Humboldt judges, clerks are all doing double, triple duty this week

 

Three Humboldt Superior Court judges are out this week. Judge Steven Steward, Judge Kaleb Cockrum and Judge April Van Dyke. Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson is in Courtroom 3 which is Judge Steward's courtroom.

I couldn't tell if Courtroom 6, Judge Van Dyke's courtroom was in session today. Courtroom 1 was closed this afternoon. Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber was in Courtroom 2 this afternoon. That courtroom has Retired and Visiting judges filling in regularly. Sometimes, no other judge is available. 

They are also short staffed with clerks so those who are here are doing double, sometimes triple calendars.

It is summer and vacations are part of the reason.

California Governor Gavin Newsom would just appoint Commissioner Kaber instead of delaying filling that position. She has earned it, she fills in wherever neccesary and she has the support from other Humboldt judges, attorneys and court staff and is their number one choice as well as mine from current applicants.

Appointing Commissioner Kaber will not fix the shortage due to summer vacation but with a permanent judge in Courtroom 2, Visiting and Retired judges will not be required as often.