I am the only candidate for Judicial Seat 14 currently serving on the Fresno Superior Court. I’ve presided over hundreds of cases for over 6 years and proven my ability to fulfill the job of judge.
My courtroom experience has earned me the support of Sheriff John Zanoni, former Sheriff Margaret Mims and Mayor Jerry Dyer, reflecting my commitment to public safety and trust. I'm also proud to have earned the support of the largest public safety organizations in our county (Fresno Police Officers' Association, Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association, Clovis Police Officer's Association, Fresno County Prosecutors' Association, to name a few). Finally, I’ve earned the support of over 90% of my colleagues, the judges and commissioners on the Fresno Superior Court, which underscores my reputation for upholding the rule of law with integrity, compassion and fairness to all who enter my courtroom.
As a Fresno Superior Court Commissioner, I conduct trials, enter judgements, rule on complex legal issues, and run large calendars. I have 29 years of real courtroom experience in Fresno Superior Court including 6 years as a Commissioner, 9 years prosecuting crime as a Deputy District Attorney and years more as an attorney advocating for children and families.
I’ve volunteered with high school students in Mock Trial and Youth Court for many years.
Fresno Superior Court Commissioners are selected by judges and serve as judicial officers under California Law in a variety of trial courtrooms. Commissioners possess legal powers similar to Superior Court Judges. In short, I have already been doing the job of a judge for the past 6-plus years.
Experience matters when choosing a judge. I would be honored to earn your vote.
Being a current, active member of the Fresno Superior Court gives me a unique perspective on what we are doing well and what we can improve. As a Supervising Judicial Officer in the Family Division, I preside over a daily calendar of cases in Department 202 in the B.F. Sisk Courthouse. This Court was formerly the Federal District Court and the Superior Court began occupancy approximately 10 years ago. The facility was completely remodeled and modernized. Having worked in that new building for over six years in two different courtrooms allows me to say that the facility is an excellent venue for the public to have fair access to justice.
As do I on a daily basis, I strongly believe that the Judges and Commissioners on the Fresno Court strive to move cases through the court system with efficiency, neutrality and fairness to all parties in the case. I believe, overall, that goal is being achieved.
The security of the courthouses and courtrooms is excellent. Our Sheriff's Department is highly alert to any threats or other issues that could impact the smooth running of the court or dissuade participants from coming to court. Our Court's administration is also actively involved in ensuring that the courts are a safe place to be and be heard.
The Main Courthouse needs to be retired and a new facility built to accommodate the modern demands of population size, technology and security. 1100 Van Ness was built in the 1960's with an estimated end-of-use life in the 1980's. We have far surpassed that expiration; and while we do our best to use the facility in the most efficient way to serve the public, it is a difficult task.
