California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero today issued a statement on the judicial branch budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

(Subscription required) Orange County Superior Court Judge Benjamin A. Azar abandoned his dreams of a career in sports journalism after the sudden death of his best friend inspired him to pursue law, public service, and, ultimately, a judgeship focused on helping families in crisis. 

Jeremy Kroger and Bhanu Sadasivan are two of 14 judicial appointments made by Governor Newsom across courts in California.

The court’s 6-3 decision allows – but doesn’t require – states to bar transgender student athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams, upholding state laws in Idaho and West Virginia. Including California, 23 states let transgender students play on teams that align with their gender identity. That means California and 22 other states that let transgender students play on teams that align with their gender identity can continue to do so.