Chief Justice, Judicial Council Honor Public Servants of California's Judicial Branch

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Judicial Council of California honor the 20,000 public servants of California's judicial branch during Public Service Recognition Week.

By Karen Datangel, Merrill Balassone

May 5, 2025

California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the Judicial Council of California today mark their third annual celebration of Public Service Recognition Week.

Said California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero: "This week we honor the 20,000 dedicated public servants of our state's judicial branch of government. Through their work, they safeguard due process, uphold the rule of law, and help ensure that justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for the communities we serve every day."

Public Service Recognition Week is celebrated annually during the first week of May to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees.

Videos produced by the Judicial Council highlight five of California's dedicated public servants, who speak about why they choose to serve in the judicial branch.

JUSTICE CHARLES SMILEY

Associate justice of the Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division One:

LAILA WAHEED

Court executive officer for Nevada County Superior Court, who started as a Judicial Fellow:

AJ GUZMAN

Chief information officer for Sutter County Superior Court, who helps make remote access to courts a reality:

LATRICE BROWN

California Supreme Court capital appointments coordinator, who helps ensure defendants in death penalty cases have adequate representation:

SHERI GULINO

Civil and probate director with Riverside County Superior Court, who launched one of the state's first CARE Act programs:

View all videos on YouTube.

Special thanks to the Superior Courts of Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, and San Francisco counties for video footage highlighting their dedicated employees, and to the County of San Diego for CARE Court graduation footage.

About the Judicial Council of California

The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Under the leadership of the Chief Justice and in accordance with the California Constitution, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice.