1st Latina justice takes seat on California Supreme Court
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP News) UPDATE MARCH, 2022 at 12:29 p.m.-- The first Latina to serve on the California Supreme Court has been sworn in as officials praised the historic elevation of appellate judge Patricia Guerrero to the state’s highest court.
Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said Monday that it “made history for us and the future of California.”
She also praised it as both substantive and well-deserved.
Cantil-Sakauye noted that Guerrero’s ascension restored the four-female majority on the seven-member court. Guerrero is the daughter of Mexican immigrants.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said before administering the oath of office that she brings a ”different perspective than has ever been offered on this court.”
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A San Diego appeals court judge who is the daughter of Mexican immigrants has become the first Latina confirmed to the California Supreme Court.
San Diego appellate Justice Patricia Guerrero was approved by a 3-0 vote Tuesday by the state’s Commission on Judicial Appointments. She fills the vacancy left by Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar.
Guerrero grew up in the agricultural Imperial Valley and has worked as a prosecutor, law firm partner, Superior Court judge and sat on the 4th District Court of Appeal.
Guerrero was confirmed after a hearing with no opposition. Supporters praised her legal writing and ability to find consensus with other judges and said she was exceptionally qualified.
ORIGINAL STORY
Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday his nomination for the Fourth District Court of Appeal Justice Patricia Guerrero as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court.
Justice Guerrero brings experience as an appellate justice, tail court judge and as partner at a major law firm.
“Born and raised in the Imperial Valley by immigrant parents from Mexico, her extraordinary journey and nomination to serve as the first Latina Justice on the bench of our state’s highest court is an inspiration to all of us and a testament to the California Dream’s promise of opportunity for all to thrive, regardless of background or zip code," Governor Newsom said.
Justice Guerrero would take over for Associate Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, who left on Oct. 31, 2021.
Justice Guerrero received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1994, graduating magna cum laud and a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School in 1997.
To learn more about Justice Guerrero click here.
