“What about the judges?” is one of the frequently asked questions in every election cycle.
The California court system has three levels: the Supreme Court, six districts of the Court of Appeal, and superior courts in each of the 58 counties. To be eligible to serve as a judge, an individual must be an attorney admitted to practice law in California or must have served as a judge in the state for at least 10 years immediately preceding appointment or election.
Superior court judges serve six-year terms. If there is a vacancy mid-term, the governor fills it by appointment. This is temporary. The appointed judge must go on the ballot to be approved by voters at the next general election after the second January 1 following the vacancy.
If a seat is open at the end of a six-year term, it is filled directly by election. Eligible candidates run a county-wide campaign to win the seat.
Serving a population of nearly 10 million in 36 courthouses spread across 12 judicial districts, L.A. County’s Superior Court is the largest trial court in the nation.
For voters in L.A. County, already overwhelmed with considering candidates and tax increases (vote no on those), “what about the judges?” is a question that’s exhausting to contemplate. I’m happy to pass along the endorsements from the Southern California News Group editorial board, Metropolitan News-Enterprise (views endorsed by retired Supervisor Mike Antonovich) and former District Attorney Steve Cooley.
For Judge of the Superior Court in Office No. 2, the editorial board endorses deputy district attorney Tal Valbuena over incumbent Judge Robert Draper. Metropolitan and Cooley endorse Draper. Metropolitan’s endorsement is based on the belief that Draper, 84, will soon leave the bench and the governor’s appointee would be preferable to his current opponent.
In Office No. 14, Cooley, Metropolitan and the editorial board all endorse deputy district attorney Irene Lee.
In Offices No. 39 and 60, deputy public defender Binh Q. Dang and the chief assistant city attorney of Glendale, Ann M. Maurer, respectively, are running unopposed.
In Office No. 64, deputy district attorney Maria Ghobadi has the endorsement of the editorial board, Metropolitan and Cooley.
In Office No. 65, the editorial board has not made an endorsement at this time. Cooley made no endorsement in this race, and Metropolitan endorsed attorney Chellei G. Jimenez. I think Samuel Krause, an attorney and legal author who teaches business law at CSUN, would bring valuable insights to the bench.
In Office No. 66, deputy district attorney Ben Forer has the endorsement of Cooley, Metropolitan and the editorial board.
In Office No. 81, Superior Court Judge David Walgren is endorsed for re-election across the board. “One of the easiest calls on the ballot,” the editorial board wrote.
In Office No. 87, Metropolitan endorses deputy public defender Anthony (A.J.) Bayne, writing, “we believe his credentials exceed those of his rivals.” Bayne also has the endorsement of the editorial board. Cooley declined to endorse in this race.
In Office No. 116, Superior Court Judge Pat Connolly is endorsed for re-election by Cooley, Metropolitan and the editorial board.
In Office No. 131, deputy public defender Donna Tryfman has the endorsement of the editorial board and Metropolitan. Cooley dual-endorsed Tryfman along with deputy alternate public defender David Ross.
In Offices No. 141 and 196, deputy district attorneys Mariela Torres and Candice J. Henry, respectively, are running unopposed.
In Office No. 176, deputy district attorney Gloria Marin is endorsed by Cooley, Metropolitan and the editorial board.
In Office No.181, Superior Court Commissioner Ryan Dibble has the endorsement of the editorial board, Cooley and Metropolitan.
And a few thoughts on some other races. For Los Angeles City Attorney, the editorial board endorsed City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto for re-election. She’s a solid choice, in my view, but so is deputy district attorney John McKinney, whose experience would be invaluable in prosecuting the countless quality-of-life crimes that concern so many L.A. residents.
The editorial board endorsed L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna for re-election, but former Sheriff Alex Villanueva has been an impressively strong voice against public corruption, and in my opinion, that’s badly needed in Los Angeles.
Be sure to vote!
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