had its first-ever Judges in the Classroom visit, joining San Benito, Glenn, Humboldt, and Lake Counties as the newest counties to join the Judges in the Classroom program. This year's Constitution Month celebration also included visits to two 2024 Civic Learning Award recipient schools, with one Award of Excellence school receiving a visit from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.  On September 6, Judge Julia Alloggiamento, the Vice Lead of the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, was awarded the California Judges' Association Judicial Outreach Award for her dedication to bridging the gap between the judiciary and community. The award is presented to an outstanding judicial officer only every three years. Here is a look at some other outreach engagements that took place throughout the state: Santa Clara County The Santa Clara Superior Court had the highest number of Judges in the Classroom visits during Constitution Month with more than 60 visits to fifth grade classrooms, engaging 3,286 students across the county. September 17 marks Constitution Day, celebrating the signing of the document that forms the foundation of our democracy. This month members of the Court will visit 60 5th-grade classrooms, engaging 3,286 students in interactive lessons on the U.S. Constitution! pic.twitter.com/VpuPTZPKAO — Santa Clara County Superior Court (@SCSCourt) September 17, 2024 On September 24, the court presented the Civic Learning Award of Distinction to Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (IJAVVE). The award ceremony kicked off with Judge Evette Pennypacker delivering a lesson to fifth graders on the Constitution and the government. The lesson was followed by remarks from school principal Dr. Anthony Alvarado on the importance of civic education, remarks by faculty member Ms. Friend on school culture, and remarks by the student body president and vice president. The event also featured a presentation of IJAVVE’s student leadership initiatives, including their Weekly Morning Announcements, Buddy Classes, Lower-Grade Games, and the Ruby Bridges Day event. Orange County Orange County Superior Court Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez accompanied Chief Justice Guerrero and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond to present the  2024 Civic Learning Award of Excellence school visits to John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma. The event highlighted Kennedy High’s efforts to prepare students for active citizenship through voter registration drives, mock trials, soapbox speeches and debates, as well as Anaheim Union school district's role in promoting the State Seal of Civic Engagement. Watch a video from the visit to Kennedy High: Mendocino County After visiting the Mendocino County Courthouse in Ukiah, Chief Justice Guerrero and State Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) met with 15 fifth grade students in Ukiah schools to talk about the U.S. Constitution and how the three branches of government interact. “Since September is Constitution Month in California, this forum provided a perfect opportunity for the Chief Justice and Senator to answer students’ questions and hear about what they are learning," said Kim Turner, Court Executive Officer for the Mendocino Superior Court, to The Ukiah Daily Journal. El Dorado County The Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District held a special oral argument session at Union Mine High School on September 24. More than 200 students from four high schools in the county attended. Attendees heard two cases and had the opportunity to ask the justices questions at the end of the session. Justices also spoke with students about their career paths. Since 2000, the Third Appellate District has held oral argument sessions in 30 high schools and two law schools in 20 counties of its district. Monterey County From September 16-26, judges, commissioners, and temporary judges from the county visited with fifth grade students in nine local elementary schools. The judicial officers provided constitutional law presentations followed by dialogues to highlight the important rights and obligations of all American citizens. San Benito County San Benito County Presiding Judge Omar Rodriguez delivered lessons in a few local elementary school classrooms. Presiding Judge Rodriguez shared more about his positive experience volunteering with Judges in the Classroom: One parent recently told me that my story of growing up in this small town and becoming a judge here has made her kids look at their community differently and believe that they too can find opportunities here.  Learn more about Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative (POD). https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/santa-clara-court-helps-reunify-children-parents-who-now-provide-safe-and-supporting-homes Santa Clara Court Helps Reunify Children With Parents Who Now Provide Safe and Supporting HomesSoltysik, Penne Tue, 06/20/2023 - 13:42 Feature 54,789 youth lived in California's foster care system in January 2022—and according to the California Child Welfare Indicators Project, less than 10% of those kids could be reunified with their families. As the supervising judge of Santa Clara County's Dependency Court since 2010, Judge Shana Schwarz has seen hundreds of cases involving children in long-term foster care with little hope of ever returning home. But there's always a chance reunification can and will happen if families are supported and given the opportunity to succeed. On June 5, Judge Schwarz welcomed agencies, advocates, judges, and families in Santa Clara County to the Social Services Agency's Auditorium in San Jose to commemorate Family Reunification Day.  Reunification Day holds immense significance as it acknowledges the successful reunification of families who have faced various challenges and adversities.” -- Judge Shawna Schwarz Judge Schwarz addressed the audience and thanked parents for "putting in the hard work" to be together. "This event serves as a reminder that when our system performs as intended, children are returned to their parents in safe, stable, and supported homes."  The Santa Clara celebration honored five families who recently reunified. In addition, David Shuster, Dependency Advocate Center Mentor Parent Program Manager, was honored for his role in assisting families reunify.   