Sonoma Superior Court Judge James Bertoli will retire on January 5, 2025 according to a few media reports. This development was after Judge Bertoli was admonished by the Commision on Judicial Performance. Judge Bertoli waived his right to formal proceedings and review by the Supreme Court.
I am familiar with Judge Bertoli's name because he was formerly assigned to the family law case for Gregory Kreis and Brenda Elvine. I noticed another judge's name in the court minutes for the case. Cases sometimes get reassigned to different judges. I check the CJP website when I can and today I saw Judge Bertoli's name which is the most recent entry. CJP is one of the few investigative agencies in California that gives me hope.
Judge Bertoli was also represented by the same attorney who was the lawyer for former Humboldt Superior Court judge Gregory Kreis when the CJP filed formal proceedings against him.
The press release on Judge Bertoli got some regional coverage but not the national headlines and articles the Kreis notice of formal proceedings and resignation did. Readers should read the detailed complaint on Judge Bertoli and if you did not read the Kreis complaint and CJP decision and order, you should and compare.
"The Commission on Judicial Performance, established in 1960, is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges, pursuant to article VI, section 18 of the California Constitution."
"The commission’s mandate is to protect the public, enforce rigorous standards of judicial conduct and maintain public confidence in the integrity and independence of the judicial system." CJP website
The CJP website has more information on filing a complaint and the process.
Oct 30, 2024 CJP press release:
Excerpts from decision and order imposing public admonishment:
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