Superior Court of California, County of Monterey
A general-jurisdiction trial court in California.
The Superior Court of California, County of Monterey is a general-jurisdiction state trial court in California, where most civil and criminal cases are first heard. Its judges are chosen by gubernatorial appointment from a nominating commission, followed by retention elections, the method California uses for its judges. This page lists the judges on record for this court from our public-records source, current and former; trial-court coverage is partial.
Roster as of the CourtListener bulk-data snapshot (2026-03-31): recent departures and appointments may not be reflected, so it is shown as “on record,” not “currently serving.”
Judges on record
- Larry E. Hayes
- Sam Lavorato Jr.
- Robert A. Burlison
- Thomas W. Wills
- Elisabeth K. Mineta
- Carrie M. Panetta
- Vanessa W. Vallarta
- Heidi K. Whilden
- Stephanie E. Hulsey
- Andrew G. Liu
- Rafael Vazquez
Former judges
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Julie R. Culver | 2010–2021 |
| Susan J. Matcham | 2010–2020 |
| Pamela L. Butler | 2009–2020 |
| Mark E. Hood | 2009–2017 |
| Efren N. Iglesia | 2007–2020 |
| Timothy P. Roberts | 2007–2012 |
| Adrienne M. Grover | 2002–2010 |
| Marla O. Anderson | 2000–2015 |
| Richard M. Curtis | 2000–2009 |
| Susan M. Dauphiné | 2000–2014 |
| Terrance R. Duncan | 2000–2011 |
| Kay T. Kingsley | 2000–2014 |
| Albert H. Maldonado | 2000–2017 |
| Gary E. Meyer | 2000–2008 |
| Russell D. Scott | 2000–2014 |
| Stephen A. Sillman | 2000–2008 |
| José A. Velásquez | 2000–2007 |
| Lydia M. Villarreal | 1995–2019 |
| William D. Curtis | 1989–1999 |
| Robert M. Hinrichs | 1984–1998 |
| John M. Phillips | 1984–2004 |
| John N. Anton | 1982–1994 |
| Maurice Russell Jourdane | 1982–1985 |
| Robert A. O'Farrell | 1981–2009 |
| Richard M. Silver | 1977–2002 |
| Harkjoon Paik | 1975–1996 |
| Edmund J., Jr. Leach | 1971–1989 |
| Ralph M. Drummond | 1969–1983 |
Other courts in County, California
County is also served by these courts.
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Monterey are appointed by the governor to 12-year terms and then face yes-or-no retention elections. Selection methods vary by jurisdiction and have changed over time; this page reflects the court’s current method (source: National Center for State Courts). Open any judge to see their tenure and whom they succeeded.
Source: CourtListener / Free Law Project (bulk data); selection method from the National Center for State Courts. Data as of 2026-03-31 (CourtListener bulk snapshot). Verify against the primary source before relying. Not a consumer report (FCRA).