California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of twelve new Superior Court Judges across eight counties, including one in Humboldt, one in Imperial, one in Los Angeles, one in Monterey, one in San Bernardino, two in San Diego, one in Yolo, and four interim appointments in Los Angeles and San Joaquin counties. These appointments aim to fill various vacancies created by retirements and elevations.
In Humboldt County, Heather Durand, formerly a Deputy County Counsel, will fill the vacancy left by Judge Joyce D. Hinrichs. Martin Gonzalez, a Referee at the Imperial County Superior Court, was appointed in Imperial County, succeeding Judge Eran Marie Bermudez. Kjehl Johansen, a Commissioner, joins the Los Angeles County Superior Court, while Lindsey Berg-James, a Shareholder at Noland, Etienne & Hoss, was appointed in Monterey County. Evan Acker, a Commissioner, will serve in San Bernardino County.
San Diego County sees two new judges: William Patrick Dudley, a sole practitioner, and Michael Garabed, an Assistant United States Attorney. Katherine Lucero, Director for the Office of Youth and Community Restoration, will serve in Yolo County.
Additionally, four interim appointments were made, allowing the judges to assume their roles immediately before their elected terms begin in January 2027. These include Binh Dang, Benyomin Forer, and Candice Henry in Los Angeles County, all previously Deputy Public or District Attorneys. Michael Rasmussen, a Commissioner, received an interim appointment in San Joaquin County. Each of these judicial positions carries an annual compensation of $244,727.