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WOODLAND, Calif. \u2014 With contested judicial elections remaining rare in California, a newly open seat on the Yolo County Superior Court has drawn an endorsement for Sacramento County court commissioner Ryan Davis over Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Diane Ortiz, according to a Sacramento Bee editorial.<\/p>\n
The editorial notes that most judges in California are appointed by the governor and often run unopposed when they seek to retain their seats, making the current race \u2014 triggered by the retirement of Judge Janene Beronio \u2014 an unusual opportunity for voters to choose between two non-incumbent candidates.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost judges in California don\u2019t reach the bench by getting elected. They\u2019re generally appointed by the sitting governor and, once seated, they often face little to no meaningful challenges until they decide to retire,\u201d the editorial states.<\/p>\n
The Bee describes both candidates as qualified but ultimately concludes that Davis stands out due to his broader legal background. \u201cWe endorse Davis because of his breadth of experience as a public defender and a court commissioner,\u201d the editorial states, adding that while Ortiz \u201cwas impressive and gracious,\u201d her experience is \u201cmore narrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Davis currently serves as a court commissioner in Sacramento County Superior Court, a role the editorial characterizes as already judicial in nature, requiring the handling of a high volume of time-sensitive cases. His legal career has included work across civil, family and criminal courts, as well as positions as a deputy attorney general, deputy state public defender and assistant federal public defender.<\/p>\n
The editorial also highlights Davis\u2019 involvement in legal education and advocacy, noting his participation in UC Berkeley Law\u2019s Death Penalty Clinic and later teaching role there. It further points to his community involvement, including service with the Davis Schools Foundation, the city\u2019s Human Relations Commission and Yolo County\u2019s Neighborhood Court restorative justice program.<\/p>\n
Ortiz, meanwhile, is described as coming from a law enforcement background, with prior work in civilian roles with the California Highway Patrol, including internal affairs and legislative analysis. Her campaign has emphasized her family ties to law enforcement and endorsements from multiple police organizations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is nothing wrong with promoting a campaign on life\u2019s experiences, love of family and pride in being supported by law enforcement,\u201d the editorial states.<\/p>\n
The Bee also acknowledges Ortiz\u2019s potential contributions to diversity on the bench, noting her identity as a Latina and her endorsement by the retiring Judge Beronio, but concludes that Davis\u2019 experience is more comprehensive for the role at this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe sincerely hope that one day Ortiz becomes a judge, but in this election, Davis is clearly ready for the role right now,\u201d the editorial concludes.<\/p>\n
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