Resources on Juvenile Dependency ProcessThe Judicial Council of California is involved in many projects aimed at assisting courts hearing dependency cases. Council staff provide technical assistance, legal information, training, and education to judges, attorneys, and justice system partners. Staff also produce publications and other resources for court users, including an orientation video about the court process for parents whose children were taken from their care to ensure their health and safety. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/santa-clara-court-hosts-color-justice-event Santa Clara Court Hosts "Color of Justice" EventSoltysik, Penne Tue, 02/28/2023 - 11:06 Feature The Superior Court of Santa Clara County hosted its third Color of Justice program designed to excite and inform a diverse gathering of students about careers in law-related professions. This was the first year the court was able to hold the event in person. The court's Community Outreach Committee organizes the event to provide a greater understanding of the many pathways and opportunities available within the legal field. More than 30 local students from schools grades 8-12 attended the event.  Making sure the justice system mirrors the makeup of our society is one way we can build confidence in the idea that the system is not for or against any one group of people, but instead pursues justice for all."   — Santa Clara County Judge Julia Alloggiamento, chair of the court's Community Outreach Committee Judges, attorneys, social workers, probation officers, law enforcement, and youth justice advocates shared stories of how they got to where they are in their professions. The program's goal is to give students a better understanding and appreciation for public service and to help them envision similar pursuits for themselves. A second panel provided information about legal studies, internship programs, and health and wellness resources.  Associate Justice Charles Wilson presented the keynote address. In his keynote address to attendees, Sixth District Court of Appeal Associate Justice Charles Edward Wilson stated, “We are very lucky in the State of California to have a very diverse population. Every race, national origin, and religious affiliation are represented in our communities. But when you look in our courtrooms and law offices, you wouldn’t necessarily know you were in the state of California. So when I see an audience like this, with so many diverse and wonderful students, I say to myself – ‘this is our opportunity to have more diversity in the room (justice system).’” Lincoln Law School, Pathways to Law, and the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League supported the event. Funding was provided by the California Judges Foundation. Judge Allogiamento has chaired the court’s Community Outreach Committee for more than a decade. Last year, she was appointed to the statewide Power of Democracy Steering Committee to help direct the Chief Justice's Civic Learning Initiative.     https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/santa-clara-court-hosts-2022-young-womens-power-lunch Santa Clara Court Hosts 2022 Young Women’s Power LunchCorren, Blaine Mon, 05/16/2022 - 16:58 Feature The Superior Court of Santa Clara County hosted nearly 80 attendees at its recent Young Women’s Power Lunch, an annual event that connects local high school students with adult mentors. The event’s supportive environment enabled participants to share the obstacles they have faced because of their gender and discuss ways to stand up for themselves and others like them. “Upstanders are ordinary people like you and me who speak up even when we are afraid and even when it is far easier to simply remain silent,” said Retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, the first African American female judge in Northern California. “What the world needs now, more than ever, are smart, compassionate, female leaders…so I am putting my faith in each one of you young women to be our next leaders.” Watch a video excerpt from the event (2:45min). In addition to hearing from local female leaders, the young women met in small groups with adult mentors, which included judicial officers, attorneys, and elected officials. The students shared their personal stories and struggles with their mentors, who provided support, insight, and encouragement for moving forward in their journey. “There was laughter and tears and hugs and connections—the energy was palpable.,” added Judge Julia Alloggiamento, chair of the court’s Community Outreach Committee. “We hope these young women are inspired to be upstanders and our future leaders, and most importantly, to find support from and give support to other women along their journey.”  The Santa Clara court launched its power lunch events in 2019, with help from the Los Angeles Superior Court, which shared information about its own power lunch program. Any youth or leaders who identify or present as a woman/female are welcome to participate. This year's power lunch event received support from the California Judges Association (grant funding), the City of San Jose (transportation), and the Office of Women's Policy (lunches). https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/santa-clara-judge-lead-new-statewide-juvenile-justice-effort Santa Clara Judge to Lead New Statewide Juvenile Justice EffortBalassone, Merrill Fri, 01/07/2022 - 13:36 Feature In Brief: Judge Katherine Lucero  •  Incoming Director, Office of Youth and Community Restoration•  20 years as a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge•  Launched collaborative courts such as Family Treatment Court (assists parents with substance abuse interfering with custody or visitation); Family Wellness Court (supports drug exposed infants and toddlers); and Teen Court (specializing in therapeutic approaches for teenagers in dependency court)   This month, Santa Clara County Judge Katherine Lucero will step down from the bench to head a new Office of Community and Youth Restoration, as California continues an overhaul of its juvenile justice system that will shutter state youth prisons in favor of providing rehabilitation services closer to home. Senate Bill 823 created this state-level youth justice agency, which operates within the Department of Health and Human