The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Superior Court:
On Thursday, Mendocino County Superior Court welcomed California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire to the Ukiah courthouse. The Chief Justice was joined by Administrative Director of the Courts, Shelley Curran, and Office of Government Affairs Director, Cory Jasperson. Senator McGuire’s District Director, Kerrie Linbecker, also joined in the visit.
Mendocino County judges and CEO Kim Turner were eager to share the unique service delivery challenges facing courts in rural areas and to showcase some successful strategies the court is using to increase public access and to make it easier for Mendocino County residents to receive services from the court.
Chief Justice Guerrero, who has been serving in this role since 2023, is interested in traveling to as many courts across the state as she can to better understand the challenges that litigants must overcome to effectively access the myriad of court services provided. Whether paying a traffic fine, appearing for jury duty or filing a complex civil or family law case, the court is interested in making it more straightforward and convenient.
Chief Justice Guerrero was keenly interested in the particular approaches that the court has implemented to address such issues as limited public transportation, language barriers for non-English speakers, protecting the rights of Indian families, assisting members of the public that are self-represented and ensuring meaningful participation in court hearings for those who cannot attend proceedings in person.
Senator McGuire shares many of the Chief Justice’s interests and wanted to observe hearings in which remote appearances are commonplace. The use of remote technology makes the court more accessible for litigants and witnesses, reduces the costs associated with litigation and presents other economic and environmental efficiencies. He was also interested in the plans for the new Ukiah courthouse and in ensuring that it will be a welcoming public space that the community can be proud of.
After meeting with court leadership, Chief Justice Guerrero and Senator McGuire viewed two types of remote appearances: one using video remote interpreting to enable a sentencing hearing to go forward when neither the defendant or his certified interpreter were physically present in the courtroom and the other in the dependency court where attorneys and family members were appearing remotely. Both were impressed by how seamlessly the technology works and how convenient this solution is for attorneys and parties appearing from locations far from the courthouse and even outside Mendocino County.
Presiding Judge Keith Faulder reported that the visit was a success. “Of course, we were honored to host Chief Justice Guerrero and Senator McGuire. More importantly, we shared our perspective on the difficulties facing rural communities and our dedication to finding workable solutions and options for our community to access the justice system, wherever they live. Our demonstration of remote appearances in actual court proceedings showed them how this technology is a practical solution for rural communities like ours.”
Following the courtroom observation, Chief Justice Guerrero and Senator McGuire met with fifteen fifth-grade students from Ukiah schools. The students are currently studying the US Constitution and how the three branches of government interact. Since September is Constitution Month in California, this forum provided a perfect opportunity for the Chief Justice and Senator to answer students’ questions and hear about what they are learning.
Finally, the Chief Justice spent time with judges and court staff, reminding them of the important work they perform and sharing her insights from the courthouse visit. She then gave special recognition to Judge Cindee Mayfield, who is winding down her extraordinary 27-year judicial career, thanking her for her decades of public service.
Court Executive Officer Kim Turner was gratified that the court was able to showcase many innovations in how the court reaches its public in this post-pandemic era. “The years of struggle during Covid provided an opportunity to embrace new ways of working. Adversity is the mother of invention and provided impetus for the court to make big strides into technology to ensure that we were providing public service at the highest possible level. Those growing pains are paying off now in our improved service delivery systems.”
DEI HIRES are laughable.
Yeah I’m sure you’d do a better job, that is if you could read or produce unique, original statements you haven’t stolen from the propaganda you shovel down your throat every day. Some people look at the world and interpret it. You’re not one of those people. You need your feelings and opinions spoon-fed to you in memeposts and clickbait articles.
Lizard People!!