"I appreciate Governor Newsom’s ongoing support of the judicial branch to ensure Californians continue to have access to critical services even during these challenging budget times," said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

(Subscription required) Richardson's insistence on preparation and process is rooted in a legal career that long predates his appointment to the Los Angeles County Superior Court by Gov. Jerry Brown in December 2012.

California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday said it had restricted their access to the funds pending further review.

San Francisco is sending a growing number of criminal defendants into treatment through Drug Court, allowing them a chance to avoid trials and potential convictions while addressing substance-use disorders that can motivate criminal behavior.