Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz
A general-jurisdiction trial court in California.
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz 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
Former judges
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Ariadne J. Symons | 2009–2020 |
| Robert B. Atack | 2008–2009 |
| Timothy R. Volkmann | 2008–2018 |
| Paul M. Marigonda | 2007–2015 |
| Paul P. Burdick | 2006–2020 |
| Denine J. Guy | 2006–2017 |
| Kathleen K. Akao | 2005–2005 |
| Jeff Almquist | 2003–2018 |
| Robert B., Jr. Yonts | 2001–2002 |
| John Steven Salazar | 2000–2013 |
| Michael Einum Barton | 1998–2010 |
| Thomas M. Kelly | 1998–2006 |
| Heather D. Morse | 1998–2017 |
| Richard W. Kessell | 1990–1993 |
| Samuel S. Stevens | 1989–2009 |
| John A. Marlo | 1987–1993 |
| Thomas A. Black | 1985–1996 |
| William M. Kelsay | 1985–1998 |
| H. Trevor Hamilton | 1978–1979 |
| Roland K. Hall | 1977–1985 |
| Donald O. May | 1975–1987 |
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 Santa Cruz 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).