2012 Year in Review: Perspectives by the Judicial Leadership of the Contra Costa Superior Court

In these following articles, Supervising Judges Judy Craddick (Civil), John Kennedy (Criminal), Jill Fannin (Family), Lois Haight (Juvenile), John Sugiyama (Probate), Theresa Canepa (Pittsburg), Ed Weil (Richmond), and William Kolin (Walnut Creek-Concord) each provide perspectives on the operations of their respective division:

Civil Law Perspective by Hon. Judy Craddick, Supervising Judge

Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse, THEY DID!!! 2012-2013 has been and will be a year of tremendous change resulting from our loss of millions of dollars from our operating budget, which, in turn, adversely impacts every aspect of every service we provide to the community. Read more…

Criminal Law Perspective by Hon. John Kennedy, Supervising Judge

We thought last year’s budget cuts were brutal. Hold onto your hats for 2013! The major challenge we faced in the last year was the arrival with little advance notice of the Governor’s realignment legislation. As most of you know, the realignment legislation (also known as “AB 109”) made three fundamental changes to the criminal justice system. Read more…

Family Law Perspective by Hon. Jill Fannin, Supervising Judge

This has been a year of tragedy and transition for the Family Law Division. On June 19th, we suffered the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Commissioner Jeffrey Huffaker. Jeff was a consummate judge and gentleman; equally loved by the bench and bar. His passing leaves a hole in the Court that cannot be filled and we continue to mourn him. Read more…

Probate Perspective by Hon. John Sugiyama, Supervising Judge

Rather than assess 2012, this report will be directed toward 2013. The court system has weathered substantial budget cuts over the past several years. As all are now well aware, the reductions in the budget for next year will be even more severe in relative and total terms than in the past. Read more…

Juvenile Law Perspective by Hon. Lois Haight, Supervising Judge

There are some significant changes this year in our Juvenile Division. The budget issues that are plaguing California are certainly being felt in our courts. For 2013 the juvenile courts will consolidate and all move to the Martinez courthouse with of course the exception that the juvenile hall court will remain at juvenile hall for detained youth. Read more…

Pittsburg Courthouse by Hon. Theresa Canepa, Supervising Judge

The Arnason Justice Center’s (AJC’s) current bench officers include Judge George Spanos, Judge Rebecca Hardie, Judge Cheryl Mills and Commissioners Steve Houghton, and Lowell Richards, as we hear all of the East County Felony PXs, Misdemeanor Jury Trials, Family law matters, Domestic Violence cases, Small Claims cases and appeals, Traffic cases, Unlawful Detainer matters, and both Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency cases. Read more…

Richmond Courthouse by Hon. Ed Weil, Supervising Judge

This year, the George Carroll Courthouse in Richmond saw long-time Richmond Judge Peter Berger retire after 18 years of service to the court. His expertise and wry demeanor are missed, although he has returned periodically to hear matters in Richmond and other courts in Contra Costa County as part of the state’s Assigned Judges Program. Read more…

Walnut Creek Courthouse by Hon. William Kolin, Supervising Judge

As most of you are aware, effective January 1, 2013, the Walnut Creek courthouse will be closed, except for traffic matters. All Walnut Creek/ Mt. Diablo criminal and civil cases will be transferred to the main courthouse in Martinez. The closure of the Walnut Creek courthouse will end a piece of local history in our County. Consequently, I asked Judge Minney and Judge Eaton to reflect on the history and time they spent as Judges assigned to Walnut Creek. Read more…