Three appeals court judges on Wednesday rejected a petition by two environmental groups and a San Diego nonprofit seeking to upend the California Public Utilities Commission’s vote last year that overhauled rules for customers with rooftop solar.

(Subscription required) Ground zero for the opioid trade that is plaguing America is in El Centro, the tiny town 6 miles from the Mexican border. Imperial County Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Plourd has a front-row seat, and has been trying to sound alarms.

(Subscription required) Following a three-month battle between State Bar prosecutors and former Girardi Keese attorney David R. Lira, a State Bar Court judge denied his motion to pause the proceeding that could temporarily suspend his law license.

(Subscription required) The National Judicial College celebrated its 60th anniversary on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas by honoring 60 judges as courageous, six of whom are from California.