A Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge has been confirmed to serve as an associate justice for the Second District Court of Appeal in Ventura. Denise Hippach was nominated by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month to serve the appellate court’s Division Six. Last week, the Commission on Judicial Appointments approved the confirmation. 

(Subscription required) Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday the appointment of 12 Superior Court judges across California, including four appointments in Los Angeles County and two in San Diego County. The appointments include attorneys, prosecutors, public defenders and judicial commissioners with experience in state and federal courts.

Four officials in Avenal, Calif., who refused to step down after being recalled earlier this year are “not lawfully” in office, a judge ruled on Monday. The officials — including the longtime mayor, who is part of the City Council, and three other council members — have remained in office since the April recall, arguing that it was unauthorized. They will now step down, a city official said.

The California Supreme Court dealt a blow to a local government’s ability to seize water utilities on Monday, ruling that courts get the final say on whether a public utility is necessary. Apple Valley, located in San Bernardino County, California, will have to go back to the drawing board for its plans to take over the privately owned water utility, Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company.