The Humboldt County Superior Court has selected Sarah Kaber as the next Court Commissioner.

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday approved two changes to California Rules of Court and rejected two others proposed by the State Bar of California.

Passed in 2002, the California Voting Rights Act, or CVRA, punishes the use of at-large elections, where everyone in a city votes on the same set of candidates. Many of the state’s 480 cities, 1,000 school boards and 3,300 other local boards have used them for a century and still do. But the law prefers district-based elections like San Francisco’s supervisor system, where neighborhoods pick their representatives.

(Subscription required) Judge Maureen M. Houska keeps a copy of the eight pillars of judicial ethics at her Ventura County Superior Court bench to remind her of the importance of her work.

The list includes accepting accountability, being aware of prejudices, and maintaining professional distance. Yet she enjoys moments of levity in the courtroom as well.