Services instead of the Department of Corrections. We spoke with Judge Lucero about California’s major shift in juvenile justice, her two decades as a judge, and how her own traumatic childhood led her to start collaborative courts that address root causes of family crisis and crime. Q: What should Californians know about Senate Bill 823? Judge Lucero: In a nutshell, this new legislation closed our statewide youth prison system and mandated counties keep their highest-need youth as close to home as possible. Evidence has demonstrated that youth in the justice system who stay close to home are more connected to their families, have lower recidivism rates, and are more prepared for the transition back to their community. Q: How has California’s overall approach to juvenile justice changed in recent years? Judge Lucero: We have a lot of science that we didn’t have 10 or 15 years ago about adolescent brain development, and how the time between the ages of 13 to 25 is a time of great brain growth and learning. What we’re seeing in this legislation—placing the juvenile rehabilitation structure under California’s Department of Health and Human services, for example—is all new. Making sure we’re trauma-informed [recognizing a person likely experienced trauma which could play a role in their behavior] and gender-specific in our approaches is also important. Many of the girls who end up in the juvenile justice system—as high as 50 percent—are LGBTQ and gender non-conforming. Q: What are some of the biggest challenges in juvenile justice? Judge Lucero: We’re coming to terms with our overincarceration of black, brown, and Native youth—and that those youth come from the least-resourced neighborhoods, where schools no longer have mental health counselors, sports, art, drama, or librarians.  We’ve also learned punitive solutions breed negative results. The entire reckoning and clarity we’ve experienced over the last few years has given people like me, who work in the system, permission to try new and creative ways to deal with juvenile defendants. We no longer have to be so afraid of changing the status quo. WATCH: Judge Lucero talks about how her traumatic childhood led her to create Santa Clara County’s collaborative “wellness” courts that seek to address the root causes of family crisis and crime. Q: What inspired you to become a judge and to focus on juvenile justice? I just wanted to be helpful, and my first version of that idea was to be a nun (laughs). I think that was a lot of people’s first version in my generation because of Sally Field [who starred in the 1967 movie The Flying Nun]. I grew up in a household that looked very similar to the households that I saw in juvenile dependency court. My father was an active alcoholic, and he battered my mom when he was drinking. My father got sober when I was 15. I saw him get better, and I saw my family heal. That was a huge reason why I really believed in the wellness court. I got to see my dad become a man of great respect in our community. The same man who had multiple DUIs became a recovered alcoholic and counseled many others who struggled with the same issues. That’s why I love working with families and making sure they have every opportunity they possibly can to heal together. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/visits-local-classrooms-bring-lessons-constitution Visits to Local Classrooms Bring Lessons on the ConstitutionSoltysik, Penne Thu, 10/21/2021 - 15:21 Feature To commemorate Constitution Day, California judges visited classrooms and libraries statewide to deliver lessons on the three branches of government and the role of the courts. The effort supports a year-round drive to foster a better understanding of the judicial branch among students and teachers.   In San Bernardino County, Judge John Pacheco coordinated an event for Yucaipa High School’s Law and Public Safety Academy with the help of the Inland Empire American Board of Trial Advocates. Students were addressed virtually by a special  guest, California Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins.  In Santa Clara County, the court coordinated a virtual event where judicial officers met with  over 1,500 fifth graders in 21 schools to discuss the history and importance of the Constitution. The court also recorded a presentation on the Constitution for educators who couldn't participate in the live event. (View on YouTube)  Judges are encouraged to develop and participate in local community outreach programs under California’s Rules of Court. In several courts including Santa Clara, an internal committee maintains a strong relationship with local schools with events scheduled throughout the year.   “Our court is proud of our strong partnerships with the County Office of Education, and with the executive and legislative branches of government. Together, we have been able to connect with thousands of students, helping to educate our next generation of civic-minded leaders," said Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Audra Ibarra.    In Monterey County, ten bench officers visited classrooms virtually and in-person as guest teachers. Judge Marla Anderson visited a classroom at Highland Elementary, just four miles from her courtroom. Her colleague, Judge Sam Lavorato traveled to the Salinas Valley to visit with students at Sacred Heart School. Echo Valley Elementary, also in Salinas, received a visit from Monterey County Judge Vanessa Vallarta.  "When I switched to a bilingual presentation (English to Spanish), the students were immediately surprised, and much more engaged. They were excited and surprised to see that not only was I capable, but that I was interested in making sure they understood what I was saying by talking to them in their native language," she reported after her visit.    When classrooms moved to remote learning at the start of the pandemic, judges across the state stepped forward to bring their special skills to California online classrooms. Judges conducted more than 150 visits remotely for the 2020-2021 school term. Judges in Los Angeles and Butte counties translated Judges in the Classroom lessons to reach limited-English speaking students. Judges currently have access to lessons in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.  Visits to schools are available year-round. For more information, visit judgesintheclassroom.org