Former Deputy County Counsel Karen Roebuck was one of the three candidates who wanted to be appointed to Retired Humboldt Judge Hinrich's seat

 

It was on March 2025, that I mentioned three names being considered as replacements for Retired Judge Joyce Hinrich's vacant seat in Humboldt Superior Court.

In my November 25, 2025 post, I said stay tuned for more scoops regarding local judicial positions.

On November 26, 2025, Humboldt Superior Coury Commissioner Sarah Kaber said if Governor Gavin Newsom does not make an appointment for Retired Judge Hinrich's seat, she plans to run for that position.

I have written more than once why Commissioner Kaber is the obvious choice for appointment by Governor Newsom's Office. Humboldt Presiding Judge Kelly Neel, bailiffs, court staff, many local attorneys agree with me. Commissioner Kaber has proved on the job why she deserves this position.

This post includes updates since the November posts.

The third candidate is not a current Humboldt Deputy Conflict Counsel but a former Deputy Conflict Counsel Karen Roebuck. She now works for the Mitchell Law Firm.

There have been several press releases about judicial appointments and Humboldt has been MIA.

I had written in the past that Governor Newsom Office was lukewarm about the three female candidates and they had approached some other candidates; including two male attorneys who declined. While I think both of them would be great additions to the current Humboldt bench; I understand their reasons for not accepting. 

One of those reasons is that no one is taking a pay cut and especially to deal with the chaos that is As the Humboldt Superior Court Turns. The local courts can run more efficiently and court administration needs to stop thinking they are in charge instead of the judges. They refuse to listen to changes I have suggested which many local attorneys agree would help. Good attorneys are making two, three times the salary of what a judge makes.

I have been told by sources in the know that Humboldt Deputy DA Jessica Watson is definitely not in consideration and that is a relief. Karen Roebuck has not even been mentioned. Commissioner Kaber is the top choice among the three candidates but once again, until recently, Governor Newsom's office reached out to the same candidates; even suggesting they run for judge. 

While on one hand, it is encouraging to see Governor Newsom's office has yet not caved to the DEI and is consider candidates based on merit; their hesistancy signals a mixed message because that is built in the far left Democrat ruling elite mentality. The position does not have to be a woman, a person of color and one with the D listed in their party preference. 

It needs to be someone qualified. And the fact that Governor Newsom's Office even reached out to white men and even a Republican shows they realize that appointments reflect on the Governor. Look at how many former Governor Jerry Brown appointees have been disciplined, censured and removed by CJP from judicial office; including former Humboldt judge Gregory Kreis.

Newsom's delay is costing Humboldt.

At this point, the office needs to give up on the appointment and let that seat be decided and filled by the Humboldt voters. With both the election of Humboldt Superior Court Judges Steven Steward and April Van Dyke; Humboldt voters know better than Sacramento bureaucrats who do not care about our best interests from their ivory tower. We live the consequences; it should be our choice.

After my post, local attorney, Mr. Michael Robinson sent me this comment and permission to publish. "Much  like now seated  Judge Steven Steward. Ms. Roebuck has the knowledge, experience, and skill necessary to do the job with distinction either  if appointed or elected. In my view, she possesses the most important attribute to do the job which is an  balanced, even, calm temperament. She has the civil knowledge compatible with that of Judge Tim  Canning and the broad wisdom of  a Judge Kelly Neel."